Dragon Sim-13

The Green Berets #2

by Bob Mayer

As the historic events in Tiananmen Square unfold, a Chinese American controller turns a computerized Special Forces readiness exercise into the real thing as he dispatches a commando team to China. By the author of Eyes of the Hammer.

Genres: Military Fiction, Fiction, Thriller, Action, Adventure

322 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Besides my own interests, I read whatever my wife tells me to read-- she's a voracious reader and has wide-ranging tastes as my reviews show (she also always has the TV remote and she's always right about what to watch). I read a lot of nonfiction, mostly for research. Some of my favorite books are Lonesome Dove, Mystic River, LOTR, and an array of science fiction classics including the Foundation series. Our house is covered with books, although I finally broke down and started reading eBooks, strangely enough on my iPhone. Since I carry it pretty much everywhere, it means I always have an entire library of books with me.

I'm a West Point graduate, former Green Beret and a New York Times Bestselling Author. I've sold over five million books. My newest series begins with New York Minute, a thriller set in New York City in 1977.

I love using history and science in my books. My Area 51 series pretty much had me rewriting our entire history of civilization.

Reviews

[Jim A · Rating 3 out of 5]

The process of Special Forces preparing for an operation made for very interesting reading. The balance of the story was pretty predictable, given the theme of a rogue computer operator in charge of simulated SF operations. The rogue, an immigrant from China, has his own agenda during the student demonstrations at Tiananmen Square in '89.

Also, while written after Eyes Of The Hammer, the time frame puts it before that book chronologically. Made for some confusion on my part as to the rank of the main character.

[Glen · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's some sort of plot about a rogue computer guy launching nukes against China, but the format makes the book so hard to read, I 'm not entirely sure.

[John Podlaski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit that I struggled with the first half of the book - there was too much technical information and the process of preparing for the mission was both laborious and lengthy with enough repetition to bog down the story. However, once the mission was a go, it was like reading a different book. It flowed well with plenty of action that made it difficult to put the story down. There was plenty of suspense while the team evaded tens of thousands of Chinese soldiers who were intent on capturing these "terrorists".

The author also had a tendancy of portraying the Captain of a U.S. Cruiser as somewhat 'flippant" when the team interfaced with him. Additionally, it appeared like the Chinese military - with the exception of the Chinese Colonel who was calling the shots - were poorly trained robots who couldn't make a decision on their own. How did the Chinese programmer who was in charge of the US Military simulations have so much power that he alone could cause an unprovoked attack on a foreign power?

The ending was also abrupt as a group of special agents stepped in and quarantined the Green Beret team in order to hide the truth from the world. What became of the team members and those officers up their chain of command? The programmer was arrested but allowed to continue with simulations? The author failed to let readers know the reaction of the Chinese and the outcome of the oil pipeline. A U.S. helicopter was seen by all during the team rescue in china, how was that explained?

All in all, it was interesting to learn about all that is involved in a Special Forces mission...the thorough planning for every conceivable issue that may occur during a mission, and then by following the plan meant success! Thank you Bob Mayer!

[Pierre Tassé (Enjoying Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good story. Title should have been .5 vice #2 in my mind.

[Lyndon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragon Sim-13 by Bob Mayer was written in 1992 and holds up quite well some thirty years later. That’s partly because the story takes place in 1989 in the context of the Chinese student protests and subsequent massacre in Tiananmen Square. It’s a fresh (and still intriguing) story backdrop for when this novel was original published.

That incident is tangentially connected to the plot and serves as the impetus for the war games simulation to take a deadly turn. It’s a tension-filled ride once the action starts. (Which, to be honest, is about a fifth of the way into the book due to quite a lot of firearm and military mission-related details. I’m sure this will appeal to diehard special ops fans, but be warned – it’s a slow burn at first.)

I generally like historically set novels, and even though these events took place within recent memory, our world has changed so rapidly in the last few decades, the 1980s feel like a lifetime away. So this was a good return visit to that thriller genre of the Cold War era.

Plus, Mayer writes from experience. He’s a graduate of West Point, joined Special Forces as a Green Beret, and served our country. He’s an expert at extreme weather survival, a veteran who knows of what he speaks. He’s also an ‘old-era’ author (traditionally pubbed) who has pivoted to become a leading, standout indie writer.

His Green Beret novels feature squadron leader Dave Riley, a bit of a MacGyver figure, and with a lot of grit. Six books make up the original series: Eyes of the Hammer; Dragon Sim-13; Synbat; Cut Out; Eternity Base; and Z - all written in the 1990s. I believe Mayer has continued the series with three more books but am not certain if they are still set in the early 90s or not.

As mentioned, this story had a slow burning plot, but the tension and action buildup was great. 4.5 starts – recommended for military thriller, special op suspense fans. Oh, and here’s a Kirkus review from 1992.
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...

[Robert Berry · Rating 2 out of 5]

routine computer exercise involving a simulated Special Forces raid on a Chinese oil pipeline. But the program has been written by Doctor Meng, a refugee determined to strike a blow against his onetime tormentors in Beijing, and Sgt. Dave Riley and his Green Beret A-team find themselves actually in China, confronting disaster when a helicopter crash leaves half the men stranded in hostile territory. the final rescue mission—featuring a hotshot female helicopter pilot

[Robert Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bob Mayer keeps the pace frantic.

I have been a fan of Mr Mayer's work from his first novels. It makes you feel part of the action as the team comes together and the impossible is made possible.

[Cathy Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting story

This book has no bad guys, just military men trying to do their duty. It also shows how computers should be monitored, by more than one person if used to simulate combat missions.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

This is an excellent book, and very well written. Even if this is not ones typical genre it is captivating, and you can't help but "pray" for the soldiers who were caught in the middle.

[Rev. W. Roger Stauffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spellbinding read

Excellent action packed book with great detail which made it seem realistic. Some unexpected twists and turns which keep one interested and continuing to read this book to the end. Great imagination and imagery.

[John Scheibelhut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Makes you believe this could really happen.

I like the way that this story progresses. You have all the elements, and all the players and great turn of events. Kept me reading and I hated that it was finished.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

So realistic and intense that I actually could not read it in one sitting. Intensely reminded me of some of my own experiences.
Bob has not disappointed me with any of his stories and I am really looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Kyla Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smoke & Mirrors

This was unbelievably good. Clever, ingenious, different. A brilliant story, superbly crafted & executed. Exciting, action packed, believable. Bob Mayer is a masterful story teller.

[William Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written for warriors

This book brought me up to date with the modern US Army and specifically that part of it made up by people who had a hardscrabble existence before the military. The Special Forces may not get the press that the SEALS get but they are every bit their equal.

[Gerry O'Brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

You gotta love Dave Riley

This is an engaging story of Dave Riley and his top team of commandos. Mayer continues top impress with his knowledge of military jargon and tactical expertise. This is an engaging and entertaining story to read.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense

Another great read from Bob Mayer! I’m really enjoying this series and looking forward to more of his books.

The writing in this book brings you into the fold of Dave Riley and his team emotionally, physically and psychologically. Bravo!

[Robert Lewter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great writer. Great series. Great book. I loved it.

[Amy Burden · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best reads

Read at your own risk of being sucked into great characters, plots and technicals with a story that leaves you wanting more.

[Denny Butler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun story but completely unbelievable.

[Harry J. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow an amazing read

This book is an amazing read that will keep you reading until the end. Without any boring filler paragraphs to detract you from the story.

[David Dalton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winner from Bob Mayer. This is the 3rd book in the Green Beret series I have read and I have liked them all. Plenty of action and it Mayer writes very detailed pages about special forces operations. The ending was very exciting and full of suspense as the small crew of soldiers were on the run from ALMOST the entire Chinese army! The helicopter get-a-way was a nail biter for sure. I have the remaining 3 books in this series (plus over 10 other Bob Mayer titles) that I plan on reading one of these days. You cannot go wrong with a Bob Mayer military action thriller.

[Mike Brand · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a thriller, but unfortunately for me, outdated by several decades. Still, the story line is interesting and gripping. I think the characters were defined, but not necessarily to the point where I felt I knew them. Several times there was swearing that i don't appreciate - f*** and g**d****. It was an entertaining book, though.

[Benton Mcpeak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very exciting. Mayer weaves procedures and adventure perfectly. I actually felt like I was there and glad that I wasn't. The men and women who keep our country safe need to be more appreciated. The lengths they go to in order to protect each other really comes out in the book. I can't wait to start the next one in the series.

[RJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of those books with a good beginning and an exciting ending, but a slow middle. I've listened to worse, that's for sure. It won't put me off of Bob Mayer and I expect things to get better. I have higher expectations for Mr. Mayer.

[Robbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent! This book was so intense that I had to put it down for a day or two and come back to it. It was worth the stress; the characters are likeable, intelligent and believable. I rate this one 4.8 stars. Jim finished it 4-21-14 and gave it 4.2 stars.

[Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was engaging and exciting. Ran it by my brother, who is a retired G.B. and he said the technical details, mission prep, etc. were very realistic.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read, even though this was written in early 90's (apart from the technology) it doesn't seem that dated.

[Rex Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. Mayer is one of my favorites.

[Diane Burton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting scenario.

[Arthur Rabinovitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting premise
good read held my interest