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The Warfighter: A Novel of the Second Korean War
Peace has returned to the Pacific after the Taiwan War, but it doesn’t last. The Korean peninsula erupts in fire and blood, drawing America into a fresh conflict that sees use of some of the world’s deadliest weapons. In the aftermath, Navy fighter pilot Jack Knapp tells a news reporter about his experiences fighting the Korean People’s Army (KPA) and how he helped prevent a nuclear attack that could have destroyed an American city. As the media simultaneously cheers and questions the war, Jack sets out to explain the truth of its heroism and horror—so that all might understand war’s true cost.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 22, 2021
86 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Craig DiLouie
62 books1,528 followersCraig DiLouie is an author of popular thriller, apocalyptic/horror, and sci-fi/fantasy fiction.
In hundreds of reviews, Craig’s novels have been praised for their strong characters, action, and gritty realism. Each book promises an exciting experience with people you’ll care about in a world that feels real.
These works have been nominated for major literary awards such as the Bram Stoker Award and Audie Award, translated into multiple languages, and optioned for film. He is a member of the HWA, International Thriller Writers, and IFWA.
In hundreds of reviews, Craig’s novels have been praised for their strong characters, action, and gritty realism. Each book promises an exciting experience with people you’ll care about in a world that feels real.
These works have been nominated for major literary awards such as the Bram Stoker Award and Audie Award, translated into multiple languages, and optioned for film. He is a member of the HWA, International Thriller Writers, and IFWA.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 6, 2021
Another Great Military Aviation Thriller
This is book two in the Fictional Naval Aviation thriller. It’s the story of a “nugget “ pilot who after the first book where the U.S. fights a war with China, he is placed in a game of aviation chicken with his wingmen against North Korean Migs. If someone does the wrong thing, they will be involved in another Korean War. I highly recommend you read the first in the series, The Aviator, it will make a lot more sense. Or purchase The Aviator Omnibus. Would sure like to see more like these from the author.🇺🇸⭐️⭐️
This is book two in the Fictional Naval Aviation thriller. It’s the story of a “nugget “ pilot who after the first book where the U.S. fights a war with China, he is placed in a game of aviation chicken with his wingmen against North Korean Migs. If someone does the wrong thing, they will be involved in another Korean War. I highly recommend you read the first in the series, The Aviator, it will make a lot more sense. Or purchase The Aviator Omnibus. Would sure like to see more like these from the author.🇺🇸⭐️⭐️
June 24, 2021
The finest
Craig knocks it out of the park once again with thus modern combat thriller. This is a man who does his research, plots a great story, but never loses sight of his characters. It doesn’t get much better than that!
Craig knocks it out of the park once again with thus modern combat thriller. This is a man who does his research, plots a great story, but never loses sight of his characters. It doesn’t get much better than that!
August 11, 2021
When I received a review request for this book, I almost screamed my lungs out, because Craig DiLouie is one of our favourite authors of all time, and this series is one of the many series that we want to review completely. I guess dreams do come true.
There were HIGH expectations for this book, because the first book, The Aviator, shot itself right up the top 5 books of the year, and it’s STILL there, because it’s THAT hard to beat and THAT good, and if you have read it, you will totally agree with us. If you haven’t read, take a moment and read our review of that AMAZING book.
So Very high expectations were due to this book, but it only took 2 paragraphs of the book, the first two paragraphs of the book to prove, once again, that Craig DiLouie is one of THE BEST writers out there, period. HOLY MOLLY, talk about an introduction:
“Let me tell you something about war, Ms. Carter: There is always a sequel.
Humans will return to war again and again regardless of its cost. Because the cost doesn’t matter, only who pays and who benefits. Those who benefit most have power and money, while those who pay the most have only love and pride. ”
– Jack Knapp
Like, who wouldn’t want to read a book written like this? Who wouldn’t become instantly gripped by curiosity to know more, and the sheer tone of the introduction…. *takes a deep breath* my god! THIS IS PERFECT!!!!!
And not to mention that there are many characters that are still in the novel, specially Firecraker, ohhh this book is HEAVEN!!!!
OK, OK, we get it, we are in love with the books of Craig, and this should be unbiased, yes, and so lets leave emotion to the side and actually, and officially start the review of this book, analytically. To the review then! *Laughs*
Although we are aware of Craig DiLouie’s narrative, it’s always a good thing to remember and note that it’s clear-cut and has a very stable pace, almost like a “jog” when the scenes aren’t flying by with action, which is a very good thing because this is a thriller and the reader keeps itself engaged to the book as the pages grow.
The light wording of the whole book helps as well, there aren’t words that you won’t understand, which is very cool, and given that this is the second book on the series, the author gives you snippets of the happenings of the previous book which lets you connect the story dots and carry on without being confused.
Funny scenes, sad scenes and pretty embarrassing situations will happen to our main character, and just like many of the hints in the book will let you know, somethings will change. Some for the better, some for the worse.
The approach of this book, in this series is different and more like the same in many ways, as Jack Knapp has to re-adapt himself to the Navy and face new challenges as he is… let us say… “put at the starting line” again with all the newbies and the non-veterans due to… avoidable circumstances, and needs to prove himself over again, something that we don’t find in many books which is why this series is cool. It’s different and original, I mean, Craig could have had plotted that he was again fit and “send him up in the air” on the first mission and most wouldn’t question his decision as the author, but piloting jets is an extremely complex endeavour, no matter how many times you do it and specially after not doing it for a great deal of time, so, in our critical analysis, it is a very sane and extremely sensible decision of the author plot-wise. Kudos.
Our main character actually messes up, BIG TIME on the first pages of the book after coming back to the Navy, and it actually adds to his role and build, and once we take a step back, along with the author, and we put the character through the same conditions, emotionally-wise, once again we will see why Jack Knap did what he did. It was as if he was trying to sabotage himself because of the dire emotional circumstances and the awfully heart-breaking updates that he will encounter. It’s understandable and logical.
A thing that we noticed is how well Craig ends his chapters and how he regains the grip of the readers in the first line of the next chapter with a cool observation. Something very subtle, but that makes all the difference on this thriller
Value is a big word when it comes to books with our site. It’s not only a big word, but it’s the central word on Scribble’s Worth, and that’s one of the reasons we love Craig DiLouie’s writings. They are packed with value as moralistic views are questioned and distinct approaches in seeing things are given point-blank to the reader, in a way that one can only be engulfed in the beauty, the wit and the poignancy of the words that writes and the concepts he teaches on the pages of these books.
Here’s a good example:
“How can one not be romantic about fighter jets, comrades, and stoic courage in battle? But past the uniforms, they’re just people.
In the end, what makes them heroes isn’t that they’re like cardboard characters in an action movie, it’s that they’re ordinary Americans, warts and all, who fought and sacrificed everything, right down to their skins, to do their duty.”
– Jack Knapp
That’s EXACTLY the type of stuff we are proud to recommend to readers!
Let us not forget, dear reader, that the one thing that has gripped you on the first book, is also present here. What is that, you ask? Well, the main character talks to you directly as the book progresses. In fact, Craig DiLouie is the onlywriter we have seen so far to make readers be characters in the story. Not only characters of the story, but, in fact, THE character to which the narrator, our main character, is telling the story to, and THAT’S impressive in all accounts, and to do it this well and this subtly is an art form into itself. Mad props to Craig on this trait that marks him as the very unique writer he is.
Corny jokes and humour will light up the mood of the book several times, specially when you need it most. Talking about jokes, the author did pull a big, bad and punchy “joke” when it came to our favourite couple, touché, touché.
Humour that will make you crack, thanks to a TOTAL GOOFBALL of a character, fast and detailed flight and flight scenes, your BADASS female characters that whoopass on the sky, Jack Knapp, our lovable and relatable MC and narrator, will give you another amazing and VERY well written read of a book by this AMAZING writer. DO get your copy, and the first book on this amazing series.
Pros:
EXCELLENT, BRILLIANTLY put narrative
EXCELLENT value-packed content on the subject of war
EXCELLENTLY build characters, specially the female characters that are FIERCE!
EXCELLENT humour! Priceless jokes on the book
EXCELLENT, heart-stopping thriller scenes
GREAT interactions between the characters
GREAT plot development
GREAT descriptive ability and imagery construction
Very consistent, logical and well thought-out plot
The perfect ending, just perfect
Cons:
None.
Favourite Characters: Bunny and Kyra Kao.
Lesson of the book: “War is costly, but it’s a game humans love to play.”
Cover Score: 9.0/10
Final Score: 9.0/10
Original review at- https://scribblesworth.wordpress.com/...
There were HIGH expectations for this book, because the first book, The Aviator, shot itself right up the top 5 books of the year, and it’s STILL there, because it’s THAT hard to beat and THAT good, and if you have read it, you will totally agree with us. If you haven’t read, take a moment and read our review of that AMAZING book.
So Very high expectations were due to this book, but it only took 2 paragraphs of the book, the first two paragraphs of the book to prove, once again, that Craig DiLouie is one of THE BEST writers out there, period. HOLY MOLLY, talk about an introduction:
“Let me tell you something about war, Ms. Carter: There is always a sequel.
Humans will return to war again and again regardless of its cost. Because the cost doesn’t matter, only who pays and who benefits. Those who benefit most have power and money, while those who pay the most have only love and pride. ”
– Jack Knapp
Like, who wouldn’t want to read a book written like this? Who wouldn’t become instantly gripped by curiosity to know more, and the sheer tone of the introduction…. *takes a deep breath* my god! THIS IS PERFECT!!!!!
And not to mention that there are many characters that are still in the novel, specially Firecraker, ohhh this book is HEAVEN!!!!
OK, OK, we get it, we are in love with the books of Craig, and this should be unbiased, yes, and so lets leave emotion to the side and actually, and officially start the review of this book, analytically. To the review then! *Laughs*
Although we are aware of Craig DiLouie’s narrative, it’s always a good thing to remember and note that it’s clear-cut and has a very stable pace, almost like a “jog” when the scenes aren’t flying by with action, which is a very good thing because this is a thriller and the reader keeps itself engaged to the book as the pages grow.
The light wording of the whole book helps as well, there aren’t words that you won’t understand, which is very cool, and given that this is the second book on the series, the author gives you snippets of the happenings of the previous book which lets you connect the story dots and carry on without being confused.
Funny scenes, sad scenes and pretty embarrassing situations will happen to our main character, and just like many of the hints in the book will let you know, somethings will change. Some for the better, some for the worse.
The approach of this book, in this series is different and more like the same in many ways, as Jack Knapp has to re-adapt himself to the Navy and face new challenges as he is… let us say… “put at the starting line” again with all the newbies and the non-veterans due to… avoidable circumstances, and needs to prove himself over again, something that we don’t find in many books which is why this series is cool. It’s different and original, I mean, Craig could have had plotted that he was again fit and “send him up in the air” on the first mission and most wouldn’t question his decision as the author, but piloting jets is an extremely complex endeavour, no matter how many times you do it and specially after not doing it for a great deal of time, so, in our critical analysis, it is a very sane and extremely sensible decision of the author plot-wise. Kudos.
Our main character actually messes up, BIG TIME on the first pages of the book after coming back to the Navy, and it actually adds to his role and build, and once we take a step back, along with the author, and we put the character through the same conditions, emotionally-wise, once again we will see why Jack Knap did what he did. It was as if he was trying to sabotage himself because of the dire emotional circumstances and the awfully heart-breaking updates that he will encounter. It’s understandable and logical.
A thing that we noticed is how well Craig ends his chapters and how he regains the grip of the readers in the first line of the next chapter with a cool observation. Something very subtle, but that makes all the difference on this thriller
Value is a big word when it comes to books with our site. It’s not only a big word, but it’s the central word on Scribble’s Worth, and that’s one of the reasons we love Craig DiLouie’s writings. They are packed with value as moralistic views are questioned and distinct approaches in seeing things are given point-blank to the reader, in a way that one can only be engulfed in the beauty, the wit and the poignancy of the words that writes and the concepts he teaches on the pages of these books.
Here’s a good example:
“How can one not be romantic about fighter jets, comrades, and stoic courage in battle? But past the uniforms, they’re just people.
In the end, what makes them heroes isn’t that they’re like cardboard characters in an action movie, it’s that they’re ordinary Americans, warts and all, who fought and sacrificed everything, right down to their skins, to do their duty.”
– Jack Knapp
That’s EXACTLY the type of stuff we are proud to recommend to readers!
Let us not forget, dear reader, that the one thing that has gripped you on the first book, is also present here. What is that, you ask? Well, the main character talks to you directly as the book progresses. In fact, Craig DiLouie is the onlywriter we have seen so far to make readers be characters in the story. Not only characters of the story, but, in fact, THE character to which the narrator, our main character, is telling the story to, and THAT’S impressive in all accounts, and to do it this well and this subtly is an art form into itself. Mad props to Craig on this trait that marks him as the very unique writer he is.
Corny jokes and humour will light up the mood of the book several times, specially when you need it most. Talking about jokes, the author did pull a big, bad and punchy “joke” when it came to our favourite couple, touché, touché.
Humour that will make you crack, thanks to a TOTAL GOOFBALL of a character, fast and detailed flight and flight scenes, your BADASS female characters that whoopass on the sky, Jack Knapp, our lovable and relatable MC and narrator, will give you another amazing and VERY well written read of a book by this AMAZING writer. DO get your copy, and the first book on this amazing series.
Pros:
EXCELLENT, BRILLIANTLY put narrative
EXCELLENT value-packed content on the subject of war
EXCELLENTLY build characters, specially the female characters that are FIERCE!
EXCELLENT humour! Priceless jokes on the book
EXCELLENT, heart-stopping thriller scenes
GREAT interactions between the characters
GREAT plot development
GREAT descriptive ability and imagery construction
Very consistent, logical and well thought-out plot
The perfect ending, just perfect
Cons:
None.
Favourite Characters: Bunny and Kyra Kao.
Lesson of the book: “War is costly, but it’s a game humans love to play.”
Cover Score: 9.0/10
Final Score: 9.0/10
Original review at- https://scribblesworth.wordpress.com/...
August 22, 2021
The Review
With a brilliant balance of character growth that readers can identify with and haunting insights into war, especially a look into future warfare, author Craig DiLouie has crafted a brilliant follow-up to his beloved novel The Aviator. Following his political prisoner trial, protagonist Jack Knapp returns to the line of duty, finding his struggle to not only retrain and fit in with his crew but normal civilian life in general after spending so long being tortured and imprisoned. The in-depth look into the mental and physical nature of his return was an engaging aspect of his character growth and helped elevate the overall narrative.
The drama and sheer terror that comes from the actual act of war on soldiers and civilians was brilliantly captured in this novel. Examining the political nature of wars from a non-political character’s POV was an inspired choice, highlighting who the real “winners” and “losers” are in a war, where power and money take precedence over family and loved ones. The futuristic setting and the character’s more personal interactions really gave the novel the entertainment and theme that this story needed to feel balanced.
The Verdict
A heart-wrenching, memorable, and engaging novel, author Craig DiLouie’s “The Warfighter” is a must-read of 2021, and a perfect sequel. The balance of narration from the author in the present and the memories of this horrific war from his past really made this feel like a soldier’s experience of warfare in the future. Readers will be enthralled with this narrative of a real soldier’s experiences in the chaos and struggle of war, and how little we understand when we haven’t had to face the choices they have. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
With a brilliant balance of character growth that readers can identify with and haunting insights into war, especially a look into future warfare, author Craig DiLouie has crafted a brilliant follow-up to his beloved novel The Aviator. Following his political prisoner trial, protagonist Jack Knapp returns to the line of duty, finding his struggle to not only retrain and fit in with his crew but normal civilian life in general after spending so long being tortured and imprisoned. The in-depth look into the mental and physical nature of his return was an engaging aspect of his character growth and helped elevate the overall narrative.
The drama and sheer terror that comes from the actual act of war on soldiers and civilians was brilliantly captured in this novel. Examining the political nature of wars from a non-political character’s POV was an inspired choice, highlighting who the real “winners” and “losers” are in a war, where power and money take precedence over family and loved ones. The futuristic setting and the character’s more personal interactions really gave the novel the entertainment and theme that this story needed to feel balanced.
The Verdict
A heart-wrenching, memorable, and engaging novel, author Craig DiLouie’s “The Warfighter” is a must-read of 2021, and a perfect sequel. The balance of narration from the author in the present and the memories of this horrific war from his past really made this feel like a soldier’s experience of warfare in the future. Readers will be enthralled with this narrative of a real soldier’s experiences in the chaos and struggle of war, and how little we understand when we haven’t had to face the choices they have. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
July 27, 2022
A Good Find
There are a lot of times when I get a book With the kindle unlimited Capacity, I usually read and return. These 2 books read so well, I bought them and added the to my collection. Both books focused on a potential political flash point that could boil over as described. I really liked the combination of flying and fighting with the daily routine of the military. As far as the romantic interest, it was handled discretely. My own stand on that: Mother Nature has been around a lot longer than any non-fraternization regulations. Get the job done,what you do on your time is your business. I hope there's another episode but for now a great pair of books
Bill Hodges
There are a lot of times when I get a book With the kindle unlimited Capacity, I usually read and return. These 2 books read so well, I bought them and added the to my collection. Both books focused on a potential political flash point that could boil over as described. I really liked the combination of flying and fighting with the daily routine of the military. As far as the romantic interest, it was handled discretely. My own stand on that: Mother Nature has been around a lot longer than any non-fraternization regulations. Get the job done,what you do on your time is your business. I hope there's another episode but for now a great pair of books
Bill Hodges
June 29, 2021
Jack Knapp, former POW from the Taiwan War is reunited with the well defined characters from The Aviator. Peaceful life on the carrier would be nice but unfortunately the North Korean despot Kim Jong-un is having a hissy fit yet again and ends up causing a war, which he will use any means necessary to win, even nuclear weapons. The aerial battles that follow are terrifying and will have you on the edge of your seat hoping the good guys win and not suffer many losses. DiLouie writes top notch military tales that thrust you right into all the action.
June 26, 2021
First class pulp
Great sequel if you just want a fast paced read with realistic details about military hardware and protocol. If you want some deeper look elsewhere. My only complaint is the repetition of events from book 1 and the hurried nature of the ending. I did not really think the newscaster angle added anything. Still an enjoyable book and hopefully not the last in the series.
Great sequel if you just want a fast paced read with realistic details about military hardware and protocol. If you want some deeper look elsewhere. My only complaint is the repetition of events from book 1 and the hurried nature of the ending. I did not really think the newscaster angle added anything. Still an enjoyable book and hopefully not the last in the series.
June 28, 2021
Great book
War is not glorifying or gallant. It is death, destruction and inhuman. This story shows both sides what happens in a war. Old men start them and young people fight and die in them. Even some of those who survive do so barely. While this is a story about bravery it is also one of loss. All should read it.
War is not glorifying or gallant. It is death, destruction and inhuman. This story shows both sides what happens in a war. Old men start them and young people fight and die in them. Even some of those who survive do so barely. While this is a story about bravery it is also one of loss. All should read it.
June 28, 2021
Excellent read
Plausible storyline, good character development and great action. Always enjoyable, Craig DeLoiue shows his versatility and feel for the military thriller.
Plausible storyline, good character development and great action. Always enjoyable, Craig DeLoiue shows his versatility and feel for the military thriller.
July 2, 2021
Eccellent
This is a great book...actually , it is a great series. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly anyone who enjoys military fiction.
This is a great book...actually , it is a great series. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly anyone who enjoys military fiction.
August 18, 2022
Another great aviation thriller from Dilouie Here’s hoping for a sequel
September 5, 2024
Great follow up book to The Aviator!
The only thing I disliked was the new interview plot aspect of the story.
The only thing I disliked was the new interview plot aspect of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews