Kevin Ikenberry

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About Kevin Ikenberry

Kevin's head has been in the clouds since he was old enough to read. Ask him and he'll tell you that he still wants to be an astronaut. With over twenty five years of experience in space science education, including managing the U.S. Space Camp program and serving as an executive of two Challenger Learning Centers, Kevin continues to work with space every day. A retired Army armor and space operations officer, Kevin lives in Colorado with his family. His home is seldom a boring place.

Kevin is the international bestselling author of The Protocol War series featuring Colorado Book Award finalist SLEEPER PROTOCOL, which Publisher's Weekly called "an emotionally powerful debut." Kevin is also the author or co-author of ten bestselling Peacemaker novels in the Four Horsemen Universe and many more military science fiction and thriller novels. His alternate history novel THE CROSSING debuts in August 2022. His short fiction has appeared internationally across various publications and anthologies. Kevin regularly teaches classes for aspiring writers. He is a member of the International Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Authors (IASFA), International Thriller Writers, and is a member of SIGMA, the science fiction think tank.

Kevin can be found online at www.kevinikenberry.com.

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Titles By Kevin Ikenberry

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The Mercenary Guide to Story Structure (Author Fundamentals Book 4) Jun 10, 2022

by Kevin Ikenberry

( 3 )

$6.99

Everyone loves a good story. What do all good stories have in common? Structure.

There are two prevailing traits amongst writers when discussing structure – they’re either plotters or pansters. A plotter creates a detailed, sometimes heavily regimented, outline for their novel while a pantser writes “from the seat of their pants” and discovers the story and characters as they go. The kind of writer you are doesn’t matter when it comes to story structure, though. Really.

Why? We’ve understood story structure our whole lives. It’s been passed down for hundreds of years and we inherently understand it, but bringing it to the page requires a different mindset entirely. We have to understand story, but we also have to pay attention to plot, theme, and most importantly, characters and their goals. The best part? It’s more simple than you think.

Kevin Ikenberry’s first attempt at a novel took him eighteen months to write and was rejected by every publisher he approached. When the second idea came along, he decided to do it differently and dig in with story structure. With the help of a good mentor, Kevin took the research and advice to heart and wrote that second novel in less than two months. That novel went on to become his debut novel and was a finalist for the Colorado Book Award.

What changed? Kevin learned the nuances of story structure, how to effectively use plot and theme, and how to create lasting, influential characters with real emotions and real conflict. This is your chance to do the same and take your writing to the next level – through understanding structure.

Other Formats: Paperback

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Freehold: Defiance May 4, 2021

by Michael Z. Williamson

( 193 )

$6.99

STORIES IN THE BEST-SELLING FREEHOLD SERIES, CREATED BY MICHAEL Z. WILLIAMSON

NO BATTLE PLAN SURVIVES CONTACT WITH THE ENEMY

Everyone has a different war. For some in the UN Peacekeeping mission to Grainne, the struggle is just to survive. For others, it's to remain sane, or keep one's friends and comrades physically and mentally intact. When the rules of engagement are in constant flux, and orders are unclear or based on false information, just getting back inside the fence can be an accomplishment.

For the rebels of the Freehold of Grainne, they must form an organized force from the shattered remnants of their military, and from grimly determined, but underequipped and outnumbered insurgents. Their war is for their very way of life. They'll do everything and anything to stop this invasion, using whatever means are available. They mean to make the enemy suffer. Quod vulnera curare potes. "Because physical wounds heal."

Contributors

Jamie Ibson
Jonathan D. Green
Kevin J. Anderson and Kevin Ikenberry
Michael Z. Williamson
Jessica Schlenker
Jaime DiNote
Will McCaskey
Justin Watson
J.F. Holmes and Jason Cordova
Christopher DiNote and Philip Wohlrab

At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management).

About Freehold: Resistance:

“. . . a rousing collection . . . this anthology will be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys military fiction.” —James W. Rawles, New York Times best-selling author and creator of SurvivalBlog

Michael Z. Williamson is retired military, having served twenty-five years in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force. He was deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Desert Fox. Williamson is a state-ranked competitive shooter in combat rifle and combat pistol. He has consulted on military matters, weapons, and disaster preparedness for Discovery Channel and Outdoor Channel productions, and is editor-at-Large for Survivalblog, which has 300,000 weekly readers. In addition, Williamson tests and reviews firearms and gear for manufacturers. Williamson’s books set in his Freehold Universe include Freehold, The Weapon, The Rogue, Better to Beg Forgiveness . . ., Do Unto Others . . ., and When Diplomacy Fails . . .. He is also the author of time-travel novel A Long Time Until Now, as well as The Hero—the latter written in collaboration with New York Times best-selling author John Ringo. Williamson was born in England, raised in Liverpool and Toronto, Canada, and now resides in Indianapolis with his children.

Other Formats: Paperback , Mass Market Paperback

World Breakers Aug 2, 2021

by Tony Daniel, Christopher Ruocchio

( 102 )

$8.99

Formed from cold steel and superpowered computing brains, these gigantic tanks with the firepower of an entire army have been the decisive factors in interplanetary battle. But are humans worthy of the extraordinary instruments of war that they have created? Are the Worldbreakers the greatest protector of human liberty, or its worst threat? For, while these Worldbreakers very definitely have minds of their own, the question remains: within their iron and superluminal quantum breasts, does there lie a faithful heart? Stories of world breakers and world makers in the great tradition of Keith Laumer’s Bolos from David Weber, Larry Correia, Wen Spencer, and more!

At the publisher's request, this title is sold without Digital Rights Management (DRM).

Other Formats: Paperback , Mass Market Paperback

Redacted Weapon (Rise of the Peacemakers Book 11) Mar 22, 2022

by Kevin Ikenberry, Kevin Steverson

( 129 )

$4.99

Peacemakers. The Galactic Union’s most capable enforcers and resolute negotiators, their name alone elicits fear and awe among the Union’s citizenry.

In the aftermath of the Guild War, the trail of Kr’et’Socae has gone cold. Young Peacemakers Jyrall and Larth continue their search with the intent to bring the disgraced Enforcer to justice. With new intelligence in hand, they make a move on a known associate and the game’s afoot once more.

Cora McCoy and the Blue Ridge Kin have completed their initial mission on the ocean world Krifay only to have their contract terminated by the Crusaders. Forced off world, Cora and her friends join the Peacemakers on the pleasure planet Prestone with the intent of taking down the mysterious Hatfield and getting one step closer to Kr’et’Socae.

On the way to bring down Hatfield, though, they discover a corrupt, inhumane racing system which pits a group of normally docile aliens in a dangerous and deadly race for a stolen effigy. With little choice, the Peacemakers—as well as friends old and new—must undertake a daring mission to end Hatfield’s operation, face down the Crusaders, and set things right without losing sight of their goal… or losing their very lives.

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The Crossing Aug 2, 2022

by Kevin Ikenberry

$9.99

Behind enemy lines and displaced in time!

Before the Battle of Trenton, George Washington reputedly threw a coin across the river. What if that coin was a bicentennial quarter?

When a squad of ROTC cadets training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, in November 2008 find themselves transported to December 1776 in the days before the Battle of Trenton, they find a Continental Army in disarray and General George Washington contemplating the potential of a bleak future. To make matters worse, they’ve lost a modern M-16 rifle to a roving Hessian patrol. Understanding the ramifications of such a discovery, the cadets have no choice but to report to General Washington. Without ammunition or their own meager supplies, can Cadet Sergeant Jameel Mason and his friends steel Washington’s courage and set the infancy of the United States of America back on track?

At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management).

About The Crossing:
"The Crossing is a thrilling alternate history with vivid, compelling characters and relentless action. Kevin Ikenberry is a rising star of science fiction. His military experience and diligent storytelling shine." —Kevin J. Anderson, New York Times bestselling author of Uncharted, Clockwork Angels, and Navigators of Dune.

About Kevin Ikenbery:
“Thoroughly enjoyed the book, and would recommend it to any who enjoy a good tale of future ground combat.”—Doug Dandridge

“[Ikenberry's] insight into the human side of the military mind has strong appeal.”—Publishers Weekly

Kevin Ikenberry's head has been in the clouds since he was old enough to read. Ask him and he'll tell you that he still wants to be an astronaut. With more than twenty-five years of experience in space science education, including managing the U.S. Space Camp program and serving as an executive of two Challenger Learning Centers, Ikenberry continues to work with space every day. A retired Army space operations officer, he lives in Colorado with his family. His home is seldom a boring place.

Ikenberry is the international best-selling author of The Protocol War series, featuring Colorado Book Award finalist Sleeper Protocol, which Publisher's Weekly called “an emotionally powerful debut,” and the sequel Vendetta Protocol. He is also the author of six best-selling Peacemaker novels in the Four Horsemen Universe, as well as the military science fiction novel Runs in the Family and the thriller Super-Sync. His short fiction has appeared internationally across various publications and anthologies. He regularly teaches classes for aspiring writers.

Other Formats: Hardcover

We Dare: An Anthology of Augmented Humanity May 30, 2019

by Chris Kennedy, Jamie Ibson, Christopher Woods, Kevin Steverson, J.F. Holmes, Quincy J. Allen, Philip Wohlrab, Rob Howell, Luke R. J. Maynard, Jason Cordova, Jack Clemons, Kevin Ikenberry, Robert E. Hampson, Marisa Wolf, Kacey Ezell, Josh Hayes

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Fifteen outstanding authors. Fifteen stories of augmented humanity!

All I need is an edge! As long as humans have competed with each other (for food, profit, and love), people have looked for ways to get an edge on the competition—how to be better, faster, and smarter than the opposition. With better science and technology, many things are now possible, and there will be many more in the future! Gene splicing will augment your abilities. Implants will make you smarter. Cybernetic systems will make you stronger.

Edited by Jamie Ibson and Chris Kennedy, “We Dare” is a collection of 15 all-new stories that explores the use of augmented humanity in the near future. From getting a new personality loaded with the skills you need for a mission to nanobots that keep you from being killed to creating an indestructible tank, anything is possible!

But just because we can augment humanity doesn’t necessarily mean we should, and there are cautionary tales inside as well. Along with the “good” that might be possible, there is also the potential for augmentation to be used for more…nefarious…ends. Will augmentation make better criminals? What happens when someone with implants has their mind taken over?

One thing is certain, though—people will dare to augment themselves to get an edge. Our authors dared to write these stories of augmented humanity; will you now dare to read them?

Inside you’ll find:
Preface by Chris Kennedy
Kade by Christopher Woods
Taming the Beast by Kevin Steverson
Tank by J.F. Holmes
Cradle and All by Quincy J. Allen
Do or Die by Jamie Ibson
Yellow in the Night by Philip Wohlrab
The Chaos of Well-Seeming Forms by Rob Howell
Forty Acres and a Mule by Luke R. J. Maynard
Imperfect Mind by Jason Cordova
Bag Man by Jack Clemons
Come Up Screaming by Kevin Ikenberry
Angel by Robert E. Hampson
To Dust by Marisa Wolf
Now You See Me by Kacey Ezell
Now You Don’t by Josh Hayes

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We Dare: Semper Paratus: An Anthology of the Apocalypse Aug 11, 2020

by Chris Kennedy, Jamie Ibson, Robert E. Hampson, Rob Howell, Kevin Steverson, Kevin Ikenberry, Jon R. Osborne, Christopher Woods, Marisa Wolf, Jason Cordova, Marie Whittaker, Brent Roeder, Christopher L. Smith, Kevin Fritz Fotovich, Philip Wohlrab

( 60 )

$4.99

Fifteen outstanding authors. Fifteen stories of rising from the ashes!

The apocalypse is coming! Scientists and science fiction novelists have long predicted various forms of the apocalypse, from plagues to wars to aliens. If there’s a way to end civilization, someone has probably prophesized it. Civilizations rise and civilizations fall…but are you ready for it to happen to you? How will you survive and thrive in the event of an apocalypse?

Edited by Jamie Ibson and Chris Kennedy, “We Dare: Semper Paratus” is a collection of 15 all-new stories that explore the apocalypse and what happens next—from surviving the fall to getting through those first perilous days, to learning how to adapt and survive in the new world survivors find themselves in.

What happens when the nations of Earth fall to a nuclear war, and you’re trapped between the combatants on Mars? What if you need to cross a continent to get to the only safe place? How do you survive living in a Fallen World?

One thing is certain—like every civilization before ours, at some point, ours will fall. Will you be ready when that happens? Our authors have dared to look at every type of apocalypse from nuclear war to shadow monsters to darkness falling, and they are ready for the end of the world…are you prepared as well?

With stories by:
Chris Kennedy
Jamie Ibson
Robert E. Hampson
Rob Howell
Kevin Steverson
Kevin Ikenberry
Jon R. Osborne
Christopher Woods
Marisa Wolf
Jason Cordova
Marie Whittaker
Brent Roeder
Christopher L. Smith
Kevin Fritz Fotovich
Philip Wohlrab

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Harbinger (Rise of the Peacemakers Book 10) Oct 26, 2021

by Kevin Ikenberry

( 227 )

$4.99

Peacemakers. The Galactic Union’s most capable enforcers and resolute negotiators, their name alone elicits fear and awe among the Union’s citizenry.

As the Omega War unfurls, the Peacemaker Guild has fallen into disarray. The mysterious Counselor has manipulated Guild Master Rsach’s Crusaders into a cut-throat, authoritarian construct determined to make the peace galaxy-wide. To deal the final blow and transform the Guild forever, Counselor gathers Rsach and his closest allies at a remote location intent on assassination.

Jessica Francis, Earth’s first Peacemaker, has her own reasons to gather her friends and allies. The search for her father, James “Snowman” Francis has ended. The interstellar shipping magnate and mercenary commander has been captured by the Science Guild and a longtime rival with a grudge. As Jessica’s plan to rescue him suffers catastrophic losses, her very world is forever changed.

There is no time to recover as Force 25, commanded by Tara Mason, are the next victims of Counselor’s plan. To save her friend and still have a chance at rescuing her father, Jessica puts her faith in one of her father’s mysterious friends, Bull. Together, they launch a daring rescue to retrieve Snowman from a Science Guild outpost deep within the forbidden Fourth Arm. When the dust settles, nothing will ever be the same for anyone who manages to walk away.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

Redacted Vice (Rise of the Peacemakers Book 6) Mar 2, 2021

by Kevin Ikenberry, Kevin Steverson

( 156 )

$4.99

Peacemakers. The Galactic Union’s most capable enforcers and resolute negotiators, their name alone elicits fear and awe among the Union’s citizenry.

Following their successful mission on Parmick, young Peacemakers Jyrall and Larth remain teamed up with the newly formed Blue Ridge Kin and its unique cast of characters. As the events of the Guild Wars spiral out of control, the Peacemakers prepare for a mission they believe will provide early intelligence to Guild Master Rsach, only to be called off their mission and sent on one with a much high priority.

Separated from the Peacemakers, Cora McCoy and the Blue Ridge Kin report to the jungle planet Weqq to defend against an attack the Peacemaker Guild has determined will come. They arrive and are immediately met by the Crusaders—mostly Human units formed under the auspices of the Peacemaker Guild—who flaunt the laws of the Galactic Union ruthlessly. All is not well within the Peacemakers.

Meanwhile, Jyrall and Larth find themselves drawn into a much larger mission at the request of Jessica Francis, Earth’s first Peacemaker. All they have to do is steal a stargate—a hyperspace-capable portal—from a group of mercenaries that vastly outnumbers them. Will they be able to recruit the assistance they need, or will they be the latest casualties of the Guild Wars?

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This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

Among the Embers (The Fallen World Book 16) Apr 12, 2022

by Chris Kennedy, Christopher Woods, Marisa Wolf, Kevin Steverson, Kevin Ikenberry, Benjamin Tyler Smith, Jon R. Osborne, Brisco Woods, J.P. Chandler, Jamie Ibson, Nick Steverson, Casey Moores, Mark Stallings, Melissa Olthoff, Matt Novotny

( 61 )

$4.99

The world has Fallen, but life goes on…

In the late 2020’s and early 30’s corporations managed to render the major governments of the world obsolete. The big corporations owned most of the territories as well as the majority of the world’s wealth. While many of the old traditions were still observed in various parts of the world, the true power was with the corporations.

In the late 30’s, what would be known as the Corporate Wars began as larger companies initiated hostile takeovers in a whole new fashion. Employees, armed with corporate weapons, warred for dominance. It was a bloody time, and many small corporations were destroyed, as were a lot of civilians in the wrong place at the wrong time… as well as those who’d been buying the wrong products.

On May 1st, 2067, it all ended in nuclear fire.

Fifteen outstanding authors have come to this Fallen World with stories that take place from the islands off the coast of Massachusetts to the California coast; from the swamps of Louisiana to the mountains of Colorado. These stories not only show you the Fall… but introduce you to some of the people who might just drag civilization back from the embers…

With stories by:
Chris Kennedy
Christopher Woods
Marisa Wolf
Kevin Steverson
Kevin Ikenberry
Nick Steverson
Jon R. Osborne
Brisco Woods
J.P. Chandler
Jamie Ibson
Casey Moores
Mark Stallings
Melissa Olthoff
Benjamin Tyler Smith
Matt Novotny

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This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

Redacted Affairs (Rise of the Peacemakers Book 1) Aug 7, 2019

by Kevin Ikenberry, Kevin Steverson

( 182 )

$4.99

Peacemakers. The Galactic Union’s most capable enforcers and resolute negotiators, their name alone elicits fear and awe among the Union’s citizenry.

It is a time of upheaval throughout the Galactic Union. As the effects of the Omega War ripple outward, a Peacemaker falls silent at the outpost mining colony of Parmick. Sensing danger, the Peacemaker Guild dispatches two new graduates of the Academy to investigate and report. They are a new breed of Peacemaker, perfect for the clandestine infiltration mission.

Parmick is in chaos. The miners are planning to revolt, and the mine owner is rallying every mercenary and ne’er-do-well he can to protect his illegal mining operation; the Peacemakers soon realize it will require combat operations to free the citizens of Parmick. Meanwhile, the Peacemaker Guild also finds the mining operation is financing the actions of the disgraced Enforcer Kr’et’Socae. Honoring the threat, the Peacemaker Guild unleashes its Enforcers.

With the galaxy teetering on the edge of chaos, can the Peacemakers and their surprising new allies liberate Parmick, stabilize the Galactic Union, and unlock the next clue to find Snowman? From the minds of Kevin Ikenberry and Kevin Steverson comes a new set of heroes who will forever change the Peacemaker Guild and the course of the Galactic Union.

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Peacemaker (The Revelations Cycle Book 6) Aug 22, 2017

by Kevin Ikenberry

( 200 )

$4.99

Peacemakers. The Galactic Union’s most capable enforcers and resolute negotiators, their name alone elicits fear and awe among the Union’s citizenry.

Having completed a harrowing confirmation mission, Jessica Francis stands ready to become Earth’s first Peacemaker and believes obtaining her commission is a mere formality. However, certain members of the Guild question her ability. Worried that she’ll fall back on her mercenary ways, they want Jessica to prove her mettle at the negotiating table before she puts on the distinctive insignia of a Peacemaker.

Dream Worlds are terraformed planets inhabited by multiple species living and working in harmony. Operated by a governing Consortium, each carefully-controlled world is marketed as a paradise, but Araf is far from. The conditions are deplorable, and its three colonies are moving relentlessly toward all-out war over scarce resources and broken promises.

A three-way showdown for dominance looms—can Jessica prevent war and bring back peace? One thing is certain; she’s never walked away from a fight, and she’s not going to start now.

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This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

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