"Nick Ryan knows his craft, and his topic. His World War 3 stories are tightly-written, fast-moving, with great characters." - LARRY BOND Co-author of Tom Clancy's 'Red Storm Rising' and New York Times bestselling author of 'Red Phoenix'
Russian High Command has a plan to smash NATOs forces arrayed along the Poland-Lithuania border with an assault that would punch a hole in the Allied lines and overrun the NATO perimeter along a ten-mile wide front. A triumph would turn the momentum of the war in Europe back in Russia’s favour. Standing in the way of the Russian advance is an isolated American outpost, manned by a Platoon of veteran soldiers and a rookie Lieutenant. ‘Fort Suicide’ is right on the frontlines isolated from support, and is directly in the path of the imminent Russian advance. The rookie Lieutenant commanding ‘Fort Suicide’ must fight for the respect of his men, battle superior officers who don’t believe him… and wage war against the entire Russian Army if his men are to survive one of the war’s most epic and savage engagements.
From the book... The first Russian infantry began to advance, moving up the incline of the muddy slope in short bounds. They went in a loose mass of bodies; running, kneeling to fire, then running again. One of the Russian soldiers knelt and aimed into the drifting smoke, putting a bullet within three inches of Ponting’s face. He ducked down behind the sandbags and glanced at his watch, then to Sergeant Harley. “Get back to the main trench. We’ve got two A-10s inbound, ETA now thirty-five seconds.” Harley grunted. “I hope this works, Lieutenant,” he scrambled to the edge of the trench and prepared himself for the short dangerous dash across a no-man’s land peppered with hot lead. “As soon as the two A-10s clear the area, we give the Russians everything we’ve got,” Ponting gave final instructions and then his voice turned reckless. “And if it doesn’t work – I’ll see you in Hell, Sergeant Harley.” The veteran Sergeant hesitated, then turned back, a wicked smile spreading across his mud-spattered face. “I’ll be waiting at the gates for you, Lieutenant Ponting.”
This is my second favourite of the whole series! I love how it shows American and European forces fighting together to defend Poland from the Russians! It's also the first time we see Polish forces since the first novel! A definite recommend!
I think that this was another one of those authors that I might have found after becoming a member of this great little piece of the internet, Military Thriller Book Group, and subsequently added to the never-ending TBR pile.
I decided to read Nick Ryan's Fort Suicide, which, according to FantasticFiction.com, is the fourth book in this exciting series of twelve books thus far. The great thing about his books (according to Goodreads, I think that I have read the first three books) is that each short novel can easily be read as a stand-alone, rather than having to be concerned about reading each as part of a series.
Nick Ryan's Fort Suicide is a fast-paced military techno-thriller focused on a specific, brutal tank and infantry engagement during a fictional World War 3 scenario. As part of an expanding series of standalone books, it delivers a high-octane narrative centered on a small NATO force, comprised of an American platoon tasked with battling overwhelming Russian forces as the invading Russian forces blitzkrieg across Poland towards Warsaw.
Fort Suicide: A World War 3 Techno-Thriller Action Event by Nick Ryan is a fast-paced, action-focused military thriller that is generally praised for its intensity and technical detail, though some readers find it to be too short and lacking in deeper character development. The book is part of a larger series, but can be read as a standalone title. The synopsis of the story centers on a rookie American lieutenant and his platoon of veteran soldiers defending an isolated forward operating base in Poland against an overwhelming Russian advance. The outpost, nicknamed "Fort Suicide" by the men, stands directly in the path of a major assault by the Russian army aimed at punching through NATO's lines. The young lieutenant must earn the respect of his troops and fight for their survival against impossible odds, all while battling skeptical superior officers. The short serial (only 164 pages, according to GoodReads) is a definite page turner that will keep the reader engaged from start to finish with nonstop action that feels almost realistic (and seems to truly capture the intensity of combat). Seeming to concentrate a little more on the characters, particularly the dynamic between the “rookie” lieutenant and his more seasoned platoon sergeant, the authenticity of the main characters is definitely felt. One criticism is that while the main characters seem to be more “fleshed out”, I think that the brevity of the book prevents the development of the secondary characters in the story. Of all the authors that I have read, I find that Nick Ryan’s novels would draw a close comparison to classic authors such as Tom Clancy and Larry Bond in that his writings highlight similarities, like Red Storm Rising, imagine a similar large-scale war in Europe.
This is not a book for readers seeking deep character studies or intricate subplots, yet despite its short length, this book should be noted for its ability to create compelling characters and a tense, heroic story arc. The author's attention to detail regarding tank tactics and military hardware noting that the action feels realistic and believable.
The World War 3 scenario in Nick Ryan's series is heavily inspired by and extrapolates from the geopolitical tensions and military doctrines that re-emerged between Russia and NATO in the 21st century. It would probably be more effective as a full-length novel rather than as a short story.
The central conflict in the series, featuring a Russian invasion of Poland, directly reflects the growing assertiveness and expansionist foreign policy of Russia. It draws a clear parallel to Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, where a sovereign nation was invaded under the pretext of its alignment with the West.
The choice of Poland as the primary theater of war is not accidental. The invasion of a NATO country like Poland is a quintessential "what if" scenario that has concerned Western military strategists since the Cold War. In a post-Ukraine invasion world, the heightened threat to NATO's eastern flank is a very real geopolitical concern.
Ryan's books, like earlier military fiction, focus on the capabilities of modern military hardware. The intense, detailed battles between American Abrams tanks and Russian T-90s reflect a fascination with military technology and how it shapes the outcome of modern conflicts. Ryan’s series reflects lessons learned about Russian military adaptation, the role of air defense, and the high-tech, high-attrition nature of a modern European ground war.
Of all the authors that I have read, I find that Nick Ryan’s novels would draw a close comparison to classic authors such as Tom Clancy and Larry Bond in that his writings highlight similarities, like Red Storm Rising, imagine a similar large-scale war in Europe. While I draw comparisons to some of the “Cold War” masters for Ryan’s subject choice, the major difference in the comparison (other than obviously the book’s length - 656 to 736 pages for Clancy’s Red Storm Rising and 320 pages for Larry Bond’s Red Dragon Rising) is that both Clancy and Bond tended to weave their stories tended to be a broader, more geopolitical scope, with multiple plotlines following different units (e.g., naval, air, intelligence) across a vast theater, whereas Ryan’s writings (thus far) tend to be more “boots on the ground” and emphasizes the brutal, up-close battles fought by tanks, infantry, and other conventional forces. The action is relentless and graphic, designed to place the reader directly in the chaos of battle. The tight-focus thriller format is distinct from the more sprawling narratives of Cold War novels.
On my self-determined five-star scale, I would easily give this book a solid four stars, with the only downfall that I found was that the narrative in the story suffers from its brevity, with the feeling that the book would have been more effective as a full-length novel rather than a short story.
Overall, Fort Suicide is a compelling read for fans of military fiction and techno-thrillers who prioritize intense, realistic action over deep character exploration. Its brisk pacing and visceral battle scenes are its strongest assets, though its shorter length and a few potential questionable plot points may leave some readers wanting more.
As with the majority of my literary ramblings, this is just my five cents’ worth.
This is a very good action read. If you like military action at its best this is the book for you. The military technothriller genre is alive and well in the hands of this writer. My only caveat yes it is sorely lacking in diversity. I would have liked to know that they were African-American soldiers Aymen marine or any other fighters in the story but there is absolutely no diversity whatsoever. For me as a former member of the US Army 82nd Airborne Div. that is a concern. From The American Civil War until Afghanistan and the Iraq wars African-Americans have fought and died bravely not just for the country’s freedom but to gain the respect of the country. So to not even be mentioned in this novel and the author’s earlier novel bothers me. That is my only concern.
Unlike many books on ground warfare, this book doesn't ignore the brutal, bloody reality that takes place when men and women are often fighting face to face with an enemy equally willing to do whatever it takes to win. His characters are not super heroes but soldiers who are trying to accomplish the mission while doing their best to take care of each other. A good read and I look forward to the next.
This is my second favourite of the whole series! I love how it shows American and European forces fighting together to defend Poland from the Russians! It's also the first time we see Polish forces since the first novel! A definite recommend!
-New LT more switched on than anyone around him including BN staff -After a forcing back of Russians, all officers are just drinking and whoring about without concern -Platoons in a COP without medium and heavy MGs -AF General (SACEUR) at the forefront of the COP commanding platoons and rifle companies -As with all the series, no mention of body armor and it’s salvation or use of small drones by platoons to provide valuable intel
Great writer and subject matter, but really needs to get details if writing on the ground pounders
Stick a new LT in an outpost and throw a few hundred Russian tanks and APC's at him and let the mayhem ensue. Ryan's descriptions are on point as usual, you get a little taste of the characters but the star of the show is the battle. The dialogue is a little by gung ho at times, a lot of "...let's get those ba$tards" but it's easy to get caught up in the action. Great series, bring on the next one.
It was a fast-paced read with a pretty accurate depiction of what a battle in Europe during WW III might look like. However, I would say he tends to underestimate NATO's capabilities a bit, while overestimating the Russians capabilities. It is pretty clear given Russia's struggles in Ukraine currently that they would struggle mightily in a larger theatre war. But it does make the story more interesting to read.
Brilliantly written story with characters that grow into people you are drawn into the horror of modern warfare its speed and violence is well written and shows the realistic cost of warfare. I have been impressed by the series of 4 books and I cannot wait to start the next.
Never a dull moment with this well imagined, well written story. It deserves the Techothriller description. I enjoyed it even though the descriptions are often very graphic, they describe the reality of combat and death. I recommend this series whole heartedly.
This series just seems to get unbelievably better with each story told. The characters, the action and the settings. They are unbelievably described to the point of it all coming into perfect focus in your mind. It even brings back, well never mind. These are must read stories for any fan of mil.fiction.
Great view of the way would be fought in near future
A brutal look of warfare with infantry and tanks stop an overwhelming invading Russian army. Out manned the brave infantry with aid by gunships and eventually tanks turned the tide of Russians from cutting off a valuable piece of fought over positions.
Compared book 1 this plot is flipped instead incompetence from local leader ship we get from the US side this time the actions where realist has showed the difference between soldiers in the field and thouse back in command an there different views on way the war was going.
I liked The Whole book, it kept me going from the first to the last page. Lots of actions and the fighting of combined armies was pretty real. From the moment the fighting started to the end I couldn’t stop reading. I am a Vietnam war veteran so I know how it is when it gets hot.
Another fine story of WW3. The action centers around an infantry PLT in Poland. The action is non-stop ffom the beginning. Nick Ryan delivers a great study. Wish it had been longer.
Nick Ryan's WW3 stories are awesome. This one deals with infantry action around a Russian invasion of Poland in the late stages of the war. Heroic action and characters, really evil bad guys. Goes very fast. Loved it.
This is amazing book you need to get rid of try Oh how the author did it but it's a very good account of what it's like to be more my opinion of what it's like to be more my opinion Except the fact that help came when needed usually that's not the case.
War, in all its horror, is remarkably described in a way that gives the characters humanity. You begin to genuinely care about what happens to these men.
Can’t say enough good things about this book, this author has a way of hypnotizing the reader into the book itself, you actually feel you are in the battles right along with the characters.
Gruesome fighting action, intense battle described. Hard book to put down. The writer is a great craftsman at writing for sure. This is the 3rd book I have read by him.
Each story is a snapshot of different parts of the whole conflict. Gritty and realistic. If you want a good read that holds your attention I recommend these.
I was very impressed with the flow of this book and all Nicks' military books. He sticks close to one battle or skirmish and the details and reactions of the troops depicted are very accurate.
Another really good read. Although short in length these books do not lack in content. I have read books 3 times as long, but with less than half the action.
Just like Enemy in Sight, I could not put it down, couldn't wait for the next page and was totally exhausted when I finally was able to shut down and sleep.