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Matt Pontowski #4
Iron Gate
The topical perils of a U.N. peacekeeping mission are plunked down in the middle of South Africa as USAF Col. Matt Pontowski, is once again pressed into his government's service. Helped by an Israeli scientist, a bunch of revanchist Afrikaners who pine for the salad days of apartheid are in possession of the secret of cold fusion, which means they're in possession of nukes. Civil War threatens South Africa, the U.N. sends in the blue helmets and the U.S. sends Matt and his Warthogs (A-10 aircraft).
Matt, a man of action, has to get things done despite diplomatic dithering, UN impotence and all those damn bureaucrats and pesky journalists who get in his way. Herman helpfully reminds us of past events (the death of Matt's Israeli wife and the need to be an attentive father to his young son), and he plants the seeds for a new love (Sam the camera woman) and the sad demise of an old friend.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published November 21, 1995
About the author
Richard Herman
38 books52 followersAlso publishes as Richard Herman Jr.
Richard Herman was a member of the United States Air Force (Weapons System operator) for twenty-one years, retiring in 1983 with the rank of major. He is the author of ten previous novels, including The Warbirds, Power Curve, Against All Enemies, Edge of Honor, and The Trojan Sea, all published by Avon Books.
(source Harper Collins)
Richard Herman was a member of the United States Air Force (Weapons System operator) for twenty-one years, retiring in 1983 with the rank of major. He is the author of ten previous novels, including The Warbirds, Power Curve, Against All Enemies, Edge of Honor, and The Trojan Sea, all published by Avon Books.
(source Harper Collins)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 13, 2026
So Close to Reality, Almost Non-Fiction! Author Herman speaks of staying on track and focused — WOW!. ECM Herks, Warthogs, Pumas, Trash Haulers, French Foreign Legionnaires, CIA, the Pentagon, photographers and reporters, and the sharp stick in the eye Congresswoman Nevers. He managed it all, stayed on tract with so many pilots in various aircraft plus the forces on the ground. One of the most enjoyable reads in some time. It is the fourth book in the Pontowski series so ensure you’ve read the first three (The Warbirds, Force of Eagles and Dark Wing). A number of late nights reading a book really difficult to put down. Gudonya Dick Herman! VR, Mags (A-1 and A-7E’s)!
November 30, 2017
Iron gate
I don't know how the author kept track of the changes, challenges and action filled events but it was well done and made for riveting reading. Excellent follow-up from the rest of the series to remind you of what happened and how it would affect this tale. I intend to see more from Mr Herman.
I don't know how the author kept track of the changes, challenges and action filled events but it was well done and made for riveting reading. Excellent follow-up from the rest of the series to remind you of what happened and how it would affect this tale. I intend to see more from Mr Herman.
January 14, 2021
Another great story
This was number 4 of 6. Once again I thoroughly enjoyed it. The action was realistic and easily followed. There was a generous amount of emotion brought about by Pentowski's recent bachelor status. Mr. Herman has found the correct formula for success, and I look forward to the next volume.
This was number 4 of 6. Once again I thoroughly enjoyed it. The action was realistic and easily followed. There was a generous amount of emotion brought about by Pentowski's recent bachelor status. Mr. Herman has found the correct formula for success, and I look forward to the next volume.
July 16, 2021
An Education
The author does masterful job of describing the growth of a young commander as he engages a new challenge in a new part of the world. Unbelievably exciting and captivating on so many levels. Just when you think R.H. could not possibly produce another blockbuster! Thank you Richard.
The author does masterful job of describing the growth of a young commander as he engages a new challenge in a new part of the world. Unbelievably exciting and captivating on so many levels. Just when you think R.H. could not possibly produce another blockbuster! Thank you Richard.
June 29, 2017
The continuing story of Matt Pontowski, pilot. This is #4 in the series.
Herman writes a very good story, as he is not afraid to kill of characters who played major roles in earlier stories. This novel is no different.
Worth the read if military action is among your favorite genres.
Herman writes a very good story, as he is not afraid to kill of characters who played major roles in earlier stories. This novel is no different.
Worth the read if military action is among your favorite genres.
September 16, 2019
Idealistic bravery versus psychopathic raciasm
A miscellany of skillsets of brilliant military and political personalities set against South Africa's violent conflicting history. Terrific characters highlighting the excellence some humans can display
A miscellany of skillsets of brilliant military and political personalities set against South Africa's violent conflicting history. Terrific characters highlighting the excellence some humans can display
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January 20, 2022Riveting
A fast moving, detailed read. Herman takes you right to the action and keeps you there. His characters do not fall into the lanterns, jawed super hero too many authors use. Believable and human. Recommend this book as a very good read.
A fast moving, detailed read. Herman takes you right to the action and keeps you there. His characters do not fall into the lanterns, jawed super hero too many authors use. Believable and human. Recommend this book as a very good read.
March 12, 2022
Great book.
The book started rather slow and boring with the political setup for the story. That, I feel could have been cut shorter. After the action began the rest of the book was riveting. Loved it.
The book started rather slow and boring with the political setup for the story. That, I feel could have been cut shorter. After the action began the rest of the book was riveting. Loved it.
November 10, 2017
Great Read, minimal profanity.Fast moving with a lot of action.
Should be very interesting to ex Air Force and all military flyers.
Should be very interesting to ex Air Force and all military flyers.
February 13, 2018
An entertaining read
Book starts out slowly but becomes an exciting read near the end. If you enjoy the Warthog you should like this book.
Book starts out slowly but becomes an exciting read near the end. If you enjoy the Warthog you should like this book.
July 17, 2018
Military All The Way
November 7, 2019
Best so far in series
Details and sequence of events easily followed and newer characters well developed. Left us hanging in the end in anticipation of next edition.
Details and sequence of events easily followed and newer characters well developed. Left us hanging in the end in anticipation of next edition.
July 18, 2021
Excellent novel, Richard Herman does not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoy reading his books.
October 4, 2021
I have not read the first three books but I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Great read with lots of action. I definitely will have to look for the first three.
April 13, 2022
Another Excellent War Thriller
Another excellent war thriller in the Matt Pontowski series. It was a page turner that kept me on the edge of y seat. Looking forward to Book 3
Another excellent war thriller in the Matt Pontowski series. It was a page turner that kept me on the edge of y seat. Looking forward to Book 3
January 17, 2023
combat
Dick Herman makes air combat come alive. He does have a bad habit of killing off characters you like tho
Dick Herman makes air combat come alive. He does have a bad habit of killing off characters you like tho
February 14, 2024
Excellent effort. Love Herman's books!
November 8, 2025
A pretty good story, this time in South Africa, a sequel to the China book
January 11, 2016
Iron Gate
Herman at his very best. This novel involves the workhorse of the Air Force, the AC-130 aircraft in various models and the best close combat air to ground craft, the A-10 Warthog. Even though most of the action takes place in Africa, several agencies (alphabet types) and the French Foreign Legion combine forces to end the rule of a rouge African General and eliminate the tight fisted reign of terror he represented. This is a shining example of why our men and women who wear the uniform go above and beyond the call of duty when tasked with a new level of threat to our freedom. You'll find yourself unable to put this down until you're at the end. Thanks for another great read.
Herman at his very best. This novel involves the workhorse of the Air Force, the AC-130 aircraft in various models and the best close combat air to ground craft, the A-10 Warthog. Even though most of the action takes place in Africa, several agencies (alphabet types) and the French Foreign Legion combine forces to end the rule of a rouge African General and eliminate the tight fisted reign of terror he represented. This is a shining example of why our men and women who wear the uniform go above and beyond the call of duty when tasked with a new level of threat to our freedom. You'll find yourself unable to put this down until you're at the end. Thanks for another great read.
August 16, 2015
It's an ok book, probably not for a wide audience. It's clear that the writer loves flying and knows his stuff and consequently the air combat scenes are very good. Everything else - not so much. The villains are a touch too evil, the heroes are a little too heroic, a gun jams just at the right moment.
October 9, 2015
This book is a very descriptive, unique, and an amazing read. I would definitely recommend this book if you're into the action genre. When I first opened this book to start reading it I wasn't really interested, but the more I read the more I got into it, so if you're not so interested in it at first, just give it time.
August 3, 2014
A decent action thriller, but not as good as Tom Clancy and Stephen Coonts. Good characters, good action, a little too much "cool" military jargon. This is #4 in a series, and I'll probably go back and try #1 - #3.
February 22, 2014
great book. like all of the other herman books. i found myself predicting the demise of certain characters half way through and predicting the end at two thirds of the way. none of my predictions came to full trition and that is good. overall i loved it
December 28, 2015
Another book celebrating the A-10 Warthogs acting in close-air support of ground troops, in independent missions, and in dogfights against other aircraft. The setting is South Africa and the combatants, well, all the usual players.
October 14, 2016
Very interesting
This was a different type of military drama and a very interesting one. It gives one a look at what a legionnaires are about. And of course a little information about the A-10s and what they were designed for.
This was a different type of military drama and a very interesting one. It gives one a look at what a legionnaires are about. And of course a little information about the A-10s and what they were designed for.
Read
December 1, 2010Not Bad
April 22, 2020
Good action packed flying yarn
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews