Hammered in Iron (Crafting Humanity Book Three) by Brendan O’Meara Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A decade into a ruthless war, an unrelenting enemy’s latest plans are discovered in author Brendan O’Meara’s “Hammered in Iron”, the third book in the Crafting Humanity series.

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The Synopsis

After a decade at war the BlankZone has begun its final move to eradicate the Federation.

The Federation has fallen. James and his team have fought against the BlankZone’s assault for the last decade traveling across the country to the independent city states operating the last remnants of Federation society. For years, the war has existed as a stalemate. James and the remaining Federation soldiers have organized under NOLA, a new decentralized force based in its namesake city of New Orleans. Meanwhile, the BlankZone has used its Sentinels and inhuman soldiers to raze every city it can, leaving piles of ash in its wake.

With the war against the BlankZone in an unending cycle James and the team have split up on separate missions. As they are returning from a routine operation, James stumbles upon supplies being transported, heading towards the Federation’s desolate north. Along with his team, James makes his way towards the Federation’s destroyed northeastern cities to discover why the BlankZone is focusing their efforts in such a barren location. Join the journey to uncover the next step in the BlankZone’s plan to destroy the Federation. The world has changed drastically and James must find answers before it’s too late.

The Review

Exhilarating and thrilling, the author does an incredible job of upping the ante in this narrative while also making this more character-driven. The intense action and the detailed way the author brings to life what life is like on the front lines of a war-torn world was vivid and richly developed, and the shocking revelations that come from unexpected sources about what the BZ is doing not only to the Exils but their plans for the surviving remnants of the Federation as a whole drives the characters forward at an unpralleled pace, giving readers an intense connection to these characters.

In many ways, this novel was one of the most intimate of the entire series to date. James especially deserves a special shoutout as the protagonist, showcasing the legend that has grown over the years due to his and his team’s exploits and showing both physically and emotionally how the war has left its scars on him and his allies. The return of a hated foe leaves an even bigger scar that will shock readers, and the infusion of a potential love interest for James with a particular character will create more heart and connection that readers will be able to hold onto.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and action-packed, author Brendan O’Meara’s “Hammered in Iron” is a must-read and entertaining dystopian action thriller. The mystery of the BZ and what they’re building, the tension that mounts as the world develops, and the rich character development will stay with readers as they eagerly await the next entry in the Crafting Humanity series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Raised in White Plains, New York, Brendan O’Meara formed a love of stories and books from a young age. He has spent his free time over the last decade crafting his debut novel, Cut From Stone, book one in the Crafting Humanity series.

It began in Philadelphia where he attended college daydreaming about a dystopian reality. With a vivid imagination (as described by his middle school teachers) and a passion for adventure, Brendan’s novels will transport you to a different life and capture you from cover to cover.

Brendan lives in Washington, DC with his daughter, wife, and two dogs. You will find him on the weekends drinking a beer watching the Packers and Notre Dame football games. He is an avid reader with a specific interest in sci-fi, anything dystopian, fantasy, history, and all levels of fiction.

Brendan would love to hear from you, feel free to contact him any time at brendan.omeara@craftinghumanity.com.

Finally, visit craftinghumanity.com and sign up for our email lists for news, updates, and information on the rest of the Crafting Humanity series. We will not spam you!

The Aviator: A Story of the Sino-American War (The Aviator: Stories of Future Wars Book 1) by Craig DiLouie Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A Navy fighter pilot faces accusations of crimes against humanity after a short and bloody war between the United States and China and must decide the true meaning of heroism in author Craig DiLouie’s “The Aviator: A Story of the Sino-American War”, the first in THE AVIATOR: STORIES OF FUTURE WARS series. 

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The Synopsis

In the near future, the United States has fought a short, bloody war with China in the Pacific. The fighting is over, but the U.S. Navy maintains a blockade. Some call it the First Sino-American War. Others worry it is the start of World War Three.

In a prison cell in Beijing, Navy fighter pilot Jack Knapp tells his story about the victory in the Battle of Taiwan and how he ended up in a Chinese show trial, accused of crimes against humanity.

With his life in the balance, Jack will have to choose between survival and participating in his captors’ lies, and ultimately learn the true meaning of heroism in a war between superpowers where even stories are weapons.

The Review

A truly engaging and harrowing journey, the author has created a truly realistic and chilling look at what the future of our world could be, highlighting the very real divide and possible conflict that could arise between the United States and China. The atmosphere and setting really add to the stakes set up within the narrative, feeling both like a historical fiction read and a futuristic dystopian novel.

The character of Jack Knapp is a phenomenal protagonist and a great way of highlighting the struggle between these two nations. The author does a great job of balancing the intricate look into the protagonist’s rise to becoming a Navy pilot and his relationships with his fellow soldiers and superiors as they spent months at sea, and the hardships and struggles he had to endure as a prisoner after a bloody war, and facing the might of an entire government as he fought to find the most heroic path available to them. It’s a psychological and emotional struggle that readers will instantly feel for.

The Verdict

Engaging, shocking, and easy-to-read, author Craig DiLouie’s “The Aviator” is the perfect first book in a new, near-future dystopian series of military novels. The author perfectly captures the lingo and the behavior of soldiers living together on a Navy carrier and flying together into battle, while crafting a protagonist that brings the heart into this global conflict of the future that readers can get behind. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

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About the Author

Craig DiLouie is an author of popular thriller, apocalyptic/horror, and sci-fi/fantasy fiction.

In hundreds of reviews, Craig’s novels have been praised for their strong characters, action, and gritty realism. Each book promises an exciting experience with people you’ll care about in a world that feels real.

These works have been nominated for major literary awards such as the Bram Stoker Award and Audie Award, translated into multiple languages, and optioned for film. He is a member of the HWA, International Thriller Writers, and IFWA.

http://craigdilouie.com/