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Lessons of War
An untried captain. A battle-hardened marine. A hidden enemy.
As a boy, Ian Hadrian used to look up at the night sky and dream of commanding a starship.
As a man, he’s one of the Interstellar Compact Navy’s youngest battlecruiser captains—but dreams rarely match reality. His command, the Belisarius, is a star-leaping stallion leashed to a solitary and remote sun, watching over a long-suffering world the enigmatic Ciphers abandoned after the Great War.
Far from straining at his leash, Hadrian has come to accept his posting, even at times to enjoy it—perhaps because the heroic official record behind his rapid promotion to captain hides a much darker truth.
Whatever Sorăna Mirra’s childhood dreams were, she’s long since forgotten them. Twenty-five years as a marine will do that.
Mirra commands a team of marine special operators, hand-picked to fight humanity's oldest foe—the Kyrans. Time and again they defeat the vicious saurians, knowing they'll get no credit for their victories.
Hadrian and Mirra are separated by half a galaxy, by service, and by a lifetime’s experiences. But when each of them is targeted in ruthless attacks, their hunt for answers sets them on a collision course. Their clash will decide the fate of an entire world—and reveal a shadowy new enemy that humanity and its allies are not prepared to fight.
As a boy, Ian Hadrian used to look up at the night sky and dream of commanding a starship.
As a man, he’s one of the Interstellar Compact Navy’s youngest battlecruiser captains—but dreams rarely match reality. His command, the Belisarius, is a star-leaping stallion leashed to a solitary and remote sun, watching over a long-suffering world the enigmatic Ciphers abandoned after the Great War.
Far from straining at his leash, Hadrian has come to accept his posting, even at times to enjoy it—perhaps because the heroic official record behind his rapid promotion to captain hides a much darker truth.
Whatever Sorăna Mirra’s childhood dreams were, she’s long since forgotten them. Twenty-five years as a marine will do that.
Mirra commands a team of marine special operators, hand-picked to fight humanity's oldest foe—the Kyrans. Time and again they defeat the vicious saurians, knowing they'll get no credit for their victories.
Hadrian and Mirra are separated by half a galaxy, by service, and by a lifetime’s experiences. But when each of them is targeted in ruthless attacks, their hunt for answers sets them on a collision course. Their clash will decide the fate of an entire world—and reveal a shadowy new enemy that humanity and its allies are not prepared to fight.
406 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2026
About the author
Dylan McFadyen
5 books8 followersDylan has been writing science fiction stories since he was old enough to write. He’s been writing original science fiction stories—discounting admittedly awesome fully illustrated Star Trek and Star Wars fan fiction—since he was twelve.
Other than sci-fi and storytelling, Dylan loves history (which is just another form of storytelling, if you think about it). He has a master’s degree in international relations and conflict, and to this day spends as much time reading history as anything else.
When not reading or writing, Dylan enjoys spending time with his lovely wife, Victoria, particularly watching yet more stories, from brilliant favorites like Battlestar Galactica and The Expanse, to joyously terrible films like Miami Connection and Samurai Cop. He also enjoys long walks with their dog, El Doggo, who is the fabled Goodest Boy.
Finally, Dylan enjoys shooting sports, and like all good children of the 90s, video games. He’s played more hours of modded XCOM 2 than some babies have been alive.
He also has a Lord of the Rings tattoo, which in a way tells you everything else you need to know.
Other than sci-fi and storytelling, Dylan loves history (which is just another form of storytelling, if you think about it). He has a master’s degree in international relations and conflict, and to this day spends as much time reading history as anything else.
When not reading or writing, Dylan enjoys spending time with his lovely wife, Victoria, particularly watching yet more stories, from brilliant favorites like Battlestar Galactica and The Expanse, to joyously terrible films like Miami Connection and Samurai Cop. He also enjoys long walks with their dog, El Doggo, who is the fabled Goodest Boy.
Finally, Dylan enjoys shooting sports, and like all good children of the 90s, video games. He’s played more hours of modded XCOM 2 than some babies have been alive.
He also has a Lord of the Rings tattoo, which in a way tells you everything else you need to know.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 3, 2026
the story starts with a raid by Commander Mirra and then moves so we get to meet Captain Hadrian as he does his diplomat thing in the back woods of space. Then things heat up and the story begins to move. Was interesting and had a bit of a mystery feel as these two characters try to figure a few things out. Enjoyed the story. Liked the story, characters and world building of the future.
May 8, 2026
That was quite an adventure.
"Lessons of War" is, without a doubt, a very interesting book for any military sci-fi fan. It has everything that you could expect - a complex world, aliens, intrigue, space and ground combat. The plot is interesting, the pacing good, and the heroes (and heroines) well written and likeable. Also, they act as real beings, everyone with their own set of vices and virtues.
For me, the best part was a sketch of multi-race society present in the galaxy. Also, when I read who is humanity's longest lasting ally, I was quite surprised. And amused - I didn't see that one coming. The battle scenes were good - fast and brutal, just as they should be.
So, was everything perfect for a reader like me? No. For one thing, I prefer when the marines/rangers/ground troops in general are not equipped with all the technology in the world, and have to be cunning, and utilize scarce resources that they have for their disposal, while fighting a stronger enemy. Here? Tactical AI, drones and many, many more. Yeah, I prefer typical grunts as were portrayed in Starship Troopers (the movie). Also, the plot stops in a very... frustrating moment (and yes, I know it was planned). Right now, I most definitely want to know more! And, of course, my favourite hero dies - but that's just my luck in picking favourites xD.
So, is the "Lessons of War" a groundbreaking, world-changing, Umberto Eco level type of a masterpiece? No.
Is it a very good military sci-fi book and a great foundation for most entertaining series? Most definitely yes, and I can't wait to read Book 2.
"Lessons of War" is, without a doubt, a very interesting book for any military sci-fi fan. It has everything that you could expect - a complex world, aliens, intrigue, space and ground combat. The plot is interesting, the pacing good, and the heroes (and heroines) well written and likeable. Also, they act as real beings, everyone with their own set of vices and virtues.
For me, the best part was a sketch of multi-race society present in the galaxy. Also, when I read who is humanity's longest lasting ally, I was quite surprised. And amused - I didn't see that one coming. The battle scenes were good - fast and brutal, just as they should be.
So, was everything perfect for a reader like me? No. For one thing, I prefer when the marines/rangers/ground troops in general are not equipped with all the technology in the world, and have to be cunning, and utilize scarce resources that they have for their disposal, while fighting a stronger enemy. Here? Tactical AI, drones and many, many more. Yeah, I prefer typical grunts as were portrayed in Starship Troopers (the movie). Also, the plot stops in a very... frustrating moment (and yes, I know it was planned). Right now, I most definitely want to know more! And, of course, my favourite hero dies - but that's just my luck in picking favourites xD.
So, is the "Lessons of War" a groundbreaking, world-changing, Umberto Eco level type of a masterpiece? No.
Is it a very good military sci-fi book and a great foundation for most entertaining series? Most definitely yes, and I can't wait to read Book 2.
May 2, 2026
A bit of a slow burner and some of the characters are a little weak.
On the flip side, I did finish it, as it's an easy read, and I will keep an eye out for the next one as the underlying story was interesting, and I really want to see how it develops and in particular how deep the rot is.
I received an ARC in exchange for this review.
On the flip side, I did finish it, as it's an easy read, and I will keep an eye out for the next one as the underlying story was interesting, and I really want to see how it develops and in particular how deep the rot is.
I received an ARC in exchange for this review.
April 29, 2026
Dylan McFadyen has done it again! As with his Oblivion's Galaxy books, Lessons of War has an energy that transcends the page and takes hold of you. As compelling and exciting as the story is––no spoiler alerts, but the action starts immediately––there are moments of stillness, moments of heartache and loss, moments that raise questions about the nature of human existence, and beyond human existence. Who will we be when we are no longer bound to Earth? It's one thing to imagine entire worlds and galaxies––sentient beings with their own languages, histories, mythologies, and cultures, and how those worlds, those beings interact. It's quite another to bring those worlds and beings to life, to make them matter, to compel them into the reader's heart. That's what Dylan does. There is an elegance and vitality to his storytelling that for me puts him in the league of space odyssey masters, like Frank Herbert and George Lucas. I'm on the edge of my seat now, waiting for Si Vis Astra Book Two!
April 29, 2026
The author has done a great job in future world creation. Lessons of War is placed in a far future environment that is easy to visualize and to suspend belief, populated by characters that are relatable, have depth, with actions and thoughts that are believable.
As he has done in past works, McFadyen creates alien characters that not only interact with humans in believable fashion but are key plot elements. The two main characters are Commander Mirra, a war-weary woman special forces operative and Captain Hadrian, an untested intergalactic battleship commander. Both characters have flaws and secrets that as might be expected, hinder their trust in one another as they are forced together in battles.
The political setting is one of an unsettled peace between a humanity-ruled space and one ruled by advanced AI robotic entities, when apparent terrorist attacks have started to occur. A special forces contingent, sent to capture a suspected terrorist leader is ambushed in an operation that Mirra believes was potentially betrayed at the military staff level. A bomb attack on Hadrian’s life along with his alien ambassadorial colleague, leads him seek out the perpetrators. The two officers reluctantly combine talents when they discover that they may be looking for the same source.
The violent battle scenes both on the ground and in space are very realistic, utilizing weapons, equipment and tactics that are described in detail without losing the reader in technical trivia. Instead, they raise the adrenaline level to cause the pages to turn, looking for the outcome. Lessons of War is a page-turner that I found hard to put down. I'm ready for a sequel.
As he has done in past works, McFadyen creates alien characters that not only interact with humans in believable fashion but are key plot elements. The two main characters are Commander Mirra, a war-weary woman special forces operative and Captain Hadrian, an untested intergalactic battleship commander. Both characters have flaws and secrets that as might be expected, hinder their trust in one another as they are forced together in battles.
The political setting is one of an unsettled peace between a humanity-ruled space and one ruled by advanced AI robotic entities, when apparent terrorist attacks have started to occur. A special forces contingent, sent to capture a suspected terrorist leader is ambushed in an operation that Mirra believes was potentially betrayed at the military staff level. A bomb attack on Hadrian’s life along with his alien ambassadorial colleague, leads him seek out the perpetrators. The two officers reluctantly combine talents when they discover that they may be looking for the same source.
The violent battle scenes both on the ground and in space are very realistic, utilizing weapons, equipment and tactics that are described in detail without losing the reader in technical trivia. Instead, they raise the adrenaline level to cause the pages to turn, looking for the outcome. Lessons of War is a page-turner that I found hard to put down. I'm ready for a sequel.
May 6, 2026
This is a great book, and a promising series start. McFadyen has crafted a detailed universe, populated by humans and aliens with foibles, inner conflicts, and past challenges. There is a good balance of character development, fast-paced combat (both space- and ground-based), and subtle reveals. It's a thriller, who-dun-it, and military sci-fi all rolled into one. I'm waiting for the next book in this universe!
April 30, 2026
A excellent story that makes for a great read. Took a little to really get into it but when I did I couldn’t put it down. Well written, with a good plot and obviously as a part of a series leaving you hanging at the end whilst wanting more.
April 30, 2026
My introduction to Dylan McFadyen’s work was through his outstanding Interstellar Age podcast, a meticulously crafted and wonderfully narrated exploration of the early history of the Si Vis Astra universe. Although Lessons of War takes place after the events currently covered in the podcast, it functions exceptionally well as a standalone entry. The narrative is immediately engaging, and I never felt lost despite the chronological gap.
Dylan’s storytelling strengths shine throughout: nuanced worldbuilding, a believable and evolving geopolitical landscape, and characters who feel authentic and relatable rather than archetypal. His narration adds another layer of quality—clear, expressive, and perfectly matched to the tone of the story.
This is an easy five‑star recommendation. I’m very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
Dylan’s storytelling strengths shine throughout: nuanced worldbuilding, a believable and evolving geopolitical landscape, and characters who feel authentic and relatable rather than archetypal. His narration adds another layer of quality—clear, expressive, and perfectly matched to the tone of the story.
This is an easy five‑star recommendation. I’m very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 3, 2026
I am hooked. The amazing world building, great characters that you can identify with, tackling issues with very real human reactions. A mystery to be solved - who is the real enemy. Easy to read and follow. Immersive. I look forward to the rest of the series. Very well thought out and written.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews