Red Phoenix (Bookcassette(r) Edition)

Rating:
Summary: top-notch
Review: Though this was written some fifteen years ago, the topic of a second Korean War is (unfortunately) still timely. The events may be dated slightly, but this is still a top-notch techno-thriller. I don't know who Larry Bond is, but he can move effortlessly from the political infighting in Washington to the grim realities of modern-day warfare on the battlefield to the reactions of Communist leaders. Even at 700 pages, it moved at a brisker pace than many novels half the size. He's included maps and Dramatis Personae but, to be honest, the characters and situations are so vivid, these are hardly even needed.
Nitpicking Dept: He occasionally throws in a military and/or slang word which he doesn't define. There were one or two instances where individuals got too lucky in escaping dangerous situations which stretched credulity. His writing is good, but occasionally doesn't quite convey battle scenes as vividly as it should. Overall, though, on a scale of 1 to 100, I would give this novel a solid 97. Should be required reading for anyone concerned about the current political situation.

Rating:
Summary: THE SECOND KOREAN WAR
Review: Written in 1989, this absorbing and extremely plausible tale of the second Korean War should be of interest not only to military history buffs, but also to those simply looking for a good technodrama. Dogfights, submarines, aircraft carriers, antisubmarine warfare, infantry tactics, the ROK army, the US Marine Corps, politics and politicians... are realistically and accurately portrayed. Many of the actions which occurred are reminiscent of those which marked the first Korean Conflict including not only the tactical war but also the operational state of the military. The one thing which I didn't care for was the plot involving Tony and Anne. It was superfluous. Its deletion would not have affected the story at all. Otherwise and interesting book worthy of reading! This book should be of special interest to military personnel on assignment to Korea.