Engage and Destroy

This is a great book for those who like military action. Some of the personal drama seems a little bit over the top, but then I can't really say how genuine it is because I've never served in the military or been in combat. Overall all three books in this trilogy are worth reading.

The research and detail that the author has put into this series shines through every page, given anyone off the street as intimate a look into the life of tank crews at war as can be given without going to Ft Knox for OSUT. What keeps you turning the pags, however, are the characters, because they are real, you learn to care for them, and just as in the real world you will not know who makes it. Do not pass this series by, because I'm certain you'll regret it.

Finding a new techno-thriller author with plausible combat scenarios is always a great event. The author paints a pretty realistic picture in Korea and reinforces it with a good understanding of US weapons technology. A little more could be added to the NK side, though. The only discordant aspect to the story is the heavy use of personal problems to generate some tension between characters before and during battle sequences. If there is one common statement by combat veterans, it is that under the stress of actual combat, they tend to forget everything except their training. Thus, the multitude of characters with constant mind numbing personal problems and worries that interfere with their actions during combat seems to sidetrack the story a bit, at least in my view. I would think that survival instincts and fear would be more prevalent. Moreover, the opponents seem extremely one-dimensional and somewhat stereotypical. The perhaps overuse of Army acronyms should also be noted. I am not saying this is not realistic since every profession likes to speak in its own language, but it can be distracting. However, the books thus far published are a good and enjoyable short read and I plan to continue to follow the series as it unfolds. The books are a little reminiscent of Team Yankee by Harold Coyle.

Mr. Callahan hits another one out of the park with the second book in the Armored Corps series. Continuing in the footsteps of his first high energy story in the series, Mr. Callahan takes us further into the fight alongside the brave soldiers of "First Tank". This book consumed me. I read it in a single sitting. I was up all night. I couldn't stop until I was finished. I have sent this book to my Tanker pals in Iraq and they love it. I'm sure I'll never see it again.