In World War H: A Future War novel by FX Holden, Major Smith and FBI agent Bernstein track Detroit teen Tayla Aaronson after a KC-135 is destroyed by a drone she built, launched through tasks from an online gig system called Payback. As Smith investigates further incidents tied to Payback—fires, power failures, and sabotage across the US—he learns that inmates in a Belarus data hub relay assignments to users worldwide. A DCS officer, Ali Sabanov, escapes that facility with casualties from its deadly pursuit. Ali passes Smith a warning about coordinated actions set for September. Attacks escalate, drawing in US agencies and foreign militaries. Chinese forces move through Central America while Payback users damage US sites, including Tayla, who might just be ready to bargain.

I cannot think of a more timely, better version of a futuristic war than one that is, quite literally, a crowdsourced retaliation, funded by video traffic and gig payouts. World War H by FX Holden is brilliant. It is a fast, tightly built techno thriller that draws strength from its mix of cyber attacks, battlefield pressure, land, air, and sea assaults, and ground-level investigations. The best part to me is the women, who are scene-stealers: Tayla Aaronson’s quick thinking, Li Chen’s moves with rigid command decisions, and Juanita Winter’s push through a volatile Los Angeles. Holden’s grasp on operational detail gives the story legs as sabotage, misdirection, and rapid response collide across continents. The book ends on something of a cliff-hanger, no pun intended, and if Holden decides to continue on the WWH path with another book, the author can count me in!

World War H by FX Holden is a gripping story that paints a grim picture of what a future war might look like. It is set in the near future in the year 2029 and features cyber warfare, espionage, and high-stakes military operations. The world witnesses a dangerous game in which hackers, civilians, and spies are drawn into a struggle to prevent a dangerous attack dubbed “Payback Day.” The online game called Payback appears to be a cover for real-world sabotage masterminded by foreign powers. Lieutenant Siku Smith faces foreign interference to stop a campaign targeting NATO and the United States. Ensign Melissa Mayeux tracks maritime activity, and a young pilot, Karen O’Hare, must handle cutting-edge drone technology as tensions rise with China. When the missiles start falling in Panama, leaders must scramble to uncover the brains behind the attacks. But how can you fight an enemy that you do not know?

FX Holden has crafted another spellbinding military tale with a dystopian flair. I was fascinated by how the author introduces the different elements of warfare, underscores the role of cyberattacks in future wars, and shows readers how technology can be used to destroy enemy nations. World War H is fast-paced and packed with action and suspense. The author kept me turning the pages, following the different characters as they faced the reality of conflict from their unique angles. The geopolitics, the cyber infiltration, and the military technology make this a well-imagined sci-fi novel. The cinematic writing made it more enjoyable for me. The characters include weather-beaten soldiers like Major Siku Smith, the tech-savvy hacker Veranika Varakiva, and the dangerous gamers like Tayla Aaronson. The story felt like something happening in real life.