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Tyce Asher #1
Assault by Fire
In the rip-roaring tradition of Red Dawn and The Dirty Dozen, this action-packed thriller from Lt. Col. Hunter Ripley "Rip" Rawlings IV takes all-American patriotism to an explosive new level . . .
ASSAULT BY SEA
U.S. Marine Tyce Asher knew his fighting days were over when he lost his leg in Iraq. He thought he'd never see action again--certainly not on American soil--until the Russians attacked us by sea . . .
ASSAULT BY LAND
With so many troops stationed in the Middle East, the U.S. government is counting on Tyce and other reserve fighters to step up and defend their country--when Russian boots hit the ground . . .
ASSAULT BY FIRE
This is much more than a surprise attack. It is a full-fledged invasion orchestrated by a military mastermind hellbent on destruction. As the Russians move inland, killing and maiming, Tyce has to enlist every patriot he can find--seasoned vets, armchair warriors, backwoods buckshooters, even mountain moonshiners--to unleash their 2nd Amendment rights . . . on America's #1 enemy.
RAVES FOR RED METAL BY MARK GREANEY AND H. RIPLEY RAWLINGS IV
"Red Metal is red hot . . . If you enjoy finely crafted military thrillers, you will love Red Metal."
--Brad Thor, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Backlash
"Hits you like a thunderbolt and truly lives up to the phrase 'can't put it down.'"
--New York Journal of Books
"This is the modern-day equivalent of Red Storm Rising and not to be missed."
--Providence Journal
ASSAULT BY SEA
U.S. Marine Tyce Asher knew his fighting days were over when he lost his leg in Iraq. He thought he'd never see action again--certainly not on American soil--until the Russians attacked us by sea . . .
ASSAULT BY LAND
With so many troops stationed in the Middle East, the U.S. government is counting on Tyce and other reserve fighters to step up and defend their country--when Russian boots hit the ground . . .
ASSAULT BY FIRE
This is much more than a surprise attack. It is a full-fledged invasion orchestrated by a military mastermind hellbent on destruction. As the Russians move inland, killing and maiming, Tyce has to enlist every patriot he can find--seasoned vets, armchair warriors, backwoods buckshooters, even mountain moonshiners--to unleash their 2nd Amendment rights . . . on America's #1 enemy.
RAVES FOR RED METAL BY MARK GREANEY AND H. RIPLEY RAWLINGS IV
"Red Metal is red hot . . . If you enjoy finely crafted military thrillers, you will love Red Metal."
--Brad Thor, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Backlash
"Hits you like a thunderbolt and truly lives up to the phrase 'can't put it down.'"
--New York Journal of Books
"This is the modern-day equivalent of Red Storm Rising and not to be missed."
--Providence Journal
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published September 29, 2020
82 people are currently reading
614 people want to read
About the author
Hunter Ripley Rawlings
4 books93 followersLieutenant Colonel Hunter Ripley "Rip" Rawlings IV is a Marine Corps infantry and Reconnaissance Officer with 22-years of service. With ten deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, CJTF-HOA, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia to name a few. He has a primary MOS of Infantry and secondary MOS of LAV Reconnaissance Officer. He served in billets from Scout Platoon Commander, FAST Commander up to Infantry Battalion Commander.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
September 23, 2020
Rip Rawlings in ASSAULT BY FIRE (ARC) proves his mastery of battlefield depiction in this superbly written, jaw dropping, realistic tale of Russian invasion of our homeland and how a ragtag pieced together team of West Virginia National Guard, Ranger SpecialOps, US Naval medical teams along with the West Virginia mountaineers, engaged in battlefield tactics as superior as that found in any engagement in Middle East or Afghanistan. Rawlings displays his supreme knowledge of legendary historic battle philosophy, psychology, and tactics from the Chinese Sun Tsu ‘s ART OF WAR to German-Russians battlefield tactics used in World War II. Many readers are military background in nature and will recognize the battle tactics discussed. I remember reading, in a boring Art-Music class for which I got booted and sent to the library, a book on Battle of Bulge in WWII. Battle descriptions by Rawlings were reminiscent of this book’s battle experience.
Being of a Marine background, I would not expect Rip to present to us a less hardened battle experienced veteran than Marine Lt. Tyce Asher. Rawlings documents in opening pages, the 1990 reissued Russian battle authorization justifying invasion of the United States of America that really existed. Take it one step further in interpreting how far right radical elite Russian senior military might implement it.
Rawling’s presents a tale where citizen soldiers, civilians, and handful of Special Ops join forces in a fight to save their nation. It is a highly plausible storyline in light of today’s political arena. He begins the tale by introducing the primary players. Marine Lt. Tyce Asher, severely wounded in an IED attack in Fallujah, Iraq with amputated leg, Tyce refuses to give in or give up. He fights to stay an active Marine and is assigned to train the National Guard of West Virginia,weekend warriors in the arts of war. Brigadier General Lawton Custis (Ret.), blinded by nuclear blast in Danville,VA, role as a mentor/advisor, provides invaluable historical battlefield advice to Tyce Asher;Russian senior administration and assets, plot and stage attack on US with combine nuke assault and paratroopers brought in for sea, land, air attacks; Naval Commander Victoria Remington, witness to assault on Pentagon and Capitol Hill, serves as Chief battlefield surgeon to conglomeration of soldiers, civilians, and weekend warriors; Colonel Nemo, commander of 150th Cavalry Regiment stationed out of Morgantown, WV; Trigger, a Belgian Malinois with 3yrs battlefield experience; and a ragtag group of civilians from Parsons,WV, sheriff/deputies, mayor, and odd assortment of civilians who lend credence to best line in the book. “I thank God we live in West Virginia. Can’t go ten miles without finding a gun store.”
This book is indeed a melding of RED DAWN and DIRTY DOZEN. It opens with Tyce’s group completing a one month assignment in the mountains of West Virginia, south of Morgantown, encountering and observing the Russian air attack in aerial battles and missile destruction of the main bridge over the Monongahela River. They head into the remote rural territory, covered with forests that hide their retreat and the search for guns/ammo and gas. Enter the colorful town of Parsons.
I traveled many a back country road in western Virginia and West Virginia for hiking and camping. Depiction of Parsons cast of characters is exact from the swaggering mayor, arrogant sheriff, to its good old boys,dirt farmers, moonshiners, and those running close to the edge, all crack shots with a rifle and bow.
Encountered on their trek to Morgantown to resupply of troops are Special Ops snipers out doing mountain training, a handful of medical personnel with ambulances and battlefield hospital who fled Bethesda Naval Hospital, all told,making a force somewhat over 200 men and women. Especially interesting is the retired General Lawton Custis, suffering from radiation sickness, who serves as the resident expert on battlefield tactics, psychology, who recognizes Tyce’s battle experience and leadership. Together, these two provide the bulwark for the group to rely on in execution of their own private war on the Russians. Plans are made, decisions enacted. Each rises to the occasion and gives their best.
I
Throw in a handful of LAVs, humvees, a couple of Bradley tanks, and a mishmash of assorted weaponry and you have the makings of a determined set of American patriots willing to make a last stand in the mountainous hinterlands of America.
Battles are fought, losses incurred, and this ragtag mini-army gains recognition, so much so that a plan is hatched to smuggle the escaped US Vice President to Canada, for govt in absentia. From deep forests in mountainous terrain, to Snowshoe ski resort, to the ultimate showdown at a national guard airfield, this is a novel of courage, men suffering all the agonies of the battlefield and inclement winter weather, men riding to meet their destiny, patriots all to their last breath.
This novel is depicted through the senses. The smells of the battlefield, acrid smoke, incinerated flesh, and appreciation of a home-cooked breakfast and smooth taste of mellowed whiskey. Through touch in burning metal, frostbite. Visually, is the most impacted form, burning vehicles, blown apart buildings, planes and bodies.
Rawlings depicts so accurately what he has seen in warfare, it might be a difficult path for some to travel down again, especially if you’ve been there, lost family members or your brothers in arms there. This book is a visceral strike in the gut. To the realities of war. It is a memorial to those who have died AND TO those that have survived this carnage. This is a salute of respect to those who have served. I salute H.Rip Rawlings IV for having the courage to face his own demons again in writing this epic novel of modern warfare that millions have witnessed. It could not have been easy to write and sincerely thank him for his service and sacrifice and that of his family too.
For some, this novel, ASSAULT BY FIRE, will be a look back at some of the best times of camaraderie ever had, memories of love, life, and grief. It will be a difficult journey to revisit for others. This is a book meant to be read, appreciated for its accuracy to warfare, a salute to veterans everywhere, living and deceased. It is meant for politicians, to think carefully before their commitment to war. It is a WARNING TO OUR ENEMIES WHAT EVERY MAN, WOMAN AND CHILD OF THE UNITED STATES IS WILLING TO FIGHT FOR, TO THE DEATH, TO PRESERVE OUR NATION AND OUR FREEDOMS. Don’t think our weak politicians depict the tenor of our nation.
Most of all, thank you Rip Rawlings, for showing us what is the best of our nation, a nation whose people pull together in times of strife, who stand back to back to defend each other, and are willing to sacrifice their all too if needed.
This is a superb novel, a need for ALL TO READ and timed perfectly to point out and appeal to our civic duty and patriotism in this time of need. I thank you. 10***. Kudos to you, this theme and the need to produce more novels like this. It’s not just a thriller, it captures a moment of where we stand in the history of civilization, the best in us.
Being of a Marine background, I would not expect Rip to present to us a less hardened battle experienced veteran than Marine Lt. Tyce Asher. Rawlings documents in opening pages, the 1990 reissued Russian battle authorization justifying invasion of the United States of America that really existed. Take it one step further in interpreting how far right radical elite Russian senior military might implement it.
Rawling’s presents a tale where citizen soldiers, civilians, and handful of Special Ops join forces in a fight to save their nation. It is a highly plausible storyline in light of today’s political arena. He begins the tale by introducing the primary players. Marine Lt. Tyce Asher, severely wounded in an IED attack in Fallujah, Iraq with amputated leg, Tyce refuses to give in or give up. He fights to stay an active Marine and is assigned to train the National Guard of West Virginia,weekend warriors in the arts of war. Brigadier General Lawton Custis (Ret.), blinded by nuclear blast in Danville,VA, role as a mentor/advisor, provides invaluable historical battlefield advice to Tyce Asher;Russian senior administration and assets, plot and stage attack on US with combine nuke assault and paratroopers brought in for sea, land, air attacks; Naval Commander Victoria Remington, witness to assault on Pentagon and Capitol Hill, serves as Chief battlefield surgeon to conglomeration of soldiers, civilians, and weekend warriors; Colonel Nemo, commander of 150th Cavalry Regiment stationed out of Morgantown, WV; Trigger, a Belgian Malinois with 3yrs battlefield experience; and a ragtag group of civilians from Parsons,WV, sheriff/deputies, mayor, and odd assortment of civilians who lend credence to best line in the book. “I thank God we live in West Virginia. Can’t go ten miles without finding a gun store.”
This book is indeed a melding of RED DAWN and DIRTY DOZEN. It opens with Tyce’s group completing a one month assignment in the mountains of West Virginia, south of Morgantown, encountering and observing the Russian air attack in aerial battles and missile destruction of the main bridge over the Monongahela River. They head into the remote rural territory, covered with forests that hide their retreat and the search for guns/ammo and gas. Enter the colorful town of Parsons.
I traveled many a back country road in western Virginia and West Virginia for hiking and camping. Depiction of Parsons cast of characters is exact from the swaggering mayor, arrogant sheriff, to its good old boys,dirt farmers, moonshiners, and those running close to the edge, all crack shots with a rifle and bow.
Encountered on their trek to Morgantown to resupply of troops are Special Ops snipers out doing mountain training, a handful of medical personnel with ambulances and battlefield hospital who fled Bethesda Naval Hospital, all told,making a force somewhat over 200 men and women. Especially interesting is the retired General Lawton Custis, suffering from radiation sickness, who serves as the resident expert on battlefield tactics, psychology, who recognizes Tyce’s battle experience and leadership. Together, these two provide the bulwark for the group to rely on in execution of their own private war on the Russians. Plans are made, decisions enacted. Each rises to the occasion and gives their best.
I
Throw in a handful of LAVs, humvees, a couple of Bradley tanks, and a mishmash of assorted weaponry and you have the makings of a determined set of American patriots willing to make a last stand in the mountainous hinterlands of America.
Battles are fought, losses incurred, and this ragtag mini-army gains recognition, so much so that a plan is hatched to smuggle the escaped US Vice President to Canada, for govt in absentia. From deep forests in mountainous terrain, to Snowshoe ski resort, to the ultimate showdown at a national guard airfield, this is a novel of courage, men suffering all the agonies of the battlefield and inclement winter weather, men riding to meet their destiny, patriots all to their last breath.
This novel is depicted through the senses. The smells of the battlefield, acrid smoke, incinerated flesh, and appreciation of a home-cooked breakfast and smooth taste of mellowed whiskey. Through touch in burning metal, frostbite. Visually, is the most impacted form, burning vehicles, blown apart buildings, planes and bodies.
Rawlings depicts so accurately what he has seen in warfare, it might be a difficult path for some to travel down again, especially if you’ve been there, lost family members or your brothers in arms there. This book is a visceral strike in the gut. To the realities of war. It is a memorial to those who have died AND TO those that have survived this carnage. This is a salute of respect to those who have served. I salute H.Rip Rawlings IV for having the courage to face his own demons again in writing this epic novel of modern warfare that millions have witnessed. It could not have been easy to write and sincerely thank him for his service and sacrifice and that of his family too.
For some, this novel, ASSAULT BY FIRE, will be a look back at some of the best times of camaraderie ever had, memories of love, life, and grief. It will be a difficult journey to revisit for others. This is a book meant to be read, appreciated for its accuracy to warfare, a salute to veterans everywhere, living and deceased. It is meant for politicians, to think carefully before their commitment to war. It is a WARNING TO OUR ENEMIES WHAT EVERY MAN, WOMAN AND CHILD OF THE UNITED STATES IS WILLING TO FIGHT FOR, TO THE DEATH, TO PRESERVE OUR NATION AND OUR FREEDOMS. Don’t think our weak politicians depict the tenor of our nation.
Most of all, thank you Rip Rawlings, for showing us what is the best of our nation, a nation whose people pull together in times of strife, who stand back to back to defend each other, and are willing to sacrifice their all too if needed.
This is a superb novel, a need for ALL TO READ and timed perfectly to point out and appeal to our civic duty and patriotism in this time of need. I thank you. 10***. Kudos to you, this theme and the need to produce more novels like this. It’s not just a thriller, it captures a moment of where we stand in the history of civilization, the best in us.
November 2, 2020
"What would I do?"
That's the question I kept asking myself as I flipped through the pages of ASSAULT BY FIRE. A modern twist on the classic 80s film Red Dawn, Rip Rawlings presents scenarios that should make each reader question their preparedness and willingness to defend their country at the local level. Would you join the resistance or try and appease the invaders?
One thing is for sure, Tyce Asher isn't sitting idly by when there is a fighting chance. Scrapping together a mixed unit of folks from all walks of life to fight back however they can, Tyce is reluctantly forced into a command position and must lead his men and women against a superior force. Their only advantages are their wits, being on home soil, and lessons learned from years of fighting insurgents in Afghanistan and Iraq.
On a personal note, I had been waiting on Rip's first solo book ever since he and Mark Greaney released RED METAL (one of my best books of 2019) together. Few authors do a better job of crafting larger scale military operation scenarios while keeping the reader grounded and concerned about each individual involved. Rip does not disappoint on that front in ASSAULT BY FIRE.
Asher is a welcome addition to the military thriller world and I look forward to learning more about his past and even more about his future as this series develops. I'm also hoping to see more from the Russian General and his AI who spurred the entire invasion of the US. Will we see them in the next book? I certainly hope so. A man vs. machine wrinkle could add some additional drama in future books.
This is a series you're going to want to read from the beginning. Can't wait for THE KILL BOX out Sep 2021.
That's the question I kept asking myself as I flipped through the pages of ASSAULT BY FIRE. A modern twist on the classic 80s film Red Dawn, Rip Rawlings presents scenarios that should make each reader question their preparedness and willingness to defend their country at the local level. Would you join the resistance or try and appease the invaders?
One thing is for sure, Tyce Asher isn't sitting idly by when there is a fighting chance. Scrapping together a mixed unit of folks from all walks of life to fight back however they can, Tyce is reluctantly forced into a command position and must lead his men and women against a superior force. Their only advantages are their wits, being on home soil, and lessons learned from years of fighting insurgents in Afghanistan and Iraq.
On a personal note, I had been waiting on Rip's first solo book ever since he and Mark Greaney released RED METAL (one of my best books of 2019) together. Few authors do a better job of crafting larger scale military operation scenarios while keeping the reader grounded and concerned about each individual involved. Rip does not disappoint on that front in ASSAULT BY FIRE.
Asher is a welcome addition to the military thriller world and I look forward to learning more about his past and even more about his future as this series develops. I'm also hoping to see more from the Russian General and his AI who spurred the entire invasion of the US. Will we see them in the next book? I certainly hope so. A man vs. machine wrinkle could add some additional drama in future books.
This is a series you're going to want to read from the beginning. Can't wait for THE KILL BOX out Sep 2021.
August 23, 2020
An interesting first novel by H. Ripley Rawlings
After co-authoring last years Red Metal with Mark Greaney, Rawlings is out on his own with Assault By Fire.
After Russia launches a surprise attack on the mainland United States it is up to Major Tyce Asher and a mixed bag of Marines, Army, Navy, and civilians to defend what is theirs.
An enjoyable page turning read. Rawlings paints the picture of a outnumbered and outgunned force trying to harass the Russian invaders and keep the American dream alive. While the battle sequences in the book are well thought out and a great read I would have liked a little more character development. Hopefully future books in the series will dive deeper into who Tyce Asher and his motley crew are and what makes them tick.
After co-authoring last years Red Metal with Mark Greaney, Rawlings is out on his own with Assault By Fire.
After Russia launches a surprise attack on the mainland United States it is up to Major Tyce Asher and a mixed bag of Marines, Army, Navy, and civilians to defend what is theirs.
An enjoyable page turning read. Rawlings paints the picture of a outnumbered and outgunned force trying to harass the Russian invaders and keep the American dream alive. While the battle sequences in the book are well thought out and a great read I would have liked a little more character development. Hopefully future books in the series will dive deeper into who Tyce Asher and his motley crew are and what makes them tick.
July 19, 2020
A phenomenal read. This one will have you holding your breath, laughing out loud, shaking your head, and feeling fiercely patriotic as you go through this book.
Great characters with individually wonderful personalities work together in this book and it certainly raised my opinion and rating. Even the bad guys had personalities that you get to know throughout this one.
This book is packed with action, with constantly moving parts and just a tiny hint of romance. But this one is for us action lovers. I think anyone who reads this book will enjoy it and want to see this characters again.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Great characters with individually wonderful personalities work together in this book and it certainly raised my opinion and rating. Even the bad guys had personalities that you get to know throughout this one.
This book is packed with action, with constantly moving parts and just a tiny hint of romance. But this one is for us action lovers. I think anyone who reads this book will enjoy it and want to see this characters again.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2020
Advance Reader Copy
A page turner that kept me on the edge of my seat with well constructed characters, settings, and battle sequences.
I enjoyed West Virginia as the back drop for this military thriller and it seems like an excellent place to survive an invasion and initiate a resistance. The mountains and valleys of West Virginia provide the perfect settings for the excellent battle set pieces which kept me glued to the page with their tactics, pacing, and stakes.
Not only is the protagonist well developed with real emotional range, but the smaller characters also have real personalities and character traits. This makes the book feel like there are real stakes involved in the back and forth as the plot unfolds and the action picks up.
I really enjoyed this book and think you'll enjoy reading it as much as I did.
A page turner that kept me on the edge of my seat with well constructed characters, settings, and battle sequences.
I enjoyed West Virginia as the back drop for this military thriller and it seems like an excellent place to survive an invasion and initiate a resistance. The mountains and valleys of West Virginia provide the perfect settings for the excellent battle set pieces which kept me glued to the page with their tactics, pacing, and stakes.
Not only is the protagonist well developed with real emotional range, but the smaller characters also have real personalities and character traits. This makes the book feel like there are real stakes involved in the back and forth as the plot unfolds and the action picks up.
I really enjoyed this book and think you'll enjoy reading it as much as I did.
August 26, 2020
I thought this book was very engaging and the action was amazing. The author's character development is excellent with well rounded, relatable characters who pop off the page. The author pulls the reader into the story effortlessly and is able to hold the reader's attention throughout the entire book. I already have my favorites as well as the characters I loathe. From the standpoint of the technical aspects of the book, Ripley Rawlings creates action packed military scenes with just the right amount of jargon and explanation so that anyone, whether they have a military background or not, understands the scene being described which allows the reader to be further absorbed into the story. I am already looking forward to the next book from this author.
August 27, 2020
Rawlings does a wonderful job of detailing the possibility of a Russian invasion and provides insights from both sides to create an arena for the new and improved version of Red Dawn to play out. His writing style makes the book an easy read and something you don't want to put down, or at least hurry back to pick up where you left off.
He does an excellent job of pulling back the curtain on the pressures, stresses and strains that come with military leadership. But provides it in such a way that regular citizens who have never even thought of facing combat can comprehend and even consider how they might respond if a situation like this should arise in the future.
Very engaging read that makes me look forward to the future installments of Tyce Asher and 150th.
He does an excellent job of pulling back the curtain on the pressures, stresses and strains that come with military leadership. But provides it in such a way that regular citizens who have never even thought of facing combat can comprehend and even consider how they might respond if a situation like this should arise in the future.
Very engaging read that makes me look forward to the future installments of Tyce Asher and 150th.
September 20, 2020
This is the first book ever I have read by H. Ripley Rawlings and the title is Assult by Fire. First I have to thank #KensingtonBooks #Pinnacle and #Netgalley for giving it to me. Wow, what a story and it is well written and exciting. Full of action and not just the usual terrorist stuff, no this time it's full war and assault on a country. The russians are coming. I grew up with the threat from the east and now it's back. I am already looking forward to the next one in this series. I really liked it.
September 21, 2020
I really really enjoyed this novel!!
Ok, so first of all I really liked the author's other book Red Metal which he co-authored with the acclaimed Mark Greaney (one of my favs). Second, the author writes some fierce and competent female characters in an action novel market DOMINATED by male protagonists. Ok, I get it, that's what sells, but the author is very fair to both male and female characters and doesn't make a big issue of ladies or males kickin'-butts. In equal parts they demonstrated their strengths and weaknesses (ain't that just like life any how?). Ok, enough about my glee for tough lady characters and on to the book. I was a little skeptical about America getting invaded. I'm active duty Navy and I kind of left the burden of proof on the author. When he described the Russian navy's infiltration into our sea lanes using attack vessels disguised ad cargo ships disguised I was gobsmacked! Yes, this IS possible! It's a known weakness in any country that allows free trade. Ships come and go in MASSIVE numbers on a daily basis, so infiltrating the U.S. by that means is very possible. The book didn't go overboard into all the aspects of the invasion, and for me that works. You get small windows into the Russian plan, and all of it sounded legit to me, but instead the author favors getting us directly into the action. That works for me! If I wanted to read a military invasion plan in triplicate, I'd have bought the manual (JP-3-02 Joint Amphibious Operations manual, btw) and I'd be bored to tears. I've read a lot in this genre, it's one of my favorite types of novel, but some authors (Koontz for one) go into EXACTING detail to prove they know how an attack is planned. NONE of it makes for interesting reading. My philosophy is "Just the facts Man, just the facts..." Ok, onto some more. Awesome, fun characters? Check. Cool situations and fun plot? Check! Well written scenes and sweeping locations? Check !! Great, gripping action? CHECK CHECK!!!
Great book and I really want to read the rest of the books in this series. I read online it will be a three (or longer) book series. I'm really looking forward to the next! Way to go Jarhead!!
Ok, so first of all I really liked the author's other book Red Metal which he co-authored with the acclaimed Mark Greaney (one of my favs). Second, the author writes some fierce and competent female characters in an action novel market DOMINATED by male protagonists. Ok, I get it, that's what sells, but the author is very fair to both male and female characters and doesn't make a big issue of ladies or males kickin'-butts. In equal parts they demonstrated their strengths and weaknesses (ain't that just like life any how?). Ok, enough about my glee for tough lady characters and on to the book. I was a little skeptical about America getting invaded. I'm active duty Navy and I kind of left the burden of proof on the author. When he described the Russian navy's infiltration into our sea lanes using attack vessels disguised ad cargo ships disguised I was gobsmacked! Yes, this IS possible! It's a known weakness in any country that allows free trade. Ships come and go in MASSIVE numbers on a daily basis, so infiltrating the U.S. by that means is very possible. The book didn't go overboard into all the aspects of the invasion, and for me that works. You get small windows into the Russian plan, and all of it sounded legit to me, but instead the author favors getting us directly into the action. That works for me! If I wanted to read a military invasion plan in triplicate, I'd have bought the manual (JP-3-02 Joint Amphibious Operations manual, btw) and I'd be bored to tears. I've read a lot in this genre, it's one of my favorite types of novel, but some authors (Koontz for one) go into EXACTING detail to prove they know how an attack is planned. NONE of it makes for interesting reading. My philosophy is "Just the facts Man, just the facts..." Ok, onto some more. Awesome, fun characters? Check. Cool situations and fun plot? Check! Well written scenes and sweeping locations? Check !! Great, gripping action? CHECK CHECK!!!
Great book and I really want to read the rest of the books in this series. I read online it will be a three (or longer) book series. I'm really looking forward to the next! Way to go Jarhead!!
July 27, 2021
+++++
Okay, update: Yes, I finished this book a long time ago, just forgot I didn't finish the review until I was given the ARC through Net Galley and figured I'd better polish this review up before I review that book.
In brief I loved this book. The characters are what kept me going. I like a lot of action and adventure, but I also want to care about the characters. so... check, check and a resounding CHECK!
The book is a mix of suspense, action (combat) and adventure. You really don't know where the story is going to end up and I like it when I'm reading and my mind starts trying to leap ahead to figure out what in the heck the main character(s) are going to have to do to get out of their predicament. This book did NOT disappoint.
+++++
I haven't finished the book, I'll follow up once complete.
Fair warning, I got an ARC from the publisher in exchange for a fair review.
I actually read a review of this book before I started in. Lima Charlia did a review that was on the author's website. I like doing some snooping before I read.
I'll start off with: so far so good! Lots of fun, cool characters, neat-o locations and vivid descriptions. Overall a joy to read! I'll take away a few points for the focus on a Marine, I kind of wanted to read about the soldiers and the civilians a bit more, but it really didn't distract from the overall story which is a quality and driven story that was really easy to get into. I also liked the fact that there was a lot going on. I hate simple stories that fall into the formula a lot of books in this genre stick to: hero has a flaw, hero has a cause, hero gets into a jam, hero gets out of jam, hero saves day... a bit tedious, which this book is not. The villains are not cookie cutter and neither is the plot. I found myself guessing and having to stay up another hour to find out what the hell was going to happen and how the hell will these guys overcome the next big problem tossed in their path.
Loved it and thank you to Kensington for the book give away! I shall read the next one with pleasure!!
Okay, update: Yes, I finished this book a long time ago, just forgot I didn't finish the review until I was given the ARC through Net Galley and figured I'd better polish this review up before I review that book.
In brief I loved this book. The characters are what kept me going. I like a lot of action and adventure, but I also want to care about the characters. so... check, check and a resounding CHECK!
The book is a mix of suspense, action (combat) and adventure. You really don't know where the story is going to end up and I like it when I'm reading and my mind starts trying to leap ahead to figure out what in the heck the main character(s) are going to have to do to get out of their predicament. This book did NOT disappoint.
+++++
I haven't finished the book, I'll follow up once complete.
Fair warning, I got an ARC from the publisher in exchange for a fair review.
I actually read a review of this book before I started in. Lima Charlia did a review that was on the author's website. I like doing some snooping before I read.
I'll start off with: so far so good! Lots of fun, cool characters, neat-o locations and vivid descriptions. Overall a joy to read! I'll take away a few points for the focus on a Marine, I kind of wanted to read about the soldiers and the civilians a bit more, but it really didn't distract from the overall story which is a quality and driven story that was really easy to get into. I also liked the fact that there was a lot going on. I hate simple stories that fall into the formula a lot of books in this genre stick to: hero has a flaw, hero has a cause, hero gets into a jam, hero gets out of jam, hero saves day... a bit tedious, which this book is not. The villains are not cookie cutter and neither is the plot. I found myself guessing and having to stay up another hour to find out what the hell was going to happen and how the hell will these guys overcome the next big problem tossed in their path.
Loved it and thank you to Kensington for the book give away! I shall read the next one with pleasure!!
September 18, 2020
I read the author's actual first book when he co-wrote RED METAL with Mark Greaney, one of my all time favorite authors. Assault by Fire is in the same genre and is A LOT OF FUN! Instead of going into exacerbating details about every political chess move from the Russians, he outlines the pretext and then jumps right into the action. I'll be honest, I enjoy some of the politicking in a good read, but I get REALLY bored when an author gives me this huge, albeit probably accurate portrayal of how and why Russia does what it does. I enjoy that we kind of don't fully know all that's in Russia's head but Rip Rawlings then jumps directly into the action. I guess if I was going to stage a resistance to Russia attacking I'd expect folks in West Virginia, or rural Georgia, or backwoods Montana to be the places the Russians just don't expect American's to do much more than much on their cuds and roll over like cattle. In this book it's the opposite. like one of my favorite movies RED DAWN, the men and women move into the hills and stab at the Russians. At first I was really enjoying the tactical action, but didn't really know there would be a larger reason the author chose to follow the main character, a marine corp officer who lost his leg in combat named Tyce (love cool, tough sounding names in action books), bu then the story blows sky high and through trickery and some good old backwoods politicking the plot gets really cool. Suffice to say this is one of my favorite reads this year. I'll definately be following up on the next in the series which according to the publisher's website is called "The Kill Box." So cool!!
September 25, 2020
What if?
I was gifted an advance review copy of this novel. The story relates to the United States being invaded and occupied by Russia. Previous analysts thought this was extremely unlikely given that the advancing enemy would be detected long before it reached our shores, tens of thousands of civilians own firearms, and we have lots of nuclear weapons and might opt for mutually assured destruction.
Suffice it to say the Russians successfully invade and occupy the United States. The story focuses on one group of reserves and national guardsmen who are dealing with the Russians in their geographical area. They are low on weapons, ammo and equipment and essentially fight as insurgents. They have some success and their spirit is a beacon of hope for the rest of the country. I enjoyed the story and recommend it.
I was gifted an advance review copy of this novel. The story relates to the United States being invaded and occupied by Russia. Previous analysts thought this was extremely unlikely given that the advancing enemy would be detected long before it reached our shores, tens of thousands of civilians own firearms, and we have lots of nuclear weapons and might opt for mutually assured destruction.
Suffice it to say the Russians successfully invade and occupy the United States. The story focuses on one group of reserves and national guardsmen who are dealing with the Russians in their geographical area. They are low on weapons, ammo and equipment and essentially fight as insurgents. They have some success and their spirit is a beacon of hope for the rest of the country. I enjoyed the story and recommend it.
September 25, 2020
A great read. Rip has taken his years of experience and knowledge and put it into an excellent book. I hope to see more from this young author in the future to keep then the genre alive with new blood, thought-provoking stories, and up to date storylines for the modern age.
December 18, 2020
Assault by Fire
“Vivid, realistic, and a modern day Red Dawn...Rawlings shows great American fight and spirit in this great read!”
If you’ve seen Red Dawn you know the predicament that Americans faced with regard to the invasion in the United States. What if one of the best movies ever made turned into a seat of your pants, modern day, page turning thriller?
Assault by Fire introduces you to Tyce Asher, a wounded combat veteran of the United States Marine Corps, who is faced with insurmountable odds and a ragtag group of military service members who dare to take a fight to an overwhelming enemy!
The scenes are vivid and realistic, with modern technology, and are destined to show the great fight and spirit in the United States military as they battle for the right to keep their own land!
This is a great read with a great storyline, good character buildup and plenty of action to keep you glued your seat! Rip Rawlings does a phenomenal job of bringing you to ground level, like you have your boots on, and you’re in the fight right next to Marine Tyce Asher fighting to preserve what’s left of America!
“Vivid, realistic, and a modern day Red Dawn...Rawlings shows great American fight and spirit in this great read!”
If you’ve seen Red Dawn you know the predicament that Americans faced with regard to the invasion in the United States. What if one of the best movies ever made turned into a seat of your pants, modern day, page turning thriller?
Assault by Fire introduces you to Tyce Asher, a wounded combat veteran of the United States Marine Corps, who is faced with insurmountable odds and a ragtag group of military service members who dare to take a fight to an overwhelming enemy!
The scenes are vivid and realistic, with modern technology, and are destined to show the great fight and spirit in the United States military as they battle for the right to keep their own land!
This is a great read with a great storyline, good character buildup and plenty of action to keep you glued your seat! Rip Rawlings does a phenomenal job of bringing you to ground level, like you have your boots on, and you’re in the fight right next to Marine Tyce Asher fighting to preserve what’s left of America!
September 26, 2020
As a child of the 1980s, I’ve waited decades for a Russian Invasion military thriller that can begin to stand up to the suspense and intrigue of Red Dawn. With Assault by Fire, Rip Rawlings has filled this void and delivered a compelling, action packed homeland invasion novel that you won’t be able to put down. Geo political events in recent years, including the assertiveness of Russia on the world scene, make this a timely novel that could have not been written earlier. Like Red Dawn, this novel doesn’t focus extensively on the strategic backdrop to the invasion, and quickly brings the reader into the complex, shattered world of a band of post-invasion resistance fighters.
Assault by Fire is the author’s first stand-alone novel after having partnered with author Mark Greaney on Red Metal a few years ago. The author’s 20+ years of service as a Marine Corps officer, including numerous combat deployments, has positioned him to write detailed and descriptive battle scenes unmatched by other authors. When he describes the employment of snipers during a firefight, he nails the details and nuance because of his real-world battlefield leadership experience. Unlike many novels in this genre, the scenes also contain a sufficient level of sophistication and imagination that keeps the reader engaged and interested.
The author has also taken the time to develop a broad range of diverse characters with interesting back stories. The main character, Tyce Asher, is a Marine officer and it is no surprise that Rawling’s manages to fully develop this character in an authentic manner. Navy surgeon Victoria Remington, and a salt of the earth, patriotic mountain man named ‘Blue’ are two of my favorite characters, and I look forward to reading more about them in the follow-on novels in the series. For fans of West Virginia, the novel takes the reader across the diverse landscape and well known locations of that mountainous state, from the streets of places barely large enough to be called towns, to well-known ski resorts.
To borrow a quote from Red Dawn, “In our time, no foreign army has ever occupied American soil. Until now.” With Assault by fire, Rip Rawlings has delivered a novel where the enemy is a familiar one, and the time is now. It is a fun and engaging read that brought back memories from my childhood of looking to the skies for Russian paratroopers and wondering, “What if?”.
Assault by Fire is the author’s first stand-alone novel after having partnered with author Mark Greaney on Red Metal a few years ago. The author’s 20+ years of service as a Marine Corps officer, including numerous combat deployments, has positioned him to write detailed and descriptive battle scenes unmatched by other authors. When he describes the employment of snipers during a firefight, he nails the details and nuance because of his real-world battlefield leadership experience. Unlike many novels in this genre, the scenes also contain a sufficient level of sophistication and imagination that keeps the reader engaged and interested.
The author has also taken the time to develop a broad range of diverse characters with interesting back stories. The main character, Tyce Asher, is a Marine officer and it is no surprise that Rawling’s manages to fully develop this character in an authentic manner. Navy surgeon Victoria Remington, and a salt of the earth, patriotic mountain man named ‘Blue’ are two of my favorite characters, and I look forward to reading more about them in the follow-on novels in the series. For fans of West Virginia, the novel takes the reader across the diverse landscape and well known locations of that mountainous state, from the streets of places barely large enough to be called towns, to well-known ski resorts.
To borrow a quote from Red Dawn, “In our time, no foreign army has ever occupied American soil. Until now.” With Assault by fire, Rip Rawlings has delivered a novel where the enemy is a familiar one, and the time is now. It is a fun and engaging read that brought back memories from my childhood of looking to the skies for Russian paratroopers and wondering, “What if?”.
November 19, 2020
From the military mind of debuting solo author Lt. Col. Hunter Ripley Rawlings IV comes Assault by Fire, an intense and action-packed novel that sees the Russians invade and take over America.
After losing his leg in the Middle East, Marine officer Tyce Asher believes that his military days are over. Forced to babysit reserve troopers during exercises, Tyce is suddenly drawn into action when the Russians launch a sudden and unexpected invasion of America from land, sea and air, devastating the nation’s defences and swiftly gaining control of the Government. With the bulk of the United States forces deployed to the Middle East, it falls to reserve forces, such as the one Tyce commands, to fight back against the invaders. With minimal supplies, ammo, armoured vehicles or reinforcements, Tyce is forced to lead his combined regiment of Army and Marine reservists into the West Virginian mountains in order to regroup and avoid detection. Recruiting what civilians, mountain men and veterans he can, Tyce forms an effective fighting force that has the potential to do some damage against the invaders. Will Tyce’s small army be enough to hold back the tide of Russians, or are these the last days of American independence?
Assault by Fire is an exciting and entertaining novel that places the reader right into the heart of a Russian invasion of America. This was a really cool novel from Rawlings, who first came into literary prominence last year with Red Metal, a novel he co-wrote with thriller writer Mark Greaney. I was a major fan of Red Metal, as it was one of my favourite books (and audiobooks) of 2019, and I was keen to see how Rawlings’s first solo novel would turn out. I ended up having a great time listening to this fantastic novel. Rawlings has successfully utilised the always-intriguing concept of an invasion or war on American soil and ended up writing quite an enjoyable story around it. Assault by Fire is the first novel in Rawlings’s Tyce Asher series and after how much I enjoyed the first book I am definitely planning to check out the rest of the series in the future.
To see the full review, click the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2020/11/19/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
After losing his leg in the Middle East, Marine officer Tyce Asher believes that his military days are over. Forced to babysit reserve troopers during exercises, Tyce is suddenly drawn into action when the Russians launch a sudden and unexpected invasion of America from land, sea and air, devastating the nation’s defences and swiftly gaining control of the Government. With the bulk of the United States forces deployed to the Middle East, it falls to reserve forces, such as the one Tyce commands, to fight back against the invaders. With minimal supplies, ammo, armoured vehicles or reinforcements, Tyce is forced to lead his combined regiment of Army and Marine reservists into the West Virginian mountains in order to regroup and avoid detection. Recruiting what civilians, mountain men and veterans he can, Tyce forms an effective fighting force that has the potential to do some damage against the invaders. Will Tyce’s small army be enough to hold back the tide of Russians, or are these the last days of American independence?
Assault by Fire is an exciting and entertaining novel that places the reader right into the heart of a Russian invasion of America. This was a really cool novel from Rawlings, who first came into literary prominence last year with Red Metal, a novel he co-wrote with thriller writer Mark Greaney. I was a major fan of Red Metal, as it was one of my favourite books (and audiobooks) of 2019, and I was keen to see how Rawlings’s first solo novel would turn out. I ended up having a great time listening to this fantastic novel. Rawlings has successfully utilised the always-intriguing concept of an invasion or war on American soil and ended up writing quite an enjoyable story around it. Assault by Fire is the first novel in Rawlings’s Tyce Asher series and after how much I enjoyed the first book I am definitely planning to check out the rest of the series in the future.
To see the full review, click the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2020/11/19/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
September 30, 2020
GET SOME !
Bravo Zulu Colonel !
This is the FIRST solo book by the author after a very succesful pairing with another author....
This is simply great WAR PORN I read it over a 24 hour period and was genuinely bummed out when I read the last page and epilogue.
But the author has a Good thing going here , and just like the late W. E. B. Griffin , I a.m positive that a series is in the mix.
Fortunately the author never Went to BUDS but rather is a Marine’s Marine. He was an Infantry Officer and Skippered the Dark Horse of 3/5 in Combat. . He spent a Good part of his Career in LAV’s which have always impressed me and the hero of this book is a one legged Infantryman / LAV Guy.
Obviously the book is About the Russians invading the United States and in formulaic fashion , we have a ringside seat to a “ Red Dawn “ uprising.
The only compliant I have is that I finished the book .....I wish there was more :). Lets wait until next year and book Two of Twelve ....?
Bravo Zulu Colonel !
This is the FIRST solo book by the author after a very succesful pairing with another author....
This is simply great WAR PORN I read it over a 24 hour period and was genuinely bummed out when I read the last page and epilogue.
But the author has a Good thing going here , and just like the late W. E. B. Griffin , I a.m positive that a series is in the mix.
Fortunately the author never Went to BUDS but rather is a Marine’s Marine. He was an Infantry Officer and Skippered the Dark Horse of 3/5 in Combat. . He spent a Good part of his Career in LAV’s which have always impressed me and the hero of this book is a one legged Infantryman / LAV Guy.
Obviously the book is About the Russians invading the United States and in formulaic fashion , we have a ringside seat to a “ Red Dawn “ uprising.
The only compliant I have is that I finished the book .....I wish there was more :). Lets wait until next year and book Two of Twelve ....?
September 30, 2020
After reading Red Metal last year, I couldn’t wait to pickup Rip’s newest book Assault By Fire. His fast-paced, high energy writing gripped me to the pages immediately.
I am about half way through Assault By Fire after 1 day and I couldn’t put it down. There is not a dull moment or page with Rip at the helm of this artfully crafted story.
Rip clearly has an immense amount of knowledge on war strategies, international politics, and domestic cultures, all of which come alive in this book.
Assault By Fire is an easy read and I look forward to Rip’s next publication in the Tyce Asher series!
I am about half way through Assault By Fire after 1 day and I couldn’t put it down. There is not a dull moment or page with Rip at the helm of this artfully crafted story.
Rip clearly has an immense amount of knowledge on war strategies, international politics, and domestic cultures, all of which come alive in this book.
Assault By Fire is an easy read and I look forward to Rip’s next publication in the Tyce Asher series!
September 22, 2020
I read an advanced copy of the novel and I really really liked it. It's kind of a WWII story where the U.S. gets invaded by Russia. At first I thought it was going to be very technical, kind of a techno-thriller where every gun part is explained. It turned out to be a lot of action and some really cool characters. I recommend it to anyone who likes action and adventure stuff. It's like a lot like the movie red dawn, but better and written for today. I looked up the author's website and it looks like this is going to be a series. I'll read the rest of this if they are as good as this one.
October 4, 2020
Assault by Fire is a page turning, action-packed adventure that kept me on my toes. This book details a Russian takeover of the United States set in the hills of West Virginia. Rawlings' writing provides a story that will capture any reader's attention. I found this book to be thought provoking, exciting, and representative of what our military can accomplish. This is the first military fiction book I've every read, and I was not disappointed. I'm excited to see what Rawlings will deliver next. Read this book; you will not be able to put it down!
September 28, 2020
Outstanding Book! Packed with action and hard to put down once you start reading it. I served in the Marine Corps and was born and raised in the area of West Virginia where the story takes place. I felt like I was really there and could see with vivid detail what the characters were seeing and doing. Lt Col Rawlings has a way with words. I’m anxiously awaiting his next book.
September 29, 2020
Tyce Asher is just the latest action hero that thriller readers will enjoy for years to come. Rip Rawlings nailed this first installment in what I hope will many more to come from Rip. I read his first book Red Metal and this book is no different. If you like military thrillers in the same vein of W.G. Griffin you will definitely enjoy this book.
October 5, 2020
A great book to read. This book is about 2 main adversaries, Russia who is entering the United States with the intention of overthrowing the government, and a group of National Guard people who are determined to defend their country at all cost. Action-packed adventure on every page. I would highly recommend it.
October 5, 2020
A great book to read. This book is about 2 main adversaries, Russia who is entering the United States with the intention of overthrowing the government, and a group of National Guard people who are determined to defend their country at all cost. Action-packed adventure on every page. I would highly recommend it. I received this book on Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2020
Fans of military novels will like this one for the non-stop action. Suppose the Russians attacked the US? What would we do? That's the question facing Tyce Archer, who thought he was out of the business of war. He manages to pull together what might be called. rag tag bunch of veterans and others to repel the invaders and set things to rights. It's not deep, the characters are broadly drawn, but it will pull you in and have you turning the pages. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Let's hope this never happens.
November 2, 2020
STORY
Holy mother... that was a ride! The story is fast-paced and well-researched... and terrifyingly realistic. Think Red Dawn but with an almost "if Nazis won" modern twist. Needless to say, I loved the story!
THEMES
Themes of war, comrade loyalty, and "what would you do" in hellish situations... it was amazing. I'm a sucker for the themes this book tackled. I love a good brotherhood alliance, questions about the tough decisions about battle, and yep, even the theme of never giving up. "An oldie, but a goodie"...
CHARACTERS
The cast was so diverse and I LOVED IT. Don't get me started on Diaz and Gunny, or BLUE, or... yeah, anyway. Amazing cast, super vivid! I loved their motives... and that goes for the baddies, too.
OVERALL
With dystopian/post apoc vibes, this thriller had me on the edge of my seat and laughing at snarky characters, all at once. I'm in dire need for book 2!
Holy mother... that was a ride! The story is fast-paced and well-researched... and terrifyingly realistic. Think Red Dawn but with an almost "if Nazis won" modern twist. Needless to say, I loved the story!
THEMES
Themes of war, comrade loyalty, and "what would you do" in hellish situations... it was amazing. I'm a sucker for the themes this book tackled. I love a good brotherhood alliance, questions about the tough decisions about battle, and yep, even the theme of never giving up. "An oldie, but a goodie"...
CHARACTERS
The cast was so diverse and I LOVED IT. Don't get me started on Diaz and Gunny, or BLUE, or... yeah, anyway. Amazing cast, super vivid! I loved their motives... and that goes for the baddies, too.
OVERALL
With dystopian/post apoc vibes, this thriller had me on the edge of my seat and laughing at snarky characters, all at once. I'm in dire need for book 2!
October 18, 2020
Great start to a new series. Really enjoyed the characters. I’m definitely reading the next one that comes out.
December 31, 2020
WOW!!! What a read!!! Can’t wait for the next one!!!
December 13, 2020
After co-authoring the the hit global Military opus Red Metal with Mark Greaney, Retired USMC Lieutenant Colonel Rip Rawlings released his first solo novel Assault By Fire in September 2020. I was excited to check it out after absolutely loving Red Metal last year, finding it to be a fitting ode to the Tom Clancy classics I grew up reading. After reading it, I'm happy to report Assault By Fire is an entertaining, action packed, balls-to-the-walls thriller that doesn't let you breathe for a moment.
The novel follows protagonist Major Tyce Asher, a US Marine who loses his leg in Iraq and then is denied his request to return to the sandbox, but is put in charge of training a joint reserve Marine/West Virginian National Guard unit. This assignment isn't what Asher wants, but it turns out to be exactly what America needs when Russia invades the US and he is forced to lead an insurgency against a stronger, more numerous occupying force. Asher and his rag tag band of Marines and National Guardsmen join up with locals, mountain men, other military units and a couple of retirees to fight back. Along the way they use unconventional methods to bring the fight to the enemy in an effort to save the country they love.
The book starts with a short setup, focusing on Tyce Asher's backstory and developing Russia's rationale for the insane idea of attacking America. But once the fighting begins, it never lets up. It's non-stop action that goes beyond mere battlefield engagements. In addition to the raw, visceral military confrontations, this book also has quite a bit of emotion and solid character development. Asher is forced to rise above and grow into a leader needed for the immense moment in front of him. He leans on the guidance of several key players, some he knows from his unit, others he just met. But they all add to the story in meaningful ways.
There are several twists and turns that leave the outcome in doubt for much of the book and an ending that seems to signal a sequel is in the works. If that's the case, sign me up! I'm a Tyce Asher fan and I want to see where this story takes readers going forward. Assault By Fire has the potential to be the beginning of a new long-running military novel franchise that fans of Tom Clancy, Andrews & Wilson and Marc Cameron will enjoy immensely.
The novel follows protagonist Major Tyce Asher, a US Marine who loses his leg in Iraq and then is denied his request to return to the sandbox, but is put in charge of training a joint reserve Marine/West Virginian National Guard unit. This assignment isn't what Asher wants, but it turns out to be exactly what America needs when Russia invades the US and he is forced to lead an insurgency against a stronger, more numerous occupying force. Asher and his rag tag band of Marines and National Guardsmen join up with locals, mountain men, other military units and a couple of retirees to fight back. Along the way they use unconventional methods to bring the fight to the enemy in an effort to save the country they love.
The book starts with a short setup, focusing on Tyce Asher's backstory and developing Russia's rationale for the insane idea of attacking America. But once the fighting begins, it never lets up. It's non-stop action that goes beyond mere battlefield engagements. In addition to the raw, visceral military confrontations, this book also has quite a bit of emotion and solid character development. Asher is forced to rise above and grow into a leader needed for the immense moment in front of him. He leans on the guidance of several key players, some he knows from his unit, others he just met. But they all add to the story in meaningful ways.
There are several twists and turns that leave the outcome in doubt for much of the book and an ending that seems to signal a sequel is in the works. If that's the case, sign me up! I'm a Tyce Asher fan and I want to see where this story takes readers going forward. Assault By Fire has the potential to be the beginning of a new long-running military novel franchise that fans of Tom Clancy, Andrews & Wilson and Marc Cameron will enjoy immensely.
October 1, 2020
If you are a fan of military thrillers, this is a really exciting entry. The author creates an innovative scenario involving a full-scale Russian military invasion. Once a reader buys into this possibility, the story is gripping, and maintains a high level of suspense throughout. There are some very interesting characters, with real weaknesses and colorful backgrounds, including some strong female characters. There are no superhuman fighters or comic-book characters on either side of the conflict, just real people with real shortcomings and a heavy doses of courage. His protagonist is likeable and well-developed. The strongest aspect of Assault by Fire is the action and the presentation of military tactics that the non-technical reader can understand and appreciate. The bulk of the story contains two such actions, an ambush of a larger force, and an assault on an airport. These actions are well-presented, and realistic, involving the tactical level as well as the point of view of the individual soldier. Rawlings writes about these battles with terrific authority. He knows what he writes about.
I believe the author could add more development to his secondary characters. He has created a host of interesting characters, with a lot of possibilities. This potential was not realized in Assault by Fire, however. I have a feeling we will be seeing some of these characters again, and I am looking forward to seeing them grow in the future. There was also a brief romance in the book, that I found a little bit out of place. The author's strength is in the combat scenes.
Rawlings knows how to write a good story and keep the reader awake at night. It is an innovative book, with a masterful discussion of military tactics.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Pinnacle Books for an advanced copy I received in exchange for an honest review.
I believe the author could add more development to his secondary characters. He has created a host of interesting characters, with a lot of possibilities. This potential was not realized in Assault by Fire, however. I have a feeling we will be seeing some of these characters again, and I am looking forward to seeing them grow in the future. There was also a brief romance in the book, that I found a little bit out of place. The author's strength is in the combat scenes.
Rawlings knows how to write a good story and keep the reader awake at night. It is an innovative book, with a masterful discussion of military tactics.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Pinnacle Books for an advanced copy I received in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews