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Tom Clancy's Endwar #1
EndWar
A new phenomenon begins.
Created by #1 New York Times bestselling author Tom Clancy
Based on the bestselling video game, this new series will take readers onto the battlefields of World War III with the technical savvy and explosive action that Clancy fans have come to expect.
Created by #1 New York Times bestselling author Tom Clancy
Based on the bestselling video game, this new series will take readers onto the battlefields of World War III with the technical savvy and explosive action that Clancy fans have come to expect.
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 5, 2008
158 people are currently reading
2312 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
October 10, 2012
Let's get right to the point, this book is terrible. The book's title, Endwar is very deceiving. Instead of an endwar we have a Russian insurgency in Canada and jack being done about it on the part of the U.S. and our allies. If you were hoping for intense set piece battles that would decide the fate of the U.S. or the world then this book ain't for you. There is no character development and the characters themselves are generic in every sense of the word. The evil Russian in the custody of the U.S. Military reminds me of someone you might see in James Bond or Mission Impossible. The Spec Ops guys are your standard tough guys, sole survivors with a major chip on their shoulder, angry at the world, kicking ass and taking names, gung ho like nobody's business. Oh yeah, there's also an eco terrorist in this book. I kid you not, an eco terrorist deciding that WWIII is the perfect time to save the Earth. Groan.
It is a horrible book. The politics of the story are not only implausible, but also stupid and superficial. The strategy is non-sensical: the Russians invade Canada with a relatively miniscule force, but the Canadian forces, enormously bigger, are nowhere to be scene. The technology of the weapons systems are outright fictitious: a kinetic weapon that produces as much energy as a small nuke? Do the energy balance equation on that one and you would need billions of pounds of rocket full to get it up to speed.
His story is much too splintered to provide adequate flow. His characters are poorly developed, and very cliché. Every male is your typical steely-eyed strapping army brute, while every female seems to be plucked straight from a modeling convention. Apart from Michaels' misplaced sexual fantasies, the politics of his story make no sense whatsoever. It is obvious Michaels would rather watch a B-rate Laura Croft movie than read The Economist or Foreign Affairs. Why would Russia invade Canada with much of the world's oil in their homeland and surrounding territories? Furthermore, his description of the environmentalist terrorist organization is stuff of fantasy, at best. His understanding of geopolitics is extremely elementary. This is a fine book for ignorant warmongers who would rather read the specs on some new weapon of mass destruction instead of text that holds true literary merit. Pick this up only if you want an afternoon read that reminds you just how stupid people can be.
Canada is pacifist and weak, even when invaded. The Prime Minister refuses to use Canadian troops to defend Canada?!? But it doesn't stop there. In real life, Canada has a very powerful brigade stationed just north of Edmonton, one of the invasion targets. The author doesn't even mention them. As part of the invasion, the Russians plan to use two suitcase sized nukes to intimidate Canada and the US to accept the reality of a Russian occupation, otherwise they will detonate them and contaminate the oil sands. Given that the oil sands cover thousands of square miles in northern Alberta (and are located literally hundreds of miles from Edmonton and Calgary), two 10 kiloton weapons wouldn't work. Now, if the author had said they were going to use 10 megaton weapon in Grande Prairie, then maybe it might have been believable.
There is plenty of action, but most of the writing is sub par at best and seems like it was written by someone in high school. Given that Clancy's works are among my favorites (Red Storm Rising for example), this was a huge letdown.
A large part of the action in this book takes place in the Northwest Territories and Alberta with Russia keen on seizing Canada's immense oil reserves. Most people might think that such an incursion would would be of major concern to Canada and trigger a rapid military response. However, in this strange universe the Canadian government is so keen on maintaining neutrality in the ongoing war that it is quite content to have foreign powers invade it's sovereign territory, hold its citizens hostage, steal it's oil and duke it out without attempting any form or retaliation. The explantion given in the book for the lack of Canadian reaction is that the Canadian Prime minister is very 'conservative' ??? what the ??? I also found it interesting that someone with the strange title of "Commissioner of the Northwest Territories" would have the authority of invite US forces to carry out military exercises without the approval of the federal government.
* On page 28 The Character Major Dennison is suppose to be a graduate of VMI and the Naval Academy. Okay first off VMI is a college, so if this character graduated from there, then would have been able to receive their commission and would have a degree. They wouldn't have then gone on to the Naval Academy for another undergraduate degree and then got commissioned that doesn't make sense in any reality even this book.
* Also a Marine Major wouldn't be in Naval Special Warfare. The USMC has their own units in the special operations community.
* Page 33 saying that Marine Force Recon Units would have Future Force Warrior Gear. Come on FFW is an Army program part of the Future Combat System. Yes an Army program funded by the Army for the Army. The Marines are not involved.
* Page 41 Green Brigade Terrorist Organization well there is a real Islamic organization by this name and they are not eco terrorists. If you're going to make up an organization at least use a name that is not from a real group.
* Page 46 they place cellophane over someone's head for water boarding well that would defeat the whole purpose as putting plastic wrap on the person would suffocate them long before the water would do anything. You have to use a bag made of cloth, water has to enter the person's mouth, so that they get the feeling they will drown. I mean come on watch any current news story to get this one right.
* Page 49 they are talking about Ft Lewis an Army post and then mention a lance corporal, okay so now we have marines at the army base either say it was a marine or get the army rank structure right.
* Page 71 USS Florida is not SSN 805 it is SSGN 728 and is Ohio Class not Virginia class anyone can check the Navy Ship registry and get this one right, plus the 804 and 805 are not even in the plans to be built or wouldn't be before 2020. look at FAS.org
* Page 72 check your academy grads degrees if you're going to make them up at least go to the Naval Academy website and Naval Post graduate school Website to see what degrees/majors they actually offer or would be realistic
* There are so many others from made up missile and equipment designators to mismatched equipment. All of these companies use a series of designators and you're not so far in the future that there wouldn't be a logical progression in the numbering scheme.
* Then stuff like SOF troops using XM9s and SAWs when you have current systems now like the SCAR and others that would be fielded in that timeframe.
Instead I recommend Red Storm Rising which was actually written by Tom Clancy and an excellent book. Red Storm Rising gives you a front row seat to the real Endwar and with over 40 characters you find yourself caring about a lot of them. The battles in Endwar are like a child's finger painting, messy and without cohesion but at least a finger painting can look nice. In Red Storm Rising you always have a handle on what is going on and your on the edge of your seat waiting to see the outcome. The military jargon in Red Storm Rising can be confusing but once again at least Clancy knows what he is talking about.
It is a horrible book. The politics of the story are not only implausible, but also stupid and superficial. The strategy is non-sensical: the Russians invade Canada with a relatively miniscule force, but the Canadian forces, enormously bigger, are nowhere to be scene. The technology of the weapons systems are outright fictitious: a kinetic weapon that produces as much energy as a small nuke? Do the energy balance equation on that one and you would need billions of pounds of rocket full to get it up to speed.
His story is much too splintered to provide adequate flow. His characters are poorly developed, and very cliché. Every male is your typical steely-eyed strapping army brute, while every female seems to be plucked straight from a modeling convention. Apart from Michaels' misplaced sexual fantasies, the politics of his story make no sense whatsoever. It is obvious Michaels would rather watch a B-rate Laura Croft movie than read The Economist or Foreign Affairs. Why would Russia invade Canada with much of the world's oil in their homeland and surrounding territories? Furthermore, his description of the environmentalist terrorist organization is stuff of fantasy, at best. His understanding of geopolitics is extremely elementary. This is a fine book for ignorant warmongers who would rather read the specs on some new weapon of mass destruction instead of text that holds true literary merit. Pick this up only if you want an afternoon read that reminds you just how stupid people can be.
Canada is pacifist and weak, even when invaded. The Prime Minister refuses to use Canadian troops to defend Canada?!? But it doesn't stop there. In real life, Canada has a very powerful brigade stationed just north of Edmonton, one of the invasion targets. The author doesn't even mention them. As part of the invasion, the Russians plan to use two suitcase sized nukes to intimidate Canada and the US to accept the reality of a Russian occupation, otherwise they will detonate them and contaminate the oil sands. Given that the oil sands cover thousands of square miles in northern Alberta (and are located literally hundreds of miles from Edmonton and Calgary), two 10 kiloton weapons wouldn't work. Now, if the author had said they were going to use 10 megaton weapon in Grande Prairie, then maybe it might have been believable.
There is plenty of action, but most of the writing is sub par at best and seems like it was written by someone in high school. Given that Clancy's works are among my favorites (Red Storm Rising for example), this was a huge letdown.
A large part of the action in this book takes place in the Northwest Territories and Alberta with Russia keen on seizing Canada's immense oil reserves. Most people might think that such an incursion would would be of major concern to Canada and trigger a rapid military response. However, in this strange universe the Canadian government is so keen on maintaining neutrality in the ongoing war that it is quite content to have foreign powers invade it's sovereign territory, hold its citizens hostage, steal it's oil and duke it out without attempting any form or retaliation. The explantion given in the book for the lack of Canadian reaction is that the Canadian Prime minister is very 'conservative' ??? what the ??? I also found it interesting that someone with the strange title of "Commissioner of the Northwest Territories" would have the authority of invite US forces to carry out military exercises without the approval of the federal government.
* On page 28 The Character Major Dennison is suppose to be a graduate of VMI and the Naval Academy. Okay first off VMI is a college, so if this character graduated from there, then would have been able to receive their commission and would have a degree. They wouldn't have then gone on to the Naval Academy for another undergraduate degree and then got commissioned that doesn't make sense in any reality even this book.
* Also a Marine Major wouldn't be in Naval Special Warfare. The USMC has their own units in the special operations community.
* Page 33 saying that Marine Force Recon Units would have Future Force Warrior Gear. Come on FFW is an Army program part of the Future Combat System. Yes an Army program funded by the Army for the Army. The Marines are not involved.
* Page 41 Green Brigade Terrorist Organization well there is a real Islamic organization by this name and they are not eco terrorists. If you're going to make up an organization at least use a name that is not from a real group.
* Page 46 they place cellophane over someone's head for water boarding well that would defeat the whole purpose as putting plastic wrap on the person would suffocate them long before the water would do anything. You have to use a bag made of cloth, water has to enter the person's mouth, so that they get the feeling they will drown. I mean come on watch any current news story to get this one right.
* Page 49 they are talking about Ft Lewis an Army post and then mention a lance corporal, okay so now we have marines at the army base either say it was a marine or get the army rank structure right.
* Page 71 USS Florida is not SSN 805 it is SSGN 728 and is Ohio Class not Virginia class anyone can check the Navy Ship registry and get this one right, plus the 804 and 805 are not even in the plans to be built or wouldn't be before 2020. look at FAS.org
* Page 72 check your academy grads degrees if you're going to make them up at least go to the Naval Academy website and Naval Post graduate school Website to see what degrees/majors they actually offer or would be realistic
* There are so many others from made up missile and equipment designators to mismatched equipment. All of these companies use a series of designators and you're not so far in the future that there wouldn't be a logical progression in the numbering scheme.
* Then stuff like SOF troops using XM9s and SAWs when you have current systems now like the SCAR and others that would be fielded in that timeframe.
Instead I recommend Red Storm Rising which was actually written by Tom Clancy and an excellent book. Red Storm Rising gives you a front row seat to the real Endwar and with over 40 characters you find yourself caring about a lot of them. The battles in Endwar are like a child's finger painting, messy and without cohesion but at least a finger painting can look nice. In Red Storm Rising you always have a handle on what is going on and your on the edge of your seat waiting to see the outcome. The military jargon in Red Storm Rising can be confusing but once again at least Clancy knows what he is talking about.
August 16, 2012
Despite the giant red TOM CLANCY plastered on this book’s cover, Endwar is not a book by Tom Clancy. It is a book by David Michaels, based on a video game by Ubisoft, which was inspired by Tom Clancy. Set a few decades in the future, the U.S. and Russia are fighting World War III. The Russians have come up with a devious new plan to turn the war in their favor, and it’s up to Team USA to save the day. Some stuff happens, which I won’t spoil, but the plot doesn’t really matter too much. This is an action-packed military thriller: readers expecting an intricate tale of wartime strategy will be disappointed, but readers interested in some good old fashioned, special-forces style carnage might enjoy this book. Endwar is fast-moving, bouncing quickly from combat zone to combat zone with only the occasional reprieve.
Unfortunately, the writing was not great. It wasn’t a train wreck, but it could get pretty cheesy at times. A couple of my personal favorites:
”Here you go,” she whispered. “Eat this.” Dinner was, in fact, served, a late-night course of explosives delivered with blinding efficiency.
The cracks of thunder commenced. And for some of the Russians, God was a bullet.
Hallelujah.
I was a big Clancy fan when I was growing up, and this book is not quite up to his standards (I’d recommend Red Storm Rising to readers looking for a better World War III tale). I probably would not have read this if it hadn’t been our monthly book club selection. Overall this was an OK war story that kind of made me want to play Call of Duty. 2 stars.
Unfortunately, the writing was not great. It wasn’t a train wreck, but it could get pretty cheesy at times. A couple of my personal favorites:
”Here you go,” she whispered. “Eat this.” Dinner was, in fact, served, a late-night course of explosives delivered with blinding efficiency.
The cracks of thunder commenced. And for some of the Russians, God was a bullet.
Hallelujah.
I was a big Clancy fan when I was growing up, and this book is not quite up to his standards (I’d recommend Red Storm Rising to readers looking for a better World War III tale). I probably would not have read this if it hadn’t been our monthly book club selection. Overall this was an OK war story that kind of made me want to play Call of Duty. 2 stars.
October 2, 2019
that was fun.
a bit one sided (there was minimal narrative revolving around the antagonists) but fun, nonetheless.
surprised to read about the balisong.
never played the game, though.
a bit one sided (there was minimal narrative revolving around the antagonists) but fun, nonetheless.
surprised to read about the balisong.
never played the game, though.
August 15, 2012
Absolute garbage! I read this book because I heard it involves a war on Canadian soil and was curious what this take be like.
Granted this is Michael's version of the future, WW3 and real-world geopolitiks and he is adhering to the scenerio laid out by Ubisoft (I'm not a gamer, so I don't know this game at all). He is well-knowledge about American military materiel and paraphernalia but dumb regarding Canada and the landscape. I do felt sorry that the Russians are once again the enemy (considering I have many Russian friends and they see America as the aggressor regarding invading other sovereign nations, ie. Panama - Operation Just Cause 1989 - 1990; Iraq 2003 - present; even Afghanistan who only harbour al Qaeda despite that Pakistan also housed al Qaeda). I felt the American military prefer them as the enemy in a conventional warfare sense so they can use all that high-tech gear unlike the terrorists who like to fight from hiding.
Now as a ex-Canadian military personnel who served in Afghanistan and various Peacekeeping operations and I do live in Alberta and work in NWT. I find his knowledge and attitude towards the Canadian reaction during the Russian invasion and US response in his book as sad and insulting (considering he supposedly employed the advice of an ex-Canadian special forces personnel who is probably an easterner and know jackshit about the west).
The American military characters have contempt towards the Canadians and the PM is shown as impotent. Which is ironic, considering Canada fought in WW1 and WW2 before the US entry and the Canadians at that time considered the "Yanks" sitting on the fence. Also, it is a fact that if Canada is invaded, Canada's response is definitely repulsion, that is why Canada has an armed force. The irony is the early years of Canada's military was formed to repulse any potential US invasion of Canada. Granted, Canada maybe neutral in Michael's worldview but he is wrong that Canada would do nothing during an invasion.
I do wish Michaels would have done more research instead of using Google Streetview. Russians invading Canada via NWT using the Mackenzie Highway would be hard press to traverse especially in the winter where it gets to be -40 celsius, and all that equipment crossing the muskeg through black spruce and thick underbrush is quite daunting. Even the oil companies do not take this lightly, and ensure that the roads they use are good enough to use. If this is the future, I think the Russians would be butting heads with Canada's Arctic Fleet, let alone the US submarine Florida would be tracked by Canada's subs (if they actually work). Using helicopters to cross the NWT to Alberta will take days and multiple fuelling stops. Farms around Yellowknife? Puh-lease. Also, the Canadian Rangers, Canada's irregular force would provide intel and guerrilla warfare of harassment and delay. A NWT Commissioner granting permission for US jets to train in NWT? You mean the Premier and no the NWT cannot grant that kind of permission, only the federal government can.
As the Russians enter Alberta in this crappy-book towards Edmonton, there is no Canadian response? Considering there are more then 10,000 battle-hardened soldiers (yes, battle-hardened, Canadian soldiers have been fighting for a long time - I'm afraid if the the American military cannot tolerate a professional fighting force outside of their control) of the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry, Lord Strathcona's Horse, 1 Canadian Engineer Regiment including the Loyal Edmonton Regiment and in Calgary the reserve force of the Calgary Highlanders, the King's Own Armoured, the South Alberta Light Horse, etc. Also, the Canadian Special Operations Regiment would be in the fray. There are also the air wings in Cold Lake, Alberta. Heck, lets throw in the mix, Canadian units from CFB Suffield in southern Alberta (the largest live-fire training base in all of NATO), plus two brigades of British units who regularly trained in Suffield as well as some German, French and American troops.
I think the Russians would be hard pressed when they fight the Canadians on their own turf. Yes, the Canadians would welcome American assistant, but it be an all Canuck operation, not US. None of the Canadian units were mentioned in detail or even Canadian soldiers as characters were used - except one ex-Canadian Forces helicopter pilot, Aborginals and some hunters. I wonder how much more interesting the book would be if details were given regarding the soldiers and equipment of the Canadian Forces, if they were involve in the fight in the book. Believe it or not dear readers, Canada uses different gear and fighting techniques which, some of the American adopted in their own doctrine and vice-versa, ie FIBUA - Fighting in Built-up Areas is an old Canadian urban warfare regular infantry method, in which the American special forces later adopted many many years ago. US Marines fighting in the winter? Trained with them in the winter in Norway, many years ago - they're pretty useless in winter warfare, my regiment had to gave them winter gear and had to teach them that they have to keep their rifle bolts primed or it'll freeze - and guess what, they did not take our advice, and most of their rifles froze. Best snipers in the world were Canadian - look it up. Of course people say this is due to better rifles, then why are the Americans still can't beat the Canadian record?
Awww, heck. The general American public don't even know Canada has an armed force, let alone that Canada exists. If they know that there is a professional fighting force along their border, they will mostly likely laugh, show contempt, it is a joke or panic and invade Canada.
Granted, the majority of book readers for this book are American and gamers, but it is sad that Michaels propagate typical stereotypes about Russians (evil, Soviet-like world domination), Americans (arrogant, militaristic, simple views of the world), Canadians (gentle, nice).
Granted, I'm not the intended audience and it is all from an American military POV longing for a conventional war with an conventional enemy. If he wants to make that book more plausible in at real-world sense, I strongly suggests he do more research, but considering his characters are cardboards, and this is for Ubisoft, it is just plain junk. Good thing I did not spend money on this shite. However, I wish I could regain the lost hours reading this crap.
Granted this is Michael's version of the future, WW3 and real-world geopolitiks and he is adhering to the scenerio laid out by Ubisoft (I'm not a gamer, so I don't know this game at all). He is well-knowledge about American military materiel and paraphernalia but dumb regarding Canada and the landscape. I do felt sorry that the Russians are once again the enemy (considering I have many Russian friends and they see America as the aggressor regarding invading other sovereign nations, ie. Panama - Operation Just Cause 1989 - 1990; Iraq 2003 - present; even Afghanistan who only harbour al Qaeda despite that Pakistan also housed al Qaeda). I felt the American military prefer them as the enemy in a conventional warfare sense so they can use all that high-tech gear unlike the terrorists who like to fight from hiding.
Now as a ex-Canadian military personnel who served in Afghanistan and various Peacekeeping operations and I do live in Alberta and work in NWT. I find his knowledge and attitude towards the Canadian reaction during the Russian invasion and US response in his book as sad and insulting (considering he supposedly employed the advice of an ex-Canadian special forces personnel who is probably an easterner and know jackshit about the west).
The American military characters have contempt towards the Canadians and the PM is shown as impotent. Which is ironic, considering Canada fought in WW1 and WW2 before the US entry and the Canadians at that time considered the "Yanks" sitting on the fence. Also, it is a fact that if Canada is invaded, Canada's response is definitely repulsion, that is why Canada has an armed force. The irony is the early years of Canada's military was formed to repulse any potential US invasion of Canada. Granted, Canada maybe neutral in Michael's worldview but he is wrong that Canada would do nothing during an invasion.
I do wish Michaels would have done more research instead of using Google Streetview. Russians invading Canada via NWT using the Mackenzie Highway would be hard press to traverse especially in the winter where it gets to be -40 celsius, and all that equipment crossing the muskeg through black spruce and thick underbrush is quite daunting. Even the oil companies do not take this lightly, and ensure that the roads they use are good enough to use. If this is the future, I think the Russians would be butting heads with Canada's Arctic Fleet, let alone the US submarine Florida would be tracked by Canada's subs (if they actually work). Using helicopters to cross the NWT to Alberta will take days and multiple fuelling stops. Farms around Yellowknife? Puh-lease. Also, the Canadian Rangers, Canada's irregular force would provide intel and guerrilla warfare of harassment and delay. A NWT Commissioner granting permission for US jets to train in NWT? You mean the Premier and no the NWT cannot grant that kind of permission, only the federal government can.
As the Russians enter Alberta in this crappy-book towards Edmonton, there is no Canadian response? Considering there are more then 10,000 battle-hardened soldiers (yes, battle-hardened, Canadian soldiers have been fighting for a long time - I'm afraid if the the American military cannot tolerate a professional fighting force outside of their control) of the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry, Lord Strathcona's Horse, 1 Canadian Engineer Regiment including the Loyal Edmonton Regiment and in Calgary the reserve force of the Calgary Highlanders, the King's Own Armoured, the South Alberta Light Horse, etc. Also, the Canadian Special Operations Regiment would be in the fray. There are also the air wings in Cold Lake, Alberta. Heck, lets throw in the mix, Canadian units from CFB Suffield in southern Alberta (the largest live-fire training base in all of NATO), plus two brigades of British units who regularly trained in Suffield as well as some German, French and American troops.
I think the Russians would be hard pressed when they fight the Canadians on their own turf. Yes, the Canadians would welcome American assistant, but it be an all Canuck operation, not US. None of the Canadian units were mentioned in detail or even Canadian soldiers as characters were used - except one ex-Canadian Forces helicopter pilot, Aborginals and some hunters. I wonder how much more interesting the book would be if details were given regarding the soldiers and equipment of the Canadian Forces, if they were involve in the fight in the book. Believe it or not dear readers, Canada uses different gear and fighting techniques which, some of the American adopted in their own doctrine and vice-versa, ie FIBUA - Fighting in Built-up Areas is an old Canadian urban warfare regular infantry method, in which the American special forces later adopted many many years ago. US Marines fighting in the winter? Trained with them in the winter in Norway, many years ago - they're pretty useless in winter warfare, my regiment had to gave them winter gear and had to teach them that they have to keep their rifle bolts primed or it'll freeze - and guess what, they did not take our advice, and most of their rifles froze. Best snipers in the world were Canadian - look it up. Of course people say this is due to better rifles, then why are the Americans still can't beat the Canadian record?
Awww, heck. The general American public don't even know Canada has an armed force, let alone that Canada exists. If they know that there is a professional fighting force along their border, they will mostly likely laugh, show contempt, it is a joke or panic and invade Canada.
Granted, the majority of book readers for this book are American and gamers, but it is sad that Michaels propagate typical stereotypes about Russians (evil, Soviet-like world domination), Americans (arrogant, militaristic, simple views of the world), Canadians (gentle, nice).
Granted, I'm not the intended audience and it is all from an American military POV longing for a conventional war with an conventional enemy. If he wants to make that book more plausible in at real-world sense, I strongly suggests he do more research, but considering his characters are cardboards, and this is for Ubisoft, it is just plain junk. Good thing I did not spend money on this shite. However, I wish I could regain the lost hours reading this crap.
July 4, 2021
A terrible military techno-thriller by David Michaels with just too many characters to remember. Based on the homonymous videogame, it depicts a futuristic WWIII between West and East. After capturing an important Russian officer, the West tries to get information from him. Every interrogation attempt fails. He is transferred and as the story progresses, a Western space station is launched and attacked soon after by what seem to be Russians (in fact they terrorists). Russia is framed for this and therefore launches a secret operation. The other many characters fight to stay alive and some fail to do so. The operation is revelead to be a ground invasion of both Europe and North America on Russia's part whilst securing Middle Eastern oil fields. The war goes onwards.
July 17, 2020
When the story is focused on the war, this book is very entertaining and engaging. This is not a hooray for us we're kicking butt story. To me it feels like a real war story with real tragedy. I felt the focus on the personal lifes to be a bit soap opery and the depiction of the Russian army was stereo typical. Despite that I was really drawn into the battle and the way it was laid out.
September 30, 2022
Tom Clancy's Endwar By David Michael’s, is a video tie-in novel based on Ubisoft's Tom Clancy’s RTS spin off game “Tom Clancy’s Endwar.”
Set in a alternate 2020s near future world engulfed in the flames of World War III. In the story, the global balance of power is altered by three major events: First the invention and use of deterrent WMD orbital space based weapons platforms has made conventional war the main means of fighting conflicts second, the independent European states in the European Union become a unified country known as the European Federation, and Saudi Arabia and Iran attack each other with a nuclear assault that destroys the Middle East's oil supply, resulting in Russia becoming the worlds leading oil supplier, and in turn a rich military power. Seeking complete global dominance, an imperialist Russia begins a war with the U.S. and European Federation.
During the early stages of the war, where the story begins, a U.S. Special Forces team is sent behind enemy lines in Moscow to kidnap a Russian officer who can tell the American's about a new mysterious invasion that Russia is known to be planning. The Americans and Europeans are then thrown in to a race against time to uncover the secrets of Operation 2659 before it is too late. As the US and EF political leaders and military forces try to find a way to stop the Russians, a battle in Canada is beginning and the outcome may not be pretty for all 3 countries.
David Michaels creates a gripping narrative in EndWar dragging the reader along for a tumultuous ride. Each page drips with action that you can scarcely put it down. The diverse points of view give the reader a glimpse into the scope of the massive conflict Michaels' manipulates. Each character shows little hints of emotion. The multitude of narratives works in the novels favor truly allowing Michaels to create the tensions a global conflict would elicit from the armed forces. Military technology plays a critical role in the war of the future, and moments where Michaels has the opportunity to explore the near future weapons are a true delight for any reader.
The writing around these future weapons gives them a sense of reality. EndWar presents the future of war with pages of intense action and characters full of emotion and resolve. I found the book personally to be exciting and suspenseful. The imagery was sufficient and the book easily pulls you into the futuristic and brutal battlefields of World War III. Even if you have no knowledge of military weaponry the book cradles you with concise descriptions of the vehicles, aircraft, and missiles that may trip you up if you can't picture them.
It's told in traditional Clancy style, unlike the Splinter Cell or Ghost Recon novels by David Michael’s this is a wide-ranging tale, seen from multiple viewpoints ranging from the President of the United States down to the boots on the ground. Unlike recent books by Clancy himself, it doesn't spend overlong indulging on the technology the combatants are using; it's accepted as fait accompli, giving the book a much faster pace than seen in Clancy's own works.
Perhaps the only fault is that self-same pace; there's not much time to explore the large cast of characters in much detail. But even though we don't necessarily see every facet of there character here, there's still a sense that there's more to them beyond what's on the page; that sense certainly helps give them depth.
Overall, If you're a fan of Clancy's early works, I'd suggest going ahead and giving EndWar a try. It offers the scope of his later works without the bloat, giving you exactly what it says on the tin: a fast-paced Clancy-like story set during World War III.
Set in a alternate 2020s near future world engulfed in the flames of World War III. In the story, the global balance of power is altered by three major events: First the invention and use of deterrent WMD orbital space based weapons platforms has made conventional war the main means of fighting conflicts second, the independent European states in the European Union become a unified country known as the European Federation, and Saudi Arabia and Iran attack each other with a nuclear assault that destroys the Middle East's oil supply, resulting in Russia becoming the worlds leading oil supplier, and in turn a rich military power. Seeking complete global dominance, an imperialist Russia begins a war with the U.S. and European Federation.
During the early stages of the war, where the story begins, a U.S. Special Forces team is sent behind enemy lines in Moscow to kidnap a Russian officer who can tell the American's about a new mysterious invasion that Russia is known to be planning. The Americans and Europeans are then thrown in to a race against time to uncover the secrets of Operation 2659 before it is too late. As the US and EF political leaders and military forces try to find a way to stop the Russians, a battle in Canada is beginning and the outcome may not be pretty for all 3 countries.
David Michaels creates a gripping narrative in EndWar dragging the reader along for a tumultuous ride. Each page drips with action that you can scarcely put it down. The diverse points of view give the reader a glimpse into the scope of the massive conflict Michaels' manipulates. Each character shows little hints of emotion. The multitude of narratives works in the novels favor truly allowing Michaels to create the tensions a global conflict would elicit from the armed forces. Military technology plays a critical role in the war of the future, and moments where Michaels has the opportunity to explore the near future weapons are a true delight for any reader.
The writing around these future weapons gives them a sense of reality. EndWar presents the future of war with pages of intense action and characters full of emotion and resolve. I found the book personally to be exciting and suspenseful. The imagery was sufficient and the book easily pulls you into the futuristic and brutal battlefields of World War III. Even if you have no knowledge of military weaponry the book cradles you with concise descriptions of the vehicles, aircraft, and missiles that may trip you up if you can't picture them.
It's told in traditional Clancy style, unlike the Splinter Cell or Ghost Recon novels by David Michael’s this is a wide-ranging tale, seen from multiple viewpoints ranging from the President of the United States down to the boots on the ground. Unlike recent books by Clancy himself, it doesn't spend overlong indulging on the technology the combatants are using; it's accepted as fait accompli, giving the book a much faster pace than seen in Clancy's own works.
Perhaps the only fault is that self-same pace; there's not much time to explore the large cast of characters in much detail. But even though we don't necessarily see every facet of there character here, there's still a sense that there's more to them beyond what's on the page; that sense certainly helps give them depth.
Overall, If you're a fan of Clancy's early works, I'd suggest going ahead and giving EndWar a try. It offers the scope of his later works without the bloat, giving you exactly what it says on the tin: a fast-paced Clancy-like story set during World War III.
December 3, 2019
It wasn't Tom Clancy. Gave it a shot. Don't think I'll continue with the series.
March 23, 2009
Never judge a book by its cover, judge it by its acknowledgements page. “Tom Clancy’s Endwar” is in big, bold, embossed letters on the cover. In smaller print, at the bottom, is the author, David Michaels. Oh right, the author. The franchise administrators give thanks to half dozen people each from Ubisoft and the Blackhawk Products Group. Endwar is based a video game. Weapons makers get prominent product placements. Clearly this is a lucrative enterprise.
If you haven’t guessed by now, I’m new to the Clancy game. I picked up this book expecting a quick, fast-paced read, and it is that. A book should be evaluated on what it aims to do. It’s not Woolf or Joyce and I’d be disappointed if it was.
It seems that Clancy mandates a minimum number of acronyms per page. I understand that this is useful shtick and tradition in the Clancy product line. It gives a patina of verisimilitude to the events and shows that our heroes are not just adrenaline-fuelled cowboys but smart and well-trained as well. And it makes us feel smart as well. Notable literary lions like Pynchon recognize that difficult concepts make us feel like the book is important.
One problem, though, is that all these weapons advertisements, so lovingly and precisely described, jar with the rather imprecise geographical descriptions. There are no acknowledgements to Canadians, which is unfortunate because the novel is set in the Northwest Territories and Alberta. Sure enough, cities are misspelled and distances are wildly inaccurate. We get stuff like farms in the country north of Yellowknife. Really? In the muskeg of the taiga? Then again, we get a 0513 hours dawn in high arctic seas in the middle of winter. Picky, yes, but this was a franchise founded on research.
Although we’re reading a thriller for action, deft characterization can make the story memorable. To say the characters of the novel are cardboard does a disservice to cardboard. In Endwar, every American is resolute, courageous, dutiful, compassionate and fair. The U.S. president is a master military strategist who is able subdue to his considerable anguish for the effects of war by his single-minded devotion to the needs of the American people.
The American cinematic staple of rescuing an injured comrade, against considerable costs, even in the middle of World War III, is played out again and again. By the time the American president personally ordered a rescue of a pilot downed in the NWT wilds, I longed for some sheer over-the-top stupidity, like the President hopping into a jet fighter in Independence Day.
The geopolitics are all wrong; not surprising since Clancy has dusted off an old plot withering on the back shelf. We’re back in the Soviet cold war again. A captured Russian colonel is urged to defect. Supposedly set in 2020, it feels suspiciously like the 1980s gussied up with a few space weapons.
We even get the Canadian Prime Minister as an unbelievably naïve and craven leader. He whines that the big bad Americans have trespassed on his country. This, after the Russians have launched an attack. We’re supposed to believe that Canada would ignore this because they want to remain neutral. The absurdity of it all elevates this novel into Independence Day stupidity.
If you haven’t guessed by now, I’m new to the Clancy game. I picked up this book expecting a quick, fast-paced read, and it is that. A book should be evaluated on what it aims to do. It’s not Woolf or Joyce and I’d be disappointed if it was.
It seems that Clancy mandates a minimum number of acronyms per page. I understand that this is useful shtick and tradition in the Clancy product line. It gives a patina of verisimilitude to the events and shows that our heroes are not just adrenaline-fuelled cowboys but smart and well-trained as well. And it makes us feel smart as well. Notable literary lions like Pynchon recognize that difficult concepts make us feel like the book is important.
One problem, though, is that all these weapons advertisements, so lovingly and precisely described, jar with the rather imprecise geographical descriptions. There are no acknowledgements to Canadians, which is unfortunate because the novel is set in the Northwest Territories and Alberta. Sure enough, cities are misspelled and distances are wildly inaccurate. We get stuff like farms in the country north of Yellowknife. Really? In the muskeg of the taiga? Then again, we get a 0513 hours dawn in high arctic seas in the middle of winter. Picky, yes, but this was a franchise founded on research.
Although we’re reading a thriller for action, deft characterization can make the story memorable. To say the characters of the novel are cardboard does a disservice to cardboard. In Endwar, every American is resolute, courageous, dutiful, compassionate and fair. The U.S. president is a master military strategist who is able subdue to his considerable anguish for the effects of war by his single-minded devotion to the needs of the American people.
The American cinematic staple of rescuing an injured comrade, against considerable costs, even in the middle of World War III, is played out again and again. By the time the American president personally ordered a rescue of a pilot downed in the NWT wilds, I longed for some sheer over-the-top stupidity, like the President hopping into a jet fighter in Independence Day.
The geopolitics are all wrong; not surprising since Clancy has dusted off an old plot withering on the back shelf. We’re back in the Soviet cold war again. A captured Russian colonel is urged to defect. Supposedly set in 2020, it feels suspiciously like the 1980s gussied up with a few space weapons.
We even get the Canadian Prime Minister as an unbelievably naïve and craven leader. He whines that the big bad Americans have trespassed on his country. This, after the Russians have launched an attack. We’re supposed to believe that Canada would ignore this because they want to remain neutral. The absurdity of it all elevates this novel into Independence Day stupidity.
August 23, 2012
Tom Clancy's Endwar
David Michaels
Read it in paper-back, 416 pages.
Oh book club, you make me read things I would normally not touch with a ten foot pole. Not because I hate books based on video games but because I have never come across or encountered a book that I rated highly that is from video game stock (any game really) and thus generally do my best to ignore that juncture all together.
With that said, there is a steak dinner on the line. No time for coddling.
Tom Clancy's Endwar, deceptively not written by Tom Clancy but instead David Michaels, tells a futuristic hypothetical about the middle east blowing itself to nuclear bliss and the resulting power struggle between big red mother Russia and the prideful but capable heroes of America, the United States, in an effort to secure the remaining petroleum reserves of the world. We are dropped in at some point during this war and the vodka potato eaters have nearly defeated the forces of Europe. Fear not though for the stars and stripes are here and at the juncture in which we the readers are thrown in, the double down world war champs have just secured a valuable resource and uncovered a Russian plot that will determine the fate of the war and maybe even the world. Only the United States can stop them and once again the fates see us squaring off with big red.
This is your queue to be excited.
The book unfolds much like a video game. Lots of characters, no character depth or building, erratic location movement, streamlined high energy plot and chalk full of stereotypes. It's ridiculously easy to read and I finished it roughly five hours. It was exciting and left me wanting to pick up a first person shooter and shank people in the neck, see the pink mist, and destroy a detachment with a grenade. It's that action packed, the entire way through in fact…it reads as a video game plays. No surprise there.
-Potential Spoilers Below-
Eight people finished but only seven sent me their details/showed up. So our list is missing one and I will ridicule him below.
For the most part peoples favorite moments were those of intense action, surprise, again the whole book is action; but I digress and some of these favorite moments included, a sinking or a Russian fleet by a submarine, an aerial battle in which a pilot shoots down a ridiculous amount of (formerly) commies, the climbing of a Calgary tower against hard opposition, an escape of a pilot through the tundra, and some landmines that can do the boot scoot and shuffle. Evan provided me no details.
Least favorite moments were actually far between but generally involved the prime minister of America's top hat being a total D-bag. Again, Evan failed to weigh in despite what I am sure would have been colorful commentary. Perhaps we got no feedback because this selection did not feature an Albino villain?
Out of ten, one being the worst, OLT book club members scored it as follows:
Dust: 5
TomB: 6
David-dilla: 6
Th3ee: 4
SS: 4
AndyCoug: 4
Hylen: 5
Eleach: 4 (pulled from your review)
OLT average of: 4.85
David Michaels
Read it in paper-back, 416 pages.
Oh book club, you make me read things I would normally not touch with a ten foot pole. Not because I hate books based on video games but because I have never come across or encountered a book that I rated highly that is from video game stock (any game really) and thus generally do my best to ignore that juncture all together.
With that said, there is a steak dinner on the line. No time for coddling.
Tom Clancy's Endwar, deceptively not written by Tom Clancy but instead David Michaels, tells a futuristic hypothetical about the middle east blowing itself to nuclear bliss and the resulting power struggle between big red mother Russia and the prideful but capable heroes of America, the United States, in an effort to secure the remaining petroleum reserves of the world. We are dropped in at some point during this war and the vodka potato eaters have nearly defeated the forces of Europe. Fear not though for the stars and stripes are here and at the juncture in which we the readers are thrown in, the double down world war champs have just secured a valuable resource and uncovered a Russian plot that will determine the fate of the war and maybe even the world. Only the United States can stop them and once again the fates see us squaring off with big red.
This is your queue to be excited.
The book unfolds much like a video game. Lots of characters, no character depth or building, erratic location movement, streamlined high energy plot and chalk full of stereotypes. It's ridiculously easy to read and I finished it roughly five hours. It was exciting and left me wanting to pick up a first person shooter and shank people in the neck, see the pink mist, and destroy a detachment with a grenade. It's that action packed, the entire way through in fact…it reads as a video game plays. No surprise there.
-Potential Spoilers Below-
Eight people finished but only seven sent me their details/showed up. So our list is missing one and I will ridicule him below.
For the most part peoples favorite moments were those of intense action, surprise, again the whole book is action; but I digress and some of these favorite moments included, a sinking or a Russian fleet by a submarine, an aerial battle in which a pilot shoots down a ridiculous amount of (formerly) commies, the climbing of a Calgary tower against hard opposition, an escape of a pilot through the tundra, and some landmines that can do the boot scoot and shuffle. Evan provided me no details.
Least favorite moments were actually far between but generally involved the prime minister of America's top hat being a total D-bag. Again, Evan failed to weigh in despite what I am sure would have been colorful commentary. Perhaps we got no feedback because this selection did not feature an Albino villain?
Out of ten, one being the worst, OLT book club members scored it as follows:
Dust: 5
TomB: 6
David-dilla: 6
Th3ee: 4
SS: 4
AndyCoug: 4
Hylen: 5
Eleach: 4 (pulled from your review)
OLT average of: 4.85
May 14, 2023
Interesting and very good
October 30, 2017
If you were expecting an intelligent Tom Clancy plot line you thought wrong. Russians invade Canada, Canada... DOES NOTHING, because they’re too conservative and don’t want a war even though they were invaded. The American characters are based off of every G.I Joe villain while the Russians are based off of any Anime, or cartoon villain you’ve seen growing up. The book is a good laugh, not an intelligent Red Storm Rising counterpart.
February 9, 2018
Sure, why not.
Fast paced from beginning to end. Enjoyed reading it, but disappointed that the author had The Prez make irrational decisions in order to create more suspense in a couple of the storylines. Wished there was a little more character development. With that said, it was good enough to make me want to read the next book in the series.
Fast paced from beginning to end. Enjoyed reading it, but disappointed that the author had The Prez make irrational decisions in order to create more suspense in a couple of the storylines. Wished there was a little more character development. With that said, it was good enough to make me want to read the next book in the series.
September 25, 2019
Crazed right wing fantasy, written by a lunatic (either Clancy or his ghosts). The plot is riddled with mistakes in geography, politics, reality. It's completley unbelievable and more importantly, it's completley uninteresting. Save:your time;your money; yourself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2019
Can I just say how unbearable the story got for me along the way. Protagonist and antagonist wise were cliche and I really couldn't bring myself to continue reading past 230 pages.
Just want to say that it was only a slightly memorable read.
Just want to say that it was only a slightly memorable read.
March 15, 2008
Jeeez Louise -- it would seem that Clancy doesn't write any more -- he just gets flunkies (and not very good one's at that) to do the writing for him. This is my LAST Clancy read of anything.
May 19, 2009
Don't waste your time...
September 17, 2009
HORRENDOUS!!
July 30, 2011
Dull, ridiculous U.S. flag-waving tripe.
October 10, 2011
I was hooked by the first 5 Chapters, then it lost me thereafter. I just finished it through because I wanted to know who Snegurochka is. I'd probably love the game version. The book? not quite.
August 16, 2012
A book based on a video game. Non stop action. Fans of the game should read this book, but everyone else doesn't need to.
January 1, 2021
Unlike a lot of the other reviewers I haven’t read any of Tom Clancy’s actual books so I don’t have that to compare it too. Also given that it’s a book based of a video game and future war book I gave it low standards. And like most future war books it has most of the same generic problems. The character are shallow and one dimensional, it has super clingy romance plots, and it has way too many characters. But I could have forgiven all of that but what was more annoying is that there are a lot of things that just don’t make sense. The author tried to incorporate both the cinematic from the video game and the video game trailer like a US general calling a kinetic strike on himself in Paris. You would think if that had already happened the US and Europe would be totally allied but instead we get this sense that they’re only passive allies that are trying to keep the Russians in check. I just don’t accept the Russian are powerful enough to hold off the US and Europeans at the same time. The book makes it seem like this whole story his some covert war when it should be the greatest mobilization since WWII. Listening to the European Federation President you don’t get the impression that there capital has been invaded or that Moscow as just been invaded for that matter. Also while I know some people where mad about the portrayal of the Canadians and it’s Prime Mister I was also willing to look past it for the sake of building up tension. But the idea that the Russian believed they could invade Canada and hold Alberta and its oil reserves was just too far. Even if I’m willing to accept they’re willing to overlook troops in their country so they can remain neutral I’m not going to buy that the Canadians alone wouldn’t be able to push dislodge the Russian. And it’s insane the think the Americans couldn’t. There’s not way US forces are spread that thin. The author also fails to understand how the scenario laid out in the story would change the perceptions of the people living in it. For example when the US president in the book is considering the potential downside to destroying the ISS he thinks that if it backfires the press will refer to it “as his Iraq.” If this is a world in which nuclear war in the Middle East caused this whole crisis it seems reasonable to me that people’s perspective of the US invading a country for the belief they where developing nukes might be more sympathetic. If fact in the scenario given it seems obvious that the common belief would be that the US should have remained involved in the Middle East.
February 21, 2023
Hi. After reading the novel Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X by the same author, I figured that the EndWar series would also have some of the same quirks that I found in that book. However, this book contains a lot more of the better parts of author David Micheals' good writing aspects, and less of the bad ones.
Things to note:
-There are a considerable amount of characters to keep track of in a book that's 400 pages.
-There are also about 5 different situations that are introduced in the book to keep track of along with the characters, but they mostly all meet at the same point around the middle of the book, eliminating that overwhelming feeling of keeping tabs on everyone.
-Often times, especially in the parts centered around the submarine, there is a lot of technical jargon that you shouldn't be expected to know reading a book based off a video game.
-Pages 0-150 are introduction, and the rest of the book is purely long-action scenes. However, the author does a great job writing suspenseful action scenes in my opinion. So, go away if you want more dialogue and emotion, but stay if the detailed descriptions of tense military situations are your kind of thing.
-Not a lot of plot armor in this book, which makes it that much more gruesome at times. There is a lot of instances and descriptions of death, so if having those gory descriptions is a turn-off, then this isn't the book for you.
Overall, I would give this book a 4/5, or 7/10. I liked it. I'm going to read the next entry in the series.
Things to note:
-There are a considerable amount of characters to keep track of in a book that's 400 pages.
-There are also about 5 different situations that are introduced in the book to keep track of along with the characters, but they mostly all meet at the same point around the middle of the book, eliminating that overwhelming feeling of keeping tabs on everyone.
-Often times, especially in the parts centered around the submarine, there is a lot of technical jargon that you shouldn't be expected to know reading a book based off a video game.
-Pages 0-150 are introduction, and the rest of the book is purely long-action scenes. However, the author does a great job writing suspenseful action scenes in my opinion. So, go away if you want more dialogue and emotion, but stay if the detailed descriptions of tense military situations are your kind of thing.
-Not a lot of plot armor in this book, which makes it that much more gruesome at times. There is a lot of instances and descriptions of death, so if having those gory descriptions is a turn-off, then this isn't the book for you.
Overall, I would give this book a 4/5, or 7/10. I liked it. I'm going to read the next entry in the series.
Read
May 17, 2013It is the year 2020. After capturing a Russian GRU Colonel named Pavel Doletskaya in Moscow, Team Victor of the Joint Strike Force (JSF) retreats from Russia, with Sergeant Nathan Vatz as the sole survivor. Colonel Doletskaya is interrogated by Major Alice Dennison back in the U.S. The colonel refuses to answer any questions, even under torture. The interrogation is then turned over to Charles Shakura, the JSF's top interrogator. Yet the Colonel still holds out and he is then sent to Cuba. Meanwhile, Outlaw Team, composed of Marine Force Recon, is dispatched to rescue the Colonel when his plane is shot down in the Cuban jungle. The team finds only one survivor, Shakura. Outlaw Team's leader, Sergeant McAllen, is told that this was only a decoy, and that Colonel Doletskaya was ferried to Cuba on a submarine.
Prior to this time, all U.S. Special Operations Forces are merged into one combined task force termed the "Joint Strike Force" (JSF). In 2016, there is a nuclear war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, annihilating both countries. This war leads Russia into being the world's leading oil producer. In 2016, Europe becomes one country called the European Federation (EF). The United Nations is then disbanded. The US and EF are no longer allies. After launching the Freedom Star space station from the JFK Space Center in 2020, the space station is attacked by the Green Brigade, a powerful and infamous left-wing ecoterrorist group. All Marines aboard are killed and the Russians are blamed for this. The purpose of the space station is to allow the United States to be able to deploy 3 brigades of U.S. Marines anywhere in the world within 90 minutes.
Meanwhile, Major Stephanie 'Siren' Halverson and her wingman, Captain Jake 'Ghost Hawk' Boyd, observe multiple Russian Ka-29 helos flying over Canadian land. While trying to scare the Russian helicopters back to the border, Captain Boyd's F35 is shot down by rocket fire. Major Halverson manages to shoot down 7 Russian helicopters and damage an eighth before trying to land her plane to rescue Jake. He refuses because Major Halverson would then run the risk of being captured or killed by the Spetsnaz forces. After giving her sidearm to Boyd, she returns and takes off in her F35. Soon after, Spetsnaz troops arrive via a Ka-29, and Boyd is killed. Halverson receives a call from the President, and the U.S. fully realizes that Russia is invading Canada. At that time, Canada is the world's second leading oil producer. After refueling and rearming at Igloo Base, which is destroyed seconds after both pilots take off, Major Halverson with her new wingman Captain Lisa 'Sapphire' Johansson and two other F35s attack and destroy a large staging ground with AN-130 super carrier jets. During that engagement, a flight of Russian SU-98 fighter jets shoot down all of the F35s, with Major Halverson being the only survivor. Back in the U.S., Major Dennison figures out the answers to the questions. Operation 2659 is the invasion of Canada, and Snegurockha is Colonel Viktoria Antsyforov. Colonel Doletskaya falls in love with her until she dies.
During that time, Outlaw Team is sent to Canada to find Major Halverson and rescue her, their orders from the President himself. Sergeant Vatz's Team also arrives in Canada to combat Spetsnaz troops in the town of High Level, Alberta. Half of Vatz's team dies when the C-130 is shot down. Khaki, an ex-Canadian Special Forces soldier, is a helicopter pilot responsible for transporting Outlaw team to Major Halverson, lands in the town held by Sgt Vatz in order to refuel. At that point, the Russians stage an assault on the airfield, successfully destroying Khaki's helicopter. Outlaw Team begins to form a plan to take a Russian KA-29 helo, and in doing so, are able to enlist the help of one Captain Pravota. Outlaw team then tells Pravota to fly to the location where they will find Halverson. He agrees but warns that the helo has mechanical problems. Pravota tells them that he wants to go with the US soldiers on the return trip to the United States, and McAllen quickly agrees. After thinking they are Spetsnaz troops, Major Halverson begins to open fire at the helicopter, almost injuring the Outlaw Team. After realizing that is the Outlaw Team, she is rescued. Sergeant Vatz's Team, the Bravo Team, goes into combat with a handful of Spetsnaz, and some of his troops are killed.
Back in Moscow, the president of the Russian Federation, is called. It is Snegurockha and Green Vox. Green Vox is the leader of infamous terrorist group, the Green Brigade Transnational. They tell the president that they have put two nuclear bombs in Calgary and Edmonton and will detonate them in 48 hours. The only catch is that they will wait for most of the citizen to evacuate, and more of the Spetsnaz to move in. The president demands help from the US to defuse it after all attempts on negotiations with the two terrorists fail. The terrorists put the nuclear bombs in the two cities in order to effectifevly turn the world guns on Russia, and bring any neutral countries into war, because the two cities also have large oil refineries. The President charges Sergeant Marc Rakken to send two Nuclear Emergency Support Team (NEST) teams to defuse it. Marc Rakken leads them to the nuclear bombs and defuses it before it detonates. However, Marc Rakken sacrifices himself to save the entire NEST team when a lone Spetsnaz troop throws a grenade at them. In the end, Snegurockha kills Green Vox because they fail to detonate the nuclear bombs. Spetsnaz troops begin to evacuate from Canada. The Outlaw Team leader gets his legs shot up, but Major Halverson survives. Nathan Vatz is relieved that the war is over, but also finds out that Rakken died to save the entire NEST Team. Major Alice Dennison approached Colonel Doletskaya and tells him that Colonel Viktoria Antsyforov is still alive and currently hiding out in Canada. Colonel Pavel Doletskaya tells her that he will help Dennison to capture Viktoria, and she frees him. Major Dennison later calls President Becerra and tells him that she hasn't told all of the information to Doletskaya, but he's in on their plan.
Prior to this time, all U.S. Special Operations Forces are merged into one combined task force termed the "Joint Strike Force" (JSF). In 2016, there is a nuclear war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, annihilating both countries. This war leads Russia into being the world's leading oil producer. In 2016, Europe becomes one country called the European Federation (EF). The United Nations is then disbanded. The US and EF are no longer allies. After launching the Freedom Star space station from the JFK Space Center in 2020, the space station is attacked by the Green Brigade, a powerful and infamous left-wing ecoterrorist group. All Marines aboard are killed and the Russians are blamed for this. The purpose of the space station is to allow the United States to be able to deploy 3 brigades of U.S. Marines anywhere in the world within 90 minutes.
Meanwhile, Major Stephanie 'Siren' Halverson and her wingman, Captain Jake 'Ghost Hawk' Boyd, observe multiple Russian Ka-29 helos flying over Canadian land. While trying to scare the Russian helicopters back to the border, Captain Boyd's F35 is shot down by rocket fire. Major Halverson manages to shoot down 7 Russian helicopters and damage an eighth before trying to land her plane to rescue Jake. He refuses because Major Halverson would then run the risk of being captured or killed by the Spetsnaz forces. After giving her sidearm to Boyd, she returns and takes off in her F35. Soon after, Spetsnaz troops arrive via a Ka-29, and Boyd is killed. Halverson receives a call from the President, and the U.S. fully realizes that Russia is invading Canada. At that time, Canada is the world's second leading oil producer. After refueling and rearming at Igloo Base, which is destroyed seconds after both pilots take off, Major Halverson with her new wingman Captain Lisa 'Sapphire' Johansson and two other F35s attack and destroy a large staging ground with AN-130 super carrier jets. During that engagement, a flight of Russian SU-98 fighter jets shoot down all of the F35s, with Major Halverson being the only survivor. Back in the U.S., Major Dennison figures out the answers to the questions. Operation 2659 is the invasion of Canada, and Snegurockha is Colonel Viktoria Antsyforov. Colonel Doletskaya falls in love with her until she dies.
During that time, Outlaw Team is sent to Canada to find Major Halverson and rescue her, their orders from the President himself. Sergeant Vatz's Team also arrives in Canada to combat Spetsnaz troops in the town of High Level, Alberta. Half of Vatz's team dies when the C-130 is shot down. Khaki, an ex-Canadian Special Forces soldier, is a helicopter pilot responsible for transporting Outlaw team to Major Halverson, lands in the town held by Sgt Vatz in order to refuel. At that point, the Russians stage an assault on the airfield, successfully destroying Khaki's helicopter. Outlaw Team begins to form a plan to take a Russian KA-29 helo, and in doing so, are able to enlist the help of one Captain Pravota. Outlaw team then tells Pravota to fly to the location where they will find Halverson. He agrees but warns that the helo has mechanical problems. Pravota tells them that he wants to go with the US soldiers on the return trip to the United States, and McAllen quickly agrees. After thinking they are Spetsnaz troops, Major Halverson begins to open fire at the helicopter, almost injuring the Outlaw Team. After realizing that is the Outlaw Team, she is rescued. Sergeant Vatz's Team, the Bravo Team, goes into combat with a handful of Spetsnaz, and some of his troops are killed.
Back in Moscow, the president of the Russian Federation, is called. It is Snegurockha and Green Vox. Green Vox is the leader of infamous terrorist group, the Green Brigade Transnational. They tell the president that they have put two nuclear bombs in Calgary and Edmonton and will detonate them in 48 hours. The only catch is that they will wait for most of the citizen to evacuate, and more of the Spetsnaz to move in. The president demands help from the US to defuse it after all attempts on negotiations with the two terrorists fail. The terrorists put the nuclear bombs in the two cities in order to effectifevly turn the world guns on Russia, and bring any neutral countries into war, because the two cities also have large oil refineries. The President charges Sergeant Marc Rakken to send two Nuclear Emergency Support Team (NEST) teams to defuse it. Marc Rakken leads them to the nuclear bombs and defuses it before it detonates. However, Marc Rakken sacrifices himself to save the entire NEST team when a lone Spetsnaz troop throws a grenade at them. In the end, Snegurockha kills Green Vox because they fail to detonate the nuclear bombs. Spetsnaz troops begin to evacuate from Canada. The Outlaw Team leader gets his legs shot up, but Major Halverson survives. Nathan Vatz is relieved that the war is over, but also finds out that Rakken died to save the entire NEST Team. Major Alice Dennison approached Colonel Doletskaya and tells him that Colonel Viktoria Antsyforov is still alive and currently hiding out in Canada. Colonel Pavel Doletskaya tells her that he will help Dennison to capture Viktoria, and she frees him. Major Dennison later calls President Becerra and tells him that she hasn't told all of the information to Doletskaya, but he's in on their plan.
April 28, 2024
Era il classico momento di pausa da letture più pensanti, con una combinazione di eventi che mi ha condotto - come è giusto e sano che sia - a pure pagine di intrattenimento. Poi provo da sempre una certa nostalgia per le cose belle di Tom Clancy, e quindi Endwar (che per qualche motivo non avevo mai affrontato) mi è sembrata una opzione praticabile.
No.
Magari l'aspettativa (di genere) era un po' troppo alta, con una trama che poteva vagamente richiamare quel capolavoro che risponde al titolo di "Uragano rosso", ma no, davvero NO.
Personaggi di un piattume imbarazzante, trama zoppicante, qualche intuizione non sviluppata.
No.
No.
Magari l'aspettativa (di genere) era un po' troppo alta, con una trama che poteva vagamente richiamare quel capolavoro che risponde al titolo di "Uragano rosso", ma no, davvero NO.
Personaggi di un piattume imbarazzante, trama zoppicante, qualche intuizione non sviluppata.
No.
August 19, 2025
An interesting read, certainly a departure from Clancy’s Jack Ryan series. Heavy on action, and some unique ideas, but overall a bit weak in its prose and dialogue. A blend of modern and future technology, it feels written to chase the core of Clancy’s style, but misses some of the authenticity in the translation. Technologies and brands are dropped and explained in detail that feels more like research than an authentic understanding of their purposes or reason for inclusion, which cheapens the overall narrative, to me. Ends on a cliffhanger that does have me intrigued with the overall plot, which was a nice surprise!
April 24, 2017
Endwar is a terrible book, the spiritual continuation of the Op Center series. Just the big TOM CLANCY doesn't save it. In this book basically the poor Russkies can't best the supermen with supergadgets of the good old USA. Ok i get that is supposed to be a book from an american writer but realism anyone? The hysterical part is the air battles: the near-UFO F-35 defeats all the Russians planes but unluckily loses 2 at the end just by dumb luck. The book relies too much on techno crap and is boring. Want a good WW3 book with Clancy's name on it? Red Storm Rising.Is a tech showcase or a novel? Heavily downplays Russians and basically makes you think that a brigade and a bunch of rednecks can stop a full invasion... Also very very FANTASTICAL the abduction of someone during a war in the opposing country, known in the past to basically have divisions of Air Defense troops all over the country and mostly in MOSCOW?? The Joint Strike force would be dead before even entering Russian Territory. No mather how tech advanced the helicopter is. There is quote in a famous Craig Thomas book to share here: flying Moscow airspace is suicide.
December 19, 2019
In my opinion, this book was okay, not good,not bad, just in the middle. It takes place in Russia, Canada also USA. think it was aimed to where the good guys lose.The title was misleading,its not really a end war more like a Russian agency in Canada. They also made it seem Canada was a weak opponent when in reality they have one of the most strongest forces in the world.Going into the middle of the book was boring it made me almost sleep.The things that happen in this book seem so fake when i think its made to seem real. The characters seem really "out of a TV show".Also a guy who wants to save the earth is thinking that causing a war is the only way to save it.Other than that i would say that if your new into reading you can start reading into this book.
May 16, 2022
EndWar, the first of the EndWar trilogy, was delightfully easy and fun. Dont' let all the negative reviews on this book discourage you from enjoying an easy weekend read. It's Tom Clancy's idea, but not his writing so don't expect original Jack Ryan detail, but it was still enjoyable. The Russians have invaded Canada to gain control of massive oil reserves and the Joint Strike Force is sent to contain the first wave of the invasion. Check it out. It's worth the 6 hours it takes to cover it. Good times! I'm on to Book Two now!
August 16, 2018
So for me this book was just okay. The story was kind of all over the place and didn’t seem to flow that well. That being said it was still a somewhat enjoyable book. I’d recommend this for fans of military action, but don’t expect to much out of it. Also even though it has Tom Clancy’s name on it it is not written by him.
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