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The War Planners #1-3
The War Planners, The War Stage, Pawns of the Pacific
The War Planners
A CIA operative in Shanghai transmits two earth-shattering revelations to his contacts in Langley, and then goes missing. First, the U.S. government has been infiltrated with Chinese spies. Second, an inner circle of Chinese leaders have set in motion plans to do the unthinkable - to invade the United States of America.
Lena Chou is one of the few U.S. officials who knows the truth. She must put together a top-secret task force to help America’s government prepare for what will come. Now, in order to covertly plan the U.S. defense, Lena has gathered a Red Cell, a group of experts that will plan how China could best attack it.
David Manning is one of those experts. After he is abruptly taken to the covert island base where the Red Cell is being held, Lena presents the group with evidence of China’s imminent attack. But while the Red Cell plans for war, David suspects that something about this gathering of minds is terribly wrong…
The War Stage
A US Navy destroyer sinks an Iranian patrol craft during a controversial exchange in the Persian Gulf. With tensions soaring between the two nations, an Iranian politician secretly contacts the CIA with a chilling revelation involving the Chinese. Chase Manning is a rugged ex-SEAL working for the CIA's Special Operations Group in the Middle East. Now, he is tasked with uncovering the truth behind the Iranian claims before it is too late. But in the midst of battling deadly assassins and uncovering the layers of intrigue, Chase discovers that his own brother, David Manning, is right at the heart of the conspiracy.
Pawns of the Pacific
A nation on the brink of war.
A conspiracy that threatens the globe.
And one military family, caught in the middle, fighting for freedom.
While the United States is preparing for war with Iran, Chinese billionaire Cheng Jinshan and his wicked spy, Lena Chou, are moving their pieces on the board. Deception and misinformation are everywhere. Now, in order to save America, the leaders in the CIA and Pentagon have set up a secretive task force at the CIA headquarters. Their mission: to thwart Jinshan's plans, and reveal the truth to the world.
Each member of the Manning family has a critical role to play. David Manning is brought in to the CIA task force. Chase Manning is sent to team up with a US Marine Corps special operations unit. Admiral Manning leads the USS Ford Carrier Strike Group, filled with America's latest and greatest naval technology. And Lieutenant Commander Victoria Manning is the officer in charge of a helicopter detachment on the navy destroyer, the USS Farragut - the only ship that stands in the way of a Chinese onslaught.
A CIA operative in Shanghai transmits two earth-shattering revelations to his contacts in Langley, and then goes missing. First, the U.S. government has been infiltrated with Chinese spies. Second, an inner circle of Chinese leaders have set in motion plans to do the unthinkable - to invade the United States of America.
Lena Chou is one of the few U.S. officials who knows the truth. She must put together a top-secret task force to help America’s government prepare for what will come. Now, in order to covertly plan the U.S. defense, Lena has gathered a Red Cell, a group of experts that will plan how China could best attack it.
David Manning is one of those experts. After he is abruptly taken to the covert island base where the Red Cell is being held, Lena presents the group with evidence of China’s imminent attack. But while the Red Cell plans for war, David suspects that something about this gathering of minds is terribly wrong…
The War Stage
A US Navy destroyer sinks an Iranian patrol craft during a controversial exchange in the Persian Gulf. With tensions soaring between the two nations, an Iranian politician secretly contacts the CIA with a chilling revelation involving the Chinese. Chase Manning is a rugged ex-SEAL working for the CIA's Special Operations Group in the Middle East. Now, he is tasked with uncovering the truth behind the Iranian claims before it is too late. But in the midst of battling deadly assassins and uncovering the layers of intrigue, Chase discovers that his own brother, David Manning, is right at the heart of the conspiracy.
Pawns of the Pacific
A nation on the brink of war.
A conspiracy that threatens the globe.
And one military family, caught in the middle, fighting for freedom.
While the United States is preparing for war with Iran, Chinese billionaire Cheng Jinshan and his wicked spy, Lena Chou, are moving their pieces on the board. Deception and misinformation are everywhere. Now, in order to save America, the leaders in the CIA and Pentagon have set up a secretive task force at the CIA headquarters. Their mission: to thwart Jinshan's plans, and reveal the truth to the world.
Each member of the Manning family has a critical role to play. David Manning is brought in to the CIA task force. Chase Manning is sent to team up with a US Marine Corps special operations unit. Admiral Manning leads the USS Ford Carrier Strike Group, filled with America's latest and greatest naval technology. And Lieutenant Commander Victoria Manning is the officer in charge of a helicopter detachment on the navy destroyer, the USS Farragut - the only ship that stands in the way of a Chinese onslaught.
776 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2017
5635 people are currently reading
922 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Watts
42 books247 followersAndrew Watts graduated from the US Naval Academy in 2003 and served as a naval officer and helicopter pilot until 2013. During that time, he flew counter-narcotic missions in the Eastern Pacific and counter-piracy missions off the Horn of Africa. He was a flight instructor in Pensacola, FL, and helped to run ship and flight operations while embarked on a nuclear aircraft carrier deployed in the Middle East.
Today, he lives with his family in Ohio.
Today, he lives with his family in Ohio.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
April 10, 2021
Scary real world scenario
The first book was difficult to get through but the series got a lot better. Book 3 "Pawns of the Pacific" was excellent, leading up to "The Elephant Game". I enjoyed the interactions between the pilot, co-pilot and aircrew flying the H-60 Seahawk, and the Naval Aviators and SWO's (or ship driver's). Spot on!
The first book was difficult to get through but the series got a lot better. Book 3 "Pawns of the Pacific" was excellent, leading up to "The Elephant Game". I enjoyed the interactions between the pilot, co-pilot and aircrew flying the H-60 Seahawk, and the Naval Aviators and SWO's (or ship driver's). Spot on!
February 2, 2018
Very good! Believable!
Many action/adventure, military action books move to the realm of the fantastic. In these books you can expect to hear an authentic voice of experience. Well done! The dialogue flows in natural rhythms, the characters are sufficiently flawed as to be recognizable as people you have met. The action sequences are well choreographed and injuries take respectable times to recover from. All of these elements are served up as though the work was easy. My hat is off to the author.
Many action/adventure, military action books move to the realm of the fantastic. In these books you can expect to hear an authentic voice of experience. Well done! The dialogue flows in natural rhythms, the characters are sufficiently flawed as to be recognizable as people you have met. The action sequences are well choreographed and injuries take respectable times to recover from. All of these elements are served up as though the work was easy. My hat is off to the author.
November 2, 2017
It took me a while to get going on book 1 for a variety of reasons, mostly not book related. I read on as time permitted. My interest and reading momentum accelerated through completion of the series. I like the way Mr. Watts writes, the way he develops his characters, the plot he develops (very interesting; entirely possible in this series) and the level of detail he provides about both. I plan to read his next books as they are published.
November 19, 2017
Could not get myself into this book no matter how many times I went back to it. Listened to the first volume; War Planners, but the second was just a lot of conversation to me. Sorry Mr. Watts, no can do.
July 20, 2018
Had to DNF this one. Was struggling with the overwhelming amount of exposition early. Then, just when the writing style began to improve a little, Life is too short to read a book with such distractions.
May 27, 2018
The War Planners series: 1-3, by Andrew Watts.
This is a horrifying but plausible story about possible Chinese invasion of the US by rogue elements of the Chinese navy and military. What makes it so plausible is the creation of a Red Cell, ostensibly by the CIA, lo create a scenario of China winning, all to help the US military plot a defence strategy.
In better times I would have scoffed at this whole scenario, but given what is happening in the US right now with the Russians influencing the election of President Trump, somehow the plot rings true. It is also a scary look t how dependent we have become on the Internet, electronic communications and high-tech weaponry to defend ourselves, never mind the vulnerability of the world banking system to electronic interference.
At various points in the book I had to quit reading because it became too realistic a picture of what is actually happening today. There is no doubt that Andrew Watts is plugged in to the US military in various ways, and the sequence of events he sets out in these three books is entirely believable.
From a story point of view we follow the exploits of the Manning family, all of whom and involved with the military in one way or another. The father is an admiral, the commander of a US carrier strike group. His daughter Victoria is a helicopter pilot, the Air boss on a US destroyer. His son Chase is involved with Special Operations and the CIA and his youngest son David, is involved with a group developing high-tech defences in the telecommunications field.
Watt uses their experiences to develop his thesis: that the US is in danger from a first-strike invasion from China which is using a US war in Iran to divert US attention from its real motives. All in all this is a riveting story that comes too close to home for comfort, given the current US president's actions towards China and Russia.
At the heart of this story lies money and power, the very two ingredients that lie at the heart of the current US situation. If these ingredients are allowed to triumph, I fear for the entire democratic rule of law in the United States and the future of the free world.
It is all too easy to slip into autocracy and tyranny when the only thing representatives care about is power and money. Not to mention the fact that in this story, as in the US today, the system seems riddled with foreign sympathizers and spies who are working covertly to destroy the system.
This is a horrifying but plausible story about possible Chinese invasion of the US by rogue elements of the Chinese navy and military. What makes it so plausible is the creation of a Red Cell, ostensibly by the CIA, lo create a scenario of China winning, all to help the US military plot a defence strategy.
In better times I would have scoffed at this whole scenario, but given what is happening in the US right now with the Russians influencing the election of President Trump, somehow the plot rings true. It is also a scary look t how dependent we have become on the Internet, electronic communications and high-tech weaponry to defend ourselves, never mind the vulnerability of the world banking system to electronic interference.
At various points in the book I had to quit reading because it became too realistic a picture of what is actually happening today. There is no doubt that Andrew Watts is plugged in to the US military in various ways, and the sequence of events he sets out in these three books is entirely believable.
From a story point of view we follow the exploits of the Manning family, all of whom and involved with the military in one way or another. The father is an admiral, the commander of a US carrier strike group. His daughter Victoria is a helicopter pilot, the Air boss on a US destroyer. His son Chase is involved with Special Operations and the CIA and his youngest son David, is involved with a group developing high-tech defences in the telecommunications field.
Watt uses their experiences to develop his thesis: that the US is in danger from a first-strike invasion from China which is using a US war in Iran to divert US attention from its real motives. All in all this is a riveting story that comes too close to home for comfort, given the current US president's actions towards China and Russia.
At the heart of this story lies money and power, the very two ingredients that lie at the heart of the current US situation. If these ingredients are allowed to triumph, I fear for the entire democratic rule of law in the United States and the future of the free world.
It is all too easy to slip into autocracy and tyranny when the only thing representatives care about is power and money. Not to mention the fact that in this story, as in the US today, the system seems riddled with foreign sympathizers and spies who are working covertly to destroy the system.
November 26, 2018
When I began this trilogy boxed set, I thought that I had found a new author that I like; and, in a sense, I do like some of his writing. But to be fair, before I begin my assessment, I'm a 60 yo Christian woman who doesn't like foul language, and I try to stay away from books that have it as much as oossible. So when I was reading book one, not only was I completely enthralled, but I thought that the language was going to be minimal, mostly the s word, and not include the F word. That was the case until I got into book 2.
As for the reading material, the first third of the story was thrilling, edge-of-your-seat spy action. I could barely keep myself from skipping ahead to see what was going to happen. So for book one, or the first third of the book, I give it five stars.
Books two and three were, for me, completely different. Not only were these more boring, but the language ratcheted up considerably. There was so much detail about ships, etc., naval language, and, in many spots, acronym after acronym, making it difficult for me to keep track of what they were talking about. I didn't care for book two, or the second third, of the trilogy at all, not caring about what it was about, and thought it was way over drawn out. Book three, or the last third of the trilogy, was some better, but I was completely disappointed that they didn't go into detail about the 18 Americans left imprisoned on an island other than to say, at the very end, that they were rescued. So a critical part of the continued story was just obliterated by the next aspects of the books. I would give the last two thirds of this trilogy two stars, maybe 2.5 for the last, and overall three grudging stars for the entire trilogy. If you're a Navy person, I'm sure that these books will be right down your alley. If you don't mind cursing, then I'm sure that they're okay for you. But there are ways around cursing that works just fine: Don Brown, Joel Rosenberg, and others weave their stories without the bad language, so it can be done, easily. I wouldn't have continued the trilogy after getting into the F bombs in book two, but I kept on because I wanted to find out what happened to the 18 Americans. This author thoroughly disappointed me in not giving a better ending to that aspect of book one, not continuing their story.
As for the reading material, the first third of the story was thrilling, edge-of-your-seat spy action. I could barely keep myself from skipping ahead to see what was going to happen. So for book one, or the first third of the book, I give it five stars.
Books two and three were, for me, completely different. Not only were these more boring, but the language ratcheted up considerably. There was so much detail about ships, etc., naval language, and, in many spots, acronym after acronym, making it difficult for me to keep track of what they were talking about. I didn't care for book two, or the second third, of the trilogy at all, not caring about what it was about, and thought it was way over drawn out. Book three, or the last third of the trilogy, was some better, but I was completely disappointed that they didn't go into detail about the 18 Americans left imprisoned on an island other than to say, at the very end, that they were rescued. So a critical part of the continued story was just obliterated by the next aspects of the books. I would give the last two thirds of this trilogy two stars, maybe 2.5 for the last, and overall three grudging stars for the entire trilogy. If you're a Navy person, I'm sure that these books will be right down your alley. If you don't mind cursing, then I'm sure that they're okay for you. But there are ways around cursing that works just fine: Don Brown, Joel Rosenberg, and others weave their stories without the bad language, so it can be done, easily. I wouldn't have continued the trilogy after getting into the F bombs in book two, but I kept on because I wanted to find out what happened to the 18 Americans. This author thoroughly disappointed me in not giving a better ending to that aspect of book one, not continuing their story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2023
The War Planners
The U.S. government has been penetrated with Chinese spies. And an inner circle of Chinese leaders have set in motion plans to breach the United States of America.
Lena Chou is a U.S. official who knows the truth. She gathers a top-secret task force to help the U.S. government prepare for what's to come. In order to secretly plan the U.S. defense, she gathered a group of high level advisors that will plan how China could best attack it.
David Manning is one of those advisors. He was abruptly taken to the covert island base where the task force was being held, Lena presents the group with confirmation of China’s forthcoming attack. But while the task force plans for war, David believes something about the gathering of minds is awfully amiss…
The War Stage
A US Navy destroyer sinks an Iranian patrol vessel during a dubious exchange fire in the Persian Gulf. Tensions are soaring between the two nations, an Iranian politician covertly contacts the CIA with a shocking discovery involving the Chinese. Chase Manning is entrusted with uncovering the validity behind the Iranian claims. In the midst of battling dangerous assassins and uncovering the layers of intrigue, Chase discovers that his own brother, David, is in the middle of the scheme.
Pawns of the Pacific
A nation on the brink of war. A conspiracy that scares the globe. And a military family, caught in the center, fighting for freedom.
The United States prepares for war with Iran, Chinese billionaire Cheng Jinshan and his devilish spy, Lena Chou, are making their moves. Betrayal and misinformation are abound. In order to save the U.S., the leaders in the CIA and Pentagon have set up a covert task force at the CIA headquarters. The mission: to counter Jinshan's plans, and uncover the truth.
The U.S. government has been penetrated with Chinese spies. And an inner circle of Chinese leaders have set in motion plans to breach the United States of America.
Lena Chou is a U.S. official who knows the truth. She gathers a top-secret task force to help the U.S. government prepare for what's to come. In order to secretly plan the U.S. defense, she gathered a group of high level advisors that will plan how China could best attack it.
David Manning is one of those advisors. He was abruptly taken to the covert island base where the task force was being held, Lena presents the group with confirmation of China’s forthcoming attack. But while the task force plans for war, David believes something about the gathering of minds is awfully amiss…
The War Stage
A US Navy destroyer sinks an Iranian patrol vessel during a dubious exchange fire in the Persian Gulf. Tensions are soaring between the two nations, an Iranian politician covertly contacts the CIA with a shocking discovery involving the Chinese. Chase Manning is entrusted with uncovering the validity behind the Iranian claims. In the midst of battling dangerous assassins and uncovering the layers of intrigue, Chase discovers that his own brother, David, is in the middle of the scheme.
Pawns of the Pacific
A nation on the brink of war. A conspiracy that scares the globe. And a military family, caught in the center, fighting for freedom.
The United States prepares for war with Iran, Chinese billionaire Cheng Jinshan and his devilish spy, Lena Chou, are making their moves. Betrayal and misinformation are abound. In order to save the U.S., the leaders in the CIA and Pentagon have set up a covert task force at the CIA headquarters. The mission: to counter Jinshan's plans, and uncover the truth.
November 17, 2020
Andrew Watts
The War Planners –
Book 1 - I related to this novel from the first page. David Manning’s undetailed assignment is simple: Follow Orders. Being a veteran, I understand the manner of thinking. But I never got a telephone call to hurry up and get packed. For what? Somebody had planned the trick to make him and others believe they had to hypothesize how a Far East country’s potential to war. It’s how they used the participants! There was excitement throughout the novel. I knew after reading a couple chapters the author, Andrew Watts, had some special education, US Naval Academy. His use of words made me relate to my days in the US Army. Not much different when you must obey an order. When his brother got involved, it increased my interest. Great read. Going to Book 2.
Book 2 – I found this US Navy story interesting. The first one of this series increased my interests in the Far East. Naval intelligence could not be fooled. The Chinese plot to get a new type of money market and include increasing war tensions of the USA to the Middle East, namely Iran. The Manning brothers’ relationships make you wonder what’s going on with loyalty vs. espionage. Good read. Going to Book 3.
Book – 3 – The three books made me feel like the situation with China could become a reality. They are already increasing air force strategies to fly jets near US Naval ships in the Pacific. Manning brothers’ sister, Victoria, is a jump ahead in social acceptance of women in combat. Her ability to teach, socialize, and command was a good feeling. I bought the boxed set. All are great reads.
The War Planners –
Book 1 - I related to this novel from the first page. David Manning’s undetailed assignment is simple: Follow Orders. Being a veteran, I understand the manner of thinking. But I never got a telephone call to hurry up and get packed. For what? Somebody had planned the trick to make him and others believe they had to hypothesize how a Far East country’s potential to war. It’s how they used the participants! There was excitement throughout the novel. I knew after reading a couple chapters the author, Andrew Watts, had some special education, US Naval Academy. His use of words made me relate to my days in the US Army. Not much different when you must obey an order. When his brother got involved, it increased my interest. Great read. Going to Book 2.
Book 2 – I found this US Navy story interesting. The first one of this series increased my interests in the Far East. Naval intelligence could not be fooled. The Chinese plot to get a new type of money market and include increasing war tensions of the USA to the Middle East, namely Iran. The Manning brothers’ relationships make you wonder what’s going on with loyalty vs. espionage. Good read. Going to Book 3.
Book – 3 – The three books made me feel like the situation with China could become a reality. They are already increasing air force strategies to fly jets near US Naval ships in the Pacific. Manning brothers’ sister, Victoria, is a jump ahead in social acceptance of women in combat. Her ability to teach, socialize, and command was a good feeling. I bought the boxed set. All are great reads.
March 12, 2018
Loved it! I spent four years living in the Norfolk area while my husband was stationed on the USS Independence Carrier while serving his country in the US Navy. Author Andrew Watts hit the nail dead-on with these three novels, that flow right from one to the next. While each book is a stand-alone story that kept me on the edge of my emotions through the whole ordeal of how those with an unexhausted wealth of money can become despots hell-bent on ruling the world in their image. I laughed, I cried, and I cheered, and that is what makes this series a must-read for any fans of espionage war thrillers of fiction.
Book 1: The War Planners with David Manning as a kidnapped computer analyst who was previously in the Navy and is held captive on a secluded island with other American's who have been lied to by their US bosses to participate in a think tank to find ways to breach the USA's defense system. David comes from a family of Navy personnel that include his Admiral father, brother an ex-Navy Seal, and sister who is an ace helicopter pilot.
Book 2: The War Stage with Chase Manning ex-Navy Seal is sent to Dubai on a CIA secret mission, betrayed by another and rescuing his brother are his main concerns.
Book 3: Pawns of the Pacific with Victoria Manning a Helicopter Boss in the US Navy on the USS Farragut Destroyer extracts her brother Chase from the jungles of Equador in an all-out race to get to Panama before being sunk by an enemy and avoiding World War III from breaking out.
Book 1: The War Planners with David Manning as a kidnapped computer analyst who was previously in the Navy and is held captive on a secluded island with other American's who have been lied to by their US bosses to participate in a think tank to find ways to breach the USA's defense system. David comes from a family of Navy personnel that include his Admiral father, brother an ex-Navy Seal, and sister who is an ace helicopter pilot.
Book 2: The War Stage with Chase Manning ex-Navy Seal is sent to Dubai on a CIA secret mission, betrayed by another and rescuing his brother are his main concerns.
Book 3: Pawns of the Pacific with Victoria Manning a Helicopter Boss in the US Navy on the USS Farragut Destroyer extracts her brother Chase from the jungles of Equador in an all-out race to get to Panama before being sunk by an enemy and avoiding World War III from breaking out.
August 2, 2017
The War Planner is my first read from author Andrew Watts. A well developed, well-written story that plods along. The primary characters are well-developed over the course of the book, the lesser characters not so much. By the end of the book, the author had me looking forward to the next book. My only question is why did it take me almost 2 years to get around to reading it?
The War Stage is my second read from author Andrew Watts read immediately following The War Planner. A well developed, well-written story that takes off like a jet from an aircraft carrier. The primary characters are well-developed over the course of the book, the lesser characters not so much. By the end of the book the author had me looking forward to the next book.
Pawns of the Pacific is my third read from author Andrew Watts read immediately following The War Planner & The War Stage, I highly recommend reading them back-to-back-to-back. This is all in all a family story wth Father, two sons and a daughter each of the books goes more in depth to one of the admirals children. An incredibly well developed, well-written story that takes off like a jet from an aircraft carrier blending seamlessly to the first two books. The primary characters are well-developed over the course of the book, the lesser characters not so much. By the end of the book the author had me looking forward to the next book. My only question is how do I get a copy of The War Planners: Episode 4 that’s out of print?
The War Stage is my second read from author Andrew Watts read immediately following The War Planner. A well developed, well-written story that takes off like a jet from an aircraft carrier. The primary characters are well-developed over the course of the book, the lesser characters not so much. By the end of the book the author had me looking forward to the next book.
Pawns of the Pacific is my third read from author Andrew Watts read immediately following The War Planner & The War Stage, I highly recommend reading them back-to-back-to-back. This is all in all a family story wth Father, two sons and a daughter each of the books goes more in depth to one of the admirals children. An incredibly well developed, well-written story that takes off like a jet from an aircraft carrier blending seamlessly to the first two books. The primary characters are well-developed over the course of the book, the lesser characters not so much. By the end of the book the author had me looking forward to the next book. My only question is how do I get a copy of The War Planners: Episode 4 that’s out of print?
October 23, 2020
The whole series
It would not be fair to judge just this book so let's talk about the series. All the books in the planners series is a must read. Mr. watts perspective given his service let to a very detailed and thrilling read. It was one of those "I can't put it down" series. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys this genera. If you are new to this type of read then this is the series that you should start out on. The character development was fantastic and the twist and turns were as well masked as I think you can make them. It gives insight into modern warfare and is clear that all that would find need to partake would suffer with no real winner. Thank you for your insight.
It would not be fair to judge just this book so let's talk about the series. All the books in the planners series is a must read. Mr. watts perspective given his service let to a very detailed and thrilling read. It was one of those "I can't put it down" series. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys this genera. If you are new to this type of read then this is the series that you should start out on. The character development was fantastic and the twist and turns were as well masked as I think you can make them. It gives insight into modern warfare and is clear that all that would find need to partake would suffer with no real winner. Thank you for your insight.
February 13, 2018
I read GLIDEPATH by Mr Watts and was very entertained. I got THE WAR PLANNERS series, and couldn't wait to read each book. Mr. Watts is showing great talent for beautiful writing, and combined with his Naval experience presents compelling reading. The characters are developed carefully and are neatly pulled together for the incredible climax.
With Mr. Watts military history he was able to project me into the dangerous but exciting act of combat at sea.
Mr. Watts shows a unique knowledge and awareness of the internet and all the potential dangers facing our country.
I'm anxious to read Book 4 in the series.
Larry
With Mr. Watts military history he was able to project me into the dangerous but exciting act of combat at sea.
Mr. Watts shows a unique knowledge and awareness of the internet and all the potential dangers facing our country.
I'm anxious to read Book 4 in the series.
Larry
April 6, 2021
I got bored
For the first time in years I couldn’t finish the book. Even books I don’t enjoy I usually finish but just couldn’t get through it. After finishing the first book of the the three I was desperate for something interesting to happen. After 3 more chapters it didn’t get any better. Perhaps the story is too ambitious and requires too much setup.
Pacing is the problem here. I didn’t identify with the characters and it felt like I was wading through financial models.
I thought the concept was interesting but I don’t need to know all the details to move the story along.
Sorry but this series is definitely off my list.
For the first time in years I couldn’t finish the book. Even books I don’t enjoy I usually finish but just couldn’t get through it. After finishing the first book of the the three I was desperate for something interesting to happen. After 3 more chapters it didn’t get any better. Perhaps the story is too ambitious and requires too much setup.
Pacing is the problem here. I didn’t identify with the characters and it felt like I was wading through financial models.
I thought the concept was interesting but I don’t need to know all the details to move the story along.
Sorry but this series is definitely off my list.
September 3, 2019
I always like to give a chance to an author I haven't read before. I did so in this case but I got to the point that I could not go any further. I did not finish the book but here are my thoughts. The premise itself was very difficult to accept - that China would break down the American infrastructure and then invade. But I pressed on. More characters were introduce which made it difficult to keep track of everyone, their roles and their relative importance to the story. Finally, I found the story developing too slowly to keep my interest so I moved on.
September 27, 2019
Inaccuracies
I bagged less than 30 pgs in due to glaring inaccuracies (despite the author’s USNA background - USNA pilot selects are fully medically vetted before they graduate, so unlikely a vision issue washed him out of pilot training once he began — even with that license, the graduate doesn’t get too “quit.” They move to another service community, like intel, etc. small but deadly errors that makes me think if you dumb it down or inaccurate with these details it’s not worth trying to filter for the bigger ones. Disappointing.
I bagged less than 30 pgs in due to glaring inaccuracies (despite the author’s USNA background - USNA pilot selects are fully medically vetted before they graduate, so unlikely a vision issue washed him out of pilot training once he began — even with that license, the graduate doesn’t get too “quit.” They move to another service community, like intel, etc. small but deadly errors that makes me think if you dumb it down or inaccurate with these details it’s not worth trying to filter for the bigger ones. Disappointing.
January 6, 2020
One word, recommended
Very different genre for me, But I was engrossed in all I've read of the series. I couldn't put it down. I read all available books on my Amazon prime in 6 days. And I recommend it to my husband. He's actually ex air force and I constantly was asking him for details of different weapons. I do hope this next book is on prime and the last in the series. Just not wild about never ending series, (need that closure) nevertheless, I feel that I do have to buy it, just because. But, kudos.
Very different genre for me, But I was engrossed in all I've read of the series. I couldn't put it down. I read all available books on my Amazon prime in 6 days. And I recommend it to my husband. He's actually ex air force and I constantly was asking him for details of different weapons. I do hope this next book is on prime and the last in the series. Just not wild about never ending series, (need that closure) nevertheless, I feel that I do have to buy it, just because. But, kudos.
June 27, 2020
It took a few chapters to become accustom to the narrator’s style; however, I learned to appreciate him. He does a wonderful job of reflecting each of the characters in their own unique way. The book is excellent. As a 30-year Navy man, I’m very critical of the way life aboard ship is described. It’s mostly very good. I, of course, could nit pick a few things. For most people who haven’t spent all those years at sea, they don’t matter. It’s a very entertaining three book volume. I’ve already started Book 4, The Elephant Game.
November 13, 2021
This set of books has a unique premise (it would be a small spoiler to tell you what the premise is). My husband recommended these books to me, so of course, I dove in. The first two books were good enough for me to continue to the third. The author cranked it up to 11 (on a ten point scale) and it was excellent. These books *must* be read in order. The narrator was ok, nothing to write home about. The hubs has continued the series and is (I think) on book 5. He says "you ain't seen nothin' yet" 😁
April 11, 2022
This is one of the best political/military thrillers I have read since Tom Clancy's Red Storm Rising. The premise - What if China wants to invade the U.S., and use
American military and sociopolitical experts
to plan it all out? How will the U.S. respond? What can be done to to circumvent, or even stop it? These questions are answered with aplomb by the author, Andrew Watts. His use of current sociopolitical/military trends and use of technology floored me. This book just screams 'make me into a film series'! A must read.
December 27, 2024
Okayest
It didn’t wow for me at least. Especially when three series were clumped into one ride. I think it would be better off if readers read one series at a time. They are easy flight reading books! I liked the second one in the series because of the smoke and dagger type of thing. The surprise was good to keep things going. Otherwise, I would just stop reading the book. The story isn’t bad, but it has too many different wavelengths that don’t make sense. That turned me off.
It didn’t wow for me at least. Especially when three series were clumped into one ride. I think it would be better off if readers read one series at a time. They are easy flight reading books! I liked the second one in the series because of the smoke and dagger type of thing. The surprise was good to keep things going. Otherwise, I would just stop reading the book. The story isn’t bad, but it has too many different wavelengths that don’t make sense. That turned me off.
September 29, 2017
Outstanding, creative and timely plot, written with the knowledge that only a naval aviator can have. This book is the first of a trilogy, I read all three of them, all well written, and very well informed. Page turners from beginning to end.
I hope and wish Mr Watts will write more books outlining plots for the scenario of a conflict , China. Clearly, US is not preparing well for a new world order that is just around the corner.
I hope and wish Mr Watts will write more books outlining plots for the scenario of a conflict , China. Clearly, US is not preparing well for a new world order that is just around the corner.
January 19, 2018
To be honest it started off slow for me and I almost gave up, BUT I didn’t! Boy am I glad I didn’t. Amazing story with twists and turns. Every time I thought I had some of the plot figured out WHAM! it changed. Another honest thing it that as you got deeper into the book it was full of abbreviations (military terms) and since I am not a military man it go a bit too much. Anyway, I am recommending this to my friends and look forward to the next book!
February 25, 2020
Wow... these were really fun! You need to read them in a group as each of the first two end with a cliffhanger stop (think of a TV show Fall Finale). The plot is fun with no real need to suspend disbelief. It’s right up my alley because there is action, adventure, intrigue, and romance! Recommend. The 5th star is more for the ingenuity of the plot more than “a best set of books I’ve ever read” type of 5th star.
December 3, 2021
The first book takes awhile setting up the context, then takes off into the action about half way through. the second and third book are excellent in characters, action and plot. Listened to via an Audible trilogy collection. On to book 4! One thing I appreciate about the Audible app is that once you finish a book, it gives you a list of the next book in a series, and then similar book in the same venue.
February 9, 2018
The plausibility of this series is somewhat doubtful. With every turn of the page you get the idea that everyone is a Chinese spy. I had to struggle through the first book because of the slow plot and character development. Once through those issues the second and third books had much livelier action and were more believable. Overall, started slow but ended well.
July 29, 2018
Good summer beach read. Took about a week to read all 3 books. As advertised, very Tom Clancy-esque with interesting descriptions of military technology and tactics, as well as an up to date bitcoin-enabled espionage situation. All resolved by the tried and true Americans foiling the plot by rogue Chinese operatives. A fast read.
May 31, 2019
A Budding Talent
Andrew Watts is a budding fiction talent with a grasp of the technical requirements to make his fiction believable and interesting to follow. His 3rd book made up for some of the lesser fiction in Books 1 and 2, but he has a talent to make his work believable and interesting to follow. He will rise to the top of his profession.
Andrew Watts is a budding fiction talent with a grasp of the technical requirements to make his fiction believable and interesting to follow. His 3rd book made up for some of the lesser fiction in Books 1 and 2, but he has a talent to make his work believable and interesting to follow. He will rise to the top of his profession.
September 15, 2019
Loved the storyline, the characters & the swift moving action. If you like international intrigue, double crosses, believable heroes & lots of Military acronyms you'll love it? An excellent saga in the Tom Clancy genre & the action is so current with China doing its best to dominate the world. Very believable page turner.
October 9, 2019
I found this a very good series. Some things were a little unbelievable but that is why it's fiction. The main characters were great and the series follows one family. The best out of the 3 was the first and I suppose that is because it set everything up and wasn't as technical as the other two. I would definitely recommend if you like military fiction.
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