Firebase: A Novel of Wartime Vietnam Suspense and Romance

by Mark Anthony Sullivan

Love Suffers When Duty Calls
On the eve of his departure for Vietnam in May 1970, Army Specialist Mike Ward’s personal life goes up in flames. His girlfriend storms out of their romantic farewell dinner after smashing a bottle of wine, furious that he is putting off their relationship for the sake of his sense of duty.
When he arrives in the heart of the war zone he finds US troop withdrawals in full swing and apathy rampant. The more experienced soldiers keep getting sent home earlier and earlier, and the newer men have to pick up the slack. Meantime, not a word from his sweetheart.
As Mike struggles to cope with the risks presented by the ever-dwindling American forces, he turns to pen and ink to try to repair his relationship at home, where soldiers are becoming less and less popular every day.

Genres: Historical Fiction

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 8, 2017

About the author

Mark Anthony Sullivan is a retired New Jersey superior court judge. On leaving the bench he turned to writing; his nonfiction consumer fraud book is in its eighth edition with Gann Law Books. Firebase, his first novel, is loosely based on his own experiences in the 14th Artillery in Vietnam. A Prelude to Versailles, set at the Paris Peace Conference of 1919, will be forthcoming shortly. He resides with his wife in Spring Lake, New Jersey.


http://markanthonysullivan.online/

Reviews

[Sarah Schattman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A time I never knew

I was in my last year of high school and first years of college at the time this book is set. It took me back to that time, but looked at 1969-1971 from a perspective not available to me. I do remember the day I decided I was against the Vietnam War, May 28, 1964, my brother’s 18th birthday.

Sullivan leads his audience gently into a time of great conflict and moral confusion. He allows the reader to revisit those times and invites us, ever so subtly, to re-examine our attitudes whether pro or anti war.

In a time when our nation is even more divided, we need a work like this to remind us we are more alike than we care to acknowledge. We need to look to our common ground love of family, love of country and work together for our common good.

[September Withers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family First is an emotionally compelling and relationship driven installment in The Friessens series that explores marriage, loyalty, family conflict, and the challenges that arise after the happily ever after. Lorhainne Eckhart delivers a deeply engaging story filled with emotional tension, heartfelt moments, and realistic relationship struggles that keep readers fully invested throughout.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is the emotional realism surrounding Katy and Steven’s marriage. Rather than idealizing relationships, the story honestly explores the pressures of secrets, distance, family expectations, and emotional uncertainty. Their struggles feel authentic and relatable, making the emotional stakes throughout the novel especially powerful.

The family dynamics are also handled exceptionally well. The layered relationships within the Friessen family create both warmth and conflict, adding emotional complexity to the story. The suspense surrounding the disappearance and the uncovering of hidden truths adds another level of intrigue, balancing emotional drama with compelling tension that keeps the pages turning.

What makes Family First especially memorable is its ability to portray love and family in a realistic and emotionally resonant way. Thoughtful, emotional, and deeply character driven, the novel captures both the beauty and fragility of relationships while reminding readers that love often requires resilience, honesty, and sacrifice.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book of letters to and from a soldier based at an artillery base near Chu Lai in the northern part of Vietnam in 1970-1971. The letters show the worsening situation as the U. S. starts to withdraw forces and leaves them undermanned with fewer trained artillery troops to protect the surrounding infantry troops and themselves from the Viet Cong. The letters from home show the worsening situation on the home front, with riots, shootings, protesters and general unrest.
This book, although fiction, is a testimony of the times that is easily readable. I read it in one long sitting. It brought up difficult memories that gave me a better understanding of what had been endured by those at home and "in country".

[Diane Ewing · Rating 4 out of 5]

A year in Vietnam

A collection of letters tell the story of Mike, a young man in Vietnam in an artillery unit. I did not particularly care for the letter format, but I got used to it and learned about Mike, his parents, friends , and the young woman he left back home. The author pulled in the things happening in the U.S. - student sit ins, the shooting at Kent State, the hippies, Black Power. I appreciated putting the history in the appropriate places. I was a young mother at the time caring for two babies; it was hard keeping up with the news in between diapers and

[kathleen rawlins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this interesting book. Having lived during this tumultuous
time in our history, I was pleased how accurately the story was told. Mike's
in Vietnam,having left his girlfriend,who is not happy with his choices. He
must keep everyone dutifully informed & also figure out his own career
move.In addition our country is protesting & changing. It's a good read!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written as a series of letters, based on actual events and letters to and from the author during the Vietnam war. An interesting way to tell a story and look at the war in Vietnam from different perspectives.