2026 International Firebird Book Award • 2026 International Firebird Best Literary Merit Award • 2025 Finalist, Speculative Fiction, Utah Book Awards • 2025 Editor's Choice Award of Literary Excellence, Reader's House Magazine

When Badger succeeded his father, Red Skin, as Keeper Base Leader, he was well prepared, raised to handle anything the enemy threw at him. He was the best killer, and the most respected tactician. He knew Red Skin’s Laws like he wrote them himself. Most importantly, he was always calm, no matter how frenzied the combat. These were only some of the reasons why he still had all his original parts.

Trinity would die for him.

Korry would follow him without question.

They were Keepers. They fought, they killed, they lived to kill another day, even when it meant bugging out to another Base ... and another. That was life when life was war. They knew nothing else.

But even war cannot last forever, regardless of the infallible truth of Red Skin’s Law #35:

“Under conditions of peace, men attack themselves; thus, there never has been, and there never will be a time without war. It is the greatest, most perfect thing men can do.”

Reviews

• 5/5 Stars — "A dystopian military science fiction novel that explores the life of soldiers entrenched in perpetual war. The story revolves around Badger, the successor of his father, Red Skin, as the Keeper Base Leader. Badger is a complex character — renowned as a skilled tactician and fighter. He navigates a world governed by the unyielding Red Skin’s Laws, which assert that war is perpetual. The narrative dives into the psyches of its characters, illustrating the psychological toll of endless combat and the fragile bonds among comrades. Intense action sequences and vividly detailed world-building are highlights. Kilpack immerses the reader in the brutal realities of dystopian warfare, where moments of calm between battles carry their own danger. The exploration of war’s cyclical nature and its dehumanizing effects offers thought-provoking insights, making it more than just an action-driven tale. Not just the protagonist but the emotional depth of characters like Trinity and Korry also bring additional dimensions to the narrative. Fans of hard military scifi and dystopian sagas will find Battle Calm a rewarding, intense, reflective read [that] balances relentless action with philosophical underpinnings." — Jasveer Singh Dangi, author of The Hunter Genesis
• 5/5 Stars — "Battle Calm is a visceral dystopian war novel. Kilpack builds a world that is haunting in its vivid depictions of a world at war for so long that humans remember nothing else. Born to train, fight and live to take the lives of their enemy. Following the laws of a veteran leader, the characters strive to find humanity in the loss of their compatriots, as their numbers dwindle and the enemy continues to advance with more hardware and seemly endless combatants. Kilpack brings you into the lives, histories and hopes of soldiers fighting for survival. Combat is fierce, on the battlefield and in the calm between enemy engagements. Awaiting book two - Battle Calm: Omega Message.” — Jessica Bair, former Special Agent, US Army CID
• 5/5 Stars — "Battle Calm is a sensational book that I did not want to end. I was enchanted by ... Badger [and] fellow Keepers whose lives are dominated by killing and fighting against the backdrop of a vicious war and the result is an unforgettable and twisty tale that [kept me] hooked from the get-go! The author has done this [to me] time and time again with his work. W.D. Kilpack III is an incredible author who has created a fantastic, brilliant story and it is evident to me that he has invested so much thought and time into his new series, perfectly executed and full of vibrant and descriptive scenes! Battle Calm is a fascinating tale laced with many incredible moments that will captivate, shock, and thrill its readers, while these elements are also woven around a sensational story that will have you on the edge of your seat. It makes for a memorable reading experience full of many ups and downs and will have you saying ‘Just one more page!’ as it is that incredible. Beautiful descriptions will send the reader’s mind into visual overdrive, perfectly imagin[ing] every detail the reader comes across! Five stars!” — RedHeadedBookLover.com
• 5/5 Stars — "An emotionally charged and action-packed masterpiece, Battle Calm delivers thrilling battles and profound insights into humanity's relentless pursuit of war. Battle Calm (Battle Calm Cycle Book 1) by W.D. Kilpack III is a gripping dystopian military science fiction novel that will captivate readers with its intense narrative, philosophical undertones, and complex characters. The book introduces us to Badger, the Keeper Base Leader who inherited the role from his father, Red Skin, and navigates an existence defined by perpetual warfare and unwavering adherence to the infamous Red Skin's Laws. Kilpack crafts a detailed and brutal world where calmness amidst chaos is paramount, and war is depicted as an inescapable cycle ingrained in human nature. At its heart, Battle Calm examines the psychological toll war takes on its participants through characters like Badger, Trinity, and Korry — Keepers who live, fight, and form fragile bonds under relentless combat conditions. Badger is an exceptionally complex protagonist, torn between his role as a tactician and killer and his humanity, which hides beneath his stoic exterior. This nuance makes him an intriguing lens through which we experience Kilpack's deeply layered themes of survival, loyalty, and the corrupting influence of unending conflict. The richly imagined dystopian landscape is one of the book's standout features, transporting readers into a world of gritty reality and heightened tension. Kilpack's action sequences are fast-paced and vividly described, balanced beautifully by reflective moments exploring the cyclical nature of war and its effect on the human soul. Fans of military science fiction and dystopian literature will find Battle Calm an enthralling read filled with philosophical musings and adrenaline-pumping action. Kilpack masterfully blends character development, world-building, and thematic depth, creating a novel that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. Without question, this debut in the Battle Calm Cycle sets the stage for an unforgettable series." — Reader's House (London, England)
• 5/5 Stars — Battle Calm is “a striking and immersive novel that blends relentless military action with deep philosophical inquiry. [It] doesn’t just depict conflict it examines what it means to live in a reality where peace is almost unimaginable, and survival depends on adapting completely to violence. Badger, the central character, is a fascinating study in discipline and emotional control. He embodies the ideal soldier: calculated, efficient, and unwavering. His calmness, while essential for survival, also creates a sense of emotional distance, making readers question what parts of his humanity have been sacrificed in the process ... mak[ing] him both admirable and quietly tragic. Trinity’s fierce loyalty and Korry’s unwavering trust highlight the bonds that can form even in the harshest conditions. Their relationships ... creat[e] moments that feel genuine and grounded. These connections serve as reminders that even in a world defined by war, the need for trust and belonging remains strong. What elevates the novel beyond typical military science fiction is its exploration of larger themes [such as] the idea that humanity [is] inherently drawn to war. This philosophical layer adds weight to the narrative, encouraging reflection alongside the action. Battle Calm delivers a powerful and memorable reading experience. It balances intense, fast-paced sequences with moments of introspection, creating a story that feels both exciting and meaningful. With its strong character focus, thought-provoking themes, and immersive world-building, the novel stands out!" — Jithu (Hyderabad, India)
• 5/5 Stars — "In W. D. Kilpack III's science-fiction novel, Battle Calm, soldiers, who are known as 'Keepers,' spent their entire lives engaged in an endless war against an enemy force: the 'Reds.' They navigate a desolate, radioactive landscape, a world so consumed by conflict that no one recalls a time before it began. The narrative centres on a squad led by the protagonist, Badger. Though they have faced setbacks, the war is now entering a new, more volatile phase. Radiation storms, once a death sentence, are no longer as lethal, and the Reds have grown increasingly aggressive. Simultaneously, the profound and enduring stress of combat erodes the camaraderie among the Keepers. I liked the novel as I took it [as] a character study, delving into the emotional toll of perpetual warfare. It explores how individuals cope with the dehumanising reality of their lives, adapting not only to psychological trauma but also to the physical integration of cybernetic body parts, a fate Badger must now confront. There is a sense of anticipation concerning the feeling between Trinity and Badger, which the author vividly portrays. This is a world where humanity itself is a fragile concept. The action sequences are intense. Just the first few descriptive paragraphs of Badger in the ash pit — well, they give you a chill! In this reader's opinion, the novel's true power lies in the author's ability to create descriptive chapters that deeply bring the reader into the scenes. A great read!" — Jose F. Nodar, author of Books, Pens & Larceny (South Wales, Australia)
• 5/5 Stars — "Battle Calm by W.D. Kilpack III is far more than a military sci-fi novel — it's a philosophical exploration of what happens when war becomes both a necessity and an identity. Set in a grim, relentless future where combat has become the only constant, this book delivers a pulse-pounding yet deeply introspective story that lingers long after the final page. It follows Badger, the son of a legendary commander, Red Skin, who inherits both his father's command and his uncompromising Laws of war. As Keeper Base Leader, Badger is everything a soldier should be — discplined, cunning, and emotionally contained. His calm under fire is both his strength and his curse. Kilpack draws Badger with precision: a man so defined by violence and control that even moments of peace feel dangerous. The supporting characters — Trinity, fiercely loyal and quietly devoted, and Korry, the steadfast follower — form a tight triad that grounds the story. Through them, we see the loyalty, desperation, and moral compromises that come with endless conflict. The chemistry among them is powerful, especially the unspoken bonds of duty and affection that cut through the brutality of their existence. What makes Battle Calm exceptional is Kilpack's world-building and thematic depth. The concept of Red Skin's Laws — particularly Law #35 ("Under conditions of peace, men attack themselves…") — becomes a chilling philosophical anchor for the story. The narrative constantly challenges the reader to consider whether humanity is capable of peace or if conflict is our truest nature. Kilpack's prose is sharp, cinematic, and often poetic. The battle scenes are brutal and vividly choreographed, but what really stands out is the emotional precision behind every move. Badger's ability to remain composed under chaos — his "battle calm" — isn't just a skill, it's a survival mechanism and an existential question: What happens to a man when his identity depends on perpetual war? This book feels both epic and intimate, balancing sweeping military strategy with moments of haunting reflection. Kilpack writes with the confidence — every line feels deliberate, every silence heavy with meaning. For fans of Dune, Starship Troopers, or The Forever War, Battle Calm will hit that perfect intersection of visceral sci-fi and profound human insight. It's not just a story about war — it's a story about what remains when war is all that's left. Battle Calm is bold, intelligent, and unflinchingly honest. A masterful start to what promises to be a powerful, enduring series!" — Books for Badal
• 5/5 Stars — "W.D. Kilpack III’s book, Battle Calm, is a dystopian military science fiction novel. Keepers have known nothing but war, fighting in a radioactive, blasted landscape and trying to kill as many 'Reds' as the enemy can throw at them. It has not always gone their way; Badger and his keepers have been forced to bug out of a few bases. However, the world and the enemy are changing. Radiation storms are no longer the certain death sentences they once were, and the Reds are becoming more aggressive. The bonds between the Keepers have begun to fray. Battle Calm takes place many years after the war began. None of the characters recall a time before the war. The interactions among the characters reveal the emotional complexity of individuals striving to cope with the dehumanizing effects of endless warfare. Adapting to cybernetic body parts is a way of life for most, a reality that Badger must now come to terms with. The book is intense, encompassing everything from the action sequences to the interpersonal relationships. While intended for a mature audience, Battle Calm captivates with its compelling narrative." — Kurt D. Springs, author of the Dreamscape Warriors Series

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