EDITOR’S CHOICE
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.
