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Red Lines
From seven-time award-winning author James Bultema, Red Lines is the third explosive installment in the Sea of Red series, plunging readers into the heart of a modern military war between the United States and Iran.
After a devastating attack on a symbol of American freedom by radicalized domestic Hezbollah terrorists, the US finds itself on the brink of war. Tensions escalate as retaliatory strikes lead to a high-stakes confrontation that reverberates across the globe.
In a game of cat and mouse, submarines prowl the depths, fighter jets streak across the skies, and warships clash in an epic struggle for dominance. With advanced weaponry and strategic cunning, both sides push the boundaries of warfare, drawing the world's superpowers into a conflict that threatens global stability.
With the future of international order hanging in the balance, Red Lines takes readers on a relentless journey through the complexities of modern warfare and the far-reaching consequences of a single, violent act.
After a devastating attack on a symbol of American freedom by radicalized domestic Hezbollah terrorists, the US finds itself on the brink of war. Tensions escalate as retaliatory strikes lead to a high-stakes confrontation that reverberates across the globe.
In a game of cat and mouse, submarines prowl the depths, fighter jets streak across the skies, and warships clash in an epic struggle for dominance. With advanced weaponry and strategic cunning, both sides push the boundaries of warfare, drawing the world's superpowers into a conflict that threatens global stability.
With the future of international order hanging in the balance, Red Lines takes readers on a relentless journey through the complexities of modern warfare and the far-reaching consequences of a single, violent act.
411 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 7, 2025
143 people are currently reading
1325 people want to read
About the author
James A. Bultema
9 books70 followersJames Bultema is a military combat veteran and a retired LAPD officer with over twenty-five years of experience on the streets of Los Angeles. His debut novel, Sea of Red, became a bestseller, earning six prestigious awards and recognition as one of the top military thrillers of 2023. Red Lines became a #1 Amazon Bestseller on its release. With a degree in history and a passion for thorough research, Bultema ensures his depictions of modern warfare and cutting-edge weaponry are as accurate as they are compelling. His riveting stories, full of unforgettable characters, resonate long after turning the final page. Bultema is working hard on his next book, Red Horizons, due in the Spring of 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 9, 2025
Retaliation
An exciting story of success and loss by our government and military. Characters are believable, action is fast wit enough fact thrown in to make it all feel real to the readers. Technology and current issues add to the books believability. Look forward to the next from James Bultema.
An exciting story of success and loss by our government and military. Characters are believable, action is fast wit enough fact thrown in to make it all feel real to the readers. Technology and current issues add to the books believability. Look forward to the next from James Bultema.
September 16, 2025
As I slowly get the opportunity to whittle away at the towering pile of great authors and their stories that form the basis of my TBR pile (the knowledge of many of them thanks to this great group that I am fortunate enough to be part of on Facebook - Military Thriller Book Group). One of the authors that I was fortunate to be made aware of was James Bultema and his Sea of Red Series, of which Red Lines is the third book.
Red Lines is an exciting novel that flows succinctly on the scenario that was established in the second book, with a terrorist attack on Independence Hall in Philadelphia by American members of the Hezbollah terrorist group (backed by Iran). Independence Hall is a historic civic building in Philadelphia, PA, where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States were debated and adopted by the Founding Fathers of the United States. The signing of these documents is looked upon as a symbol of freedom and democracy and a very important step in American history that later had significant impacts on lawmakers, political thinkers, and governmental charters around the world.
As a result of the events detailed in the second book, the US Government (led by President Mark Taylor) is forced into the predicament of whether to reassure the horrified American public or to address those parties deemed responsible with military action. President Taylor and other high-ranking members of his cabinet chose to launch military actions against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
As these plans are being formulated and the American tools of war are being moved towards the Persian Gulf, Iran’s Supreme Leader suspects that the country will be hit by a shock-and-awe-level attack – unless they move first. They begin discussing a plan to take out US ships and US bases first, as well as working with Shia allies across the region to launch coordinated attacks on US positions. If all goes as planned, the result of these actions and more could lead to Iran becoming the dominant power in the Persian Gulf region.
As tensions mount and retaliatory strikes begin, the story unfolds across submarines, fighter jets, and warships engaged in deadly tactical warfare. Through masterful storytelling, Bultema explores how a single act of violence can cascade into global conflict while examining the human cost of modern warfare and the complex decisions faced by those in command. Bultema shows his prowess and immediately, as tensions mount and retaliatory strikes begin, the story unfolds across submarines, fighter jets, and warships engaged in deadly tactical warfare. Through masterful storytelling, Bultema explores how a single act of violence can cascade into global conflict while examining the human cost of modern warfare and the complex decisions faced by those in command.
On my self-determined five-star scale, I would give this book a solid four stars (with my only complaint being that after building the story to an exciting climax, the conclusion to the story seemed to come abruptly). That being said, I believe that this novel, nay, the entire series, would quickly become a favourite for military thriller aficionados and would be enjoyed by fans of L.T. Ryan, Tom Clancy, James Rosone, and FX Holden.
As with all my literary ramblings, these are just my five cents' worth.
Red Lines is an exciting novel that flows succinctly on the scenario that was established in the second book, with a terrorist attack on Independence Hall in Philadelphia by American members of the Hezbollah terrorist group (backed by Iran). Independence Hall is a historic civic building in Philadelphia, PA, where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States were debated and adopted by the Founding Fathers of the United States. The signing of these documents is looked upon as a symbol of freedom and democracy and a very important step in American history that later had significant impacts on lawmakers, political thinkers, and governmental charters around the world.
As a result of the events detailed in the second book, the US Government (led by President Mark Taylor) is forced into the predicament of whether to reassure the horrified American public or to address those parties deemed responsible with military action. President Taylor and other high-ranking members of his cabinet chose to launch military actions against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
As these plans are being formulated and the American tools of war are being moved towards the Persian Gulf, Iran’s Supreme Leader suspects that the country will be hit by a shock-and-awe-level attack – unless they move first. They begin discussing a plan to take out US ships and US bases first, as well as working with Shia allies across the region to launch coordinated attacks on US positions. If all goes as planned, the result of these actions and more could lead to Iran becoming the dominant power in the Persian Gulf region.
As tensions mount and retaliatory strikes begin, the story unfolds across submarines, fighter jets, and warships engaged in deadly tactical warfare. Through masterful storytelling, Bultema explores how a single act of violence can cascade into global conflict while examining the human cost of modern warfare and the complex decisions faced by those in command. Bultema shows his prowess and immediately, as tensions mount and retaliatory strikes begin, the story unfolds across submarines, fighter jets, and warships engaged in deadly tactical warfare. Through masterful storytelling, Bultema explores how a single act of violence can cascade into global conflict while examining the human cost of modern warfare and the complex decisions faced by those in command.
On my self-determined five-star scale, I would give this book a solid four stars (with my only complaint being that after building the story to an exciting climax, the conclusion to the story seemed to come abruptly). That being said, I believe that this novel, nay, the entire series, would quickly become a favourite for military thriller aficionados and would be enjoyed by fans of L.T. Ryan, Tom Clancy, James Rosone, and FX Holden.
As with all my literary ramblings, these are just my five cents' worth.
February 9, 2025
Simply unmissable for fans of LT Ryan, Tom Clancy and Clive Cussler.
Since the 1978 Iranian revolution, American diplomatic relations with Iran have resembled a hot cauldron that occasionally boils over into bursts of limited combat. Until now, the situation has yet to fully tip into all-out war. Red Lines, Book 3 in Bultema’s Sea of Red series, imagines a believable series of events that might lead hostilities right over the edge.
After a Hezbollah attack on the historic Independence Hall in Philadelphia, the U.S. pushes for increased sanctions targeting foreign banks supporting Iranian financial transactions. Simultaneously, while the president’s closest advisors strategize potential retaliatory strikes, U.S. naval forces are redirected to the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader suspects that the country will be hit by a shock-and-awe-level attack – unless they move first. They begin discussing a plan to take out U.S. ships and U.S. bases first, as well as working with Shia allies across the region to launch coordinated attacks on US positions. If all goes as planned, the result of these actions and more could lead to Iran becoming the dominant power in the Persian Gulf region.
Bultema’s narrative approach features plenty of insider conversations within the world’s most powerful offices, but aspects of the story are also told through the experiences of Private Adam Dankworth, whose journey to the Army is marked by his challenging upbringing in a series of foster homes. After numerous misdemeanor arrests, a judge had suggested to Dankworth that perhaps he should look at joining the Army, because doing so would provide much better scenery than the jail cell.
The story of Dankworth’s compelling adaptation to military life and the camaraderie he develops with his squad members humanizes Bultema’s otherwise fascinating and believable focus on a potential path to war with Iran.The real star of Bultema’s novel are, not surprisingly, its battle scenes. As a reliable portrayer of the realistic state of world militaries, Bultema remains faithful to the reality that much of America’s military arsenal features hardware that stretches back decades: Ohio-class submarines, B-2 bombers and KC-135s, to name just a few.
But elsewhere, Bultema’s blow-by-blow action sequences are not just a terrifying glimpse into the future of combat hardware, but also a close-up examination at the present. At a time when we’re all adapting to stories from the Ukrainian battlefields that sound a little like something out of Star Wars, there’s nothing like a soldier declaring “incoming drone swarm” that sends shivers up the spine.
Since the 1978 Iranian revolution, American diplomatic relations with Iran have resembled a hot cauldron that occasionally boils over into bursts of limited combat. Until now, the situation has yet to fully tip into all-out war. Red Lines, Book 3 in Bultema’s Sea of Red series, imagines a believable series of events that might lead hostilities right over the edge.
After a Hezbollah attack on the historic Independence Hall in Philadelphia, the U.S. pushes for increased sanctions targeting foreign banks supporting Iranian financial transactions. Simultaneously, while the president’s closest advisors strategize potential retaliatory strikes, U.S. naval forces are redirected to the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader suspects that the country will be hit by a shock-and-awe-level attack – unless they move first. They begin discussing a plan to take out U.S. ships and U.S. bases first, as well as working with Shia allies across the region to launch coordinated attacks on US positions. If all goes as planned, the result of these actions and more could lead to Iran becoming the dominant power in the Persian Gulf region.
Bultema’s narrative approach features plenty of insider conversations within the world’s most powerful offices, but aspects of the story are also told through the experiences of Private Adam Dankworth, whose journey to the Army is marked by his challenging upbringing in a series of foster homes. After numerous misdemeanor arrests, a judge had suggested to Dankworth that perhaps he should look at joining the Army, because doing so would provide much better scenery than the jail cell.
The story of Dankworth’s compelling adaptation to military life and the camaraderie he develops with his squad members humanizes Bultema’s otherwise fascinating and believable focus on a potential path to war with Iran.The real star of Bultema’s novel are, not surprisingly, its battle scenes. As a reliable portrayer of the realistic state of world militaries, Bultema remains faithful to the reality that much of America’s military arsenal features hardware that stretches back decades: Ohio-class submarines, B-2 bombers and KC-135s, to name just a few.
But elsewhere, Bultema’s blow-by-blow action sequences are not just a terrifying glimpse into the future of combat hardware, but also a close-up examination at the present. At a time when we’re all adapting to stories from the Ukrainian battlefields that sound a little like something out of Star Wars, there’s nothing like a soldier declaring “incoming drone swarm” that sends shivers up the spine.
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April 3, 2025MWSA Review
Red Lines by James Bultema describes the US response to Iran’s attack on Independence Hall, crossing a red line that the US does not tolerate. In the air, on the ground, on the sea, and under the sea, the US demonstrates not only its might in terms of people but also technology. The Iranian forces are also well trained and have many technologically advanced weapons. This is no walk in the park for the US troops.
In addition to having Iran as the antagonist, the other difference in this book is the use of AI in so many ways. Cyberwarfare is exercised by both sides in ways you may not have thought about. The battle scenes are realistic. Chapter 4 especially outlines the strengths and weaknesses of both the US and Iran. The book makes clear that modern warfare is complex, and communication is strategically important.
Review by Nancy Kauffman (March 2025)
Red Lines by James Bultema describes the US response to Iran’s attack on Independence Hall, crossing a red line that the US does not tolerate. In the air, on the ground, on the sea, and under the sea, the US demonstrates not only its might in terms of people but also technology. The Iranian forces are also well trained and have many technologically advanced weapons. This is no walk in the park for the US troops.
In addition to having Iran as the antagonist, the other difference in this book is the use of AI in so many ways. Cyberwarfare is exercised by both sides in ways you may not have thought about. The battle scenes are realistic. Chapter 4 especially outlines the strengths and weaknesses of both the US and Iran. The book makes clear that modern warfare is complex, and communication is strategically important.
Review by Nancy Kauffman (March 2025)
July 28, 2025
I enjoyed the patriotic fervor of all of the U. S. military personnel.
I enjoyed the overall flow of the story line.
The level of detail for the various weapon systems, airplanes, ships, submarines, cyber-attack defenses, etc. was too much for me. I am sure there are many readers looking for the details included in this book. I would have preferred less detail in the military elements and more descriptions of the action and characters involved in it. I enjoyed the basic story and again, I liked the patriotic fervor. It was a quick read and I recommend it for those readers who are really into the details of computer systems, weapons and military equipment.
I enjoyed the overall flow of the story line.
The level of detail for the various weapon systems, airplanes, ships, submarines, cyber-attack defenses, etc. was too much for me. I am sure there are many readers looking for the details included in this book. I would have preferred less detail in the military elements and more descriptions of the action and characters involved in it. I enjoyed the basic story and again, I liked the patriotic fervor. It was a quick read and I recommend it for those readers who are really into the details of computer systems, weapons and military equipment.
February 8, 2025
I loved the first book in this series, Sea of Red. This third book, Red Lines, was enjoyable. I'm glad that I read it. The USA is at war with Iran. While there were many exciting moments in the story, it just didn't grip me as much as Sea of Red. The author definitely did his research as he described the arms used in battle with great detail. But I thought that detail sometimes bogged down the story. Overall though, I enjoy any story involving naval aviation so this one fit the bill for me.
February 12, 2025
Pretty Good - But Needs Some Polishing
Overall, this was a pretty intense and fun to read novel. It follows on well with the first 2 books in the series. My only complaint about is it that it needs some editing. There are several small editing errors that are just annoying. For example on radio traffic where the call sign calls itself. Some issues with names being mixed up. And, there are a few technical quirks about equipment that doesn’t track with the real world. But, it’s definitely a good read.
Overall, this was a pretty intense and fun to read novel. It follows on well with the first 2 books in the series. My only complaint about is it that it needs some editing. There are several small editing errors that are just annoying. For example on radio traffic where the call sign calls itself. Some issues with names being mixed up. And, there are a few technical quirks about equipment that doesn’t track with the real world. But, it’s definitely a good read.
February 28, 2025
Red Lines by James Bultema is an interesting novel about a possible future war with Iran. The war is prompted by a terrorist attack on Freedom Hall in Philadelphia by a terrorist group supported by Iran. The US is planning an attack on Iran in response when Iran attacks US troops and ships in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea along with cyber-attacks in the US. The story then follows various soldiers, seamen, and aircrew during the battle and how they respond to the attacks.
April 28, 2025
Tense,gripping and scary.Brilliant military war thriller.
This series ranks up there with the best I have read in this genre.
This,the third book in the series ,was exceptional in its description of a full scale war. It is clear that the author has an extensive knowledge of anything military, his descriptions made me think of Tom Clancy.Non stop action and suspense makes this a book not to be missed. You won’t be disappointed.
This series ranks up there with the best I have read in this genre.
This,the third book in the series ,was exceptional in its description of a full scale war. It is clear that the author has an extensive knowledge of anything military, his descriptions made me think of Tom Clancy.Non stop action and suspense makes this a book not to be missed. You won’t be disappointed.
February 16, 2025
exciting on every page
easy read, excellent presentation of both sides in a conflict that could be very real in todays arena. kind of a mix of short story scenes that jell into a good story overall. You know he has done his research on equipment and scenarios . will keep you turning the page.
easy read, excellent presentation of both sides in a conflict that could be very real in todays arena. kind of a mix of short story scenes that jell into a good story overall. You know he has done his research on equipment and scenarios . will keep you turning the page.
April 5, 2025
This like the previous 2 followed the same path. There was no sugarcoating of the sides. There was death and destruction on both sides.
I thoroughly enjoyed this series and will continue with this author.
I thoroughly enjoyed this series and will continue with this author.
April 28, 2025
Good read but …
Technically good but lost a bit of credibility with the dialogues of characters blowing their own trumpet eg Danger saying how good she was. A couple of inaccuracies in call signs in later engagements.
Technically good but lost a bit of credibility with the dialogues of characters blowing their own trumpet eg Danger saying how good she was. A couple of inaccuracies in call signs in later engagements.
March 8, 2025
Excellent Series
This was an exciting well-researched series with technical accuracy. It was very cool to see use of a weapon system designed by two members of our family.
This was an exciting well-researched series with technical accuracy. It was very cool to see use of a weapon system designed by two members of our family.
August 2, 2025
Action all the way
A great page turner with some thought provoking moments. Well done! The characters were vivid. I wish could meet them.
A great page turner with some thought provoking moments. Well done! The characters were vivid. I wish could meet them.
August 4, 2025
War with Iran
This appears to be a realistic depiction of how a war with Iran could start and one scenario of how it would proceed. A lot of military
This appears to be a realistic depiction of how a war with Iran could start and one scenario of how it would proceed. A lot of military
August 5, 2025
fast packed action
Found this a good read. Packed with action. Reminds me a bit of top gun. Would recommend this book to Vince Flynn readers.
Found this a good read. Packed with action. Reminds me a bit of top gun. Would recommend this book to Vince Flynn readers.
September 21, 2025
Outstanding
This is another Outstanding Book in the sea of Red Series of Books!It for me was very hard to put down. Cannot wait for Book # 4, Arctic Red to come out.
This is another Outstanding Book in the sea of Red Series of Books!It for me was very hard to put down. Cannot wait for Book # 4, Arctic Red to come out.
November 23, 2025
Great series - love the fact that two main characters are married yet each continues to serve. Tremendous amount of knowledge in each book.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews