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 Badger is the greatest soldier alive. He knows to never celebrate victories, no matter how hard-won, because the enemy never stops. 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 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