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Future War #7

DMZ: This is the Future of War

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WINNER: BEST MILITARY FICTION 2023 - BOOK EXCELLENCE AWARDS
 
Can a single ordinary person change the course of history?

The Future War series takes on one of the most likely superpower confrontations of coming years. As a nuclear weapon is detonated over South Korean territory in the Sea of Japan, six protagonists hold the fate of the Korean Peninsula in their hands. Their decisions could see North and South Korea reunited at last, or send the world spiraling into nuclear armageddon.

" From the very first page, we are thrown into action that puts us shoulder to shoulder with the characters in trying to discern who is friend or foe. And when the roles shift, we're all trying to stay alive until we sort it out... The stakes feel genuine, and no victory comes without our heroes making enormous sacrifices...This is the series for readers who enjoy intelligent fiction that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Very highly recommended. A rock shock of a ride and I loved being here for every page of it!" USA Readers' Favorite.

As the North and South Korean leaders sit down to ink a new Peace Accord at Panmujom Peace Village, aggressor pilot, Lieutenant Karen 'Bunny' O'Hare is training South Korean pilots to fight against unmanned combat aircraft. Her unit is pulled into the new front line as North Korean fighters sweep in over the DMZ and bomb Panmunjom. Bunny's life hangs in the balance as events on the Korean Peninsula spin out of control.

In the Sea of Japan, commander of the fast expeditionary transport USS Cody, Lieutenant O'Shea Lomax, is headed out to rendezvous with an autonomous anti-submarine warfare vessel that has just set the record for the longest fully autonomous sea voyage by a US Navy warship. But no sooner is the rendezvous complete than Cody and its crew are witness to a North Korean nuclear attack at sea. The USS Cody is the wrong ship, in the wrong place, at exactly the wrong time, but can Cody and its drone find the North Korean submarine that fired the missiles, before it strikes again?

As the missiles fly, US Navy Chief Petty Officer, Ryan Kronk, is shot down over the DMZ and finds himself inside enemy territory with a North Korean patrol in pursuit. But accompanying Kronk's flight was a Shikaka White Bat drone - probably the most potent airborne weapons platform in the entire theater. If he can only work out how to fly it.

in the cockpit of his South Korean Boromae fighter, Lieutenant Hee-chan "Bounce" Son, prepares to undertake what will probably be the last mission of his career: an attack deep inside North Korean airspace, to plunge a bunker-busting bomb into the heart of the mountain that hides North Korea's nuclear weapons storage facility. He can't destroy it, but he's willing to give his life, just to buy his country even a few days breathing space to stave off nuclear destruction.

In the South Korean administrative capital of Sejong City, Special Agent Helen Lee of the Sth. Korean Presidential Security Service realizes that the protection detail she has been assigned to has a fanatical loyalty to their team leader and their protectee. But are what about their loyalty to the goal of Korean reunification?

And, at a secret location south of the DMZ, North Korean Guards Command detail leader, Captain Jong-chon Ri, has to fight off an attempt to assassinate his protectee, the Supreme Leader of North Korea. But when the force attacking him comprises both South AND North Korean troops, his first task is to work out who is friend, and who is foe. The answer to that question could determine the future of the entire Korean Peninsula.

Told through the eyes of ordinary men and women on both sides of a global conflagration, DMZ is an epic tale that shows how rocky the path to peace on the Korean Peninsula will be.

439 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2022

223 people are currently reading
52 people want to read

About the author

F.X. Holden

22 books191 followers
FX Holden writes action thrillers (The 'Aggressor' and 'Future War' Series) and Science Fiction (The 'Coruscant' and 'Red Legion' Series). He has been awarded two US Publishers' Weekly Stars (the Michelin Star of publishing), the US Readers' Favorite award for Best Political Thriller (twice, including in 2025), and the US Book Excellence award for Best Military Fiction!

FX Holden is a pen name for author Tim (TJ) Slee, winner of the HarperCollins Banjo Prize for Australian fiction and the US Publishers Weekly BookLife Prize for Fiction.

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5 stars
644 (58%)
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317 (29%)
3 stars
103 (9%)
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21 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
2 reviews
July 9, 2022
Rockin' good read. Fast moving. Bunny O'Hare is turning into a great character.
Profile Image for F.X. Holden.
Author 22 books191 followers
July 5, 2022
Not a review, since I am the author! So consider this to be spoiler free-ish author notes!

I scripted and researched DMZ during 2021 and as I sat down to write it February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. I take no joy in the fact that I predicted this on my blog in December ’21: “I just read Russian President V. Putin’s 12,000-word essay on Ukraine and there can be only one conclusion … he is going to invade.”

Like the rest of the western world I watched in horror as Russian tanks reached the outskirts of Kyiv and then cheered for the gritty Ukrainians as Russia was forced to withdraw from northern Ukraine, then beaten back from Ukraine’s second largest city, Kharkiv. Ukraine forced massive Russian losses in Mariupol and the Donbas region, but at the time of writing, the combatants have settled into what looks sadly like a long, drawn out war that will only end with a change of leadership in Moscow.

For a military fiction writer, a lot of lessons have been learned. In Ukraine we saw the large-scale impact of drone warfare on a modern battlefield for the first time, as Turkish TB2 drones killed Russian main battle tanks by the dozens, guided the anti-ship missiles that sank the Russian Black Sea flagship, the Moskva, and Russian KYB kamikaze drones were used with horrifying effect to target concentrations of Ukrainian troops. We saw the terrible results of Russia’s use of thermobaric rockets (a weapon shown in action in the Future War novel ‘Kobani’) on civilians in Ukrainian towns and on entrenched troops in the Donbas

The chaos, brutality but also the ineptitude of Russia’s attack on Ukraine was a shock to most observers. I wrongly predicted a well-coordinated, combined arms attack on Ukraine, conducted under cover of complete air superiority, that would secure eastern Ukraine for Russia in the space of a few months. Instead, we saw logistical problems cripple the Russian offensives, its air force limited to launching stand off attacks from outside Ukraine’s borders due to the effectiveness of Ukrainian air defenses, and poorly supported armored units decimated by hand-held anti-tank missiles and drone-guided artillery.

That chaos and ineptitude influenced greatly the scripting of DMZ, which is about an attempt by a group of powerful conspirators on both sides of the demarcation line, to disrupt the reunification process. I originally envisaged that it would be all too easy for a few well-placed conspirators successfully to completely derail a peace process; to create fear and panic, to install their own leaders, to bring the superpowers once again to the brink of open conflict…

But the failure of Russia’s initial offensives in Ukraine gave me pause. If a medium sized power like Russia, given years to prepare itself, could execute its strategy so badly that it would lose hundreds of tanks and tens of thousands of troops in the first couple of months of war - with only minor gains to show for it - then how badly could things go for a handful of anti-reunification conspirators in Korea?

DMZ therefore became a lot more about the mistakes made by the main actors, and the impact that the actions of just a few ordinary people can have on the outcome of world events.

-The outrage of a single South Korean protection officer in Sejong City.
-The grudging love for his leader of a North Korean Supreme Guards officer.
-The determination of a US naval commander in a tiny, battle-scarred vessel, not to give up … even in the face of nuclear destruction.
- And of course, the willingness of an Australian fighter pilot to fight a fight that wasn’t hers. Because at the end of the day ordinary soldiers, sailors and pilots fight and die not for grand political philosophies, not only because it is their duty, but because they have their mates’ backs.

An amazing group of people (named in the front of the book) helped polish the plot and bring authenticity to the action. If there are any technical errors in this book they are entirely my fault, not the fault of this group of military fiction enthusiasts; including Army, Navy and Air Force servicemen and women from multiple countries. If you enjoyed this novel, you should also thank them!
49 reviews
July 3, 2022
Damn fine read!!!

I don't normally write reviews because sometimes I feel just don't adequately express myself, and I am not good on character descriptions. But I make exceptions for books/series that I really feel, and this is one. I love following Bunny through her adventures, and this makes me look forward to the next book... hopefully it will be soon. Please read and enjoy.... you willbe glad you did!!!
125 reviews6 followers
August 1, 2022
Best Yet

The action packed series continues at a very fast pace. In today's world, fiction could become reality in a moments . The plots and characters continue to make this an outstanding series. Well worth your time.
55 reviews
July 25, 2022
War is inevitable!

Fantastic plot and story line. An edge of the seat, page turner of a story. Amazing realism and action sequencees, with a plot that makes you wonder and keeps you guessing. Truly depicts how some in power will do anything to keep their influence and prestige.
5 reviews
January 8, 2023
good story telling

Author didn’t go overboard with imagining high tech weaponry, but did so with enough to get the reader to consider the possibilities and in so doing was able to devote energy to the story telling.
Profile Image for Doc Tisch.
55 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2022
Fantastic!

Although I am saddened that this series is over, it was a fantastic read! I highly recommend reading this entire series in the order recommended!
1 review
January 21, 2023
7 great books, one author.

Very well done. Believable and your knowledge of military operations reminds me of a guy named Tom Clancy.

Bravo Zulu!
47 reviews
July 16, 2022
Outstanding Series

Great Work I must apologize a little as my experience with book series has been a little disappointing as usually by the middle of the 2 nd book the word just keep repeating themselves to make the max required
NOT YOUR BOOKS I have absolutely enjoyed ever word ,every second of tense suspense and where did you every find BUNNY???? The world nerds a lot more Bunnies.
Our World is changing. My Country the USA is changing. I did my service time for President Kennedy. I served at his pleasure right when he started inventing the Green Men.
Someday someone will write a book about the invasion of America, The 5th colomn that is being created right now before our very eyes. We won't be reading about the collapse of other democratic countries, we will be sitting wringing our hands wondering how this has happened to one of the greatest democracies on the face of the planet. It will be to late then It will be gone.
However Books like this series you just wrote if paid attention to may cause some to wake up and think. FREEDOM IS NOT FREE
As I write this review President Biden just left Israel for the Family of Saud Empire.Hamas sent him on his way with a salute of 4 rockets aimed at Southern Israel. They were aimed at about 20 kilometers where I have decided to pitch my tent for awhile lived here about 10 years.
Peace Talks Hmmmm
Thanks all the stars that be for the Iron Dome system can't wait for a comparable laser system to go functional.

Really have enjoyed a!l your books

Steven






287 reviews3 followers
August 2, 2022
What can you say about an author that keeps getting better, the more novels that are produced? The plot moves at a very readable pace. The politics of the situations are relatively believable and probably quite current. The main character "Bunny", has transferred well from novel to novel, possibly getting more mature. As each novel progresses her storyline. The main storylines are very centralized around a certain area and coincide together at the end very well. The techno-babble is kept to a minimum and is rather creatively entertaining and scarily relevant at the same time. This was a well-done novel
Profile Image for Greg Hollingsworth.
114 reviews8 followers
July 9, 2022
Riveting!

One of the key features of all the Future War series is the plausibility of the plots - these are real-world scenarios that very well could feature in the near future. DMZ is no exception. From the first page, Holden draws the reader into a world of characters and technology that seems to be almost surreal in its predictive scope and its grasp of today's fast-evolving world stage. Indeed, we are seeing much of it playing out in the current Russia-Ukraine war. DMZ is well-plotted and absolutely gripping from beginning to end. A fitting capstone to the series.
Profile Image for Ajitabh Pandey.
857 reviews51 followers
July 20, 2022
This adventure takes the reader to Korean Penninsula. The leaders of the two Koreas have decided for a Unified Korea, but things are not as simple as they look. Coup, assassinations, nuclear bombs, betrayl, loyalty and bravery - the book is filled with non-stop action and is a real page turner from beginning to end.
I do not think there will be any further books in this series as the author has mentioned about a new series from one of the characters in this series. Looking forward to the next adventure.
151 reviews
January 30, 2023
As usual lots of action, some great suspense, and an interesting created world.

I enjoyed the novel. But some things that I didn't like so well in this novel compared to earlier novels were:

1) I did notice some editing errors. Not a lot, bet some. I didn't find any in the earlier works.

2) I found the plot's premise very unlikely.

3) For some reason, I sometimes was confused by which character was which. This might just have been me being befuddled. Mr. Holden had always done a great (but subtle) job of reducing this confusion in his earlier works.
70 reviews
June 17, 2023
Well this was a good way to wrap up the series. Interesting plot but less revealing of future technologies than the other 6 books in the series.

This sets up a new series using the obnoxious Karen "Bunny" O'Hare heroine. I think I have already had enough of her. I wish the series had focused more on the ground pounding sergeant who was a co-hero in the first books. (At least her presence was minimal in most of the first half of DMZ).

Good series end, but good riddance!
Profile Image for Edgar Guedez.
Author 1 book3 followers
August 2, 2023
BEST BOOK SERIES I'VE EVER READ

This is the best book series I've read. Holden takes the tension sky high while stretching the plot to the limit. The author doesn't treat the South Korean leaders kindly in the plot whereas the North Korea leader, madame Kim, emerges at the end physically unscathed but as a hero for world peace. Excellent culmination of q the series I highly recommended it.
17 reviews
December 16, 2022
Just a little confusing

I have read all the books in this series, all very entertaining. This one was a little confusing, certainly in the beginning, trying to follow who were the good guys, who were the had guys.Probably because I'm an American I got confused by all the Korean names. My bad. Still recommend this book to anyone who has read the other books in the series.
Profile Image for Chance.
1,107 reviews21 followers
July 3, 2022
ya Ukraine shows the failure of dictatorships on true nations

Ok the series ends on a Hugh note and leaves a quick look at a spin-over series set about Bunny which I’m definitely going to read
Profile Image for Larry B Gray.
Author 6 books155 followers
July 11, 2022
Awesome Adventure

Another outstanding action packed thriller in the Future War series. The storyline will keep you glued to its pages. The characters are awesome and easy to follow. I really like this book and I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Traci J Paulette .
7 reviews
July 12, 2022
Another Great Future War Book

Every scenario is spot on. These stories could come right out of the news. Russia, China, the US, it could happen. The technology is also terrific. If we have not heard of it, we probably will….in the future. :)
Profile Image for Jon Nelson.
77 reviews5 followers
September 11, 2022
Good read!

I chose 5 stars because I could not put the book down, and when I did, I was thinking of it. I got confused at times who were good and who were bad, but finally figured it out.
19 reviews
April 29, 2023
Another their great read

Well put together novel of future war that just may take place as depicted
A few operational boo boos but all in all a great multi ending war novel
Highly recommended
1 review
June 20, 2023
My thoughts…..

Very busy, and for me , at least , it was tough to keep track of who was who.I wanted more “Bunny”. Love the series though and will continue reading them as they become available.
Profile Image for Doug.
127 reviews4 followers
January 2, 2023
Ok story. Didn't find this one as good as the earlier books in this series. Still a good read if you have the others.
29 reviews
June 6, 2023
Like reading a newspaper!!!!

I have read all of the future war series. Mr Holden is the king of this genre. Action aplenty damn good reading.
Profile Image for stephen conn.
143 reviews
November 14, 2023
DMZ

Another rollercoaster ride with multiple leading characters and scenes unlike most writers of this genre the lead character Bunny O'Hare is not the only one who saves the day
2 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2024
Another great book by this author. Believeable story line, real charecters. I couldn't put it down.
16 reviews
November 3, 2024
excellent story line

This was Holden’s best of the Future War Series. A must read if you like a page turner you can’t put down
1 review
May 22, 2025
Best of the Series

An adrenaline packed story from start to end. I really enjoyed, and looked forward to, reading what happened next every time I put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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