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Sledge vs. The Wendigo
Not yet published
Expected 31 Oct 26SLEDGE. "CONAN IN A TRENCH COAT." —Weird Tales
Modern-day gladiator, Einarr "Sledge" Laukkanen, is on a blood-soaked mission to annihilate a child-trafficking syndicate operating in the frozen wilds bordering rival nations. The Boundary Waters.
But the savage gang controlling these primal deadlands hides a darker truth. The Wendigo isn’t merely a mob boss . . . It’s an ancient malevolence that wears the flesh of men. The terrifying question is . . .
. . . who is IT wearing?
To hunt the monster, Sledge and Niimi—a Wendigo assassin as lethal as she is seductive—must carve their way up the Predator Chain. A deadly hierarchy of killers, each more cunning than the last. But as the slaughter takes its toll, Sledge is forced to confront the ultimate abyss:
If there is no God . . . and the soul is just a myth . . .
what separates a man with a hammer . . . from the monsters he bludgeons?
What begins as a rescue mission becomes a no-holds-barred fight for the survival of the human spirit. Grounded in the brutal laws of force, momentum, and energy, Sledge must discover the scientific reality of the soul before The Wendigo’s endless, entropic Hunger devours him . . . mind, body . . . and spirit.
"THE ULTIMATE ANTI-HERO." —Horror Reads
"THE NOIR ACTION-THRILLER’S ANSWER TO THE BROTHERS KARAMAZOV." —Books & Biceps
"THE NEW ACTION ICON." —Punk Noir
Modern-day gladiator, Einarr "Sledge" Laukkanen, is on a blood-soaked mission to annihilate a child-trafficking syndicate operating in the frozen wilds bordering rival nations. The Boundary Waters.
But the savage gang controlling these primal deadlands hides a darker truth. The Wendigo isn’t merely a mob boss . . . It’s an ancient malevolence that wears the flesh of men. The terrifying question is . . .
. . . who is IT wearing?
To hunt the monster, Sledge and Niimi—a Wendigo assassin as lethal as she is seductive—must carve their way up the Predator Chain. A deadly hierarchy of killers, each more cunning than the last. But as the slaughter takes its toll, Sledge is forced to confront the ultimate abyss:
If there is no God . . . and the soul is just a myth . . .
what separates a man with a hammer . . . from the monsters he bludgeons?
What begins as a rescue mission becomes a no-holds-barred fight for the survival of the human spirit. Grounded in the brutal laws of force, momentum, and energy, Sledge must discover the scientific reality of the soul before The Wendigo’s endless, entropic Hunger devours him . . . mind, body . . . and spirit.
"THE ULTIMATE ANTI-HERO." —Horror Reads
"THE NOIR ACTION-THRILLER’S ANSWER TO THE BROTHERS KARAMAZOV." —Books & Biceps
"THE NEW ACTION ICON." —Punk Noir
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 31, 2026
About the author
Nick Horvath
2 books64 followersNick Horvath is the creator of SLEDGE: brutal anti-hero of the hard-science action-noir SLEDGE-VERSE.
Raised in the frozen wilds of Minnesota, Nick studied Physics and English at Duke before embarking on a 12-year odyssey as a professional athlete. Towering at 6-foot-10, 240 pounds, Nick transformed himself from finesse player to bruising enforcer—a relentless grind that directly inspired his modern-day gladiator.
Currently operating out of New Zealand, he teaches physics and explores the violent collision between raw force and cosmic malevolence while plotting blood-soaked takedowns of shadowy syndicates.
He has not, to date, bludgeoned anyone to death with a hammer.
Raised in the frozen wilds of Minnesota, Nick studied Physics and English at Duke before embarking on a 12-year odyssey as a professional athlete. Towering at 6-foot-10, 240 pounds, Nick transformed himself from finesse player to bruising enforcer—a relentless grind that directly inspired his modern-day gladiator.
Currently operating out of New Zealand, he teaches physics and explores the violent collision between raw force and cosmic malevolence while plotting blood-soaked takedowns of shadowy syndicates.
He has not, to date, bludgeoned anyone to death with a hammer.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sledge has returned and in brutal fashion. This isn’t just a sequel to “Sledge vs. The Labyrinth.” This is an evolution witnessed in real-time of story, world building, character, and talent. It’s methodical. It’s purposeful. It’s deeper than expected.
And it’s a banger!
Those familiar with the ultimate anti-hero created by author, Nick Horvath, have expectations for Sledge and the path of destruction he will inevitably endure. Rest assured, this journey is rife with threats that greatly exceed what Einarr Laukkanen has encountered prior to this thrilling entry, and with that, much more dire stakes. Naturally.
For starters, this is a take no prisoners narrative. Full-on no hold – and at times, no holes! – barred. Raw, and enough c*nts to make Guy Ritchie blush! Not for the sensitive of heart, mind, or faith. These elements will test you, as they test Sledge, who launches himself headfirst into a trafficking investigation with the Sledgiest of intentions… meaning, when that mighty hammer swings – and he swings it a lot along with a new addition to his arsenal – no prisoners are taken. It’s what Sledge does. It’s what we love about him, that a bad ass mofo goes after the baddest of mofos without mercy.
Like Labyrinth, Wendigo calls back to the inspirations that brought Sledge to life, such as a list of enemies with a video game-like ranking system, as each one he encounters varies from the last in their purpose and skillset, and level of threat they pose. You may be high on the Sledge bandwagon thinking, “no one opposes, Sledge.” But again, you’d be high, and he’s opposed at every turn by the most dangerous killers the Wendigo have to offer. There’d be no story if he weren’t. That’s the fun of it. The danger is constant…
As is the pacing, never letting up except for short, needed breathers, only to quickly test your endurance at the turn of a page. In general, Wendigo idles at 80 mph and ramps up to 120 in a flash when sh*t gets real. Be careful of paper cuts or flash burns from turning the pages so quickly. But if your Sledge enough, you won’t care if you catch a slice or burn along the way. You’ll barely notice… because it’s Sledge.
In terms of depth, Horvath takes us into the void to show us how Sledge has become more of what we already know him to be, and what we don’t. There’s background involved here that simply teases the totality of Sledge’s history, but it’s important to the evolution of the narrative. It’s also a display of Horvath’s own writing evolution, upping the ante so greatly that there is no doubt he has written a superior sequel in terms of story, prose, and skill. Both character and author become synonymous with change here. Leveling up. After all, what chance does a glass ceiling stand against a 7-foot monster with a 40 lb hammer? (It doesn't, obviously.)
Horvath takes Sledge to a place that’s maybe unexpected given the tales of the tank and how said tank operates. He exposes vulnerabilities that humanize the Leviathan. That show the tank has armor to protect what fragments of gushy hippy stuff that might still exist within him, if not ONLY for “God’s greatest creation.” It’s what gives him a reason to fight… to hunt… to kill. So often the big barbarian men of fiction and lore get overlooked for having a heart, depicted to being cold and merciless, though Sledge does all he can to ignore the former in this land of one-man armies. As I wrote in my own novel, A Dangerous Man, Sledge fits under the warning banner of, “Be wary of the hearts you trifle with. Some of the gentlest hearts belong to the most beastly of men.”
And those who trespass against this warning get what they deserve… the f*cking hammer.
And it’s a banger!
Those familiar with the ultimate anti-hero created by author, Nick Horvath, have expectations for Sledge and the path of destruction he will inevitably endure. Rest assured, this journey is rife with threats that greatly exceed what Einarr Laukkanen has encountered prior to this thrilling entry, and with that, much more dire stakes. Naturally.
For starters, this is a take no prisoners narrative. Full-on no hold – and at times, no holes! – barred. Raw, and enough c*nts to make Guy Ritchie blush! Not for the sensitive of heart, mind, or faith. These elements will test you, as they test Sledge, who launches himself headfirst into a trafficking investigation with the Sledgiest of intentions… meaning, when that mighty hammer swings – and he swings it a lot along with a new addition to his arsenal – no prisoners are taken. It’s what Sledge does. It’s what we love about him, that a bad ass mofo goes after the baddest of mofos without mercy.
Like Labyrinth, Wendigo calls back to the inspirations that brought Sledge to life, such as a list of enemies with a video game-like ranking system, as each one he encounters varies from the last in their purpose and skillset, and level of threat they pose. You may be high on the Sledge bandwagon thinking, “no one opposes, Sledge.” But again, you’d be high, and he’s opposed at every turn by the most dangerous killers the Wendigo have to offer. There’d be no story if he weren’t. That’s the fun of it. The danger is constant…
As is the pacing, never letting up except for short, needed breathers, only to quickly test your endurance at the turn of a page. In general, Wendigo idles at 80 mph and ramps up to 120 in a flash when sh*t gets real. Be careful of paper cuts or flash burns from turning the pages so quickly. But if your Sledge enough, you won’t care if you catch a slice or burn along the way. You’ll barely notice… because it’s Sledge.
In terms of depth, Horvath takes us into the void to show us how Sledge has become more of what we already know him to be, and what we don’t. There’s background involved here that simply teases the totality of Sledge’s history, but it’s important to the evolution of the narrative. It’s also a display of Horvath’s own writing evolution, upping the ante so greatly that there is no doubt he has written a superior sequel in terms of story, prose, and skill. Both character and author become synonymous with change here. Leveling up. After all, what chance does a glass ceiling stand against a 7-foot monster with a 40 lb hammer? (It doesn't, obviously.)
Horvath takes Sledge to a place that’s maybe unexpected given the tales of the tank and how said tank operates. He exposes vulnerabilities that humanize the Leviathan. That show the tank has armor to protect what fragments of gushy hippy stuff that might still exist within him, if not ONLY for “God’s greatest creation.” It’s what gives him a reason to fight… to hunt… to kill. So often the big barbarian men of fiction and lore get overlooked for having a heart, depicted to being cold and merciless, though Sledge does all he can to ignore the former in this land of one-man armies. As I wrote in my own novel, A Dangerous Man, Sledge fits under the warning banner of, “Be wary of the hearts you trifle with. Some of the gentlest hearts belong to the most beastly of men.”
And those who trespass against this warning get what they deserve… the f*cking hammer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sledge is back bigger and badder than ever! with a cast of vivid characters and spine tingling enemies, if you thought he had to go through some shit in the last book, you have no idea what’s in store for him in this one!
Disgusting, vile, horrific, disturbing and triggering AF, at the same time clever, surprising and even moved me to tears in a few places.
This book takes you on a journey you might not be ready to go on, and one you definitely won’t expect.
The book itself is a journey. The way it’s written mirrors the themes it presents, and from living with the author, I saw how the writing style also mirrors his personal quest writing it.
This book moves in the opposite way to the first one, Sledge starts at the bottom depths in the pit of heaviness and gross matter and battles his way through to the literal top of a monolith where matter disappears and only ideas live.
It moves from the depths of heavy to light in a brilliant way and takes you on a surprising little trek through the soul, just when you thought Sledge didn’t have one!
Ain’t gonna lie if you’re a bit of a wimp like me you have to fight through some of those early chapters, heavy with violence, disturbing themes and brutal (even more disturbing) carnage, alongside the usual Horvath style of added technical information only an expert could know, interesting physics lessons, and of course Sledges wit that always manages to keep things light, but the payoff pays off like a fine wine with a perfect food match.
Reading this book is not like eating a perfectly balanced meal though. Actually more like gorging yourself into a food coma but then somehow you can still eat desert, and the desert at the end of this book is so divine that it somehow takes away your fullness and leaves you feeling perfectly satisfied.
It will trigger and shock you and there should definitely be a warning on it, but it will surprise you in a way you didn’t expect and I loved it. Nick is a brilliant writer and it shines through again. Proud as hell of you babe, you fucking did it! Again!
Disgusting, vile, horrific, disturbing and triggering AF, at the same time clever, surprising and even moved me to tears in a few places.
This book takes you on a journey you might not be ready to go on, and one you definitely won’t expect.
The book itself is a journey. The way it’s written mirrors the themes it presents, and from living with the author, I saw how the writing style also mirrors his personal quest writing it.
This book moves in the opposite way to the first one, Sledge starts at the bottom depths in the pit of heaviness and gross matter and battles his way through to the literal top of a monolith where matter disappears and only ideas live.
It moves from the depths of heavy to light in a brilliant way and takes you on a surprising little trek through the soul, just when you thought Sledge didn’t have one!
Ain’t gonna lie if you’re a bit of a wimp like me you have to fight through some of those early chapters, heavy with violence, disturbing themes and brutal (even more disturbing) carnage, alongside the usual Horvath style of added technical information only an expert could know, interesting physics lessons, and of course Sledges wit that always manages to keep things light, but the payoff pays off like a fine wine with a perfect food match.
Reading this book is not like eating a perfectly balanced meal though. Actually more like gorging yourself into a food coma but then somehow you can still eat desert, and the desert at the end of this book is so divine that it somehow takes away your fullness and leaves you feeling perfectly satisfied.
It will trigger and shock you and there should definitely be a warning on it, but it will surprise you in a way you didn’t expect and I loved it. Nick is a brilliant writer and it shines through again. Proud as hell of you babe, you fucking did it! Again!
Review of advance copy received from Author
SLEDGE. IS. BACK.
Wow.
Okay, to summarize what I just experienced: This book has three main sequences. The first reads like a ridiculous (and by ridiculous I mean wildly awesome) video game. Brutal foes and twists and challenges that our boy Sledge finds the craziest ways to beat before the next one pounds him into the dirt. And that tank just never stops grinding. It's glorious.
Then comes the slightest pause for breath and a twist that reframes it all and suddenly I couldn't put the book down. Finished the rest in one sitting. Had to know what would happen.
And the final sequence is basically an acid trip in book form. So if you're against hard drugs, don't read this book, because shrooms have nothing on Sledge Laukkanen. Didn't see that coming, and not sure how I feel about it. I'll let you know once the hangover passes... Talk about a sledgehammer to the back of the head!
Update (30 seconds later): It very much works. The ending is sublime and such great payoff for the journey. Really well done.
Final note: Sledge vs. The Wendigo is not for everyone, so go in appropriately braced. SA is a constant and frequently shown/revisited theme. This book goes a lot darker than the first, so brace for more than just book one's brutal violence (which this one gives a run for its money, as a Sledge story must, never fear).
That one point aside, oh my does this book deliver, and hits with some heavy emotional gut punches by the end that I didn't see coming. Seems Sledge has some serious depth beneath those terrifying muscles after all, and I'm here for it.
Easy 5 stars.
Skol, and here's to the grind!
Wow.
Okay, to summarize what I just experienced: This book has three main sequences. The first reads like a ridiculous (and by ridiculous I mean wildly awesome) video game. Brutal foes and twists and challenges that our boy Sledge finds the craziest ways to beat before the next one pounds him into the dirt. And that tank just never stops grinding. It's glorious.
Then comes the slightest pause for breath and a twist that reframes it all and suddenly I couldn't put the book down. Finished the rest in one sitting. Had to know what would happen.
And the final sequence is basically an acid trip in book form. So if you're against hard drugs, don't read this book, because shrooms have nothing on Sledge Laukkanen. Didn't see that coming, and not sure how I feel about it. I'll let you know once the hangover passes... Talk about a sledgehammer to the back of the head!
Update (30 seconds later): It very much works. The ending is sublime and such great payoff for the journey. Really well done.
Final note: Sledge vs. The Wendigo is not for everyone, so go in appropriately braced. SA is a constant and frequently shown/revisited theme. This book goes a lot darker than the first, so brace for more than just book one's brutal violence (which this one gives a run for its money, as a Sledge story must, never fear).
That one point aside, oh my does this book deliver, and hits with some heavy emotional gut punches by the end that I didn't see coming. Seems Sledge has some serious depth beneath those terrifying muscles after all, and I'm here for it.
Easy 5 stars.
Skol, and here's to the grind!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sledge is back! Sledge vs The Wendigo throws you immediately back into the action as Sledge hunts his way through the frozen boundary waters, fighting his way through a slew of terrifying characters. Sledge finds himself in more hopeless situations than the first book, the fights are more brutal and the story is even darker. Every scene is somehow more epic than the last, every villain more evil and intimidating. The story takes a surprising, almost spiritual twist at the end but it works, even with Sledge's hard boiled world view.
Fast paced, exciting, and punctuated with dry humor, this is great book to binge. There's also a recommended song to listen to along with each chapter which makes the reading experience more immersive.
I've already read it twice and can't recommend it enough!
Fast paced, exciting, and punctuated with dry humor, this is great book to binge. There's also a recommended song to listen to along with each chapter which makes the reading experience more immersive.
I've already read it twice and can't recommend it enough!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This second outing of the phenomenon that is Sledge vs. is just as much fun as the first. It is also significantly darker and deeper, trafficking (pun intended) in some horribly lurid and unsettling fare and continuing the titular character’s penchant for getting to the diseased heart of the matter without minding his Ps and Qs. Prepare for an avalanche of highly creative ultra-violence, some extremely illuminating science, and a horrifying third act that’s sure to please and appall in equal measure. You have been warned.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews