Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

In The Very Last War by W.H. Hawthorne, Jake O’Connor rises from his roots in Alaska to become President of the United States, leading a political revolution that transforms the nation. His administration returns power to the states and diminishes federal overreach, sparking global attention. As tensions escalate, a coalition of world powers—including European socialists, Chinese communists, Islamic radicals, and Russian leaders—forms to challenge the United States. With a devastating new weapon at their disposal, they seek to annihilate America. In response, the U.S. unveils a revolutionary weapon of its own, relying not just on technology but on the resilient spirit of its people. As both sides prepare for the final showdown, the survival of America hinges on its enduring values and unbreakable will. "No matter how big you were, the only possible reason you didn’t fear the 1st Armored Division of the United States Army was that you were already dead."

In the interests of full disclosure, I am not an American and have never lived in the States. I am also on much further to the political left than most lefties are, just to give you an idea of who I am. Why does any of this matter? Because The Very Last War by W.H. Hawthorne is one of the most rah-rah-rah, ultra-libertarian, 'America first' red meat I have read in, well, probably ever. I enjoyed the heck out of it. Is it over the top? Yes. Is it plausible? No. Is it wildly entertaining? You bet your sweet bells and missiles, it is. The initial backstory is going to feel loquacious to many, but because I don't fully get American politicking, it was necessary for me. I appreciated it, and it set me in the right direction. Jake O'Connor is a character you want to follow, but Hawthorne gives us many other points of view that round the story out, and you have to get excited when ranking generals have legitimate surnames like “Crusher.” It is clear that Hawthorne is a science and technology guy, much to the same degree I am, and the tech employed from every single angle is brilliant. If you have an open mind and are looking for solid action, excellent tactical apparatus, and Clancy-esque detailing, you'll find it here. Recommended.

Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite

The focus of military operations has shifted from global to regional conflicts. In the aftermath of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Special Forces are regularly deployed to quell terrorism and neutralize America’s enemies. Warrant Officer James Chase (nicknamed Gator) ventured into this world as a highly trained combatant. He enlisted in the army at the age of 17, after finishing high school in 1995. Advanced training followed, and he became a Ranger and was soon a seasoned combat veteran. A professional soldier to the core, the year 2013 found him in Baghdad, about to embark on a classified mission to nearby Iran, to capture or eliminate a High Value Target. The Delta Mission by Tony Perez follows his exploits as he and his unit tackle the clandestine operation, only to find that they have been lured into an ambush and face superior forces. As the mission unraveled, it became a fight for survival, and James found himself wounded, alone, and hunted. He made his escape on a motorcycle that he found and later in a captured vehicle, heading for the relative safety of Iraq, while being hotly pursued by a ruthless enemy.

The Delta Mission highlights the risks faced by soldiers operating in hostile territories. Tony Perez calls on his personal experiences in the military to bring this story to life in graphic detail. It is a question of shoot or be shot at. Mental strength is essential, as well as the ability to think on your feet and improvise. Time for Plans B or C, if these options are presented. This saga involves wounds, physical and emotional, and pursuit by an enemy that would show no mercy. James has thoughts of his mortality and children back home, as well as pondering his relationship with God. The writing style is vivid, gripping, and the tension is skillfully built and sustained throughout. The description of life in the military on special operations provides insight and background to the story, as does a debrief that concludes the first in this series. As is to be expected in war stories, there are casualties, reminding us that the path of the soldier on active duty embraces danger rather too closely at times. This account will delight fans of military fiction and is highly recommended.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Red Lines by James Bultema is an intense military thriller that plunges readers into a world of escalating international conflict. In this third installment of the Sea of Red series, a devastating terrorist attack by domestic Hezbollah operatives against an American symbol sets off a chain reaction that threatens to ignite a full-scale war with Iran. As tensions mount and retaliatory strikes begin, the story unfolds across submarines, fighter jets, and warships engaged in deadly tactical warfare. Through masterful storytelling, Bultema explores how a single act of violence can cascade into global conflict while examining the human cost of modern warfare and the complex decisions faced by those in command.

Author James Bultema writes with an authority that immediately establishes trust in his military expertise with quiet confidence in the narration from cover to cover. I was thoroughly impressed by his ability to make complex military operations accessible without sacrificing authenticity or technical accuracy, balancing the level of detail in his descriptions really well with the suspense and action-packed pace required to deliver such an exciting plot. His nuanced portrayal of characters on both sides of the conflict creates a compelling narrative that goes beyond simple good versus evil dynamics, with keenly penned dialogue that offers realism and wit. What also stood out to me was his skill in maintaining white-knuckle tension while still finding moments to explore the moral and emotional impact of warfare on those involved, creating a story that is both thrilling and thought-provoking in real-world terms. Overall, Red Lines is a masterful military thriller that will keep readers engaged while challenging them to consider the far-reaching consequences of modern warfare, and I'd certainly recommend it to fans of realistic military fiction.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Beyond the Bukubuk Tree: A World War II Novel of Love and Loss by Loretta Goldberg is a bittersweet tale of the war in the Pacific with a fascinating twist. A young Australian Jewish doctor, Jake Friedman, is haunted by a car accident in which one of his nurses was killed, his uncertainty about his sexuality, and the rumors of the mass executions of Jews by the Nazis. Against the wishes of his beloved sister and despite being in a protected profession, Jake decides he must enlist and do his part to preserve democracy and the Jewish people. Posted to Rabaul, the capital of East New Britain, Jake will be part of the Australian forces set to defend this former German colony against invasion by the Germans, or possibly the Japanese if they continue their Asian expansion. On the ship to Rabaul, Jake meets Alex Whipple (Wip) a WWI veteran who willingly stands up for those being bullied and is prepared to fight for the weak and defenseless. The attraction between Jake and Wip is instantaneous and will become the focus of their time on an island that alternates between a tropical paradise and a “hell-hole.”

Beyond the Bukubuk Tree is a powerful exposition of human emotion and the horrors of war, especially for those unprepared for the conditions and environment. Author Loretta Goldberg has taken a real event, the defense of Rabaul, and woven a glorious story of love and loss around these events. Her two principal characters, Jake and Wip, are perfect as friends, confidantes, and lovers. Jake is a mixture of emotions; principally guilt as he tries to come to terms with the death of his nurse in a car accident when he was driving; his clear and undeniable sexual preference for males; and his genuine desire to appear normal to his colleagues, his family, and to be part of the continuation of the Jewish people. Wip, as an older man, has already accepted his sexuality. Yet he too is haunted by his past and the things he was forced to do to survive after World War I. The romance between Jake and Wip is beautifully written with the couple's love, care, and affection displayed on every page. I particularly appreciated that the actual love scenes were sensual and steamy without being graphic. What this story also conveys starkly and harshly is the terrible conditions these Australian soldiers endured in East New Britain. Initially set before the entry of Japan into the war, the Australian government was focusing most of its military assets and military might in North Africa and Europe, considering the soldiers in the Pacific to be of secondary importance. I appreciated the focus on the indigenous people of the country who played an enormous part in assisting the soldiers to escape the eventual Japanese invasion. This is a wonderful story that I was engrossed in from beginning to end. I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Task Force Thunderbolt by Galen D. Peterson is one of those rare war novels that reads like an actual factual account of a conflict, including the battles involved and the soldiers who participated. When the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine, NATO, led by U.S. forces, moved in to assist the Ukrainians to fight back against the interlopers. Captain Logan Trandfjell and his Lightning Troop have been there right from the beginning of the action and have performed great feats of heroism on the battlefield. When Captain Trandfjell is recalled from the front line to Squadron Staff, he must leave his beloved Lightning Warriors behind and participate from behind the scenes. In the depths of winter, a daring attempted rescue mission by U.S. Rangers of prisoners-of-war held in a secret Russian POW camp will see Captain Trandfjell thrown right back into the thick of the battle, fighting for their very survival. 

Task Force Thunderbolt is as realistic a novel of combat as I have ever read. Author Galen D. Peterson is a combat veteran and a former tank commander, which is evident in his meticulous attention to detail in describing the equipment, battlefield situations, and character reactions throughout the novel. One can’t help but wonder how the war in Ukraine today may have panned out if indeed the Western allies, through NATO, had confronted Russia on the battlefield when it first invaded. What I particularly appreciated was the author’s unwillingness to paint the enemy combatants as anything other than what they truly were - just young men following the same orders as the Allied soldiers. The inter-personal relationships within the troop, especially once they received an embedded journalist in their midst, were fascinating and also went a long way to reinforce the humanity and frailty of these great warriors. There is plenty of fascinating military strategy and battlefield action for the true aficionado of war novels, but there is equally a softer, gentler, human side to the characters, and that is what makes this story so well-rounded and ultimately enjoyable to a wider reading audience. I loved this book and highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Chinazo Anozie for Readers' Favorite

It was almost the end of World War II, and the Americans occupied much of Germany. However, an ancient relic symbolizes a chance of a Hail Mary to the losing Germans: the biblical spear used by the centurion to pierce Jesus’s body on the cross. According to legend, the spear contains mystical powers and grants its holder strength and invincibility while in their possession. The Germans, Russians, and Americans have all heard about this spear, and each side wants to possess it. In this race toward the spear, who will emerge victorious in the battle of good versus evil? Find out in this historical novel, Codename Parsifal, by Martin Roy Hill.

Codename Parsifal is a brilliant book. I enjoyed the camaraderie between Mac and the rest of the American team tasked with finding the spear, especially how they made jokes even when facing the horrors of war and possible death; I thought they were really brave. It was fascinating to read the story from the perspectives of the Americans, Germans, and Russians; it gave me a well-rounded view of the characters and their different mindsets toward the ongoing war, regardless of their roles as protagonists or antagonists. I also enjoyed the occasional use of German in the narrative, which was translated into English. I thought that this, as well as the dialogues, added to the authenticity of the setting and era. I appreciated that Martin Roy Hill stayed as close to history as possible while creating this splendid work of fiction.

Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite

China's preemptive strike against US military installations is an implicit declaration of war as tensions between the People's Republic of China and the United States of America reach a breaking point. While the US administration seeks international backing for retaliation against China, the Russian president sees a chance to recover lost territory and return his country to its former splendor. While conducting maneuvers in the South China Sea, Captain Bill Wilkins and the crew of the USS Nicholas find themselves in enemy territory amidst this global crisis. Before becoming collateral damage in a rapidly developing international conflict, he needs to guide his crew and ship to friendly waters. Only time will tell if his plan succeeds in Thomas M. Wing’s Against All Enemies.

Thomas M. Wing creates his version of World War Three through deft storytelling. Wing uses the recent history of mistrust demonstrated by the world's major players to craft an incredibly believable background for this story. His vivid account of the events and the expertly crafted military engagements give this brilliant piece of fiction an unsettling resemblance to a real-life battle. He goes to great lengths to fully engross the reader in this tale, with the political backstabbing being just as fascinating as the actual combat. Character dialogue flows naturally and is detailed enough for the reader to follow the action. Nothing exemplifies this more than the back-and-forth between the military top brass and the president’s inner circle regarding who is in charge of launching nuclear missiles against mainland China. Against All Enemies is a gripping read that is remarkably realistic. Wing deserves plaudits for this novel.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Yuri and the Pig is a work of fiction in the military, action, and adventure subgenres. It is best suited to adult readers owing to some scenes of violence and the use of explicit language. Penned by author C W Lovatt, this captivating and thought-provoking tale takes readers on an unexpected journey through war-torn Eastern Europe. At its heart, this book is about an ordinary man, Yuri, and his extraordinary quest, all while accompanied by his loyal pig. Yuri's character is brilliantly crafted, presenting a simple peasant who cares little for the political turmoil surrounding him. He is content with his life of tilling soil and tending to his animals until a burdensome tax forces him to take action. What follows is an epic adventure that challenges his beliefs and opens his eyes to the world beyond his village. As Yuri and his pig travel across a landscape marked by war and suffering, readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.

Author C W Lovatt's storytelling is masterful, blending humor, adventure, and deep philosophical questions seamlessly. Through its close personal narrative and detailed exploration of character, the book beautifully explores themes of injustice, the human condition, and the power of questioning one's deeply held beliefs. Yuri's transformation throughout the story is both heartwarming and profound, showcasing the impact of personal growth and introspection, not to mention the author’s talent for subtle, naturalistic character development. Overall, Yuri and the Pig is an interesting and thought-provoking read that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned.

Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite

Ryker Vaughn is part of an explosives detection team. During one of their campaigns, his team came across an unusual device with Ryker’s name on it. When the team tries to transport it back to base, it explodes, killing all his team members except him and leaving him a double amputee with a sense of guilt. On the other side of the world, the discovery of a similar device and an aggressively worded message from an extraterrestrial source puts world leaders on edge and people on high alert. The countdown is on as it looks like war is almost a certainty. The only person capable of stopping it is Ryker. Now he must face his demons to save the planet in Dustin Williams’s Return To Duty.

State-of-the-art technology and riveting storytelling come together explosively in Dustin Williams’s Return To Duty. The storyline has an injured war veteran take on extraterrestrial aggressors in a winner-takes-all battle. Williams focuses this gripping tale on the one resource the planet has in abundance and crafts an elaborate origin story around it with such dexterity that it is completely believable. The fighting scenes where Maazi’s forces take on the world’s might are described in such intricate detail that they are as immersive as they are suspense-filled. Williams’s concept of spacecraft that utilize lesser-known microorganisms abundant within our ecosystem sets the bar very high in science fiction. The best part of Return To Duty is the way Williams humanizes the principal character with bouts of self-doubt and wanting to emulate his father, pushing the narrative of a less-than-perfect hero. Williams deserves plaudits for an excellently crafted science-fiction masterpiece.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

In Rogue Stars: Purgatory by Jaime Castle, Commander Predaxes of Prison Station Twelve maintains strict order and discipline. During a riot among new prisoners, he personally intervenes, resulting in seven inmate deaths. He investigates hackers, focusing on high-profile prisoner Samea Malik, who denies involvement in the incidents. A warship's approach prompts Predaxes to confine Malik and defend the station. Malik's tactical skills prove vital, more so when prisoners and crew alike end up on Faebos, where Malik’s team faces wildlife threats while collecting water samples. Following an attack, Predaxes plans prisoner use for mining, facing security concerns. Malik leads a mission, coordinating defense against creatures at the mining site. He effectively uses a combat platform to secure a retreat where collaboration between guards and prisoners becomes crucial, but Predaxes is forced to manage mixed responses and internal dissent regarding their roles.

Jaime Castle has essentially provided a masterclass on how to launch a series with Rogue Stars: Purgatory, crafting a story that blasts off immediately. The first blending that comes to mind in describing Purgatory is if Andor's Narkina 5 was mobile and crash-landed in Jurassic Park. It's as much fun to read as it sounds. Castle dances between the first-person points of view of Predaxes and Malik, so we see the evolution of their characters and their situations through their eyes. Naturally, the prison guards working on S-12 are going to have some discomfort with prisoners joining forces in a common fight. In fairness to the crew, wondering if it will be a hostile spider alien or a prisoner's shank to the kidney that kills you doesn't sound great. Inevitably, this does come to a head when a violently depicted and devastatingly grisly scene leads to a sort of mutiny, and the lines blur on whether it is Predaxes and Malik that go rogue or the crew. Frankly, when a book is this well-written and engrossing, all that matters is that Castle keeps writing. Very highly recommended.