What do you think?
Rate this book
The Very Last War
A Dangerous Alliance
European Leftism. Chinese communism. Islamic Sharia law. Russian avarice.
The leaders of these radical and aggressive ideologies agree that long-held dreams of world domination can never be realized for one reason and one reason alone—America. In a secret meeting in Brussels, a plan surprising in both detail and probability of success is revealed.
A plan to put aside differences and form a temporary alliance.
A plan to destroy America.
A Devastating Weapon
Skepticism evaporates with the unveiling of a new weapon that strikes at the heart of American military might, negating traditional technological advantages.
America Stands Alone
Outnumbered and alone, America stands on the brink. To survive, a Great Generation will be needed.
But can America still produce greatness?
A Unique Perspective
W. H. Hawthorne was born and raised in Alaska at a time when it was far closer to the America envisioned by the Founders than was the rest of the country. He left his beloved Great Land to pursue a four-decade career designing high-tech robotics for DARPA, NASA, JPO, DOD, DOE, and others.
In The Very Last War, he fuses those experiences to bring to you a story of World War III inundated with realism and plausibility coupled with a fresh and surprising perspective on America.
And lots of really cool new weapons.
It’ll be fun. Seriously.
European Leftism. Chinese communism. Islamic Sharia law. Russian avarice.
The leaders of these radical and aggressive ideologies agree that long-held dreams of world domination can never be realized for one reason and one reason alone—America. In a secret meeting in Brussels, a plan surprising in both detail and probability of success is revealed.
A plan to put aside differences and form a temporary alliance.
A plan to destroy America.
A Devastating Weapon
Skepticism evaporates with the unveiling of a new weapon that strikes at the heart of American military might, negating traditional technological advantages.
America Stands Alone
Outnumbered and alone, America stands on the brink. To survive, a Great Generation will be needed.
But can America still produce greatness?
A Unique Perspective
W. H. Hawthorne was born and raised in Alaska at a time when it was far closer to the America envisioned by the Founders than was the rest of the country. He left his beloved Great Land to pursue a four-decade career designing high-tech robotics for DARPA, NASA, JPO, DOD, DOE, and others.
In The Very Last War, he fuses those experiences to bring to you a story of World War III inundated with realism and plausibility coupled with a fresh and surprising perspective on America.
And lots of really cool new weapons.
It’ll be fun. Seriously.
- GenresMilitary Thriller
545 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2023
802 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
W.H. Hawthorne
1 book19 followersW. H. Hawthorne was born and raised in Alaska at a time when it was far closer to the America envisioned by the Founders than was the rest of the country. He left his beloved Great Land to pursue a four-decade career designing high-tech robotics for DARPA, NASA, JPO, DOD, DOE, and others.
In The Very Last War, he fuses those experiences to bring to you a story of World War III inundated with realism and plausibility coupled with a fresh and surprising perspective on America.
And lots of really cool new weapons.
It’ll be fun. Seriously.
In The Very Last War, he fuses those experiences to bring to you a story of World War III inundated with realism and plausibility coupled with a fresh and surprising perspective on America.
And lots of really cool new weapons.
It’ll be fun. Seriously.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
November 9, 2024
I regret that I even read this book. I am 86 yrs old, a retired USAF pilot with combat missions in Vietnam followed by a career in computer software development. I have never read such gibberish coobled together just to display the author's personal ultra conservative views - especially about guns. I'm not saying the technology he describes isn't possible. I'm saying the story line is not even close to coming to reality. And just for the record, America did lose a war. I was there in Vietnam as well as in Guam witnessing the war's prosecution. And America did start a war in Iraq (for no damn good reason). America is a great country but not without it's faults.
I don't know about the rest of you that gave a review, but I have a suspicion the author
Loves :
1. People from Alaska, especially himself.
2. Guns - any kind.
3. Any wide open plain.
4. The so-called "Good Ole Boys" of America.
5. Conservatives
Hates :
1. People from California, especially from San Diego.
2. Any gun control legislation.
3. Any big city - especially San Francisco.
4. Germans, French, Chinese, Canadiens, Mexicans, and anyone not American.
5. Liberals
Not only was the story not plausible, but I have this image of the author as a swaggering, boastful, and yes, somewhat arrogant American seeing himself as better than any other on the planet. Maybe I'm getting too cantankerous in my old age. But that's how I see it.
I don't know about the rest of you that gave a review, but I have a suspicion the author
Loves :
1. People from Alaska, especially himself.
2. Guns - any kind.
3. Any wide open plain.
4. The so-called "Good Ole Boys" of America.
5. Conservatives
Hates :
1. People from California, especially from San Diego.
2. Any gun control legislation.
3. Any big city - especially San Francisco.
4. Germans, French, Chinese, Canadiens, Mexicans, and anyone not American.
5. Liberals
Not only was the story not plausible, but I have this image of the author as a swaggering, boastful, and yes, somewhat arrogant American seeing himself as better than any other on the planet. Maybe I'm getting too cantankerous in my old age. But that's how I see it.
February 1, 2024
Positively Out Freaking Standing!!!!!!!!!
The first part of this book I saw a not so subtle hint of a blueprint to revitalize this country and restore some faith in the government. I will admit to a bit of hysterical laughter regarding a third party. Not at the concept, but at the reaction of our "esteemed" elected officials and the federal civil service drones (yes the lower case was deliberate.) Calling their response blind frothing apoplectic catatonic rage just might be too mild. (Albeit well deserved) The second part of the book an actual invasion while others have tried, the scenarios, tactics, weapons technology and character actions are all plausible. For any progressive minded individuals who would scoff, I would remind them of the words of Abraham Lincoln over 150 years ago. His statement begins with: " This Country with it's institutions belongs to the people----" look the rest up it you don't know it. I do. This story has embraced a little of that philosophy.
In closing I will give the author the 2 best compliments I can. 1 my wife went to bed 6 hours ago and I finished the book at 545 am. 2. More? Please?
Well done sir
Bill Hodges
The first part of this book I saw a not so subtle hint of a blueprint to revitalize this country and restore some faith in the government. I will admit to a bit of hysterical laughter regarding a third party. Not at the concept, but at the reaction of our "esteemed" elected officials and the federal civil service drones (yes the lower case was deliberate.) Calling their response blind frothing apoplectic catatonic rage just might be too mild. (Albeit well deserved) The second part of the book an actual invasion while others have tried, the scenarios, tactics, weapons technology and character actions are all plausible. For any progressive minded individuals who would scoff, I would remind them of the words of Abraham Lincoln over 150 years ago. His statement begins with: " This Country with it's institutions belongs to the people----" look the rest up it you don't know it. I do. This story has embraced a little of that philosophy.
In closing I will give the author the 2 best compliments I can. 1 my wife went to bed 6 hours ago and I finished the book at 545 am. 2. More? Please?
Well done sir
Bill Hodges
July 27, 2024
Excellent
Entertaining near future fiction about how America is first saved at the last moment from socialism, and then about how it defended against a coalition of freedom haters (China, most of Europe, Islamic "extremists " etc ). Well written and uplifting, but way too optimistic.
Entertaining near future fiction about how America is first saved at the last moment from socialism, and then about how it defended against a coalition of freedom haters (China, most of Europe, Islamic "extremists " etc ). Well written and uplifting, but way too optimistic.
March 6, 2024
Very slow in beginning - likely by necessity given what follows but so long as to give me pause about continuing. Also a little "timely " to have 2 technologies both burst on the scene simultaneously.
However, a third of the way through it really picks up and battles and results very satisfying.
However, a third of the way through it really picks up and battles and results very satisfying.
July 14, 2025
Probably would be better received by an American, not a reader from the RotW. Bizarrely, the UN declares war on the USA, if there was ever a booby prize to be won, and battle ensues. Lucky there’s a lot of guns in the US!
Spoiler alert, the UN comes second.
Spoiler alert, the UN comes second.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2025
A modern political military thriller that will take the reader to the edge of their seat. If you don't have a good feel for world realpolitik, then you will after you read this. Machiavelli would really enjoy the plot of this book. He kind of wrote the playbook which many of the characters in this book follow.
You have a book with deep characters that enrich the story. Jake is the 'star' of the book; you follow him from his youth in Alaska all through his adult days and he is there at the end.
The military campaigns are well written, if at times a bit too technical for me. I am someone who has studied The Civil War, World War 2 and Vietnam and at times, the military technology was a bit like Star Trek rather than 21st century combat.
Detailed and powerful, the plot will grab the reader and keep him going. It is a hard book to put down. You simply need to see what happens next. If you are fan of political military thrillers, then this book is for you. Closest comparables are some of the work of Tom Clancy, both on film and in book. If you are a big Clancy fan, then this book may be for you.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookhea...
You have a book with deep characters that enrich the story. Jake is the 'star' of the book; you follow him from his youth in Alaska all through his adult days and he is there at the end.
The military campaigns are well written, if at times a bit too technical for me. I am someone who has studied The Civil War, World War 2 and Vietnam and at times, the military technology was a bit like Star Trek rather than 21st century combat.
Detailed and powerful, the plot will grab the reader and keep him going. It is a hard book to put down. You simply need to see what happens next. If you are fan of political military thrillers, then this book is for you. Closest comparables are some of the work of Tom Clancy, both on film and in book. If you are a big Clancy fan, then this book may be for you.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookhea...
January 25, 2024
The last battle
This book begins in Alaska and ends up with a war. Jake O’Connor is the main character showing him as he grows up in Alaska and then eventually becomes president of the United States. Informs a third political party, and then somehow elected. During this time, there is an uprising at the United Nations, which ends with the United States leaving the organization, and the other countries left Beginner plan to invade America. This book is very technical about military and software terms and there’s sometimes graphic. I found a book for interesting, but not sure if the premises plausible that a democrat and republican parties would give up their powers so easily. I recommend this book. we’re all military and political readers.
This book begins in Alaska and ends up with a war. Jake O’Connor is the main character showing him as he grows up in Alaska and then eventually becomes president of the United States. Informs a third political party, and then somehow elected. During this time, there is an uprising at the United Nations, which ends with the United States leaving the organization, and the other countries left Beginner plan to invade America. This book is very technical about military and software terms and there’s sometimes graphic. I found a book for interesting, but not sure if the premises plausible that a democrat and republican parties would give up their powers so easily. I recommend this book. we’re all military and political readers.
July 6, 2024
Great read, great vision for the future
This fast-paced account takes the reader from early days of transforming the nation politically, where honest and practical men and women serve not for gain, but for American success. Much of the federal government’s overreach is returned to states; the country is transformed by this new leadership. World leaders who have long hated the US devise a clever and devastating strategy to destroy America once and for all. The author creates a huge cast of believable characters on all sides of this last war. The Very Last War is a page turner with shades of Independence Day. Read and enjoy!
This fast-paced account takes the reader from early days of transforming the nation politically, where honest and practical men and women serve not for gain, but for American success. Much of the federal government’s overreach is returned to states; the country is transformed by this new leadership. World leaders who have long hated the US devise a clever and devastating strategy to destroy America once and for all. The author creates a huge cast of believable characters on all sides of this last war. The Very Last War is a page turner with shades of Independence Day. Read and enjoy!
October 28, 2024
The author is a bit insufferable
I tried. I gave it as much as I could, but this is not good. Pages and pages and pages of description, and still the characters are flat. Dialogue is stilted and unnatural. I get the feeling the author is quite intelligent, however that comes through here as someone who likes to hear themselves talk. The fact that the author continuously refers to themself at “the author” in the afterword, repeatedly, and wrote their bio as if they were suffering fools makes this reader feel like the author only cares about their own high opinion, and we should be thankful. I’m not, I’m pissed off I read any of this.
I tried. I gave it as much as I could, but this is not good. Pages and pages and pages of description, and still the characters are flat. Dialogue is stilted and unnatural. I get the feeling the author is quite intelligent, however that comes through here as someone who likes to hear themselves talk. The fact that the author continuously refers to themself at “the author” in the afterword, repeatedly, and wrote their bio as if they were suffering fools makes this reader feel like the author only cares about their own high opinion, and we should be thankful. I’m not, I’m pissed off I read any of this.
December 29, 2024
I'm only giving this four stars, because of two things:
1) I don't think a third party can organize itself fast enough to win a Presidential election and control of both the House and Senate in a single election.
2) There was a little bit too much 'Hey, Rocky, watch me pull a rabbit out of this hat' in the way the technology was handled. A President cannot, nor should he/she be allowed to, order military hardware to be obtained in this manner, in a non-centralized democracy. And the author seems to be overlooking the costs involved.
But I enjoyed the book. And I'm looking forward to more from Mr. Hawthorne.
1) I don't think a third party can organize itself fast enough to win a Presidential election and control of both the House and Senate in a single election.
2) There was a little bit too much 'Hey, Rocky, watch me pull a rabbit out of this hat' in the way the technology was handled. A President cannot, nor should he/she be allowed to, order military hardware to be obtained in this manner, in a non-centralized democracy. And the author seems to be overlooking the costs involved.
But I enjoyed the book. And I'm looking forward to more from Mr. Hawthorne.
May 25, 2024
Excellent book. Kept me interested from start to finish. Lots of action with well written characters that seemed like real people. I'll be looking for future books from WH Hawthorne. Other action books I've enjoyed include: Invasion Alaska by Vaughn Heppner, The Winter of Frankie Machine by Don Winslow, Without Remorse by Tom Clancy, Fade by Kyle Mills, Combat Ineffective by William Peter Grasso, Aliens Versus Zombies by Mark Terence Chapman, Legion by Leo Champion, Term Limits by Vince Flynn, Levon's Trade by Chuck Dixon, and The Butcher's Boy by Thomas Perry.
May 29, 2024
An excellent thought out story line that I found extremely thought provoking on the political side. As far as the military aspect of the book it kept me interested in different manner than most story lines dealing with conflict. The concept put forth concerning technology, the military, and the idea of civilian involvement against an aggressor force was, in my opinion, excellent. As far as the ending of the book, I somewhat do not necessarily agree with the authors own view of his ending as put forth in the "Author's Note".
August 13, 2024
Awesome Read
I’m truly impressed with this author,and as an avid reader of current political and international events , it’s not just entertaining,it’s down right scary ,if the dots are connected!
It’s my fervent hope that there still are Americans that could think and act this way , if the need arises.
The author truly taps into what my generation learned ,which basically is ,we (Americans)have and will meet any threat to our way of life.
His ideas on our founding,civil war and where we are now is spot on,and how we proceed ,well that’s about to be decided in November
I’m truly impressed with this author,and as an avid reader of current political and international events , it’s not just entertaining,it’s down right scary ,if the dots are connected!
It’s my fervent hope that there still are Americans that could think and act this way , if the need arises.
The author truly taps into what my generation learned ,which basically is ,we (Americans)have and will meet any threat to our way of life.
His ideas on our founding,civil war and where we are now is spot on,and how we proceed ,well that’s about to be decided in November
November 8, 2024
This was the best and most compelling book I have read this Atlas Shrugged in 1967! The timing was perfect given the recent election results in the USA; isn't it great to be an AMERICAN!
The life of Jake growing up in a very isolated environment and learning how to survive the elements juxtaposed against the socialist and communist shows the continuing struggle between the individualist and the collective.
This struggle has a great ending for the good guys and makes me very proud to be an American and see justice prevail.
The life of Jake growing up in a very isolated environment and learning how to survive the elements juxtaposed against the socialist and communist shows the continuing struggle between the individualist and the collective.
This struggle has a great ending for the good guys and makes me very proud to be an American and see justice prevail.
December 22, 2024
felt like individual semi-fascist world domination
The story starts like a historical biography but gos off track and just creates a cookie cutter guy who just uses quotes and Founding Father fanboy factoids. Has it started to seem like that it went full myths of a America everything else bad and an when it ends came off with the president just given what can be seen has a villain’s monologue of victory. I had high hopes but lost it has I saw nothing new or truly military realistic the pkannning of combats where way to simple.
The story starts like a historical biography but gos off track and just creates a cookie cutter guy who just uses quotes and Founding Father fanboy factoids. Has it started to seem like that it went full myths of a America everything else bad and an when it ends came off with the president just given what can be seen has a villain’s monologue of victory. I had high hopes but lost it has I saw nothing new or truly military realistic the pkannning of combats where way to simple.
January 20, 2024
I've worked in the robotics industry, including DARPA programs, and the author has really captured what it feels like to be on one of those teams. It's great to see state of the art engineering come to life and save America!
There are many inspirational characters that you'd like to sit down and have a beer with to get to know better. With every page turn, you become invested in the characters and can't wait to see what happens!
I look forward to what the author will release next.
There are many inspirational characters that you'd like to sit down and have a beer with to get to know better. With every page turn, you become invested in the characters and can't wait to see what happens!
I look forward to what the author will release next.
February 22, 2024
simply an enjoyable read for me
The author builds character that brings forth from the reader a sense of pride. Unfortunately, many still revere the collective as the ultimate arbiter and deny the role of individual free will. It is true that individuals do not control their entire environment, but each individual must own his own behavior.
While the book is too simplistic in its outcome, it is a homage to the individual. Well worth the reading time invested!
The author builds character that brings forth from the reader a sense of pride. Unfortunately, many still revere the collective as the ultimate arbiter and deny the role of individual free will. It is true that individuals do not control their entire environment, but each individual must own his own behavior.
While the book is too simplistic in its outcome, it is a homage to the individual. Well worth the reading time invested!
February 28, 2024
Now that was the best book I have read in awhile.
If you are into military techno thrillers or just like reading about the good guys finally putting down the bad guys this book has it all.
I would say it would make a great Hollywood movie but we all know that they consider anything that smacks of america being the good guy will never get made.
Get it you will not be disappointed.
If you are into military techno thrillers or just like reading about the good guys finally putting down the bad guys this book has it all.
I would say it would make a great Hollywood movie but we all know that they consider anything that smacks of america being the good guy will never get made.
Get it you will not be disappointed.
March 18, 2024
Superlative read
The author’s inventiveness and characters are only one great aspect of this novel. The setup from the beginning with the Common Party (wish we had one) to the civilian militias help and the organization of the military, realizing their limitations almost too late (Caliph blew the secret too early) made for a super spin of a story. Congratulations Mr. Hawthorne ya did real good. Mark
The author’s inventiveness and characters are only one great aspect of this novel. The setup from the beginning with the Common Party (wish we had one) to the civilian militias help and the organization of the military, realizing their limitations almost too late (Caliph blew the secret too early) made for a super spin of a story. Congratulations Mr. Hawthorne ya did real good. Mark
May 21, 2024
Warning: if red hats and smiling, happy, normal Americans trigger you, do not read this book.
Superior job of imagining a future that given our current crop of “strategic” thinkers could become all too real. WH Hawthorne imagines a counter to that future and if you love America, you will love his vision. An amazing book for anyone who celebrates the 4th of July, and hates commies, fascists and Euro trash losers. RLTW
Superior job of imagining a future that given our current crop of “strategic” thinkers could become all too real. WH Hawthorne imagines a counter to that future and if you love America, you will love his vision. An amazing book for anyone who celebrates the 4th of July, and hates commies, fascists and Euro trash losers. RLTW
February 23, 2024
inspiring
This novel reminds me of the early Clancy books, long on detail and I bit short on tempo, but the wait is well worth it. This book underlines the critical difference between Americans and the rest of the world: we value our right to self defense and we value our freedom. Mess with us at your peril.
This novel reminds me of the early Clancy books, long on detail and I bit short on tempo, but the wait is well worth it. This book underlines the critical difference between Americans and the rest of the world: we value our right to self defense and we value our freedom. Mess with us at your peril.
March 18, 2024
From weakness-to sweet victory. A great read.
Interesting portrait of the amalgam of American enemies created because of a weak fictional America. Yet, the American Spirit yielded victory.
In the real, America is very weak, very broke, and very fragmented. Poor conditions for a good story book ending.
Interesting portrait of the amalgam of American enemies created because of a weak fictional America. Yet, the American Spirit yielded victory.
In the real, America is very weak, very broke, and very fragmented. Poor conditions for a good story book ending.
April 12, 2024
enjoyed the read…
As a Brit I do enjoy the USA’s bickering about Politics. This book does rant a lot about conservative values, I can’t say I don’t disagree with many of them and wish there was indeed a man like O’Connor to lead this country forward and engage the people. I would recommend this book totally and hope it’s read with a good pinch of salt.
As a Brit I do enjoy the USA’s bickering about Politics. This book does rant a lot about conservative values, I can’t say I don’t disagree with many of them and wish there was indeed a man like O’Connor to lead this country forward and engage the people. I would recommend this book totally and hope it’s read with a good pinch of salt.
October 2, 2024
Almost a 5 - One of the best I've read this year
I loved this book. A little history, A little "what if", A lot of why our forefathers got it right. I would have given it 5 stars but I did have to research some technical and military references to understand to the level I wanted and it was a slow start. A must read for anyone who loves the USA, our Rights and freedom.
I loved this book. A little history, A little "what if", A lot of why our forefathers got it right. I would have given it 5 stars but I did have to research some technical and military references to understand to the level I wanted and it was a slow start. A must read for anyone who loves the USA, our Rights and freedom.
September 5, 2025
If you like guns…
Written by a boy for boys. Lots of technical weapons information. There was no character development. Characters were uninteresting and there was no reason to care about them. There were essentially no women in it. Ok, 2 women. Both gorgeous because a man wrote it. I finished it because I finish every book I read always hoping it will get better. It didn’t.
Written by a boy for boys. Lots of technical weapons information. There was no character development. Characters were uninteresting and there was no reason to care about them. There were essentially no women in it. Ok, 2 women. Both gorgeous because a man wrote it. I finished it because I finish every book I read always hoping it will get better. It didn’t.
October 27, 2025
a fantastic book
I have read many books of various types over the years as a teacher and sci-fI fan. I very much enjoyed this book and would myself join a political party/movement like the Common Party. Love it, love the story. And as a Marine Corps graduate of MCRD, the oath has no expiration date.
I have read many books of various types over the years as a teacher and sci-fI fan. I very much enjoyed this book and would myself join a political party/movement like the Common Party. Love it, love the story. And as a Marine Corps graduate of MCRD, the oath has no expiration date.
February 23, 2024
Excellent
I feel like the ending was pretty abrupt and I don't know if it would fly world-wide, but it is fiction and brings up a lot of good scenerios and what-ifs. I love the idea of Americans coming together for a common goal!
I feel like the ending was pretty abrupt and I don't know if it would fly world-wide, but it is fiction and brings up a lot of good scenerios and what-ifs. I love the idea of Americans coming together for a common goal!
March 26, 2024
Excellent
This book is well thought out and makes incredible sense to this old man. Being born in the 40's, I have seen so many things change that anything related to the EU or the UN makes my skin crawl. Very good read.
This book is well thought out and makes incredible sense to this old man. Being born in the 40's, I have seen so many things change that anything related to the EU or the UN makes my skin crawl. Very good read.
April 12, 2024
wonderful book better than Tom Clancy
Surprising great read Well reads each and thoughtful Valid criticism of todays entitlement culture And suggestions to improve our society
Surprising great read Well reads each and thoughtful Valid criticism of todays entitlement culture And suggestions to improve our society
April 13, 2024
5 stars
I loved this book, couldn’t stop reading. I’d love to post something deep and thought provoking about the book, but it was just a good story and I don’t think anything more needs to be said.
I loved this book, couldn’t stop reading. I’d love to post something deep and thought provoking about the book, but it was just a good story and I don’t think anything more needs to be said.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews