"An exciting thriller"
US Army Major Valerie Macintyre badly wants a command
leadership assignment, but keeps being passed over for
one. When the latest list omits her, she storms into the
office of her superior General Ambrose demanding an
explanation. He tells her to relax she will have her
opportunity rather soon. Val's lover, Colonel Wolfe, has quietly returned stateside
after spending time tracking down the former Soviet
nuclear
arsenal. He explains to Ambrose that the key locale
Infernesk Technical Center is poorly managed by American
Major McRyen and needs a replacement immediately and
better
physical security. Ambrose knows the Army is already
overextended, but still assigns his aides Val and LTC
Jimmy
Grimes to take charge. However, her first leadership
assignment is a cesspool as morale is low. Soon Val will
get what she asked for while truly being tested when a
renegade cadre of super Russian soldiers assaults
Infernesk
with plans to control and use the nuclear arsenal. Val, a
veteran first sergeant and a bunch of misfits and rookies
are all that stand in the way. This is a strong military thriller that will provide much
enjoyment to readers. However, what makes BEST DEFENSE
stand above the pack is the insight into the American army
as an organization and culture interwoven so as to enhance
the plot and that the Russians are not all pathetic vile
cretins. Fans of military dramas will appreciate the
emphasis on the seven values of loyalty, duty, selfless
service, honor, integrity, and personal courage that
symbolizes the heroes of Todd A. Stone's strong tale. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted August 11, 2003
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When a Washington power-play gone wrong puts a nuclear
arsenal in a secret terrorist organization's back yard, US
Army Major Valerie Macintyre and a band of third-string
soldiers become the only obstacle between a legion of
biotech-enhanced fanatics and an isolated depot crammed
with atomic munitions.
Val must build a fighting force from combat-clueless
technicians, a sexist brown-boot Army veteran, a wet-behind-
the-ears Second Lieutenant, and a manipulative military
cop. Then she must lead them in an all-or-nothing battle
against a terrorist leader driven mad by ambition. The vicious firefights that follow are fought not with
smart bombs and satellites, but with bullets and bayonets.
Male or female, officer or lowly grunt, no quarter is asked
and none given. And in a tunnel below them all, a warhead's detonator
counts down the seconds until Armageddon.
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