Christopher Bryde
Upgunner
Upgunner is the debut novel by decorated war veteran Corporal Christopher J. Bryde, delivering a gripping and raw portrayal of a US Marine's journey from the rugged Alaskan wilderness to the unforgiving deserts of Afghanistan.
Set during the initial surge of NATO troops, the novel follows Lance Corporal Brodie, a Marine who awakens from a coma after losing his leg in an IED explosion. As he grapples with the brutal trials of physical rehabilitation, his Catholic faith, and the haunting memories of his deployment, Lance Corporal Brodie faces profound internal and external battles—of war, injury, morality, and faith.
Through vivid flashbacks, Lance Corporal Brodie recounts how his deployment stretched far beyond its intended end. His squad, isolated and ill-equipped, was sent on relentless missions deep into Taliban-occupied territory, often without medical evacuation or air support—culminating in catastrophic consequences.
Told with unflinching honesty, Upgunner explores the harsh realities of military life and the profound psychological toll of war, trauma and survival.
About Christopher Bryde
Christopher Bryde was born in Alaska and served as a U.S. Marine Infantry Machine Gunner with 2nd Battalion 7th Marines Regiment in Afghanistan, 2008. He lost both of his legs below the knee due to wounds sustained in the explosion of a Taliban IED. He spent many years recovering and after retiring from the Marines, he began a life of academic study and charity work. After achieving two degrees at PCC in Portland, Oregon, he was accepted into St. Mary’s University Twickenham London, where he completed his BA in Creative and Professional Writing and then an MA in Creative Writing: First Novel. As of 2024, he was enrolled at St. Mary’s and studying towards his PhD in Creative Writing. He produced and starred in the 2020 documentary The Forgotten Battalion, which focused on the aftereffects of war and the suicide epidemic which plagued his unit. He is also an Invictus Games athlete and will compete in the first ever Winter Invictus Games in 2025.