Plan of Attack (Patrick McLanahan)

If you've never read Dale Brown before, I must point out that it may be best if you go back to, say, SHADOWS OF STEEL to get the timeline into this one through the books in between. Dale constantly refers to previous novels' exploits through the eyes of his characters and may spoil it, but this latest instalment in the Patrick MacLanahan series is explosive in every sense of the word. MacLanahan is back, and is busted down a rank when he launches unmanned combat air vehicles over Russia and Turkmenistan in self defence. His Air Battle Force bombers - unmanned B1s, B52s and Dale's old favourite, the EB-52 Megafortress, upgraded with an assortment of armaments - are attacked by Russian surface-to-air missiles. A mission to get a former Taliban general, Jalaluddin Tarabi, out and safely to the US to ally with MacLanahan's forces against a rogue Russian general, Anoloty Gryzlov, who has seized power and invaded Turabi's country, goes awry. MacLanahan, in the eyes of the President and joint chiefs, has disobeyed one order too many and is forced to work for the Air Intelligence Agency. His subordinate, David Luger, is promoted, but where does his loyalties lie? Working with the AIA, MacLanahan gathers intelligence that Gryzlov is planning a nuclear strike against the US in revenge for stopping Russia taking over Turkmenistan, but nobody will accept his findings because of his service history. But then it's to late, before you know it, nukes are striking missile silos and command facilities in Alsaka and the Midwest. When MacLanahan's AIA boss is killed by a missile strike against Offut AFB in Nebraska(SAC hq), he is authorised to take command. This is where the action really takes off! Fancy flying bombers over Russia to strike Moscow? This book is for you! You also get the Tin Man battle armour and performance-enhancing exoskeletons at work by ABF commandos, old favourites Chris Wohl and Hal Briggs, who feature in many of Dale's previous books. Although such technology - combat battle armour that can instantly harden when impacted by a bullet or shrapnel - might have seen farfetched some years ago(read THE TIN MAN, it's ahead of its time), such gadgetry is now in actual development and could well be in use in many years to come. Once again, Dale Brown has come up with the goods - blazing action scenes, the ultimate nightmare scenario of an attack on the US mainland, awesome weaponry which is very well explained so as anyone can understand how it works and some memorable characters - as well as the usual bunch - MacLanahan, Wohl, Briggs, David Luger, you get a host of younger aircrews and some interesting political struggles from the Washington end of the story. I would also recommend you read his all-new novel ACT OF WAR if you like this sort of story, which has just recently come out in the UK.

This book was so excellent!!! The war between Russia and the US finally happens . . . AFTER the Cold War ends. McLanahan and his armada of modified B-52s do it again!

Dale Brown, master of the techno-thriller, presents one of his most frightening scenarios in "Plan Of Attack" - nuclear destruction so devastating that the mere thought of its scope causes tremors of fear. It would be the end of our country as we know it. Voice performer J. K. Simmons imbues his reading with a somber sincerity which makes this threat plausible whether it's through the vengeful voice of Russian President General Anatolly Gryzlov or determined hero Major General Patrick McLanahan. When it comes to aerial warfare, McLanahan knows it best. But, he's no longer in charge - demoted to a job pushing papers at a desk. However, that doesn't mean he doesn't know what's going on, and he's fully aware that Russia's bomber bases are very active. Getting the higher-ups to pay attention to this is another story. Gryzlov is relentless; he'll not be satisfied until he makes McLanahan pay for bombing a Russian base. His first move is a sneak attack. McLanahan knows what's going on, but what can he do about it? Therein lies a terrific tale of techno-terrorism. Hang on to the seats of your chairs when you listen to this one! - Gail Cooke

I think this will catch me up on my book reviews over the last week... :-)For some recreational reading, I picked up Dale Brown's Plan Of Attack. This is one of those military war thrillers involving the use of hi-tech weaponry to defeat the enemy. Overall, a pretty good read.In the latest episode of Patrick McLanahan's adventures, he's been demoted a rank for once again skirting a direct order given to him for defending a certain area by having and using some offensive weapons when they are attacked. He ends up tucked away at a desk top with strict orders to mind his own business and just do his job. But he ends up getting intel that points to Russia preparations to launch a full-scale nuclear attack on the US. His direct superiors won' t listen to what appears to be an outlandish conclusion, so he goes over their heads and ends up facing a court martial. But of course, he's right and the attack takes place. His small group of hi-tech commandos are one of the few resources left to counter-attack, and he has to once again disobey some orders in order to make his plan happen.Since this book uses characters that have appeared in other Dale Brown novels, there is not a lot of background character development. If you haven't read the previous novels, you might be a little lost as to why McLanahan is viewed in such a negative light. The story moves along at a decent pace, and the different weaponry is interesting to think about. While I didn't see it as a "can't put it down" book, I did enjoy the read.

Well I just bought this 16th novel by Dale Brown in finished it in about 7 hours. Compared to the last 3 books, this one is more similar to Brown's earlier works. Lots of action and less background info. Kinda short too, less that 400 pages. But the basic story is McClanahan is demoted to Brig. General and reassigned with the Air Intelligence Agency in San Antonio, TX. Just so happens his boss there is Gary Houser, now a Maj. Gen, Pat's old aircraft commander before he went to Dreamland. Well McClanahan discovers a Russian plan to launch an attack on US bomber bases and missle bases. He tells his plan to the higher ups and is promtly ignored. Then is threated with a court martial, again. The rest is pretty much easy to guess, the attack happens and McClanahan comes in to save the day, again. There are a few twist which I won't mention. But the ending of the book defently sets up the next one and probably the 3 or 4 after that. Overall its a bit redundant but still a good read. Nice way to kill a Sunday afternoon. And its a techno thriller, its supposed to have all the military jargon and whatnot. So give it chance, you should enjoy it.