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The Last Brigade #1

Standing The Final Watch

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America might be dead, but Nick Angriff will kick your ass to resurrect her.

Lt. General Nick Angriff has spent his adult life protecting family and country from a world of terrorism spinning out of control. On the battlefield, off the grid, in clandestine special task forces and outright black ops, Angriff never wavers from duty. But when a terror attack on Lake Tahoe kills his family, he’s left with only the corrosive acid of revenge… that is, until a hated superior officer reveals the deepest of all secret operations. Against the day of national collapse, a heavily-armed military unit rests in cryogenic storage, to be awakened when needed, and Angriff is named its commander.

Fifty years later he wakes to find the USA destroyed and predatory warlords roaming the ruins. Stalked by assassins bent on seizing his command for their own purposes, Angriff has to prepare for war while avoiding murder.

Because the only wall still shielding survivors from slavery and death are the men and women of The Last Brigade.

365 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 9, 2021

793 people are currently reading
198 people want to read

About the author

William Alan Webb

129 books106 followers

Winner of the 2024 Imadjinn Award!
Winner of the 2021 Imadjinn Award!
Finalist for a second 2021 Imadjinn Award!
Winner of the 2020 Darrell Award!
Finalist for a second 2020 Darrell Award!
Winner of the 2019 Imadjinn Award!
Winner of the 2018 Darrell Award!

A Southern boy through and through, Bill spent his entire life learning how to tell stories. It's all Bill ever wanted to do, to inspire and entertain people the way his favorite authors did for him.

Over the years he has developed a unique writing style, or 'Voice', of which he is very proud, with the objective of trying to always entertain his readers.

After graduating from the University of Memphis with dual concentrations in History and Creative Writing, Bill has been published in such diverse magazines as Tied in a Bow (for Wedding planning) and World War II. His books include both non-fiction and fiction.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
Profile Image for Charles  van Buren.
1,910 reviews303 followers
July 17, 2019
Charles van Buren

TOP 1000 REVIEWER

5.0 out of 5 stars Chilling dystopian future for America

July 16, 2019

Format: Kindle Edition

Review of Kindle edition
Publication date: August 17, 2016
Publisher: Dingbat Publishing
Language: English
ASIN: B01HSCAJM6

A very well written novel of a dystopian future in which the U.S.has succumbed to political correctness, open borders policy, terrorists, Islamic aggression, general moral decay and most everything else which constitutionalists, libertarians, evangelical Christians, conservatives, etc. have been warning about. Looking ahead, a shadowy group has prepared a military unit led by a highly competent combat general who believes in constitutional government to try and restore the country after the inevitable collapse.

No matter your political views, this book has an intricate, entertaining plot with fine character development. However you will probably enjoy it more if you believe or suspect that the threat to an American future will come from within and probably from the left. I thought the book started a little slow but picked up as it progressed.

I downloaded this book via Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Carolyn F..
3,491 reviews51 followers
January 31, 2018
The first half of this book was so Fox News it was ridiculous. But I read another reviewer saying that once you get to the halfway point the book gets better. However as one of those stinking liberals, I don't think having an open mind toward immigration is going to lead to Armageddon. Maybe, if the immigrants are psychos out to kill the country they're migrating to, then it might happen but just because I'm a democrat does not mean I'm stupid. Although the author may disagree.

And the reviewer is correct, the second half was much better than the first. But I don't know if it's enough for me to read the rest of the series. However, I might change my mind. Remember, I'm not only a democrat but I'm a woman. It's my liberal privilege.
Profile Image for Kayla Krantz.
Author 45 books739 followers
August 16, 2016
~I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review~


I don't usually read military fiction, but this story started off with such a bloody punch that I was instantly pulled in. I usually don't like prologues on a story, but this one was so loaded with action that it set up the perfect tone for the rest of the book.

Angriff, the main character, lost his family--his wife and daughter--to a terrorist attack. In order to get revenge on the men that did it, he makes a deal to become part of Operation Overtime-- a group of soldiers cryogenically frozen until the time they are needed.

The characters in this story were very down-to-Earth and relatable, making it easy to feel Angriff's pain over losing family. I loved the dialogue in this piece as well. "There's nothing here but ghosts," was probably my favorite quote of the story.

There's quite a bit of army/military lingo in this book, but not too bad where a person uneducated about the subject would be confused. All the important information is very nicely laid out.

All in all, I really enjoyed this story, and I'm excited to see what comes next in the series!
Profile Image for Eric Smiley.
22 reviews
August 19, 2018
A few little things I didn’t like, but overall an excellent adventure. I just bought the 2nd book on kindle. Oh and I love Nipple!
1 review
January 7, 2017
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Standing the Final Watch is the debut novel by William Alan Webb, and is the first book in the Last Brigade series. This book best described as a speculative military techno-thriller (I’ll let you, the reader, fit that into whichever genre you deem appropriate). When I initially spoke with Mr. Webb, he
described to me a futuristic Clancy-esque thriller with shades of Mark Greaney; I admit to being both interested and skeptical, as I am an avid fan of both of these authors. Little did Mr. Webb know that he had set himself to a very high standard!! However, I soon found out that William Webb is a talented author with a surprisingly original premise, and I walked away ready for a sequel.

Standing the Final Watch transpires after the collapse of the United States. Most of the land is under caliphate rule, and Western culture has practically ceased to exist. Enter the Seventh Cavalry Brigade, a group of elite soldiers recently awakened after a fifty-year cryogenic sleep; the group’s mission is simple: take back the United States. Commanded by legendary general Nick Angriff, this last remnant of the world’s mightiest military has been tasked not only with the subjugation of all enemies of the former United States, but also with eliminating any leftovers from the corrupt political system that led to the downfall of the country. How, though, do you fight an enemy that’s fifty years ahead of you? How do you handle the knowledge that the entirety of what was once the United States military exists in a secret base in the side of a mountain? And how do you know that the company you keep is dedicated to the same mission you are? General Angriff is prepared for the fight, but he’s also aware that not all
are as loyal as they seem…

I’ll say right here that Standing the Final Watch is excellent. I was fully prepared to “take it easy” on Mr. Webb’s debut storytelling attempt, but there’s no need. The book has been finely edited; the story is cohesive and keeps moving; and the dialogue is spot on. If you’re any fan of the aforementioned Clancy or Greaney, even James Rollins or Clive Cussler, you’re going to enjoy this book. There’s just enough sci-fi to create an intelligent “What if?” scenario, and there are twists and turns enough that it’s impossible to get bored. I couldn’t put the book down, and honestly, I didn’t really want to.

Mr. Webb’s attention to detail is probably this book’s strongest selling point. I can’t give any spoilers, but I will say that a large-scale covert operation does come with its share of unintended consequences.
Also, Mr. Webb succinctly and deliberately deals with the issue of modern-day soldiers suddenly being thrust half a century into the future. Webb’s ability to answer questions and handle opportunities as they arise makes the story more compelling and believable. This, to me, is the mark of a great storyteller in the making.

There is, however, one potential negative. This story is told from a staunchly conservative point of view. I understand that every writer has a bias, but most tend to keep personal feelings subtle or subdued.
Mr. Webb does not; Standing the Final Watch is a conservative manifesto. This fact did nothing to deter me from enjoying the story; however, some readers may find Webb’s writing to be too politically motivated or aggressive.

Standing the Final Watch gets a strong 5 Stars from me. This story is just well-told and enjoyable. If you’re a fan of James Bond or Jack Ryan or Dirk Pitt, you’re going to love Nick Angriff. I am anxiously awaiting Last Brigade Book 2, and I look forward to seeing where Mr. Webb takes this story.
Profile Image for Ed.
678 reviews64 followers
June 10, 2021
Outstanding military science fiction book #1 in what looks like a must read series.
Profile Image for Andy.
14 reviews
March 6, 2018
The FBI man was right, Angrief is an ass, and I didn't really like him. But his ideals make for a good story after the downfall of the US, and I have to admit that I'm curious as to what's hiding down the tracks.
613 reviews7 followers
July 24, 2018
Great read!

I liked this novel, it needs a sequel! Well written, interesting premise, suspenseful, lots of battles, I still wanted more!
Profile Image for Nick Brett.
1,063 reviews68 followers
June 19, 2017
Quite a tough one to review this. The big picture is that the USA is going down the tubes and a brigade of troops with top of the range equipment is hidden away and put into cryogenic sleep. They awake to a US where there is no Government and the bad guys are in control. While they start getting themselves together they find that there may be enemies within as well, and there may be agendas they are not aware of.
A book of two halves really and I struggled with the first half, way too right wing painting the Government and President as weak and anti-America but I enjoyed the part set 50 odd years into the future. It is a theme I have read before a few times but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. I cringed a bit in the first half and grinned a bit in the second.
This could be a good series if the author cuts back on the right wing views and just enjoys playing in the sandpit he has built.
1,477 reviews25 followers
November 22, 2019
Standing the Final Watch. William Alan Webb

This book closely mirrors are current political climate of self serving politicians with their own agenda for destroying America. A select group of individuals, largely military are placed in a type of frozen stasis or cryogenics for fifty years. The world as they know it has collasped, imploded. Unfortunately, some of the survivors are part of the treacherous traitors from the past. Non stop action, suspense. A fantastic read! Enjoyed immensely!!
Profile Image for Ski Croghan.
609 reviews5 followers
August 6, 2020
A fantastic bookk.....

This book was fantastic. Being an ex soldier I could really understand their feelings. Having lost my first husband in Vietnam, a totally unnecessary and political war, I feel the same way. I was in the Women's Army Corp. Before they ruined by combining it with the men's army. I couldn't put it down. Can't wait to read the neXt one Highly recommended.



Profile Image for Will  Ferrick.
90 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2020
Good concept

This is a first for me. The idea of storing a large military force for future use is I have only read about a couple of times before. So this is new twist on military scifi and a good one. I hope the author is planning a follow up to this. I recommend it as a good read.
87 reviews
April 18, 2018
A Masterpiece

I don't use the word masterpiece very often. In the several hundred reviews i made, I think I've only used it one other time. There is so much good to write that I'm just going to stop because anything I say would demean the simply masterful story you need to experience for yourself...
Profile Image for RJ.
2,044 reviews13 followers
July 16, 2020
This epic series starts with a bang and doesn’t let go. Excluding some particulars to quibble over, this opening volley of volume one introduces the main players and lays the groundwork for one exciting series. I am really looking forward to experiencing all four volumes. In the opening chapters, our General of the Army sports twin Desert Eagles in shoulder holsters under each armpit. Really? Now the Desert Eagle XIX is 10.75” long and weighs 4.5 lbs. There is a newer L5 .44 model at 9.7” and a hair over 3 lbs., so perhaps it would be feasible with the newer model. That’s an awful lot of pistol to be lugging around, and two of them at that, compared to a Beretta 92X Compact at 5.25” and 27 oz… Aside from this macho embellishment, the rest of the story is based on an interesting premise. The West is falling, sliding further and further into complacency and corrupted social liberalism. In the future, the fall of America will be remembered as The Collapse. Some forward-thinkers may have a plan.
Profile Image for H. Blalock.
Author 80 books22 followers
October 31, 2018
From the opening pages of a terrorist attack on a civilian tour boat, Webb weaves a tale of intrigue, betrayal, political deception, and personal tragedy. The book itself could be considered a satirical take on today's national political and social atmosphere.

Standing the Final Watch is the story of General Nick Angriff and his last command, Operation Overtime. His personal vendetta leads him fifty-nine years into the future, but his past follows with deadly intention.

Webb's writing is technically mature but fast-paced. His characters are both believable and well-developed. Angriff's gruff personality is reminiscent of his hero, Patton. Bettison, his nemesis, is obviously based on all the politically ambitious serpents we see in today's Beltway.

All the supporting characters show their foibles and strengths well, whether for or against Angriff's ideal USA. For anyone who enjoys military history or alternate history, this book is a must read.
1 review
January 21, 2018
I see that some other reviews tell a little about the story line, so will just give my impressions, without repeating what others have said.
The main character, Nick Angriff, is a new American hero, set in a really compelling, imaginative novel. It should appeal to a wide demographic. Women will love that he is a strong man who loved his wife and daughters. Men will identify with his struggle to do the right thing against overwhelming odds - bucking a corrupt system in the beginning and fighting to protect innocent lives throughout. Military personnel will be honored to see how they are appreciated. History buffs will appreciate its references. SciFi fans will love the "future time warp", cryogenic and post apocalyptic aspects.
As you read it, you can visualize it, just like watching a movie. I can hardly wait for the sequel to see what happens next.
39 reviews3 followers
December 29, 2019
Actually, I would like to give it a 4 1/2 star rating. The fundamental storyline is both creative and fascinating. I was a little concerned at first as the book opens up with a series of small vignettes, leaving me with feeling that the author was taking too much time to set up the story and was not holding my interest.
Then, about 25% into the book, it got interesting and I found myself totally engaged -- to the point that I had great difficulty putting it down, even though it was the Christmas holidays and I had many other things that were demanding my attention.
In summary, despite a very slow start, the story is captivating and sets up the series well. The basic storyline in mind-blowing and well thought out. I can't wait to jump into the next book today! :)
Profile Image for Mark Engels.
Author 4 books30 followers
August 29, 2017
The 21st Century answer to George C. Scott's portrayal of George S. Patton! This book will resonate with many today in these trying times. Webb's Nicholas Angriff is a man of duty--to his God, to his family, to his country. Neither his principles nor personality waver in the face of tragedy, trials, or betrayal. Webb paints a stark picture following the end of the world as we know it but leaves us confident in General Angriff's ability to bring America back from the brink of extinction. Can't wait for more in the next installment as "Nick the A" inspires his troops, decimates our enemies, and leads our remnant countrymen toward a new Gilded Age.
1,183 reviews17 followers
August 28, 2019
I enjoyed the protagonist in this book. As a first book of a series it was better than I thought it would be.The book was fun little over the top, but very enjoyableA really fast-paced and fun book.

I enjoyed this book very much, it was fast-paced, plenty of action, a little over-the-top but very fun to read. I found this author accidentally while scanning through Kindle unlimited, I am very glad I did. I enjoy the protagonist and his cohorts around him. Going on to the next book and I suggest anybody reading this review will do the same.
Profile Image for Johnny.
2,170 reviews80 followers
September 2, 2018
Book one

Mistakes: none found
Plot: This reminds me of some of the books I grew up reading: Wingman, Doomsday Warrior, The Survivalist. This book fits right in. I was always happiest when reading a good over the top action adventure. This book makes me happy.
I could have done without the two bits from other books at the end though.
Characters: over the top and larger than life.
I give this a 7.5/10
718 reviews6 followers
April 15, 2020
Decent story

I'm afraid that America is headed in that direction. Our so-called leaders are in it for themselves, not for us. We need a new amendment, one that lets us vote on a leader when they leave office. Not enough votes? Firing squad.
Profile Image for Antoine Robert.
Author 8 books9 followers
June 12, 2020
Interesting setup!
Not only action but also a viper pit where it is difficult to separate wheat from chaff, friend from foe!

Solid characterization for both protagonists and antagonists!

very enjoyable read!
127 reviews3 followers
February 7, 2021
Refreshingly good

A bit of the beaten track,sufficiently for me to give 5stars.characters are well defined. The plot is still to be totally defined,it has definitely got my attention.
15 reviews2 followers
April 24, 2024
Wow, what a book

This is one of the best books I have read about when we had to take back our country. The characters are real. Makes you want to be with them. Can't wait for the next book. A must buy and a must read. You won't be sorry.
Profile Image for Dale (Aus).
923 reviews7 followers
July 17, 2017
Enjoyed the story, the characters and the setting. Lots of directions you could go from here so should be interesting.
12 reviews
November 26, 2018
Good book

Great character development with plenty of weapons tech weaved into the plot. Of the books ive read on Prime, Ill look to read the sequel.
302 reviews
June 30, 2019
Good story and i enjoyed the action. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
39 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2019
Excellent Read

Excellent story fast pace action from start to finish. If you like a story you won’t get bored with, I highly recommend this one. I couldn’t put it down, can’t wait to get on with the next one.
Profile Image for Jace Killan.
Author 11 books26 followers
January 26, 2022
Fantastic read. It was exciting, lots of action and leads into apocalyptic. I loved it!
243 reviews2 followers
February 12, 2018
This was a good book

This was a good book to read well written with action and twists in the story. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews

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