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Command and Control #3
Order of Battle
A conflict in Ukraine threatens to escalate into a global power struggle between the United States and Russia.
When mercenaries attack in eastern Ukraine, the world is thrust into turmoil. Russian President Luchnik is quick to respond, launching a full-scale military invasion to quell this "national emergency" in the former Soviet country.
The United States, reluctant to put boots on the ground in yet another regional conflict, takes a different path. President Serrano hires Sentinel Holdings, a private military contractor, to hold back the Russian threat.
Don Riley, head of the CIA's Emerging Threats Group, sees trouble ahead. The Russian President is hungry for power, and he's got the military might to back up his grand ambitions. The Russian attack in Ukraine is the first move in a much larger campaign that will redraw the map of Europe.
Unfortunately, a war-weary President and his closest advisers decide Riley's input is no longer required. Instead of worrying about his career, Don Riley does what he does best.
Figuring out his enemy's end game. Before it's too late.
When mercenaries attack in eastern Ukraine, the world is thrust into turmoil. Russian President Luchnik is quick to respond, launching a full-scale military invasion to quell this "national emergency" in the former Soviet country.
The United States, reluctant to put boots on the ground in yet another regional conflict, takes a different path. President Serrano hires Sentinel Holdings, a private military contractor, to hold back the Russian threat.
Don Riley, head of the CIA's Emerging Threats Group, sees trouble ahead. The Russian President is hungry for power, and he's got the military might to back up his grand ambitions. The Russian attack in Ukraine is the first move in a much larger campaign that will redraw the map of Europe.
Unfortunately, a war-weary President and his closest advisers decide Riley's input is no longer required. Instead of worrying about his career, Don Riley does what he does best.
Figuring out his enemy's end game. Before it's too late.
436 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2022
1606 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
David Bruns
68 books256 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 59 reviews
September 9, 2022
I recently received an ARC of "Order of Battle" by David Bruns and J.R. Olson. The book is volume three in the "Command and Control" series published by Severn River Publishing (and I am very grateful for the opportunity to review this text). I should point out that I have read the entire series to date and anxiously await the already announced volume #4. This particular text, takes as its jump off point a thinly fictionalized view of events in the Ukraine since the Russian invasion. It is most valuable for its examination of the peculiar and ultimately morally ambiguous situation the United States and its allies find themselves in as they struggle to appear committed to the independence of the Ukraine without confronting the ultimate consequences of a looming Russian victory. Needless to say, in "Order of Battle," things are allowed to play themselves out in an altogether too familiar way as the Russians feel increasingly that only military expansion can save their position. This all occurs against the backdrop of both Russian disinformation and American willingness to try to manage events on the ground through the exercise of state sponsored agents willing to do what must be done to counter Russian mercenaries also working to shape events in the Ukraine. If this all sounds very familiar, you're getting the idea. As usual. the authors have a good grip on military tactics as well as grand strategy and the limitations of state involvement in events in the Ukraine. The book starts out on a horrific low key focusing on Russian agent provocateurs and then really gets rolling as each side tries to expand the proxy war being fought in the shadows without becoming too overt about it. It is a great way to get some new perspectives on what is happening in the Ukraine and the very real dangers associated with that ongoing example of Russian imperialism. As I said earlier, I cannot wait to read the next volume in this fascinating series.
November 4, 2022
Good book, but took a turn I didn’t expect. Not up to the standards of the first two books of the series.
December 22, 2024
Order of Battle is the third book in David Brun and J.R. Olsen's military thriller Command and Control series. Although it is the third book in the series, readers will find sufficient backstory to make the book work as a standalone. [But readers will find much to appreciate in the first two books in the series and are encouraged to read them.] This is one of those books (and the series as a whole) that I decided to complete from my ever-increasing TBR pile. I have read the entire series to date and anxiously await starting volume #4.
The book starts on a horrific low-key focusing on Russian agent provocateurs and then really gets rolling as each side tries to expand the proxy war being fought in the shadows without becoming too overt about it. It is a great way to get some new perspectives on what is happening in the Ukraine and the very real dangers associated with that ongoing example of Russian imperialism.
When mercenaries attack in eastern Ukraine, Vitaly Luchnik, the Russian president, brings "The Chef" Yuri Plotnikov into his cabinet and sets about taking advantage of the Wagner Group’s attack. Luchnik plans to use this attack as an excuse for his incursion into Ukraine.
The actions of the Wagner Group, private military mercenaries used by the Russian military for their off-the-books operations, had caused the Ukrainian president to declare a national emergency as he mobilized the military and appealed to the European Union for aid.
The United States, reluctant to put boots on the ground in yet another regional conflict, takes a different path. President Serrano again hires Sentinel Holdings, a private military contractor, to hold back the Russian threat. The United States president, Rick Serrano, decided to deal with the Ukrainian situation by sending in a private military contractor and again hires the group that was brought to our attention in the previous boo, Sentinel Holdings, in order to keep from putting American military troops in the midst of the conflict. However, Don Riley, as head of the CIA’s Emerging Threats Group, sees through the Russian-proclaimed “national emergency” and recognizes it as an initial move toward a far larger conquest of neighboring countries.
Unfortunately, a war-weary President Serrano and his closest advisers decide Riley's input is no longer required. A decision is made to relieve Don of his leadership position in the Emerging Threats Group, Don faces a difficult decision. Does he forget about the Russian situation or does he continue his work to identify the real threat
Don Riley, former head of the CIA's Emerging Threats Group, sees trouble ahead. The Russian President is hungry for power, and he's got the military might to back up his grand ambitions. The Russian attack in Ukraine is the first move in a much larger campaign that will redraw the map of Europe.
When I read a book, I try to rate the book on a five-star scale (with five stars being an awesome read and a sure-fire favourite) and this is one of those books that I would give five stars to. I would highly recommend this book to any aficionados of the military or geopolitical thriller genre (I finished the book in three days.....definitely a page turner). I really like that the text of the book could have been pulled directly from the pages of any newspaper. A president fighting for his political life in the mid-terms, an unnecessary Russian war in the Ukraine, security contractors more interested in dollars than human lives, scandals, intrigues, valiant warriors, and ordinary people caught in the middle of a horrible situation that's not of their making.
As with my literary ramblings, these are just my five cents worth
The book starts on a horrific low-key focusing on Russian agent provocateurs and then really gets rolling as each side tries to expand the proxy war being fought in the shadows without becoming too overt about it. It is a great way to get some new perspectives on what is happening in the Ukraine and the very real dangers associated with that ongoing example of Russian imperialism.
When mercenaries attack in eastern Ukraine, Vitaly Luchnik, the Russian president, brings "The Chef" Yuri Plotnikov into his cabinet and sets about taking advantage of the Wagner Group’s attack. Luchnik plans to use this attack as an excuse for his incursion into Ukraine.
The actions of the Wagner Group, private military mercenaries used by the Russian military for their off-the-books operations, had caused the Ukrainian president to declare a national emergency as he mobilized the military and appealed to the European Union for aid.
The United States, reluctant to put boots on the ground in yet another regional conflict, takes a different path. President Serrano again hires Sentinel Holdings, a private military contractor, to hold back the Russian threat. The United States president, Rick Serrano, decided to deal with the Ukrainian situation by sending in a private military contractor and again hires the group that was brought to our attention in the previous boo, Sentinel Holdings, in order to keep from putting American military troops in the midst of the conflict. However, Don Riley, as head of the CIA’s Emerging Threats Group, sees through the Russian-proclaimed “national emergency” and recognizes it as an initial move toward a far larger conquest of neighboring countries.
Unfortunately, a war-weary President Serrano and his closest advisers decide Riley's input is no longer required. A decision is made to relieve Don of his leadership position in the Emerging Threats Group, Don faces a difficult decision. Does he forget about the Russian situation or does he continue his work to identify the real threat
Don Riley, former head of the CIA's Emerging Threats Group, sees trouble ahead. The Russian President is hungry for power, and he's got the military might to back up his grand ambitions. The Russian attack in Ukraine is the first move in a much larger campaign that will redraw the map of Europe.
When I read a book, I try to rate the book on a five-star scale (with five stars being an awesome read and a sure-fire favourite) and this is one of those books that I would give five stars to. I would highly recommend this book to any aficionados of the military or geopolitical thriller genre (I finished the book in three days.....definitely a page turner). I really like that the text of the book could have been pulled directly from the pages of any newspaper. A president fighting for his political life in the mid-terms, an unnecessary Russian war in the Ukraine, security contractors more interested in dollars than human lives, scandals, intrigues, valiant warriors, and ordinary people caught in the middle of a horrible situation that's not of their making.
As with my literary ramblings, these are just my five cents worth
September 28, 2022
Review of Advanced Reader Copy eBook
When mercenaries attack in eastern Ukraine, Vitaly Luchnik, the Russian president, brings chef Yuri Plotnikov into his cabinet and sets about taking advantage of the Wagner Group’s attack. Luchnik plans to use this attack as an excuse for his incursion into Ukraine.
The actions of the Wagner Group, private military mercenaries used by the Russian military for their off-the-books operations, had caused the Ukrainian president to declare a national emergency as he mobilized the military and appealed to the European Union for aid.
The United States president, Rick Serrano, decides to deal with the Ukrainian situation by sending in a private military contractor, Sentinel Holdings, in order to keep from putting American military troops in the midst of the conflict. However, Don Riley, as head of the CIA’s Emerging Threats Group, sees through the Russian-proclaimed “national emergency” and recognizes it as an initial move toward a far larger conquest of neighboring countries.
When President Serrano decides to relieve Don of his leadership position in the Emerging Threats Group, Don faces a difficult decision. Does he forget about the Russian situation or does he continue his work to identify the real threat?
========
Written prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the unfolding story here feels exceptionally prophetic. Told from several points of view, the story is the third in the authors’ “Command and Control” series. Pulling the reader into the narrative from the outset, the fast pace of this action–packed military thriller keeps readers on the edge of their seats as tensions mount and the suspense builds. Although it is the third book in the series, readers will find sufficient backstory to make the book work as a standalone. [But readers will find much to appreciate in the first two books in the series and are encouraged to read them.]
Strong, realistic characters work with the unfolding events to weave together a web of intrigue. An undercurrent of apprehension continually escalates throughout the telling of the tale and keeps the reader guessing while the suspense continues to build toward a climactic event.
With a strong sense of place, the narrative holds a mirror to current political events in a tale that is all-too-real and, at the same time, compelling. Plausible, unsettling, insightful, this unputdownable book should be a must-read for everyone.
Highly recommended.
I received a free Advance Review Copy of this book from the authors and Severn River Publishing
When mercenaries attack in eastern Ukraine, Vitaly Luchnik, the Russian president, brings chef Yuri Plotnikov into his cabinet and sets about taking advantage of the Wagner Group’s attack. Luchnik plans to use this attack as an excuse for his incursion into Ukraine.
The actions of the Wagner Group, private military mercenaries used by the Russian military for their off-the-books operations, had caused the Ukrainian president to declare a national emergency as he mobilized the military and appealed to the European Union for aid.
The United States president, Rick Serrano, decides to deal with the Ukrainian situation by sending in a private military contractor, Sentinel Holdings, in order to keep from putting American military troops in the midst of the conflict. However, Don Riley, as head of the CIA’s Emerging Threats Group, sees through the Russian-proclaimed “national emergency” and recognizes it as an initial move toward a far larger conquest of neighboring countries.
When President Serrano decides to relieve Don of his leadership position in the Emerging Threats Group, Don faces a difficult decision. Does he forget about the Russian situation or does he continue his work to identify the real threat?
========
Written prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the unfolding story here feels exceptionally prophetic. Told from several points of view, the story is the third in the authors’ “Command and Control” series. Pulling the reader into the narrative from the outset, the fast pace of this action–packed military thriller keeps readers on the edge of their seats as tensions mount and the suspense builds. Although it is the third book in the series, readers will find sufficient backstory to make the book work as a standalone. [But readers will find much to appreciate in the first two books in the series and are encouraged to read them.]
Strong, realistic characters work with the unfolding events to weave together a web of intrigue. An undercurrent of apprehension continually escalates throughout the telling of the tale and keeps the reader guessing while the suspense continues to build toward a climactic event.
With a strong sense of place, the narrative holds a mirror to current political events in a tale that is all-too-real and, at the same time, compelling. Plausible, unsettling, insightful, this unputdownable book should be a must-read for everyone.
Highly recommended.
I received a free Advance Review Copy of this book from the authors and Severn River Publishing
April 4, 2023
With the Chinese driven off of Taiwan, the US Armed Forces and the President of the US are looking to enjoy their well earned time to regroup. But, in Russia President Luchin thinks with the US so involved in Asia,, it's the perfect time to finish his takeover of Ukraine. As Russian troops (and Wagner Mercenaries) viciously poor across the border heading for Kyiv, The Poles and NATO have to decide how involved they should be.
But when the Government of Belarus is assassinated, Russia moves in to "protect" the Russian community. The Poles and Lithuanians especilly fear Luchin is not going to stop attacking anytime soon. When the Russian create a crisis in Lithuania, Poland and NATO fear that the Russians will try to connect thru to Kaliniingrad, cutting off Estonia and Latvia.
There is all kind of byzantine mechanizations going on behind the lines and the politics of the war are sometimes more important than the battles.
But when the Government of Belarus is assassinated, Russia moves in to "protect" the Russian community. The Poles and Lithuanians especilly fear Luchin is not going to stop attacking anytime soon. When the Russian create a crisis in Lithuania, Poland and NATO fear that the Russians will try to connect thru to Kaliniingrad, cutting off Estonia and Latvia.
There is all kind of byzantine mechanizations going on behind the lines and the politics of the war are sometimes more important than the battles.
November 3, 2023
The third book in the Command and Conquer series. Don Riley is again the main character, but there are a number of different players from different sides who are highlighted. This time Russia is making moves on Eastern Europe to take more land, including Ukraine. The US president is on the eve of an election, and is looking to keep US Troops from the conflict. He hires a private security contractor to send soldiers in. Don sees a bigger plot by the Russians. When he raises his concerns to the President, he is released of his command at the emerging threats group. Don must keep pushing to get to the bottom of this issue before it is too late.
Overall a solid thriller. Not on the same level as the Jack Ryan series, but along the same lines. Big scope of characters working across multiple locations across the world. I look forward to the forth in the series.
Overall a solid thriller. Not on the same level as the Jack Ryan series, but along the same lines. Big scope of characters working across multiple locations across the world. I look forward to the forth in the series.
October 5, 2022
4/5. A few years in the future, Russia invades Ukraine in this latest novel in a series. The incursion resembles more what most thought the current real-world campaign would look like. No one knows if the Russians will stop at the Dnieper or try to subjugate the whole country. Surprisingly, they overthrow the friendly government in Belarus and replace it with a puppet. Then they try to drive a wedge through Lithuania to link the orphan Kaliningrad Oblast with Mother Russia. Is Russia trying to re-absorb all of its lost western territories? The US refuses to step-up and only the few directly-threatened NATO nations respond. Politics and private para-military organizations both cause problems. Another great read.
September 7, 2022
This book could have been pulled directly from the pages of any American newspaper. A president fighting for his political life in the mid-terms, an unnecessary Russian war in the Ukraine, security contractors more interested in dollars than human lives, scandals, intrigues, valiant warriors and ordinary people caught in the middle of a horrible situation that's not of their making.
Every word of Order of Battle rings true. It's compelling story-telling and a tale I couldn't put down
Bruns and Olsen are, in my opinion, among the very best of the military suspense writers producing today and the Command and Control series is definitely the best one I've read this year in ANY genre.
Every word of Order of Battle rings true. It's compelling story-telling and a tale I couldn't put down
Bruns and Olsen are, in my opinion, among the very best of the military suspense writers producing today and the Command and Control series is definitely the best one I've read this year in ANY genre.
September 26, 2022
Order of Battle (Command and Control Book 3), my fifth read from author David Bruns with collaborative effort of J.R. Olson. Outstanding, a great page-turning thriller that could be torn from the world’s current headlines. Well-written with well-developed, memorable characters. Strongly reminiscent of the writing of Tom Clancy & of the best work of Andrew Watts. An exciting, enjoyable read. I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." I can’t wait to read the next book. The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
February 24, 2023
I didn't really like that book from the beginning, but kept on reading.
Now I stumbled over this, and I can't decide if I should cry or laugh.
"A land bridge to Kaliningrad meant everything to Mother Russia: a seaport on the Baltic, an unbroken border that stretched from the Arctic Ocean to the Black Sea. Most importantly, they would split off the Balkans from NATO."
Authors save the money that would be wasted to editors these days? Or did this not just come into existence, but also sailed past an editor?
https://www.veryhungrynomads.com/baltics-and-balkans-countries-map/
Since I lalready struggled through it.... DNF
Now I stumbled over this, and I can't decide if I should cry or laugh.
"A land bridge to Kaliningrad meant everything to Mother Russia: a seaport on the Baltic, an unbroken border that stretched from the Arctic Ocean to the Black Sea. Most importantly, they would split off the Balkans from NATO."
Authors save the money that would be wasted to editors these days? Or did this not just come into existence, but also sailed past an editor?
https://www.veryhungrynomads.com/baltics-and-balkans-countries-map/
Since I lalready struggled through it.... DNF
September 9, 2022
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This is a great story and out a fictional tale where the Russians use the pretense of an attack on Soviet people which in realty is a result of a mercenary force they employ. This gives a pretense of their invasion being one of protecting their people. It was interesting to read what response the U.S. took and why.
To discover what steps each side took in this faceoff, then you need to read this book. It is well worth your time.
This is a great story and out a fictional tale where the Russians use the pretense of an attack on Soviet people which in realty is a result of a mercenary force they employ. This gives a pretense of their invasion being one of protecting their people. It was interesting to read what response the U.S. took and why.
To discover what steps each side took in this faceoff, then you need to read this book. It is well worth your time.
September 7, 2022
A really well written book that had a little bit of everything in it. Russia is working their misinformation at a feverish pace and the US doesn't know what to do. This book involved a little less Don Riley than I like but the other characters that were more heavily featured a lot too. I don't want to ruin the plot but this book is a very good read. It doesn't seem that far fetched either and is very relatable to current events. I hope these authors keep writing so I can keep enjoying them.
September 11, 2022
If you read this book on the same tablet that you read your newspaper, you need to be sure which one you are reading. The parallels with the current situation in Ukraine slip almost imperceptibly into fast-moving fiction which is totally plausible and absorbing, perhaps even more so than their previous books. Once again, however, their narrative bounces between the opposing leaderships, making their decisions and actions more understandable. An excellent read.
October 6, 2022
Hair-raising how closely this NOVEL parallels actual recent history in Ukraine!!
If you enjoyed the first 2 books in this series, DO NOT MISS THIS BOOK!
Familiar characters, thinly disguised actual political people, as well as new actors appear in this story that roars along—-hang onto your hat! And, we are left a twist I never saw coming, that will LIKELY set the stage for the next book. If only it were ready to read today!
If you enjoyed the first 2 books in this series, DO NOT MISS THIS BOOK!
Familiar characters, thinly disguised actual political people, as well as new actors appear in this story that roars along—-hang onto your hat! And, we are left a twist I never saw coming, that will LIKELY set the stage for the next book. If only it were ready to read today!
October 8, 2022
Russia Begins WW3?
The Mad Man in charge of Russia decide to regain control of the Eastern European countries they have lost and the US president decides to to stay uninvolved due to the upcoming election. So the President sends in mercenaries to deal with the problem and hopes to stay separated from the action. Of course nothing goes to plan for the Russians or the President...
The Mad Man in charge of Russia decide to regain control of the Eastern European countries they have lost and the US president decides to to stay uninvolved due to the upcoming election. So the President sends in mercenaries to deal with the problem and hopes to stay separated from the action. Of course nothing goes to plan for the Russians or the President...
September 27, 2022
I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review. I thought this was a good book but, not as good as the previous books in the series. The plot was almost too complicated to follow. I’m sure that there will be a follow on book but, I feel the authors should go back to the way they wrote the first two books.
October 22, 2022
lost the the truth in the fiction
It toke me over two weeks to finish has I kept getting tired in the book I kept feeling the book lost the Moro the first two books and I have to say I was right. The story felt the author was trying to be to PC in national we-way with a lost in the power of hope the story just become a depression with a get out jail freebie pe ending.
It toke me over two weeks to finish has I kept getting tired in the book I kept feeling the book lost the Moro the first two books and I have to say I was right. The story felt the author was trying to be to PC in national we-way with a lost in the power of hope the story just become a depression with a get out jail freebie pe ending.
October 23, 2022
The book is inspired by the current Russia-Ukrainian conflict and hence a lot of what is actually happening has been fictionalised by the author. A fairly good pace and action is there in this book. Poland is a surprising entry in the conflict, but a good one.
It looks like there is a fourth part of the series in development.
It looks like there is a fourth part of the series in development.
November 6, 2022
Decent read
The book is pretty good read, but I didn't care for the ending (which I had pretty much figured out). Most of the characters are pretty well developed in the previous books, but there are some new ones specific to this story. Editing is better than most books in this genre. I'm pnot sure if I read the next one or not.
The book is pretty good read, but I didn't care for the ending (which I had pretty much figured out). Most of the characters are pretty well developed in the previous books, but there are some new ones specific to this story. Editing is better than most books in this genre. I'm pnot sure if I read the next one or not.
December 11, 2022
A great story!
It was an excellent book. I love stories when I don't want to put in down and stop reading. Don is getting a bit older, but he is still the wise cookie! He knows how to get to the bottom of the villain. Way to go and I get to enjoy reading his antics! Kudos to Mr. Bruns & Mr. Olson!!!
It was an excellent book. I love stories when I don't want to put in down and stop reading. Don is getting a bit older, but he is still the wise cookie! He knows how to get to the bottom of the villain. Way to go and I get to enjoy reading his antics! Kudos to Mr. Bruns & Mr. Olson!!!
May 1, 2023
Another great read.
Olson and Burns have now become my number one writers.
Finally we have authors that are not padding out their books with bulk that doesn’t matter and just makes you flick through the pages.
I believe they will follow in the footsteps of the great action writers of the past.
Olson and Burns have now become my number one writers.
Finally we have authors that are not padding out their books with bulk that doesn’t matter and just makes you flick through the pages.
I believe they will follow in the footsteps of the great action writers of the past.
September 17, 2023
Honor and Integrity
World governments today are all about leaders that over the years are corrupted by power and greed. Fortunately their are movers and shakers in the back halls and basements that truly are for their country and its people. Great storylines, realistic drama about war and government actions/reactions. Looking forward to next read.
World governments today are all about leaders that over the years are corrupted by power and greed. Fortunately their are movers and shakers in the back halls and basements that truly are for their country and its people. Great storylines, realistic drama about war and government actions/reactions. Looking forward to next read.
August 26, 2024
Slow Burner
Actually put this book down as I found the first couple of chapters too slow. On returning to it the pace eventually picked up and from about halfway through I found it quite compelling. The war scenarios seemed well researched and reasoned without becoming unbelievable. Considering reading the next novel unless my attention is grabbed by something else.
Actually put this book down as I found the first couple of chapters too slow. On returning to it the pace eventually picked up and from about halfway through I found it quite compelling. The war scenarios seemed well researched and reasoned without becoming unbelievable. Considering reading the next novel unless my attention is grabbed by something else.
October 18, 2022
Continuity is important!
Book 3 in the series was a direct continuation of the first two excellent stories of war and deceit. Great characters and storyline which could be right out of todays headlines. Highly recommend this series.
Book 3 in the series was a direct continuation of the first two excellent stories of war and deceit. Great characters and storyline which could be right out of todays headlines. Highly recommend this series.
October 21, 2022
Pretty realistic book
I like the Takes it behind the scenes and opens up a non understanding the book developed it's kind of ties into the local political climate and the war and Ukraine and Takes it behind the scenes and opens up a non understanding What's going on.
I like the Takes it behind the scenes and opens up a non understanding the book developed it's kind of ties into the local political climate and the war and Ukraine and Takes it behind the scenes and opens up a non understanding What's going on.
December 1, 2022
Great beating of the Russian Bear
The story flows nicely as the allies of NATO Forces along with the action of American can do thinking and action beat the Russian Bear and his cubs.
The story flows nicely as the allies of NATO Forces along with the action of American can do thinking and action beat the Russian Bear and his cubs.
December 9, 2022
Order of battle
Confusing to me at the first few chapters, but it soon became a smoothly transitioning tale with both vision and direct ties to the world situation of today. In a word, it became very believable.
Confusing to me at the first few chapters, but it soon became a smoothly transitioning tale with both vision and direct ties to the world situation of today. In a word, it became very believable.
December 27, 2022
Very cool, a good continuation from book 2
I really enjoyed this book even though I thought the US President was a bit of an A***hole in this book but I enjoyed the characters development in the book and look forward to the next book
I really enjoyed this book even though I thought the US President was a bit of an A***hole in this book but I enjoyed the characters development in the book and look forward to the next book
February 2, 2023
Jeff Book Review #33
Order of Battle, Bruns/Olson (military fiction)
The third installment in this "Command and Control" series, the other two of which I've reviewed previously (#22, #27), "Order of Battle'' is a modern military fiction in which Russia uses some mercenary and spy networks to destabilize Eastern Europe in an attempt to take Ukraine. Written very recently in 2022, it seems the authors started writing the book before the current Ukrainian conflict started, with Russia accurately assessed as a strong military in its vast size but without much real punch, capability, or discipline.
Unfortunately, where we had a strong dose of naval activity and relatable characters in the much-better prior entry "Counter Strike", "Order of Battle" replaces those with a lot of inter-office political maneuvering and personal drama. A few of the characters we met in prior books return, but not all the ones I liked, and some have been replaced in importance by Russian oligarchs and subcontractor mercenaries who just aren't interesting. The authors seemed to settle on a smartly-written tank conflict in the third act to account for most of the ground-level activity in this installment.
Verdict: Disappointing. The backstabbing actions of characters trying to have more say in cabinet-level and agency decisions soundly negated the few narrative strings that were related to an actual conflict or technological advancement. The synopsis for the next installment sounds like a continuation of sorts, so I'm likely done with this series for now.
Jeff's Rating: 1 / 5 (Bad)
Movie Rating if made into a movie: PG-13
next up: The Warrior's Path, Louis L'Amour
Order of Battle, Bruns/Olson (military fiction)
The third installment in this "Command and Control" series, the other two of which I've reviewed previously (#22, #27), "Order of Battle'' is a modern military fiction in which Russia uses some mercenary and spy networks to destabilize Eastern Europe in an attempt to take Ukraine. Written very recently in 2022, it seems the authors started writing the book before the current Ukrainian conflict started, with Russia accurately assessed as a strong military in its vast size but without much real punch, capability, or discipline.
Unfortunately, where we had a strong dose of naval activity and relatable characters in the much-better prior entry "Counter Strike", "Order of Battle" replaces those with a lot of inter-office political maneuvering and personal drama. A few of the characters we met in prior books return, but not all the ones I liked, and some have been replaced in importance by Russian oligarchs and subcontractor mercenaries who just aren't interesting. The authors seemed to settle on a smartly-written tank conflict in the third act to account for most of the ground-level activity in this installment.
Verdict: Disappointing. The backstabbing actions of characters trying to have more say in cabinet-level and agency decisions soundly negated the few narrative strings that were related to an actual conflict or technological advancement. The synopsis for the next installment sounds like a continuation of sorts, so I'm likely done with this series for now.
Jeff's Rating: 1 / 5 (Bad)
Movie Rating if made into a movie: PG-13
next up: The Warrior's Path, Louis L'Amour
January 3, 2024
LOVE THIS SERIES!
David Bruns and J.R. Olson continue to write this series keeping this reader riveted! I’m looking forward to the next book in the Order Of Battle series: Threat Axis!
David Bruns and J.R. Olson continue to write this series keeping this reader riveted! I’m looking forward to the next book in the Order Of Battle series: Threat Axis!
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