Scott Whitmore's Blog

U.S. military senior leadership listen as President Donald Trump speaks at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025 in Quantico, Va.  AP Photo/Evan Vucci

When the news broke last week that basically the entirety of US military leadership — some 800 Admirals, Generals and senior enlisted personnel, many serving overseas — had been ordered to attend an in-person briefing by the Secretary of Defense, it seemed clear to me this was going to a watershed moment.

I was sure the messag...

Bottom line up top: Another stellar entry in the series. Frequently laugh out loud funny until it’s ugly cry tragic. 5 Stars.

“Spies lie. They betray. It’s what they do.“

First things first: no spoilers.

Probably don’t need to say that. It’s Book 9 of the series and who even starts with Book 9? But on the off chance you’re — let’s call it — Slough House-curious, and want to know if this incredible, award-winning series about misfit spies is worth your time, and you’re skimm...

Time Now 2025

In the past few days I’ve gotten two unsolicited emails (pics below), which are clearly AI-generated based on the level of detail and specificity. I get that AI is the tech-bros new cool toy, and that anymore we can’t escape being ‘touched’ by AI in some form or another, but its amusing someone thinks my ego needs so much stoking.

Then again, I suppose the draw of AI is it does all the work, freeing up the spammers and scammers to expand their scope of operations to include even people l...

Bottom Line Up Top

An exceptional and tremendously engaging look at American soldiers during the Forever Wars. 5 Stars.

Purchase links: Barnes and Noble. Amazon.
Author: Adam Kovac (Bluesky profile)
Website: NA

My take on The Surge

The Surge, by Adam Kovac, is the story of a soldier, Corporal Larry Chandler, wounded in Afghanistan early in America’s “Forever Wars” and then recalled from the inactive reserves to help fill the ranks of a National Guard unit during The Surge — th...

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A beautifully told speculative fiction tale of grief, redemption, and the power of love. 5 Stars.

Purchase links: Barnes and Noble. Amazon.
Author: Travis Klempan (Bluesky profile)
Website: NA

My take on Hills Hide Mountains

In Chicago, Mo (short for Mohini) Chopra is in the midst of preparing for a party later the same evening, to celebrate with friends their year together as a couple, when her live-in boyfriend lets her know he thinks they need to take a ...

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Outstanding character-driven sci-fi tale that is fresh and original, told with confidence and verve. 5 Stars.

Purchase links: Barnes and Noble. Amazon.
Author: Edward Ashton (Bluesky profile)
Website: EdwardAshton.com

My take on The Fourth Consort

The Fourth Consort, the latest sci-fi novel by Edward Ashton, starts fast, with protagonist Dalton Greaves partway through making First Contact with the minarchs, a sentient species of insect-like creatures on a fa...

UPCOMING SCI-FI BOOKS TO WATCH FOR in 2025

Bottom Line Up Top

Enjoyable enough light sci-fi actioner. Add it to your e-reader for the beach or a long flight. 3 Stars.

Purchase links: Barnes & Noble; Amazon
Author: A. Zaykova (BlueSky profile)
Website: azaykova.com

My take on Galaxy Grifter

Levi Adder is the titular character in A. Zaykova’s Galaxy Grifter: a con-man constantly on the hunt for his next mark. Be it blackmail, corporate espionage, or con games and scams as old as time — Levi uses his good looks and fluency ...

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A propulsive and finely crafted puzzle-box of a story about courage and perseverance in response to unimaginable trauma. 5 Stars

Purchase links: Barnes and Noble; Amazon
Author: Christopher Hawkins (christopherhawkins.bsky.social)
Website: christopher-hawkins.com

My take on I Contain Multitudes

Starting at a breakneck pace and only occasionally slowing down, I Contain Multitudes by Christopher Hawkins is a beautifully crafted puzzle-box that eschews info dumpi...