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The War Planners #4
The Elephant Game
Book 4 in The War Planners Series
Unknown Binding
First published May 22, 2015
3741 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Watts
42 books247 followersAndrew Watts graduated from the US Naval Academy in 2003 and served as a naval officer and helicopter pilot until 2013. During that time, he flew counter-narcotic missions in the Eastern Pacific and counter-piracy missions off the Horn of Africa. He was a flight instructor in Pensacola, FL, and helped to run ship and flight operations while embarked on a nuclear aircraft carrier deployed in the Middle East.
Today, he lives with his family in Ohio.
Today, he lives with his family in Ohio.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 88 reviews
December 14, 2017
This book is scary real and could absolutely be the future geo-politically! This is Andrew's fourth book in the series and is devastatingly difficult to put down and very Clancy-esque. The books are I think best read in order and they do not disappoint. The author takes great pains to be factually correct with even the tiniest of details whether regarding piloting aircraft, weapons description and capabilities or military or covert logistics and actions. So current and former military and clandestine types will be encouraged by the realism in his efforts, I know I was.
The books revolve around two brother's, both C.I.A., one a former Navy Seal and the other a gifted analyst, their naval helo pilot and Commander sister and Admiral father. The long and short range geo-political plans of China, Russia and North Korea are very plausible and realistic even though these books are fiction! The question is sort out the fiction from the non-fiction!
It is difficult to let any more details out and not spoil this excellent thriller so I will finish with the facts that this series will evoke a multitude of emotional responses from the reader especially the patriot's in the crowd. Frustration, disbelief, confusion, raging anger, retribution, failure, success, righteous joy and determination to succeed and so much more. The author that does this for his and her readers has already won in my belief!
I was priviliged to receive this book complimentry and leave this review happliy on my own volition. Action adventure genre readers there is a new Clancy in town and I believe Tom would be thrilled! Enjoy!
The books revolve around two brother's, both C.I.A., one a former Navy Seal and the other a gifted analyst, their naval helo pilot and Commander sister and Admiral father. The long and short range geo-political plans of China, Russia and North Korea are very plausible and realistic even though these books are fiction! The question is sort out the fiction from the non-fiction!
It is difficult to let any more details out and not spoil this excellent thriller so I will finish with the facts that this series will evoke a multitude of emotional responses from the reader especially the patriot's in the crowd. Frustration, disbelief, confusion, raging anger, retribution, failure, success, righteous joy and determination to succeed and so much more. The author that does this for his and her readers has already won in my belief!
I was priviliged to receive this book complimentry and leave this review happliy on my own volition. Action adventure genre readers there is a new Clancy in town and I believe Tom would be thrilled! Enjoy!
November 11, 2017
A worthy successor to Tom Clancy! The Elephant Game (The War Planners Book 4) is my fourth read from author Andrew Watts in the War Planner Series; I highly recommend reading them back-to-back-to-back. This is all in all a family story with Father, 2 sons and a daughter. Each of the earlier books goes more in depth to one of the admiral’s children. An incredibly well developed, well-written story that takes off like a jet from an aircraft carrier blending seamlessly to the first three books. The primary characters are well developed over the course of the books, the lesser characters not so much and now in the fourth book, the developed characters are like old friends and you’re invested in their welfare and story. A must read series! Obviously there’ll be a fifth book.
December 12, 2017
The latest installment in Andrew Watts' The War Planners series is an action-packed Page-turner. He has created a series that just gets better with each installment. If you are looking for a story with teh technical detail and action of the early Tom Clancy novels look no further. Be sure to clear your calendar or start reading early in the day because once you start this book you are not going to want to put it down until that final page is read. If you have read the three previous War Planner installments than this a a must read. If you are new to Mr. Watts War Planner series, you would do well to invest the time into reading the previous books so that you get the full impact of the Elephant Game. I received an advance reader copy and voluntarily chose to write a review.
December 14, 2017
Another great book in the War Planners series.
Andrew continues the great work in the latest chapter of his War Planner series. Once I started reading I could not put it down. A great series,
Andrew continues the great work in the latest chapter of his War Planner series. Once I started reading I could not put it down. A great series,
March 8, 2021
After the shooting has stopped in the Pacific, we are allowed to follow the next steps of the Manning family. Jingshan, the master mind of all that China is pushing is still pulling the strings from behind jail doors. The Chinese spy, Lena continues her devious ways. So there is adventure all over the Pacific in book #4.
I’ve enjoyed the life on board the Navy ships. Normal life that is interrupted by the chaos of war. Huge losses, victories, and tension everywhere. I’m enjoying this ride.
I’ve enjoyed the life on board the Navy ships. Normal life that is interrupted by the chaos of war. Huge losses, victories, and tension everywhere. I’m enjoying this ride.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2021
In addition to the nonstop action, I appreciated the depiction of life aboard a naval vessel as well as the portrayal of naval operations. I'll look forward to reading more in the series.
October 21, 2018
Pretty good read
This is a 'kick ass and take names' romp. Big heroes, big villians, fast action, close calls, ridiculous saves at the last minute, some moralizing about how 'we're' the good us and can't stoop to the bad guys level in the end. In other words - a fun fast paced romp through the Oskosh landscape. (Though I do have to bitch about one minor detail , doesn't ruin the book but it triggered my 'readers OCD' "they grabbed a motorized golf cart" ! A MOTORIZED golf cart! I grew up in the tourists traps of Florida and never ever saw a 'non- motorized' gold cart! Lol. Thanks for listening - OCD off !
This is a 'kick ass and take names' romp. Big heroes, big villians, fast action, close calls, ridiculous saves at the last minute, some moralizing about how 'we're' the good us and can't stoop to the bad guys level in the end. In other words - a fun fast paced romp through the Oskosh landscape. (Though I do have to bitch about one minor detail , doesn't ruin the book but it triggered my 'readers OCD' "they grabbed a motorized golf cart" ! A MOTORIZED golf cart! I grew up in the tourists traps of Florida and never ever saw a 'non- motorized' gold cart! Lol. Thanks for listening - OCD off !
January 30, 2019
I had to stop reading this book, it was getting too improbable.
Books do not need to be factual, that I know, but here the author must be trying to create a possible future event. Where I could not believe the story line was that one family figured so much within the USA plot line and too few characters within the Chinese plot line. With the enormity of what was being contemplated, this was totally unrealistic.
My belief is that there are more books to come in this series, it may even be open ended, and at half way through this book I had enough. It was no longer holding my attention and so I deleted it from my Kindle so that I can try another of the many books I still want to read.
Books do not need to be factual, that I know, but here the author must be trying to create a possible future event. Where I could not believe the story line was that one family figured so much within the USA plot line and too few characters within the Chinese plot line. With the enormity of what was being contemplated, this was totally unrealistic.
My belief is that there are more books to come in this series, it may even be open ended, and at half way through this book I had enough. It was no longer holding my attention and so I deleted it from my Kindle so that I can try another of the many books I still want to read.
April 3, 2016
You will need all 4 of these to keep up with the storyline. It's a very compelling plot with good characters and will keep you wanting to read more.
October 19, 2021
The Elephant Game Andrew Watts
As usual, Andrew draws one straight into the story from the very first page. I read his stories whilst having breakfast, during lunchtime, dinner and again before I eventually go to sleep at night. Plus any other time I get chance to read during the day. (As I have been retired for many years and I have always loved reading, I have a lot of time to read good stories written by great writers, such as Andrew Watts.
It good that he keeps the main characters in each story, too, so that we don't have to get to know too many new ones in each story. Obviously has a lot of knowledge of his subjects.
Sorry that I'm getting close to his final books in the series so fast.
As usual, Andrew draws one straight into the story from the very first page. I read his stories whilst having breakfast, during lunchtime, dinner and again before I eventually go to sleep at night. Plus any other time I get chance to read during the day. (As I have been retired for many years and I have always loved reading, I have a lot of time to read good stories written by great writers, such as Andrew Watts.
It good that he keeps the main characters in each story, too, so that we don't have to get to know too many new ones in each story. Obviously has a lot of knowledge of his subjects.
Sorry that I'm getting close to his final books in the series so fast.
January 1, 2019
The pen is mightier than the sword
The fourth book of the War Planners series is reaching the climax as hell broke loosely between China and the USA.
This story continues after the incident at Ecuador and the naval battle, hundreds of miles west of Panama. The evil Chinese billionaire set a new stage of implementing his strategy while he was held in the prison.
Chase Manning was sent to Japan to obtain more information about the Chinese war plan. His sister and their father sailed to the location of the secret merchant ships.
That is very explosive book of this series. The current President of the United States should read this book! I laud Andrew Watts for making me realising how powerful the enemies are.
Caesar XIII
Breakaway Reviewers uses the Kindle Unlimited to review this book.
The fourth book of the War Planners series is reaching the climax as hell broke loosely between China and the USA.
This story continues after the incident at Ecuador and the naval battle, hundreds of miles west of Panama. The evil Chinese billionaire set a new stage of implementing his strategy while he was held in the prison.
Chase Manning was sent to Japan to obtain more information about the Chinese war plan. His sister and their father sailed to the location of the secret merchant ships.
That is very explosive book of this series. The current President of the United States should read this book! I laud Andrew Watts for making me realising how powerful the enemies are.
Caesar XIII
Breakaway Reviewers uses the Kindle Unlimited to review this book.
October 11, 2021
Having listened to the first 3 parts of this series on Audible I was slightly apprehensive about the fourth instalment as Pawns of the Pacific ended in such a way as to make one believe that the story was over. Whether or not the author originally intended this to be a trilogy and was persuaded to continue the series or if more stories were always planned I do not know. I needn't have worried the series continued in another solid story.
Tensions rise as major conflict between the US and China seems to be inevitable. Jinshan and his team continue with their plans and misdirection despite his arrest. The battle scenes when they come are engaging and well written and keep the reader turning the pages.
Am certainly looking forward to book 5 to see how the story progresses
Tensions rise as major conflict between the US and China seems to be inevitable. Jinshan and his team continue with their plans and misdirection despite his arrest. The battle scenes when they come are engaging and well written and keep the reader turning the pages.
Am certainly looking forward to book 5 to see how the story progresses
December 21, 2017
Very engaging, I found the characters well filled out and the story held my attention all the way through. Very intense. The characters are well written and each chapter left me wanting more. Love the character interaction and story development. It is like being in a knife fight that doesn't end until the last page, I love reading his stuff. easy to get caught up in the pages and feel as if you are there.
I really did not appreciate the lack of sleep, so DO NOT pick this up until you are ready to commit to an all-night sleep-defying read!” had a hard time putting the book down.
I really did not appreciate the lack of sleep, so DO NOT pick this up until you are ready to commit to an all-night sleep-defying read!” had a hard time putting the book down.
February 11, 2018
Good but too technical
The four books in the series were fairly exciting and hard to put down. However, they were bogged down by a lot of unnecessary military details. I would recommend the series with reservations that some off the descriptions of the training of pilots, the layout of ships, etc. do not really add much to the spirit. I assume that since the author has had quite a bit of real military experience, he wanted to describe everything. I will probably read the next volume when it is released as I want to see what happens in the saga.
The four books in the series were fairly exciting and hard to put down. However, they were bogged down by a lot of unnecessary military details. I would recommend the series with reservations that some off the descriptions of the training of pilots, the layout of ships, etc. do not really add much to the spirit. I assume that since the author has had quite a bit of real military experience, he wanted to describe everything. I will probably read the next volume when it is released as I want to see what happens in the saga.
December 19, 2017
This fourth book in the series picks up right where the Pawns of the Pacific left off! Like a runaway train the story speeds forward with wonderfully thought out twists and turns that keep you at the edge of your seat! The Chinese invasion has started and the end of the book leaves the reader breathless in anticipation of the next installment in this series. The books just keep getting better and better! A five star effort Andrew!
April 20, 2019
The Elephant Game is a very fun and exciting read !!!
I have enjoyed the story line and have found that the meticulous details on each of the different groups of military to intelligence branches very entertaining. First time reading Andrew Watts, and I must say it's been some of the best reading I've done in a couple years. If you like military thrillers then this will be your new favorite read.
I have enjoyed the story line and have found that the meticulous details on each of the different groups of military to intelligence branches very entertaining. First time reading Andrew Watts, and I must say it's been some of the best reading I've done in a couple years. If you like military thrillers then this will be your new favorite read.
February 13, 2019
Meh. This is a good series to start but drifts and drags a bit. It reminds me a bit of the Left Behind Series by Tim Lehaye. As well as it starts it just keeps building in itself but not in a good way. There is too much jargon, too much trying to make everything dramatic that actually reduces the tension and excitement rather than elevating it.
November 23, 2020
WW3 never seemed so real
The story picks up has the second half of China war plans began and end the misdirect and spying to release the true dogs of wars across the world. The story was truly creative in using modern an cutting-edge ides to to win the day that you do it know what going to happen next.
The story picks up has the second half of China war plans began and end the misdirect and spying to release the true dogs of wars across the world. The story was truly creative in using modern an cutting-edge ides to to win the day that you do it know what going to happen next.
July 1, 2021
Great reading
Action packed story as China and the US move towards open war. As in real life the U.S. military is spread thin with their resources around the world leaving gaps in coverage that enemies can take advantage of. Also in this story the role that social media plays in shaping people's perspective is explored. Thought provoking action packed story thanks.
Action packed story as China and the US move towards open war. As in real life the U.S. military is spread thin with their resources around the world leaving gaps in coverage that enemies can take advantage of. Also in this story the role that social media plays in shaping people's perspective is explored. Thought provoking action packed story thanks.
September 16, 2021
A reasonable Clancy facsimile. I almost wish that all 6 books had been combined into one. There are parts of the book that seem intened to pull you into the story better, but to me feel more ponderous and unnecessary.
If I didn't know the author's biography, I'd definitely assume something pretty close based on his technical knowledge on display throughout the series.
If I didn't know the author's biography, I'd definitely assume something pretty close based on his technical knowledge on display throughout the series.
December 19, 2017
Great book
The author continues in his war planner series in this book #4. He continues the story of China attacking the US with very sophisticated weaponry. Th3 US is fighting back with all its resources.
The author continues in his war planner series in this book #4. He continues the story of China attacking the US with very sophisticated weaponry. Th3 US is fighting back with all its resources.
December 31, 2017
A Andrew Watts masterpiece
From beginning to end once again Andrew Watts has kept me up nights totally immersed in this book. Absolute!y fabulous read that could be coming off the front pages of our newspapers. Good job Mr. Watts.
From beginning to end once again Andrew Watts has kept me up nights totally immersed in this book. Absolute!y fabulous read that could be coming off the front pages of our newspapers. Good job Mr. Watts.
February 28, 2018
Watts' is doing an excellent job of tying current events with technology and creating a personal connection with the charachters. I'm seeing the plot in the headlines and the plot is not "out there" and unbelievable. Book 5 is eagerly anticipated.
March 7, 2018
Action packed
This is a fast easy read. I found it very entertaining and would recommend reading this series. The author is a retired pilot and the stories have credibility that few people can say with experience.
This is a fast easy read. I found it very entertaining and would recommend reading this series. The author is a retired pilot and the stories have credibility that few people can say with experience.
May 17, 2018
War planners
This book is carrying forward what is becoming a great series of books the story line is well thought out and the carictors are very believable and flow through the 4books very well can't wait for the next book
This book is carrying forward what is becoming a great series of books the story line is well thought out and the carictors are very believable and flow through the 4books very well can't wait for the next book
May 25, 2018
I love this book and series.
This book is just as good as the others. The author knows how to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. I am not able to predict what will happen next. I loved reading this book.
This book is just as good as the others. The author knows how to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. I am not able to predict what will happen next. I loved reading this book.
September 6, 2018
Excellent
Being a 27 year Navy Vet, and working in Combat Information Center for those years, in a DLG, CGN, DDG, CV, Flagship, and CCG-8, his writings are accurate on the thoughts of the men in women in the Display and Decision areas.
Being a 27 year Navy Vet, and working in Combat Information Center for those years, in a DLG, CGN, DDG, CV, Flagship, and CCG-8, his writings are accurate on the thoughts of the men in women in the Display and Decision areas.
December 4, 2018
China at war with the USA
The plot is very good but the author needs to polish his storytelling skills. Sometimes, he starts telling background information and some of it, it's not really needed to advance the story.
The plot is very good but the author needs to polish his storytelling skills. Sometimes, he starts telling background information and some of it, it's not really needed to advance the story.
December 14, 2020
Great read
It was a very good read! Andrew tells a great story laced with real life experiences I should have started with the the beginning but still very enjoyable. It is a 5 star review!!
It was a very good read! Andrew tells a great story laced with real life experiences I should have started with the the beginning but still very enjoyable. It is a 5 star review!!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 88 reviews