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The Last Squadron
Just fifteen years from now, the world is polarised along ethnic and religious lines. Regional low-intensity wars have now been raging for thirty-five years. In the midst of the conflict, ninety-seven members of the Allied forces 9th Mountain Squadron enroute from the Northern Front for a long awaited period of rest and relaxation, are shot down over the Nordic wilderness. With no way of communicating with the outside world, the aircraft’s captain, Natasha Kavolsky, and the squadron commander, Major Alexander Burton, lead the squadron out of the wilderness only to discover that during their absence the world they knew has ceased to exist. This is a story of comradeship, hope and despair set in a world that is even now a real and terrifying possibility. Realistic praise for Dan Jayson’s debut “I turned the pages faster than an Artillery piece at fire for effect!” – JC (Captain - retired - Royal Artillery) “Captures the spirit of the infantry.” – JH (Corporal - retired - Royal Engineers Commando)
- GenresWar
525 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
December 6, 2017
A very good post-apocalyptic yarn
In the near future, the world is divided into Allied forces and The Brotherhood and low-intensity fighting have just escalated massively into full scale nuclear and biological war. 97 members of the Allied Forces are shot down over the Nordic wilderness and they eventually emerge only to find the world they knew no longer exists. The story is about how the survivors of the crash fight their way towards other Allied survivors from a man-made plague that has wiped out 95% of the population.
This is not really my genre but I did enjoy this book a lot. Three main things lost the book a star. There were many vivid descriptions of bloody death which did grate a little after a while. Occasionally a character that I came to like and be interested in met a sudden, grisly demise and there were far too many acronyms spread throughout the book.
The author's imagination is very good as many different types of advanced weaponry came to the fore, but it is his detailed description of the hand to hand combat with conventional weapons that really impressed me. I have to say that the ending came very quickly and the book contained probably one of the shortest epilogues I have ever read! However, the story certainly held my attention over three or four evenings and I would be interested to see if there is a follow up to The Last Squadron.
Digger 95
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
In the near future, the world is divided into Allied forces and The Brotherhood and low-intensity fighting have just escalated massively into full scale nuclear and biological war. 97 members of the Allied Forces are shot down over the Nordic wilderness and they eventually emerge only to find the world they knew no longer exists. The story is about how the survivors of the crash fight their way towards other Allied survivors from a man-made plague that has wiped out 95% of the population.
This is not really my genre but I did enjoy this book a lot. Three main things lost the book a star. There were many vivid descriptions of bloody death which did grate a little after a while. Occasionally a character that I came to like and be interested in met a sudden, grisly demise and there were far too many acronyms spread throughout the book.
The author's imagination is very good as many different types of advanced weaponry came to the fore, but it is his detailed description of the hand to hand combat with conventional weapons that really impressed me. I have to say that the ending came very quickly and the book contained probably one of the shortest epilogues I have ever read! However, the story certainly held my attention over three or four evenings and I would be interested to see if there is a follow up to The Last Squadron.
Digger 95
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
May 27, 2020
A post apocalyptic military thriller. Set a few years ahead of now, the world is in serious conflict, the “West” against “The Brotherhood”, an obvious Muslim land army of considerable power. It’s a WW3 type battle without nukes.
Meanwhile a squadron of allied troops are returning from the front for much needed R&R when their plane is shot down in the middle of nowhere. The survivors need to pull together and find their way back to civilisation. By the time they make it to safety, the world has changed beyond recognition.
Our squadron need to survive serious contact with the enemy and find friendly forces or a place of safety. If that is possible in the new world they have emerged in.
I thought this was surprisingly good, plenty of both action and pace. Some near future technology helps spice things up a bit. It is violent and characters you like might well not make it, but that makes it realistic it terms of military action, people die.
Enjoyed this.
Meanwhile a squadron of allied troops are returning from the front for much needed R&R when their plane is shot down in the middle of nowhere. The survivors need to pull together and find their way back to civilisation. By the time they make it to safety, the world has changed beyond recognition.
Our squadron need to survive serious contact with the enemy and find friendly forces or a place of safety. If that is possible in the new world they have emerged in.
I thought this was surprisingly good, plenty of both action and pace. Some near future technology helps spice things up a bit. It is violent and characters you like might well not make it, but that makes it realistic it terms of military action, people die.
Enjoyed this.
March 18, 2018
"The Last Squadron" eBook was published in 2017 and was written by Dan Jayson. This is Mr. Jayson's first novel.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of Violence, Mature Language, and Mature Situations. The story is set in Europe in the near future. The primary character is Air Force Captain Natasha Kavolsky.
A war has been brewing for some time along ethnic and religious lines - the Allied Forces against The Brotherhood. As the multinational Allied 9th Mountain Squadron heads for some much needed R & R in a plane flown by Kavolsky, the war suddenly intensifies. Communications is disrupted and the plane is shot down somewhere over a remote area of Norway.
The survivors struggle in the severe winter. As they slowly make their way to civilization they encounter Brotherhood troops and must battle their way south. Kavolsky slowly transitions from pilot to one of the leading officers of the Squadron. The Brotherhood has surprised the Allied Forces with advanced technology, nuclear weapons, and biological weapons. The Brotherhood has escalated the war and is now trying to "cleanse the Earth" of all Allied Forces and their civilian populations.
The squadron must overcome many obstacles in this post-apocalypse world if it wants to survive. The casualties mount up as the Squadron travels through Europe. A base is established by those that remain in France. There they make a stand against a much larger Brotherhood force.
I thoroughly enjoyed the 11 hours I spent reading this 480 page military thriller. I liked the many characters that the story includes. I also liked seeing the military technology which the author predicts for 15 or so years in our future. While Kavolsky is the primary character, there are many others that have significant roles in the story, many of which do not survive to the end. I liked this more realistic attrition of characters. I can easily see sequels to this story and if they appear I will be interested in reading them. The cover art is OK, but I think something could have been chosen to better represent the story. I give this novel a 5 out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of Violence, Mature Language, and Mature Situations. The story is set in Europe in the near future. The primary character is Air Force Captain Natasha Kavolsky.
A war has been brewing for some time along ethnic and religious lines - the Allied Forces against The Brotherhood. As the multinational Allied 9th Mountain Squadron heads for some much needed R & R in a plane flown by Kavolsky, the war suddenly intensifies. Communications is disrupted and the plane is shot down somewhere over a remote area of Norway.
The survivors struggle in the severe winter. As they slowly make their way to civilization they encounter Brotherhood troops and must battle their way south. Kavolsky slowly transitions from pilot to one of the leading officers of the Squadron. The Brotherhood has surprised the Allied Forces with advanced technology, nuclear weapons, and biological weapons. The Brotherhood has escalated the war and is now trying to "cleanse the Earth" of all Allied Forces and their civilian populations.
The squadron must overcome many obstacles in this post-apocalypse world if it wants to survive. The casualties mount up as the Squadron travels through Europe. A base is established by those that remain in France. There they make a stand against a much larger Brotherhood force.
I thoroughly enjoyed the 11 hours I spent reading this 480 page military thriller. I liked the many characters that the story includes. I also liked seeing the military technology which the author predicts for 15 or so years in our future. While Kavolsky is the primary character, there are many others that have significant roles in the story, many of which do not survive to the end. I liked this more realistic attrition of characters. I can easily see sequels to this story and if they appear I will be interested in reading them. The cover art is OK, but I think something could have been chosen to better represent the story. I give this novel a 5 out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
November 15, 2020
Poor
I really wanted to like this book. But it just rambled on in so many directions. Gratuitous sex scenes, overuse of “whilst” and “learnt”, and more acronyms and abbreviations than I’ve ever encountered, even whilst in the US Army! No context as to who the “enemy” was, nor what the “wars” were all about. Weird book.
I really wanted to like this book. But it just rambled on in so many directions. Gratuitous sex scenes, overuse of “whilst” and “learnt”, and more acronyms and abbreviations than I’ve ever encountered, even whilst in the US Army! No context as to who the “enemy” was, nor what the “wars” were all about. Weird book.
September 22, 2020
Started out good
It started great bit got to far into the weeds that went on and on to the point I started skipping pages of bordem.
It started great bit got to far into the weeds that went on and on to the point I started skipping pages of bordem.
January 18, 2021
Oh Wow! What a great book
Great plot, Character Driven (awesome character development!) and easily one of the most interesting books I have read in a very long time. This is a book that keeps your attention, and is rich in detail. The circumstances that bring about this tale are frighteningly plausible....certainly the political and biological threats are. Within just a few years it is easy to envision weapons such as the ones used by this author.
I know I will read this one again, and perhaps listen to the audio version for the nuances I might have missed. If I could give 10 stars I would! I can see this book becoming a classic in good company with "On the Beach", "The Last Ship", and "One Second After"
Great plot, Character Driven (awesome character development!) and easily one of the most interesting books I have read in a very long time. This is a book that keeps your attention, and is rich in detail. The circumstances that bring about this tale are frighteningly plausible....certainly the political and biological threats are. Within just a few years it is easy to envision weapons such as the ones used by this author.
I know I will read this one again, and perhaps listen to the audio version for the nuances I might have missed. If I could give 10 stars I would! I can see this book becoming a classic in good company with "On the Beach", "The Last Ship", and "One Second After"
March 12, 2021
Refreshing Use of a Common Theme
I was tired of reading near-end-of-the-world books when I decided to give this one a try. Pleased I did because I found enough originality, well written story, believable situations, characters and place descriptions to make this a book I didn't want to put down. In the book is future technology, advanced types of warfare, soldiers typical of past, present and future men and women and good descriptions of historical sites - plus a darned entertaining story.
I was tired of reading near-end-of-the-world books when I decided to give this one a try. Pleased I did because I found enough originality, well written story, believable situations, characters and place descriptions to make this a book I didn't want to put down. In the book is future technology, advanced types of warfare, soldiers typical of past, present and future men and women and good descriptions of historical sites - plus a darned entertaining story.
October 26, 2021
Fantastic Book
I loved this book. The story line was so plausible I almost feel as though it’s going to happen. I’m no expert, but the descriptions of soldiers in action seem spot on. Boy do you feel like your in the middle of the fights. Just enough fighting, blood and gore to hammer home what war is like without overdoing it. Tremendous characters, you fight along with them every step of the way. Touches of romance and loss, grief and human resilience. Cannot recommend enough. Do yourself a favour and read this book.
I loved this book. The story line was so plausible I almost feel as though it’s going to happen. I’m no expert, but the descriptions of soldiers in action seem spot on. Boy do you feel like your in the middle of the fights. Just enough fighting, blood and gore to hammer home what war is like without overdoing it. Tremendous characters, you fight along with them every step of the way. Touches of romance and loss, grief and human resilience. Cannot recommend enough. Do yourself a favour and read this book.
April 12, 2021
Great mil-tech story, good pace and good story. Some of the tech might possibly be believable if countries were spending 90% of their gdp on it, and sometimes it is a bit to “convenient”. Reminded me a bit of “The Day After Tomorrow” by Robert Heinlein, with a splash of The Martian thrown in (isolated, problem solvers) where the clever solutions are central to the story. The taking of the bridge was particularly enjoyable, and took up quite a big part of the book. Nice one.
July 15, 2020
An amazing read
Having never heard of this author, I went out on a limb and purchased this book. It was excellent. Set some time in the future, the tech made this veteran wonder if this is what the wars of the future would look like. A dabble of science, lots of military tactics, but the people were the heart of this book. Excellent.
Having never heard of this author, I went out on a limb and purchased this book. It was excellent. Set some time in the future, the tech made this veteran wonder if this is what the wars of the future would look like. A dabble of science, lots of military tactics, but the people were the heart of this book. Excellent.
August 4, 2020
As a futuristic earth war escalates, a squadron crash lands and fights for survival.
The author does an excellent job of creating intense battles with very vivid and believable tech. The foot soldier has advanced in this arena, but is still very vulnerable and human. The squadron is not only a fight for their own survival, but that of humanity.
The author does an excellent job of creating intense battles with very vivid and believable tech. The foot soldier has advanced in this arena, but is still very vulnerable and human. The squadron is not only a fight for their own survival, but that of humanity.
August 18, 2020
Great Read
The Last Squadron was a fascinating read and felt very topical in 2020. Set in the near future it describes a desperate combat environment in a World on the brink of destruction.
Lots of food for thought as the book leads the reader through an all too believable future. An Excellent and intelligent read.
The Last Squadron was a fascinating read and felt very topical in 2020. Set in the near future it describes a desperate combat environment in a World on the brink of destruction.
Lots of food for thought as the book leads the reader through an all too believable future. An Excellent and intelligent read.
September 13, 2020
Apocalyptic Surprise
Author captured the essence of how I have imagined many possible scenarios could end with the destruction of civilization. The mixture of military history, past and present tactics, and quotes from Sun Tzu held my attention. Was hopping for a better ending for my favored characters, though. Would love a sequel.
Author captured the essence of how I have imagined many possible scenarios could end with the destruction of civilization. The mixture of military history, past and present tactics, and quotes from Sun Tzu held my attention. Was hopping for a better ending for my favored characters, though. Would love a sequel.
September 23, 2020
What an excellent book I happened to find by chance. Frightening realistic future. The military action parts are well written and keep you coming back for more. Easily found favorite characters in the book. The author could and should write sequels to The Last Squadron. Future books could expand on character history and how the world ended up where it is.
April 23, 2021
Great story
I really enjoyed this book and am really disappointed that it is the only one (hopefully more to come?!) from this author. I read a lot of books (more than 200 in the first four months of this year so far) and I rarely rate one as a 5 star. The Last Squadron absolutely deserves all 5 stars and I hope the author gives us more of the same.
I really enjoyed this book and am really disappointed that it is the only one (hopefully more to come?!) from this author. I read a lot of books (more than 200 in the first four months of this year so far) and I rarely rate one as a 5 star. The Last Squadron absolutely deserves all 5 stars and I hope the author gives us more of the same.
July 6, 2020
Action Packed
I would’ve given it 4 stars had the conclusion taken a different direction. That said, awesome character development and interesting tech make this one well worth the read.
I would’ve given it 4 stars had the conclusion taken a different direction. That said, awesome character development and interesting tech make this one well worth the read.
August 2, 2020
Great read.
This is the first book of 2020 which I couldn't put down. Set in the future but all the technological advancements are believable. Well written, in depth characters and sometimes very thought provoking. YES, this really could happen.
This is the first book of 2020 which I couldn't put down. Set in the future but all the technological advancements are believable. Well written, in depth characters and sometimes very thought provoking. YES, this really could happen.
August 8, 2020
Fast paced, could not stop until done.great story. Never explained who the Brotherhood was But, the ending just let me down
To me it just stopped. As with most of these types of books. As with all my books I'll read it again more closely
To me it just stopped. As with most of these types of books. As with all my books I'll read it again more closely
August 10, 2020
Another hit in my opinion
This story is about all out war, and the male anf female soldiers who fight it. It is written about the future, but could be tomorrow. Military and EOTWAWKI should both enjoy this book.
This story is about all out war, and the male anf female soldiers who fight it. It is written about the future, but could be tomorrow. Military and EOTWAWKI should both enjoy this book.
August 27, 2020
A really enjoyable read!
I really enjoyed the story. Writing style was to my liking. The 'futuristic ' weapons were not at all over the top.
Worth the time to read.
I look forward to the next from this author.
I really enjoyed the story. Writing style was to my liking. The 'futuristic ' weapons were not at all over the top.
Worth the time to read.
I look forward to the next from this author.
October 21, 2020
WHEW
Probably been 2 years since I wrote a review. I read a lot, 5 to 7 books a week. This is, because of our times, a very significant book. Gripping, scary and very, very well written. Please read and pass it on. Thank-you Mr Jayson.
Probably been 2 years since I wrote a review. I read a lot, 5 to 7 books a week. This is, because of our times, a very significant book. Gripping, scary and very, very well written. Please read and pass it on. Thank-you Mr Jayson.
February 25, 2021
Outstanding combat scenes
This is a well written account of future war efforts, weapons, technology and tactics. Coupled with emotion, human interaction and very real fighting scenes it is a great read.
This is a well written account of future war efforts, weapons, technology and tactics. Coupled with emotion, human interaction and very real fighting scenes it is a great read.
September 7, 2021
I loved it
Great hard hitting story with lots of twists and turns in between futuristic and current world events. I’m no critic but I know what I like and I really liked and enjoyed this book and recommend it
Great hard hitting story with lots of twists and turns in between futuristic and current world events. I’m no critic but I know what I like and I really liked and enjoyed this book and recommend it
September 27, 2021
A little torn. In some ways it was good. Good story. Other ways rough to read. Very tactical reading and lots of characters to keep track of. Switching between first and last names of characters hard to keep them straight.
December 30, 2021
Brilliant read
Action packed though provoking read which actually could happen based upon current circumstances. Great characters and an overall brilliant read that I struggled to put down
Action packed though provoking read which actually could happen based upon current circumstances. Great characters and an overall brilliant read that I struggled to put down
June 14, 2020
I n my humble opinion brillent
In places it got heavy, but it makes up for this in the end. Brilliant,just about sums this book up.
In places it got heavy, but it makes up for this in the end. Brilliant,just about sums this book up.
June 23, 2020
Well worth a look
A very enjoyable read the story flows nicely author shows a good deal of knowledge of military action and people
A very enjoyable read the story flows nicely author shows a good deal of knowledge of military action and people
July 1, 2020
Excellent
Read during lockdown hopefully this is not a prophecy
Gripping glimpse of what could be our future if we don’t learn
Read during lockdown hopefully this is not a prophecy
Gripping glimpse of what could be our future if we don’t learn
July 4, 2020
Good read of future war
Good read for a afternoon read tell the story of a unit cut off from their command in a war that may be possible
Good read for a afternoon read tell the story of a unit cut off from their command in a war that may be possible
July 28, 2020
Full on action
A roller coaster with plenty of action, likeable and brave characters. So much death as inevitable during war. Hope needed
A roller coaster with plenty of action, likeable and brave characters. So much death as inevitable during war. Hope needed
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews