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The Low Bird
On his first combat mission of the Vietnam War, US Air Force pilot Sol Rall is shot down over the jungles of Laos. Stranded in a valley teeming with enemy troops, Sol scrambles to survive and evade capture. Pararescueman Bo Bolick has been given just twenty-four hours to find Sol before a US carpet bombing destroys every living thing in the valley, friend or foe.
As Bo’s search intensifies, Minh, a young Hanoi woman who entertains the fighters and travelers along the Ho Chi Minh Trail, becomes inextricably caught up in the raging battle between her North Vietnamese troops and the American forces sent to rescue Sol. In the midst of heavy combat, Minh tries to find and understand love for the first time in her life.
But the clock is ticking. A curtain of fire is going to descend. The desperate realities of jungle warfare are about to collide with a warrior’s code that says no man will be left behind.
As Bo’s search intensifies, Minh, a young Hanoi woman who entertains the fighters and travelers along the Ho Chi Minh Trail, becomes inextricably caught up in the raging battle between her North Vietnamese troops and the American forces sent to rescue Sol. In the midst of heavy combat, Minh tries to find and understand love for the first time in her life.
But the clock is ticking. A curtain of fire is going to descend. The desperate realities of jungle warfare are about to collide with a warrior’s code that says no man will be left behind.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 8, 2016
160 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
David L. Robbins
40 books143 followersDavid L. Robbins was born in Richmond, Virginia, on March 10, 1954. He grew up in Sandston, a small town east of Richmond out by the airport; his father was among the first to sit behind the new radar scope in the air traffic control tower. Both his parents, Sam and Carol, were veterans of WWII. Sam saw action in the Pacific, especially at Pearl Harbor.
In 1976, David graduated with a B.A. in Theater and Speech from the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Having little actual theatrical talent, he didn't know what to do for a living. David decided to attend what he calls the “great catch-basin of unfocused over-achievers”: law school. He received his Juris Doctorate at William and Mary in 1980, then practiced environmental law in Columbia, S.C. for precisely a year (his father demanded back the money for law school if David practiced for less than one year – he quit two weeks before the anniversary but got Sam to agree that the two weeks' vacation David had accumulated could be included). David decided to attend Psychology school, having an affinity for people's stories and a fascination with woe. However, while waiting for admisison in 1981, he began a successful freelance writing career. He began writing fiction in 1997, and has since published twelve novels. He's currently working on the thirteenth, the third in his U.S. Air Force Pararescuemen series, as well as several scripts for the stage and screen. He has won awards for his essays and screenplays, and has had three stage plays produced.
David is an accomplished guitarist, studying the works of James Taylor and Latin classical. At six feet six inches tall, he stays active with his sailboat, shooting sporting clays, weightlifting, traveling to research his novels. He is the founder of the James River Writers (Jamesriverwriters.org) a non-profit group in his hometown of Richmond that helps aspiring writers and students work and learn together as a writing community. He also co-founded The Podium Foundation (thepodiumfoundation.org), a non-profit which brings writing and critical reasoning programs to the students of Richmond’s city high schools, as well as support programs for city educators. He also teaches advanced creative writing as a visiting professor at Virginia Commonwealth University's Honors College. David resides in Richmond, near the James River.
In 1976, David graduated with a B.A. in Theater and Speech from the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Having little actual theatrical talent, he didn't know what to do for a living. David decided to attend what he calls the “great catch-basin of unfocused over-achievers”: law school. He received his Juris Doctorate at William and Mary in 1980, then practiced environmental law in Columbia, S.C. for precisely a year (his father demanded back the money for law school if David practiced for less than one year – he quit two weeks before the anniversary but got Sam to agree that the two weeks' vacation David had accumulated could be included). David decided to attend Psychology school, having an affinity for people's stories and a fascination with woe. However, while waiting for admisison in 1981, he began a successful freelance writing career. He began writing fiction in 1997, and has since published twelve novels. He's currently working on the thirteenth, the third in his U.S. Air Force Pararescuemen series, as well as several scripts for the stage and screen. He has won awards for his essays and screenplays, and has had three stage plays produced.
David is an accomplished guitarist, studying the works of James Taylor and Latin classical. At six feet six inches tall, he stays active with his sailboat, shooting sporting clays, weightlifting, traveling to research his novels. He is the founder of the James River Writers (Jamesriverwriters.org) a non-profit group in his hometown of Richmond that helps aspiring writers and students work and learn together as a writing community. He also co-founded The Podium Foundation (thepodiumfoundation.org), a non-profit which brings writing and critical reasoning programs to the students of Richmond’s city high schools, as well as support programs for city educators. He also teaches advanced creative writing as a visiting professor at Virginia Commonwealth University's Honors College. David resides in Richmond, near the James River.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 21, 2020
I'm a big fan of Robbins--his breakout best seller 'War of the Rats' was made into the movie 'Enemy at the Gates.' Here, he delivers a Vietnam-War novel with all the grit and humanity of his other works. We follow three characters, a pararescue trooper (Robbins is fascinated with pararescue and has done other novels about the PRs,) a pilot, and a young Vietnamese woman, working for the North.
What Robbins does so well is put us in the shoes of the combatants on both sides. We experience the misery, horror, and confusion of war without the plastic patriotism so common in the genre. There is also a subtext here, a view into the failure of the American military in asymmetrical warfare. Our expensive, high-tech ordnance is least effective against indigenous fighters and our desire to win the war remotely is merely wishful thinking. Three presidents have wasted our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq over the last twenty years; pity none of them had heard of Vietnam. (But see, 'Horse Soldiers,' the story of how what we wished were true in Vietnam led to victory in Afghanistan. The victory was short-lived as the US attempted to change the tribal culture into a New Hampshire townhall meeting.)
What Robbins does so well is put us in the shoes of the combatants on both sides. We experience the misery, horror, and confusion of war without the plastic patriotism so common in the genre. There is also a subtext here, a view into the failure of the American military in asymmetrical warfare. Our expensive, high-tech ordnance is least effective against indigenous fighters and our desire to win the war remotely is merely wishful thinking. Three presidents have wasted our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq over the last twenty years; pity none of them had heard of Vietnam. (But see, 'Horse Soldiers,' the story of how what we wished were true in Vietnam led to victory in Afghanistan. The victory was short-lived as the US attempted to change the tribal culture into a New Hampshire townhall meeting.)
May 10, 2018
Great Vietnam War novel, with great characters, great action, great suspense and best of all a rather positive portrayal of the Vietnamese side. A lot of death and destruction of course.
November 12, 2019
Great book, hugely entertaining. I felt I was in the jungle running for my life amidst the explosions and the noise of the copters and jets. The book felt fresh and took off; a different story from the many World War II books. The author's prose is also enjoyable, challenging us with new words, lingo, and machinery (aircraft and guns) from that era.
October 13, 2018
"An Intense Military Survival Story"
This is a very fast paced story as U.S. Air Force Pilot Major Sol Rall is on his first mission of combat over Vietnam. He's shot down over the Laos jungles. He's alive and scrambles his way through the jungles with the enemy right behind him. Para-rescuer Bo Bolick has 24 hours to save Sol. As the Air Force will be devastating the jungle and valley by B-52 bombings. I'm very glad I selected this book to read. You'll enjoy it also as the brave men seek survival.
This is a very fast paced story as U.S. Air Force Pilot Major Sol Rall is on his first mission of combat over Vietnam. He's shot down over the Laos jungles. He's alive and scrambles his way through the jungles with the enemy right behind him. Para-rescuer Bo Bolick has 24 hours to save Sol. As the Air Force will be devastating the jungle and valley by B-52 bombings. I'm very glad I selected this book to read. You'll enjoy it also as the brave men seek survival.
November 27, 2016
Another ripping good read from David L Robbins
You can't go wrong with a book from this author. His books are researched meticulously and are as enjoyable as historical snapshots as they are fictional novels.
If this is your first foray into the work of David L Robbins then you're in for a treat and destined to part with more of your money as you pursue the rest of his work.
You can't go wrong with a book from this author. His books are researched meticulously and are as enjoyable as historical snapshots as they are fictional novels.
If this is your first foray into the work of David L Robbins then you're in for a treat and destined to part with more of your money as you pursue the rest of his work.
April 17, 2019
Sandy H & Goodreads
New author to me...wouldn’t normally enjoy a book so highly detailed regarding weaponry and war machines. However, this writer has skill placing the reading in the setting, and empathy towards his characters, with a well developed plot. Surprise to me: I enjoyed this book immensely.
New author to me...wouldn’t normally enjoy a book so highly detailed regarding weaponry and war machines. However, this writer has skill placing the reading in the setting, and empathy towards his characters, with a well developed plot. Surprise to me: I enjoyed this book immensely.
January 25, 2019
Super!
If you love a good war novel, The Low Bird does not dissapoint! It starts a bit slow, but gosh it gets good after you get in to it. It follows three stories and brings them all together nicely in the end. Be warned, you will not be able to put this one down.
If you love a good war novel, The Low Bird does not dissapoint! It starts a bit slow, but gosh it gets good after you get in to it. It follows three stories and brings them all together nicely in the end. Be warned, you will not be able to put this one down.
March 9, 2017
Great book
Another great book written by this author, he is quickly becoming one of my favorites! You will enjoy this book.
Another great book written by this author, he is quickly becoming one of my favorites! You will enjoy this book.
March 22, 2019
A Good Book!
This is my fourth PJ book. I enjoyed this book as much as the other books. Mr Robbins writes a good Vietnam war story.
This is my fourth PJ book. I enjoyed this book as much as the other books. Mr Robbins writes a good Vietnam war story.
December 3, 2016
It was hard at first to get into because for a while it explained the different types of places and artillery. If I were interested in those things and knew something about them then it would have been easier to get into it. But I felt turn off because it didn't seem to be geared towards a very large audience. However, a few chapters in I began to like the characters a bit more. I liked Sol and Minh very much. Bo seemed pretty much irrelevant until he rescued Sol. I didn't really like how Minh had a bunch of questions about Loi... for ex: How much of him was pastor and how much of him was warrior? It didn't feel relatable. Perhaps the dialogue should have just read "Minh pondered about how much pastor was left under the warrier she could see" or something like that. Obviously there's nothing about him that suggested that he was anything like a pastor now. And I'm kind of convinced that he never fully conformed to a pastor role. He seemed very self centered to me. Additionally, I felt Minh and Loi's dialogue was too western. Would they really talk about virginity? If so, would they call it that? I really felt that their culture wasn't taken into consideration when the book was written. Minh was completely against the Americans in the beginning. If she thought getting rid of the Americans would help save Loi then I feel she would more likely go on a crusade to hunt them down and kill them (perhaps seduce them) than to help them run away.
Overall it was a decent book but not one that I would consider reading again.
Overall it was a decent book but not one that I would consider reading again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2024
This was a great read, Dash 2 a pilot new to Vietnam is shot down on his first combat mission.
There are a number of interesting “facts” the author uses to create this story. This facts are outlined at the end of the story to show the reality perspective.
The novel does a great job of showing the lengths our military goes to bring our downed pilots home and the courageous job the PJ’s do as a part of this.
It was a great story and it kept me engaged as I wondered what would happen next.
There are a number of interesting “facts” the author uses to create this story. This facts are outlined at the end of the story to show the reality perspective.
The novel does a great job of showing the lengths our military goes to bring our downed pilots home and the courageous job the PJ’s do as a part of this.
It was a great story and it kept me engaged as I wondered what would happen next.
February 8, 2019
What to say...
I listened to the audio version on this book. I enjoyed it very much. I loved the historical notes at the end. Vietnam was a terrible War, yes war, not some ridiculous Police Action the government tried to call it. The men who served were not treated nicely when they came back home home. I digress, this was a wonderful read and I enjoyed it very much.
I listened to the audio version on this book. I enjoyed it very much. I loved the historical notes at the end. Vietnam was a terrible War, yes war, not some ridiculous Police Action the government tried to call it. The men who served were not treated nicely when they came back home home. I digress, this was a wonderful read and I enjoyed it very much.
February 22, 2019
I don't know much about the Vietnam War (though I watched Ken Burns's documentary which is really good), so I wanted to read this book. I read a lot of WWII books, and I kind of thought it would read kind of like them. But it was different. Definitely not as romanticized as many WWII stories are. A lot of action in this book. I like the historical notes at the end.
December 16, 2016
Enjoyed the writing
Mr Robbins is a good writer, I truly enjoyed his engaging and exciting style. I wasn't as satisfied with his ending. It seemed a bit abrupt. Still, if I weigh the overall experience, I was better off for meeting his characters.
Mr Robbins is a good writer, I truly enjoyed his engaging and exciting style. I wasn't as satisfied with his ending. It seemed a bit abrupt. Still, if I weigh the overall experience, I was better off for meeting his characters.
July 13, 2017
Great read on little discussed air war in Vietnam
A very interesting intense novel about air warfare in Laos and Ho Chi Min trail. I was stationed at NKP in 1969 with 23rd TAC and remember several times when all aircraft were scrambled due to operations in Laos. Great read.
A very interesting intense novel about air warfare in Laos and Ho Chi Min trail. I was stationed at NKP in 1969 with 23rd TAC and remember several times when all aircraft were scrambled due to operations in Laos. Great read.
September 12, 2017
This is an exciting and thrilling story that captures your attention. It is very well written, the storyline is intriguing and the characters are captivating. I enjoyed the thought provoking, fast paced way the book unfolds.
December 4, 2018
Entertaining read...
Close to real life scenarios and not too dramatic. Just the right pace and the way the characters were depicted, the book makes it both personal and also entertaining...
Close to real life scenarios and not too dramatic. Just the right pace and the way the characters were depicted, the book makes it both personal and also entertaining...
August 3, 2021
Awesome story!
The writer makes you feel like you are living every moment with them! A story of true grit, heroism, and bravery like no other. A real page turner! Would highly recommend.
The writer makes you feel like you are living every moment with them! A story of true grit, heroism, and bravery like no other. A real page turner! Would highly recommend.
August 10, 2017
what a great story, based on real events.
Really exciting
Really exciting
August 31, 2018
Good book
This book he'd my interest. Living during this war and having a husband in Thailand it was an interesting take on the situation over there.
This book he'd my interest. Living during this war and having a husband in Thailand it was an interesting take on the situation over there.
December 13, 2018
Pretty good VietNam war novel with a different perspective, but I was surprised with the rank and branch of service the author claimed for a helo pilot operating from NKP in Thailand.
April 9, 2019
Super realistic
Enjoyed the two perspectives. This book took me a while to get going but eventually was hard to put down.
Enjoyed the two perspectives. This book took me a while to get going but eventually was hard to put down.
March 10, 2020
David L. Robbins returns with a seat-of-your-pants story involving a downed pilot in Vietnam and the people who rescue him. Non-stop action. Surprising cast of characters. A satisfying ending.
June 4, 2017
This is the story of a downed USAF pilot and the efforts of a pararescue team to locate and extract him from the Laotian jungle. Compounding the problem is the presence of a 'missing' Viet Cong division, complete with antiaircraft guns and rocket launchers. There is a lot of action compressed into about a three day time span.
March 7, 2017
Another great Book by David L. Robbins, This time in in Vietnam. Loosely based on real events it was quite an enjoying read. I have liked everything i have read by this author so far.
November 13, 2016
intensively researched, this story combines the actual events of a half dozen incidents to create a fiction event where a jet pilot must eject over the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Trying to remain alive and hidden, the pilot must watch as his rescuers are fired upon, unaware that the Viet Cong are aware of his position (within a certain parameter) and have decided to use him to lure more planes into the firing zone.
The story is seen from multiple viewpoints. One viewpoint is the Pilot, who worries about his own life, but get to the point that he is far more worried about his rescuers lives. Another viewpoint is that of the Pararescue Jumper (PJ) whose personal background gives a unique perspective into these volunteers' (even those who were drafted chose to work in this field) motivations. And finally, the author has chosen to add a civilian Viet Cong viewpoint from that of a young woman who is a singer in the Viet Cong's version of the USO. Combined these viewpoints created a rich foundation for the fictional story.
I didn't give the story a 5th star because I felt that there was a little too much description of the surroundings and not all of the industry specific words were explained well enough for the general reader. For example, the oppressive heat was over-described rather than shown throughout the story.
The story is seen from multiple viewpoints. One viewpoint is the Pilot, who worries about his own life, but get to the point that he is far more worried about his rescuers lives. Another viewpoint is that of the Pararescue Jumper (PJ) whose personal background gives a unique perspective into these volunteers' (even those who were drafted chose to work in this field) motivations. And finally, the author has chosen to add a civilian Viet Cong viewpoint from that of a young woman who is a singer in the Viet Cong's version of the USO. Combined these viewpoints created a rich foundation for the fictional story.
I didn't give the story a 5th star because I felt that there was a little too much description of the surroundings and not all of the industry specific words were explained well enough for the general reader. For example, the oppressive heat was over-described rather than shown throughout the story.
December 6, 2016
While I usually don't read military books, the excellent writing and crafting of the story made this book a compelling and easy read. It has a significant inclusion of woman from their point of view, so I didn't feel excluded, as I could identify with at least one of the female characters. I enjoyed the research, valued it especially, having lived through the daily news reports of that war (weeping often). I also enjoyed the added feature of the appendix describing the actual events in each chapter. But almost more compelling, I think inadvertently, was the Author's notes at the end where he describes just how he wrote the book. That could become a screenplay.
November 16, 2016
Not my usual sort of book but it is a worthy read, especially if you like military or adventure stories. Robbins has done a good job of bringing the Vietnam war to life for me; I'd be interested in what veterans think. The inclusion of a female Viet Cong civilian made this more intriguing to me. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC.
December 2, 2016
Outstanding.
This author has a gift for showing the humanity on both sides of the war. Complex, human characters and a kind of naturalist plot worthy of Red Badge of Courage. The action in the last third of the book kept me riveted.
This author has a gift for showing the humanity on both sides of the war. Complex, human characters and a kind of naturalist plot worthy of Red Badge of Courage. The action in the last third of the book kept me riveted.
Want to read
November 8, 2016I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways. It is a Kindle book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews