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World War III #1
Prelude to World War III: The Rise of the Islamic Republic and the Rebirth of America
An alternate cover for this ASIN can be found here.
In the not-too-distant future, will the United States lose its status as a world Superpower?
“Prelude to World War III” describes a possible future that you’ll hope is not prophetic. The military is cut to a barebones level, and America’s leaders are focused on the nation’s internal struggles. The door has been left open for new powers to emerge on the world stage. In this power vacuum, a new Islamic Caliphate forms, sweeping quickly across the globe.
China and Russia also flex their military muscles, and they have the most up-to-date technological innovations ready for battle: railguns, unmanned drone tank vehicles, exoskeleton suits and cyber-warfare.
“Prelude to World War III” is the first book in this predictive World War III military thriller series. If you like pulse-pounding action and global politics, you’ll love Rosone and Watson’s novel.
Can the new American president bring the country back from the brink?
In the not-too-distant future, will the United States lose its status as a world Superpower?
“Prelude to World War III” describes a possible future that you’ll hope is not prophetic. The military is cut to a barebones level, and America’s leaders are focused on the nation’s internal struggles. The door has been left open for new powers to emerge on the world stage. In this power vacuum, a new Islamic Caliphate forms, sweeping quickly across the globe.
China and Russia also flex their military muscles, and they have the most up-to-date technological innovations ready for battle: railguns, unmanned drone tank vehicles, exoskeleton suits and cyber-warfare.
“Prelude to World War III” is the first book in this predictive World War III military thriller series. If you like pulse-pounding action and global politics, you’ll love Rosone and Watson’s novel.
Can the new American president bring the country back from the brink?
422 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2015
698 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
October 31, 2016
Ever eat a dessert that didn't taste bad but was just way too sweet? That kind of describes my feelings about this book even though I enjoy a good alternate history or near-future geopolitical thriller. Warning: SPOILERS AHEAD.
Everything was just too pat: all the members of the new Freedom Party (an unsettling name if you've read Turledove's Settling Accounts series) were unselfish, incorruptible, paragons of virtue and efficiency; the islamic Republic effortlessly absorbs the world's Muslim nations through coup or bribery (did you know that 13 centuries of Shia-Sunni hatred can be wiped away with enough cash?); neither Russia nor China view a vast Islamic caliphate whose goal is an Islamic world government as that big of a threat; the IR has no problem with Vladimir Putin's son or nephew or cousin eradicating Islam from Central Asia; China is only interested in controlling SE Asia and the Pacific, not resource-rich an increasingly Chinese-inhabited Siberia; all Muslims in North America and Europe are dedicated fifth columnists just waiting to help install Sharia law.
Other things that bugged me: the book mentions that 2 billion (b as in boy) died of starvation in the decade preceding the events in this book. Assuming a global population of 10 billion, that's 1 in 5 people. 20% of the global population dies with no impact on the world ten years later? Pakistan and India fight a brutal nuclear war that wipes out Pakistan and Northern India (add those deaths to the 2 billion already mentioned) - the war reduces global temperatures by 5 degrees (apparently there were no problems with fallout downwind) yet there is apparently no environmental impact other than it gets really cold at times. A 2-3 degree temperature rise by the end of this century is supposed to be catastrophic, but a 5 degree drop in a decade is no big deal?
This book was just too much for me. It reminds me of some of the stories that I wrote as an adolescent. I can appreciate the message the book is trying to convey but the execution was just too over the top.
Everything was just too pat: all the members of the new Freedom Party (an unsettling name if you've read Turledove's Settling Accounts series) were unselfish, incorruptible, paragons of virtue and efficiency; the islamic Republic effortlessly absorbs the world's Muslim nations through coup or bribery (did you know that 13 centuries of Shia-Sunni hatred can be wiped away with enough cash?); neither Russia nor China view a vast Islamic caliphate whose goal is an Islamic world government as that big of a threat; the IR has no problem with Vladimir Putin's son or nephew or cousin eradicating Islam from Central Asia; China is only interested in controlling SE Asia and the Pacific, not resource-rich an increasingly Chinese-inhabited Siberia; all Muslims in North America and Europe are dedicated fifth columnists just waiting to help install Sharia law.
Other things that bugged me: the book mentions that 2 billion (b as in boy) died of starvation in the decade preceding the events in this book. Assuming a global population of 10 billion, that's 1 in 5 people. 20% of the global population dies with no impact on the world ten years later? Pakistan and India fight a brutal nuclear war that wipes out Pakistan and Northern India (add those deaths to the 2 billion already mentioned) - the war reduces global temperatures by 5 degrees (apparently there were no problems with fallout downwind) yet there is apparently no environmental impact other than it gets really cold at times. A 2-3 degree temperature rise by the end of this century is supposed to be catastrophic, but a 5 degree drop in a decade is no big deal?
This book was just too much for me. It reminds me of some of the stories that I wrote as an adolescent. I can appreciate the message the book is trying to convey but the execution was just too over the top.
February 20, 2017
Intoxicating
This book is so engrossing that you definitely lose sleep reading it. I've already downloaded the second book in anticipation...
This book is so engrossing that you definitely lose sleep reading it. I've already downloaded the second book in anticipation...
February 5, 2018
I enjoyed the book I received for free in exchange for an honest review. As the title suggests, the premise is quite disturbing, however the book worked and is pretty good. It jarred me to think about what could happen in the future and it made me happy that it has not happened yet. I plan on listening again.
December 16, 2017
The Journey Begins... A WORLD IN TRANSITION
This first book hooks you right away. It introduces to a cast of characters who ultimately attempts to create a new world... One in which only a select few regimes would control all of humanity ...the authors offer an interesting scenario of how the Islamic Republic builds an create a threating force of anti West participating states... What is really interesting is the emergence of President Stien and his revolutionary vision and implementing a new America... One where everyone is truely treated equally and implements the Constitution as it was written. With tweeks to terms and taxes... A fastinating, easy fast read..once you start you won't want to put down and go onto the next book in the series... Believe me it happened to me...
This first book hooks you right away. It introduces to a cast of characters who ultimately attempts to create a new world... One in which only a select few regimes would control all of humanity ...the authors offer an interesting scenario of how the Islamic Republic builds an create a threating force of anti West participating states... What is really interesting is the emergence of President Stien and his revolutionary vision and implementing a new America... One where everyone is truely treated equally and implements the Constitution as it was written. With tweeks to terms and taxes... A fastinating, easy fast read..once you start you won't want to put down and go onto the next book in the series... Believe me it happened to me...
June 8, 2017
I enjoy alternate history/near future military novels--Tom Clancy (his earlier, pre-Rainbow Six work), Larry Bond, Ralph Peters and their ilk are among my favorite authors. James Rosone is no Tom Clancy and Prelude to World War III is no Red Storm Rising. The writing is pretty simplistic, the plot requires more suspension of disbelief than I am willing to grant it, and the story proceeds at an overly superficial level. The main characters were quite one dimensional and never came to life for me.
In this genre, the story usually reflects the political views of the author. I often disagree with those views but that has never interfered with my enjoyment. After reading PWW3, I find myself wondering if I have just read a political piece disguised as a novel. For example, an evil Islamist bad guy (there are no shades of gray here) attributes military advantage to "that weak idiot Obama". There is no subtlety here, he pounds at his message over and over.
Bottom line--PWW3 was just not a very good read.
In this genre, the story usually reflects the political views of the author. I often disagree with those views but that has never interfered with my enjoyment. After reading PWW3, I find myself wondering if I have just read a political piece disguised as a novel. For example, an evil Islamist bad guy (there are no shades of gray here) attributes military advantage to "that weak idiot Obama". There is no subtlety here, he pounds at his message over and over.
Bottom line--PWW3 was just not a very good read.
February 16, 2016
This incredible book is inevitably the best book that describes the hard truth that will eventually come. My opinion after reading is that America has enjoyed several centuries of becoming, and maintaining superpower status. Strategists, and experts can't fathom the world in any other way. The current state of the economy, and world position makes the concepts of the book even more plausible. America's strategic responses to international terrorism, and foes haven't been meet with realistic solutions. . Thus, making the negative forces stronger over time. So, for one to believe that World War III will not be fought on American soil is a total fallacy. If you are knowledgeable, and follow the message of the book, you will confirm that it is consistent with truth. Impeccable Book !!!
August 17, 2017
I definitely enjoyed reading this one. On one hand, it lacked the usual character-driven storytelling that most books are based off of; but, the high-level narrative itself couldn't have been told very easily that way. The only dialogue was the short conversations and briefings between country leaders and department heads, but it was still believable at least. The main selling point for this book was the global scale battle lines and strategies played out in the lead-up and beginning of WWIII. Rosone did seem to leave out a lot of the already existing next-gen weaponry that probably should have been thrown in there, but he did at least have some of the standard future tech you'd expect to see.
November 20, 2017
Phenomenal!
This book was amazing. The pages flew by, normally I'm a reader who has trouble focusing and eventually loses interest, but with this book I was hooked. I couldn't put it down. I am incredibly interested in geo politics and global tensions and this really satisfies those interests.
I'd recommend this book to anyone with a strong knowledge of future military technology or any knowledge of the military or global tensions.
What did I dislike about this? Basically nothing at all, except for a few misspelled words here and there. Was easy to look past because we're all human. We all make mistakes. Already bought the rest of the series.
This book was amazing. The pages flew by, normally I'm a reader who has trouble focusing and eventually loses interest, but with this book I was hooked. I couldn't put it down. I am incredibly interested in geo politics and global tensions and this really satisfies those interests.
I'd recommend this book to anyone with a strong knowledge of future military technology or any knowledge of the military or global tensions.
What did I dislike about this? Basically nothing at all, except for a few misspelled words here and there. Was easy to look past because we're all human. We all make mistakes. Already bought the rest of the series.
March 18, 2017
Political Techno-military thriller.
It is scary, this book takes place about 40 years in the future, but reads like today's newspaper. This book is not for everyone but if you like the Techno/military/political thriller I think you will enjoy this.
It is scary, this book takes place about 40 years in the future, but reads like today's newspaper. This book is not for everyone but if you like the Techno/military/political thriller I think you will enjoy this.
July 19, 2017
Excellant
WWIII. We all fear it happening in our lifetime. This book does not seem farfetched but very believable. Considering what is happening in our country and world today, I fear it is inevitable. This story is told minute by minute by each country involved. Very exciting.
WWIII. We all fear it happening in our lifetime. This book does not seem farfetched but very believable. Considering what is happening in our country and world today, I fear it is inevitable. This story is told minute by minute by each country involved. Very exciting.
November 30, 2017
Superb a gripping tech novel.
Reads like the best of Tom Clancy this book is terrifying in it's detail and shows how far certain nations are prepares to bring down the West. Reds like FACT.
Reads like the best of Tom Clancy this book is terrifying in it's detail and shows how far certain nations are prepares to bring down the West. Reds like FACT.
read-in-2016
August 3, 2017A good quick read. Book was a reasonable what if future history. Predictions of course subject very quickly to error has unforeseen events can change any given scenario rather quickly.
December 10, 2016
Excellent.
Well written military fiction. The president in this book wants to remind you of trump. Still a fine tale of winning against great odds.
Well written military fiction. The president in this book wants to remind you of trump. Still a fine tale of winning against great odds.
January 15, 2017
I enjoyed the book, alternative history I find interesting on different events that could happen.
March 11, 2017
It's coming for you!
This scenario is so believable it's scarey. The amazing part is the "political correctness" card is still being played. One day this country will learn...
This scenario is so believable it's scarey. The amazing part is the "political correctness" card is still being played. One day this country will learn...
June 10, 2017
WWIII
I liked that it did not get to hung up on the battles and would put this up with general sir John hackets book the third world war that was written in the 80's
I liked that it did not get to hung up on the battles and would put this up with general sir John hackets book the third world war that was written in the 80's
June 17, 2017
Great read
Brilliant and must read book. I couldnt put it down. Would recommend you read it. Cant wait for the next one.
Brilliant and must read book. I couldnt put it down. Would recommend you read it. Cant wait for the next one.
November 7, 2017
A great thriller ripped from the headlines!!!
August 25, 2022
Going to the next one for more!
August 4, 2023
I came upon this author as he was mentioned in a Facebook group I belong to, the Military Thriller Book Group, and then fell down the rabbit hole reading other authors associated with Rosone.
I have had some interactions with Rosone (a member of his ARC team, provided some limited feedback on his Munroe Doctrine series, etc.).
That said, I came across one of his earlier book series (World War III) on Oceansof PDF and decided to start the series. As with all books, the reader should open with an empty mind and their opinion a blank slate. Sometimes a well-written story shoud be taken as just that - a well written story.
This book describes the rise of the Islamic Republic, a conglomeration of all those nations of a Muslim faith (regardless of whether they follow a Shia or a Sunni denomination), as they slowly begin to expand their territorial acquisitions (with Islamic uprisings in the nations that have portions of that religious belief). They seem to be all driven by two goals - the elimination of Israel and the toppling of the United States as a superpower.
With the rise of the Islamic Republic, you are also exposed to some of the geo-political maneuvering as China and Russia decided to back them and explore their own goals of territorial expansion as they provide material support for the IR.
In the United States, you see the rise of the Freedom Party (sort of a Tea Party -esque group) lead by Henry Stein - who some commenters liken to Trump (which seems to spin them off into a tizzy...lol) , who not only has to try to bring the United States out of a global depression but also have to face the detonation of two atomic devices in CONUS.
I found this book to be an amazing quick read (the pages kept turning of their own accord as I found myself hooked on this story). I found that the main selling point for this book was the global scale battle lines and strategies played out in the lead-up and beginning of WWIII.
As far as a rating, I would give this book a solid four stars out of five and believe that while this book is not for everyone, but if you like the Techno/military/political thriller I think you will enjoy the tale that Rosone weaves.
As with all my literary ramblings, this is just my five cents worth.
I have had some interactions with Rosone (a member of his ARC team, provided some limited feedback on his Munroe Doctrine series, etc.).
That said, I came across one of his earlier book series (World War III) on Oceansof PDF and decided to start the series. As with all books, the reader should open with an empty mind and their opinion a blank slate. Sometimes a well-written story shoud be taken as just that - a well written story.
This book describes the rise of the Islamic Republic, a conglomeration of all those nations of a Muslim faith (regardless of whether they follow a Shia or a Sunni denomination), as they slowly begin to expand their territorial acquisitions (with Islamic uprisings in the nations that have portions of that religious belief). They seem to be all driven by two goals - the elimination of Israel and the toppling of the United States as a superpower.
With the rise of the Islamic Republic, you are also exposed to some of the geo-political maneuvering as China and Russia decided to back them and explore their own goals of territorial expansion as they provide material support for the IR.
In the United States, you see the rise of the Freedom Party (sort of a Tea Party -esque group) lead by Henry Stein - who some commenters liken to Trump (which seems to spin them off into a tizzy...lol) , who not only has to try to bring the United States out of a global depression but also have to face the detonation of two atomic devices in CONUS.
I found this book to be an amazing quick read (the pages kept turning of their own accord as I found myself hooked on this story). I found that the main selling point for this book was the global scale battle lines and strategies played out in the lead-up and beginning of WWIII.
As far as a rating, I would give this book a solid four stars out of five and believe that while this book is not for everyone, but if you like the Techno/military/political thriller I think you will enjoy the tale that Rosone weaves.
As with all my literary ramblings, this is just my five cents worth.
Read
November 1, 2025Amazon Audible.
If I were the kind of person to request a refund (like many Kindle users), I would be on the phone right this second. But I’m not that kind of person. I live old school. When I buy a book, it’s based on the description (blurb) and the cover. I don’t care if a zillion other people loved it or hated it. I’ll make up my own mind. I have opinions. I post them mostly on books, recently audiobooks.
The cover is excellent, and the artist needs an award. Fantastic imagery.
I only listened to an hour while at the gym before switching to another book. Maybe the reader was not the right choice, especially when hoisting iron, or it could just be the reporter-type style of the writers. It didn’t feel like a story. I felt like I was back in high school history class listening to the teacher and starting to zone out. When lifting iron, it’s a good idea to NOT zone out.
What I listened to came across as logical, and yes, I could see the plot forming. But it is repetitive (I’m sure I heard the same sentences earlier), and I found little enjoyment in the first hour of listening. However, the beginning is done well and gripping enough to keep the reader/listener enthralled. It soon dulls down.
Unrated.
If I were the kind of person to request a refund (like many Kindle users), I would be on the phone right this second. But I’m not that kind of person. I live old school. When I buy a book, it’s based on the description (blurb) and the cover. I don’t care if a zillion other people loved it or hated it. I’ll make up my own mind. I have opinions. I post them mostly on books, recently audiobooks.
The cover is excellent, and the artist needs an award. Fantastic imagery.
I only listened to an hour while at the gym before switching to another book. Maybe the reader was not the right choice, especially when hoisting iron, or it could just be the reporter-type style of the writers. It didn’t feel like a story. I felt like I was back in high school history class listening to the teacher and starting to zone out. When lifting iron, it’s a good idea to NOT zone out.
What I listened to came across as logical, and yes, I could see the plot forming. But it is repetitive (I’m sure I heard the same sentences earlier), and I found little enjoyment in the first hour of listening. However, the beginning is done well and gripping enough to keep the reader/listener enthralled. It soon dulls down.
Unrated.
June 23, 2019
I enjoy alternate histories but must qualify that this tale takes place decades in the future so is more science fiction. There is definitely detail and rigour to what the authors' lay out as "what could happen". Unfortunately, it comes across as too defensive which it shouldn't give the speculation of how a global conflict could result. The detail also bogs the plot and pace and at times it comes across as a boring economics or political science class.
Worst of all is the complete lack of believable or fleshed-out characters. They are very one-dimensional so do little to bring the book to life. Also the dialogue is stilted, if not, juvenile. I was a little shocked at how stereotypical each race is portrayed...even Americans. So, I will not be continuing on with the series but wish the authors and fans the best.
Worst of all is the complete lack of believable or fleshed-out characters. They are very one-dimensional so do little to bring the book to life. Also the dialogue is stilted, if not, juvenile. I was a little shocked at how stereotypical each race is portrayed...even Americans. So, I will not be continuing on with the series but wish the authors and fans the best.
January 4, 2020
BRILLIANT, TERRIFYING, MUST READ
This BRILLIANT book starts where similar books end, i.e. the threat of WW3 is just averted, right at the end of the novel, by some super hero of group. Not in this novel, here the unthinkable happens and the world is plunged into the most terrible war in human history. The book is incredibly well written and researched. Set in the near future it often reads more as faction than fiction, so credible are its premises and scenarios! If you like Tom Clancy, or similar authors, you will love this. I was gripped from the first paragraph and couldn't put it down until I had finished it. I can't wait to read the next one in the series. If you only read one book this year, make it this one. You will not be disappointed!
This BRILLIANT book starts where similar books end, i.e. the threat of WW3 is just averted, right at the end of the novel, by some super hero of group. Not in this novel, here the unthinkable happens and the world is plunged into the most terrible war in human history. The book is incredibly well written and researched. Set in the near future it often reads more as faction than fiction, so credible are its premises and scenarios! If you like Tom Clancy, or similar authors, you will love this. I was gripped from the first paragraph and couldn't put it down until I had finished it. I can't wait to read the next one in the series. If you only read one book this year, make it this one. You will not be disappointed!
September 18, 2018
This book requires persistence to finish. The characters are not developed or evolved, they just explode onto the scene magically. I am a big fan of futuristic writing, but it does require a certain degree of plausibility to be believable for me. There are some books that grab you so completely that you resent time away from them to do the mundane things of life. This book made the mundane world exciting by comparison.
Still, the overall scenario of the book is one of nightmares for those interested in current world events. It is just that the author's execution of that scenario is too predictable, too implausible, and too simplistic.
Still, the overall scenario of the book is one of nightmares for those interested in current world events. It is just that the author's execution of that scenario is too predictable, too implausible, and too simplistic.
December 16, 2018
Scary possibilities of things to come. Logical in theory and plot are well thought out. There are enough of these thing occurring today to make this a distinct possibility, World War III. Religious wars have always been a focal point of past wars. The plot incorporates the current problems with the Middle East, the Far East, Russian and North America both economically and technologically. The Novel was so real that I found it almost painful to continue the read. I hope and pray this not our future but I have a feeling this may be a prophecy of our future for us all.
December 27, 2018
Right from Today's Headlines...
This book could be talking about now ten-fifteen years in the future but now. But it is fiction instead. Moved at an surrounding rate from one disaster to another in this Prelude. Looking forward to reading next book. This one has both grammar & spelling errors but while noticeable they aren't to distracting. Some though. Characters are not fleshed out a lot, but enough to make them somewhat real. The author has potential & I'm sure editing will get better.
This book could be talking about now ten-fifteen years in the future but now. But it is fiction instead. Moved at an surrounding rate from one disaster to another in this Prelude. Looking forward to reading next book. This one has both grammar & spelling errors but while noticeable they aren't to distracting. Some though. Characters are not fleshed out a lot, but enough to make them somewhat real. The author has potential & I'm sure editing will get better.
February 18, 2019
A JR. Military Action Thriller (WW. III. - 1) Islamic Republic vs USA.
JR. has. penned the first novel in the World War III Series, which includes the rebirth of the United States by a President who selected because he had new ideas that would bring the USA. Back to greatness. It fid, but at the same time the Islamic Republic took over the Middle East except for Syria, Palestine and Isreal as they built a force to attack those around them and those that were across the sea. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
JR. has. penned the first novel in the World War III Series, which includes the rebirth of the United States by a President who selected because he had new ideas that would bring the USA. Back to greatness. It fid, but at the same time the Islamic Republic took over the Middle East except for Syria, Palestine and Isreal as they built a force to attack those around them and those that were across the sea. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
April 4, 2019
Great read
Anyone that likes military stories coupled with fantasy novels will like this book. The beginning chapters explaining the political foundation for the story is fanciful and brief but quickly moves onto the action of the story, which is very good. The pace of the story is fast and engaging, keeping you turning (scrolling) pages. It's a global story so little individual character development. I have no problem with that as it would slow down the story and the fast paced global scenarios at the heart of the book. Worth the time.
Anyone that likes military stories coupled with fantasy novels will like this book. The beginning chapters explaining the political foundation for the story is fanciful and brief but quickly moves onto the action of the story, which is very good. The pace of the story is fast and engaging, keeping you turning (scrolling) pages. It's a global story so little individual character development. I have no problem with that as it would slow down the story and the fast paced global scenarios at the heart of the book. Worth the time.
October 24, 2019
As much as I loved the authors Battlefield series, I just couldn't get into this book as much. Don't get me wrong, this is a very well written work. I think it's because that most of this book dealt with the political spectrum, the behind the scenes,than the actual action. In the Battlefield books, you had whole chapters telling the story from the grunts point of view. You don't get a lot of that here. I would still recommend the book, I just don't think that I'll continue the series if they're all from the political point of view.
June 2, 2019
It was very exciting reading. I think persons who like war stories might like. It made me wonder this series.
It made me wonder if the people of the Muslim world would be so ignorant about its leader intentions to destroy the U.S. and Israel and what that would mean for them? I can hardly believe it. It was an exciting book to read. I think persons who like war stories might read this.
It made me wonder if the people of the Muslim world would be so ignorant about its leader intentions to destroy the U.S. and Israel and what that would mean for them? I can hardly believe it. It was an exciting book to read. I think persons who like war stories might read this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews