All's Fair in War

I’ll admit, I went into *All’s Fair in War* expecting another by-the-numbers military sci-fi shoot-’em-up, but Todd subverts that early. The real hook isn’t the action (though there’s plenty, and it’s *visceral*—Collins’ narration makes every firefight feel like it’s happening six inches from your ear). It’s the dynamic between Sal’s ragtag team and their not-so-secret AI, whose banter oscillates between genuine camaraderie and the kind of passive-aggressive one-upmanship that’ll feel familiar to anyone who’s worked in high-pressure teams. The AI isn’t just a tool; it’s a character with agency, and Collins gives it a voice that’s equal parts charming and unnerving—like if HAL 9000 had a sarcastic little sibling. That said, the book isn’t without its stumbles. The worldbuilding occasionally leans *too* hard on shorthand—corporate jargon and acronyms fly fast, and while it adds authenticity, there were moments I wished for a breath to absorb the lore. And while the pacing is generally razor-sharp, the final act’s climax feels slightly rushed, as if Todd had one too many chess pieces on the board and needed to clear them quickly. But these are quibbles. The audio production is flawless: Collins’ timing is impeccable, the sound mixing immersive without being distracting, and the emotional beats land hard. If you love sci-fi that balances brain and brawn—where the tech is intriguing but the *people* (and AIs) are what keep you listening—this is a standout. Just don’t blame me if you start side-eyeing your GPS after finishing it.