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Command and Control #2
Counter Strike
When China launches a blitz attack on the island of Taiwan, the world order hangs in the balance and the CIA must mobilize all forces to prevent the start of World War III.
The operation by the People’s Liberation Army is airtight, with a high-tech battle network that guarantees total occupation within ten days. The United States rallies every available asset on land, sea, and air to launch a desperate counter strike against the occupying forces.
But in order to win, the US is forced to throw out the old playbook. What is required here is speed, audacity, and the application of the most advanced technology in the US arsenal.
As the head of the CIA’s Emerging Threats Group, Don Riley has seen his share of crises, but nothing has prepared him for the choices ahead. With millions of civilian lives at risk, the US must neutralize the Chinese threat without triggering World War Three.
The operation by the People’s Liberation Army is airtight, with a high-tech battle network that guarantees total occupation within ten days. The United States rallies every available asset on land, sea, and air to launch a desperate counter strike against the occupying forces.
But in order to win, the US is forced to throw out the old playbook. What is required here is speed, audacity, and the application of the most advanced technology in the US arsenal.
As the head of the CIA’s Emerging Threats Group, Don Riley has seen his share of crises, but nothing has prepared him for the choices ahead. With millions of civilian lives at risk, the US must neutralize the Chinese threat without triggering World War Three.
492 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2022
1736 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
David Bruns
68 books257 followersDavid Bruns (www.davidbruns.com) has served as an officer on a US Navy nuclear-powered submarine and traveled the world as a high-tech corporate itinerant. Today, he writes futuristic speculative fiction, contemporary thrillers, and everything in between.
He is the creator of the sci-fi/fantasy series, The Dream Guild Chronicles, the military sci-fi thriller Invincible, and co-author of The SynCorp Saga corporate sci-fi series. A graduate of the prestigious Clarion West Writer’s Workshop, his short fiction has appeared in more than two dozen spec fic venues, such as Compelling SciFi and Future Chronicles.
In his spare time, he co-writes national security thrillers with retired naval intelligence officer, JR Olson. Their next book, Rules of Engagement, will be released by St. Martin’s Press in June 2019.
He is the creator of the sci-fi/fantasy series, The Dream Guild Chronicles, the military sci-fi thriller Invincible, and co-author of The SynCorp Saga corporate sci-fi series. A graduate of the prestigious Clarion West Writer’s Workshop, his short fiction has appeared in more than two dozen spec fic venues, such as Compelling SciFi and Future Chronicles.
In his spare time, he co-writes national security thrillers with retired naval intelligence officer, JR Olson. Their next book, Rules of Engagement, will be released by St. Martin’s Press in June 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
February 12, 2022
“Success had a thousand fathers, but defeat is an orphan.”
Lies. Traitors. Pre planning. Chain of events That would start a WWIII..A gripping, edge of seat and nerve wracking premise! A story not too far from reality, hoping it never becomes a part of yet another turbulent and devastating history.
This book gave me much to think about and I enjoyed it from beginning to end. A storyline that has so completely captured me, with engaging, phenomenal and lovable characters with their different point of views that held me enthralled, to know what was going inside the bad guys was horrifying. There was a point in the book that made me yell, bawl my eyes out for the injustice, shouted at Bruns and Olson.. my friend Minnie, at the time of sharing this emotional moment told me she was glad she wasn’t the only one throwing a tantrum! Lol. I didn’t want to go on living, er, reading, it hurt so much! Plenty of twists to this book, and a particularly explosive finish. The heart wrenching moments, the holding my breath, clenching my jaws moments abound interminably. It’s an Anxiety build up!
This series just gets better with each book! Highly recommended. Looking forward to reading Order of Battle #3, till November 2022…sigh…
Lies. Traitors. Pre planning. Chain of events That would start a WWIII..A gripping, edge of seat and nerve wracking premise! A story not too far from reality, hoping it never becomes a part of yet another turbulent and devastating history.
This book gave me much to think about and I enjoyed it from beginning to end. A storyline that has so completely captured me, with engaging, phenomenal and lovable characters with their different point of views that held me enthralled, to know what was going inside the bad guys was horrifying. There was a point in the book that made me yell, bawl my eyes out for the injustice, shouted at Bruns and Olson.. my friend Minnie, at the time of sharing this emotional moment told me she was glad she wasn’t the only one throwing a tantrum! Lol. I didn’t want to go on living, er, reading, it hurt so much! Plenty of twists to this book, and a particularly explosive finish. The heart wrenching moments, the holding my breath, clenching my jaws moments abound interminably. It’s an Anxiety build up!
This series just gets better with each book! Highly recommended. Looking forward to reading Order of Battle #3, till November 2022…sigh…
February 8, 2022
A what-if scenario conveyed with chilling competence.
This book picks up the action immediately after the events of Command and Control. But this time, Don Riley’s Emerging Threats Group (CIA) has been caught flat-footed. US naval forces are involved in a containment operation involving Russia, as a result of a Chinese false-flag operation, and are way out of position to act. And the Chinese have a ten-day plan for the invasion and taking of Taiwan. Nobody saw it coming, until Day One, and by the end of that day, it is already ahead of schedule.
Bruns and Olson, as usual, have taken a “What if…? scenario and layered it with the warfighting resources (planes, missiles, naval surface elements, submarines, cyberwarfare attacks, and troop movements) that would be involved. What follows is a gripping and convincing portrayal of the men and women on both sides of the conflict, and I know of none better when it comes to putting the reader into the minds and bodies of characters who stand out in the midst of a crisis that could arise at any moment in the world as we experience it right now.
I admit that, over the last five-plus years, I have tried to poke a few holes in the writing done by the Two Navy Guys. And every time, I have had to conclude that what they portray continues to hold to a standard that shows what is very, very possible.
This book picks up the action immediately after the events of Command and Control. But this time, Don Riley’s Emerging Threats Group (CIA) has been caught flat-footed. US naval forces are involved in a containment operation involving Russia, as a result of a Chinese false-flag operation, and are way out of position to act. And the Chinese have a ten-day plan for the invasion and taking of Taiwan. Nobody saw it coming, until Day One, and by the end of that day, it is already ahead of schedule.
Bruns and Olson, as usual, have taken a “What if…? scenario and layered it with the warfighting resources (planes, missiles, naval surface elements, submarines, cyberwarfare attacks, and troop movements) that would be involved. What follows is a gripping and convincing portrayal of the men and women on both sides of the conflict, and I know of none better when it comes to putting the reader into the minds and bodies of characters who stand out in the midst of a crisis that could arise at any moment in the world as we experience it right now.
I admit that, over the last five-plus years, I have tried to poke a few holes in the writing done by the Two Navy Guys. And every time, I have had to conclude that what they portray continues to hold to a standard that shows what is very, very possible.
February 4, 2022
An excellent military thriller which I almost read in one sitting as the action just kept coming. The geopolitical environment was so realistic that it could have been a newspaper report. Technical accuracy of current military systems is very good, and weapons of the future look prescient. The pace of the book is always quick and tense, and the characters easy to buy into. This is a thunderingly good read, all the way to its conclusion.
February 8, 2022
Review of Advanced Review Copy eBook
Don Riley, director of the CIA’s Emerging Threats Group, is cautiously optimistic that the war games conducted by the People’s Liberation Army are over and their ships are returning to China. It hadn’t been more than a few days since he’d declared the worldwide attacks on the United States were nothing more than an elaborate ruse by the Chinese government to keep American forces away from the South China Sea so that China could move on its true target: Taiwan.
A blitz attack by the PLA is a well-planned attempt by the Chinese leadership to take control of Taiwan. With “Enterprise” and “Idaho” both otherwise engaged with the Russians, the Chinese attempt depends on secrecy and speed to secure the island before the United States forces can interfere with their plans.
But they hadn’t counted on Mike Lester, a retired Marine recon officer, being in Taiwan. Nor did they count on Don Riley having out-of-the-box options that included a privateer operation run by a private military contractor, Sentinel Holdings.
Will the speed with which the PLA put its plan in motion be enough to secure Taiwan for China? Or can the United States find a way to keep the Chinese leadership from repatriating the island and its people?
=========
Continuing essentially from the point where “Command and Control” ended, “Counter Strike” is, like its predecessor, told from several points of view, giving the reader insight into the thinking of the major players in this fast-paced, action-packed military thriller. Although it is the second book in the series, there is sufficient backstory to bring new readers up to speed and for the book to work as a standalone.
Strong, realistic characters, believable situations, and staggering events work together to weave a web of intrigue and suspense that keeps the pages turning. With uneasiness and tension escalating in the background of the narrative, readers will find themselves pulled into the story and ultimately guessing as to how it will play out.
With its strong sense of place, the complex narrative offers readers a realistic look at the world political environment; its story is both compelling and plausible. Unsettling in its possibility, poignant in the heart-wrenching denouement, it’s a story that belongs on every reader’s must-read list.
Highly recommended.
I received a free Advance Review Copy of this book from the authors and Severn River Publishing
Don Riley, director of the CIA’s Emerging Threats Group, is cautiously optimistic that the war games conducted by the People’s Liberation Army are over and their ships are returning to China. It hadn’t been more than a few days since he’d declared the worldwide attacks on the United States were nothing more than an elaborate ruse by the Chinese government to keep American forces away from the South China Sea so that China could move on its true target: Taiwan.
A blitz attack by the PLA is a well-planned attempt by the Chinese leadership to take control of Taiwan. With “Enterprise” and “Idaho” both otherwise engaged with the Russians, the Chinese attempt depends on secrecy and speed to secure the island before the United States forces can interfere with their plans.
But they hadn’t counted on Mike Lester, a retired Marine recon officer, being in Taiwan. Nor did they count on Don Riley having out-of-the-box options that included a privateer operation run by a private military contractor, Sentinel Holdings.
Will the speed with which the PLA put its plan in motion be enough to secure Taiwan for China? Or can the United States find a way to keep the Chinese leadership from repatriating the island and its people?
=========
Continuing essentially from the point where “Command and Control” ended, “Counter Strike” is, like its predecessor, told from several points of view, giving the reader insight into the thinking of the major players in this fast-paced, action-packed military thriller. Although it is the second book in the series, there is sufficient backstory to bring new readers up to speed and for the book to work as a standalone.
Strong, realistic characters, believable situations, and staggering events work together to weave a web of intrigue and suspense that keeps the pages turning. With uneasiness and tension escalating in the background of the narrative, readers will find themselves pulled into the story and ultimately guessing as to how it will play out.
With its strong sense of place, the complex narrative offers readers a realistic look at the world political environment; its story is both compelling and plausible. Unsettling in its possibility, poignant in the heart-wrenching denouement, it’s a story that belongs on every reader’s must-read list.
Highly recommended.
I received a free Advance Review Copy of this book from the authors and Severn River Publishing
February 10, 2022
War is taught differently with each generation
The story is good focus on the change in military strategy in the coming decades has we move from large battalion/ small group human squads to asymmetrical machine warfare in drones and external forces(mercenary’s) used to inforce government policies in foreign wars and has we are see corporations are gaiin more power then electoral officials to set thous policies to effect real world GEOPOLITICS.
I came thinking the story from first would also be a clock and dagger mystery of the first novel and was given a novel set in black-and-white your either an enemie or an ally to thouse who only want more in there own egotistical ideals on who’s right in the war for Twain. The premise gave us the Chinese culture ideal rule but to other countries that don’t share a deep understanding of there One China policy it seemed more like a land grab and do the American forces are shownhas heroes the story shows that fault with the leadership of bouth countries become the catalyst for deaths of the soldiers fighting it. In-end summary the story shows war is not pretty and the future of war will become something different to thouse who’s ideals of military fight differ from thouse times has the world becomes murky in how a justice war is supposed to be fought.
The story is good focus on the change in military strategy in the coming decades has we move from large battalion/ small group human squads to asymmetrical machine warfare in drones and external forces(mercenary’s) used to inforce government policies in foreign wars and has we are see corporations are gaiin more power then electoral officials to set thous policies to effect real world GEOPOLITICS.
I came thinking the story from first would also be a clock and dagger mystery of the first novel and was given a novel set in black-and-white your either an enemie or an ally to thouse who only want more in there own egotistical ideals on who’s right in the war for Twain. The premise gave us the Chinese culture ideal rule but to other countries that don’t share a deep understanding of there One China policy it seemed more like a land grab and do the American forces are shownhas heroes the story shows that fault with the leadership of bouth countries become the catalyst for deaths of the soldiers fighting it. In-end summary the story shows war is not pretty and the future of war will become something different to thouse who’s ideals of military fight differ from thouse times has the world becomes murky in how a justice war is supposed to be fought.
December 20, 2024
In addition to becoming aware of a slew of great authors and building a never-ending TBR pile of books, I sometimes decide to start a series by going back and reading books that may be dated by a few years so that I can fall into lockstep with the latest books by these authors. This is one of those books (and one of those series) by David Bruns and J.R. Olson (aka Two Navy Guys) that I just completed and feel the need to drop a review. The novel that I wish to review is Counter Strike by David Bruns and J.R. Olson. This book was originally released on 8 February 2022.
After recently finishing the first book in the series (Command and Control), I decided to continue the series by reading Counter Strike (book 2 in the Command and Control series). Continuing essentially from the point where “Command and Control” ended, “Counter Strike” is, like its predecessor, told from several points of view, giving the reader insight into the thinking of the major players in this fast-paced, action-packed military thriller. Although it is the second book in the series, there is sufficient backstory to bring new readers up to speed and for the book to work as a standalone.
It has been a priority of the Chinese Communist Party for over eighty years. Taiwan had been a thorn in the side of the CCP since they conquered the mainland in 1949. Now the time has come. This novel represents a turning point in Sino-American relations as the military operation to seize Taiwan by force would be an existential roll of the dice with a very uncertain outcome.
The CCP had spent the last year making it look like the Russians were attacking the US in multiple areas of the world. Just before the US was about to bring down a massive cyber attack on Russia the US learned about the Chinese deception.
This book picks up the action immediately after the events of Command and Control. But this time, Don Riley’s Emerging Threats Group (CIA) has been caught flat-footed. US naval forces are involved in a containment operation involving Russia, as a result of a Chinese false-flag operation, and are way out of position to act. And the Chinese have a ten-day plan for the invasion and taking of Taiwan. Nobody saw it coming, until Day One, and by the end of that day, it was already ahead of schedule. When China launches a blitz attack on the island of Taiwan, the world order hangs in the balance and the CIA must mobilize all forces to prevent the start of World War III.
The operation by the People's Liberation Army is airtight, with a high-tech battle network that guarantees total occupation within ten days. The United States rallies every available asset on land, sea, and air to launch a desperate counterstrike against the occupying forces. With USS Enterprise” and USS Idaho both otherwise engaged with the Russians, the Chinese attempt depended on secrecy and speed to secure the island before the United States forces could interfere with their plans.
But in order to win, the US is forced to throw out the old playbook. What is required here is speed, audacity, and the application of the most advanced technology in the US arsenal.
As the head of the CIA's Emerging Threats Group, Don Riley has seen his share of crises, but nothing has prepared him for the choices ahead. With millions of civilian lives at risk, the US must neutralize the Chinese threat without triggering World War Three.
This is one of those books that I believe that every action aficionado would love. The authors provide an interesting way to war game a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan through a fictional narrative.
The technical accuracy of current military systems is very good, and weapons of the future look prescient.
Counter Strike is the second book in a brand new series co-written by former submarine officer David Bruns and retired naval intelligence officer J.R. Olson. Packed with pulse-pounding action, realistic combat scenes, and page-turning twists, this military techno-thriller is a must-read for fans of authors such as such literary stalwarts as Tom Clancy and Mark Greaney, as well as more recent authors – such as James Rosone, Mick Ryan and Peter von Bleichert.
On my self-determined five star scale, I would easily give this novel a solid five stars as the geopolitical environment was so realistic that it could have been ripped from a newspaper report.
As with all my literary ramblings, this just my five cents worth.
After recently finishing the first book in the series (Command and Control), I decided to continue the series by reading Counter Strike (book 2 in the Command and Control series). Continuing essentially from the point where “Command and Control” ended, “Counter Strike” is, like its predecessor, told from several points of view, giving the reader insight into the thinking of the major players in this fast-paced, action-packed military thriller. Although it is the second book in the series, there is sufficient backstory to bring new readers up to speed and for the book to work as a standalone.
It has been a priority of the Chinese Communist Party for over eighty years. Taiwan had been a thorn in the side of the CCP since they conquered the mainland in 1949. Now the time has come. This novel represents a turning point in Sino-American relations as the military operation to seize Taiwan by force would be an existential roll of the dice with a very uncertain outcome.
The CCP had spent the last year making it look like the Russians were attacking the US in multiple areas of the world. Just before the US was about to bring down a massive cyber attack on Russia the US learned about the Chinese deception.
This book picks up the action immediately after the events of Command and Control. But this time, Don Riley’s Emerging Threats Group (CIA) has been caught flat-footed. US naval forces are involved in a containment operation involving Russia, as a result of a Chinese false-flag operation, and are way out of position to act. And the Chinese have a ten-day plan for the invasion and taking of Taiwan. Nobody saw it coming, until Day One, and by the end of that day, it was already ahead of schedule. When China launches a blitz attack on the island of Taiwan, the world order hangs in the balance and the CIA must mobilize all forces to prevent the start of World War III.
The operation by the People's Liberation Army is airtight, with a high-tech battle network that guarantees total occupation within ten days. The United States rallies every available asset on land, sea, and air to launch a desperate counterstrike against the occupying forces. With USS Enterprise” and USS Idaho both otherwise engaged with the Russians, the Chinese attempt depended on secrecy and speed to secure the island before the United States forces could interfere with their plans.
But in order to win, the US is forced to throw out the old playbook. What is required here is speed, audacity, and the application of the most advanced technology in the US arsenal.
As the head of the CIA's Emerging Threats Group, Don Riley has seen his share of crises, but nothing has prepared him for the choices ahead. With millions of civilian lives at risk, the US must neutralize the Chinese threat without triggering World War Three.
This is one of those books that I believe that every action aficionado would love. The authors provide an interesting way to war game a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan through a fictional narrative.
The technical accuracy of current military systems is very good, and weapons of the future look prescient.
Counter Strike is the second book in a brand new series co-written by former submarine officer David Bruns and retired naval intelligence officer J.R. Olson. Packed with pulse-pounding action, realistic combat scenes, and page-turning twists, this military techno-thriller is a must-read for fans of authors such as such literary stalwarts as Tom Clancy and Mark Greaney, as well as more recent authors – such as James Rosone, Mick Ryan and Peter von Bleichert.
On my self-determined five star scale, I would easily give this novel a solid five stars as the geopolitical environment was so realistic that it could have been ripped from a newspaper report.
As with all my literary ramblings, this just my five cents worth.
February 14, 2022
Picking up right where Command and Conquer ended, Counter Strike starts with a bang. China invades Taiwan with a timetable of 10 days to control the country. Very similar to a Tom Clancy novel, Command and Conquer has a big scope. It covers everything from the brain trusts in China and the United States to the boots on the ground fighting to bring their country victory.
Mr. Brun and Mr. Olson do an excellent job telling the story as a whole, but still making you buy into each individual character. The characters are well thought out and very complex. I enjoyed how there was some ambiguity to the characters. The “good guys” made some questionable calls in Counter Strike in the name of victory.
Keep in mind, there is a lot of military jargon and technical explanation of troop movements. I felt this didn’t slow the story down, but I could see where it could put some people off.
Overall an excellent military thriller/WWIII like scenario. Thank you to the authors for an advance copy for an honest review.
Mr. Brun and Mr. Olson do an excellent job telling the story as a whole, but still making you buy into each individual character. The characters are well thought out and very complex. I enjoyed how there was some ambiguity to the characters. The “good guys” made some questionable calls in Counter Strike in the name of victory.
Keep in mind, there is a lot of military jargon and technical explanation of troop movements. I felt this didn’t slow the story down, but I could see where it could put some people off.
Overall an excellent military thriller/WWIII like scenario. Thank you to the authors for an advance copy for an honest review.
February 8, 2022
If you enjoy military thrillers that transport you to a lace of wondering – could this happen, then this series is a must read. Counter Strike is one of those books that takes you on a journey that is so rich in detail that it feels like you have become an observer in all the action. Additionally, it is populated with characters who are so well develop that you feel like they are personal friends you have known all your life. The action and military interactions are all not just realistic, but very believable – the authors don’t incorporate any thing that makes you raise the BS flag. Without revealing any spoiler, I would like to say one scene in this story took me to a place of personal experience that made my eyes start leaking, thanks David and J.R. I needed to relive that time. I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher and chose to provide this review.
April 1, 2023
Everyone Knew that this is fated to happen
It had been a priority of the Chinese Communist Party for over eighty years. Taiwan had been a thorn in the side of the CCP since they conquered the mainland in 1949. Now the time has come.
The CCP had spent the last year making it looked like the Russians were attacking the US in multiple areas of the world. Just before the US was about to bring down a massive cyber attack on Russia the US learned about the Chinese deception.
The Chinese Government decided that this was the perfect to bring Taiwan back into the fold. With a massive planned attack Red China was initiating a military intervention to take over the Island in ten days. Only the US had the ability to stop the invasion, maybe.
What follows is the American response.
It had been a priority of the Chinese Communist Party for over eighty years. Taiwan had been a thorn in the side of the CCP since they conquered the mainland in 1949. Now the time has come.
The CCP had spent the last year making it looked like the Russians were attacking the US in multiple areas of the world. Just before the US was about to bring down a massive cyber attack on Russia the US learned about the Chinese deception.
The Chinese Government decided that this was the perfect to bring Taiwan back into the fold. With a massive planned attack Red China was initiating a military intervention to take over the Island in ten days. Only the US had the ability to stop the invasion, maybe.
What follows is the American response.
March 15, 2022
Wow - what a story…
The first book in this series set the ‘tone’ for this part of the story.
While the storyline does have some flaws and the author does miss some parts of the overall story this is a great tale.
The characters here are just so ‘believable’ - from the top of the ‘tree’ right down to the grunt on the side of the road.
The story is amazing and is definitely ‘grist for the mill’ for readers of this genre- plenty of action, not just a smattering of intrigue and enough ‘humanity’ to make you respect the story.
Going to wait a bit before diving into the third of the series as this one left me breathless.
If you like your political intrigue with camouflage and amazing technology then have a read - this is a great part of an amazing tale…
The first book in this series set the ‘tone’ for this part of the story.
While the storyline does have some flaws and the author does miss some parts of the overall story this is a great tale.
The characters here are just so ‘believable’ - from the top of the ‘tree’ right down to the grunt on the side of the road.
The story is amazing and is definitely ‘grist for the mill’ for readers of this genre- plenty of action, not just a smattering of intrigue and enough ‘humanity’ to make you respect the story.
Going to wait a bit before diving into the third of the series as this one left me breathless.
If you like your political intrigue with camouflage and amazing technology then have a read - this is a great part of an amazing tale…
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February 22, 2022
4/5. Second of a three-book series. In the first, China tried, through disinformation and deception, to get Russia and the United States to square-off in a major conflict. The purpose was to distract the world from and render it incapable of interfering with a Chinese campaign to take-over Taiwan (this book). Here, the question is whether the U.S. will support Taiwan, to what extent, and whether it will make a difference. The writing continues to be knowledgeable and believable. Unfortunately, it seemed like the authors occasionally skipped or fast-forwarded through some of the action. Still good, though.
March 11, 2025
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February 11, 2022
Counter Strike
There were a lot of battlefield logistics in this book. I am definitely not a fan of reading about all the logistics that it takes to fight a war or even a battle, but I still enjoyed the book. And I am so grateful for the people who can picture all of this in an instant who are keeping our country safe. There is enough connectedness between the characters to keep a reader like me engaged with the personal stories of the characters. After a while you feel like you personally know many of the characters.
There were a lot of battlefield logistics in this book. I am definitely not a fan of reading about all the logistics that it takes to fight a war or even a battle, but I still enjoyed the book. And I am so grateful for the people who can picture all of this in an instant who are keeping our country safe. There is enough connectedness between the characters to keep a reader like me engaged with the personal stories of the characters. After a while you feel like you personally know many of the characters.
June 14, 2022
Pretty good read. I read the first one, and was eager to jump into book two. Surprisingly, a multitude of round characters. Something not normally found in this genre. I have read a lot of these, 'what if' scenario based war books and this is one of the better written novels. The only aspect I have difficulty with is the weapon used to bring it to a close. Seemed a stretch, especially the recognition software it is based on. oh well, the voluntary suspension of disbelief and all that for the enjoyment of a good read. I plan to read read book three. So enjoy.
January 28, 2022
I loved this second story in the series which picks up pretty much where Command and Control left off. It's an action packed nail-biter with a focus on the American military that takes a hard look at what it might take to win the next war.
All my favourite characters are back in a complex, detailed story with so many moving parts it almost made my head spin, but I couldn't put it down, and I can't wait to find out what comes next.
All my favourite characters are back in a complex, detailed story with so many moving parts it almost made my head spin, but I couldn't put it down, and I can't wait to find out what comes next.
February 8, 2022
I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review. This is the second book in this series and I found it to be excellent. The story moves fast with great characters and will keep the reader guessing and reading. I think that this book was better than the first book in the series and will keep readers wanting more. I know I am looking forward to more. This book could be read alone but, you would know more of the background if you read these in order.
May 11, 2023
Great military thriller. Second in a series. This time, the US is contesting the Chinese invasion of Taiwan. There is a tiny bit of science fiction thrown in here in the form of highly advanced weaponry, but honestly, who knows what's real and what is just extrapolation from actual things we are working on? A fun book; lots of Navy stuff, which I like (being an old USN guy myself). I enjoyed this. Reminds me a bit of Tom Clancy back in the day.
June 22, 2023
The genre of this book is: nice trees, incredibly stupid forest. Well written, technically sound, mostly solid plot... but at the front and center you have (I won't spoil them) two utterly dumb deus ex machinas propelling 2/3 of the book. It was like a book about soccer match written by an American, they got most things right and even make it pretty interesting, and then the main plot revolves around Messi missing his f-ing touchdown.
February 9, 2022
A gripping story so close to today's snipping between America and China how can you not sit up and take notice? Adventurous and enthralling, the scenes, characters and dialogue are impeccably portrayed and brilliantly written. An outstanding depiction of what it could be like if either America or China push too far. Very Highly Recommended.
February 10, 2022
A Military Thriller Packed with Adventure & Heroism
Book number two in the Command and Control Series was a winner from the first page to the last. Read it in one sitting as I simply could not put it down. Now come the agony of waiting for the next installment. It cannot come soon enough!
Book number two in the Command and Control Series was a winner from the first page to the last. Read it in one sitting as I simply could not put it down. Now come the agony of waiting for the next installment. It cannot come soon enough!
April 22, 2022
Kept me interested all through this novel.
A lot of Action and serious thought. Readers that like learning things from these thoughtfully researched tomes will enjoy it. I am reading a few books at the same time. Always various topics mixed up and different from each other. I hope people that read it and the series enjoy them.
A lot of Action and serious thought. Readers that like learning things from these thoughtfully researched tomes will enjoy it. I am reading a few books at the same time. Always various topics mixed up and different from each other. I hope people that read it and the series enjoy them.
August 18, 2022
The book picked off right from where it left in the first book of the series. very gripping book - page turner with lots of twists and turns and multiple stories running parallel. While the book like the previous one, ends at a logical note, certain section in the book is making me eagerly wait for the third part of the Book to be released.
November 19, 2022
Counter strike
Outstanding work in a piece of fiction, that unfortunately could be a possible thing for the future of our world. The various views of the same conflict were handled in a truly professional manner and tied together in the last few chapters. I look forward to the next of the series.
Outstanding work in a piece of fiction, that unfortunately could be a possible thing for the future of our world. The various views of the same conflict were handled in a truly professional manner and tied together in the last few chapters. I look forward to the next of the series.
March 16, 2023
Honor for Country
Great book, kept me interested thru the entire book. Hard for me to put down. Although I’ve never seen combat, I’m a navy vet and spent time on a destroyer also playing war games with a submarine in getmo in 1963. The new navy has changed but
patriotism is still the same.
Great book, kept me interested thru the entire book. Hard for me to put down. Although I’ve never seen combat, I’m a navy vet and spent time on a destroyer also playing war games with a submarine in getmo in 1963. The new navy has changed but
patriotism is still the same.
June 25, 2023
Amazing novel on multidimensional combat!
In the air, in space, on and under the sea, and on the land this author covers the potential reality of multidimensional warfare in Asia. As a combat veteran, I was completely drawn in to areas I knew and didn’t know. This is a full sensory read. Portions of it almost made me feel like I was there in an firefight. Amazing read!
In the air, in space, on and under the sea, and on the land this author covers the potential reality of multidimensional warfare in Asia. As a combat veteran, I was completely drawn in to areas I knew and didn’t know. This is a full sensory read. Portions of it almost made me feel like I was there in an firefight. Amazing read!
November 29, 2024
Thanks for this amazing book, I read it all for 2 days. Actually, I like playing CS either and today I can call myself and incredible player cuz I've boosted up my account thanks to addskins.com . Just check out that link and choose what you want to make your skins better.
May 24, 2025
Excellent Military Techo-Thriller
Very well put together alt-hist story of Chinese invasion of Taiwan that balloon from the 1st book in the series. The naval elements were especially engrossing.
The high tech secret weapon that ended the conflict wasn't quite to my taste but was a neat solution none the less.
Very well put together alt-hist story of Chinese invasion of Taiwan that balloon from the 1st book in the series. The naval elements were especially engrossing.
The high tech secret weapon that ended the conflict wasn't quite to my taste but was a neat solution none the less.
September 18, 2025
So much jammed into one book
I love how this continued from the first novel and explored a different part of the world and enemy. The ending was a great way to make you want more in the 3rd book. It also shows how many behind the scenes do so much for our country. This is both the civilian and military.
I love how this continued from the first novel and explored a different part of the world and enemy. The ending was a great way to make you want more in the 3rd book. It also shows how many behind the scenes do so much for our country. This is both the civilian and military.
February 12, 2022
Edge of the Seat Thriller
Both this and Book 1 were excellent reads...real page turners. They started out fast and got even more tense from there. Unfortunately, they are pricey for a Kindle edition.
Both this and Book 1 were excellent reads...real page turners. They started out fast and got even more tense from there. Unfortunately, they are pricey for a Kindle edition.
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