Books Like...

'The Third World War: August 1985' by John W. Hackett is a work of prescient fiction that depicts a hypothetical Third World War erupting in 1985. The plot revolves around the political tensions and military conflicts between NATO nations and the Warsaw Pact, set in the backdrop of the 1980s era. The writing style is described as fantastically written, with believable stories of combat and political maneuvering among nations, making it a compelling read for those interested in Cold War history and military scenarios. However, some readers find the book more of a thought-provoking piece rather than a traditional novel, as it delves into alternative history without reference to actual social divisions and power struggles.

In the sequel 'Never Fade' of 'The Darkest Minds' series, Ruby, now with the Children's League, embarks on a mission to find her erased memories of Liam and uncover dangerous information about the epidemic. The plot is described as intense, action-packed, and unrelenting, with a breakneck speed that keeps the reader up late into the night. The writing style is consistent, amazing, and filled with suspense, drawing readers in with its nonstop adrenaline-pumping narrative.

'All the Old Knives' by Olen Steinhauer is a spy thriller that delves into the lives of two ex-lover CIA operatives, Henry Pelham and Celia Harrison, as they reunite for a dinner in California to solve a mystery from their past. The story alternates between flashbacks of their time working together in Vienna and the present-day dinner conversation, revealing a tale of espionage, betrayal, and personal relationships. The narrative is intricately woven, exploring the aftermath of a terrorist hijacking that led to tragic consequences and the complex dynamics between the two main characters.

'Kolymsky Heights' by Lionel Davidson follows the gripping narrative of Johnny Porter, an academic turned reluctant spy, as he embarks on a perilous mission to infiltrate a top secret Soviet research facility in Siberia. The book intricately details Porter's elaborate plan to enter and eventually escape the facility, while British and American intelligence agencies closely monitor his movements. The story is filled with tension, intrigue, and a chilling atmosphere that vividly conveys the bitter cold of Arctic Siberia.

Davidson's writing style in 'Kolymsky Heights' has been described as having an antique cadence, reminiscent of early thrillers from the 1920s. Despite some initial disconcertion, readers find themselves drawn into the rhythm of his prose, which adds a unique layer to the narrative. The book's sweeping narrative and the portrayal of Siberia's perils are commended for their vividness and convincing nature, as readers are taken on a thrilling journey through a maze of detail that ultimately builds towards a climactic and mind-blowing conclusion.

'Red Storm Rising' by Larry Bond and Tom Clancy is a Cold War-era thriller that explores the possibility of World War III breaking out between NATO and the Warsaw Pact. The book delves into detailed military scenarios, showcasing a variety of characters from different perspectives involved in the escalating conflict. Clancy's writing style is described as fast-paced, detailed, and engaging, with a focus on military strategy and advanced technology.

'The 2020 Commission Report on the North Korean Nuclear Attacks Against the United States: A Speculative Novel' by Jeffrey Lewis is a terrifyingly realistic portrayal of a nuclear attack scenario initiated by North Korea, affecting South Korea, Japan, and various locations in the USA. The author delves into the potential consequences of miscommunication, misinformation, and miscalculation, leading to a catastrophic chain of events. Through a clinical yet engaging writing style, Lewis explores the human cost of war, emphasizing the immediate impact of nuclear explosions, firestorms, radiation poisoning, and famine. The narrative also sheds light on the aftermath of the attacks, highlighting the resilience of nations in rebuilding amidst immense devastation.

Ghost Fleet by P.W. Singer and August Cole is a detailed techno thriller about an imaginary, yet plausible look into what a near future war would be from several perspectives. The book explores a new form of the cold war involving outer space and cyber space alongside traditional land, sea, and air forms of fighting. The plot includes advanced drone strikes, cyber warfare, teenaged hackers, and old naval warships named the ghost fleet, as tensions rise with the United States being attacked by China.

The writing style of the book is described as didactic, with a lot of plausible background on what a near future confrontation involving great powers might look like. The authors aim to develop a suspense-filled plot while providing insight into those involved or affected by a potential global war. The authors carefully avoid drawing a straight line between today's political actors and a future conflict, creating a narrative that blends current military procurement processes with an imaginative depiction of potential events.

'Origin' by Dan Brown follows the renowned symbologist Robert Langdon as he embarks on a thrilling adventure filled with religious, art, science, and technology elements. Set in Spain, the story involves Langdon solving cryptic clues while being chased by adversaries, exploring historical landmarks, and delving into the conflict between technology and religion. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists and a suspenseful narrative that keeps readers engaged throughout the book.

Readers appreciate Brown's meticulous research and the way he seamlessly weaves factual information into his fiction, providing insights into art, architecture, and historical events. The book offers a blend of mystery, suspense, and thought-provoking themes, making it an enjoyable and entertaining read for those who appreciate a fast-paced thriller with elements of religion, art, and science.

'Red Phoenix' by Larry Bond and Patrick Larkin is a gripping war story set in an alternative but still recognizable history, where a psychotic North Korean dictator decides to invade South Korea, leading to a high-stakes conflict that brings the world to the edge of nuclear war. The book delves into the intricate details of military logistics, complex international relations, and the intense battle scenarios faced by overwhelmed and outgunned South Korean and U.S. forces. Through a mix of suspense, action, and well-developed characters, the authors paint a vivid picture of a Second Korean War that never happened but feels all too real.

The narrative of 'Red Phoenix' weaves together multiple storylines that unfold in various global locations, including Moscow, Beijing, Washington, and North and South Korea. The book explores themes of political intrigue, military strategy, and the human cost of war, offering a fast-paced and engaging read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. With attention to detail, realistic writing, and an exploration of the potential consequences of historical events, the authors deliver a thought-provoking and compelling tale of conflict and international tensions.

'Team Yankee' by Harold Coyle is a military fiction novel set in a World War 3 scenario in the 1980s, focusing on a mixed armored and mechanized infantry company of M113s and M1 Abrams tanks. The plot revolves around the company commander leading his team in various combat scenarios against Soviet and Warsaw Pact forces in Germany. The novel is described as a thought-provoking and well-described story of modern mechanized warfare that provides insight into the intensity of force on force conventional warfare and the challenges faced by soldiers in high-stakes situations.

The writing style of 'Team Yankee' is commended for its technical fidelity and accuracy in portraying modern military tactics and equipment. Readers appreciate the detailed descriptions of combat engagements and the strategic decisions made by the characters. The book also delves into deep topics such as the psychological impact of combat and the looming threat of nuclear exchange, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.