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Matt Pontowski #4
Iron Gate
‘Could very well be tomorrow’s headlines’ Clive Cussler Flying, fighting and dying, with a little loving on the side, Colonel Matt Pontowski is on a UN peacekeeping mission in South Africa. In his legendary wing he attempts to save the country from turning into a tribal bloodbath. Caught in the chaos of political collapse and a nuclear race, South Africa has become dangerously unstable and the atmosphere is hostile. White radicals have discovered the secret of cold nuclear fusion and are carving out their own nation in the growing political shambles. Suddenly the world is an alarmingly more dangerous place when super powers ally themselves with the warring factions. Nerve gas incidents, torture and callous murders are widespread regular occurrences. Soon Matt’s own men are among the casualties and innocent people are at the mercy of maniacs. When the United Nations intervenes, America’s national security advisor sends in a fledgling composite air wing under Matt Pontowski to support the UN mission. Before long Matt is thrust into the perilous realm of covert operations as he recalls the death of his beautiful Israeli wife Shoshana and the son he has left at home. In the midst of bureaucrats and misplaced loyalties, Matt begins to question his role in the mission. Has let himself become a pawn in somebody else’s game? Iron Gate is a gripping novel of daring combat and heroic exploits featuring Colonel Matt Pontowski.Praise for Richard Herman‘An imaginative action story told to perfection’ Clive Cussler ‘This is the sharp end, with vivid descriptions of air combat, the smell of hot oil and fear’ The Times ‘A really fast-moving air force adventure story, with some superb action scenes which glue you to your seat’ Bookseller ‘Gripping story … service politics, aerial combat and sharply drawn characterisation combine to make a first-rate action novel’ Yorkshire Evening Post ‘Truly edge-of-the-seat exciting’ Dale Brown, author of Flight of the Old Dog ‘Richard Herman Jnr — himself a former pilot with 200 combat missions under his belt — spins a superb web of tension’ Oxford Times Richard Herman Jnr retired from the US Air Force in 1983 with the rank of Major after serving for twenty-one years. He has flown over 200 combat missions himself and was stationed in Vietnam, West Germany and Great Britain. He has flown the F-4 and C-130 and received five medals, including the Bronze Star. He and his English-born wife now live in Fair Oaks, California.
411 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 1995
184 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Richard Herman
36 books50 followersAlso publishes as Richard Herman Jr.
Richard Herman was a member of the United States Air Force (Weapons System operator) for twenty-one years, retiring in 1983 with the rank of major. He is the author of ten previous novels, including The Warbirds, Power Curve, Against All Enemies, Edge of Honor, and The Trojan Sea, all published by Avon Books.
(source Harper Collins)
Richard Herman was a member of the United States Air Force (Weapons System operator) for twenty-one years, retiring in 1983 with the rank of major. He is the author of ten previous novels, including The Warbirds, Power Curve, Against All Enemies, Edge of Honor, and The Trojan Sea, all published by Avon Books.
(source Harper Collins)
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 30, 2017
Iron gate
I don't know how the author kept track of the changes, challenges and action filled events but it was well done and made for riveting reading. Excellent follow-up from the rest of the series to remind you of what happened and how it would affect this tale. I intend to see more from Mr Herman.
I don't know how the author kept track of the changes, challenges and action filled events but it was well done and made for riveting reading. Excellent follow-up from the rest of the series to remind you of what happened and how it would affect this tale. I intend to see more from Mr Herman.
January 14, 2021
Another great story
This was number 4 of 6. Once again I thoroughly enjoyed it. The action was realistic and easily followed. There was a generous amount of emotion brought about by Pentowski's recent bachelor status. Mr. Herman has found the correct formula for success, and I look forward to the next volume.
This was number 4 of 6. Once again I thoroughly enjoyed it. The action was realistic and easily followed. There was a generous amount of emotion brought about by Pentowski's recent bachelor status. Mr. Herman has found the correct formula for success, and I look forward to the next volume.
July 16, 2021
An Education
The author does masterful job of describing the growth of a young commander as he engages a new challenge in a new part of the world. Unbelievably exciting and captivating on so many levels. Just when you think R.H. could not possibly produce another blockbuster! Thank you Richard.
The author does masterful job of describing the growth of a young commander as he engages a new challenge in a new part of the world. Unbelievably exciting and captivating on so many levels. Just when you think R.H. could not possibly produce another blockbuster! Thank you Richard.
June 29, 2017
The continuing story of Matt Pontowski, pilot. This is #4 in the series.
Herman writes a very good story, as he is not afraid to kill of characters who played major roles in earlier stories. This novel is no different.
Worth the read if military action is among your favorite genres.
Herman writes a very good story, as he is not afraid to kill of characters who played major roles in earlier stories. This novel is no different.
Worth the read if military action is among your favorite genres.
September 16, 2019
Idealistic bravery versus psychopathic raciasm
A miscellany of skillsets of brilliant military and political personalities set against South Africa's violent conflicting history. Terrific characters highlighting the excellence some humans can display
A miscellany of skillsets of brilliant military and political personalities set against South Africa's violent conflicting history. Terrific characters highlighting the excellence some humans can display
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January 20, 2022Riveting
A fast moving, detailed read. Herman takes you right to the action and keeps you there. His characters do not fall into the lanterns, jawed super hero too many authors use. Believable and human. Recommend this book as a very good read.
A fast moving, detailed read. Herman takes you right to the action and keeps you there. His characters do not fall into the lanterns, jawed super hero too many authors use. Believable and human. Recommend this book as a very good read.
March 12, 2022
Great book.
The book started rather slow and boring with the political setup for the story. That, I feel could have been cut shorter. After the action began the rest of the book was riveting. Loved it.
The book started rather slow and boring with the political setup for the story. That, I feel could have been cut shorter. After the action began the rest of the book was riveting. Loved it.
November 10, 2017
Great Read, minimal profanity.Fast moving with a lot of action.
Should be very interesting to ex Air Force and all military flyers.
Should be very interesting to ex Air Force and all military flyers.
February 13, 2018
An entertaining read
Book starts out slowly but becomes an exciting read near the end. If you enjoy the Warthog you should like this book.
Book starts out slowly but becomes an exciting read near the end. If you enjoy the Warthog you should like this book.
July 17, 2018
Military All The Way
November 7, 2019
Best so far in series
Details and sequence of events easily followed and newer characters well developed. Left us hanging in the end in anticipation of next edition.
Details and sequence of events easily followed and newer characters well developed. Left us hanging in the end in anticipation of next edition.
July 18, 2021
Excellent novel, Richard Herman does not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoy reading his books.
October 4, 2021
I have not read the first three books but I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Great read with lots of action. I definitely will have to look for the first three.
April 13, 2022
Another Excellent War Thriller
Another excellent war thriller in the Matt Pontowski series. It was a page turner that kept me on the edge of y seat. Looking forward to Book 3
Another excellent war thriller in the Matt Pontowski series. It was a page turner that kept me on the edge of y seat. Looking forward to Book 3
January 17, 2023
combat
Dick Herman makes air combat come alive. He does have a bad habit of killing off characters you like tho
Dick Herman makes air combat come alive. He does have a bad habit of killing off characters you like tho
February 14, 2024
Excellent effort. Love Herman's books!
November 8, 2025
A pretty good story, this time in South Africa, a sequel to the China book
January 11, 2016
Iron Gate
Herman at his very best. This novel involves the workhorse of the Air Force, the AC-130 aircraft in various models and the best close combat air to ground craft, the A-10 Warthog. Even though most of the action takes place in Africa, several agencies (alphabet types) and the French Foreign Legion combine forces to end the rule of a rouge African General and eliminate the tight fisted reign of terror he represented. This is a shining example of why our men and women who wear the uniform go above and beyond the call of duty when tasked with a new level of threat to our freedom. You'll find yourself unable to put this down until you're at the end. Thanks for another great read.
Herman at his very best. This novel involves the workhorse of the Air Force, the AC-130 aircraft in various models and the best close combat air to ground craft, the A-10 Warthog. Even though most of the action takes place in Africa, several agencies (alphabet types) and the French Foreign Legion combine forces to end the rule of a rouge African General and eliminate the tight fisted reign of terror he represented. This is a shining example of why our men and women who wear the uniform go above and beyond the call of duty when tasked with a new level of threat to our freedom. You'll find yourself unable to put this down until you're at the end. Thanks for another great read.
August 16, 2015
It's an ok book, probably not for a wide audience. It's clear that the writer loves flying and knows his stuff and consequently the air combat scenes are very good. Everything else - not so much. The villains are a touch too evil, the heroes are a little too heroic, a gun jams just at the right moment.
October 9, 2015
This book is a very descriptive, unique, and an amazing read. I would definitely recommend this book if you're into the action genre. When I first opened this book to start reading it I wasn't really interested, but the more I read the more I got into it, so if you're not so interested in it at first, just give it time.
August 3, 2014
A decent action thriller, but not as good as Tom Clancy and Stephen Coonts. Good characters, good action, a little too much "cool" military jargon. This is #4 in a series, and I'll probably go back and try #1 - #3.
February 22, 2014
great book. like all of the other herman books. i found myself predicting the demise of certain characters half way through and predicting the end at two thirds of the way. none of my predictions came to full trition and that is good. overall i loved it
December 28, 2015
Another book celebrating the A-10 Warthogs acting in close-air support of ground troops, in independent missions, and in dogfights against other aircraft. The setting is South Africa and the combatants, well, all the usual players.
October 14, 2016
Very interesting
This was a different type of military drama and a very interesting one. It gives one a look at what a legionnaires are about. And of course a little information about the A-10s and what they were designed for.
This was a different type of military drama and a very interesting one. It gives one a look at what a legionnaires are about. And of course a little information about the A-10s and what they were designed for.
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December 1, 2010Not Bad
April 22, 2020
Good action packed flying yarn
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews