Even though the war has been over for years, Thomas "Dead Smoke" Cade continues to have unsettling flashbacks. They come and go at random, beyond his control. When a mysterious individual named Ward appears on his doorstep looking to hire him for an unusual contract, Cade wants to refuse. Nevertheless, he changes his mind when Ward threatens him, telling Cade that he knows the reason for the flashbacks and is prepared to disclose them if Cade does not play ball. Now, all Cade has to do is help Ward kill a dangerous creature known as a Golem while trying to keep his old friend Kat from becoming collateral damage, or so the former QRF officer thinks. He has no idea this is only the beginning of a larger conspiracy in Kenton E.H. Ward's Phantom Ultra.

Phantom Ultra's world-building is a blend of the past and present. A futuristic setting in which racism is a significant theme gives this science fiction novel a fresh perspective. Kenton E.H. Ward perfectly captures the retired veteran coming to terms with his shadowy past with Cade's eccentric demeanor and tendency to step up to a fight when underestimated. His origin story is easy to follow, and the inclusion of flashbacks, which pop up in strategic places, creates an immersive aura that will draw in action fans trying to understand Ward's hold on Cade. The dialogue contains technical military jargon, the odd lewd comment, and some emotional conversations hinting at a more profound relationship between Cade and Kat. The action is vivid in the battle sequences, assisted by a thorough glossary of the terms to help readers better understand the dynamics of the factions. Ward deserves plaudits for the remarkable detail and ingenuity that went into Phantom Ultra. I hope this is not the last time we see Thomas "Dead Smoke" Cade.

Phantom Ultra plunges readers into a vividly imagined cinematic universe that is as haunting as it is mesmerizing. Kenton E.H. Ward’s storytelling shines through in his masterful world-building, crafting a setting that feels both expansive and intimate. With its eerie atmosphere and terrifying events, the planet Phantom is brought to life in such detail that you can almost feel the weight of its history. This isn’t just a battle against golems; it’s a fight for survival in a universe where danger lurks around every corner, and prejudice adds another deadly layer to the mix.

Tommy Cade, a troubled protagonist, is a compelling figure—a war hero and golem hunter haunted by his past. Kenton E.H. Ward does an excellent job of portraying Tommy's inner turmoil, making his journey not just a physical one but also deeply emotional and psychological. The trauma of his past and the relentless grip of his memories add layers of tension, making the story more than just an action-packed adventure. The character of Ward, with his menacing presence and the threats he poses to Tommy’s loved ones, injects a fresh dose of suspense into the narrative. One of the standout aspects of Phantom Ultra is its exploration of race and identity in a lawless, racially charged region of the Milky Way. Ward handles these themes with sensitivity, weaving them seamlessly into the plot and giving Tommy's struggles a broader significance. The world-building is absolutely fantastic; it is one of the best I’ve read. Sci-fi fans will love Phantom Ultra, but be warned, it is a book you won’t put down once you start reading.

Phantom Ultra by Kenton E.H. Ward is a science fiction thriller set almost a thousand years in the future, where Colonel Thomas "Dead-Smoke" Cade is living in retirement on Ophir Prime, only to be roped back into service to fight the most powerful of stone beasts called 'golems'—the parent golem. Cade, the woman he almost married, and nearly forty others on the force are recruited for the dangerous mission. Unfortunately, Cade must also confront a personal demon that has haunted him since a pivotal event on the planet Phantom, lingering in his head. “It spoke, its voice frighteningly familiar and one that I heard both outside and inside my head. “Hello, old friend.”” This is more than a reckoning of a beast, it's also about reconciling with his past.

Kenton E.H. Ward does a fantastic job of immediately immersing readers into the Phantom Ultra world, particularly in chaotic, war-torn settings. Physical destruction in a burning city ratchets up the already dire circumstances the characters face....even if the best plan is to run. The golems are fierce and fought off in droves, the best being an ambush scene, but there's so much more that Ward incorporates to make it feel like danger is coming from everywhere, including underground. Throughout, Cade has a whole world of hurt in his head. Ward uses the restraint of a skilled writer to peel those layers back gradually, and when we do eventually find out what transpired and meet the darker side of a character, he has hooked us into the second book in the Phantom Ultra series, The Hunting of Man. Lucky for us, it's already out so there's no wait. Very highly recommended.