Book Reviews by Ehlen Administration

Rebirth by Travis Starnes My rating: 4 of 5 stars John Taylor has just suffered through 3 years as a POW, and came home crushed to find the girl of his dreams now out of his reach. Wandering aimlessly, he comes upon a firefight, and his military instincts just kick in. Can he save the girl and survive the Russian mob? The first in a series starring washed up war hero John Taylor, Rebirth is an origin story fit for the character. It is written in a blunt, no nonsense style, and feels like a vet is talking you through his options as Taylor carefully but decisively considers his options. He has a honed sense of justice and take no prisoners attitude. This is a quick, easy read for those of us who appreciate character driven plot without too much frilly stuff on the side to distract. I have a feeling though, I will enjoy more of the series and discovering Taylor’s ability to outrun his demons. View all my reviews Please note, while there may be affiliate links or payment for r...

Fire War by T.T. Michael My rating: 4 of 5 stars Anthony Jackson is determined to finish up his Marine tour for the NAU and get home for good. He has a wife and daughters to reconnect with and a life to build. His last assignment is to train some new snipers, and he is good at what he does. He doesn’t realize that his assignment will lead to a new world order with Canada, Mexico and the US joining forces, and turning into a country he barely recognizes. What will happen when the nation feels more like Orwell’s 1984 than the current date of 2076? Fire War imagines the US turning into a dictatorship, abandoning the principles of the current Constitution, due to extreme security measures adopted after major terrorist attacks. While set in the future it is not hard to imagine this outcome, particularly given current debates over similar issues. While at times it can feel a little preachy, Michael effectively outlines a scenario that is plausible, which is what makes it scary. I hope...

Hook Up: A Novel of Fort Bragg by William P. Singley My rating: 3 of 5 stars Hook Up follows newly drafted recruits and a couple RAs as they start jump training in the 82nd Airborne Division in that nebulous time between the Korean and Vietnam “conflicts.” Their time training as paratroopers matures them all into men, but as it is in life it reveals the kind of men they are. Also as it in life, not all of the recruit’s outcomes are just or fair. In the late ‘50s the military was a different experience than the modern military - in some ways. In some ways it seems nothing has changed. I enjoy history, and Hook Up reveals aspects that we don’t often record. Everyone has heard of some of the heroism and sacrifice of war, but how that individual came to be able to make that sacrifice or what his training was is often glossed over, when in fact without that the heroism would have never been exhibited. I appreciate that author William P. Singlely showed some of the unsavory aspects of...

No book review today, just wanted to remind everyone that while you are at your BBQ to take a minute to remember why we have the day off. Someone died so you could have a parade, and while I am all for celebrating the country they fought for, I also think sometimes we forget the sacrifice. Don't leave the memory out of Memorial Day.  Please note, while there may be affiliate links or payment for reviews, all opinions are my own. You can't buy a good review from me, people. I am way too mouthy for that.