Bestselling author Richard McMaster has announced that the ebook version of Aaron's War: A Novel of War and Devotion will be available at no charge on August 19th and 20th, 2026, at Amazon. This promotion provides an opportunity for readers to access a novel that has garnered praise from notable authors, including Michael Punke, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Revenant, who called it "a compelling and complex story of World War II."
The novel follows Aaron Vanko, an innocent Iowa farm boy who faces the harrowing decision to take another's life in the name of duty. Just as he prepares for this mission, he learns of his Jewish heritage, a revelation that shatters his identity and his relationship with the love of his life. Aaron must wage war on two fronts: battling the enemy outside who seek to eradicate the Jewish race, and the inner ethical dilemma that rages within his soul. The story explores themes of coming-of-age, antisemitism, forbidden marriage, PTSD, and substance abuse, resulting in a powerful narrative of love, bravery, and sacrifice.
Readers and reviewers have praised the book. USA Today bestselling author Holly Roberts called it "A coming of age story that grips your soul and takes you on a thought-provoking journey." Tom Porter, author of All I Need To Know About Business I Learned From A Duck, stated, "An engaging, informative and thought-provoking tale of survival, love and faith. Make room for Richard McMaster on your list of up-and-coming authors." Lynn M. Safris said, "The descriptions and details given throughout this author's writing draw the reader into each page, making Aaron's journey feel like their own. I believe this book would appeal to a wide audience of readers."
Richard McMaster is an American novelist whose fiction focuses on how ordinary people overcome extraordinary obstacles. His novels often blend historical fiction, psychological drama, suspense, mystery, romance, and themes of faith, identity, and personal transformation. A recurring message in his work is that adversity shapes character. His protagonists are typically ordinary people facing moral dilemmas, loss, trauma, or major life transitions, with stories emphasizing perseverance, hope, and redemption.
McMaster's other works include The Attic, which achieved bestseller status in contemporary fiction and psychology thrillers. The novel tells the story of Byron Kelly, who becomes a whistleblower on the run from the FBI and hides in the attic of a dying old man, Henry Steel. Fans of psychological thrillers will find themselves captivated by the book as McMaster combines heart-pounding suspense with beautifully crafted characters. One reviewer said, "Absolutely loved this book. I don't want to give anything away, but this was the best book I have read in a long time."
In a story about Richard McMaster, Dennis Keller of The Hudson Weekly said, "There have been multiple authors that have made a significant contribution to the world of literacy. Richard McMaster is an accomplished author whose works have been praised for their depth, complexity, and emotional resonance." Keller continued, "Richard McMaster never falls into the trap of presenting his characters as simplistic archetypes or caricatures, instead allowing them to emerge as fully formed individuals with their unique voices and perspectives."
The ebook of Aaron's War will be free at Amazon on August 19 and 20, 2026. Readers can access it via the author's Amazon page at Richard McMaster's Amazon store. More information about the author is available at his website: https://richard-mcmaster.com/.
