Books Like...

'Red Storm Rising' by Larry Bond and Tom Clancy is a Cold War-era thriller that explores the possibility of World War III breaking out between NATO and the Warsaw Pact. The book delves into detailed military scenarios, showcasing a variety of characters from different perspectives involved in the escalating conflict. Clancy's writing style is described as fast-paced, detailed, and engaging, with a focus on military strategy and advanced technology.

'Cauldron' by Larry Bond is a technothriller set in a scenario where a Franco-German alliance emerges post-Brexit EU, leading to a potential war in Europe. The story involves evil forces uniting in France and Germany to take over Europe, with historic animosities, reluctant Russia, and the U.S. intervention playing significant roles. Despite some flaws in copyediting, the book is praised for its well-written action sequences and the portrayal of a frighteningly realistic scenario of Europe sliding into a World War, where America defends European liberty and democracy.

'Team Yankee' by Harold Coyle is a military fiction novel set in a World War 3 scenario in the 1980s, focusing on a mixed armored and mechanized infantry company of M113s and M1 Abrams tanks. The plot revolves around the company commander leading his team in various combat scenarios against Soviet and Warsaw Pact forces in Germany. The novel is described as a thought-provoking and well-described story of modern mechanized warfare that provides insight into the intensity of force on force conventional warfare and the challenges faced by soldiers in high-stakes situations.

The writing style of 'Team Yankee' is commended for its technical fidelity and accuracy in portraying modern military tactics and equipment. Readers appreciate the detailed descriptions of combat engagements and the strategic decisions made by the characters. The book also delves into deep topics such as the psychological impact of combat and the looming threat of nuclear exchange, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.

Larry Bond's 'Vortex' is a military thriller set in a radicalized South Africa, where a shadowy coup led by Karl Vorster results in a brutal crackdown and invasion of Namibia. As the conflict escalates, involving white supremacists, communists, and rebel factions, the United States and Great Britain become involved, facing the threat of destabilizing the global economy. The book expertly weaves together elements of politics, weaponry, strategy, and technology, portraying a complex and devastating conflict with detailed military descriptions.

Icon by Frederick Forsyth is a gripping thriller set in 1999 Russia, where a charismatic and sociopathic politician named Igor Komarov is on the brink of taking over the country with his extremist views and plans for a fascist regime. The story follows ex-CIA agent Jason Monk who is hired by a group of elder statesmen to stop Komarov at all costs, leading to a high-stakes battle of wits and espionage. The plot is filled with global intrigue, suspense, and unpredictable events, drawing parallels to historical figures like Adolf Hitler and incorporating real historical events like the Aldrich Ames spy scandal.

Forsyth's writing style in Icon is praised for its attention to detail, creating an exciting and relentless plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. The book weaves together multiple storylines expertly, introducing a diverse cast of characters including spies, politicians, and underworld figures, all coming together in a race against time to prevent Russia from descending into fascist tyranny under Komarov's rule.

'Special Forces' by Tom Clancy provides an inside view on the US Army Special Forces organization, covering topics such as selection, training, equipment, and the day-to-day life of military personnel. However, some readers feel that the book lacks depth and attention to detail, with grainy photos and a rushed writing style that may not do justice to the subject matter.

In 'The Night Agent' by Matthew Quirk, FBI agent Peter Sutherland gets pulled into a dangerous conspiracy after receiving a call from a young woman named Rose Larkin. As they try to evade Russian assassins and government operatives, they uncover deep counterintelligence measures and face a dangerous cat and mouse chase. The novel is a blend of conspiracy, espionage, and thriller genres, with a fast-paced plot and short, tension-building chapters that keep the reader engaged.

'The Night Agent' is set in Washington, D.C., within sight of the White House, and explores themes of government corruption, responsibility, and the dangers of espionage. The story unfolds with a series of twists and turns, keeping the reader guessing and on the edge of their seat. The writing style is described as straightforward and well-plotted, with realistic characters and a satisfying ending that ties up the various storylines.

"Op-Center" is the inaugural book in the series that immerses readers in a world of political intrigue and intelligence operations. The plot unfolds with a bombing at a celebration in Seoul, which is suspected to be orchestrated by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). The narrative introduces a well-run team working in the shadows of a government agency that officially does not exist, as they navigate complex relationships and potential conflicts between the U.S. and China. Readers find the story begins with a focus on South Korea, laying the groundwork for the series' exploration of geopolitical tensions and intelligence gathering.

The writing style is characterized by the typical twists and turns that Tom Clancy fans have come to expect, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with continuous action and great character descriptions. However, some readers note that it may take time to acclimate to the various characters and their intricate roles, especially with overlapping names and a complicated plot. While some have found the pacing a bit slow initially, the book ultimately comes together, providing insight into the challenges faced by the U.S. military in East Asia and the delicate balance of power in the region.

'Red Phoenix' by Larry Bond and Patrick Larkin is a gripping war story set in an alternative but still recognizable history, where a psychotic North Korean dictator decides to invade South Korea, leading to a high-stakes conflict that brings the world to the edge of nuclear war. The book delves into the intricate details of military logistics, complex international relations, and the intense battle scenarios faced by overwhelmed and outgunned South Korean and U.S. forces. Through a mix of suspense, action, and well-developed characters, the authors paint a vivid picture of a Second Korean War that never happened but feels all too real.

The narrative of 'Red Phoenix' weaves together multiple storylines that unfold in various global locations, including Moscow, Beijing, Washington, and North and South Korea. The book explores themes of political intrigue, military strategy, and the human cost of war, offering a fast-paced and engaging read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. With attention to detail, realistic writing, and an exploration of the potential consequences of historical events, the authors deliver a thought-provoking and compelling tale of conflict and international tensions.