What do you think?
Russian Agents #1
The Second Korean War
"This book was like Tom Clancy reincarnated. Ted Halstead really knows how to write a thriller. Can't wait for more!"Two Russian agents discover a missing nuclear weapon was hidden in an American city by North Korea. Another nuclear weapon nears Seoul in a tunnel built by North Koreans. And North Korea's new military dictator launches an all-out invasion. Will Seoul or Pyongyang be the new capital of a united Korea?
540 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
About the author
Ted Halstead
65 books68 followersTed Halstead served twenty-five years in the State Department as a Foreign Service Officer, most of it overseas, and was promoted to the Senior Foreign Service after his second tour at US Embassy Riyadh. His tours included four years at US Embassy Seoul, and two years at the East Asia Pacific Bureau in DC. He is a National War College graduate, and served for three years at a regional US military headquarters.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
January 25, 2018
A somewhat interesting book dealing with the author's imagining of a Second Korean War. It's okay, however could have been better except for the following reasons.
One, the book introduces too many characters, from North Koreans, South Koreans, Americans, Chinese, and Russians. Just keeping track of all the names, not to mention how they fit into the plot was confusing.
Two, many of the circumstances were too far-fetched to be believable. A North Korean prisoner who eventually becomes the de facto engineer responsible for the success (or failure) of one of the main attacks? A simple Russian detective who is allowed to traipse the globe chasing a stolen nuclear weapon?
Three. Many plot lines are began, and then just fade away. For example, a good chunk of the beginning is about an American submarine attacking and sinking a North Korean sub, but then the plot line is just left hanging, never to be brought into context.
And Four. The actual "War" does not begin until the book is 80% done. And then rushed to a conclusion.
While the author attempts to cover what is a hot topic today, I think it could have been done a lot better.
One, the book introduces too many characters, from North Koreans, South Koreans, Americans, Chinese, and Russians. Just keeping track of all the names, not to mention how they fit into the plot was confusing.
Two, many of the circumstances were too far-fetched to be believable. A North Korean prisoner who eventually becomes the de facto engineer responsible for the success (or failure) of one of the main attacks? A simple Russian detective who is allowed to traipse the globe chasing a stolen nuclear weapon?
Three. Many plot lines are began, and then just fade away. For example, a good chunk of the beginning is about an American submarine attacking and sinking a North Korean sub, but then the plot line is just left hanging, never to be brought into context.
And Four. The actual "War" does not begin until the book is 80% done. And then rushed to a conclusion.
While the author attempts to cover what is a hot topic today, I think it could have been done a lot better.
November 11, 2021
I’m going to start with what may well be seen as hyperbole. Ted Halstead may well be the next Tom Clancy… and I mean the Tom Clancy of Red Storm Rising and Hunt for Red October, not what the man became in later years.
He writes fast-paced, action-filled sequences. The cast of characters are varied and believable and he doesn’t demand his heroes do every damned thing. (I get well and truly pissed when, for example, an author’s main guy, a cop, is put in the middle of a dynamic entry carried out by the FBI HRT simply because the writer wants him to be there.) He’s even willing to kill off a major character. (Let’s face it; that happens in real life all too often.)
While the books take place in the near future, the vast majority of the devices and weaponry really exist now and are accurately described.
This accuracy is one of the most attractive features of the writing. In this, I’m reminded of another of my favorite authors, Tim Dorsey. (Did you know that a complete and functional Patriot missile was found in an Orlando scrap yard? That Al Capone had a nightclub in the middle of the Everglades? ) Halstead has the same habit of dropping shocking and confirmable [mostly] trivia in his pages.
I’m a bit of a hard-ass about information. After all, my MOS was 0203. I’ve been known to drop a book when I read someone was shooting a .12 gauge shotgun or resided in County Dublin in Ireland. A writer like Halstead is a dream come true.
Now, I did have a few quibbles as when, in The Second Korean War, his protagonists lug a 30 KT “man-portable” nuclear device around LA. Back in my day, I spent a bit of time with a SADM that was the repurposed warhead of a Sergeant missile and was pretty damned heavy (I don’t know if the weight is still classified, but if I get a chance to visit Cuba again, I want it to be to Havana, not Gitmo.) and it had an output of less than a kiloton.
However, things like that quickly get shoved to the back of the mind when the writing is good. Halstead is better than good.
Like another of my favorite authors, Keith Laumer, Halstead is a former Foreign Service Officer, with the US State Department and like Laumer seems to hold the Striped Pants Brigade in the same level of esteem as do my fellow Marines. This, and the fact he is a National War College graduate, probably explains the credibility of his writing.
Read him now. If the past is any indication, his books are going to become a lot more expensive.
He writes fast-paced, action-filled sequences. The cast of characters are varied and believable and he doesn’t demand his heroes do every damned thing. (I get well and truly pissed when, for example, an author’s main guy, a cop, is put in the middle of a dynamic entry carried out by the FBI HRT simply because the writer wants him to be there.) He’s even willing to kill off a major character. (Let’s face it; that happens in real life all too often.)
While the books take place in the near future, the vast majority of the devices and weaponry really exist now and are accurately described.
This accuracy is one of the most attractive features of the writing. In this, I’m reminded of another of my favorite authors, Tim Dorsey. (Did you know that a complete and functional Patriot missile was found in an Orlando scrap yard? That Al Capone had a nightclub in the middle of the Everglades? ) Halstead has the same habit of dropping shocking and confirmable [mostly] trivia in his pages.
I’m a bit of a hard-ass about information. After all, my MOS was 0203. I’ve been known to drop a book when I read someone was shooting a .12 gauge shotgun or resided in County Dublin in Ireland. A writer like Halstead is a dream come true.
Now, I did have a few quibbles as when, in The Second Korean War, his protagonists lug a 30 KT “man-portable” nuclear device around LA. Back in my day, I spent a bit of time with a SADM that was the repurposed warhead of a Sergeant missile and was pretty damned heavy (I don’t know if the weight is still classified, but if I get a chance to visit Cuba again, I want it to be to Havana, not Gitmo.) and it had an output of less than a kiloton.
However, things like that quickly get shoved to the back of the mind when the writing is good. Halstead is better than good.
Like another of my favorite authors, Keith Laumer, Halstead is a former Foreign Service Officer, with the US State Department and like Laumer seems to hold the Striped Pants Brigade in the same level of esteem as do my fellow Marines. This, and the fact he is a National War College graduate, probably explains the credibility of his writing.
Read him now. If the past is any indication, his books are going to become a lot more expensive.
March 24, 2018
Excellent
Numerous subplots well-woven together coupled with good research to bolster the technical content. Not an easy task to pull off so would highly recommend you read this book. It’s also very timely as to the DPK and China.
Numerous subplots well-woven together coupled with good research to bolster the technical content. Not an easy task to pull off so would highly recommend you read this book. It’s also very timely as to the DPK and China.
April 27, 2018
Great read simular to WEB Griffin.
I am an an army veteran who served in Korea in 70-71. The Korean people are the hardest working people I know. The story has a truth to the minds of the North Korean s.
I am an an army veteran who served in Korea in 70-71. The Korean people are the hardest working people I know. The story has a truth to the minds of the North Korean s.
October 5, 2019
Page turning author!
I can't say enough about Ted Halstead writing. This book was definently a page turner and one I quite enjoyed. Not only was the story of some Korean War with it, but thr level of detail he provided brought the story to life. It encompassed a military and life story in one. Then to top it off the second book sounds great from just the ending of this one. I can't wait to read his second book.
I can't say enough about Ted Halstead writing. This book was definently a page turner and one I quite enjoyed. Not only was the story of some Korean War with it, but thr level of detail he provided brought the story to life. It encompassed a military and life story in one. Then to top it off the second book sounds great from just the ending of this one. I can't wait to read his second book.
August 28, 2018
Damned good read
Read quite a few different variations on the theme of N/S Korean War and this has been the best so far. The only detraction would be the constant jumping from location to location within a chapter. Thoroughly enjoyed reading it though and would recommend it to everyone.
Read quite a few different variations on the theme of N/S Korean War and this has been the best so far. The only detraction would be the constant jumping from location to location within a chapter. Thoroughly enjoyed reading it though and would recommend it to everyone.
March 9, 2019
Writing like this is rare. Kudos!
Very well done. The world is not a safe place as long as China and North Korea play games and sadly the Russians were given an 8 pass to rearm...This old Cold Warrior and Pershing Missile troop is unsettled and a book like this makes what seemed unthinkable very possible in this World we are in.... Writing like this is rare. Kudos!
Very well done. The world is not a safe place as long as China and North Korea play games and sadly the Russians were given an 8 pass to rearm...This old Cold Warrior and Pershing Missile troop is unsettled and a book like this makes what seemed unthinkable very possible in this World we are in.... Writing like this is rare. Kudos!
September 18, 2020
Had a lot of fun reading it
If you like Dale Browns attention to detail, you will also like this version of a 2nd Korean war. The emphasis is more on the characters than the equipment used, but it could still qualify as a techno thriller. I had much fun and I hope me recommending this book is not a disappointment. It certainly wasn't for me.
If you like Dale Browns attention to detail, you will also like this version of a 2nd Korean war. The emphasis is more on the characters than the equipment used, but it could still qualify as a techno thriller. I had much fun and I hope me recommending this book is not a disappointment. It certainly wasn't for me.
March 27, 2018
The second Korean war
Excellent use of parallel tales that weave a r logical and exciting story overall. A good insight into the difference in values among several groups of the world that lead to conflict.
Excellent use of parallel tales that weave a r logical and exciting story overall. A good insight into the difference in values among several groups of the world that lead to conflict.
July 10, 2018
How the hell do Authors come up with their storylines?
FAST moving does not do this Book credit! I could not put this Book down. Bloody AWESOME! AND totally believable! I know I will have to read it again.😁😁
FAST moving does not do this Book credit! I could not put this Book down. Bloody AWESOME! AND totally believable! I know I will have to read it again.😁😁
July 25, 2018
Military marvel
This novel is unlike any other military novel you have read. It combined series of action from a wide variety of countries trying to keep each other blamed for actions committed. Keeps you guessing and wanting to read more each time you pick it up.
This novel is unlike any other military novel you have read. It combined series of action from a wide variety of countries trying to keep each other blamed for actions committed. Keeps you guessing and wanting to read more each time you pick it up.
August 31, 2018
What a good book.
Good story, well edited. Although it's immensely pro USA this was a good read. I liked the multiple threads that run throughout the story. The ending could have been posted, as it was obvious but still worth a go.
Good story, well edited. Although it's immensely pro USA this was a good read. I liked the multiple threads that run throughout the story. The ending could have been posted, as it was obvious but still worth a go.
June 12, 2019
Wow what a rush.
From page one until the end of the book it was non-stop action. I really like how the author developed each of the characters, making them seem real and be believable, easy to identify with. I really enjoyed this book.
From page one until the end of the book it was non-stop action. I really like how the author developed each of the characters, making them seem real and be believable, easy to identify with. I really enjoyed this book.
July 11, 2019
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the Lone Ranger and Tonto...
Love it when a good read appears before my eyes! Hero's and villains, action and suspense, all in context with the world we live in. Yeah it jumps from one to the other and in doing so, adds to the suspense. If you remember early Clancy, Ludlum or Follett, you may really enjoy Halstead!
Love it when a good read appears before my eyes! Hero's and villains, action and suspense, all in context with the world we live in. Yeah it jumps from one to the other and in doing so, adds to the suspense. If you remember early Clancy, Ludlum or Follett, you may really enjoy Halstead!
July 28, 2020
Well worth a read!
Bought this book on a whim and was delightfully surprised in the quality of the story. I can honestly recommend this book as worth a read to others. I will be looking for other stories from the same author.
Bought this book on a whim and was delightfully surprised in the quality of the story. I can honestly recommend this book as worth a read to others. I will be looking for other stories from the same author.
April 2, 2018
Tremendous story
As one who served in the Korean conflict I was intrigued by this one. It was definitely well written, great story line, superb characterization, good intrigue and solid intensity. I did think it went to far for the feel good ending
As one who served in the Korean conflict I was intrigued by this one. It was definitely well written, great story line, superb characterization, good intrigue and solid intensity. I did think it went to far for the feel good ending
April 15, 2018
A page turner for sure!
Excellent book well written with a plot that follows along a number of paths and turns. Highly recommended and a worth while read if you like military scenarios.
Excellent book well written with a plot that follows along a number of paths and turns. Highly recommended and a worth while read if you like military scenarios.
September 2, 2018
Great book
Very detailed, researched and written. Depicts a very possible scenario. The characters were very realistic and Interesting. Waiting for the next.
Very detailed, researched and written. Depicts a very possible scenario. The characters were very realistic and Interesting. Waiting for the next.
October 24, 2018
Excellent read.
With a clear heart i have given 5 stars to The Second Korean War. A book that needs to be read in one go. Really enjoyed it and will read more of Ted's work.😊
With a clear heart i have given 5 stars to The Second Korean War. A book that needs to be read in one go. Really enjoyed it and will read more of Ted's work.😊
December 21, 2018
Do Not Miss
One of the best books I've read with a very interesting plot. Seen from various participants viewpoints as it progresses, the plot is both interesting and believable. Would strongly recommend to anyone who likes military fiction.
One of the best books I've read with a very interesting plot. Seen from various participants viewpoints as it progresses, the plot is both interesting and believable. Would strongly recommend to anyone who likes military fiction.
December 29, 2018
This was a long book and as I have gotten older it is a hard for me to keep track of characters that only show up every few chapters.
Overall it is interesting and a very good read.
Overall it is interesting and a very good read.
May 17, 2019
Can't wait for more
Can't wait for more novels very descriptive . This book had a very good story. Best military book I read this year
Can't wait for more novels very descriptive . This book had a very good story. Best military book I read this year
May 20, 2019
I loved this book
On a whim and a great front cover,I purchased this book.What a wild ride.I loved it from the very first page.Buy it and never look back.
On a whim and a great front cover,I purchased this book.What a wild ride.I loved it from the very first page.Buy it and never look back.
July 20, 2019
Great, could not put it down
I read two to three books a week and this one was one of the best moving in the last two months
I read two to three books a week and this one was one of the best moving in the last two months
July 26, 2019
Stunning work.
Hard to believe this is fiction, reads like a factual history, also said several storylines keep this book moving at a fast pace
Hard to believe this is fiction, reads like a factual history, also said several storylines keep this book moving at a fast pace
August 22, 2019
The Second Korean War review
The Second Korean War is a fast paced action packed book written by author Ted Halstead. Very interesting characters and storyline.
The Second Korean War is a fast paced action packed book written by author Ted Halstead. Very interesting characters and storyline.
December 11, 2019
Well done.
Quite an intricate plot with details.
Enjoyed reading this possibility.
As a South Korean living in America, the plot is unnerving but admit it isn't too far fetched.
Quite an intricate plot with details.
Enjoyed reading this possibility.
As a South Korean living in America, the plot is unnerving but admit it isn't too far fetched.
January 17, 2020
Really Enjoyed!!!
This was a Great Book. I I Really Enjoyed reading it and am downloading another book in the series next. in the series
This was a Great Book. I I Really Enjoyed reading it and am downloading another book in the series next. in the series
March 1, 2020
Good Reading
Multi faceted story Russians/Chinese/Korean/U.S.A., excellent mix of action/intrigue. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series based in the Middle East.
Multi faceted story Russians/Chinese/Korean/U.S.A., excellent mix of action/intrigue. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series based in the Middle East.
September 15, 2020
A great read. If you're thinking a military style book is not the kind for you, I urge you to give this one a try. There is so much more to it than the exciting military tactics, and style but humanity between different people deciding to do the right thing against all odds. To go against their training and government lies to do what is right for the world, not just themselves. A well-paced read with switching locations and great characters in each one. I look forward to reading more in the series to see how the Agents continue on their search.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews