The Last Phoenix

Madeline Turner #3

by Richard Herman

America is caught in the lethal center of an unwinnable two-front war -- in this gripping and explosive thriller from the master of geopolitical intrigue . . . The war on terrorism has borne bitter fruit, as the radical Islamic states forge an unholy alliance with a surging China, aiming for total control of the Middle East's vast oil reserves and the strategic Strait of Malacca. As a new axis of world power simultaneously launches a devastating double-pronged conflict -- one a depleted American military cannot possibly win -- President Maddy Turner, the first woman ever to occupy the Oval Office, must react swiftly to a global crisis of world-altering proportions. And so she turns to the only man she can trust in the brutal snake pit of Beltway Brigadier General Matt Pontowski. A brilliant flyer and military tactician, and the intimate confidant of the most powerful woman on Earth, he must now undertake a mission at once bold and extraordinary -- and potentially suicidal -- as a desperate nation confronts Armageddon, and its leader approaches what will be either her finest hour . . . or her most tragic mistake.

Genres: Military Fiction, Fiction

496 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 23, 2002

About the author

Also publishes as Richard Herman Jr.

Richard Herman was a member of the United States Air Force (Weapons System operator) for twenty-one years, retiring in 1983 with the rank of major. He is the author of ten previous novels, including The Warbirds, Power Curve, Against All Enemies, Edge of Honor, and The Trojan Sea, all published by Avon Books.
(source Harper Collins)

Reviews

[Joel B Champagne · Rating 5 out of 5]

So long, and yet so short.

I have not read anything that can rival the Pentowski's series by Richard Herman. All the characters are memorable, with dialogue that gives them humanity, and the actions that deliver believability. This reader was seriously moved at the conclusion of the final book in the series. Pentowski, Jin Chu, Kamigami...all of the cast are like family members, woven into the storyline and participating in a story of heroism and the true cost of war. Even Boyca was an important member of the cast, a hero. I cannot truly express the pleasure and satisfaction that resulted from reading this series. Herman is THE Master.

[James · Rating 1 out of 5]

Even worse Tom Clancy

[Gordon Dempsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Real Thing

This is a very realistic story of military action. The stories of numerous individuals who were in the actions sounded real and not all lasted to the end.

[Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was actually better than I thought it would be. Iran, Iraq, and Syria combine forces to create a new Islamic state and invade Saudi Arabia in a bid to control most of the world's oil supply and cut the United States off at the knees. Meanwhile, China attempts to gain control of the strategic Straight of Malacca. The United States military has been pared back so much that it will have difficulty in dealing with both situations at once, so it moves the majority of its forces to aid Saudi Arabia and a token force to help in Malaysia. By the end of the book, things are obviously made right.

The biggest surprise in the book for me, and the most pleasant, was the inclusion of the German Army. In the book, the Germans have nearly two hundred Panzers at a tank training base in Turkey that the United States want to move into Iraq from the rear and cut off the Muslim army's supply lines. There is not any detail given from the German point of view, but it was still a great point in the story in which the United States has to rely upon another ally for help in a volatile region. The United States manage to convince Turkey that they are next in line to be gobbled up by this new Islamic union, and they in turn allow the Germans to use the training facility as the base to attack the undefended rear.

The political situation is that the former female VP is now the President. Her political opponent is a scumbag [as all political opponents are]. The French are complete and utter jerks [shocker!]. These two flashpoints are occurring during an election year and the new President has to decide what is more important: attempting to win a war or win an election. A potential scandal could potentially disrupt the election for the sitting President.

The political situations were okay, I guess. Sometimes it seems like authors go out of their way to make a political opponent a jerk, a demon, or whatever else you want to call him [or her]. And then something happens in 'real life' that makes the demonization seem not quite as far-fetched.

Apparently there was a character from Dark Wing who makes his appearance in this book. It has been several years since I read that book, so I don't remember the character. He is a former US SpecFor warrior [ex-Army, if I remember correctly] who lived in Malaysia until his family was murdered by the Chinese. He seeks retribution, is given command of a highly touted Malaysian Special Forces group, and harasses the Chinese all in the name of justice [vengeance] for what was done to his family and home.

It was a good book; I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. The pacing was about right; I wanted to finish the book and did not grow bored reading it. It was an interesting concept, on the one hand. It showed the importance of allies and nations working together for a common good as well as certain chokepoints and potential flashpoints. In my opinion, the undercurrent of the book deals with the cutting of the US Military to bare bones so that it is no longer able to deal with more than one regional threat at a time. Tom Clancy wrote a novel along these lines about twenty years ago [Debt of Honor] so perhaps this concern is not as great as some fear. On the other hand, it might be. Anyway. It was a good read.

[Lisa Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read & very realistic!

I read military fictional books frequently, and have so for years. This book REALLY have me the best understanding of all that goes into the strategic and tactical aspect of missions, and I actually teared up while reading the epilogue. It has great characters, and is a terrific read. I really enjoyed reading this book, and am starting another Richard Herman novel. Highly recommended!!!!!!

[Jim A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars is a stretch, but I gave them anyway.

Story of a 'throw away' group of pilots and support personnel doing battle for Singapore against the PLA (Chinese army). Those who have read War Birds will recognize the basic plot, only in the jungle instead of the desert.

[James BELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent continuation of the saga

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Richard Herman attained his usual high standards. Love f ed it and already looking forward to the next in the series.

[Steven Raszewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling!

[Bob Dummer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent story

Great blend of battles and politics. Clash between right and left leaving military to pay the ultimate price. Great characters

[William Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

First rate and action packed both in the field and back at DC. Very hard to put down. Thanks Mr. Herman.