Rating: Summary: Realistic battlescenes but dull characters Review: After bombing a federal building, a group of "patriots" from Idaho take credit for the bombing. When the army takes action against this militia, a battle is fought on US territory with the resultant loss of lives. Within the context of this battle is Lieutenant Nathan Dixon who lives in the shadow of his father, a decorated general. His stepmother, Jan Fields, is covering the war as an anchorwoman. These characters serve as an anchor around which the battles rage. Harold Coyles has written nine military thrillers. He has seventeen years of service in the military which is reflected in the realism of the battle scenes, as well as, the military strategy. His novels are known for their realistic nightmare scenarios. This, of course, is no exception. Characterizations are not a strength of his as they are all quite superficial with average dialogue. He pacing is interesting in that the story starts out slow as the characters are introduced and the battle is set up. Then, chapters get shorter, the action jumps around and the pacing picks up as we head into war.
Rating: Summary: Realistic battlescenes but dull characters Review: After bombing a federal building, a group of "patriots" from Idaho take credit for the bombing. When the army takes action against this militia, a battle is fought on US territory with the resultant loss of lives. Within the context of this battle is Lieutenant Nathan Dixon who lives in the shadow of his father, a decorated general. His stepmother, Jan Fields, is covering the war as an anchorwoman. These characters serve as an anchor around which the battles rage. Harold Coyles has written nine military thrillers. He has seventeen years of service in the military which is reflected in the realism of the battle scenes, as well as, the military strategy. His novels are known for their realistic nightmare scenarios. This, of course, is no exception. Characterizations are not a strength of his as they are all quite superficial with average dialogue. He pacing is interesting in that the story starts out slow as the characters are introduced and the battle is set up. Then, chapters get shorter, the action jumps around and the pacing picks up as we head into war.
Rating: Summary: Slow to Start, But Satisfying in the End Review: Although this novel about domestic terrorism and vigilantism was a little slow to get going, it was still as satisfying in the end as any of Mr. Coyle's other works.Against All Enemies brings together several of Mr. Coyle's favorite characters; General Scott Dixon, the seasoned military officer; Jan Fields, his wife and famed TV journalist; and Nancy Kovak, a former heroine and now a "retired" member of the Idaho National Guard. Mr. Coyle even introduces a new hero, Nathan Dixon, a paratrooper (and son of Jan and Scott) who, along with Nancy, manages to center himself in the action -- while emerging wiser and victorious in the end. Although domestic disturbances might not be nearly as exciting as regional or global conflicts, no one brings forth the realism of ground warfare better than Harold Coyle. True Harold Coyle fans -- like yours truly -- will still find the last fifty pages absolutely mesmerizing!
Rating: Summary: "Enjoyable And Thought Provoking" Review: Another winner by Coyle. He did an excellent job getting into the characters' heads as an armed confrontation between the Federal Government and the State of Idaho spins out of control. A very big role played by Nancy Kozak (now a LTC in the Idaho National Guard). More than in any previous book Kozak shows off her leadership abilities and smarts as she does everything in her power to resolve the crisis. I really liked the way Coyle handled young Lt. Nathan Dixon. Just a few weeks removed from training and he jumps with the rest of the 17th Airborne to secure an Idaho NG base, which was the best battle scene in the book. After Dixon and his platoon become lost, he struggles mightily to be the best leader that he can, though he is constantly plagued with self-doubt. Throughout the book you keep asking yourself is this the right course of action (for both sides)? How far would you go in a fight for freedom? You can even see valid points on both sides, but you also wonder is it necessary to kill fellow Americans in an armed conflict over them? One thing Coyle could have done better, though, was give more detail into Idaho's problems over the way the Feds were handling the arrest and prosecution of the Militia members they believe responsible for the bombing of the Kansas City federal building at the beginning of the book. Besides that, keep up the good work, Mr. Coyle.
Rating: Summary: "Enjoyable And Thought Provoking" Review: Another winner by Coyle. He did an excellent job getting into the characters' heads as an armed confrontation between the Federal Government and the State of Idaho spins out of control. A very big role played by Nancy Kozak (now a LTC in the Idaho National Guard). More than in any previous book Kozak shows off her leadership abilities and smarts as she does everything in her power to resolve the crisis. I really liked the way Coyle handled young Lt. Nathan Dixon. Just a few weeks removed from training and he jumps with the rest of the 17th Airborne to secure an Idaho NG base, which was the best battle scene in the book. After Dixon and his platoon become lost, he struggles mightily to be the best leader that he can, though he is constantly plagued with self-doubt. Throughout the book you keep asking yourself is this the right course of action (for both sides)? How far would you go in a fight for freedom? You can even see valid points on both sides, but you also wonder is it necessary to kill fellow Americans in an armed conflict over them? One thing Coyle could have done better, though, was give more detail into Idaho's problems over the way the Feds were handling the arrest and prosecution of the Militia members they believe responsible for the bombing of the Kansas City federal building at the beginning of the book. Besides that, keep up the good work, Mr. Coyle.
Rating: Summary: You won't be disappointed Review: For those who have enjoyed the works of Harold Coyle, Against All Enemies is a solid story that will not be a disappointment. Coyle sets the stage with a prelude that goes back to the period just before the Revolutionary War. Moving to current times, Coyle presents a completely plausible story of an analogous quest for independence where events spin out of control, ultimately pitting Americans against Americans. What stands out in this work from Coyle is his ability to portray the anxiety, turmoil and inner conflict experienced by the combatants of both sides as tensions escalate. Written in 1996 but just published, Against All Enemies presents Lt. Nathan Dixon as he graduates from VMI and begins his active duty, along with characters from previous novels, Scott Dixon, Nancy Kozak, and Jan Fields. All in all, this is a very strong effort from Coyle. Although not as good as The Ten Thousand (which I consider to be Coyle's best work), Against All Enemies is solid and worth your time.
Rating: Summary: You won't be disappointed Review: For those who have enjoyed the works of Harold Coyle, Against All Enemies is a solid story that will not be a disappointment. Coyle sets the stage with a prelude that goes back to the period just before the Revolutionary War. Moving to current times, Coyle presents a completely plausible story of an analogous quest for independence where events spin out of control, ultimately pitting Americans against Americans. What stands out in this work from Coyle is his ability to portray the anxiety, turmoil and inner conflict experienced by the combatants of both sides as tensions escalate. Written in 1996 but just published, Against All Enemies presents Lt. Nathan Dixon as he graduates from VMI and begins his active duty, along with characters from previous novels, Scott Dixon, Nancy Kozak, and Jan Fields. All in all, this is a very strong effort from Coyle. Although not as good as The Ten Thousand (which I consider to be Coyle's best work), Against All Enemies is solid and worth your time.
Rating: Summary: Really needs an editor Review: Harold Coyle delivers his customary slam-bam military action thriller, but the experience is marred by the obvious lack of any sort of proof-reading (is that a lost art by now?) with many jarring typos that interrupt the pleasure of reading. Coyle makes several mistakes himself - the most obvious howler is his use, twice, of the word "marionette" when he really wanted "martinet." That one's hard to forgive. Also, way too much of his dialogue consists of speeches and harangues that no normal person would ever actually deliver in conversation.
Rating: Summary: Great Read for Idahoans. Review: Having grown up in Boise Idaho, it was obvious that Harold Coyle spent some time researching the geography and landmarks. Knowing the locations that were mentioned in the book made the read incredibly fun.
The mention of the battle at Glens Ferry was especially enjoyable. I could just picture the National guard making its stand on the buttes that surround the city. Mr Coyle's military background becomes obvious in the depiction of the tactical maneuvers on both sides.
Thanks for such a well researched book. It was too fun!
Rating: Summary: A slow and laborious read Review: I had never read a Coyle novel and seeing that he was a graduate of VMI I was intrigued enough to pick it up. What a mistake. The dialogue is tortuous to read. Additionally, for the author to get the story to where he wants to go the reader must accept many illogical assumptions put before her from beginning to end. One of the most annoying character developments is that of Jan Fields. Some how we're to believe this woman is the greatest mother, wife, reporter, and patriot the world has ever seen. I would like to have seen at least one character flaw or two in her, or in one of the other "good guys" in this drawn out scenario. Instead, they're all saints and the sinister governor and his conniving attorney general are all evil. My recomendation: Don't bother picking it up. Perhaps some of his other books are enjoyable and worth the time, but I won't be taking any chances any time soon.
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