Fire War

Fire War Trilogy #1

by T.T. Michael

A riveting dystopian thriller novel! --- ************GET THE ENTIRE TRILOGY FOR ONLY 4.99 (ALMOST HALF OFF) "Man up,” he told himself. “Man up.” It was what his father always told him, and there was nothing more that he wanted than to be a man. So he took a deep breath, filling his nose with the scents of baseball and looked up to the sky, squinting a little. It was a plane, not far from the blimp he noticed earlier; that was all. Nothing to be afraid of. A tiny sigh of relief escaped his lips as he saw the familiar shape outlined over his head, wings spread out against the sky. It was the last thing he saw before the explosion ripped his small body apart with the force of a hundred suns. The quiet of thousands of lives extinguished in the blink of a second took over, disturbed only by falling rubble. The sun beat down again, hot and sticky, on what remained of Tom, his father, and all the others who had been unfortunate enough to be at Wrigley Field for the biggest game of the season." --- Late in the 21st century, the United Continental States of America is running smoothly. Unemployment has been eradicated, terrorism is no more, and any internal dissent diminishes by the day. Most give credit to President Meyers, and many can no longer remember the last election, but it is a small price to pay to keep the country safe from the terrorist group Hariq Jihad. Things aren’t as they seem, however, as Gunnery Sergeant Anthony Jackson is conscripted into the personal security detail of President Meyers. While the only thing he places above his country is his family, he begins to feel that not everyone is content with how things are. Even more, he begins to fear for his oldest daughter’s life as she begins to question the eroding personal freedoms and democratic rights. Considering that entire families have disappeared over the slightest infraction, one cannot be too careful. Torn between liberty and safety, family and country, can Jackson balance his loyalties, or will he be lead to an explosive collision with the system he has dedicated his life to serving? In this explosive and highly acclaimed dystopian political thriller novel, the world you live in will never look the same again!

Genres: Dystopia, Science Fiction, Fiction

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2015

About the author

T.T. Michael
Perhaps you wouldn’t characterize the Finance Manager of your local automobile dealership as an Amazon best-selling author—until you get to know T.T. Michael. He has worked for the past decade at a Toyota Dealership in Illinois, but he is in the driver’s seat as the writer of, Fire War, a political thriller set in the year 2076. See what happens when the United States, Canada, and Mexico all join forces to make one super country. See more about him and his book Fire War at www.ttmichael.com

Reviews

[Kathrin Hutson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was wonderfully written, and brought up some serious issues surrounding the potential "worst-case scenario" of America as a whole. It made me think back to Leninist Russia, and also reminded me of 'V for Vendetta'. Such powerful ideas are buried within the main character, and he struggles constantly, both through his career and watching his daughters grow into young women, to balance his belief in his country and his president with his belief in what's right.

I had to give this book four stars, though, for three major reasons. 1) The dates in the chapter headings and newspaper articles conflicted with the time lapses in each chapter therein. I found myself confused by the timeline, and one newspaper article even mentioned something occurring on a date that was in the future. 2) I had a tough time believing that our main character, who was such a smart, sharp, intelligent person in the beginning, with doubts and misgivings of his own, would "devolve" to become such a blind follower in a country facing obvious perils of dictatorship. I kept expecting a huge twist in the plot, that maybe the country had been spoon-fed chemical or radio-wave brainwashing (spoiler, I guess...that doesn't happen). I wanted to see him stand up, at least in his head, instead of conveniently pushing down all his internal warnings and never exploring them. 3) The only real action, the only form of tension that really drew me in, was at the beginning and the end of the book. Our main character is forced to shoot another sniper, who he knows very well, in order to save the president. That was wonderful. And in the end (which felt a bit rushed, like we were coming to a word count limit and had to end it quick), our main character finds out what's really been going on this whole time, for the last 10 years. He discovers things he never even suspected of happening, and I really would have loved to see his character grow in the struggle around living in this new "United Continental States of America", but he only seems to finally make a decision when he overhears the president's nefarious admissions (which felt just a bit too convenient).

I really do hope that there's another book to continue this story, because I'd like to see where Michaels takes these characters now that the truth has come out. The relationships between the main character and his wife and daughters, particularly his eldest, were poignant, painful, and raw with reality. It's a good read for anyone who enjoys being scared about the dystopian possibilities of a country during "wartime", and it made me grateful that we haven't gotten there...yet.

[Brian's Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely holds up to the dystopian classics

Fire War is about the United States in the near future – about 40-50 years or so into the future. Terror has run rampant and many people are killed in the name of terror. Something needs to be done, and something will be done. Follow Gunnery Sergeant Anthony Jackson on his missions as a Marine to train and protect. Along the way, things get muddled up and he must choose between what he thinks is right and what he has come to see along his journey.

Narration for Fire War was done by Patrick Freeman – this was my first book narrated by Freeman and I really enjoyed it. His pacing and enunciation were really great. Only a few times did I think he said a word wrong (but in reality it could be a location/colloquialism issue more than pronunciation). The production quality was perfect with no issues at all.

So, my first thoughts were “I wonder what I’m getting into” and once I got further into the story I quickly realized that this book was right up my alley. With roots in many of my favorite dystopian’s of the past, Fire War should be a must read for teenage year students (like I believe 1984 and the likes should be too). I found myself drawing parallels to 1984, Fahrenheit 451, and Brave New World while I dug deeper and deeper into this story. But it was done in a new and different way. And in my eyes, that’s pretty amazing.

T.T. Michael’s writing style mixed with Freeman’s narration were a win-win for me with this book. It was fast-paced without feeling like it skipped over details. It had details without being bogged down. A nice and neat book full of “what ifs.” A few times I was worried that the book would dive deeper into a warning against certain things we are doing now, but it was far enough in the future that it didn’t feel preachy. But it has roots in some things that are happening today (or will likely happen in the near future).

Overall, a great read for those who like old-school dystopian’s like I discussed above. I’m not sure if Michael has a plan for more books, but I’m definitely intrigued.

If you want to see more reviews like this, please check out Brian's Book Blog

[Mark Kasniak · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Fire War" by T.T. Michael is a must read for any lover of dystopian novels! Set in a futuristic United States, a military sergeant by the name of Jackson, whose specialty is sniper training finds himself assigned to run a program that will teach a new class his techniques and expertise in the craft. As his students progress in their skills, Jackson becomes forced to do the unthinkable and has to shoot one of his top students (Vasquez) as he tries to assassinate the president. Ultimately, though, the assassination attempt fails and Vasquez ends up killing the president of Mexico. With the death of the Mexican president a new union becomes formed combining the U.S.A, Canada, and Mexico under the rule of one government. The goal of the new government is to root out the Islamic extremist Hariq Jihad and any of its supporters. As Jackson's life progresses, he's torn by actions, but as a thank you for saving the president’s life, he is reassigned to become a part of President Myers personal security detail. Years pass, and Jackson finds himself struggling to get a grip on his past that haunts him while he desperately tries to patch things up with his wife and two daughters. But, as the time goes by he realizes that his once beloved country has slowly been evolving into something he no longer recognizes as freedom.

"Fire War" was an absolutely fun read for me. Michael's writing is smooth and straightforward, the story never gets bogged down or boring. Michael’s also manages to nicely balance action with drama and deep seeded family/duty to country values. This is a story I believe will stand the test of time such as Orwell's 1984 or Huxley's Brave New World. Well done T. T. Michael, awesome Job!

[Arleen Alleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this futuristic novel, the author depicts a future beginning in the early 2050s. A seemingly normal legally elected president of the North American Union, a country formed by combining Canada and the old U.S., is actually a megalomaniac who is anything but normal. Over time, with growing prosperity, most citizens are convinced they must forego freedoms in order to gain protection from terrorists. For example, travel is drastically curtailed even between states, and due process is eliminated.

When Mexico is annexed into the union and the current Mexican President is assasinated supposedly by terrorists, a frightening story begins. Most (but not all) of the populace are too trusting and isolationist, including Jackson, a protagonist who as a former Marine sniper and now aid to the president, is in a position to uncover the truth about the government. He is very slow to remove his head from the sand, and nearly sacrifices his family before the horrible truth finally dawns on him.

I enjoyed this story and have already started on the second book in the trilogy. I don't believe it is totally unrealistic that a country can change from a democracy to a dictatorship complete with a president serving for life in just a few decades. It has happened before. Given the current political climate in the U.S., this book gives reason for pause and I recommend it. My only critique is that I would like to have seen a little more imagination applied to the day-to-day life, food, and devices used fifty years from now. I assume Lucky Charms cereal, DVDs, and currently used military weapons will probably be history, so to speak.

[Trish Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me at first of Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged—but there is no secret escape and no John Galt.
It paints a picture of a not-so-free futuristic North American country made up of Mexico, Canada and the USA, where although unemployment has been eradicated, the residents live in fear of government oppression and persecution.
Gunnery Sergeant Anthony Jackson, elite sniper, has spent many years away from his family in the war against the terrorist group Hariq Jihad, which means 'Fire War'. After saving the life of his president at the tragic expense of someone he has grown to like and admire, he finally makes it home to enjoy family life, and to be a father to his two young daughters.
Love of his family is the only thing Anthony puts before loyalty to his president, and he worries about his daughters when they become teenagers and begin to question the government's abuse of power. He fears for his own loved ones when neighbors who speak of liberty simply disappear in the night, never to be seen again. Yet his loyalty to the president stays strong—and then the bombshell at the very end of the story leaves you gasping.
For me, the novel is an interesting eclectic mix of modern day (and futuristic) technology and way of life, written in an old-fashioned story-telling format where a narrator tells the story rather than the characters.
It held my attention all the way to the end, and I look forward to the next chapters (I know there has to be a sequel) when Anthony is surely going to start fighting back.

[Susan Keefe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disasters, and the people who cause them, are etched in the very core of a nation. The horrific attacks of July 14th, 2051 by Hariq Jihad (‘Fire War’) had such an effect, and because of them the United Continental States of America was formed uniting USA, Canada and Mexico.

Years later, with no terrorism threats, and stability reigning, the people are happy with President Meyers, the man who has been the driving instrument, and has made this happen. The country is run under a tightly controlled, inflexible system, people know what to do, and where their loyalties must lie. However, there are others who do not agree…

President Meyers needs to be surrounded by loyal protection. When Gunnery Sergeant Anthony Jackson is offered the chance to become part of his security detail, it is the perfect opportunity for the Marine, coming just at the right time and providing much needed stability for him, his wife and two little girls.

However, as the years pass by and his girls grow older, Anthony discovers that they have wills of their own, and do not follow blindly like the majority. Also, he is tormented by an incident in the past which he must put to rest.

Will his loyalty to the President and all he stands for, stand strong when his family need him, and their lives may be in danger?

This is a powerful and thought provoking futuristic thriller, which certainly opens your eyes to the possibility of a very different world in years to come...

[Chikamso Efobi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fire War begins with a shocking terrorist attacks of July 14, 2051 which was perpetuated by a group called, Hariq Jihad (Fire War) where a little boy, Tommy, his father and a large number of people are killed at a Cubs vs Giants game at Wrigley Fields, Chicago. This attack happens to be one of 4 simultaneous and well coordinates attacks across 4 cities in the United States and Canada.
The story then continues to revolve around the life of Gunnery Sergeant Anthony Jackson who is eager to go home and begin life as a loving and caring father to his 2 daughters who he had managed to keep a distant relationship with, throughout his period of service in the military as a sniper in a post apocalyptic and futuristic nation called the United Continental States of America in which Mexico, Canada and the United States become one nation. He is then called to serve President Meyers and what follows is a thrilling and interesting tale in which Jackson discovers that things are not exactly what they seem.
I liked reading the book as it presented a worst-scenario for the United States. I also found it insightful and thought-provoking as it opens one eyes to the possibility of a very different United States in many decades to come.

[Elizabeth Ehlen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anthony Jackson is determined to finish up his Marine tour for the NAU and get home for good. He has a wife and daughters to reconnect with and a life to build. His last assignment is to train some new snipers, and he is good at what he does. He doesn’t realize that his assignment will lead to a new world order with Canada, Mexico and the US joining forces, and turning into a country he barely recognizes. What will happen when the nation feels more like Orwell’s 1984 than the current date of 2076?

Fire War imagines the US turning into a dictatorship, abandoning the principles of the current Constitution, due to extreme security measures adopted after major terrorist attacks. While set in the future it is not hard to imagine this outcome, particularly given current debates over similar issues. While at times it can feel a little preachy, Michael effectively outlines a scenario that is plausible, which is what makes it scary. I hope this turns into a post apocalyptic series with Jackson as the hero, I look forward to seeing him morph into a principled hero from the placated citizen he displays in this novel.

[Anthony Stancomb · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gripping story set in the 2070’s, which feels as if it’s real. The countries of Northern America are amalgamating and the hero is a soldier/sniper who saves his President and gets to be part of his security group. He then sees what happens when an authoritative regime gains complete power. The book touches on all our fears. This is what could easily happen if the world goes in the wrong direction and it highlights many major issues of our society today – democracy and terrorism. It also touches on the age-old moral dilemmas of truth and decency versus job and patriotic loyalty.
Written in a clear engaging manner we follow the hero as he gets sucked into the system and ends up having to choose between his family and the authorities. This is always a rich subject for a writer, and many WW II books have visited the area before, but here in a futuristic and very realistic setting, we are given a new look.
I won’t spoil the story for the reader, by revealing the many good twists and turns as the book progresses. I have to say that I did feel rather left in the air by the inconclusive ending, but the plot certainly keeps you turning the page.

[Vanessa Kings · Rating 5 out of 5]

With "Fire War", T.T. Michael has produced one the most interesting books I have recently read.
It is the future. In the latter part of the 21st Century, USA, Canada and Mexico are part of the United Continental States of America, and the Fire War terrorist group is being kept at bay by the current government, led by President Meyers.
In President Meyer's personal security detail we meet Gunnery Sergeant Anthony Jackson, who strongly believes in what the country stands for and its government. However, as he becomes more involved, Jackson starts to see that all is not as well as it seems and that not everyone is happy with things as they are.
Eventually, with the passing of time, his own daughters will put Jackson to the test, making him question his beliefs, and making him see that personal liberties are at stake.
"Fire War" is not only a thrilling novel, but also provides a powerful background for the reader to ponder upon.

[Victoria Simcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the changes such as inner discord fading into the past, joblessness being eliminated, terrorism being suppressed, are due to President Meyers, who has been in power for longer than a president should be. Exemplary Marine, Gunnery Sergeant, Anthony Jackson, starts to have suspicions that this so called comfortable era may not be as content as it’s made out to be, and his daughter, Maya, seeing it, has made him concerned. Anthony has devoted his life to the regime, but now he’ll reconsider everything his life stands for. The ironies of control, the worth of freedom, and the decrees of ethics are what are at stake here. Fire War is exciting, enthralling and alarming to say the least. An exhilarating novel that will have you on the edge of your seat.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the way the book started with a 'BANG'! However, as it continued on the pace really seemed to slow down. To me the book seemed to have some similarities to how things are now in our country. I won't make any comparisons however. I'm sure anyone who has read this book would know what I'm talking about. Jackson, the main character must make some very hard decisions in the first book of the series some that affect his entire family. It takes most of the book for him to realize exactly what's going on in the country and just what exactly the man he is paid to protect is actually doing.

[Danielle Flood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I miss reading it already

I already wish i could keep reading and following the story of Anthony Jackson and his family. I read it so fast because I was so excited, that now I really miss flipping the pages searching for the right path and idea for Anthony.

[Flora Tate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Used it to past time on a plane ride


I had a very long plane ride to go on, and we all know how boring those can be. Well my journey wasn’t, since I had this upbeat, adventurous dystopian story to ponder. I was glued to the book, so I know I got looks.

[Melody Crawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommending to all my friends


All of my friends love this type of stuff, so I think I’ll win them over by recommending it to them and lending my book out. Can’t wait to discuss everything that happened with them once they finish. Has a good plot twist in there.

[Addison Mahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

My go to beach book

I really enjoy laying out on the beach, relaxing, and being myself. My favorite way to relax is to read a book. This one distracts me enough to enjoy the sun, breeze, and plot unraveling for our confused heroes (or characters).

[Tracey Provvisiero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good use of fiction

This deserves to be in the top fiction stories. It’s easy to relate to, especially since I live in the USA. Lots of stuff going on now kind of connects to what’s happening in the story. Makes it creepy to read, because anything can happen.

[Felipe Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really makes you think

While I read T.T.Michael’s Fire War I thought about how this could be us. It’s a scary thought thinking of the government's attitude/ rules in Fire War, and how one day that could be us. A lack of unemployment is not worth all that.

[Giovanni Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connected to the characters so well

I just fell in love with the characters, and their emotions, beliefs, and actions. I really felt a connection, and that’s hard to come by in books these days. The author writes them and their stories like they are actually real people.

[Judith Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comfort Read for Me


I have already read this three times. It’s my comfort read. When I’m tired, or bored, or lonely I just pick up this political power based book and read it through. It keeps my mind occupied and fills me up with this sense of completion when I finish.

[Alexia Link · Rating 5 out of 5]

Husband pushed me to read it

My husband would not stop telling me to read this book. I didn’t want to because it’s usually not my type of story. However, I have not lived it down with my husband, because he was right. It was incredible.

[Kari Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shows the dilemma of life


I think T.T. Michael has shown the real dilemma of life that could happen if we continue down this path as a country (USA). I hope we don’t, but it feels like this is insight into the political power struggle we fight in.

[Heidi Bass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thriller


Oh my god what a thriller! I couldn’t put the book down. It’s not expensive online either. Not too long, not too short. The book was perfect for a time passer. Will recommend it if anyone wants a good mind-boggling read.

[Manuel Burrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worst Fear come to life

My worst fear is what happens in this dystopian political thriller. Because it's a terrible fear for me, a corrupt government and fake utopia world, I found this such an interesting concept and read. This makes me even more anti-government. Good novel!

[Rowan Chu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy but exciting read

I found it was really easy to read. I used to not read much, but my teacher suggested I read Fire War. It was cool and helped me get back into reading as a hobby. Now I just want to keep reading.

[Beverly Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would be a great movie

So I love considering books and how they would come out as a movie. Some shouldn't, but this one is a definite possibility. I would love to watch this on a big screen, as long as they do it right. Suspenseful plot line means success.

[Genaro Pottinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

So well written for all ages

As a father in his mid-forties, I found this a compelling piece of entertainment. I also suggested my twenty-three-year-old daughter read it, as well as my seventeen-year-old son. They both found it exhilarating and easy to read as well.

[Sidney Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pulls at your heartstrings


I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster full of surprises, action, and everything else a good novel needs to become a successful world. I love dystopian fiction-based novels, and this hit it right on the head. Five gold stars!

[Jesus Hanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish this was a series
I've seen other people wishing this was written as a series, instead of a one-shot story, I happen to agree with the others because it just had so much potential. I miss my Anthony and all his adventures. Stay true to yourself!

[Elliot Wilder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this this book in one sitting. Faboulus !