I recieved an Arc of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I'm not sure what all to say about "My Father's Name is War". It painted an interesting picture of what the furture could look like if we continue the attitudes we hold now. I found myself wishing each of the individual stories were full novels with happy endings where good prevailed over evil like much of the fiction I read, but that wasn't the story that was being told in this anthology. The writing was well done, and I would be interested in reading other works by the author in the future.

A collection of stories, essays, a poem, and a short play, My Father's Name is War is not your usual war story. It is ugly, and harsh, and very honest. The science-fiction was inventive, and the essays were dense and fascinating. I enjoyed this, as much as a bitter pill is meant to be enjoyed. I hope Bauder keeps writing.

Bauder is now an auto-buy in our house.

Though at times wordy and heavy, the weight and the intricacy is the point: war is not simple.

A highly recommended read for veterans and families of the Gulf War Era aka Global War on Terror. As well as any person who seeks to understand the true brutality of the military industrial complex.

For a full interview I did with author Bauder: https://templeofdeadtrees.com

Thank you Bauder and NetGalley for this awesome advance copy.

Thank you NetGalley and Meconopsis Press for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

My Father's Name is War is a short story collection with short essays sandwiched in between each one. The whole collection is about the modern age of war, and the profound effect it has had on culture and society.

First things first, all the short stories are really well written, I throughly enjoyed all of them with each covering a different side of how the trauma of service affects every aspect of veterans lives. The essays are also very well-written.

The only complaint I could have would be that some of the stories were too on the nose, but really the collection is clear about what its trying to communicate and it communicates it well, so its harldy a problem.

If you like James Robert's writing for Transformers and writings from Doestovsky then this is absolutely writing for you. Heavy and challenging to an indivual's view on warfare, the military industrial complex, glorification of military service, and media coverage for the creation of patriotism; this collection of short stories, poetry, and plays create a nuanced narrative surrounding what it really means to serve.

Blunt and unapologetic this collection of short stories forces readers to confront their own knowledge and consumption of war media created by the state meant to create a culture of worship of service. Various stories confront the complexities and darkness of living with Combat PTSD in a society that does not encourage or value voices of dissent and realistic looks into the struggle and disgusting nature of warfare. Bauder creatively confronts readers of various mindsets; those who do not want to get better and want to remain in the very system that harmed them in the first place, those who gain the lost benefit and privilege from a system that leaves many behind, those who want to ignore the harms and evils of the system that enacts horrific violence upon those it exploits, those who ignore the innocent lives lost in the name of empires and colonialism, and those who wish to join this system of grinding lives into little more than meat.

I enjoyed the segments between each creative piece that took the time to explore and inform the reader on very real issues through an experience lense with sociology to inform the lived experiences. Honestly I highly recommend this read to any stage of familiarity or lack thereof familiarity with the American Military Industrial Complex.

Bauder’s My Father’s Name Is War is a haunting, lyrical exploration of legacy, violence, and identity, wrapped in a narrative that is as unsettling as it is beautiful. From the first page, the novel grips you with its poetic prose and deep emotional resonance, weaving a story that feels both timeless and immediate.

The novel thrives on its ability to blur the lines between myth and reality, past and present, inheritance and choice. The protagonist’s journey is deeply personal yet universally relevant, tackling themes of generational trauma, the weight of familial expectations, and the ways in which war—both literal and metaphorical—shapes those caught in its wake. Bauder’s writing is striking, often feeling like a fever dream, yet grounded in raw human emotion.

One of the book’s most compelling aspects is its atmosphere. Every passage hums with tension, and there’s a creeping sense of inevitability that makes it impossible to look away. The characters are flawed, tragic, and painfully real, making their struggles all the more affecting.

If there’s a challenge to My Father’s Name Is War, it’s that its narrative structure can feel deliberately elusive, forcing readers to piece together meaning from fragmented moments and poetic interludes. This won’t be for everyone, but for those willing to engage with its complexities, the novel offers a deeply rewarding experience.

Bold, thought-provoking, and deeply moving, My Father’s Name Is War cements Bauder as a writer to watch. This is the kind of book that lingers—its echoes felt long after the final page is turned.

My Father’s Name Is War is a beautifully written collection of gripping military Sci-Fi short stories that span several genres.

Deeply personal, this collection examines the internalized consequences of war and conflict with an unflinching eye. Bauder explores themes of violence, control, surveillance, and identity in futuristic yet recognizable settings. The worlds feel immersive and the characters are well-written. Many of these stories will haunt me for a long time.

I highly recommend this collection to those who like thought-provoking, realistic Sci-Fi that forces the reader to grapple with the true horrific nature of war.

This was a compelling and thought provoking book that delves into the impacts of war on both individuals and society. Drawing from personal experiences as a veteran, the author here presents nine stories that traverse genres such as science fiction, psychological thriller, philosophy, and horror. This was a challenging book, confronting the harsh realities of the military and business and its pervasive influence on everyday life

One of the standout features of this collection is the author’s willingness to experiment with different forms and styles, separating itself from other anthology style books. I have not read many other books written in this stylized of a way. This inventive approach not only showcases the author’s versatility as a writer but also makes this a unique experience, different from other books that try and explore similar themes. This is also an intense, unsettling, and disturbing read. The author does not shy away from depicting the raw and often painful truths associated with warfare, making this a challenging yet essential read.

I was interested in this book because I believed it to be a unique spin on a potentially interesting playground for story telling and after reading it I believe it hit that mark. Reading will take some effort but that effort will be worthwhile.

3.5 rounded up.

I am the child of 2 Vietnam era veterans. Both my mom and Dad served in the Army. Dad over 25 years. I grew up hearing and seeing the after effects of war on the soldiers and it was not pretty. I have also learned as an adult that what the public is told about is far from the actual truth. With that said lets discus this book.

I will admit I was not sure what I was expecting when I started this read but wow. It is heavy, it is tense and it is emotional. I’m not going to say that this writing is the best or the style is amazing and I know those who did not grow up a military brat or who did not serve may find some of the terminology and story structure confusing. Which is one of the main reasons I rated it how I did. So even if you have to look up the lingo to understand, please do it.

What I will say is that this collection of stories is thought provoking. It will make you question and I believe that is a good thing. The stories are compelling and reveal the complex thoughts and emotions tied to the aftermath of war. War is so often idealized and romanticized to the extent that we are left with something that in no way resembles what truly existed. These stories put the reality and brutality back into war. Even if its ugly, it needed to be said.

A intense collection of short stories that really make you think.

I wasn't expecting this to be so deep but I'm thankful it was. It takes a hold of you and makes you look, listen and feel the brutality that is our current and future world.

Firstly, thank you Netgalley, Bauder and Meconopsis Press for allowing me to read this ARC.

This book is a thought-provoking collection that delves into the complex and distressing themes of war. The writing is sophisticated and intricate, demanding careful attention from the reader. The author uses a variety of storytelling techniques, weaving together different voices and perspectives that keep the narrative dynamic and engaging. While some stories are stronger than others, each is meticulously crafted, offering a nuanced exploration of the emotional and psychological toll of war.

I particularly appreciated the mini-essays that accompanied each story. These essays were not only educational but also added a layer of depth. helping to contextualise the themes and providing an insightful reflection on the narrative.

Admittedly, I found some of the terminology a bit challenging. though this was anticipated in the prelude, which prepared readers for such hurdles. This consideration, though, did not diminish my overall enjoyment of the book.

For those who appreciate literature that stimulates deep thought and introspection, this collection of short stories is sure to resonate. It's a powerful read that explores the complexities of war through a variety of lenses and leaves a lasting impact.


This review has also been posted on instagram, goodreads and tiktok, all of which have been linked.

I am going to be honest, I judged this book by its cover - that's how I ended up with an eARC (thank you to author, publisher, and netgalley).

I have no regrets in doing so. I am not sure what I expected going in, but this was a heartbreaking, harrowing series of stories (play, poem) dealing with the attitudes and acts surrounding war, patriotism, and the people who are sucked into both. I'm used to breezing through books in a day or two - this is NOT that kind of book. I can't sell it with a few buzzwords and a few relatable character traits, and I think I'd be doing it a disservice to try.

Disclaimer that I am a profoundly stupid woman, but this book was a <i>lot</i>. And I'm very glad to have read it.

I did something I don't normally do with ARCs, I read this twice before writing a review. And that, I think was the right choice.

The writing here is so stupidly good and reads as if someone is presenting or talking. That style works so well here and really adds to the gravitas of the topic.

Now a major theme here is who gets to tell stories about war so I'll give you my perspective. I was 11 and living in NJ when the twin towers fell. I had classmates whose parents died; on the planes, in the towers, or as emergency responders. My dad watched the plane hit the second tower and my grandfather had to run from ABC headquarters to his boss's apartment because his car was destroyed. I therefore believed war was not only the right course of action but appropriate as retribution.

I believed that for years until I was at a Goo Goo Dolls concert in long Island and saw Johnny Reznick say fuck George Bush and this hateful war. I thought he was an idiot--our president is beloved, and the war is justified. Then I had friends and classmates serve who told us about the futility of war. About how it wasn't cool or fun like Call of Duty. And how they felt their lives or identities were marred by their actions.

I now, as part of my job, support veterans reentering the workforce after their service. The stories they tell are often not one of valor but one of exclusion and ostracization. Many veterans don't want anyone to know they served because they don't want questions (why yes I have written guidance to employers telling them not to ask if someone killed someone. Because someone ASKED that on a job interview) or don't want to be discriminated against.

I am embarrassed by how long it took me to recognize what we were doing was wrong and how many people were hurt by our actions. I don't know if this book will sway anyone but my God it certainly has something to say. It will grip you close and spit on you. It was spew fire on your ideas.

I can't tell you how much I recommend this book.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a review copy.

This is a very hard-hitting collection of stories (and one poem), all centered around the military. Make no mistake - these are horror stories, although they frequently veer into sci-fi territory as well. The vignettes between the stories hit me just as hard as the stories. 5 stars

My Father's Name is Forgotten ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
And Hades Followed Him ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Chasing the Dragon ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Omertá ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Non-Combat Related Incident ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Waidmannsdank ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
That It Was Good ⭐⭐⭐.25
Private Passenger ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
My Father's Name is War ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

I won’t lie—I knew going in that this wouldn’t be my usual kind of read. But despite that, I found myself completely immersed. Bauder’s writing is exceptional, and I actually hated how on edge I felt during certain moments—proof of just how powerful this collection is.

The level of detail and research behind each story is truly impressive, and the experimental formats and varied narratives fit their respective themes perfectly. Beyond that, the way Bauder crafts tension, emotion, and raw honesty into each piece is nothing short of remarkable. It’s a collection that lingers long after the final page, forcing reflection and discomfort in the best possible way. While this book wasn’t necessarily an enjoyable read in the traditional sense, I can’t point to anything I outright disliked.

Overall, My Father’s Name Is War is a thought-provoking and deeply affecting collection that examines the personal and societal consequences of war. It’s an important, well-executed work, and I look forward to reading more from Bauder in the future.

A militaristic short story collection showing the consequences of war. Bauder would like us to take a look at the good feelings when we think of our military and war and set them on fire. The toll he took and watched others take during his time in the military is evident by the tone and theme of this collection of short stories.

This collection is not for the faint of heart. Each story elicits severe emotion highlighting the depravity of war within a social, personal, economic, and societal level. It will leave you feeling like you took a melon baller to your insides. Hollow. An absolutely heartbreaking peak into what our soldiers go through. It will break you.

As a civilian, some of the jargon was difficult to understand, and some stories had more than others which required some research, but all in all, I would recommend this book to any and everyone.

Thank you to Meconopsis Press, Bauder, and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Bauder’s My Father’s Name Is War: Collected Transmissions is a kaleidoscope of genres, spanning from sci-fi to horror, and shifting through different time periods. This collection of nine entries invites readers on a radicalizing journey, presenting an array of narratives that explore deep and often unsettling themes.

One of the collection’s notable strengths is its ability to craft incredibly compelling worlds. Several entries left me yearning to delve deeper into the universes Bauder created. At its best, the writing is remarkably engaging, drawing readers in with vivid detail and powerful, emotive storytelling.

However, not every entry hits the mark with the same force. Some entries were more challenging to connect with, featuring writing that did not feel as polished or complete. Despite this, each story contributes to the overarching themes Bauder seems to be grappling with: the brutal realities of war and its costs, both mentally and physically, as well as the corrosive nature of capitalism and its role in the war machine.

As a whole, Bauder’s debut book provides a thought-provoking and varied reading experience. Bauder’s reflections on such weighty topics are both intriguing and unsettling, making this collection a distinctive, memorable, and important read in the world we live in today.

Thank you Meconopsis Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.
All opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley, Meconopsis Press, and Bauder for providing me with an early copy of this book!

This book has one of the most interesting formats of anything I've ever read. Bauder presents several short stories, each an extremely detailed allegory dealing with various aspects of warfare and the institution of the state, and then follows them with exceptionally informative passages explaining how each of those things take place in real life and have taken place throughout history. This is, in my opinion, an ingenious way of presenting everything.

The allegorical presentation not only creates a much deeper, more empathetic understanding of the overall concepts, it also means that the reader is going into the nonfiction sections with emotional engagement. By doing so, it ensures that the true understanding of the human cost of all of this is at the forefront; it is impossible to read the nonfiction sections with a flat, distant, academic sense of tragedy that so often is a blight to the effectiveness of these sorts of texts.

I would say this is a must read, especially in the current climate.

The allegories are fabulously written. They have well-developed, complex science fiction settings that are remarkably detailed given the limited length. They invoke a sense of empathy and investment in characters that is quite frankly remarkable for such short stories because the characters are deeply human, flaws and contradictions and all. A short story has never made me cry, until Omertà.

The nonfiction sections were engaging and laid out clearly and concisely and their compliment to each of the allegories is clear. I like to think of myself as someone who's fairly educated in the realm of the state/methods of control/conflict/the military complex because I studied a lot of it in school; this was a more powerful read, and a better educator because of that, than any other piece of reading I have ever had on the subject. So much so that I'm considering emailing my professors to suggest they add it to their reading lists.

I really hope to see more releases from Bauder in the future.

As posted on Goodreads:

“Find any veteran, ask if they’d agree with a son’s willingness to enlist, and you might receive mixed opinions.

Then, ask the same about a daughter.”

My Father’s Name is War is a combination of real life observations about the complexities and consequences of war, and genre-bending fiction about the past, present and future of human warfare. This, combined with the “short story + brief introduction” format makes for a quick and entertaining read.

As with most short story collections, there were certainly some I preferred more than others, but I really appreciated the author not pulling punches and being clear about the cost of war, and the human toll that it takes - both mentally and physically.

Overall, I think this is a fantastic debut from Bauder, and I hope we’ll see more work from them in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

I want to start this off with this is a complex book. If you are looking for a quick, easy read, this is not it. Do not be fooled by “collection of essays, short stories” etc.; each section is layered with depth and impact. I would also not recommend picking this up if you are not in a good mental space at the moment as the themes explored do not include victory or triumph, but only the aftermath of the ravages of war.

“I’ve rejected that salute every day since, rejected the salute of twenty-one guns while seeking the favor of one.”

This collection will leave you hollowed.