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CANZUK at War #1
Take Whiteman
The United States is into the third year of a terrible civil war. Once great American cities are now nuclear wastelands.
As the president of the Red Faction forces undertakes a nefarious plot to end the war on his terms, the United States’ closest allies and friends can standby no longer. Now, it’s their freedom on the line and the second American Civil War stands to become World War Three.
To save freedom, a Canadian paratrooper, a British tanker, and an Australian commando lead their countries into a war that will alter the world’s political landscape for generations. In Canada, an untested deputy prime minister is confronted by shadowy international forces who do not want her country to succeed. In the US, a president will stop at nothing – not even another nuclear holocaust, to see his side win.
Through the eyes of frontline soldiers and pilots, intelligence agents and political leaders, North America and the world are at a tipping point. It’s up to Canada and the CANZUK alliance (Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom) to fight for freedom in a war no one could have expected.
Take Whiteman is the first book in the CANZUK at War series. Caribbean Paybac k is a standalone novella that takes place in the CANZUK fictional universe.
As the president of the Red Faction forces undertakes a nefarious plot to end the war on his terms, the United States’ closest allies and friends can standby no longer. Now, it’s their freedom on the line and the second American Civil War stands to become World War Three.
To save freedom, a Canadian paratrooper, a British tanker, and an Australian commando lead their countries into a war that will alter the world’s political landscape for generations. In Canada, an untested deputy prime minister is confronted by shadowy international forces who do not want her country to succeed. In the US, a president will stop at nothing – not even another nuclear holocaust, to see his side win.
Through the eyes of frontline soldiers and pilots, intelligence agents and political leaders, North America and the world are at a tipping point. It’s up to Canada and the CANZUK alliance (Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom) to fight for freedom in a war no one could have expected.
Take Whiteman is the first book in the CANZUK at War series. Caribbean Paybac k is a standalone novella that takes place in the CANZUK fictional universe.
- GenresFictionMilitary Fiction
458 pages, Paperback
Published August 21, 2023
157 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
R.A. Flannagan
6 books18 followersR.A. Flannagan is Ryan’s pen name. He is the author of the CANZUK At War series, which includes the novel Take Whiteman (2022) and the novella Caribbean Payback (2022).
Ryan’s varied career and life experiences have only recently allowed him to take up writing. Despite the delay, he’s enjoying the work immensely and intends to write more novels, with at least two more planned for the CANZUK At War series.
Ryan’s writing skills have been honed over twenty-plus years as an administrator with several public service outfits. Way back in the day, and not to overstate its importance, Ryan did put three years into Canada’s army reserves. The experience was enough to tell him the military life was not for him.
Nevertheless, with his keen interest in politics, defence-related issues and with his always firing imagination, Ryan writes military action stories for Canadians who have a hankering for what Canada could be.
Not a Canuck? Well no worries, because the stories Ryan writes are international in scope and are filled with gritty military action, shadowy espionage and political intrigue that will appeal to fans far and wide.
On the personal front, Ryan lives in outside Ottawa in farm country with his wife and daughter.
Ryan’s varied career and life experiences have only recently allowed him to take up writing. Despite the delay, he’s enjoying the work immensely and intends to write more novels, with at least two more planned for the CANZUK At War series.
Ryan’s writing skills have been honed over twenty-plus years as an administrator with several public service outfits. Way back in the day, and not to overstate its importance, Ryan did put three years into Canada’s army reserves. The experience was enough to tell him the military life was not for him.
Nevertheless, with his keen interest in politics, defence-related issues and with his always firing imagination, Ryan writes military action stories for Canadians who have a hankering for what Canada could be.
Not a Canuck? Well no worries, because the stories Ryan writes are international in scope and are filled with gritty military action, shadowy espionage and political intrigue that will appeal to fans far and wide.
On the personal front, Ryan lives in outside Ottawa in farm country with his wife and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 19, 2023
I must admit, this genre is not my first choice but I decided to give it a go anyway. Am I ever glad I did! The storyline was so good and the action was unrelenting. Often times I'll give up on a book if I find it boring, or if the story or character development drags on too long. Not this one though. I can't wait for the second installment. Well done!
October 15, 2023
Author makes good
Being a Canadian author I was very impressed. Great story line, lots of action, great descriptions. All and all a good read.
Being a Canadian author I was very impressed. Great story line, lots of action, great descriptions. All and all a good read.
October 13, 2023
great page turner
I did not want to put the book down. It kept me engaged and wanting more. Thank you Mr. Flanagan.
I did not want to put the book down. It kept me engaged and wanting more. Thank you Mr. Flanagan.
September 10, 2023
I enjoyed this book, but not as much as Caribbean Payback, the prequel novella.
It reads like a Hollywood movie, but not an action movie. It does have action moments, but they are mostly saved up for the climax. The bulk of the story is political intrigue which is, essentially, powerful people talking about the things going on and discussing or thinking about their intended plans.
I prefer to ‘see’ the actual things going on, rather than have the characters tell me about them, the same way I’d rather watch a video clip of a major event than hear a news anchorman read about it from his script. The action-oriented style of storytelling comes to the fore eventually, but it takes some patience to get there.
I understand the techno-thriller genre is typically built around this structural style, but the masters find a way to make the high-level talk-heavy parts engrossing and even nail-biting. This...isn’t quite there. Close, but not quite compelling enough.
Addressing the realism: To me, this is a mixed bag. The overall skin of accuracy feels authentic. But there are some small things that don’t ring true. The overall realistic style makes those isolated portions seem glaring. Its like watching a movie that is so good you forget you’re watching a movie until you hit a sequence of poorly done CGI and go “Oh yeah. That’s unfortunate. Oh well,” and carry on, but with difficulty getting comfortable again.
The battle scenes: I must admit that the arrangement of combatants made me a little bit squeamish. Having worked alongside American military on joint exercises, with friends who are and were veterans of the US military, reading an account of fighting between our countries, even in a fictional future, isn’t a pleasant feeling. Even in fiction. I suppose after the premise of the US military and citizens tearing into themselves in a Civil War, it should lose a fair bit of sting. Still, depicting US and Canada’s boldest killing each other tugged at the emotions. So, fair warning to any potential readers with friends on both sides of the border. War is hell, and soldiers must dehumanize the enemy, but when the enemy is like family, it’s not pleasant.
The villains in the book were very well done. There’s no moustache-twirling evil-to-the-core types. Everyone has their own motivations and it’s clear that even the villains are justified as heroes in their own minds. As readers, we just happen to be in the narrative position of having our interests aligned with the protagonists. In that respect, it all comes to a quite satisfying conclusion.
It reads like a Hollywood movie, but not an action movie. It does have action moments, but they are mostly saved up for the climax. The bulk of the story is political intrigue which is, essentially, powerful people talking about the things going on and discussing or thinking about their intended plans.
I prefer to ‘see’ the actual things going on, rather than have the characters tell me about them, the same way I’d rather watch a video clip of a major event than hear a news anchorman read about it from his script. The action-oriented style of storytelling comes to the fore eventually, but it takes some patience to get there.
I understand the techno-thriller genre is typically built around this structural style, but the masters find a way to make the high-level talk-heavy parts engrossing and even nail-biting. This...isn’t quite there. Close, but not quite compelling enough.
Addressing the realism: To me, this is a mixed bag. The overall skin of accuracy feels authentic. But there are some small things that don’t ring true. The overall realistic style makes those isolated portions seem glaring. Its like watching a movie that is so good you forget you’re watching a movie until you hit a sequence of poorly done CGI and go “Oh yeah. That’s unfortunate. Oh well,” and carry on, but with difficulty getting comfortable again.
The battle scenes: I must admit that the arrangement of combatants made me a little bit squeamish. Having worked alongside American military on joint exercises, with friends who are and were veterans of the US military, reading an account of fighting between our countries, even in a fictional future, isn’t a pleasant feeling. Even in fiction. I suppose after the premise of the US military and citizens tearing into themselves in a Civil War, it should lose a fair bit of sting. Still, depicting US and Canada’s boldest killing each other tugged at the emotions. So, fair warning to any potential readers with friends on both sides of the border. War is hell, and soldiers must dehumanize the enemy, but when the enemy is like family, it’s not pleasant.
The villains in the book were very well done. There’s no moustache-twirling evil-to-the-core types. Everyone has their own motivations and it’s clear that even the villains are justified as heroes in their own minds. As readers, we just happen to be in the narrative position of having our interests aligned with the protagonists. In that respect, it all comes to a quite satisfying conclusion.
September 23, 2023
Action filled
This book is great from start to finish. It won't disappoint in the slightest. It's a must-read and recommend this highly!
This book is great from start to finish. It won't disappoint in the slightest. It's a must-read and recommend this highly!
September 18, 2023
A good war thriller, but I worry that this will be somewhat dated in a few years. Some of the pokitical points feel very relevant today, but might seem irrelevant in a few years time.
I thought some of the action was very well done, and others just too short, as they only briefly described the action. I also felt the conclusion was a bit short and should have had a couple more chapters.
If you like red storm rising, you will probably like this.
I thought some of the action was very well done, and others just too short, as they only briefly described the action. I also felt the conclusion was a bit short and should have had a couple more chapters.
If you like red storm rising, you will probably like this.
August 8, 2022
On the ground, fighting, in the background, calling the big and little moves and dissension on both sides is a hard story to tell. This book gives you the real feel as to how the men and women of the fighting troops fight , react, work together , following orders, support each other and the chain of command when all hell breaks loose.
This story has a great list of countries and characters that are throw together for the same purpose, to save the US of A from destroying itself from within.
Well written. Details of the battles from both sides are investigated and reported. The whole story is there for you interpret from both sides. You might go away withe the feeling that this may not that far fetched.
September 2, 2022
On the ground, fighting, in the background, calling the big and little moves and dissension on both sides is a hard story to tell. This book gives you the real feel as to how the men and women of the fighting troops fight , react, work together , following orders, support each other and the chain of command when all hell breaks loose.
This story has a great list of countries and characters that are throw together for the same purpose, to save the US of A from destroying itself from within.
Well written. Details of the battles from both sides are investigated and reported. The whole story is there for you interpret from both sides. You might go away withe the feeling that this may not that far fetched.
This story has a great list of countries and characters that are throw together for the same purpose, to save the US of A from destroying itself from within.
Well written. Details of the battles from both sides are investigated and reported. The whole story is there for you interpret from both sides. You might go away withe the feeling that this may not that far fetched.
August 29, 2023
Excellent Military Thriller
Has a unique plot with more than interwoven believable characters.
Good to see a commonwealth aspect in this genre.
Fast paced and well researched looking forward to more from this author
Well done
Has a unique plot with more than interwoven believable characters.
Good to see a commonwealth aspect in this genre.
Fast paced and well researched looking forward to more from this author
Well done
October 4, 2022
Really Good Canadian Read!!
Mr R.A. Flanagan mentions this is his first novel, ok this & the other short one from the same series…
I’m surprised, because he is a very good author!!
I don’t want to give anything away…
But the action is non stop, with many exciting sub plots, with great character development…
I sound pretentious…
This is a great war fiction novel, that will really appeal to Canadians!!
Can’t wait for the next CANZUK at War series book!!
Thanks RA!!
Mr R.A. Flanagan mentions this is his first novel, ok this & the other short one from the same series…
I’m surprised, because he is a very good author!!
I don’t want to give anything away…
But the action is non stop, with many exciting sub plots, with great character development…
I sound pretentious…
This is a great war fiction novel, that will really appeal to Canadians!!
Can’t wait for the next CANZUK at War series book!!
Thanks RA!!
April 4, 2024
Excellent!
If you're a fan of James rosone's battlefield series but without the unnecessary contempt for Britain then this is the book for you, it shows a far more realistic alliance of Canada, Britain, Australia and new Zealand as well as just enough political drama to keep the story flowing and evolving in between the battles taking place which themselves are very well written and very involving keeping you hooked hoping certain characters make it out alive of a meat grinder of a battle, it's more of a what if in the near future the current trend of populism politics takes over major countries leaving true democracies like the CANZUK alliance to step up and protect what's left and show they have the power to do it, the characters are well fleshed out and hopefully further books are of the same quality!
If you're a fan of James rosone's battlefield series but without the unnecessary contempt for Britain then this is the book for you, it shows a far more realistic alliance of Canada, Britain, Australia and new Zealand as well as just enough political drama to keep the story flowing and evolving in between the battles taking place which themselves are very well written and very involving keeping you hooked hoping certain characters make it out alive of a meat grinder of a battle, it's more of a what if in the near future the current trend of populism politics takes over major countries leaving true democracies like the CANZUK alliance to step up and protect what's left and show they have the power to do it, the characters are well fleshed out and hopefully further books are of the same quality!
September 12, 2025
Unfortunately, this one didn’t really hold my attention. For a military fiction novel, I expected a gripping pace and sharper focus, but I often found myself lost in the story. It took me far longer to finish than it should have, which is usually a sign that I wasn’t truly invested and was just pushing through to complete it.
One of the main issues was the handling of multiple plotlines. There seemed to be too many threads running at once without a clear sense of direction or focus. As a reader, I was often unsure of what we were dealing with at any given point, and that made it hard to stay engaged.
Overall, the premise had potential, but the execution didn’t work for me.
One of the main issues was the handling of multiple plotlines. There seemed to be too many threads running at once without a clear sense of direction or focus. As a reader, I was often unsure of what we were dealing with at any given point, and that made it hard to stay engaged.
Overall, the premise had potential, but the execution didn’t work for me.
January 1, 2025
The American Civil War Continues
In order to protect their Nation, the Canadians know that they have to gain control of the nuclear weapons that sit in the old US military Air Base in Northeast Missouri. The neutral State of Colorado is willing to take control of the weapons if CANZUK can get them to them
So what we have in this episode is the battle between CANZUK to take control of the Whiteman Base and gain control of the weapons. During the battle we find out that there are other players who are inserting themselves in the war.
In order to protect their Nation, the Canadians know that they have to gain control of the nuclear weapons that sit in the old US military Air Base in Northeast Missouri. The neutral State of Colorado is willing to take control of the weapons if CANZUK can get them to them
So what we have in this episode is the battle between CANZUK to take control of the Whiteman Base and gain control of the weapons. During the battle we find out that there are other players who are inserting themselves in the war.
January 11, 2024
A different take on modern military fiction.
Canada as a military power and the US in shambles, this is the premise of this well written and entertaining book. From the political to the action, it's a worthwhile read.
I gave 5 stars based on the author useing Canada as the protagonist. It's a stretch, but it was made to work.
Canada as a military power and the US in shambles, this is the premise of this well written and entertaining book. From the political to the action, it's a worthwhile read.
I gave 5 stars based on the author useing Canada as the protagonist. It's a stretch, but it was made to work.
May 12, 2024
A little bit of a slow start but about 25% in, the pages turn themselves. A credit to the writing that it didn't feel too odd to be pulling against a faction of Americans in their civil war. Given today's politics, one can imagine the scenario. Well written, especially as there are a lot of characters to follow. As this is the first book in a series, I'm going to get the next one.
November 25, 2023
Great concept
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel set in the not too distant future. Lots of action, intrigue spread across a canvas of a second American civil war, drawing on the new alliance of Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK. I see a series brewing...
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel set in the not too distant future. Lots of action, intrigue spread across a canvas of a second American civil war, drawing on the new alliance of Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK. I see a series brewing...
October 17, 2023
Wow
This is an outstanding read.. Fast paced, thought provoking scenarios that dont seem to out there. Looking forward to more novels from this author.
This is an outstanding read.. Fast paced, thought provoking scenarios that dont seem to out there. Looking forward to more novels from this author.
October 24, 2023
A well written page turner
Flannagan uses his experience as a military veteran to provide a realistic perspective on what could happen in this tale of a second U.S. civil war.
Flannagan uses his experience as a military veteran to provide a realistic perspective on what could happen in this tale of a second U.S. civil war.
March 8, 2024
Great to read with action and suspense
Liked the length
Liked the premise
It kept me glued to the pages, I could not put down until Iw as finished.
Hope the bad guys win more
Liked the length
Liked the premise
It kept me glued to the pages, I could not put down until Iw as finished.
Hope the bad guys win more
March 9, 2024
Loved it
Brilliant with a great story line
With Trump around this could become a possibility, hopefully not. Looking forward to the next book
Brilliant with a great story line
With Trump around this could become a possibility, hopefully not. Looking forward to the next book
September 29, 2024
Book 1 Take Whiteman
Great read, could not put this down till it's conclusion. Can't wait for the next installment of this series of books.
Great read, could not put this down till it's conclusion. Can't wait for the next installment of this series of books.
January 11, 2025
creative premise and well written
This is a very timely book given the current political dialogue. I appreciated the different angles that the author included. Well done
This is a very timely book given the current political dialogue. I appreciated the different angles that the author included. Well done
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews