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The War Planners #6
Global Strike
GLOBAL STRIKE: The final book in the USA Today bestselling War Planners series.
It has been over a year since the war began. A year since China launched a surprise attack on America.
On that fateful day, EMP and cyber weapons plunged much of the nation into a dark chaos. Thousands of anti-ship missiles gutted the US Pacific fleet. A Chinese-allied North Korea launched an all-out attack on South Korea. And a Chinese information warfare campaign tricked America into launching its own limited nuclear strike.
The aftermath was devastating.
But the Chinese-American war has grown cold in the past year. Fighting between the two superpowers has been slowed by oceanic moats. China's strategy is to put America under siege, politically and economically. And it's working.
But the flames of war will soon rekindle.
Chinese President Jinshan is not long for this earth. With cancer giving him only a few months left to live, he is ready for his final move. A massive Chinese military transit across the Pacific, and eventually onto American soil.
The Americans are preparing. David Manning is now one of the top members of a secretive CIA-Pentagon team tasked with finding a winning strategy. His brother Chase is working with American special forces and CIA teams in Chinese-contested hot spots around the world. Victoria Manning is the commanding officer of a navy helicopter squadron in the eastern pacific. And Lena Chou is held prisoner on an American military base.
But everything is about to change.
Time is running out.
And the Americans will need more than technology or bravery to win the war.
They will need a plan.
427 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2020
2267 people are currently reading
134 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 107 reviews
July 24, 2021
Sigh. This series of books was truly disappointing. Where to start? The blurb states the author is in the same class as Tom Clancy and Vince Flynn. Not by a mile. Tom Clancy's Red Storm Rising is at the top of this genre. Writing a series of six books is, I feel, to have been his downfall. It was perhaps 3 good books cramed in 6. Book 2 was pointless. Had no effect on the story and any salient points could have been picked up elsewhere. I only finished the series because I had invested so much time into it.
If ever there was a tale that needed a strong time line this was it. The author used vague measures of time passing and it led to many inconsistencies. There were plot holes way too many to mention but examples include, and one in particular that has been made before in books like this, is the invasion of Panama from Colombia. There is a 90 mile gap of jungle, mountains and swamps called the Darian Gap. No roads or tunnels. The Panamanian government still maintains it to prevent drugs and FARC coming through. That was ignored. Then how many ships would be needed to cross the Pacific to get 4 million plus Chinese troops into South America? Then supplying and feeding them? 8 - 12 million meals a day. Then fuel and tanks and planes etc. Central America is a choke point. No sane military planner would consider it. Easier to Island hop the Caribbean to Florida.
Book 4 went a bit psychedelic. It seems the author's chief strategist was a 14 year old buzzed on mountain dew and a fan of Command and Conquer video games. This is where lasers, blimps and potential black hole super weapons where introduced.
Then there's the main protagonists. Lena Chou and the Manning family. All clumsily inserted into the plot at convenient places. Too many coincidences. It was like they fought the war on their own.
The story also relied upon cyber technology and satellite destruction. But the Americans and Chinese destroyed each others satellites within days. But... plot hole. The Russians were allied secretly with the Chinese. So why didn't they use their satellite network?
Other things included skipping over things that were probably too difficult to explain. Instead the author relied upon mentioning them in conversation. 'We lost Guam today', 'Really?' 'Yeah'.
I could go on but that's the just of it. Glad the journey is over.
If ever there was a tale that needed a strong time line this was it. The author used vague measures of time passing and it led to many inconsistencies. There were plot holes way too many to mention but examples include, and one in particular that has been made before in books like this, is the invasion of Panama from Colombia. There is a 90 mile gap of jungle, mountains and swamps called the Darian Gap. No roads or tunnels. The Panamanian government still maintains it to prevent drugs and FARC coming through. That was ignored. Then how many ships would be needed to cross the Pacific to get 4 million plus Chinese troops into South America? Then supplying and feeding them? 8 - 12 million meals a day. Then fuel and tanks and planes etc. Central America is a choke point. No sane military planner would consider it. Easier to Island hop the Caribbean to Florida.
Book 4 went a bit psychedelic. It seems the author's chief strategist was a 14 year old buzzed on mountain dew and a fan of Command and Conquer video games. This is where lasers, blimps and potential black hole super weapons where introduced.
Then there's the main protagonists. Lena Chou and the Manning family. All clumsily inserted into the plot at convenient places. Too many coincidences. It was like they fought the war on their own.
The story also relied upon cyber technology and satellite destruction. But the Americans and Chinese destroyed each others satellites within days. But... plot hole. The Russians were allied secretly with the Chinese. So why didn't they use their satellite network?
Other things included skipping over things that were probably too difficult to explain. Instead the author relied upon mentioning them in conversation. 'We lost Guam today', 'Really?' 'Yeah'.
I could go on but that's the just of it. Glad the journey is over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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March 6, 2020Global Strike (The War Planners #6), my sixth read from author Andrew Watts; I highly recommend reading them back-to-back-to-back. An incredibly well developed, well-written series that takes off like a jet fighter from an aircraft carrier blending seamlessly to the first five books. The primary characters are well developed over the course of the books, even the lesser characters are & now in the sixth book, the developed characters are like old friends and you’re invested in their welfare and storyline. Reminiscent of the best works of Tom Clancy. A must-read series! "I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
July 7, 2020
This review is for the 6 book series.
Just finished this entire series and enjoyed it immensely, although it was a little too close to current events for comfort. The books are well-written and the editing is far superior to many of the books I’ve read in the last few years. I only found about 10 questionable things on the entire series. Can’t call them all mistakes because some of them are simply my picayunish insights. I’m on to the Fend books next, and expect them to be just as excellent. Bravo!
Just finished this entire series and enjoyed it immensely, although it was a little too close to current events for comfort. The books are well-written and the editing is far superior to many of the books I’ve read in the last few years. I only found about 10 questionable things on the entire series. Can’t call them all mistakes because some of them are simply my picayunish insights. I’m on to the Fend books next, and expect them to be just as excellent. Bravo!
May 27, 2020
Wish it didn't end!
Andrew Watts ended this series in his fashion. Fast paced detail pages of military action. How attention to detail give this piece of fiction an almost noon fiction feeling. While it gives me goosebumps if this can really happen. Andrew wrote it well. Of this six book series this was my fastest read yet. The book was so good I finished it in 2 days. Please read and support Andrew. Global strike is a great ending to this series.
Andrew Watts ended this series in his fashion. Fast paced detail pages of military action. How attention to detail give this piece of fiction an almost noon fiction feeling. While it gives me goosebumps if this can really happen. Andrew wrote it well. Of this six book series this was my fastest read yet. The book was so good I finished it in 2 days. Please read and support Andrew. Global strike is a great ending to this series.
December 9, 2020
Great exciting book
Well written book and a timely book with all that is going on in the world. These books need to read in order
Well written book and a timely book with all that is going on in the world. These books need to read in order
February 11, 2020
"Global Strike" is the final book of the series. Well written it brings the war to conclusion in an exciting ending. I found as I got closer to the end it moved faster and faster. It was hard to put down as the end unfolded. Some of the ending was predictable, but a few surprises.
June 17, 2020
I enjoyed this series of books but must admit that I was growing a bit tired of the story line by the time we come to the last book.
The conclusion of the series is good and entertaining, it will answer lots of your questions, but for me it just was a tad slow.
But, please the whole series is well written, the characters are well developed and you will want to read this end product because it will answer all the questions you have had about how the World will deal with a major conflict that could mean the end of the world as we have known it.
The conclusion of the series is good and entertaining, it will answer lots of your questions, but for me it just was a tad slow.
But, please the whole series is well written, the characters are well developed and you will want to read this end product because it will answer all the questions you have had about how the World will deal with a major conflict that could mean the end of the world as we have known it.
February 15, 2020
Andrew Watts’ War Planner series has yet to disappoint, and this sixth book certainly holds its own in the non-stop action we have come to expect from this series. This episode has all the characters we have become familiar with in the earlier books, as well as introducing a few new ones who may or may not become crucial to defeating the enemy. Mr. Watt has included a few well-placed plot twists that keep his reader on the edge of their seats. In fact once again I sacrificed a few hours of sleep just to finish the story so that I didn’t have to wonder how it would end. This is a must read for fans of the War Planners series. I received an advance reader copy and chose to provide this review.
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September 7, 2025The conclusion to possibly my favourite book series ever. I discovered the first book, War Planners, in June last year and quickly read all 5 in the series over the course of the the next 5 months (only because I was borrowing them from Kindle Unlimited and my subscription is for 1 book a month). When I found out this last book was due for release in March I was almost counting down the time to download it.
The 5 stars is essentially for the series as a whole. This book wasn’t quite as good as some of the others, and the ending was somewhat underwhelming, but in fairness that was partly because the series was so good. In truth, if you asked me how I thought it should end, I wouldn’t be able to come up with something better.
The 5 stars is essentially for the series as a whole. This book wasn’t quite as good as some of the others, and the ending was somewhat underwhelming, but in fairness that was partly because the series was so good. In truth, if you asked me how I thought it should end, I wouldn’t be able to come up with something better.
December 26, 2020
Very well organized story
I thoroughly enjoyed this series of stories. It was well conceived and well written. All of the characters are believable with their own set of faults and talents. Most importantly, the story itself is entirely believable. The age of technology has provided a platform upon which enemies of the US can exploit and use to advantage. This story, although fiction, has a deeply disturbing theory-the US could very well fall victim to it's own dependence on technology. But, the US in this story has the talented characters to win the day based upon common sense and simple solutions.
In my humble opinion, this series should be required reading for anyone in a leadership position. Excellent writing, Mr. Watts.
I thoroughly enjoyed this series of stories. It was well conceived and well written. All of the characters are believable with their own set of faults and talents. Most importantly, the story itself is entirely believable. The age of technology has provided a platform upon which enemies of the US can exploit and use to advantage. This story, although fiction, has a deeply disturbing theory-the US could very well fall victim to it's own dependence on technology. But, the US in this story has the talented characters to win the day based upon common sense and simple solutions.
In my humble opinion, this series should be required reading for anyone in a leadership position. Excellent writing, Mr. Watts.
February 5, 2020
This sixth and last installment of the War Planner series is superb and the best one yet! Just like his other books this 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 ending brings a satisfying close to this masterful series. Well done Andrew, another stunning 5-star effort!
Thank you to the author who provided me with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
All the Manning characters from the previous books are back as well as the Chinese villains. The ending brings a satisfying close to this masterful series. Well done Andrew, another stunning 5-star effort!
Thank you to the author who provided me with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2020
Couldn't set it down. Downloaded it late at night, got up the next morning and began to read. Other than cooking and such I read it until I was done.
Each of the books, from 1 through 6, is better than the prior book. I will buy the book in paperback so my Son can read it and the I can, again.
Andrew Watts writes a spellbinding tale with plausibility. Yes, it could be happening today or happen next year, the enemies brought out in the series are real.
With 23 years in the US Navy I appreciate the portrayal of the service he has made in this series. His character development is spectacular.
What is most important, the story is believable, it is understandable, potential history.
Each of the books, from 1 through 6, is better than the prior book. I will buy the book in paperback so my Son can read it and the I can, again.
Andrew Watts writes a spellbinding tale with plausibility. Yes, it could be happening today or happen next year, the enemies brought out in the series are real.
With 23 years in the US Navy I appreciate the portrayal of the service he has made in this series. His character development is spectacular.
What is most important, the story is believable, it is understandable, potential history.
April 7, 2020
Andrew Watts never disappoints. As the final book in this series, it was every bit as fast paced and nerve-wracking as its predecessors. By now we all know the main players, but Andrew still throws us a few new "things". Besides the near constant suspense, of all the books, it's always the tech, for me, that makes it damn near impossible to put down any of Andrew's books. The overarching theme of this series was prescient from the beginning, and even thought he wrote this in 2019, he's even more spot on given what's been going of late. So bummed there will be no more in this series, but totally look forward whatever new books Andrew puts out next. Note: Lena gave this 5 stars, too!!
December 21, 2020
Scarily good
Now finished all six books so here is my review. I hope that it remains a work of fiction and doesn't prove to be a vision of the future. I was immersed in each of the novels, unwilling to put them down until the end, often to the detriment of sleep! The characters are believable, in some cases likeable some hateful and many terrifying with their lust for power at all costs. It paints the powerful elite of every country in a poor light whilst showing that the rest of the population is basically powerless to rein in their excesses. But above all, this series is a rattling good read.
Now finished all six books so here is my review. I hope that it remains a work of fiction and doesn't prove to be a vision of the future. I was immersed in each of the novels, unwilling to put them down until the end, often to the detriment of sleep! The characters are believable, in some cases likeable some hateful and many terrifying with their lust for power at all costs. It paints the powerful elite of every country in a poor light whilst showing that the rest of the population is basically powerless to rein in their excesses. But above all, this series is a rattling good read.
February 25, 2020
I received an advanced review copy of this book from the author. Really compelling end to a very engaging series about a theoretical war between the US and China, unwittingly planned by Americans who were deceived about their activities. The books have a great deal of technical detail, but are not nearly as unwieldy as many of Tom Clancy’s novels, for example. The tech is accessible, and the main characters are engaging and sympathetic. I liked each of the books in this series a great deal, but this last book is particularly enjoyable.
May 1, 2020
I did enjoy this series. The first book was a bit of a stretch to me as I could not quite get how these people could have been duped so easily, but it is, after all, a work of fiction. Continuing the saga I decided that it did seem plausible in this day and time. The bad guys were very, very bad and the good guys knew how to take care of their duty to mankind, God and the Queen. Fun reading, very entertaining and it would be nice to see see the future through Mr. Watts eyes, so let's see #7, please.
May 7, 2020
Excellent series of books
From the beginning of the series of war planners the author takes the reader on a journey that guarantees that they will not want to see end, his use of the characters is sublime.
I have been thoroughly enthralled by the author's imagination and description of the characters and the way he portrayed their separate storylines and combined them into the overall storyline,I have read many books by different author's and would put him up alongside the very best.
From the beginning of the series of war planners the author takes the reader on a journey that guarantees that they will not want to see end, his use of the characters is sublime.
I have been thoroughly enthralled by the author's imagination and description of the characters and the way he portrayed their separate storylines and combined them into the overall storyline,I have read many books by different author's and would put him up alongside the very best.
July 4, 2025
Once you start this series you are kinda required to carry on reading it to its conclusion.i.e.all 6 books in the series. Good read however one can only hope that the U S is not so ill prepared for a conflict with another global entity.
The ending is predictable, however the political situation in the opposing country after the conflict should have been part of the story. (Trying not to give away the plot here) Other than this, it is a fast moving, attention holding series of novels that would make a good TV Mini series.
The ending is predictable, however the political situation in the opposing country after the conflict should have been part of the story. (Trying not to give away the plot here) Other than this, it is a fast moving, attention holding series of novels that would make a good TV Mini series.
March 4, 2020
A fitting end to the saga
The entire War Planners series is excellent, with each book building on the story. Global Strike is a very fitting end to the series, with several twists and turns thrown in, and well-defined action. The story has enough technical depth to keep the reader engaged without crossing the line into information overload. All in all of say this is a fantastic read!
The entire War Planners series is excellent, with each book building on the story. Global Strike is a very fitting end to the series, with several twists and turns thrown in, and well-defined action. The story has enough technical depth to keep the reader engaged without crossing the line into information overload. All in all of say this is a fantastic read!
April 28, 2020
Awesome conclusion
The first three books were awesome, the next one lost a bit of steam but were still interesting, the conclusion really brought the story to an end. I liked how Mr. Watts wove in some of the current geopolitical info into the story. For the last part I think the geography for streched a bit but I am willing to give it a pass as it kept with the flow of the story. Now I have to read his next series
The first three books were awesome, the next one lost a bit of steam but were still interesting, the conclusion really brought the story to an end. I liked how Mr. Watts wove in some of the current geopolitical info into the story. For the last part I think the geography for streched a bit but I am willing to give it a pass as it kept with the flow of the story. Now I have to read his next series
July 12, 2020
Another superb read
It had been a while waiting for this book to appear, and me reading work by other authors, so I was really looking forward to this book arriving. Most of the time it's the anticipation that is the better part, as the book tends to be a let down. Not her,e though, action from page one. You are quickly picked up by the plot and swept along at a terrific pace, what a superb piece of writing.
It had been a while waiting for this book to appear, and me reading work by other authors, so I was really looking forward to this book arriving. Most of the time it's the anticipation that is the better part, as the book tends to be a let down. Not her,e though, action from page one. You are quickly picked up by the plot and swept along at a terrific pace, what a superb piece of writing.
July 10, 2021
A remarkable series
I read the series as one book and was impressed with the technical knowledge of the author.. The story gives testimony to the phrase "...a little child shall save them." The west needs to have a greater appreciation for the Chinese and their potential destructive ability. I can see a war such as this as a possibility and our government needs to recognize the dangers and be prepared.
I read the series as one book and was impressed with the technical knowledge of the author.. The story gives testimony to the phrase "...a little child shall save them." The west needs to have a greater appreciation for the Chinese and their potential destructive ability. I can see a war such as this as a possibility and our government needs to recognize the dangers and be prepared.
March 24, 2022
I was ready for this story to finally end after 6 books. Some good action. Some interesting political and military plotlines. Too many plot holes. Too many implausible coincidences between . Huge reveal late in the story of a strategy secret that was kept not just from the but also from us, the readers who have invested so much time in the story. All in all a mix of 3 and 4 star books.
February 25, 2020
The author has done a spectacular job during this entire series. Character development was well-done and the characters quite interesting. Global Strike is a fitting conclusion to a series that could almost seem to have been ripped from the headlines! For anyone that has served in the military, this series will grip you!
February 27, 2020
Watts War Planner series is a scary read as the events are not only plausible but in this insane world possible. Hopefully cooler heads will prevail in the real world. Great reads and they all hold your attention. Some of the actual operations seem a little unreal, but they make for a thrilling read as do the characters.
March 6, 2020
Great series
I read the first one in the War Planners series...thought it was ok and bought the second book. Got hooked and have to say it was a great series. Just finished the 6th book and it was amazing. Highly recommend this writer. You will not be disappointed. As good as any Jack Reacher novel and I’ve read all of them.
I read the first one in the War Planners series...thought it was ok and bought the second book. Got hooked and have to say it was a great series. Just finished the 6th book and it was amazing. Highly recommend this writer. You will not be disappointed. As good as any Jack Reacher novel and I’ve read all of them.
March 12, 2020
Very good war game series
The plot for this 6book series kept getting better as the story progressed. The author knows his stuff as he is a former air force pilot. He has some shortcomings as a writer and that it the reasoning for my 4 🌟 rating. At the end, USA prevails against China but not before taking a good pounding.
The plot for this 6book series kept getting better as the story progressed. The author knows his stuff as he is a former air force pilot. He has some shortcomings as a writer and that it the reasoning for my 4 🌟 rating. At the end, USA prevails against China but not before taking a good pounding.
April 19, 2020
This series even though it's fiction , really makes a lot of questions point to current world affairs of foreign countries.
I really was taken into this series and so much of the current news, the Korean rocket testing, rising value of Bit Coin, and now coronavirus 19, mirrored The War Planners Series.
Look forward to ready more books by Andrew Watts.
I really was taken into this series and so much of the current news, the Korean rocket testing, rising value of Bit Coin, and now coronavirus 19, mirrored The War Planners Series.
Look forward to ready more books by Andrew Watts.
May 11, 2020
The turning tide!
The Manning siblings return for the sixth and probably final book of The War Planners.
Jinshan was still in control on his plan for China to dominate the world after the war. He was still dying of cancer and met his cruel fate. There was a shock new leader of China who tried to annihilate the USA.
The Americans had an ace in their sleeves.
Caesar XIII
The Manning siblings return for the sixth and probably final book of The War Planners.
Jinshan was still in control on his plan for China to dominate the world after the war. He was still dying of cancer and met his cruel fate. There was a shock new leader of China who tried to annihilate the USA.
The Americans had an ace in their sleeves.
Caesar XIII
August 30, 2020
So sad to be the end of War Planner series
An unparalleled series leaving you in a choke hold of terror and intrigue. This series was a great ride but frighteningly realistic.
Was hoping for different ending for Lena - and Chase. Loved evolution personally and professionally of David, Chase and Lena (and her cohorts).
MUST-READ SERIES!
An unparalleled series leaving you in a choke hold of terror and intrigue. This series was a great ride but frighteningly realistic.
Was hoping for different ending for Lena - and Chase. Loved evolution personally and professionally of David, Chase and Lena (and her cohorts).
MUST-READ SERIES!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews