What do you think?
Rate this book
Toy Soldiers: Of Monsters and Men: Vol: 1
A unique conflict grips the subconscious of billions and threatens the entire planet as never before. Without a formal declaration of the contention or even a single shot fired, the Cold War nonetheless carries the volatile potential of ending all humankind. Yet, amidst this ongoing struggle, an even more disturbing danger
Giant creatures, obscured by night and shadow, begin an assault across the breadth of the planet.
As mankind is forced to rely increasingly on manufactured viruses in order to affect genetic manipulation within their own ranks, they gradually discover that the line between man and monster is far more shallow than they could have ever imagined...
Giant creatures, obscured by night and shadow, begin an assault across the breadth of the planet.
As mankind is forced to rely increasingly on manufactured viruses in order to affect genetic manipulation within their own ranks, they gradually discover that the line between man and monster is far more shallow than they could have ever imagined...
453 pages, Paperback
Published July 20, 2024
37 people are currently reading
5861 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
December 6, 2025
Unbiased opinion as the author, but this might just be the greatest book ever🤔
January 21, 2025
Note: I received an e-book for an honest review.
This book absolutely blew me away. This is a dark sci-fi, Greek mythology based thriller, a fast-paced storyline that sinks its teeth into you and doesn’t let go.
The author has a clear vision for what he wants to create with this series (planned 4 books), and although this first book has a heavy load of world building and storyline creation, it never felt too drawn-out or tiresome. There’s also central struggle in this book is humanity’s survival in the face of a threat like no other: bio-engineered Titans with the ability to heal themselves. As the threat worsens, a mystery starts to unravel and the rebellion starts to mount. Perhaps the only saviors are also the perpetrators?
There’s also a really unique element of this novel that includes the use of an auditory experience that pairs with the literary one. I’ve never seen anything like this, and it was very interesting to pair scenes of the book with certain musical numbers that the author handpicked. Marvelous concept and expertly executed.
I’m so excited to see what is in store for this series. Highly recommend for sci-fi and epic fantasy lovers. I’m so impressed with the authors writing ability, as well as the scientific and historic research that went into much of the details here. Well done!!
This book absolutely blew me away. This is a dark sci-fi, Greek mythology based thriller, a fast-paced storyline that sinks its teeth into you and doesn’t let go.
The author has a clear vision for what he wants to create with this series (planned 4 books), and although this first book has a heavy load of world building and storyline creation, it never felt too drawn-out or tiresome. There’s also central struggle in this book is humanity’s survival in the face of a threat like no other: bio-engineered Titans with the ability to heal themselves. As the threat worsens, a mystery starts to unravel and the rebellion starts to mount. Perhaps the only saviors are also the perpetrators?
There’s also a really unique element of this novel that includes the use of an auditory experience that pairs with the literary one. I’ve never seen anything like this, and it was very interesting to pair scenes of the book with certain musical numbers that the author handpicked. Marvelous concept and expertly executed.
I’m so excited to see what is in store for this series. Highly recommend for sci-fi and epic fantasy lovers. I’m so impressed with the authors writing ability, as well as the scientific and historic research that went into much of the details here. Well done!!
August 15, 2025
Definitely out of the norm for me, but I'm glad I read this. if you like horror and monsters, you would love this book!
July 12, 2025
3.25!!! Thank you so much to D.D Ward for sending me a copy to review!
I just want to say that the idea of adding the music via QR codes to set the mood was perfection and really worked well to pull me more into the story!
Also I loved how some art work was included.
The way this opened up was fantastic and gritty. loved it!
Just to note these are just my pure preferences of not being the biggest sci-fi reader however the writing is really fantastic but I just got lost with keeping track of people and not being able to just get used to who they were/letting them become more of a charter to me before moving onto something else or another character.
I just want to say that the idea of adding the music via QR codes to set the mood was perfection and really worked well to pull me more into the story!
Also I loved how some art work was included.
The way this opened up was fantastic and gritty. loved it!
Just to note these are just my pure preferences of not being the biggest sci-fi reader however the writing is really fantastic but I just got lost with keeping track of people and not being able to just get used to who they were/letting them become more of a charter to me before moving onto something else or another character.
August 6, 2025
Every war has soldiers… but in this one, they’re not all human.
This was my FIRST official sci‑fi book that I’ve ever finished and let me tell YOUUUU… I LOVED IT 😳
It opens with a tense, unforgettable scene that instantly makes you ask, “WHO is this guy, WTF is that creature, and what the hell is going on?” From there, we meet Grace, who is investigating a string of strange and devastating nighttime attacks. Her work quickly pulls her into the orbit of her uncle Tobias, whose position gives him access to answers about the creatures behind these incidents, and the truth is nothing short of terrifying.
Then comes The Pantheon, an elite group of individuals with superhuman abilities who are humanity’s best shot at stopping the threat. The team is far from united. There is friction, power struggles, and far more going on beneath the surface than anyone wants to admit, which makes their mission just as dangerous from the inside as it is from the outside.
As the story moves across continents, the scale of the danger becomes impossible to ignore. The more Grace digs, the clearer it becomes that this is not just about monsters. It is about a much bigger and much darker game being played by forces far beyond what anyone realizes. The final chapter delivers an unexpected introduction that ties back to the opening scene in a way that will send your mind spiraling with theories. I turned the last page already wishing I had the next book in my hands.
Thank you the author for sending me a copy of this book. This was an amazing read and I cannot wait for book 2!
This was my FIRST official sci‑fi book that I’ve ever finished and let me tell YOUUUU… I LOVED IT 😳
It opens with a tense, unforgettable scene that instantly makes you ask, “WHO is this guy, WTF is that creature, and what the hell is going on?” From there, we meet Grace, who is investigating a string of strange and devastating nighttime attacks. Her work quickly pulls her into the orbit of her uncle Tobias, whose position gives him access to answers about the creatures behind these incidents, and the truth is nothing short of terrifying.
Then comes The Pantheon, an elite group of individuals with superhuman abilities who are humanity’s best shot at stopping the threat. The team is far from united. There is friction, power struggles, and far more going on beneath the surface than anyone wants to admit, which makes their mission just as dangerous from the inside as it is from the outside.
As the story moves across continents, the scale of the danger becomes impossible to ignore. The more Grace digs, the clearer it becomes that this is not just about monsters. It is about a much bigger and much darker game being played by forces far beyond what anyone realizes. The final chapter delivers an unexpected introduction that ties back to the opening scene in a way that will send your mind spiraling with theories. I turned the last page already wishing I had the next book in my hands.
Thank you the author for sending me a copy of this book. This was an amazing read and I cannot wait for book 2!
November 7, 2025
Date : 5th November 2025
Book : Toy Soldiers : Of Monsters & Men (Vol.1)
Author : D. D Ward
Genre : Dark Sci-Fi
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Okay, so this book was a freaking good slow burn. I wasn’t totally sure what to expect going in but holy smokes! This book is definitely a dark sci-fi with mythology and has a bit of horror all wrapped up in a Cold War vibe. The world-building is 🤯 and honestly one of the coolest parts of the book. You can tell the author put A LOT of thought into it. It’s not a quick light read as I’ve mentioned up there, it’s a real slow burn and there’s a lot happening. The more you read, the more it really pulls you in.
I also thought the idea of having QR codes for music in some chapters was sooooo cool! Definitely helped set the mood and made it feel more immersive like one of those fancy whimsical gastronomical dinners..except this had nothing to do with eating (unless you’re snacking) but more to do with your ears, eyes and imagination. Well that is until I started getting ads on my damn Spotify. I guess it was a fun tease to find out my subscription had ended. ( I was like why is it talking to me?? Is it a cryptic message? What do I need to decipher?😂) - Nope, just an ad🫠
But anyhoo, I guess what really hooked me in is how the story keeps you guessing about who the real “monsters” are. You know..the creatures? Or the people trying to control them?
It’s a slower start because it’s setting up a huge world but once it clicks, it clicks. But heyyy, if you like dystopian reads with a twist of meaning in science, politics and Greek Mythology, then this book delivers. 🙌🏽✨
#toysoldiersofmonstersandmen #ddward #darkscifi #horror #greekmythology #bookrec #bookrecommendations #books #book #bookish #bookworm #bookstagrammer #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #bibliophile #bookswithmusic #fyp
Book : Toy Soldiers : Of Monsters & Men (Vol.1)
Author : D. D Ward
Genre : Dark Sci-Fi
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Okay, so this book was a freaking good slow burn. I wasn’t totally sure what to expect going in but holy smokes! This book is definitely a dark sci-fi with mythology and has a bit of horror all wrapped up in a Cold War vibe. The world-building is 🤯 and honestly one of the coolest parts of the book. You can tell the author put A LOT of thought into it. It’s not a quick light read as I’ve mentioned up there, it’s a real slow burn and there’s a lot happening. The more you read, the more it really pulls you in.
I also thought the idea of having QR codes for music in some chapters was sooooo cool! Definitely helped set the mood and made it feel more immersive like one of those fancy whimsical gastronomical dinners..except this had nothing to do with eating (unless you’re snacking) but more to do with your ears, eyes and imagination. Well that is until I started getting ads on my damn Spotify. I guess it was a fun tease to find out my subscription had ended. ( I was like why is it talking to me?? Is it a cryptic message? What do I need to decipher?😂) - Nope, just an ad🫠
But anyhoo, I guess what really hooked me in is how the story keeps you guessing about who the real “monsters” are. You know..the creatures? Or the people trying to control them?
It’s a slower start because it’s setting up a huge world but once it clicks, it clicks. But heyyy, if you like dystopian reads with a twist of meaning in science, politics and Greek Mythology, then this book delivers. 🙌🏽✨
#toysoldiersofmonstersandmen #ddward #darkscifi #horror #greekmythology #bookrec #bookrecommendations #books #book #bookish #bookworm #bookstagrammer #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #bibliophile #bookswithmusic #fyp
November 30, 2025
Thank you to D.D Ward for sending me a copy of your novel for an honest review.
Toy Soldiers kicks off with a bold concept; war and monsters, both literal and personal, and a world that blurs the line between survival and morality. It’s gritty, imaginative, and doesn’t shy away from darker themes. There were moments that genuinely hit hard, and I appreciated that Ward didn’t try to soften the emotional weight of the story. It's an ambitious and creative debut.
However, while the worldbuilding is rich, it sometimes felt dense and at some points, I couldn't settle into it. There were scenes that I wanted more space to breathe, more time with the characters, more clarity in motivations, more emotional development before the next heavy moment arrived. This first volume packs a lot in, and depending on the reader, that can feel either gripping or slightly overwhelming.
The action is sharp and cinematic, but occasionally the pacing jumped so quickly between moments that I found myself flipping back to make sure I didn’t miss something. The characters have strong potential, but I’m hoping future volumes slow down enough to let their personal arcs feel more lived-in and less rushed.
Vol. 1 is a compelling start. Ambitious in scope, and clearly building toward something bigger. If you enjoy dark, militaristic fantasy with young protagonists facing impossible realities, this might be one to keep watching. I’m curious to see where Ward takes it next, especially if the world and characters get a little more room to expand.
Toy Soldiers kicks off with a bold concept; war and monsters, both literal and personal, and a world that blurs the line between survival and morality. It’s gritty, imaginative, and doesn’t shy away from darker themes. There were moments that genuinely hit hard, and I appreciated that Ward didn’t try to soften the emotional weight of the story. It's an ambitious and creative debut.
However, while the worldbuilding is rich, it sometimes felt dense and at some points, I couldn't settle into it. There were scenes that I wanted more space to breathe, more time with the characters, more clarity in motivations, more emotional development before the next heavy moment arrived. This first volume packs a lot in, and depending on the reader, that can feel either gripping or slightly overwhelming.
The action is sharp and cinematic, but occasionally the pacing jumped so quickly between moments that I found myself flipping back to make sure I didn’t miss something. The characters have strong potential, but I’m hoping future volumes slow down enough to let their personal arcs feel more lived-in and less rushed.
Vol. 1 is a compelling start. Ambitious in scope, and clearly building toward something bigger. If you enjoy dark, militaristic fantasy with young protagonists facing impossible realities, this might be one to keep watching. I’m curious to see where Ward takes it next, especially if the world and characters get a little more room to expand.
July 12, 2025
3/5 Stars
Format: E-book (provided by the author for an honest review)
Spoilers: No
This book is an ambitious undertaking by an independent author. A sci-fi story about genetic experiments gone wrong during the Cold War and heavily rooted in Greek mythology, I was impressed at the overall creativity and the amount of work that went into the production of this book. You can tell the author has a vision for the project, this being the first of four volumes. There are some cool illustrations, and there are even QR codes to link to songs that the author feels are a part of the story.
There were some things for me that did not fully land. As with any independent book, it would benefit from some editing. There were certainly periods of dialogue or elements of the story that were drawn out, and some where big things happened "off camera" that I would have liked to read more about. There are some interesting formatting choices that were a bit jolting (one character always speaks in bold/italics, for example), and the songs themselves did not always feel appropriate for the mood of the scenes (although the author explains the song choices in an afterword). I would have liked more development and time with the characters who were involved in the boss battle, but that could be coming in future volumes.
However, the concept is really cool, and you can tell that this book is all about building the world on which subsequent volumes will elaborate. You get a fun climactic "boss fight," and are left with a lot of interesting questions to ponder that will likely be addressed going forward. This also explores some really interesting themes, ranging from the sociopolitical to the moral/ethical.
Overall, D. D. Ward should be praised for an ambitious, creative book that is different than anything I've read. If you like sci-fi, 80's nostalgia, and Greek mythology, this is definitely right up your alley.
Format: E-book (provided by the author for an honest review)
Spoilers: No
This book is an ambitious undertaking by an independent author. A sci-fi story about genetic experiments gone wrong during the Cold War and heavily rooted in Greek mythology, I was impressed at the overall creativity and the amount of work that went into the production of this book. You can tell the author has a vision for the project, this being the first of four volumes. There are some cool illustrations, and there are even QR codes to link to songs that the author feels are a part of the story.
There were some things for me that did not fully land. As with any independent book, it would benefit from some editing. There were certainly periods of dialogue or elements of the story that were drawn out, and some where big things happened "off camera" that I would have liked to read more about. There are some interesting formatting choices that were a bit jolting (one character always speaks in bold/italics, for example), and the songs themselves did not always feel appropriate for the mood of the scenes (although the author explains the song choices in an afterword). I would have liked more development and time with the characters who were involved in the boss battle, but that could be coming in future volumes.
However, the concept is really cool, and you can tell that this book is all about building the world on which subsequent volumes will elaborate. You get a fun climactic "boss fight," and are left with a lot of interesting questions to ponder that will likely be addressed going forward. This also explores some really interesting themes, ranging from the sociopolitical to the moral/ethical.
Overall, D. D. Ward should be praised for an ambitious, creative book that is different than anything I've read. If you like sci-fi, 80's nostalgia, and Greek mythology, this is definitely right up your alley.
August 1, 2025
This was a full-on experience. Cinematic, gruesome, rich with lore, and larger than life. D.D. Ward delivers a wildly ambitious debut; an atmospheric, gritty military sci-fi horror that absolutely goes for it.
Honestly, this plot is too dense to sum up in a neat little paragraph, but here’s the gist:
During the Cold War, bio-engineered creatures known as Titans break loose and begin wreaking havoc. In response, rival nations are forced to work together to survive. Mistrust spreads, stakes skyrocket, and the world descends into bloody chaos.
This book is packed with dense worldbuilding, militaristic strategy, scientific jargon, Cold War politics, and a heavy dose of Greek mythology. If that combination doesn’t appeal to you, this may not be your read but if it does, you’re in for something big.
That’s not to say it’s without flaws. The pacing lagged for me in places (particularly Chapter 3), which dragged given its length. I also struggled with character clarity: names, titles, and later monikers were used interchangeably within paragraphs, making it hard to keep track.. especially when many are introduced at once. The prose occasionally leaned into over-description, slowing down moments that could’ve hit harder.
But even with those critiques, I was absolutely hooked. Titans? Greek mythology? Global military alliances? Science gone feral? Yes, please. The writing was immersive and atmospheric, the fight scenes vivid and visceral, and the cast (sprawling across countries) felt distinct and alive.
The QR-coded songs were a cool addition, though I could take or leave them. The story stands strongly on its own. I especially loved the epilogue and insight into the creative choices.
This is an ambitious story and an even more ambitious series. With a bit of fine-tuning, it could become something incredible. I’ll definitely be continuing.
Thank you so much to the author for the copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Honestly, this plot is too dense to sum up in a neat little paragraph, but here’s the gist:
During the Cold War, bio-engineered creatures known as Titans break loose and begin wreaking havoc. In response, rival nations are forced to work together to survive. Mistrust spreads, stakes skyrocket, and the world descends into bloody chaos.
This book is packed with dense worldbuilding, militaristic strategy, scientific jargon, Cold War politics, and a heavy dose of Greek mythology. If that combination doesn’t appeal to you, this may not be your read but if it does, you’re in for something big.
That’s not to say it’s without flaws. The pacing lagged for me in places (particularly Chapter 3), which dragged given its length. I also struggled with character clarity: names, titles, and later monikers were used interchangeably within paragraphs, making it hard to keep track.. especially when many are introduced at once. The prose occasionally leaned into over-description, slowing down moments that could’ve hit harder.
But even with those critiques, I was absolutely hooked. Titans? Greek mythology? Global military alliances? Science gone feral? Yes, please. The writing was immersive and atmospheric, the fight scenes vivid and visceral, and the cast (sprawling across countries) felt distinct and alive.
The QR-coded songs were a cool addition, though I could take or leave them. The story stands strongly on its own. I especially loved the epilogue and insight into the creative choices.
This is an ambitious story and an even more ambitious series. With a bit of fine-tuning, it could become something incredible. I’ll definitely be continuing.
Thank you so much to the author for the copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
July 3, 2025
Toy Soldiers: Of Monsters and Men Vol. 1 is a slow, but powerful and engaging read with a blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and horror. The story takes place in a post-Cold War world and explores themes of mythology and politics.
Ward blends historical details with fantasy to create a world that feels both real and strange. The diverse characters come together in this setting, each facing personal struggles while grappling with a society shaped by its history. They literally confront monsters (titans) that their governments have created by becoming these titans themselves. The story goes beyond a simple good vs evil or hero vs villain; it explores the complexities of humanity, the recurring patterns of conflict and the inner demons we all face.
Initially, I planned to rate this a 4-star book. I was rushing through it and not fully appreciating the world-building, emotional depth, and complex history in each chapter. Once I stopped pressuring myself to finish and review it, I slowed down and started over, completely succumbing to the charms of D.D. Ward's writing. You can tell he poured his heart, soul, and knowledge into this novel, and I truly appreciate that. I might have been his target audience because I was completely engaged and now eagerly awaiting Volume 2! Might I add... this story also comes with QR codes to songs that fit each chapter or scene. If you know me, you know I love a curated playlist—a man after my own heart! All in all, I highly recommend it for anyone looking to explore the darker sides of fantasy and the shadows of human nature.
Thank you, D.D. Ward, for this free ebook in exchange for my honest review! Looking forward to more of your writing in the near future.
Ward blends historical details with fantasy to create a world that feels both real and strange. The diverse characters come together in this setting, each facing personal struggles while grappling with a society shaped by its history. They literally confront monsters (titans) that their governments have created by becoming these titans themselves. The story goes beyond a simple good vs evil or hero vs villain; it explores the complexities of humanity, the recurring patterns of conflict and the inner demons we all face.
Initially, I planned to rate this a 4-star book. I was rushing through it and not fully appreciating the world-building, emotional depth, and complex history in each chapter. Once I stopped pressuring myself to finish and review it, I slowed down and started over, completely succumbing to the charms of D.D. Ward's writing. You can tell he poured his heart, soul, and knowledge into this novel, and I truly appreciate that. I might have been his target audience because I was completely engaged and now eagerly awaiting Volume 2! Might I add... this story also comes with QR codes to songs that fit each chapter or scene. If you know me, you know I love a curated playlist—a man after my own heart! All in all, I highly recommend it for anyone looking to explore the darker sides of fantasy and the shadows of human nature.
Thank you, D.D. Ward, for this free ebook in exchange for my honest review! Looking forward to more of your writing in the near future.
March 2, 2025
Finished Toy Soldiers by D.D. Ward!
Recommend: Yes! Especially for urban fantasy fans
Received my digital copy from the author himself for the purpose of this review, and what an honor and joy that was! An action packed giant monster joyride, Ward has built an immersive and, more importantly, interesting world to get lost in. As a big (pun-intended) fan of any and all Kaiju/giant monster media, the Titans both frightened and intrigued me, and I found myself more and more interested in them as the book went on.
Through the Titans themselves along with our characters and the Pantheon, Ward sets up a plethora of concepts that I'm excited to see tackled in the future books, from teamwork to genetic engineering to power and more.
As book one, it has the unglamorous task of both engaging a reader and setting up for the future at the same time. While there is a lot of lore and world building in this, in my opinion it never felt like it dragged on. In fact, Ward managed to maintain my interest throughout the entire read, and I found myself devouring it in two days!
I will definitely be keeping my eye out for book two, and I 100% recommend giving this a shot!
Recommend: Yes! Especially for urban fantasy fans
Received my digital copy from the author himself for the purpose of this review, and what an honor and joy that was! An action packed giant monster joyride, Ward has built an immersive and, more importantly, interesting world to get lost in. As a big (pun-intended) fan of any and all Kaiju/giant monster media, the Titans both frightened and intrigued me, and I found myself more and more interested in them as the book went on.
Through the Titans themselves along with our characters and the Pantheon, Ward sets up a plethora of concepts that I'm excited to see tackled in the future books, from teamwork to genetic engineering to power and more.
As book one, it has the unglamorous task of both engaging a reader and setting up for the future at the same time. While there is a lot of lore and world building in this, in my opinion it never felt like it dragged on. In fact, Ward managed to maintain my interest throughout the entire read, and I found myself devouring it in two days!
I will definitely be keeping my eye out for book two, and I 100% recommend giving this a shot!
August 10, 2025
Firstly, I want to thank D.D Ward for giving me this book for an honest review. While not my usual genre, I did enjoy this book.
This book features:
🕵- secret government investigations and conspiracy
🦠- mutations
🌏- A global apocalypse
🪖- super soldiers
This sci-fi/horror novel details the rise of colossal titans and the creation of super soldiers to stop them, as well as being full of rich world building and cinematic scenes.
The cool thing about this book is that it has QR codes that you can scan to access songs for certain scenes in the book. I have never seen that before and really enjoyed that quirk. I also really enjoyed the art work and would of loved to have seen more of it as well because it just added to the whole experience where it felt like it was pushing the boundaries of being a normal book and I loved that.
I do have to warn you though if you are a chapter to chapter reader, the chapters in this book are quite long which pays off considering the book provided such a cinematic experience however, sometimes I was grateful for an Interlude scene but I still like this book 📖😊
Thank you again D.D Ward! Happy Reading bookworms! 📚
This book features:
🕵- secret government investigations and conspiracy
🦠- mutations
🌏- A global apocalypse
🪖- super soldiers
This sci-fi/horror novel details the rise of colossal titans and the creation of super soldiers to stop them, as well as being full of rich world building and cinematic scenes.
The cool thing about this book is that it has QR codes that you can scan to access songs for certain scenes in the book. I have never seen that before and really enjoyed that quirk. I also really enjoyed the art work and would of loved to have seen more of it as well because it just added to the whole experience where it felt like it was pushing the boundaries of being a normal book and I loved that.
I do have to warn you though if you are a chapter to chapter reader, the chapters in this book are quite long which pays off considering the book provided such a cinematic experience however, sometimes I was grateful for an Interlude scene but I still like this book 📖😊
Thank you again D.D Ward! Happy Reading bookworms! 📚
June 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Toy Soldiers: Of Monsters and Men
by Daniel Ward
What do you get when you mix Attack on Titan, Godzilla, Cold War conspiracy, and a trauma-fueled bioengineering project?
Apparently… this. 😅🧬🧍♂️💣
The premise? Amazing. The vibes? Immaculate. The pacing? Slower than a kaiju crawling through red tape. 😅 But there’s something magnetic about it all—huge existential dread, global tension, and a deeply weird scientific solution to an even weirder threat.
🧠 What I liked:
• A gritty ‘80s setting full of paranoia
• Intense atmosphere that creeps up on you
• Just the right amount of “what the hell is going on??”
• A story that’s dark, smart, and more interested in why than just what
😬 What kept it from 5 stars:
• A lot of setup with only a glimpse of what’s to come
• Feels like the first act of something huge—but we’re not quite there yet
• Heavy on the political/scientific layers, light on pure chaos (for now)
If you like slow-burn global horror, bioengineered nightmares, and morally gray decisions disguised as heroism… this one’s for you. Just maybe don’t read it expecting non-stop monster battles (yet). 👀🧪
Toy Soldiers: Of Monsters and Men
by Daniel Ward
What do you get when you mix Attack on Titan, Godzilla, Cold War conspiracy, and a trauma-fueled bioengineering project?
Apparently… this. 😅🧬🧍♂️💣
The premise? Amazing. The vibes? Immaculate. The pacing? Slower than a kaiju crawling through red tape. 😅 But there’s something magnetic about it all—huge existential dread, global tension, and a deeply weird scientific solution to an even weirder threat.
🧠 What I liked:
• A gritty ‘80s setting full of paranoia
• Intense atmosphere that creeps up on you
• Just the right amount of “what the hell is going on??”
• A story that’s dark, smart, and more interested in why than just what
😬 What kept it from 5 stars:
• A lot of setup with only a glimpse of what’s to come
• Feels like the first act of something huge—but we’re not quite there yet
• Heavy on the political/scientific layers, light on pure chaos (for now)
If you like slow-burn global horror, bioengineered nightmares, and morally gray decisions disguised as heroism… this one’s for you. Just maybe don’t read it expecting non-stop monster battles (yet). 👀🧪
July 31, 2025
✨️ I was provided with a copy of this book by the author, but this does not affect my review in any way ✨️
Toy Soldiers has a very interesting premise, and I genuinely believe it could have been a great read, but unfortunately, it was just too dense.
We're barraged with an endless onslaught of information, character dialogues that drag on far longer than necessary, and an overall structure that stretches 410 pages without delivering much action in comparison to the amount of setup.
I found it difficult to stay focused, as the dialogue often felt unrealistic; characters spoke in long-winded tangents that didn’t always feel relevant to the matter at hand. I also struggled to connect with the characters, and honestly, I just didn’t care for any of them all that much.
I don’t mind the occasional info-dump when it’s relevant to the plot, but Toy Soldiers felt like one massive info-dump from start to finish. I ended up skim-reading the final 30% and still didn’t feel like I’d missed anything critical.
Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me.
Toy Soldiers has a very interesting premise, and I genuinely believe it could have been a great read, but unfortunately, it was just too dense.
We're barraged with an endless onslaught of information, character dialogues that drag on far longer than necessary, and an overall structure that stretches 410 pages without delivering much action in comparison to the amount of setup.
I found it difficult to stay focused, as the dialogue often felt unrealistic; characters spoke in long-winded tangents that didn’t always feel relevant to the matter at hand. I also struggled to connect with the characters, and honestly, I just didn’t care for any of them all that much.
I don’t mind the occasional info-dump when it’s relevant to the plot, but Toy Soldiers felt like one massive info-dump from start to finish. I ended up skim-reading the final 30% and still didn’t feel like I’d missed anything critical.
Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me.
October 24, 2025
Wow! Toy Soldiers: Of Monsters & Men absolutely blew me away!! D.D. Ward delivers a story that feels larger than life being part sci-fi thriller, mythological epic, and the emotional character drama, all wrapped in an atmosphere thick with Cold War tension and apocalyptic dread.
From the first Titan attack, I was hooked. The sheer scale of this world is breathtaking, ancient myths colliding with modern science, soldiers being remade into gods, and a planet on the brink of collapse. The attention to detail makes everything feel real and terrifyingly possible.
What impressed me most, though, wasn’t just the monsters, it was the humanity. Every character, no matter how brief their appearance, carries weight. With multiple POVs, Ward gives us glimpses of fear, courage, and moral grayness that linger long after the last page.
And when talking about presentation: Next level! The artwork and QR code music links are such an amazing touch, turning the book into an immersive experience. It’s like watching a movie and reading a novel at once, the kind of creativity I wish more authors dared to attempt. For someone who attaches music to emotions or specific situations, this touch made this a very memorable adventure.
If you love:
⚡️Monsters vs. soldiers
⚡️Greek mythology with a modern twist
⚡️Science meets legend
⚡️Big, cinematic storytelling
From the first Titan attack, I was hooked. The sheer scale of this world is breathtaking, ancient myths colliding with modern science, soldiers being remade into gods, and a planet on the brink of collapse. The attention to detail makes everything feel real and terrifyingly possible.
What impressed me most, though, wasn’t just the monsters, it was the humanity. Every character, no matter how brief their appearance, carries weight. With multiple POVs, Ward gives us glimpses of fear, courage, and moral grayness that linger long after the last page.
And when talking about presentation: Next level! The artwork and QR code music links are such an amazing touch, turning the book into an immersive experience. It’s like watching a movie and reading a novel at once, the kind of creativity I wish more authors dared to attempt. For someone who attaches music to emotions or specific situations, this touch made this a very memorable adventure.
If you love:
⚡️Monsters vs. soldiers
⚡️Greek mythology with a modern twist
⚡️Science meets legend
⚡️Big, cinematic storytelling
November 19, 2025
A sci-fi horror/thriller with some Greek mythology sprinkled in? Yes, please. This was such a unique story unlike anything else I’ve read this year. It’s the first book in a four book series so it’s very heavy on world building.
Set during the Cold War 80’s, scientists have bio-engineered Titans, humans-turned-monsters from strains of the Pantheon Virus that was meant to give them enhanced abilities like that of the Greek gods. The world’s governments are teaming together to create a team to fight the Titans, enhanced with a new version of the virus. I wanted more of the Titans but I’m sure we’ll see more of them in books 2-4.
The author included QR codes of songs throughout the book for an immersive reading experience. I don’t listen to music when I drive, run, or workout (people think that’s psychotic, I know) but I thought that was such a neat thing to include.
Set during the Cold War 80’s, scientists have bio-engineered Titans, humans-turned-monsters from strains of the Pantheon Virus that was meant to give them enhanced abilities like that of the Greek gods. The world’s governments are teaming together to create a team to fight the Titans, enhanced with a new version of the virus. I wanted more of the Titans but I’m sure we’ll see more of them in books 2-4.
The author included QR codes of songs throughout the book for an immersive reading experience. I don’t listen to music when I drive, run, or workout (people think that’s psychotic, I know) but I thought that was such a neat thing to include.
October 9, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ I really loved the premise of this book. I thought it was well thought out and brings a lot of commentary about warfare and human nature.
The pacing was at times a little slow at some points, but the action scenes made up for it! I think the thing that prevented it from being a 5 star read (it’s a very compelling story and I am giving it a 4.5) is that it felt disjointed at times. I also wanted to understand more about the Titans in real time. We get to meet one in battle at the end, which was very cool. The questions asked about humanity is something I appreciated and think it was done so masterfully.
I could also tell Ward really cares about his work and wanted to make something unique and profound. I think he can definitely be proud of this story.
The pacing was at times a little slow at some points, but the action scenes made up for it! I think the thing that prevented it from being a 5 star read (it’s a very compelling story and I am giving it a 4.5) is that it felt disjointed at times. I also wanted to understand more about the Titans in real time. We get to meet one in battle at the end, which was very cool. The questions asked about humanity is something I appreciated and think it was done so masterfully.
I could also tell Ward really cares about his work and wanted to make something unique and profound. I think he can definitely be proud of this story.
February 4, 2025
Toy Soldiers did not disappoint! The world building is very immersive and as someone who loves music, I love the unique addition of QR codes that adds an auditory dimension to the storytelling that really compliments the narrative. If you’re into an action packed, thought provoking narrative with a good innovative take on human extinction level threats that involves titans, a good 1980s nostalgia vibe, good character development, then this is definitely a must read.
I also loved how the story masterfully intertwines elements of science fiction and mythology, exploring themes of unity, power, and the ethical implications of genetic manipulation. I love a good conflict but finding the right solution is just as important and the pantheon project was a great countermeasure for the extinction level threats in this story. It really satisfied my natural thirst for sci-fi and innovative taste for biological manipulation. I’m definitely looking forward to volume 2.
I also loved how the story masterfully intertwines elements of science fiction and mythology, exploring themes of unity, power, and the ethical implications of genetic manipulation. I love a good conflict but finding the right solution is just as important and the pantheon project was a great countermeasure for the extinction level threats in this story. It really satisfied my natural thirst for sci-fi and innovative taste for biological manipulation. I’m definitely looking forward to volume 2.
June 3, 2025
Ward totally took me by surprise! I picked it up thinking it would be another classic sci-fi adventure, but it turned out to be so much more than that. The story mixes a tense, Cold War atmosphere with monstrous Titans and a touch of Greek mythology, all set in the 1980s.
September 11, 2025
Huge thanks to @toysoldiersmm for sharing a copy with me ❤️ I was a bit skeptical, but let’s be honest I just don’t read enough horror by authors with legit quality. Every paragraph felt intentional and layered. It was darker than my usual reads, but brilliantly done. 100% recommend.
January 17, 2025
I won this book (Kindle version) for an honest review.
I really loved the cover of this book, it gives you the creepies. This is a rich and complex book that was a pleasure to read and I believe this author has the beginnings to something very special and therefore, I look forward to future stories from this great story teller.
I really loved the cover of this book, it gives you the creepies. This is a rich and complex book that was a pleasure to read and I believe this author has the beginnings to something very special and therefore, I look forward to future stories from this great story teller.
July 25, 2025
In full transparency, this author provided me a free copy for an HONEST review of his work.
I am typically a thriller/mystery/dark romance fan so sci-fi isn’t my typical wheelhouse.
BUT- this book blew me away.
The attention to detail, the carefully picked verbage- the research he must have gone through to talk about Greek mythology, to create a world based off the 1980’s, it’s truly staggering.
There is a great deal of suspense in this novel as the creatures are learned more about- how humanity must save itself before it can save the world; it definitely gives current superhero Avenger’s vibes but I am so here for it.
One of the strongest parts? The addition of songs through a QR code in this book, meant to be listened to as you read the scenes and move through the book. They provide a depth to the book that I haven’t seen before. Each one is unique as it depicts the current happenings in the book (no spoilers here!)
Through humanity learning of a threat, through reading the “first hand accounts” of this creatures disturbances, you feel the threat, the fear, the uncertainty that you could be next. Throughout the story, I found myself unable to pull away, needing to know what happened next and I think the fact that he was able to pull you in from the gate and keep attention throughout the story is a great feat in itself.
All of this to say, I don’t typically read or like sci-fi, old mythological-esque books but I LOVED this one.
From the prologue, I was immediately reeled in and I have found myself wanting more as I finished the last pages.
Really looking forward to what he has to say next.
I am typically a thriller/mystery/dark romance fan so sci-fi isn’t my typical wheelhouse.
BUT- this book blew me away.
The attention to detail, the carefully picked verbage- the research he must have gone through to talk about Greek mythology, to create a world based off the 1980’s, it’s truly staggering.
There is a great deal of suspense in this novel as the creatures are learned more about- how humanity must save itself before it can save the world; it definitely gives current superhero Avenger’s vibes but I am so here for it.
One of the strongest parts? The addition of songs through a QR code in this book, meant to be listened to as you read the scenes and move through the book. They provide a depth to the book that I haven’t seen before. Each one is unique as it depicts the current happenings in the book (no spoilers here!)
Through humanity learning of a threat, through reading the “first hand accounts” of this creatures disturbances, you feel the threat, the fear, the uncertainty that you could be next. Throughout the story, I found myself unable to pull away, needing to know what happened next and I think the fact that he was able to pull you in from the gate and keep attention throughout the story is a great feat in itself.
All of this to say, I don’t typically read or like sci-fi, old mythological-esque books but I LOVED this one.
From the prologue, I was immediately reeled in and I have found myself wanting more as I finished the last pages.
Really looking forward to what he has to say next.
July 23, 2025
Book Review: Toy Soldiers: Of Monsters and Men, Vol. 1 by D.D. Ward
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
This book doesn’t just tell a story. It dissects one. Toy Soldiers is part gritty horror, part speculative thinkpiece, and part mythpunk war machine with a philosophical payload big enough to crack open your moral compass. It doesn’t ask if humanity is worth saving. It asks if humanity was ever more than a weapon pointed at itself.
⟡ Opening Vibe: Urban horror, no brakes
The prologue grabs you by the ankle and drags you into a hell where even the monsters have monsters. It opens in a cracked city that’s alive with rot and fear, then gets worse. There’s dread in the details: the rhythm of heels on pavement, the way light fractures like bone, the predator that stalks the predators. You don’t ease into this world. You survive it.
✅ Highlights:
➤ Predator vs. predator hierarchy
You think you know the threat, then a new one steps out of the dark. Then another. The violence here isn’t gratuitous. It’s judicial. Not moral. Not heroic. Just cold, calculated force. That escalation is addictive.
➤ The green-eyed boy
Not a savior. Not a villain. Just there, emotionless, deliberate, angel-of-death energy. A spectral presence who feels less like a person and more like a supernatural constant.
➤ Cosmic stakes teased early
One voice in the dark, laughing, ancient, watching, hints that this is bigger than city streets or gunfights. The shift from urban horror to something mythic is one of the cleanest tonal pivots I’ve read.
🎯 Thematic Thread
"Man is a wolf to man." Except maybe there’s only one wolf. The line "Maybe there are, in fact, not two wolves but just one" becomes the philosophical knife the rest of the novel sharpens itself on. The dualities, good vs. evil, myth vs. science, soldier vs. child, blur until there’s just violence and survival, echoed across gods and mortals alike.
🧠 Philosophical Weight
This isn’t just dystopia. It’s dystopia with a degree in political theory. Every major character carries an ideological thread. Realpolitik, spiritual fatalism, war as policy. The Hobbes, Machiavelli, Adam Smith nods aren’t gimmicks. They’re genetic. This book weaponizes philosophy.
💥 Myth + Biotech + Military = Hell Yes
The Olympian soldier strains? Brilliant. The absence of Hades? Deliciously ominous. These aren't gods. These are echoes of gods reprogrammed into war machines. But myth doesn’t forget. It waits.
➤ Favorite Bit of Reinvention:
Petteia, the ancient war game rebranded as “Pebbles,” used for tactical training and sibling banter. It’s sharp, funny, and painfully loaded with cultural decay. Also: “Yeah, the same between my brother’s thighs” is peak gallows humor.
🎭 Characters Who Slap (Literally and Figuratively):
Jack Mallory – The manipulator with Iliad in his bloodstream. Watching him play fate like a chess game is terrifying and kind of hot.
Grace – Your emotional seatbelt. Her quiet wisdom and smokescreen charm ground the chaos.
Tony Smith – Gets his sniper showcase and it’s brutal. His precision is art. Until it's not.
Ana Soto (Eris) – Chaos incarnate. Her name choice? Chills. She didn’t choose violence. She is violence.
🎧 Song Match
“Knights of Cydonia” – Muse
Because this book is an electric war hymn written in cosmic blood. It's all drive, dread, and divine doom.
📎 Best Quote:
“Maybe there are, in fact, not two wolves but just one.”
⚠️ Content Warnings:
Graphic violence, body horror, child endangerment, war, military trauma, loss of parent, existential dread, philosophical despair, manipulation, imperialism, religious themes
💀 Final Verdict:
Toy Soldiers: Vol. 1 is a myth-soaked, philosophically rich dystopian epic that balances cosmic horror with boots-on-the-ground trauma. It dares to ask what happens when we play god with gods already watching and doesn’t flinch when the answer bleeds.
Bring a coin. And maybe a prayer.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
This book doesn’t just tell a story. It dissects one. Toy Soldiers is part gritty horror, part speculative thinkpiece, and part mythpunk war machine with a philosophical payload big enough to crack open your moral compass. It doesn’t ask if humanity is worth saving. It asks if humanity was ever more than a weapon pointed at itself.
⟡ Opening Vibe: Urban horror, no brakes
The prologue grabs you by the ankle and drags you into a hell where even the monsters have monsters. It opens in a cracked city that’s alive with rot and fear, then gets worse. There’s dread in the details: the rhythm of heels on pavement, the way light fractures like bone, the predator that stalks the predators. You don’t ease into this world. You survive it.
✅ Highlights:
➤ Predator vs. predator hierarchy
You think you know the threat, then a new one steps out of the dark. Then another. The violence here isn’t gratuitous. It’s judicial. Not moral. Not heroic. Just cold, calculated force. That escalation is addictive.
➤ The green-eyed boy
Not a savior. Not a villain. Just there, emotionless, deliberate, angel-of-death energy. A spectral presence who feels less like a person and more like a supernatural constant.
➤ Cosmic stakes teased early
One voice in the dark, laughing, ancient, watching, hints that this is bigger than city streets or gunfights. The shift from urban horror to something mythic is one of the cleanest tonal pivots I’ve read.
🎯 Thematic Thread
"Man is a wolf to man." Except maybe there’s only one wolf. The line "Maybe there are, in fact, not two wolves but just one" becomes the philosophical knife the rest of the novel sharpens itself on. The dualities, good vs. evil, myth vs. science, soldier vs. child, blur until there’s just violence and survival, echoed across gods and mortals alike.
🧠 Philosophical Weight
This isn’t just dystopia. It’s dystopia with a degree in political theory. Every major character carries an ideological thread. Realpolitik, spiritual fatalism, war as policy. The Hobbes, Machiavelli, Adam Smith nods aren’t gimmicks. They’re genetic. This book weaponizes philosophy.
💥 Myth + Biotech + Military = Hell Yes
The Olympian soldier strains? Brilliant. The absence of Hades? Deliciously ominous. These aren't gods. These are echoes of gods reprogrammed into war machines. But myth doesn’t forget. It waits.
➤ Favorite Bit of Reinvention:
Petteia, the ancient war game rebranded as “Pebbles,” used for tactical training and sibling banter. It’s sharp, funny, and painfully loaded with cultural decay. Also: “Yeah, the same between my brother’s thighs” is peak gallows humor.
🎭 Characters Who Slap (Literally and Figuratively):
Jack Mallory – The manipulator with Iliad in his bloodstream. Watching him play fate like a chess game is terrifying and kind of hot.
Grace – Your emotional seatbelt. Her quiet wisdom and smokescreen charm ground the chaos.
Tony Smith – Gets his sniper showcase and it’s brutal. His precision is art. Until it's not.
Ana Soto (Eris) – Chaos incarnate. Her name choice? Chills. She didn’t choose violence. She is violence.
🎧 Song Match
“Knights of Cydonia” – Muse
Because this book is an electric war hymn written in cosmic blood. It's all drive, dread, and divine doom.
📎 Best Quote:
“Maybe there are, in fact, not two wolves but just one.”
⚠️ Content Warnings:
Graphic violence, body horror, child endangerment, war, military trauma, loss of parent, existential dread, philosophical despair, manipulation, imperialism, religious themes
💀 Final Verdict:
Toy Soldiers: Vol. 1 is a myth-soaked, philosophically rich dystopian epic that balances cosmic horror with boots-on-the-ground trauma. It dares to ask what happens when we play god with gods already watching and doesn’t flinch when the answer bleeds.
Bring a coin. And maybe a prayer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2025
Toy Soldiers is one of those books that sneaks up on you, slowly at first, then all at once. It’s a dark blend of sci-fi, mythology, political intrigue, and monster-horror stitched together with an ambition that becomes clearer with every chapter. From the opening scene, Ward drops you straight into a moment so intense and bizarre that you can’t help but think: Who is that? What is that thing? And what on earth have I just walked into?
What follows is a story that spans continents, conspiracies, and Cold War tension. At the center of it all is Grace, whose investigation into a series of brutal night-time attacks pulls her into the orbit of secrets far bigger than she ever imagined. Her path eventually intertwines with the Pantheon: an elite, deeply flawed unit whose members are as dangerous to each other as the monstrous Titans they’re supposed to face. The group dynamics are messy in the best possible way: rivalries, clashing agendas, hidden vulnerabilities. It gives the book a volatile energy that never really lets up.
The Titans themselves are a massive, myth-inspired, bio-engineered terrors with the ability to heal and evolve. They feel both awe-inducing and genuinely frightening, especially as the story peels back layers of truth about where they came from and who might really be responsible. One of the book’s strongest threads is the ongoing question: Are the monsters the creatures... or the people who made them?
Now, let’s talk world-building. It’s dense, detailed, and clearly the result of an author who put serious thought into every piece of lore, science, history, and mythology woven in. This isn’t a breezy read you can’t skim it. It’s more of a slow burn that rewards patience. Once you settle into its rhythm, you begin to appreciate just how carefully the puzzle pieces have been arranged. And when they click, they click hard.
One of the most delightful surprises is the multimedia element: QR-coded playlists woven throughout the chapters. It’s such a fun idea, and it genuinely adds to the atmosphere, like having a custom soundtrack composed specifically for the tension you’re feeling in the moment. Paired with the illustrations sprinkled across the pages, the whole thing feels like a hybrid experience somewhere between a novel and a cinematic concept album.
Ward’s writing shines especially during the action scenes. They’re sharp, clear, and surprisingly easy to follow despite the sheer scale of chaos involved. Even the slower chapters, which do carry a lot of information, don’t feel pointless. They lay the foundation for an enormous story world that clearly has much more to offer in future volumes.
If I have one personal gripe, it’s that some chapters run a bit long. Readers who prefer punchier pacing might feel the weight of that. But honestly, once the story gains momentum, it more than makes up for the slower stretches.
By the time the final chapter rolled around, with a twist that circles brilliantly back to the opening scene, I felt that delicious mix of satisfaction and frustration that only comes from finishing a book and immediately wanting the next one. Ward is definitely building toward something massive, and I’m absolutely on board.
Verdict: A rich, immersive sci-fi thriller packed with monsters, mythology, Cold War tension, and a level of world-building that’s both ambitious and rewarding. Unique, atmospheric, and full of heart. Not a quick read, but absolutely worth the time if you enjoy dark speculative fiction with depth, scale, and a cinematic feel.
I’m incredibly grateful to the author for sending me a free ebook. It always means a lot when an author trusts you enough to share their work directly. It’s one thing to pick up a book on your own, but it’s another to know the creator genuinely wants you to step into their world. Thank you for that.
What follows is a story that spans continents, conspiracies, and Cold War tension. At the center of it all is Grace, whose investigation into a series of brutal night-time attacks pulls her into the orbit of secrets far bigger than she ever imagined. Her path eventually intertwines with the Pantheon: an elite, deeply flawed unit whose members are as dangerous to each other as the monstrous Titans they’re supposed to face. The group dynamics are messy in the best possible way: rivalries, clashing agendas, hidden vulnerabilities. It gives the book a volatile energy that never really lets up.
The Titans themselves are a massive, myth-inspired, bio-engineered terrors with the ability to heal and evolve. They feel both awe-inducing and genuinely frightening, especially as the story peels back layers of truth about where they came from and who might really be responsible. One of the book’s strongest threads is the ongoing question: Are the monsters the creatures... or the people who made them?
Now, let’s talk world-building. It’s dense, detailed, and clearly the result of an author who put serious thought into every piece of lore, science, history, and mythology woven in. This isn’t a breezy read you can’t skim it. It’s more of a slow burn that rewards patience. Once you settle into its rhythm, you begin to appreciate just how carefully the puzzle pieces have been arranged. And when they click, they click hard.
One of the most delightful surprises is the multimedia element: QR-coded playlists woven throughout the chapters. It’s such a fun idea, and it genuinely adds to the atmosphere, like having a custom soundtrack composed specifically for the tension you’re feeling in the moment. Paired with the illustrations sprinkled across the pages, the whole thing feels like a hybrid experience somewhere between a novel and a cinematic concept album.
Ward’s writing shines especially during the action scenes. They’re sharp, clear, and surprisingly easy to follow despite the sheer scale of chaos involved. Even the slower chapters, which do carry a lot of information, don’t feel pointless. They lay the foundation for an enormous story world that clearly has much more to offer in future volumes.
If I have one personal gripe, it’s that some chapters run a bit long. Readers who prefer punchier pacing might feel the weight of that. But honestly, once the story gains momentum, it more than makes up for the slower stretches.
By the time the final chapter rolled around, with a twist that circles brilliantly back to the opening scene, I felt that delicious mix of satisfaction and frustration that only comes from finishing a book and immediately wanting the next one. Ward is definitely building toward something massive, and I’m absolutely on board.
Verdict: A rich, immersive sci-fi thriller packed with monsters, mythology, Cold War tension, and a level of world-building that’s both ambitious and rewarding. Unique, atmospheric, and full of heart. Not a quick read, but absolutely worth the time if you enjoy dark speculative fiction with depth, scale, and a cinematic feel.
I’m incredibly grateful to the author for sending me a free ebook. It always means a lot when an author trusts you enough to share their work directly. It’s one thing to pick up a book on your own, but it’s another to know the creator genuinely wants you to step into their world. Thank you for that.
October 19, 2025
Toy Soldiers is one of those stories that grabs you right away with its ambition. It’s bold, strange, and full of personality. The world feels like a mash-up of Attack on Titan, Cowboy Bebop, and X-Men, but it never leans on imitation. Instead, Ward takes those familiar ideas and reimagines them through the lens of an alternate 1984, one where music, mythology, and monsters collide. The chapters are paired with QR code playlists that turn the entire novel into something like a concept album. You don’t just read it; you experience it.
What’s immediately clear is that Ward took his time weaving Greek mythology into the foundation of the story. The naming of the Titans feels deliberate and symbolic, pulling from ancient myth while tying in philosophical ideas about humanity, morality, and power.
Even the character names seem intentional, many of them drawn from philosophers and thinkers who once questioned the same ideas this book explores. It’s mythology meeting modern ruin, intellect meeting apocalypse.
The opening is pure cinematic destruction. It starts in a dark alley and then stretches across continents and perspectives. The monsters’ spread feels like a plague—fast, merciless, and impossible to contain. It even mirrors the crack epidemic, devastation flowing through communities before anyone can respond. Ward captures that collapse with terrifying clarity.
One of my favorite parts of the book is a classic trope: a powerful governing body and the ultra-wealthy pulling the strings. The revelation that a shadow government sought to use these monstrous beings to control the population, to consolidate power, is both fascinating and horrifying.
What makes it brilliant is how real it feels. It’s the same logic that birthed nuclear weapons, humans chasing ultimate control, only to discover the monster can’t be contained. Ward nails that irony. It’s chilling because it’s true.
While the Titans are horrifying, I loved the early idea of a one-man army built to target evil and spare the innocent. It’s a twisted kind of justice because even if the intent is noble, it’s still killing.
That moral tension gives the story its edge. It also reminded me of Attack on Titan, not because Ward borrows, but because he explores similar themes of humanity fighting back against forces far beyond their control. It fits within the kaiju tradition but feels entirely his own.
The characters hold it all together. Grace Bailey is sharp, calm, and unflappable, the kind of person people underestimate until she strikes. Tobias radiates strength and authority, her perfect counterbalance. And the recurring Three Stooges gag. Grace calling her guards Moe and Curly adds just enough humor to remind you there’s still humanity buried under all the chaos.
Ward’s prose is lush and lyrical, often pausing to reflect before the next wave of destruction. Some moments slow down, but that breathing room lets the tension build. Beneath the action, this is a story about power, morality, and the consequences of human ambition.
Sure there is A LOT of information. Still, at the end of the day, Toy Soldiers is messy in the best way. It’s chaotic, emotional, and fun. The music integration is genius, the horror feels real, and the commentary on control and corruption makes it worth the read.
What’s immediately clear is that Ward took his time weaving Greek mythology into the foundation of the story. The naming of the Titans feels deliberate and symbolic, pulling from ancient myth while tying in philosophical ideas about humanity, morality, and power.
Even the character names seem intentional, many of them drawn from philosophers and thinkers who once questioned the same ideas this book explores. It’s mythology meeting modern ruin, intellect meeting apocalypse.
The opening is pure cinematic destruction. It starts in a dark alley and then stretches across continents and perspectives. The monsters’ spread feels like a plague—fast, merciless, and impossible to contain. It even mirrors the crack epidemic, devastation flowing through communities before anyone can respond. Ward captures that collapse with terrifying clarity.
One of my favorite parts of the book is a classic trope: a powerful governing body and the ultra-wealthy pulling the strings. The revelation that a shadow government sought to use these monstrous beings to control the population, to consolidate power, is both fascinating and horrifying.
What makes it brilliant is how real it feels. It’s the same logic that birthed nuclear weapons, humans chasing ultimate control, only to discover the monster can’t be contained. Ward nails that irony. It’s chilling because it’s true.
While the Titans are horrifying, I loved the early idea of a one-man army built to target evil and spare the innocent. It’s a twisted kind of justice because even if the intent is noble, it’s still killing.
That moral tension gives the story its edge. It also reminded me of Attack on Titan, not because Ward borrows, but because he explores similar themes of humanity fighting back against forces far beyond their control. It fits within the kaiju tradition but feels entirely his own.
The characters hold it all together. Grace Bailey is sharp, calm, and unflappable, the kind of person people underestimate until she strikes. Tobias radiates strength and authority, her perfect counterbalance. And the recurring Three Stooges gag. Grace calling her guards Moe and Curly adds just enough humor to remind you there’s still humanity buried under all the chaos.
Ward’s prose is lush and lyrical, often pausing to reflect before the next wave of destruction. Some moments slow down, but that breathing room lets the tension build. Beneath the action, this is a story about power, morality, and the consequences of human ambition.
Sure there is A LOT of information. Still, at the end of the day, Toy Soldiers is messy in the best way. It’s chaotic, emotional, and fun. The music integration is genius, the horror feels real, and the commentary on control and corruption makes it worth the read.
July 24, 2025
D.D. Ward's Toy Soldiers: Of Monsters and Men, Vol. 1 is nothing short of a literary triumph, earning a resounding five-star review. From the very first page, Ward's prose is so articulately written that it's effortless to visualize every intricate detail and scene he describes. This vivid imagery is a constant delight, pulling you deeper into a world where the lines between fantasy and reality are beautifully blurred.
One of the most innovative and captivating elements of this book is the accompanying musical score. The suggestion to listen to specific tracks while reading isn't just a gimmick; it genuinely enhances the experience, perfectly capturing the mood and intensity of Ward's creations. This unique synergy between literature and music elevates the storytelling, making the emotional impact of each scene even more profound.
Ward masterfully weaves together Greek mythology with Cold War tension, presenting a world where colossal Titans are not only uniquely described but also possess a captivating self-sufficiency.
This blend creates a rich, complex tapestry where ancient lore collides with modern anxieties, resulting in a narrative that is both epic and intensely personal. The genre-bending is seamless, as the story effortlessly transitions between sci-fi, thriller, and mystery, keeping you on the edge of your seat with every turn of the page.
The narrative's structure, with its time lapses of events across the globe, adds a sweeping, global scope to the unfolding drama, making the stakes feel incredibly high and personal. Despite its breadth, the book never feels overwhelming. Instead, it's a fast-paced read, so rich with detail that it never bores you.
Beyond the thrilling plot, the story boasts immense emotional depth and a truly complex history. The characters are multi-faceted, their motivations and struggles resonating long after you've finished reading. The way the book is constructed not only brilliantly sets the stage for this volume but also meticulously lays the groundwork for future books, creating an overwhelming anticipation for what's to come. And that fight at the end? Absolutely magnificent! It's a breathtaking culmination that solidifies this book as an unforgettable journey.
If you're looking for a book that will transport you to another world, challenge your perceptions, and leave you clamoring for more, Toy Soldiers: Of Monsters and Men, Vol. 1 is an absolute must-read.
One of the most innovative and captivating elements of this book is the accompanying musical score. The suggestion to listen to specific tracks while reading isn't just a gimmick; it genuinely enhances the experience, perfectly capturing the mood and intensity of Ward's creations. This unique synergy between literature and music elevates the storytelling, making the emotional impact of each scene even more profound.
Ward masterfully weaves together Greek mythology with Cold War tension, presenting a world where colossal Titans are not only uniquely described but also possess a captivating self-sufficiency.
This blend creates a rich, complex tapestry where ancient lore collides with modern anxieties, resulting in a narrative that is both epic and intensely personal. The genre-bending is seamless, as the story effortlessly transitions between sci-fi, thriller, and mystery, keeping you on the edge of your seat with every turn of the page.
The narrative's structure, with its time lapses of events across the globe, adds a sweeping, global scope to the unfolding drama, making the stakes feel incredibly high and personal. Despite its breadth, the book never feels overwhelming. Instead, it's a fast-paced read, so rich with detail that it never bores you.
Beyond the thrilling plot, the story boasts immense emotional depth and a truly complex history. The characters are multi-faceted, their motivations and struggles resonating long after you've finished reading. The way the book is constructed not only brilliantly sets the stage for this volume but also meticulously lays the groundwork for future books, creating an overwhelming anticipation for what's to come. And that fight at the end? Absolutely magnificent! It's a breathtaking culmination that solidifies this book as an unforgettable journey.
If you're looking for a book that will transport you to another world, challenge your perceptions, and leave you clamoring for more, Toy Soldiers: Of Monsters and Men, Vol. 1 is an absolute must-read.
December 1, 2025
I got the suggestion to read this one directly from the author so I went and bought a copy.
The premise of the book drew me in and I jumped into it a while back. Some of my other book clubs and life got intense so I dropped out and finally came back to complete it so my recollection is a bit fuzzy for the start of the book.
The book started off strong and I loved the setup. The story establishes the horror and rhythm of the events through what seems like a minor conflict. That said, the horror seemed to be absent from the rest of the narrative. The story then closes that brief introduction and jumps to our protagonists. The jump served to do that tone shift where you as the reader know what is going on and now must walk side by side with the protagonist discovering the truth. All was good, then I found myself slowing down due to how dense some parts of the descriptions are, it felt like I read multiple pages and was still stuck in the same second of the story, the depth of the description broke the rhythm of events for me and pulled me out of the immersion, which was one of the reasons I so easily jumped away from this book.
I understand this book is the setup for a wider narrative but I still find it to be too dense, to the point that I feel I have not discovered anything of the story and feel myself a bit drawn out. I have too many questions and some might even be criticisms of the story but given how dense it was and still how in the dark I feel, I'm wary to comment any of them.
On the flip side the action scenes are well detailed and exciting. Sadly there isn’t much of them and the inner thoughts or descriptions draw out a bit too long for my liking, which again, caused the scenes to not feel like a lightning fast combat but a long bout underwater.
As for the characters I have to say none were my cup of tea and that's another reason I probably didn’t really vibe with this story. The repetitiveness in certain traits that accentuate their defining characteristic, not by virtue of it happening but because of the narrator forcing attention to it made the character’s personality feel washed out; it's there but it's under so much other stuff that I never really got to outline it beyond certain very peculiar actions.
I think if you are looking for something different with a bit of action and have the inclination and love for denser narratives this book is definitely for you, but I would definitely caution lighter readers away from it.
The premise of the book drew me in and I jumped into it a while back. Some of my other book clubs and life got intense so I dropped out and finally came back to complete it so my recollection is a bit fuzzy for the start of the book.
The book started off strong and I loved the setup. The story establishes the horror and rhythm of the events through what seems like a minor conflict. That said, the horror seemed to be absent from the rest of the narrative. The story then closes that brief introduction and jumps to our protagonists. The jump served to do that tone shift where you as the reader know what is going on and now must walk side by side with the protagonist discovering the truth. All was good, then I found myself slowing down due to how dense some parts of the descriptions are, it felt like I read multiple pages and was still stuck in the same second of the story, the depth of the description broke the rhythm of events for me and pulled me out of the immersion, which was one of the reasons I so easily jumped away from this book.
I understand this book is the setup for a wider narrative but I still find it to be too dense, to the point that I feel I have not discovered anything of the story and feel myself a bit drawn out. I have too many questions and some might even be criticisms of the story but given how dense it was and still how in the dark I feel, I'm wary to comment any of them.
On the flip side the action scenes are well detailed and exciting. Sadly there isn’t much of them and the inner thoughts or descriptions draw out a bit too long for my liking, which again, caused the scenes to not feel like a lightning fast combat but a long bout underwater.
As for the characters I have to say none were my cup of tea and that's another reason I probably didn’t really vibe with this story. The repetitiveness in certain traits that accentuate their defining characteristic, not by virtue of it happening but because of the narrator forcing attention to it made the character’s personality feel washed out; it's there but it's under so much other stuff that I never really got to outline it beyond certain very peculiar actions.
I think if you are looking for something different with a bit of action and have the inclination and love for denser narratives this book is definitely for you, but I would definitely caution lighter readers away from it.
April 23, 2025
D.D. Ward’s Toy Soldiers: Of Monsters and Men Vol. 1 isn’t just a book! It’s an experience. From the very first line to the powerful epilogue, it pulls you in and refuses to let go. Ward delivers a gripping story full of tension, rich character depth, and one of the most unique storytelling tools I’ve seen in a while: music woven directly into the narrative.
Right away, the structure and pacing build a sense of anticipation that makes you want to keep turning the pages. Every chapter feels intentional, setting up not just this book but the entire series. You can tell a lot of thought went into crafting this world.
The prologue? Whew. It's sharp, suspenseful, and emotionally intense. Total instant hook. And the way music is introduced, especially the idea of an “outro song” tied to key moments, felt incredibly fresh. One moment had me asking, what hits harder than gunfire? And when the answer came…chills.
As the story unfolds, it keeps delivering, intellectual depth, layered world-building, and characters that feel real. Their backstories feel lived-in, their struggles hit hard, and you find yourself genuinely caring about what happens to them.
The fight scenes are another highlight. They’re vivid, intense, and super easy to follow which isn’t always the case with action-heavy books. Ward knows how to write cinematic-level action without losing clarity.
What really stuck with me, though, was the exploration of duality, especially through the recurring symbol of the coin. It’s such a clever and meaningful detail, tying into the story’s bigger themes such as good vs. evil, past vs. present, clarity vs. confusion. And Ward doesn’t just stay on the surface, there’s a deep dive into the moral grey areas that gives this book lasting impact.
The music isn’t just a vibe, it’s a full-on storytelling tool. It adds emotion, weight, and originality in a way I didn’t expect. By the time I got to the epilogue, everything came together in such a satisfying, powerful way. It’s honestly brilliant.
Bottom line? Toy Soldiers is a standout. Smart writing, unforgettable characters, heart-racing action, and that bold use of music make it a must-read. If you’re into fantasy or action-driven stories that break the mold and hit you in the feels, this one’s for you. Vol. 1 sets the bar high and I’m already hyped for what’s next.
Right away, the structure and pacing build a sense of anticipation that makes you want to keep turning the pages. Every chapter feels intentional, setting up not just this book but the entire series. You can tell a lot of thought went into crafting this world.
The prologue? Whew. It's sharp, suspenseful, and emotionally intense. Total instant hook. And the way music is introduced, especially the idea of an “outro song” tied to key moments, felt incredibly fresh. One moment had me asking, what hits harder than gunfire? And when the answer came…chills.
As the story unfolds, it keeps delivering, intellectual depth, layered world-building, and characters that feel real. Their backstories feel lived-in, their struggles hit hard, and you find yourself genuinely caring about what happens to them.
The fight scenes are another highlight. They’re vivid, intense, and super easy to follow which isn’t always the case with action-heavy books. Ward knows how to write cinematic-level action without losing clarity.
What really stuck with me, though, was the exploration of duality, especially through the recurring symbol of the coin. It’s such a clever and meaningful detail, tying into the story’s bigger themes such as good vs. evil, past vs. present, clarity vs. confusion. And Ward doesn’t just stay on the surface, there’s a deep dive into the moral grey areas that gives this book lasting impact.
The music isn’t just a vibe, it’s a full-on storytelling tool. It adds emotion, weight, and originality in a way I didn’t expect. By the time I got to the epilogue, everything came together in such a satisfying, powerful way. It’s honestly brilliant.
Bottom line? Toy Soldiers is a standout. Smart writing, unforgettable characters, heart-racing action, and that bold use of music make it a must-read. If you’re into fantasy or action-driven stories that break the mold and hit you in the feels, this one’s for you. Vol. 1 sets the bar high and I’m already hyped for what’s next.
December 6, 2025
As autumn comes to a close and winter appears, I found reading Toy Soldiers: Of Monsters and Men, Vol. 1 by D.D Ward encapsulated the arrival of darker times. The book covers a series of strange events related to large supernatural beings who plague the Earth. Via interludes, the main narrative seeps into every aspect of life outside of the main characters’ spheres of influence. The interludes show the lives of everyday people who have been impacted by the strange goings-on around the globe.
In my own life, I am currently rewatching the X-Files series, and I couldn’t help but think of the show while I was reading Toy Soldiers: Of Monsters and Men. The atmosphere reminded me of those opening sequences before the iconic X-Files theme played: a seemingly normal night transforms into something unbelievable and unexpected in the blink of an eye. The interludes also lent to that feeling; they added a sense of depth to the world. Every event seemed more real because the interludes established the prevalence of the creatures on a global scale. It made everything much more realistic.
That being said, I do think a handful fewer interludes would have benefited the main narrative. The book also utilized QR codes for songs, which, while a timely choice, slightly slowed the reading experience for me. I would have liked the song title to just be mentioned, but that is also a personal preference. However, the single most important improvement would have been a more thorough copyedit.
The intensity of Toy Soldiers was visceral and engaging throughout. By the end, there was enough resolution to keep the reader satisfied while also allowing for some mystery to prompt the reader to pick up the next installment. The world clearly has more story to tell, but the ending of this first volume does feel like a chapter of the narrative has concluded.
Ultimately, Toy Soldiers: Of Monsters and Men by D.D Ward will appeal to those looking for a sci-fi novel that intrigues, horrifies, and takes its inspiration from Greek mythology. Each chapter and interlude builds on the lore and atmosphere in an interesting way, and I’m sure the next installments will do the same.
In my own life, I am currently rewatching the X-Files series, and I couldn’t help but think of the show while I was reading Toy Soldiers: Of Monsters and Men. The atmosphere reminded me of those opening sequences before the iconic X-Files theme played: a seemingly normal night transforms into something unbelievable and unexpected in the blink of an eye. The interludes also lent to that feeling; they added a sense of depth to the world. Every event seemed more real because the interludes established the prevalence of the creatures on a global scale. It made everything much more realistic.
That being said, I do think a handful fewer interludes would have benefited the main narrative. The book also utilized QR codes for songs, which, while a timely choice, slightly slowed the reading experience for me. I would have liked the song title to just be mentioned, but that is also a personal preference. However, the single most important improvement would have been a more thorough copyedit.
The intensity of Toy Soldiers was visceral and engaging throughout. By the end, there was enough resolution to keep the reader satisfied while also allowing for some mystery to prompt the reader to pick up the next installment. The world clearly has more story to tell, but the ending of this first volume does feel like a chapter of the narrative has concluded.
Ultimately, Toy Soldiers: Of Monsters and Men by D.D Ward will appeal to those looking for a sci-fi novel that intrigues, horrifies, and takes its inspiration from Greek mythology. Each chapter and interlude builds on the lore and atmosphere in an interesting way, and I’m sure the next installments will do the same.
June 21, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
Toy Soldiers by D.D. Ward is an adrenaline-fueled, genre-blending ride. The premise alone is compelling—supernatural monsters are devastating the world, and humanity is scrambling to fight back. But what really sets this book apart is how it pulls you into that chaos through a wide range of perspectives, timelines, and locations. You’re not just following one hero’s journey—you’re witnessing the downfall and resistance of the world from multiple angles, which makes the scale of destruction feel massive and personal all at once.
There’s a unique mix of mythology, science, and military grit that gives this book real texture. We see hardened soldiers transformed into something supernatural, face moral choices, and forge both tense rivalries and emotional bonds. There’s sacrifice, manipulation, and questions around what we’re willing to become in the name of survival. All of it is laced with smart, punchy writing that knows how to keep things moving without sacrificing character depth or clarity.
The action is relentless but never exhausting. There are fights, high-stakes missions, and moments of reflection that let you breathe just enough before diving back into the chaos. One of my favorite touches? Ward includes scannable links to music that set the tone for key scenes. Paired with embedded graphics, it made the whole reading experience immersive and cinematic in a way I haven’t really seen done this well before.
My only hesitation in giving it a full five stars is that with so many perspectives and timelines, there were moments where I wanted just a little more time to sit with certain characters or explore a relationship more deeply before the action swept us away again. But that’s a minor note in an otherwise intense, well-crafted story.
If you like your speculative fiction fast-paced, character-driven, and packed with visual storytelling and a touch of mythology-meets-military-supernatural chaos, Toy Soldiers delivers. I can’t wait to see what Ward does next.
Toy Soldiers by D.D. Ward is an adrenaline-fueled, genre-blending ride. The premise alone is compelling—supernatural monsters are devastating the world, and humanity is scrambling to fight back. But what really sets this book apart is how it pulls you into that chaos through a wide range of perspectives, timelines, and locations. You’re not just following one hero’s journey—you’re witnessing the downfall and resistance of the world from multiple angles, which makes the scale of destruction feel massive and personal all at once.
There’s a unique mix of mythology, science, and military grit that gives this book real texture. We see hardened soldiers transformed into something supernatural, face moral choices, and forge both tense rivalries and emotional bonds. There’s sacrifice, manipulation, and questions around what we’re willing to become in the name of survival. All of it is laced with smart, punchy writing that knows how to keep things moving without sacrificing character depth or clarity.
The action is relentless but never exhausting. There are fights, high-stakes missions, and moments of reflection that let you breathe just enough before diving back into the chaos. One of my favorite touches? Ward includes scannable links to music that set the tone for key scenes. Paired with embedded graphics, it made the whole reading experience immersive and cinematic in a way I haven’t really seen done this well before.
My only hesitation in giving it a full five stars is that with so many perspectives and timelines, there were moments where I wanted just a little more time to sit with certain characters or explore a relationship more deeply before the action swept us away again. But that’s a minor note in an otherwise intense, well-crafted story.
If you like your speculative fiction fast-paced, character-driven, and packed with visual storytelling and a touch of mythology-meets-military-supernatural chaos, Toy Soldiers delivers. I can’t wait to see what Ward does next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews