Apollo Wept: A Provocative Military Sci-Fi Journey Into America's Dystopian Future
Coyote, a retired US Air Force Colonel, critiques America in his military sci-fi trilogy, Apollo Wept, offering a dark and humorous take on ideological shifts.
By
Feb 25, 2026
In the opening moments of Apollo Wept, the reader is thrust into a future teetering on the brink of total collapse. A world where ideological excesses are no longer an undercurrent but the driving force of society. Coyote, an author with a sharp eye for detail and a profound understanding of military strategy, takes us on a journey that is both chilling and eerily familiar. With a narrative honed through decades of service, Apollo Wept is not just a work of fiction—it's a powerful critique of what America could become.
Coyote’s story begins far from the interstellar adventures of his novel. Raised in the rural expanses of Southern Illinois and Western Tennessee, Coyote’s early life was shaped by a love of the outdoors and a strong sense of family. His father, a tail gunner on the B-36J “Peacemaker,” instilled in him a love for aviation and a sense of purpose that would guide him through a distinguished military career. From drinking directly from a garden hose to hunting and fishing with his dad, Coyote's youth was filled with traditional values that still resonate in his writing today.
After attending Memphis State University and joining the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, Coyote's career took flight. As a decorated Air Force Colonel, he spent over four decades in military and civilian service, soaring through the ranks and flying legendary aircraft such as the F-4 Phantom and the F-15E Strike Eagle. His career also saw him at the Pentagon, where he helped shape national defense strategy as a strategic planner, and was later awarded the U.S. Air Force Test Director of the Year award for leading the operational test of America’s newest precision-guided munition. Coyote’s expertise in strategic planning and weapons systems testing helped define America’s tactical air forces, while his technical prowess informed cutting-edge military operations.
It’s this background in military strategy and systems management that gives Apollo Wept its sharp, no-nonsense tone. The book delves into the future of America, where the nation is on the edge of an identity crisis, driven by unchecked political correctness and ideological conformity. As in his military career, Coyote’s writing is strategic, thoughtful, and deeply critical of the systems in place. Apollo Wept is not just a sci-fi space opera; it is a reflection on the dangers of a society that sacrifices individual liberty in favor of ideological trends.
The plot of Apollo Wept is as captivating as it is thought-provoking. Set in a future America, the novel explores a dystopian world where identity politics have spiraled out of control. The protagonist finds himself in an underground speak-easy on Earth where he meets the girl of his dreams, just weeks before embarking on a journey that takes him to the far reaches of interstellar space. The story is a biting satire, a commentary on the erosion of personal freedoms and the relentless pursuit of ideological purity. As the narrative unfolds, readers are drawn into a world where truth is constantly under siege, and the battle for liberty becomes a fight against the very forces that once sought to protect it.
One of the standout elements of Apollo Wept is its dark humor and satirical wit. This is not a typical sci-fi novel; it’s a commentary on the absurdity of modern life, wrapped in a thrilling narrative. Coyote’s sharp observations about contemporary society come through clearly, often with a sense of biting humor. As Lt. Gen. Steve Kwast (USAF Ret.) notes, “In Apollo Wept, Coyote delivers a gripping space opera set in a dystopian America that feels both disturbingly familiar and chillingly plausible.”
The brilliance of Coyote’s writing lies not only in his technical expertise but in his ability to weave humor into a narrative that could easily be bleak. The novel is at once a critique of modern political trends and a celebration of traditional values. It challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the direction in which America is headed, all while delivering an enthralling story filled with high-stakes adventure and sharp, satirical commentary.
In his post-military life, Coyote remains as dynamic as ever. An avid marathon runner, he has completed over ten marathons and fifty half-marathons. His endurance, both physical and intellectual, is evident in his work. His commitment to challenging contemporary social dynamics through his writing reflects the same drive that defined his military career. Alongside his wife of over forty years, Coyote continues to embrace travel and cherish time with their two grown sons, all while pursuing a career as an author and public speaker.
Coyote’s approach to writing reflects a deep desire to critique and analyze the modern world, just as he once analyzed military systems. In Apollo Wept, he draws upon his wealth of experience in strategic planning and systems management to craft a world where the consequences of ideological conformity are laid bare. The book is an exploration of what happens when truth is silenced, and individual liberty is sacrificed on the altar of political correctness.
In addition to the acclaim surrounding his novel, Coyote has been recognized for his exceptional contributions to literature. He was recently awarded Best New Satire Author in the U.S. of 2026 by Best of Best Review, an honor that highlights his unique voice in the world of satire and military fiction. This recognition only strengthens the impact of his work and marks a significant achievement in his post-military career.
The reaction to Apollo Wept has been overwhelmingly positive, with readers praising its unique blend of military expertise, wit, and social commentary. Reviews of the Overture, the innovative introduction to the trilogy, highlight its well-crafted narrative and timely critique of the contemporary political climate. One Amazon reviewer even noted, “I can see at least one of the characters! The flying scenes bring back many memories!”
Yet it is the novel’s unflinching examination of contemporary societal issues that sets it apart from other works of science fiction. In a world increasingly divided by ideology, Apollo Wept serves as both a warning and a call to action. It challenges readers to consider the consequences of unchecked political trends and to fight for a future where individual liberty is preserved.
For those looking for an exhilarating read that is both thought-provoking and entertaining, Apollo Wept is a must-read. Coyote's sharp analysis and rich storytelling make this trilogy an essential exploration of America’s future, seen through the lens of a dystopian world gone awry. It is a book that demands attention, and one that readers will not soon forget.
Ready to dive into the dystopian world of Apollo Wept? Explore Coyote's gripping military sci-fi trilogy today and discover what the future of America could hold. Visit Coyote’s Author Website for more details on the book and Coyote's other works.
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