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War Whore: A War’s Edge Standalone Novel
The most dangerous job in the galaxy...
"Hard as depleted uranium nails military scifi action. War Whore is a surprisingly dense book, not only with its explosive storyline and gritty imagery, but in the complex emotions and ideas it conveys through its characters. A genre defining tour de force." -Nathaniel Timberlake
In war, there is no second place. To ensure victory, planetary governments employ private armies to help fight their battles. And the Berserkers are the best. As the galaxy's preeminent mercenary force, they are hired by governments and corporations to do jobs too tough, too messy or too deadly for their own forces. Expertly trained and equipped with the most advanced weaponry, they are willing to do whatever it takes to fulfill a contract -- if the price is right.
Their job was to kill and get paid handsomely for it, but being a hired gun doesn't mean there isn't a code. For the Berserkers that means taking care of their own. Captain Ron Axel finds that mantra tested to the limit when he must lead a daring mission to rescue a Berserker force trapped deep behind enemy lines on a bleak frontier world. With no margin for error, the Berserkers must fight to survive against an onslaught of hostile forces, and Axel must choose between accomplishing the mission or the survival of his men.
They stand to make the biggest payday in the galaxy...if they can live long enough to spend it.
War Whore is a thrilling stand alone novel in the War's Edge universe.
This book contains graphic violence, profanity, and sexual content. It is intended for a mature audience. Reader discretion is advised.
"Hard as depleted uranium nails military scifi action. War Whore is a surprisingly dense book, not only with its explosive storyline and gritty imagery, but in the complex emotions and ideas it conveys through its characters. A genre defining tour de force." -Nathaniel Timberlake
In war, there is no second place. To ensure victory, planetary governments employ private armies to help fight their battles. And the Berserkers are the best. As the galaxy's preeminent mercenary force, they are hired by governments and corporations to do jobs too tough, too messy or too deadly for their own forces. Expertly trained and equipped with the most advanced weaponry, they are willing to do whatever it takes to fulfill a contract -- if the price is right.
Their job was to kill and get paid handsomely for it, but being a hired gun doesn't mean there isn't a code. For the Berserkers that means taking care of their own. Captain Ron Axel finds that mantra tested to the limit when he must lead a daring mission to rescue a Berserker force trapped deep behind enemy lines on a bleak frontier world. With no margin for error, the Berserkers must fight to survive against an onslaught of hostile forces, and Axel must choose between accomplishing the mission or the survival of his men.
They stand to make the biggest payday in the galaxy...if they can live long enough to spend it.
War Whore is a thrilling stand alone novel in the War's Edge universe.
This book contains graphic violence, profanity, and sexual content. It is intended for a mature audience. Reader discretion is advised.
- GenresScience Fiction
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 4, 2021
134 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Ryan W. Aslesen
36 books71 followersRyan Aslesen is a bestselling author based out of Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a former Marine officer, veteran of the War on Terror, and a graduate of Presentation College and American Military University. His military and work experience have made him one of the premier writers of military science fiction and fantasy. His bestselling Crucible and War's Edge series are highly regarded for their authenticity, explosive action, and military realism. When not writing or out protecting the world, you will find him spending quality time with his family.
Get a free ebook and sign up to receive exclusive content and updates at: www.ryanaslesen.com
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 12, 2021
Hey, you there! Yes, you. Tired of the same old wimpy, ate up crap? Interested in boosting your literary immune system to protect against bad books? Here's an opportunity to read like a man. Here's an opportunity to experience greatness in our time. Welcome to the Edge. War's Edge.
"War Whore" is a 2021 release by Marine veteran and ace writer Ryan W Aslesen. The book is set in his War's Edge universe, but is a standalone story that is not directly connected to the main storyline. You needn't have read any of the author's other books to enjoy "War Whore," but his other books certainly come recommended. If you want more action in War's Edge, check out "Dead Heroes," the first book in the main storyline from that universe.
"War Whore" follows one Ron Axel, a studly and crusty captain in the Berserkers. The Berserkers are an elite group of military mercenaries, employed primarily by planetary systems to fight their wars for them. Captain Axel is put on assignment to the frontier planet Novak, his mission to support one faction in a planetary conflict. Very quickly upon arrival to the planet Axel realizes circumstances are dire, and that he has been asked to spearhead a suicide mission. Will Axel's experience and guile be enough to win the day, or will he become just another casualty statistic in some backwater hell hole?
With the release of "War Whore," Ryan Aslesen takes a different direction with his War's Edge universe, in a similar vein to Galaxy's Edge. Having unrelated tales set in the same universe is incredibly immersive and fun, and takes Alsesen's writing chops to the next level. Quite a bit shorter than "Dead Heroes," "War Whore" is a lean, mean, thrill-a-minute machine that goes from zero to sixty in no time flat. When it's over, you'll be doubled over from exertion. The book is the literary equivalent of a drag race; it gets going quick and keeps it comin' fast and furious all the way to the explosive and unexpected ending. This is Aslesen at his best and is the most solid piece of fiction he's written.
Beyond the excitement, "War Whore" is successful on many fronts. Firstly, is how effectively war of the future is conceived and presented. The author really outdoes himself with the military tech presented in the book. Every single piece of equipment, from rifle to tank, is well thought out and believable. The author can (and does) describe things so convincingly you'll believe it's all real. Military tactics are equally well rendered, no doubt from the author's experience in the military.
Secondly, is the quality of writing. With each work that the author publishes, the prose just gets better and better. Such high quality of writing really lets you get lost in the story and enjoy every detail without getting jerked out of the experience. Description, dialogue, and battle sequences are well done. If you've read the author's other work, you'll be well versed in the crazy, manic, and tight action scenes that author does so well in book after book.
Thirdly (and most importantly) is effective characterization. Even amongst all the tech and action, the novel never loses sight of its human component and the emotion of its characters. Aslesen handles the warrior psyche unlike any author I've read. The characters may be cynical, gruff, damaged individuals, but they come across as authentic, with a refreshing poignancy that's more the exception in the biz than the rule.
I don't know how Ryan Aslesen hits it out of the park every time, but he's done it again with "War Whore." With its hard-boiled exterior, fierce action, cutting-edge realism, and great characters, "War Whore" is 100% Aslesen and the best work of his career. Welcome to literature's Aslesian Age. These are exciting times.
"War Whore" is a 2021 release by Marine veteran and ace writer Ryan W Aslesen. The book is set in his War's Edge universe, but is a standalone story that is not directly connected to the main storyline. You needn't have read any of the author's other books to enjoy "War Whore," but his other books certainly come recommended. If you want more action in War's Edge, check out "Dead Heroes," the first book in the main storyline from that universe.
"War Whore" follows one Ron Axel, a studly and crusty captain in the Berserkers. The Berserkers are an elite group of military mercenaries, employed primarily by planetary systems to fight their wars for them. Captain Axel is put on assignment to the frontier planet Novak, his mission to support one faction in a planetary conflict. Very quickly upon arrival to the planet Axel realizes circumstances are dire, and that he has been asked to spearhead a suicide mission. Will Axel's experience and guile be enough to win the day, or will he become just another casualty statistic in some backwater hell hole?
With the release of "War Whore," Ryan Aslesen takes a different direction with his War's Edge universe, in a similar vein to Galaxy's Edge. Having unrelated tales set in the same universe is incredibly immersive and fun, and takes Alsesen's writing chops to the next level. Quite a bit shorter than "Dead Heroes," "War Whore" is a lean, mean, thrill-a-minute machine that goes from zero to sixty in no time flat. When it's over, you'll be doubled over from exertion. The book is the literary equivalent of a drag race; it gets going quick and keeps it comin' fast and furious all the way to the explosive and unexpected ending. This is Aslesen at his best and is the most solid piece of fiction he's written.
Beyond the excitement, "War Whore" is successful on many fronts. Firstly, is how effectively war of the future is conceived and presented. The author really outdoes himself with the military tech presented in the book. Every single piece of equipment, from rifle to tank, is well thought out and believable. The author can (and does) describe things so convincingly you'll believe it's all real. Military tactics are equally well rendered, no doubt from the author's experience in the military.
Secondly, is the quality of writing. With each work that the author publishes, the prose just gets better and better. Such high quality of writing really lets you get lost in the story and enjoy every detail without getting jerked out of the experience. Description, dialogue, and battle sequences are well done. If you've read the author's other work, you'll be well versed in the crazy, manic, and tight action scenes that author does so well in book after book.
Thirdly (and most importantly) is effective characterization. Even amongst all the tech and action, the novel never loses sight of its human component and the emotion of its characters. Aslesen handles the warrior psyche unlike any author I've read. The characters may be cynical, gruff, damaged individuals, but they come across as authentic, with a refreshing poignancy that's more the exception in the biz than the rule.
I don't know how Ryan Aslesen hits it out of the park every time, but he's done it again with "War Whore." With its hard-boiled exterior, fierce action, cutting-edge realism, and great characters, "War Whore" is 100% Aslesen and the best work of his career. Welcome to literature's Aslesian Age. These are exciting times.
April 5, 2021
Haunting images of future warfare dominated by ruthless soldiers and overwhelming military technology.
Set in the author's, "War's Edge," universe, "War Whore" is a stand-alone book written mostly from the perspective of the mercenary "Berserker" Captain Ron Axel. Action from the future of warfare waged by highly equipped and trained mercenaries, the outcome is very dependent upon who has the superior technology, however, the men and the women who operate the machinery are just as important. Gritty with jargon clad prose, many of the scenes could almost be from the diary of a contemporary marine officer of today, but the action reflects terrifying technology and developments in warfare in the not so distant future. Written for readers who obviously appreciate warfare and highly realistic combat narrative, this book is a full blast of both including a good dose of the pathos and the inner struggle felt by highly trained professional soldiers. Battle realism and the continual process of combat evaluation facing the battlefield commander, form the backbone of the novel, but there are enough gaps left which are filled with interesting characters and their uniquely human interactions. Personalities dominated by a life of horrifying military technology and senseless political pressures, in a future not too removed from the present realism of this world.
Set in the author's, "War's Edge," universe, "War Whore" is a stand-alone book written mostly from the perspective of the mercenary "Berserker" Captain Ron Axel. Action from the future of warfare waged by highly equipped and trained mercenaries, the outcome is very dependent upon who has the superior technology, however, the men and the women who operate the machinery are just as important. Gritty with jargon clad prose, many of the scenes could almost be from the diary of a contemporary marine officer of today, but the action reflects terrifying technology and developments in warfare in the not so distant future. Written for readers who obviously appreciate warfare and highly realistic combat narrative, this book is a full blast of both including a good dose of the pathos and the inner struggle felt by highly trained professional soldiers. Battle realism and the continual process of combat evaluation facing the battlefield commander, form the backbone of the novel, but there are enough gaps left which are filled with interesting characters and their uniquely human interactions. Personalities dominated by a life of horrifying military technology and senseless political pressures, in a future not too removed from the present realism of this world.
February 23, 2025
This book, like the rest of Aslesen's mil SF, is an unflinching and believable story in the tradition of Hammer's Slammers and Falkenberg's Legion. There is no glory in the wars shown, though there is courage and honor.
Aslesen's experience as a Marine officer shows in the gritty details of the combat scenes and in the ugly incidents (from allies, enemies, and the protagonist's own chain of command) that fill the pages.
The characters are credible and sympathetic without being icons, and the plot follows directly from their actions.
The only real disadvantage of this book is that at times it seems to revel in the ugliness, including protracted scenes of torture that are not necessary for the instant plot.
Recommended if you're willing to experience the brutality.
Aslesen's experience as a Marine officer shows in the gritty details of the combat scenes and in the ugly incidents (from allies, enemies, and the protagonist's own chain of command) that fill the pages.
The characters are credible and sympathetic without being icons, and the plot follows directly from their actions.
The only real disadvantage of this book is that at times it seems to revel in the ugliness, including protracted scenes of torture that are not necessary for the instant plot.
Recommended if you're willing to experience the brutality.
June 6, 2025
The book dealt with the life of one particular mercenary officer and his inner demons and how he dealt with being a paid gun for hire. The idea of private to hire mercenary military units is not a new one to science fiction. I loved "Hammers Slammers" a series that dealt with a tank force for hire in the future galaxy. The protagonist in this novel is just there because he feels there is no other job/profession that he feels alive but not truly content with. He is trapped both mentally and physically in a profession that he has come to embrace despite the living hell and loneliness its cost him. Even honor seems to be a fleeting notion in his world. The question is what is accumulated wealth worth if you may or may not ever get to enjoy it?
September 29, 2022
Cliche
Good and action packed writing . It's hard not like how detailed and clearly written this book is , but that being said it had flaws. If the worse most horrendous thing could happen , it did happen. I forced myself to finish the book , but it didn't take a very intelligent reader to see all ending of this book
Good and action packed writing . It's hard not like how detailed and clearly written this book is , but that being said it had flaws. If the worse most horrendous thing could happen , it did happen. I forced myself to finish the book , but it didn't take a very intelligent reader to see all ending of this book
March 15, 2021
Action Packed....As Always with Aslesen!
Great characters and detail that have you setting in the middle of the action to the point you can smell the carnage. Non-stop action. GREAT ENDING!
Great characters and detail that have you setting in the middle of the action to the point you can smell the carnage. Non-stop action. GREAT ENDING!
May 9, 2021
Gritty and action packed
Well written war story. Graphic and realistic depiction of the fog of war and what happens in battle. The weapons and tech may change but it is still the man or woman that is key in war.
Well written war story. Graphic and realistic depiction of the fog of war and what happens in battle. The weapons and tech may change but it is still the man or woman that is key in war.
October 15, 2021
Nah
Not as good as I had hoped. Author really takes it over the top with the gore. But the worst parts were the terrible metaphors. Go read The Four Horsemen books if you want some decent military sci-fi.
Not as good as I had hoped. Author really takes it over the top with the gore. But the worst parts were the terrible metaphors. Go read The Four Horsemen books if you want some decent military sci-fi.
November 20, 2022
Just OK
Basically blood and guts throughout. Nothing new. Palatable protagonist. Cardboard cutout antagonist. Very predictable ending. Wont be reading the other two books in this series, which is not what I hoped for on starting a new series. Oh well.
Basically blood and guts throughout. Nothing new. Palatable protagonist. Cardboard cutout antagonist. Very predictable ending. Wont be reading the other two books in this series, which is not what I hoped for on starting a new series. Oh well.
February 17, 2021
Great read
Fun and fast from the first page. Action throughout that has a very suitable ending that we all saw coming
Fun and fast from the first page. Action throughout that has a very suitable ending that we all saw coming
February 24, 2021
Kept my attention
Well worth reading, well written and has depth without the usual whine, I will read another and hope it's just as good
Well worth reading, well written and has depth without the usual whine, I will read another and hope it's just as good
December 3, 2025
A Novel Written With Experience
A well conceived novel by an author who has seen war. It brings hard memories.
Five more words required to submit a comment.
A well conceived novel by an author who has seen war. It brings hard memories.
Five more words required to submit a comment.
March 20, 2025
If you're a fan of bloodshed.....
Constant and bloody battle from beginning to end.
If that's your thing, with no character development and a final dose of uninteresting revenge --- then be my guest.
Cheers
Constant and bloody battle from beginning to end.
If that's your thing, with no character development and a final dose of uninteresting revenge --- then be my guest.
Cheers
April 27, 2024
Well done
I never thought I would find good military science fiction centered around armour after David Drake stopped writing "Hammers Slammers", but I have to say that this, at least as a stand alone novel, is as good as Drake.
I never thought I would find good military science fiction centered around armour after David Drake stopped writing "Hammers Slammers", but I have to say that this, at least as a stand alone novel, is as good as Drake.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews