Near-future military science fiction with hard-science realism and authentic military detail.

In the 2060s, AI soldierbots do most of the fighting and a dwindling number of humans still bear the burden of combat leadership. But even the most advanced military AI is no match for the timeless appetites of the military-industrial complex—Paul Owens learns that the hard way.

After surviving brutal training and augmentation, Paul and Kata Vukovic prove themselves in battle and are chosen to lead an ambitious, top-secret military AI project: Ōkami soldierbots designed to forge neural links with their human leaders.

As Paul and Kata deploy their units to the lawless Southern Cone of South America, they realize their Ōkami are evolving beyond mere machines, demonstrating loyalty and valor that blur the lines between artificial and human comradeship. When a ruthless Chinese-sponsored warlord threatens to overwhelm them, these bonds are tested to their breaking point.

Behind the scenes, ambitious entrepreneur Fiona Malloy manipulates military, corporate, and family players to pursue her goal. As Paul and Kata’s fight for survival reaches its climax, Fiona’s ruthless pursuit of success will force unthinkable choices, determining the fate of Paul, Kata, and the Ōkami.

Betrayal is the first installment in a gritty, character-driven military sci-fi saga about loyalty, power, and the cost of service—when the weapons you lead start to feel like the people you’re responsible for.

Series note: Book 1 of a continuing series.

Content note: Combat violence. Military themes. Morally gray decisions. Coarse language.

For readers who like hard-edged military SF with ethical tension around AI, loyalty, and the military-industrial complex. Fans of Marko Kloos, Rick Partlow, and Joe Haldeman will enjoy.