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The Gotland Deception

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The world was on fire.
It didn’t matter who started it…
…only who ended it.

In the 2030s, the era of Putin and Xi ended, not with a bang, but in a poisoned whisper. In their place, new leaders emerged—charismatic, technocratic, and unflinchingly bold. As Russia and China purged their past, crushing the oligarchy, an alliance for future control emerged.

Rare earth minerals had become the currency of the 21st century—whoever controlled them would dominate the future. From energy to data centers, microchips to autonomous weapons, all the world powers raced to see who would come out on top.

World War III had already begun…
…even if no one realized it yet.

Angola, Svalbard, Palawan, and Taiwan were more than just names on a map. They were the frontlines to a proxy war to control the means of production. These pawns on the chessboard would determine the technology of the future.

The Portuguese President was killed in Angola. A Dutch warship was sunk near the Philippines. A Chinese vessel sabotaged undersea cables near Gotland. NATO was forced to respond.

Would the newly formed Eurasian Defense Economic Pact reshape the world?
Could the US and NATO extinguish the flames of war before it was too late?

Find out what happens next in The Gotland Deception, a chillingly plausible technothriller from the international bestselling author of The Monroe Doctrine series and Battlefield Ukraine.

Grab your copy today—and brace for impact.

357 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 28, 2025

716 people are currently reading
52 people want to read

About the author

James Rosone

114 books364 followers

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5 stars
358 (66%)
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147 (27%)
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28 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
568 reviews10 followers
August 6, 2025
I recently had to opportunity to read the new offering from James Rosone and the exciting folks over at Frontline Publishing, Inc. The first book in their A World on Fire series is The Gotland Deception, which I believe the author mentioned is probably going to be eight or nine books in length (after reading the first book, one can only hope).

As the explosive opener to his World on Fire series, this novel bridges the gap between today's headlines and tomorrow's nightmares—think Clancy's “Red Storm Rising” crossed with the unsettling reality of autonomous warfare—this is a terrifying future you won’t be able to stop reading.

In this series opener, Rosone has expanded his technical expertise significantly from his Monroe Doctrine series. Where those books explored Chinese expansion in the Americas, “The Gotland Deception” orchestrates a global chess match across the Baltic, Taiwan Strait, and Arctic passages. The result is a masterfully crafted thriller that feels less like fiction and more like a leaked intelligence assessment from 2033.
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The narrative of the story that Rosone masterfully weaves revolves around espionage, geopolitical tensions, and covert operations, leading to a potential global conflict.

Espionage plays a central role in The Gotland Deception, driving tension and shaping the narrative through various elements:

Sabotage and Covert Operations: Espionage is pivotal in actions like placing explosive devices on Gotland and reconnaissance markers near Patriot batteries, showcasing covert tactics to destabilize regions and gather intelligence. ​

Disguised Operatives: Characters such as Klara Hedevig and others use cover identities, like birdwatchers or environmentalists, to infiltrate and gather intelligence on military movements and infrastructure. ​

Intelligence Gathering: Advanced surveillance systems, such as Taiwan’s SOSUS grid and AI-driven autonomous vehicles, are employed to track enemy movements and counteract strategies.

Counterintelligence Efforts: Swedish and NATO forces actively monitor suspicious activities, intercept communications, and track foreign operatives to mitigate threats. ​
Strategic Deception: Espionage involves misleading adversaries, such as disguising autonomous systems as fishing vessels or aquaculture equipment to avoid detection. ​

Global Intelligence Networks: Collaboration among intelligence agencies, including Swedish Intelligence, NATO, and Taiwan, highlights the global nature of espionage in countering threats. ​
Psychological Warfare: Espionage creates uncertainty and fear, with efforts by nations like China and Russia to intimidate and destabilize opponents through covert operations and intelligence leaks. ​

Strategic Implications: Espionage shapes the battlefield before open conflict, influencing military decisions and escalating tensions between nations. ​

Overall, espionage is portrayed as a high-stakes tool for offense, defense, and deception, deeply influencing the geopolitical and military conflict in the story. ​
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As in his previous "Monroe Doctrine" series, Rosone continues his exploration of the use of AI-controlled weapons (including M5 Ripsaw unmanned vehicles to Poland, the provision of 1,000 Sea Guardian smart mines, the use of Seeker-class XLUUVs and Hammer Shark torpedoes, designed for autonomous operations, and advanced air defense systems to Taiwan - Patriots and HIMARs), and manages to expertly weave strong character development as they navigate an increasingly automated battlefield.

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The main themes of The Gotland Deception include:

Geopolitical Tensions and Warfare: The novel explores escalating conflicts between global powers, such as NATO, and the Eurasian Defense and Economic Pact (EDEP) on the western front (specifically on Gotland and the nations surrounding the Baltic Ocean, as well as with China (with its "One China Policy"), and Taiwan, on the eastern front. This theme of the novel demonstrates the complexities of modern warfare and highlights international relations.

EDEP
The Eurasian Defense and Economic Pact (EDEP) in The Gotland Deception includes a coalition of nations led by China and Russia, aiming to challenge Western dominance (through organizations such as NATO). ​ The countries explicitly mentioned as part of EDEP are:

China: A leading force, contributing military, economic, and technological power.

Russia: Another dominant member, providing military strength and strategic positioning. ​

Iran: Participates in Middle Eastern operations. ​

Pakistan: Contributes mechanized forces and regional influence. ​

Afghanistan: Included for strategic reach. ​

Belarus: Hosts Russian and Chinese forces during exercises.

Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka: Extending influence into Southeast Asia and the Bay of Bengal. ​

Central Asian Nations: Includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.

North Korea: Gains access to Chinese ports and Russian energy. ​

Mongolia: Included for strategic location and resources. ​

(Additionally, the pact may include other Eurasian nations and possibly some BRICS members, though not all are explicitly listed.)

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Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems: It delves into the use of AI-driven technologies in military operations, such as drones and unmanned submarines, showcasing their capabilities and ethical implications. ​The novel discusses advancements in unmanned combat vessels and their role in future naval warfare strategies (particularly in the Pacific theatre of operations).

Survival and Defense: The story emphasizes the resilience and preparation of nations like Taiwan and Sweden as they face existential threats, underscoring themes of national sovereignty and homeland defense. ​

Human vs. Machine: The narrative contrasts human decision-making and emotional weight with the efficiency of autonomous systems, raising questions about the future of warfare and humanity's role in it. The weaponization of AI raises numerous ethical concerns. Can autonomous weapons, as mandated by international law, distinguish between combatants and civilians? Who bears responsibility if an AI-powered weapon causes inadvertent harm? Is it ethical to delegate decisions concerning life and death to machines? These concerns highlight the need for an ethical framework that governs the use of AI in warfare.

Sacrifice and Duty: Characters embody themes of honor, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting their nations and values, even under extreme pressure.

Espionage and Deception: Covert operations, sabotage, and intelligence gathering play a significant role, emphasizing the importance of strategy and subterfuge in modern conflicts. ​

Environmental and Civilian Impact: The story touches on how military operations affect local communities and ecosystems, highlighting the intersection of war with civilian life. ​

Global Consequences of Conflict: It underscores the interconnectedness of global events, where actions in one region ripple across the world, affecting alliances, economies, and societies. ​
Morality in War: The novel raises questions about the morality of war, the use of advanced technologies, and the balance between defense and aggression. ​

Brotherhood and Unity: The camaraderie among soldiers, allies, and civilians illustrates the importance of trust, teamwork, and shared purpose in adversity.

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The open ending of "The Gotland Deception" sets the stage for future installments, which leaves readers eager to see what happens next. This novel is a chillingly plausible technothriller from the international bestselling authors of The Monroe Doctrine series and Battlefield Ukraine

On my self-determined five-star rating scale, Rosone's The Gotland Deception is one of those few books that I feel would rate the vaunted five-star rating, as I believe that this book would easily be a favourite for aficionados of military thrillers, geopolitical fiction, and for those readers who enjoy stories with intricate plots and realistic details. Readers of authors such as early Tom Clancy ("Red Storm Rising"), F.X. Holden (Aggressor, Beachhead, and the Future War series), and T.K Blackwood ("Iron Crucible" series) would quickly become fans of "The Gotland Deception".

As with all my literary ramblings, these are just my five cents' worth.
Profile Image for Chance.
1,118 reviews22 followers
August 2, 2025
I keep calling this the Goat deception

You could quietly thing of this whole book has big prequel. Has story is almost completely a chess match if world powers move there pieces wait to see blinks has events play out similarly to how to thought but from asymmetrical warfare in Europe to autonomous navel ships in Asia the world Rosone isn’t fiction it might very well be prophecy has shows the paths technology and nations could/will use in the coming decades.

We have been warned. You have been warned. I have read it.


Error I found

On pages 26 you repeated this paragraph on page.27

"It's also a test." Varnell finally sat, his movements sharp with tension. "We've suspected this might happen eventually. If I had to guess, Beijing wants to see if we'll blink. If we'll submit and accept this as a new normal," Varnell said angrily. "Four and a half months, Jim. That's all the time we've got before they start strangling Taiwan's sea lanes and we have to make a tough choice."
Batista muttered a curse under his breath. "It's BS, Mr. Secre-
tary. A blockade in all but name."
Profile Image for Ric Ulloa.
200 reviews5 followers
January 10, 2026
James Rosone and Miranda Watson are by far, the best at writing series!! They hold me interest and they write the kind of books that Make me hate when they're done (I want more and really hate when the series end). I've yet to read any of their series that are not thorough and detailed in both story-line and character portrayals. It's just excellent writing at a top level. I cannot think of another author, or group of authors who do a better job in every book they put out. It's never a story of one book being weak, or resting on the laurels of prior books. They stand on their won merits and yet they tie in to the next books seamlessly. Their current series, beginning with the Gotland Deceptionhas alreahy captivated me so much that I'm almost 1.3 of the way through book number two (The Sulwaki Crisis) and it's been only a day since I've finished the first book! Awesome writing!!
98 reviews1 follower
August 19, 2025
The battles don't actually start yet - this is full of detailed descriptions of futuristic autonomous weapons which quite quickly become somewhat tedious. Plus there is a lot of glad handing about how much the troops admire each other, love to drink and party to bind together with other foreign forces and how much the USA is deferred to and respected by Taiwan military and navy. So there are no sharp edges on the allied side at all. When the battle finally does start the Mainland Chinese do ok even though that dont have all the US high tech AI stuff but of course we can be sure that wont last.

Dont think Ill buy the next book in the series unless I'm desperate to read something in this genre.
Profile Image for Ajitabh Pandey.
862 reviews51 followers
October 8, 2025
The Gotland Deception feels like a promising start to a larger military action series, but it spends far too much time setting the stage. Around 85% of the book is devoted to background — covering family life, military exercises, spy infiltration, and detailed descriptions of autonomous systems and equipment. While some groundwork is always needed, this level of buildup slows the pace considerably. The real action only kicks in during the final chapters, which are fast-paced and engaging enough to hint at the thrilling potential of the series ahead. I’m giving it three stars mainly for that ending — it suggests the sequels could deliver something as gripping as The Monroe Doctrine.
22 reviews
August 20, 2025
Another start to a great series

Dearest Authors-
I have read almost everything you have written and Ya’ll are just the best- Making Clancy ok old school- He was great too, different era. I am 70 and seen all I want to so far but it might just go stupid and we are all in it. Hope not, but Hope is not a plan. Wish you both well but its tough to wait til December for more. YES, I am a binge reader of books.
Hope God keeps ya’ll in the palm of his hand.
Yours truly.
Mark Maund
138 reviews
August 28, 2025
Well They Have Done Ot Again

James and Miranda have exceeded expectations with the this first book in their new series. They have set the table for a great feast of reading in the spirit of the classic Clancy novel “Red Storm Rising”. Without the central AI in a previous series, they have shown the mission creep of autonomous weapons systems. This allows the depiction of upgrades to current battlefield capabilities. This will be an interesting ride!
16 reviews
September 4, 2025
Nail Biter Alert

This is a great read for beginning a new series. It's realistic, matching our world today. You'll have a hard time putting in down until the end of this story which of course is only the beginning round of the whole story. Realistic and gut wrenching battles. Ready for you yourself to begin reading !
Profile Image for John Rosenberger.
87 reviews
October 15, 2025
Super realistic characters, tactics, strategy, and weapons systems. This a very realistic 2032-2033 era military thriller. The pages turned quickly and I was at the end of the story before I knew it. I can’t wait until book 2 I. The series is released (tentative Dec 2025 according to authors end notes.)
Profile Image for Anton.
Author 9 books47 followers
February 3, 2026
A fun yet also really scary book

This is definitely an interesting read while at times some of the technology descriptions can be a bit long. On the other hand those details made the narrative of the book go like a historical record, most scary as a result.

Very much looking forward to the next book in the series
35 reviews3 followers
August 2, 2025
an amazing read

James and Miranda have outdone themselves with this new series.
Can’t wait for the next book in December.
The future is both frightening and exciting for all of us.
Profile Image for Chris.
85 reviews2 followers
September 3, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Takes place in the near future but has the same ramifications as the here and now. This is kicking off a new series for this author. Looking forward to the next installment. Well done!
3 reviews
September 9, 2025
Wonderful story

Amazing read with well rounded characters and happening in a very believable near future. I can't wait for the next installment and will try not to read it so quickly this time,lol.
5 reviews
October 5, 2025
Be patient and stick with it.

The book started a little slow for me but everything ties together and I can’t wait for the second book to come out. Please also read the authors note at the end as the message is great.
Profile Image for Edgar Guedez.
Author 1 book3 followers
November 7, 2025
GREAT WAR THRILLER

This the best book by James Toxins that I have read thus far. It has a great plot, with well-developed characters and is well-written with the author holding well to point of view technique. I am jumping straight into the second book .Bravo! Mr. Rosone.
20 reviews
December 31, 2025
An excellent read

Good character development and the pacing felt about right. The authors provided decent teasers for future developments which nodes well for the evolution of projected series.
13 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2026
Every bit as good as Monroe Doctrine!

If you liked the Monroe Doctrine series, you’ll enjoy the Gotland Deception series. Well written with all the detail that the other series had. Looks like they hit another home run!
3 reviews
July 30, 2025
The Gotland Deception

Beautifully flowing and well written book.
Very scary premise.
I can't wait for the next installment.
Definitely a recommended book.
6 reviews
August 6, 2025
Amazing book.

Amazing book. Very well written and full of action. Highly recommend it. Expect next one to come soon. Thank you.
71 reviews
August 12, 2025
Great story!

For once it looks like America is not getting caught flat footed i n the beginning but I could be wrong! Read it and find out.
212 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2025
Good read with scary plot too close to what many are predicting happen in the near future. Great plot and characters and enough action to keep you interested.
Profile Image for Carol.
317 reviews5 followers
September 3, 2025
got too bogged down with all the in-depth military jargon
10 reviews
September 12, 2025
too much prelude

Well envisioned near gfuture tech but too most of the book is prelude then when the shooting starts I have to wait for another book?…
7 reviews
September 25, 2025
This style of book is not for everyone but for someone interested in a real world scenarios presented in fiction format it was top tier.
3 reviews
October 1, 2025
Another hit!!!!!

This series has a slow take off but gradually builds to a explosive end! Looking forward to book #2!
Keep'em coming.
436 reviews3 followers
October 22, 2025
Great

This is a Great Book in the World on Fire Series. It is easy for me to follow the storylines. Cannot wait for Book # 2 to come out.
54 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2025
great new series

Totally a believable senereo . This is a look at what a war now and near future looks like. Enjoy.
8 reviews
December 2, 2025
excellent book

Great story with amazing tech and great characters! The story sounds like something from the news with the details as real as can get!
Profile Image for Jim Beirne.
55 reviews
January 12, 2026
Exceptional

I enjoyed every page in this exciting book. The characters are very real. The tension builds on every page. Great story. Great writing. I'm hooked.
1 review
January 23, 2026
Great New Series

The future of warfare defined today. Hardware on a human level. Connecting readers, humanity and technology in a realistic display of the costs of freedom.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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