Shadows of War

by Robert Gandt

Book Overview

Brick Maxwell lost a friend when fellow pilot Raz Rasmussen was shot down in the first Gulf War. Years after he is declared KIA, Raz's now-remarried widow receives a call claiming he is alive, and she... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0451213467
• ISBN13: 9780451213464
• Release Date: November 2004
• Publisher: Signet Book
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 4.2" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Gandt at his best

As a lifelong student of science and technology, my tastes do not normally run to fiction. And, I am even less likely to sit down and write a book review. Aaargh! Having discovered Robert Gandt's series of action novels some 5 years ago, however, I actually find myself looking forward to setting aside the likes of Hawkings, Azimov and Bryson and settling down to the pure enjoyment of a great read. With his impeccable credentials across the entire spectrum of aviation, the author brings a refreshing realism rarely seen in military novels. Through his vast experience as a seasoned carrier pilot, Gandt recounts in vivid detail the ongoing saga of combat navy pilot, Sam "Brick" Maxwell, aboard the USS Ronald Reagan in the war-torn Middle East and the China Sea. More to the point, perhaps, SHADOWS OF WAR is a well-crafted and compelling story of military and political intrigue, heroics, betrayal and, yes, even just the right touch of behind-the-scenes love and romance on the high seas. Enjoyed it immensely. Had to give it 5 stars. Try reading the first chapter - bet you can't put it down.

Supersonic Storytelling

In "Shadows of War," Robert Gandt proves he is the top gun of military thriller writers. He is such a skilled storyteller that all elements of his novel writing weave seamlessly together creating characters and scenes that come alive so clearly that readers become locked in Brick Maxwell's world of international crises, combat flying and political betrayal. In this story, Brick's loyalties and integrity are stretched to their maximum, and the deceitfulness of the CIA almost gets him killed on a rescue mission to extract his former squadron mate from behind terrorist lines on the Iraqi-Iran border. Declared missing in action in the first Gulf War and then dead, his friend has been held as a secret prisoner of war for 13 years by the Iraquis, who now offer him up in exchange for a captured terrorist leader as influential as Bin Laden. Why was Brick's flying buddy held back when it was believed all American pilots were released at the end of the Gulf War? How does the POW's remarried wife deal with his return? Brick understands her dilemma because the CIA agent-husband of the woman he loves has also returned from the dead. What will she decide? Gandt draws on the yin-yang of love and war in a plot made even more credible with his panoramic perspective of the war on terror, the Western and Middle East players involved and the U.S. military's delicate role in containing catastrophic conflicts that threaten global stability. Enemies are human, and allies, flawed. It is the nature of warriors and war. It is also part of the terrible tragedy of war, and if readers have never spent a day in combat service, Gandt's characters open your eyes and heart to their unique dedication to service and each other as well as to the few who dishonor them. Above all, his descriptions of flying the various aircraft, but especially the Super Hornet, are so simple yet detailed that I, for one, feel that if I ever find myself in the cockpit of an F-18, I just may be able to land this majestic bird. At least I wouldn't be afraid to try. For me, Robert Gandt is in a class of his own, and readers can expect five-star entertainment from him every time.

The best of the pack.

My reaction is brief and to the point. This is the best in Gandt's series of books about Brick Maxwell. It is, indeed, a "must" for each of his fans. John McCollister

4th in series

Bases loaded - three books up - this fourth episode of the Brick Maxwell series is a "grand slam"! It is compelling to the 4th power. Each Brick Maxwell saga is that much better than the last. This book transports you into the gripping world of politics, high tech warfare, and love with all of the moral conflict envolved in each. It definitely leaves you satifsfied but wanting more.

Military Adventure for the Thinking Reader

In this new Brick Maxwell tale, the author takes the genre to a new and deeper layer of complexity. His fighter pilot hero confronts the usual cast of bad guys, but things aren't always what they seem. Unlike the black and white, good guy versus bad guy scenario of most such books, the good ones aren't always good, nor do the bad ones turn out to be all bad. Like previous Gandt novels, there's plenty of high tech, carrier-based tactical air warfare, all woven around an engaging human story that might just be very close to the truth. It will leave you alternately laughing and crying.