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WW III #1
WW III
“Superior to Tom Clancy genre, with characters that came alive…and the military aspect far more realistic.”THE SPECTATOR The strategy, the weapons, the human story. It can happen. THE NEXT WAR In the Pacific—Off Korea's east coast, 185 miles south of the DMZ six Russian-made TU-22M Backfires come in low, traveling at Mach .9. Each carries two seven-hundred-pound cluster bombs, three one-thousand-pound "iron" or high-explosive bombs, ten one-thousand-pound concrete-piercing bombs, and fifty two-hundred-pound FAEs (fuel air explosives, closely related to Napalm). In Europe—Twenty Soviet Warsaw Pact infantry divisions and four thousand tanks begin to move. They are preceded by hundreds of strike SU-24/Fencers for ground support and MiG-29s with air-to-air Alamo and antiradiation, antiradar air-to-surface missiles, with Russian NR-30 mm tank-destroying cannon. All are pointed toward the Fulda Gap. So it begins...WWIII
580 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 1990
239 people are currently reading
486 people want to read
About the author
Ian Slater
53 books22 followersIan Slater is a thriller writer based in Vancouver, Canada. He has authored twenty-three adventure thrillers, including Firespill, Sea Gold, Air Glow Red, Storm, Deep Chill, Forbidden Zone, MacArthur Must Die, Showdown, Battle Front, and Manhunt. He is also known for his World War III series, which includes eleven stand-alone books, among them WW III: DARPA Alpha.
In addition to fiction, he has written Orwell: The Road to Airstrip One, a widely praised study of George Orwell’s social and political thought. He served as editor of the academic quarterly Pacific Affairs for twelve years and has contributed book reviews to major North American newspapers. His work also extends to film and radio, having written and produced radio dramas and short stories for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, as well as the screenplay for the National Film Board’s animated film Flash Point.
Before turning to writing, Slater held various roles, including working for the Australian navy, serving as a cipher clerk for the country’s Department of External Affairs, and acting as a defense officer for the Australian Joint Intelligence Bureau. He later worked as a marine geology technician, undertaking research voyages in the Pacific. Holding a doctorate in political science, he has taught courses in the humanities as both an author and lecturer.
In addition to fiction, he has written Orwell: The Road to Airstrip One, a widely praised study of George Orwell’s social and political thought. He served as editor of the academic quarterly Pacific Affairs for twelve years and has contributed book reviews to major North American newspapers. His work also extends to film and radio, having written and produced radio dramas and short stories for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, as well as the screenplay for the National Film Board’s animated film Flash Point.
Before turning to writing, Slater held various roles, including working for the Australian navy, serving as a cipher clerk for the country’s Department of External Affairs, and acting as a defense officer for the Australian Joint Intelligence Bureau. He later worked as a marine geology technician, undertaking research voyages in the Pacific. Holding a doctorate in political science, he has taught courses in the humanities as both an author and lecturer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 14, 2018
I read this book originally not long after it came out then some years later got the whole series through WW III: South China Sea (the whole series at the time). This is essentially a review of the series as a whole.
Unfortunately, for a series that went as long as it did the books are not very impressive despite a strong effort for military detail. The first book was easily the best, the next few are okay, but by the time the series and it's titular conflict shifts from Europe to Asia it is really forgettable. The series is also fraught with small mistakes and inconsistencies. The first seven books are at least well connected with an extended military conflict; the 8th book doesn't have any apparent connection with the rest of the series other than the main character (Douglas Freeman, main character of the entire WWIII series and a couple other books by the author).
Unfortunately, for a series that went as long as it did the books are not very impressive despite a strong effort for military detail. The first book was easily the best, the next few are okay, but by the time the series and it's titular conflict shifts from Europe to Asia it is really forgettable. The series is also fraught with small mistakes and inconsistencies. The first seven books are at least well connected with an extended military conflict; the 8th book doesn't have any apparent connection with the rest of the series other than the main character (Douglas Freeman, main character of the entire WWIII series and a couple other books by the author).
June 12, 2013
What an excellent read, I would definitely suggest this to anyone. It was very believable, and would not be out of place in today's news. This is the first book in the series, it was fast moving and a real page turner.
There are many books in the series which I shall definitely be reading, Ian Slater is an excellent author.
There are many books in the series which I shall definitely be reading, Ian Slater is an excellent author.
July 17, 2018
This is a good solid techno thriller on par with those of Stephen Coonts and Dale Brown. Fast paced with the emphasis being on military units and armaments being deployed. On those occasions where the author provided a look at the personal dramas of his main characters it was quite good. Hoping to see that aspect expanded upon in future series entries.
February 28, 2018
Whilst this book isn't some award winning literary work, it still is quite entertaining. It's all about an escalation between North & South Korea that spirals out of control dragging the world into armed conflict. The escalation and battles are realistic, with the novel being set in 1990, so whilst the technology and warfare isn't to today's standards the details are correct for the period (including North Korea's leader being Kim Il-sung).
Towards the latter half as things heat up the book becomes more gripping and the author having a series in mind ends on reasonable cliff hanger to keep you interested in continuing.
One thing I found lacking was the lack of chapter subtitles in reference to the time, whilst some chapters do say "...some months later" during the opening paragraphs it would have been nicer to have a specific date at the beginning of each chapter so you can better place mentally how events are unfolding.
Other than that, it was good.
Towards the latter half as things heat up the book becomes more gripping and the author having a series in mind ends on reasonable cliff hanger to keep you interested in continuing.
One thing I found lacking was the lack of chapter subtitles in reference to the time, whilst some chapters do say "...some months later" during the opening paragraphs it would have been nicer to have a specific date at the beginning of each chapter so you can better place mentally how events are unfolding.
Other than that, it was good.
December 10, 2014
This books catching title caught my eye when I was scanning my fathers bookshelf, looking for a book and I'm happy it did. After I picked it up and read the back, I wanted to read it even more. The quote on the back was responsible,"Twenty Soviet Warsaw Pact infantry divisions and four thousand tanks began to move. They are preceded by hundreds of strike aircraft: SU-24/Fencers for ground support and MiG-29s with air-to-air Alamo and antiradiation, antiradar air-to-surface missiles, with Russian NR-30 mm tank-destroying cannon. All are pointed toward the Fulda Gap. So it begins..." This quote sets the tone for the whole book and gives you an idea of how the language is going to be. While I was reading the book, I found myself rooting for certain sides and characters. The author got you to do that by building up the characters into people that you can relate to and have sympathy towards. I love reading alternate history books and this is one of the best that I have read, therefore eliciting my rating of 5 stars for this book.
September 7, 2020
Not Quite Clancy
The Spectator says this is superior to Tom Clancy. I don’t think so. Nor superior to Bond, Coonts, Coyle, or Brown.
It’s a decent novel. Reads very long. Character development is decent. But what is disappointing is the numerous editor mistakes and more importantly, the vast number of technology and military mistakes. A US Navy commissioned officer with the rank of Major? Same individual piloting a Doomsday aircraft? Supertankers with RORO capabilities, Seawolf class subs with SLBM capabilities, radar discussed when talking about towed arrays underwater?
If you can get past these types of mistakes, then it’s not a bad read. But, it isn’t Tom Clancy. These kinds of mistakes would not have happened in a Clancy novel or any of the others listed below.
The Spectator says this is superior to Tom Clancy. I don’t think so. Nor superior to Bond, Coonts, Coyle, or Brown.
It’s a decent novel. Reads very long. Character development is decent. But what is disappointing is the numerous editor mistakes and more importantly, the vast number of technology and military mistakes. A US Navy commissioned officer with the rank of Major? Same individual piloting a Doomsday aircraft? Supertankers with RORO capabilities, Seawolf class subs with SLBM capabilities, radar discussed when talking about towed arrays underwater?
If you can get past these types of mistakes, then it’s not a bad read. But, it isn’t Tom Clancy. These kinds of mistakes would not have happened in a Clancy novel or any of the others listed below.
August 20, 2017
First of 10 books about WWIII erupting right after the Gorbachev era. Great alternate history that is an extremely technical description of what war would have looked like in that era. Given that I left the Army in 1984, this is the war I would have fought....
August 15, 2020
Still good
What is it , over thirty years old? Still a good story but vastly overpriced. Get real, back then it was cutting edge, now it is gone.
What is it , over thirty years old? Still a good story but vastly overpriced. Get real, back then it was cutting edge, now it is gone.
August 28, 2020
Could not finish this
Not at all what I expected. Wholly improbable scenario. Not at all how the military would act in Korea.
Oh well.
Not at all what I expected. Wholly improbable scenario. Not at all how the military would act in Korea.
Oh well.
March 7, 2024
I already read this book many years ago and decided to reread it. Main reason is that I missed one of the titles in this series, so WWIII went haywire for me somewhere down the line since I had not noticed this before, and recently purchased a copy of it. Remarkable is that I still remembered many of the characters and events in this book.
All of a sudden the balloon goes up in Korea and war shows its ugly face. We follow several members from the Brentwood family that are stationed around the world and all of a sudden get involved in all of this. The action takes you from a US Navy frigate to a US sub, a North Korean armored unit and more. And it’s not only the Brentwood family we get to follow but also several characters involved on both sides. The actions are well described and engaging, but…
There are some strange and unnecessary mistakes in the story, and this from someone involved in the military and on top of this the intelligence business. East Germany did not use Su-15s, but this could be called ‘literary freedom’. But calling the WSO’s flying in the back of the F-16’s RIO’s is a no go to me. And there are some more things like this. Does it take away from the story? No, it doesn’t, but could have been avoided.
With war raging in Korea and Europe, I am ready to start book 2.
All of a sudden the balloon goes up in Korea and war shows its ugly face. We follow several members from the Brentwood family that are stationed around the world and all of a sudden get involved in all of this. The action takes you from a US Navy frigate to a US sub, a North Korean armored unit and more. And it’s not only the Brentwood family we get to follow but also several characters involved on both sides. The actions are well described and engaging, but…
There are some strange and unnecessary mistakes in the story, and this from someone involved in the military and on top of this the intelligence business. East Germany did not use Su-15s, but this could be called ‘literary freedom’. But calling the WSO’s flying in the back of the F-16’s RIO’s is a no go to me. And there are some more things like this. Does it take away from the story? No, it doesn’t, but could have been avoided.
With war raging in Korea and Europe, I am ready to start book 2.
July 19, 2022
"“Superior to Tom Clancy genre, with characters that came alive…and the military aspect far more realistic.”THE SPECTATOR " ... Outside of the book being in the same basic genre as Tom Clancy's books, nothing in that blurb's close to true. For example, the characters are little more than a collection of stock genre tropes, the the militaria is beyond laughable and shows how little attention to detail gave the author when he wrote this stinker which is odd, given the author's supposed background as an Aussie intel officer. From calling Sentries "Hawkeyes", NR-30 (a Soviet autocannon used for close-in A2A engagements) a tank-buster, messing up types of planes and the missions they're designed to do, WSO's 'RIO's, showing little to no grasp of tactics (in the land, sea or air)... all the way to calling the AK-47 a submachine gun shows how little effort the author gave the *easy* stuff, so it's no wonder the whole novel's such a stinker.
All in all, if someone's expecting even a pale imitation of a (late era) Tom Clancy book, it's better to look elsewhere.
All in all, if someone's expecting even a pale imitation of a (late era) Tom Clancy book, it's better to look elsewhere.
February 24, 2021
Entertaining, but...
One review said something like "better than Clancy!!!"
Well, not quite.
The author has a good story to share, and overall its well told.
It's the details that make an author great, as opposed to good.
There are details about the naval engagements that are just plain wrong.
And most fans of this genre know the details.
Throw in some incredibly long sentences (I counted seven commas in one sentence!) .
Again , it's a fun story and kept my interest. But there's a lot of room to improve.
If you're truly a fan of this genre, you might want to steer clear, as you may be disappointed.
Otherwise have at it!
One review said something like "better than Clancy!!!"
Well, not quite.
The author has a good story to share, and overall its well told.
It's the details that make an author great, as opposed to good.
There are details about the naval engagements that are just plain wrong.
And most fans of this genre know the details.
Throw in some incredibly long sentences (I counted seven commas in one sentence!) .
Again , it's a fun story and kept my interest. But there's a lot of room to improve.
If you're truly a fan of this genre, you might want to steer clear, as you may be disappointed.
Otherwise have at it!
July 18, 2021
My first read of work from this author and in less than 150 pages just one word came to mind, rubbish!
I seen another review, quite lengthy, noted Slater’s attention to military detail as an impressive point. Obviously another who holds ignorance as a virtue. My point in fact, since when has a Russian AK47 been described as a, “Submachine gun”? I can tell you though, the AK47 is an Assault rifle, not a submachine gun, as Mr Slater describes it. If you are going to write about such things at least know what they are!
I seen another review, quite lengthy, noted Slater’s attention to military detail as an impressive point. Obviously another who holds ignorance as a virtue. My point in fact, since when has a Russian AK47 been described as a, “Submachine gun”? I can tell you though, the AK47 is an Assault rifle, not a submachine gun, as Mr Slater describes it. If you are going to write about such things at least know what they are!
May 31, 2022
Really bad. Sections would just end abruptly. There was no continuity with the narrative, randomly jumping around the globe to places that may or may not have had actual action. Characters were flat and what details were given were, guess what, random and not much to build a character on. Just a slog to get through. But, I suppose the thought given to the military details was good, so not the lowest rating possible.
February 16, 2022
A good read
Yes I did enjoy it. But it lacked some of the umph. Of some of the later WWIII novels. That will come out later in the 20th century. But given the time period. ( I'm taking this is the Ian Slater that wrote the WWIIIseries back in the 80. 3 books called ww3 somthing) But yes I would recommend the 1st book so far.
Yes I did enjoy it. But it lacked some of the umph. Of some of the later WWIII novels. That will come out later in the 20th century. But given the time period. ( I'm taking this is the Ian Slater that wrote the WWIIIseries back in the 80. 3 books called ww3 somthing) But yes I would recommend the 1st book so far.
October 8, 2020
Fantastic Read!
I could scarcely set this book aside. Fast moving and realistic . The character development is superb . I was never aware of the final outcome until reading it. I am hoping for a sequel to finish the remaining loose ends. Buy this book and read it.
I could scarcely set this book aside. Fast moving and realistic . The character development is superb . I was never aware of the final outcome until reading it. I am hoping for a sequel to finish the remaining loose ends. Buy this book and read it.
May 2, 2021
Read this over 20 years ago. Love how this book follow one family through all manner of war. Still one of my favorite books. I feel like on par with Tom Clancy for technical military writing. I will say first half was slow with all the set up then bang knee deep in WW III.
June 25, 2020
Believable
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, believable characters and situations looking forward to reading no 2 a very good read
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, believable characters and situations looking forward to reading no 2 a very good read
September 13, 2020
WW III is an engaging read reminiscent of Tom Clancy and Robert Ludlum, Jack Ryan meets Jason Bourne. Greatly enjoyed the submarine tactics and the special ops training and missions.
August 28, 2021
Good story
A really good story but chopped about places one minute in Korea the next in Germany or at sea in a sub or carrier
A really good story but chopped about places one minute in Korea the next in Germany or at sea in a sub or carrier
November 16, 2021
Excellent Story
Believable in its descriptions and great character development. A good read for those who like military novels. Looking forward to the next in the series.
Believable in its descriptions and great character development. A good read for those who like military novels. Looking forward to the next in the series.
March 17, 2022
Excellent Book
Excellent story. A few minor technical errors that those with military knowledge will pick up on, but nothing that harms the story.
Excellent story. A few minor technical errors that those with military knowledge will pick up on, but nothing that harms the story.
December 13, 2020
is it me or is the grammer/spelling faulty in this book ?
November 18, 2021
Awesome!
Couldn’t put it down. So relevant to the world here in 2021. I read late into the night too many times!
Couldn’t put it down. So relevant to the world here in 2021. I read late into the night too many times!
January 28, 2022
If you are anything like me, you have come across this book after reading through the more common books in the Cold-War-turned-hot genre (Red Storm Rising, Team Yankee, The Third World War, etc.). WW III by Ian Slater appeared at first to follow in the steps of the genre, but I soon discovered it is more of a drama/war novel than a technothriller. Is it a good book? In my opinion, not really. Did I enjoy it? Yes. Let me explain.
The book is basically about a second Korean war that spreads to Europe and escalates into WWIII. The premise is actually very interesting, but one quickly notices the author has little knowledge of the topic he is covering. This is surprising, considering Ian Slater served in the Australian military's intelligence field. Since a majority of the military characters are American, many of the war story lines are are centered around US military strategies, tactics, doctrine, and equipment. It is very clear that Slater knows little about these topics. I hate to be that guy, but the constant errors about aircraft, missiles, and terminology take me out of the story. I read this book a while back but I distinctly remember an American F-14 RIO (Goose from Top Gun) has the rank of major. The Navy does not use the rank of Major. These errors would be understandable if the author simply did not have access to the knowledge that would correct the them. But they're not; many non-military authors of the time proved to write very accurate stories. Again, I know it sounds nit-picky. But for a book that has the words "The Strategy. The Weapons [of WWIII]." on the cover, it should do better.
I did, however, like the book. It's very entertaining, and Slater's writing made me care about most of the characters. Most of the story lines are great, and the story itself keeps you guessing. Even if there is some unnecessary drama to get through. The story of the war is relatively believable, but most importantly, original. This book is a fresh take on the cold-war-turned-hot story. Some of the events in the book keep you on the edge of your seat, hoping that the protagonists win. The different storylines sometimes overlap in interesting ways.
There are many sequels to this book which I have not read. General consensus is the books only get worse from this one, which sucks because WW III does not have a conclusion, rather it sets up for the next book. Beware.
I rated this book 4/5 stars. I would rate it 3.5/5 if I could, but since it kept me entertained I don't feel it deserves the 3/5. If you are looking for a realistic technothriller, don't bother. Red Phoenix by Larry Bond is a much better second Korean was book. If you have gone through every single book in the genre and have nothing to read, give it a try.
The book is basically about a second Korean war that spreads to Europe and escalates into WWIII. The premise is actually very interesting, but one quickly notices the author has little knowledge of the topic he is covering. This is surprising, considering Ian Slater served in the Australian military's intelligence field. Since a majority of the military characters are American, many of the war story lines are are centered around US military strategies, tactics, doctrine, and equipment. It is very clear that Slater knows little about these topics. I hate to be that guy, but the constant errors about aircraft, missiles, and terminology take me out of the story. I read this book a while back but I distinctly remember an American F-14 RIO (Goose from Top Gun) has the rank of major. The Navy does not use the rank of Major. These errors would be understandable if the author simply did not have access to the knowledge that would correct the them. But they're not; many non-military authors of the time proved to write very accurate stories. Again, I know it sounds nit-picky. But for a book that has the words "The Strategy. The Weapons [of WWIII]." on the cover, it should do better.
I did, however, like the book. It's very entertaining, and Slater's writing made me care about most of the characters. Most of the story lines are great, and the story itself keeps you guessing. Even if there is some unnecessary drama to get through. The story of the war is relatively believable, but most importantly, original. This book is a fresh take on the cold-war-turned-hot story. Some of the events in the book keep you on the edge of your seat, hoping that the protagonists win. The different storylines sometimes overlap in interesting ways.
There are many sequels to this book which I have not read. General consensus is the books only get worse from this one, which sucks because WW III does not have a conclusion, rather it sets up for the next book. Beware.
I rated this book 4/5 stars. I would rate it 3.5/5 if I could, but since it kept me entertained I don't feel it deserves the 3/5. If you are looking for a realistic technothriller, don't bother. Red Phoenix by Larry Bond is a much better second Korean was book. If you have gone through every single book in the genre and have nothing to read, give it a try.
June 26, 2012
This book is a good book tends to jump around alot from one event to the next.But it's kind of scary though it realy gets you to thinking this could happen.The author makes it sound so real that your are right there.
December 31, 2013
A handful of interesting characters a bunch of stereotypes and a whole heck of a lot rote military formation obsessiveness. I can tolerate a lot of potboilers, but this one was brought down by an unpalatable writing style.
Read
April 17, 2011slow
Currently reading
January 3, 2014Thought I'd try something different. Half way through and enjoying the strategy side of it and some of the stereotypes are grating a little but not bad so far.
February 9, 2014
I liked the subject and the way the conflict unfolded yet stopped reading two thirds of the way through the book because of the lack of character development and techno jargon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews