What do you think?
Rate this book
The Peacemakers
The twin specters of starvation and genocide stalk the southern Sudan when the tyrannical regime in Khartoum unleashes the Janjaweed, horseback-mounted Baggara tribesmen, on the defenseless Dinka and Nuer tribes. The prize is control of the oil reserves lying beneath tribal lands, and a weary United Nations responds with a half-hearted attempt riddled with corruption to rescue a beleaguered people. The United States sends six aging Air Force C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft and 165 personnel to support the UN peacekeepers and fly relief into the heart of the war-torn land. But age-old hatreds cannot be suppressed and the Janjaweed cause one of the C-130s to crash, killing the crew and commander of the US detachment. The UN peacekeepers are withdrawing when the newly appointed commander of the C-130 unit arrives. His unit's morale is in the dirt and the situation chaotic. Appalled by the slaughter he witnesses, he becomes a driven man, determined to save the Nuer and Dinka tribesmen. He makes an unlikely ally, the French commander of the peacekeeping force who was born Senegalese. The two men are military anachronisms, throwbacks to an earlier age. But both know how to fight – one in the air, the other on the ground – and fight they will. The situation spins out of control and becomes a battle of personal survival where defeat will result in genocide.
- GenresEbooks
304 pages, Paperback
First published March 16, 2012
152 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Richard Herman
38 books50 followersAlso publishes as Richard Herman Jr.
Richard Herman was a member of the United States Air Force (Weapons System operator) for twenty-one years, retiring in 1983 with the rank of major. He is the author of ten previous novels, including The Warbirds, Power Curve, Against All Enemies, Edge of Honor, and The Trojan Sea, all published by Avon Books.
(source Harper Collins)
Richard Herman was a member of the United States Air Force (Weapons System operator) for twenty-one years, retiring in 1983 with the rank of major. He is the author of ten previous novels, including The Warbirds, Power Curve, Against All Enemies, Edge of Honor, and The Trojan Sea, all published by Avon Books.
(source Harper Collins)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 8, 2015
The REAL Peacemakers
If you are not familiar with the Sudan, you may be surprised at who the peacemakers are in one of the best military fiction novels I have read recently. The author obviously knows the military in the field and in the Pentagon as well as the civilian politics behind the military. In addition to being a fine action/thriller, this book also delves into the tragedy of the Sudan. Helpless, unarmed civilians, the victims of genocide while a corrupt United Nations pretends to be a peacemaker. Treating the victims of genocide as being on the same level as their murderers seems to be U.N. policy in Northeastern Africa. The troops in the field try to make a difference while their masters play political games to advance their careers.
If you are not familiar with the Sudan, you may be surprised at who the peacemakers are in one of the best military fiction novels I have read recently. The author obviously knows the military in the field and in the Pentagon as well as the civilian politics behind the military. In addition to being a fine action/thriller, this book also delves into the tragedy of the Sudan. Helpless, unarmed civilians, the victims of genocide while a corrupt United Nations pretends to be a peacemaker. Treating the victims of genocide as being on the same level as their murderers seems to be U.N. policy in Northeastern Africa. The troops in the field try to make a difference while their masters play political games to advance their careers.
September 13, 2015
Most of Herman's novels (I've read them all, by the way ... he and I are squadron mates and good friends, and moreover I like his writing) center on embattled, isolated US Air Force units operating in international trouble spots, and most are topical. This one, for example, is about the men and women of a C-130 detachment providing refugee relief and resupply in the Sudan, constantly set upon by Khartoum, corrupt UN officials, the Janjaweed, the Sudanese Army ... and backstabbing political opposition at home, both military and civilian. His stories are always exciting and fast reads. This one is no exception.
I found The Peacemakers to be somewhat repetitive, though. As an example, characters discuss the injurious effect of sexual pair bonding on combat units not once but several times throughout the novel ... to no real effect, since the main characters are constantly doing exactly that. The commander, Lt Col Allston, lives by a few maxims ("When the going gets tough, get aggressive") and never tires of repeating them ... by the final chapters, his underlings are quoting his maxims right back at him, and not in an ironic way. I think Herman got a little carried away with the slogans; in places they're so thick it's almost cheerleading.
As Chekhov said, "One must not put a loaded rifle on the stage if no one is thinking of firing it." Herman usually fires off his loaded rifles, and in light of that I was disappointed he didn't follow up on his teenaged Janjaweed's vow to kill his mother and sister for dishonoring the family name ... a vow taken right at the beginning of the novel, and for whatever reason not mentioned again. Did he kill 'em?
Still, an exciting story, with the smell of JP-4 wafting from every page. If you're a military aviation enthusiast, this one will excite you. If you're a trash hauler, this one will make you proud. If you hate the glassy-eyed politically connected (and politically correct) careerists who have taken over the Air Force, you will be delighted by Herman's old school shit hot kick the tires and light the fires attitude.
I found The Peacemakers to be somewhat repetitive, though. As an example, characters discuss the injurious effect of sexual pair bonding on combat units not once but several times throughout the novel ... to no real effect, since the main characters are constantly doing exactly that. The commander, Lt Col Allston, lives by a few maxims ("When the going gets tough, get aggressive") and never tires of repeating them ... by the final chapters, his underlings are quoting his maxims right back at him, and not in an ironic way. I think Herman got a little carried away with the slogans; in places they're so thick it's almost cheerleading.
As Chekhov said, "One must not put a loaded rifle on the stage if no one is thinking of firing it." Herman usually fires off his loaded rifles, and in light of that I was disappointed he didn't follow up on his teenaged Janjaweed's vow to kill his mother and sister for dishonoring the family name ... a vow taken right at the beginning of the novel, and for whatever reason not mentioned again. Did he kill 'em?
Still, an exciting story, with the smell of JP-4 wafting from every page. If you're a military aviation enthusiast, this one will excite you. If you're a trash hauler, this one will make you proud. If you hate the glassy-eyed politically connected (and politically correct) careerists who have taken over the Air Force, you will be delighted by Herman's old school shit hot kick the tires and light the fires attitude.
August 4, 2018
The Peacemakers
Richard Herman has done for the C-130 AF Community that he did with the Rhino drivers, Eagle, Falcon drivers and the A-10 Drivers. A refugee crisis in the South Sudan, the American politicos wanting for 'something to be Done', a lukewarm directed response by a barebones Airlift squadron, and a decision to put them under a UN Headquarters all fuse together to almost Cripple the 'good' that the American C-130 squadron can do. SO, the Commander, a former fighter pilot and unit commander decides to do WHATEVER he and his unit can to save lives and stymie the UN overlords. Along with 'The Trash Haulers' Herman shines a landing light on the support fliers of the Air Force. The Reason that the United States is Frequently No. ONE on site, during a crisis is the Global Reach that has been Demonstrated Time and Time Again.
Richard Herman has done for the C-130 AF Community that he did with the Rhino drivers, Eagle, Falcon drivers and the A-10 Drivers. A refugee crisis in the South Sudan, the American politicos wanting for 'something to be Done', a lukewarm directed response by a barebones Airlift squadron, and a decision to put them under a UN Headquarters all fuse together to almost Cripple the 'good' that the American C-130 squadron can do. SO, the Commander, a former fighter pilot and unit commander decides to do WHATEVER he and his unit can to save lives and stymie the UN overlords. Along with 'The Trash Haulers' Herman shines a landing light on the support fliers of the Air Force. The Reason that the United States is Frequently No. ONE on site, during a crisis is the Global Reach that has been Demonstrated Time and Time Again.
September 14, 2019
Military action with intelligent tactics and surprisingly thought-provoking
Military action with intelligent tactics and surprisingly thought-provoking: how US and Foreign Legion forces rescue 26,000 people from genocidal attacks in Sudan, but is much more than battle action, brings interesting pro & con thoughts of what ought to be done and how and by whom, to help people so far away from us, in these terrible situations.
Military action with intelligent tactics and surprisingly thought-provoking: how US and Foreign Legion forces rescue 26,000 people from genocidal attacks in Sudan, but is much more than battle action, brings interesting pro & con thoughts of what ought to be done and how and by whom, to help people so far away from us, in these terrible situations.
December 3, 2020
Immensely Entertaining!
Richard Herman is the master of flying adventure. All of his stories that I have read have been too short, but superb. This one is no different! The characters are well developed and real and are loved or hated as the case may be. This was a great adventure for this reader, and I believe every other reader will feel the same.
Richard Herman is the master of flying adventure. All of his stories that I have read have been too short, but superb. This one is no different! The characters are well developed and real and are loved or hated as the case may be. This was a great adventure for this reader, and I believe every other reader will feel the same.
October 1, 2020
What a riveting novel, hard to put down. The characters are well developed and believable humans doing an impossible job at their own personal risk. I was sad to see some of the characters I connected with loose their lives. This book rich with vivid descriptions, sometimes too vivid.
January 24, 2026
Incredible research and detail. However, the five stars are a function of a man who has seen and lived the leadership of great people, and the politics of too many who only see personal gain, power and unwarranted control. He so adeptly brings out the challenges in the tribal fighting and killing in Africa, and the graft of many gaining by it. Bringing out the truth of good people being asked, no demanded to perform near miracles with inadequate financial, material and moral support by those who have only served behind a desk is unfortunately too often reality. If you enjoyed this book pickup Author Herman’s “A Far Justice”! VR, Mags
November 2, 2021
Intense action as genocide rips the refugee camps in Southern Sudan.
Only a small contingent of the US Air Force troops and their four C130s and a tough yet small French Foreign Legion force stand between the corruption of the UN overseers, politically correct and connected US officers, and the torture and elimination of an entire population. Oil riches are at the root of it all as corrupt leaders vie for a slice of a very promising pie. Great characters and action in a scenario that seems to come right out of today’s headlines. Well worth the time.
Only a small contingent of the US Air Force troops and their four C130s and a tough yet small French Foreign Legion force stand between the corruption of the UN overseers, politically correct and connected US officers, and the torture and elimination of an entire population. Oil riches are at the root of it all as corrupt leaders vie for a slice of a very promising pie. Great characters and action in a scenario that seems to come right out of today’s headlines. Well worth the time.
April 13, 2021
Fiction or something to come
An excellent story, each page more griping than the last. In today's crazy mix of politics, service to country and heroism the story is totally believable. The characters will never be found in th AF, but pieces are in every man and woman serving
JAB3
An excellent story, each page more griping than the last. In today's crazy mix of politics, service to country and heroism the story is totally believable. The characters will never be found in th AF, but pieces are in every man and woman serving
JAB3
June 14, 2025
Great book!
As a former crew chief on F-4s and A-10s Richard Herman gets it right. He knows what it means to work and fly on these planes. I read my first book (Warbirds) by him while being in Desert Shield working on A-10s and was hooked.
As a former crew chief on F-4s and A-10s Richard Herman gets it right. He knows what it means to work and fly on these planes. I read my first book (Warbirds) by him while being in Desert Shield working on A-10s and was hooked.
January 25, 2021
Very fast paced
Bursting with energy and action the good guys win and the bsf guys lose ..badly. A real feeling good book with enough casualties to make it more realistic
Bursting with energy and action the good guys win and the bsf guys lose ..badly. A real feeling good book with enough casualties to make it more realistic
August 31, 2015
A good military thriller taken from current world situations. A Retired Air Force officer with a somewhat maverick reputation is recalled to duty to lead a force of C-130s seconded to the UN mission in The Sudan. The mission was to supply the refugees and natives being decimated by the Janjaweed and the Sudanese military. With corruption rampant in the UN command Lt Colonel Allston and his pilots and crews are confronted by armed danger on every mission, but are not allowed arms with which to protect themselves by the UN orders under which the operate. After several near misses and a downed aircraft, Allston decides that his people come first and begins to take measures to protect them. While continuing to make supply runs and airlifting refugees out of the danger zone. He joins up with a UN force of French Legionaries and are soon the target of joint Janjaweed and Sudanese military. Mean while he is the target of an ambitious superior who is out to make the Air Force more "poetically Correct" and advance her carrier. A good military yarn and probably with a grain of truth about the conditions our troupes must sometimes work with.
August 17, 2015
A very well written story about air force personnel under the command of a former F-15 pilot. Unlike so many of the air force centered action thrillers, this one does not involve fighters or bombers. This detachment is flying the C 130, trash haulers, in support of the U.N. in the Sudan. Needless to say there are is a lot of political manipulation, both in Washington and in the Sudan.
A very entertaining read for those who like military thrillers. Those readers of my generation who have read some of Herman's previous military work will recognize a slight similarity to the situation in this novel and the situation in Herman's first novel, The Warbirds.
A very entertaining read for those who like military thrillers. Those readers of my generation who have read some of Herman's previous military work will recognize a slight similarity to the situation in this novel and the situation in Herman's first novel, The Warbirds.
May 4, 2015
They Peacemakers
Herman takes you to the inner workings of the Pentagon's senior staff officers and the entangled ties to Congressional oversight involving crisis situations, especially involving the UN tasking to the Sudan. You'll feel what these men and women feel as they try to prevent genocide of native populations. A task that leaves the 4440th Air Force's Commander dangling on a limb trying to accomplish the mission without having to sacrifice his troops and the natives. Get ready for a great experience and maybe a small history lesson. Great reading.
Herman takes you to the inner workings of the Pentagon's senior staff officers and the entangled ties to Congressional oversight involving crisis situations, especially involving the UN tasking to the Sudan. You'll feel what these men and women feel as they try to prevent genocide of native populations. A task that leaves the 4440th Air Force's Commander dangling on a limb trying to accomplish the mission without having to sacrifice his troops and the natives. Get ready for a great experience and maybe a small history lesson. Great reading.
May 28, 2015
What queue?
The plot is quite good, with the storyline primarily about bureaucratic parasites creating a bottleneck exacerbated by ancient racial tensions causing operational barriers. Good reading.
The plot is quite good, with the storyline primarily about bureaucratic parasites creating a bottleneck exacerbated by ancient racial tensions causing operational barriers. Good reading.
July 28, 2015
Excellent military centered book. The author weaves a great web. His prejudices certainly show, particularly his feelings about the UN. The main characters are very interesting and not perfect. I hope to read more by this author.
September 5, 2015
pretty easy to read have military background so the terms were easy to understand.
Will read other books by this author would give it 8out of10 it had more violent than I usually read
Will read other books by this author would give it 8out of10 it had more violent than I usually read
April 3, 2015
Great story
A great story that is probably too close to the truth. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes action thrillers.
A great story that is probably too close to the truth. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes action thrillers.
August 9, 2015
Action packed, the Peacemakers are a group of military trying to save refuges in Sudan. You can tell the author was military and wow this really packed a punch of action and I enjoyed it very much.
August 18, 2015
Good action. Great story.
This story grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go. How about a sequel. Maybe a follow-up with Idi
This story grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go. How about a sequel. Maybe a follow-up with Idi
Read
February 4, 2016Great Book. Well worth the read. Richard Herman is an excellent author, and knows what he is writing about.
January 20, 2016
A great author telling an exciting story about great people flying one of the best aircraft ever made.
July 28, 2016
Peacemakers
Another very good book. Mr. Herman writes so well that if you pay attention to the story,you find yourself in the place where the action is. Now on to the next book.
Another very good book. Mr. Herman writes so well that if you pay attention to the story,you find yourself in the place where the action is. Now on to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews