The Toad King: A Soldier's Story

by Ward Best

Major John Elliott, U.S. Army, is shanghaied by an advanced alien race in order to teach them the long lost art of war. The only problem is that he isn't from Special Forces and his alien troops aren't cut out to be warriors; they faint at the mere thought of battle. But his survival is now intertwined with theirs, and against all odds, he must teach his peace-loving aliens how to defend themselves or else perish with them.

The Toad King is a fast paced, fun filled, blend of Space Opera and Military Science Fiction

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy

422 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 28, 2011

About the author

Born and raised in Michigan, Ward Best is a writer of suspenseful and intriguing science-fiction. He has been involved in the construction and overhaul of nuclear submarines and submersibles, and has also managed nuclear waste cleanup sites. Regrettably, he has yet to gain any superpowers from his interaction with nuclear waste. Nowadays, Ward focuses on cyber security and all things tech. The Toad King is his debut novel.

Reviews

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read Sci-fi in many years! But I have to admit I loved this!

One of the very best books I have read in years! Couldn't put it down! I'm going to read more sci-fi again! Especially this author!

[Scott Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Elliott is kidnapped from Earth by aliens in order to help train them to fight in an imminent war. That premise right there was enough to make me start reading. The author pretty much jumps right into it as we find John running from unknown assailants. Next thing we know, he's off on an alien world, being made to help train its citizens in the art of war. Pacing was not an issue at all in this novel. The author weaves a nice blend of humor and forward progress as the peaceful alien's enemy nears. If I had any complaint, it's that I would have liked to have seen more world-building. We're not given a lot of deep knowledge of the aliens or their society. I think this would have enhanced the story and drawn the reader in a bit more. But Mr. Best presents what I think is a wonderful idea in an otherwise compelling fashion. This is my first experience with this author. I think I will definitely be checking out his other work.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. The characterization does not disappoint and the premise is followed through. You feel like you know Maj. Elliot and the aliens. Indeed, the aliens are very well characterized and the situations very real. More importantly, everything flows, even the surprises which are not always foreseeable, and the humor is consistent without being out of place.

I really enjoyed this book.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The characters were well developed, and it was a quick read.
I gave it a review of 3 stars because I kept expecting that big "ah ha." The author felt like there was supposed to be more to the story and it just suddenly stopped.

[Lisa Lucas]

Won in Goodreads giveaway, review coming soon

[Nicholas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man I so enjoyed this book, was rather sad when I finished it, was like saying goodbye to a good friend. I really hope he writes more!

[DAISY READS HORROR · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just was not for me. I could not get into this one.

[Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit of an out there concept - however, it was well written and it flowed easily. The end seemed a bit rushed and it seemed like there was some stuff cut out to meet a deadline.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read, I thoroughly enjoyed the humour within the book at some points this had me chuckling out loud. This was balanced well against an interesting story line where a Supply officer in the US Army ends up turning a race of pacifists into a fighting force as they struggle for the survival of their civilization.

[George Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book, a bit formulaic and predictable but very well done. The high point was the use of one of my favorite quotations, "Amateurs study tactic's, professionals study logistics" - Omar Bradley.

[George Ashmore]

This sounds like something I am really going to enjoy