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The War Planners #5
Overwhelming Force
When the Chinese military launches a surprise attack on the United States, the world is thrown into chaos.
The Manning family is spread out over the globe, each doing their part to defend America.
With the Chinese fleet advancing, Admiral Manning commands the USS FORD carrier strike group near Midway. CIA operative Chase Manning is sent home to the US to fight a lethal unit of Chinese special forces. LCDR Victoria Manning hunts submarines off the coast of Guam. And intelligence analyst David Manning tries to decipher Chinese plans.
But President Cheng Jinshan and his deadly operative Lena Chou have set their plans in motion. A gargantuan Chinese fleet, with new cutting-edge technology, is making its way towards the American forces. And as the two superpowers collide, it will take skill, courage, and cunning to win the day.
The Manning family is spread out over the globe, each doing their part to defend America.
With the Chinese fleet advancing, Admiral Manning commands the USS FORD carrier strike group near Midway. CIA operative Chase Manning is sent home to the US to fight a lethal unit of Chinese special forces. LCDR Victoria Manning hunts submarines off the coast of Guam. And intelligence analyst David Manning tries to decipher Chinese plans.
But President Cheng Jinshan and his deadly operative Lena Chou have set their plans in motion. A gargantuan Chinese fleet, with new cutting-edge technology, is making its way towards the American forces. And as the two superpowers collide, it will take skill, courage, and cunning to win the day.
420 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2019
3316 people are currently reading
181 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 103 reviews
February 13, 2019
This fifth installment of the War Planner series is superb and the best one yet! It is a fast-paced read that grabs you on the first page and is powered by non-stop action and a taut, emotional narrative. The many twists and turns in the story make it a real page turner that makes it hard to put the book down.
All the Manning characters from the previous books are back as well as the Chinese villains. The surprise ending is delightfully unpredictable and sets up the next book in the series perfectly. Well done Andrew, a stunning 5-star effort!
All the Manning characters from the previous books are back as well as the Chinese villains. The surprise ending is delightfully unpredictable and sets up the next book in the series perfectly. Well done Andrew, a stunning 5-star effort!
February 16, 2019
Wow! Probably the best of this series so far. The more I read, the more I was caught up in the story, wanting to know what was going to happen next. If you have not been following the exploits of the Manning family members through this well-crafted and insightful "War Planners" series, you are missing out. Author Andrew Watts follows the path of techno-military and geopolitical rock stars like Tom Clancy abbd Larry Bond!
The likelihood of a World War III scenario as depicted in this series is not only plausible, but entirely possible... and more believable given current news reports and government threat assessments! Mr. Watts' knowledge of naval warfare strategy and tactics is impressive. But even more realistic is his holistic overview of a multi-layered attack using cyberwarfare, EMP weapons, embedded sleeper cells, special warfare units, conventional forces and weaponry, intelligence gathering, and counter-intel operations to cultivate the battleground! God help us if this fictional story ever comes close to reality! This book, and the entire series, should be required reading for our military and defense planners. Highly recommended!!
The likelihood of a World War III scenario as depicted in this series is not only plausible, but entirely possible... and more believable given current news reports and government threat assessments! Mr. Watts' knowledge of naval warfare strategy and tactics is impressive. But even more realistic is his holistic overview of a multi-layered attack using cyberwarfare, EMP weapons, embedded sleeper cells, special warfare units, conventional forces and weaponry, intelligence gathering, and counter-intel operations to cultivate the battleground! God help us if this fictional story ever comes close to reality! This book, and the entire series, should be required reading for our military and defense planners. Highly recommended!!
February 12, 2019
Real page turner. I don’t want to reveal spoilers. So just say that I couldn’t put it down. All the Manning characters from the previous books are back as well as the Chinese villains.
My only complaint is that there should be some sort of glossary for all the abbreviations (but it didn’t detract from the enjoyment of the book).
My only complaint is that there should be some sort of glossary for all the abbreviations (but it didn’t detract from the enjoyment of the book).
Read
August 4, 2019The fifth book in The War Planners series follows the Manning family as they serve America in a war against China. Decisive naval battles are fought in the pacific theater, with Admiral Manning commanding the USS Ford carrier strike group and Lieutenant Commander Victoria Manning as a helicopter pilot on the USS Farragut. CIA special forces operative Chase Manning hunts down Chinese special forces inside the US, and CIA intelligence analyst David Manning tries to crack the Chinese war plans. With the conflict teetering on the edge of world war three, the US is forced to stand alone against enormous Chinese fleets that are focused on capturing strategic US locations in the Pacific, including Guam and Hawaii. Cheng Jinshan is the mastermind behind the Chinese attacks, consolidating power once the war starts, and dealing what seems like certain defeat to the American forces through surprise attacks, deception, and overwhelming force.
The battles of the war are fast-paced and packed with action and chaos within the US government, leading to constant page turns, yet the book slows down in places to reflect the somber mood and the loss of soldiers on both sides. The characters feel real and thoroughly developed, with complex emotions and decisions that affect the whole storyline, and each character that is introduced actively influences events in the book. For people who enjoy Tom Clancy and Jack Reacher, this series appeals to that genre.
-Evan Tang
The battles of the war are fast-paced and packed with action and chaos within the US government, leading to constant page turns, yet the book slows down in places to reflect the somber mood and the loss of soldiers on both sides. The characters feel real and thoroughly developed, with complex emotions and decisions that affect the whole storyline, and each character that is introduced actively influences events in the book. For people who enjoy Tom Clancy and Jack Reacher, this series appeals to that genre.
-Evan Tang
March 6, 2020
Overwhelming Force (The War Planners #5), my fifth read from author Andrew Watts in the War Planner Series; I highly recommend reading them back-to-back-to-back. This is all in all a family story with an Admiral father, 2 sons and a daughter. Each of the earlier books goes more in-depth to one of the admiral’s children. An incredibly well developed, well-written story that takes off like a jet fighter from an aircraft carrier blending seamlessly to the first four books. The primary characters are well developed over the course of the books, the lesser characters not so much and now in the fourth book, the developed characters are like old friends and you’re invested in their welfare and story. Reminiscent of the best works of Tom Clancy. A must-read series! I look forward to the sixth book. "I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
February 21, 2019
This latest installment in the War Planners series is nonstop action from the first to last page. I would make a minor suggestion to anyone reading Overwhelming Force, don’t start reading unless you have a few spare hours to devote to going from start to finish, having to put this book down is almost impossible. Once again Andrew Watts has combined real world naval aviation/battle group information with some very believable characters and come up with a hit. If you haven’t read any of the War Planners series yet, what are you waiting for these books are awesome and they keep getting better. If you are a War Planner fan, then this is a must read. I received an Advance Review Copy and have chosen to provide this review.
June 21, 2022
An excellent continuation of the series. China launching an all out naval attack in the Pacific and bring into play a seemingly unstoppable new weapon that has the US scrambling and punch drunk trying to deal with the fact that no longer have technological superiority to aid them in battle.
Whilst some of the weaponry in use is somewhat futuristic I don't feel this distracts from the realism of the book. The battle scenes are well crafted and tense affairs sitting the reading nicely in the cockpit or on the bridge as the battle unfolds.
The family Manning are severely put to the test in this penultimate episode of the War Planners series, and I look forward with interest to see how it all ends
Whilst some of the weaponry in use is somewhat futuristic I don't feel this distracts from the realism of the book. The battle scenes are well crafted and tense affairs sitting the reading nicely in the cockpit or on the bridge as the battle unfolds.
The family Manning are severely put to the test in this penultimate episode of the War Planners series, and I look forward with interest to see how it all ends
July 21, 2019
A Thrilling Climax to a Riveting Series of Stories About War
The author knows about what he writes. The very real possibilities of America under simultaneous attack by a number of powers is what this story is about. And, it's told through the eyes of a naval helicopter aviator who writes like he has already experienced it, like it really did occur. Throughout the five books, the reader has the opportunity to follow the five main characters and the ten or so support individuals whom one loves or whom one hates.
Watts tells a compelling tale very well: believable, well written and riveting.
The author knows about what he writes. The very real possibilities of America under simultaneous attack by a number of powers is what this story is about. And, it's told through the eyes of a naval helicopter aviator who writes like he has already experienced it, like it really did occur. Throughout the five books, the reader has the opportunity to follow the five main characters and the ten or so support individuals whom one loves or whom one hates.
Watts tells a compelling tale very well: believable, well written and riveting.
February 22, 2019
This is my favorite book of the War Planners series. The plot is devious and the characters are extremely well written. So much so, that you could almost feel sorry for some of the bad guys. China has started a war and soon after calls a cease fire. While we are busy getting citizens and diplomats out of China and other countries, China is busy with furthering their war plans. This book brings war not only to the high seas, but the United States is infiltrated too. This is definitely an exciting, seat of your pants read. I highly recommend it.
February 24, 2019
WOW!!!!!!
This story was nothing short of extraordinary. I can't think of a better war-strategy -techno thriller story that's been published in the past five or more years. It out me in a headlock early and kept me there, steadily increasing pressure, the entire time. What makes it unique was good old American guile and audacity... I can only hope the author brings out another book in this series....
This story was nothing short of extraordinary. I can't think of a better war-strategy -techno thriller story that's been published in the past five or more years. It out me in a headlock early and kept me there, steadily increasing pressure, the entire time. What makes it unique was good old American guile and audacity... I can only hope the author brings out another book in this series....
February 27, 2019
Unbelievable Twists and Turns
This was, by far, the most intense of all of The War Planners Books. The transition from Book 4 to this one was seamless and picked up the storyline effortlessly. Victoria, David and Chase take on dominant roles and the development of them as characters matures with the story. It will be interesting to see, IN Book 6, what is in store for Lena and whether or not Chase plays a significant role. Hopefully, Book 6 will not be long in coming.
This was, by far, the most intense of all of The War Planners Books. The transition from Book 4 to this one was seamless and picked up the storyline effortlessly. Victoria, David and Chase take on dominant roles and the development of them as characters matures with the story. It will be interesting to see, IN Book 6, what is in store for Lena and whether or not Chase plays a significant role. Hopefully, Book 6 will not be long in coming.
March 22, 2019
If only they listened to David Manning earlier.
So much could have been different. The War Planners series is a truly great ride. Believable political tensions. Technology that seems possible. Honor, loyalty, deception... it feels real. I would be lying if I said this series did not make me a little jittery about the world we live in. Great story, great characters. Pick this book up and read it. But only after you read the first four.
So much could have been different. The War Planners series is a truly great ride. Believable political tensions. Technology that seems possible. Honor, loyalty, deception... it feels real. I would be lying if I said this series did not make me a little jittery about the world we live in. Great story, great characters. Pick this book up and read it. But only after you read the first four.
November 2, 2019
Pulsing naval thriller
The Manning siblings return in the fifth novel of the War Planners series.
The USA were attacked by China and they struck back with gigantic trouble with the United Nations. China sent a secret weapon to invade the USA via Guam and Hawaii.
This fictional war story is very explosive with tragedies. I love to read another book in the series if Andrew Watts writes.
Caesar XIII
Breakaway Reviewers a copy of the book to review
The Manning siblings return in the fifth novel of the War Planners series.
The USA were attacked by China and they struck back with gigantic trouble with the United Nations. China sent a secret weapon to invade the USA via Guam and Hawaii.
This fictional war story is very explosive with tragedies. I love to read another book in the series if Andrew Watts writes.
Caesar XIII
Breakaway Reviewers a copy of the book to review
November 17, 2020
This kind of series usually start with a bang and then they start loosing steam as long as they go on. In this particular case I must say is all the contrary. It started very slow and I must confess that I kept reading it because of the comments. I made a pause before book #4 and then when I restarted everything scalated very fast!!! You can keep down the last books and I am already starting the final chapter as soon as I end writing this comment.
Give it a try, you won't be disappointed.
Give it a try, you won't be disappointed.
May 2, 2023
Wow, just wow. Loved it!
Well, my second attempt to write something. 30 years ago, I read Red Storm Rising by Clancy, and it touched a nerve, and today, it was struck again. This book is action-packed, white knuckle, suspenseful, filled with triumphs and failures, and just a damn good book. Tomorrow, I will start the last book in the series. It's just a fantastic book. Bravo!
Well, my second attempt to write something. 30 years ago, I read Red Storm Rising by Clancy, and it touched a nerve, and today, it was struck again. This book is action-packed, white knuckle, suspenseful, filled with triumphs and failures, and just a damn good book. Tomorrow, I will start the last book in the series. It's just a fantastic book. Bravo!
March 8, 2019
Overwhelming war book
This is by far the best book of the series, packed with action from start to finish. Although he is a former U.S. Air Force pilot, the core of the plot is not tilted towards his side, as the USA takes heavy losses to contain the Chinese attack. Good job Andrew.
This is by far the best book of the series, packed with action from start to finish. Although he is a former U.S. Air Force pilot, the core of the plot is not tilted towards his side, as the USA takes heavy losses to contain the Chinese attack. Good job Andrew.
March 11, 2019
Outstanding and well worth the wait! A page turning, can't put it down book! Characters and story line well connected to previous books, yet can be read as a stand alone.
Technical details not too confusing w/military - governmental acronyms.
Final chapter is an easy lead-in into the continuing saga...
Had me hooked from page one of book one!
Technical details not too confusing w/military - governmental acronyms.
Final chapter is an easy lead-in into the continuing saga...
Had me hooked from page one of book one!
March 11, 2019
Excellent page turner just like the rest of the series.
This book takes up where the last one left off and is a page turner. This series would be an awesome movie. I would recommend these books to anyone even if your not into this genre. They really sound realistic and make you think about what could happen.
This book takes up where the last one left off and is a page turner. This series would be an awesome movie. I would recommend these books to anyone even if your not into this genre. They really sound realistic and make you think about what could happen.
September 10, 2019
Great series... Lots of tech, and action
This is a series that flat sucked me. I loved the twists, the politics, and of course the action. This series covers a lot of ground. It's been a while since I've had a series that pulls me back to reading at every opportunity. Great entrainment.
This is a series that flat sucked me. I loved the twists, the politics, and of course the action. This series covers a lot of ground. It's been a while since I've had a series that pulls me back to reading at every opportunity. Great entrainment.
September 16, 2019
Terrific conclusion to the series
Or at least I think this is the end of the story... The War Planners Series has been full of twists and turns! This one did not disappoint. Exciting modern naval battles, special forces action, political intrigue, espionage, this book has it all. A good, fun read.
Or at least I think this is the end of the story... The War Planners Series has been full of twists and turns! This one did not disappoint. Exciting modern naval battles, special forces action, political intrigue, espionage, this book has it all. A good, fun read.
November 23, 2020
Warriors learn the plan on the fly
The story shows a new lose in the Manning to give them a push that felt could’ve the father abit of last moments of what he thought. Another issue I had was the lack of detail was events in outher nations expect for one or two sentences about death tolls there.
The story shows a new lose in the Manning to give them a push that felt could’ve the father abit of last moments of what he thought. Another issue I had was the lack of detail was events in outher nations expect for one or two sentences about death tolls there.
December 23, 2020
And the US takes all!
I knew that there would be a surprising set of circumstances needed to defeat the Chinese, and Mr. Watts definitely delivered. The US did not need a devastating new technology, just a new plan with existing tools. The solution was a surprise to me based on it's inherent simplicity. However, it aint over til it's over.
I knew that there would be a surprising set of circumstances needed to defeat the Chinese, and Mr. Watts definitely delivered. The US did not need a devastating new technology, just a new plan with existing tools. The solution was a surprise to me based on it's inherent simplicity. However, it aint over til it's over.
February 24, 2019
An Enjoyable Read
This was a good read overall. The pace of the story was sometimes negatively affected by technical and procedural descriptions which went on too long. Reminiscent of Tom Clancy.
This was a good read overall. The pace of the story was sometimes negatively affected by technical and procedural descriptions which went on too long. Reminiscent of Tom Clancy.
February 28, 2019
Great book. I really enjoyed the 5th book in the series and the ending made me want more. It seems like each book is better than the last. I loved the "high tech" weapons and the relationships between the characters seem to be more fully developed. Can't wait for number 6!
March 8, 2019
Great. Finish
Final battle was brilliant strategy planning. The way the Chinese fleet was trapped. Learned more about how our Navy works. Don't believe our enemies are so dumb maybe a bit to ambi tios
Final battle was brilliant strategy planning. The way the Chinese fleet was trapped. Learned more about how our Navy works. Don't believe our enemies are so dumb maybe a bit to ambi tios
March 13, 2019
The best of the best great storyline great series÷the author did a great job in the series of making this series exciting well written and best of all it was written in a way to make you a series follower
March 13, 2019
Andrew Watts never disappoints. He’s given us another action packed story that will keep you turning the pages. This one is so particularly detailed that you feel as if you are in the action. I really like the continuity of characters so it’s not just a war - there’s a human side to it.
March 31, 2019
The war planners
Best set of books on the wonderful trained people we have for our country. I van only hope this never comes to past but there books inspire my confidence in our county.
Best set of books on the wonderful trained people we have for our country. I van only hope this never comes to past but there books inspire my confidence in our county.
April 19, 2019
Awesome ending to a great series!
Yet another classic from Andrew Watts. A great end to his 5 part series. I recommend this series to anyone who loves the military and a thrill ride. Watts writing really puts you in the action. Great read!
Yet another classic from Andrew Watts. A great end to his 5 part series. I recommend this series to anyone who loves the military and a thrill ride. Watts writing really puts you in the action. Great read!
May 5, 2019
Again doesn't disappoint.
Kept me interested throughout with seemingly impossible odds being eventually overcome by the key players. It is perhaps still unbelievable that 1 family could provide all the heroes, but that's the author's prerogative.
Kept me interested throughout with seemingly impossible odds being eventually overcome by the key players. It is perhaps still unbelievable that 1 family could provide all the heroes, but that's the author's prerogative.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews