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The Smallest War
“Shit, General,” Hank said, leaning forward. “US Armorers could put a gun in the hand of Jesus. Small War ain’t going to happen.”
Small War is the United Nations’ best kept secret: the end of conventional warfare. Acting in self-interest, the United States’ military buries it.
Oil—enough to build a superpower—is discovered by the United States, only for Russia to lay claim. The United States threatens war, but a resurgent Russia ruthlessly executes a play years in the making. Dominos fall: a fire the size of England, a bloody naval skirmish, breath-taking political manipulation. Small War will decide who exploits the oil.
Unprepared, the United States exhumes its Small War capability and staggers into a contest of hunter and prey: five relentless rounds of pursuit by any means necessary, winner takes all.
Press-ganged into the fray, Danny “The Beef” Wellington joins his two teammates, Kimimela Thunderhawk and Matt Balthazar, planning to do just enough to stay alive, but there’s a hitch. A traitor lurks, and only Danny can tip the balance to give the United States a fighting chance.
Full of unrelenting cat-and-mouse, rapid-fire action and characters pushed to their limits, this book is perfect for fans of I am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes, Ice Station by Matthew Reilly and Inferno by Dan Brown.
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Published August 15, 2022
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About the author
Mark Sheehan
1 book13 followersMark Sheehan writes thrilling action-adventure books, so you don’t have to. His previous occupations include electrician and lawyer, but writing is his alarm clock. In writing circles, he’s best known for his novel The Smallest War, which is his take on writing the book he wanted to read.
If you enjoyed The Smallest War, please leave a review. Alternatively, if you want to get in touch with Mark, he’s on Twitter @thewritemarks and Instagram @thewritemarks.
If you enjoyed The Smallest War, please leave a review. Alternatively, if you want to get in touch with Mark, he’s on Twitter @thewritemarks and Instagram @thewritemarks.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 20, 2022
High-octane epic contemporary thriller
First, there’s the cover, that captures the irony of the story. Then there’s the historical preamble that provides the context of the plot. Then there are the many witty chapter titles. I always like it when authors use chapter titles; they hook you into the story. Look at this chapter title as an example:
Chapter 6: Bad Idea Made Worse
“Hank Stammers, President of US Armorers and the American Sporting Achievement Association, scratched his head, pondering the list of combatants for Small War. After the bean counters pulled the teeth on Small War, he’d filled the list of ten combatants with army rejects—dishonorable discharges, amputees, PTSD sufferers—but he was worried their military training might still shine.
So, he went off-piste.”
This cogent one paragraph chapter (reminiscent of the commander’s dilemma in the dirty dozen film saga) together with the equally cogent preamble, and the first paragraph of the chapter “Small War”, (explaining why a war is small), are probably the only passages of exposition in the entire 400 page book. These three curt passages encapsulate what the whole book is about, and the premise is cleverly intriguing. The rest is non-stop heart- pounding action with AC/DC music blaring in the background, in a book that’s tailor made for a Netflix series.
The story is extremely fast-paced, courtesy to the energetic, forceful writing of the author and the short chapters. There are plenty of puns and tongue-in-cheek humour abounds throughout. There are many great lines in the text, with constant references to oddities in Western culture, past and present: Mary Poppins, the comic situation of a politician wrestling with his botox, and so much more.
Look at these two lines just to get a feeler:
“Just before the air-raid siren sounded again, he heard Regina talking to herself—like one of Macbeth’s witches—death and madness inching ever closer.”
Or
“Regina, crouched on her Ninja, like a gargoyle atop Notre Dame Cathedral: helmetless, a stony smile, dead eyes, the mask peeling off in the wind.”
In keeping with the breakneck pace, the book is deftly divided into three sprinting parts Ready-Steady –go.
In the first part “Ready”, we are introduced to the colourful members of the rival teams through their tumultuous life histories, again energetically and vividly described. On one side there are the two desperados Danny “The Beef” Wellington, the boxer, and “Silver Spoon” Matt Balthazar, the lacrosse player, aided by the level-headed Native American woman, Kimimela Thunderhawk. The Opposing team is led by Regina Volkov, the relentless Queen wolf. The relationships are well done in this motley cast of characters: the unlikely camararadie, the lack of trust, the single-mindedness, the self-interest, the betrayals and treacheries, the scheming, etc.
The second part “Steady” covers the geopolitical and legalistic context of the plot in a lucid, accessible manner. The scenes flit from one part of the globe to another, but the transitions are well done. It is compelling reading.
The third part “ Go”, unleashes the fast and furious action. The reader is immersed and there is no let-off. The chapters are set within the framework of a pursuit, as the two teams desperately face off against each other in a life-and-death titanic struggle for dominion. It builds up to an explosive climax (literally). It is only after the climactic penultimate chapter, that calm descends on the scene in the epilogue. But even in that calm, be prepared for the final twists, that set the stage for the sequel.
In summary, this is a powerful novel, keeping you on edge until the end. I recommend it highly. The author throws everything into his impressively hot literary creation, even a little romance.
First, there’s the cover, that captures the irony of the story. Then there’s the historical preamble that provides the context of the plot. Then there are the many witty chapter titles. I always like it when authors use chapter titles; they hook you into the story. Look at this chapter title as an example:
Chapter 6: Bad Idea Made Worse
“Hank Stammers, President of US Armorers and the American Sporting Achievement Association, scratched his head, pondering the list of combatants for Small War. After the bean counters pulled the teeth on Small War, he’d filled the list of ten combatants with army rejects—dishonorable discharges, amputees, PTSD sufferers—but he was worried their military training might still shine.
So, he went off-piste.”
This cogent one paragraph chapter (reminiscent of the commander’s dilemma in the dirty dozen film saga) together with the equally cogent preamble, and the first paragraph of the chapter “Small War”, (explaining why a war is small), are probably the only passages of exposition in the entire 400 page book. These three curt passages encapsulate what the whole book is about, and the premise is cleverly intriguing. The rest is non-stop heart- pounding action with AC/DC music blaring in the background, in a book that’s tailor made for a Netflix series.
The story is extremely fast-paced, courtesy to the energetic, forceful writing of the author and the short chapters. There are plenty of puns and tongue-in-cheek humour abounds throughout. There are many great lines in the text, with constant references to oddities in Western culture, past and present: Mary Poppins, the comic situation of a politician wrestling with his botox, and so much more.
Look at these two lines just to get a feeler:
“Just before the air-raid siren sounded again, he heard Regina talking to herself—like one of Macbeth’s witches—death and madness inching ever closer.”
Or
“Regina, crouched on her Ninja, like a gargoyle atop Notre Dame Cathedral: helmetless, a stony smile, dead eyes, the mask peeling off in the wind.”
In keeping with the breakneck pace, the book is deftly divided into three sprinting parts Ready-Steady –go.
In the first part “Ready”, we are introduced to the colourful members of the rival teams through their tumultuous life histories, again energetically and vividly described. On one side there are the two desperados Danny “The Beef” Wellington, the boxer, and “Silver Spoon” Matt Balthazar, the lacrosse player, aided by the level-headed Native American woman, Kimimela Thunderhawk. The Opposing team is led by Regina Volkov, the relentless Queen wolf. The relationships are well done in this motley cast of characters: the unlikely camararadie, the lack of trust, the single-mindedness, the self-interest, the betrayals and treacheries, the scheming, etc.
The second part “Steady” covers the geopolitical and legalistic context of the plot in a lucid, accessible manner. The scenes flit from one part of the globe to another, but the transitions are well done. It is compelling reading.
The third part “ Go”, unleashes the fast and furious action. The reader is immersed and there is no let-off. The chapters are set within the framework of a pursuit, as the two teams desperately face off against each other in a life-and-death titanic struggle for dominion. It builds up to an explosive climax (literally). It is only after the climactic penultimate chapter, that calm descends on the scene in the epilogue. But even in that calm, be prepared for the final twists, that set the stage for the sequel.
In summary, this is a powerful novel, keeping you on edge until the end. I recommend it highly. The author throws everything into his impressively hot literary creation, even a little romance.
October 11, 2022
The Smallest War, by Mark Sheehan, is a rollicking action tale of political intrigue. The global balance of power is at stake when viral sabotage leads to an international incident in the Bering Sea, which happens to be home to a massive, newly discovered oil reserve. Calling upon a little-known process laid forth by the charter of the United Nations, the Russian Federation seeks to solve a potentially world-ending dispute with the United States of America through a “Small War.” Through a series of bizarre circumstances, the US team is made up of a ragtag group of individuals who were chosen not for their skills but for their failures.
The Smallest War is quite a ride. While the fantastical story is grounded in reality, the reader must embrace their suspension of disbelief to follow the events leading up to the “small war.” Impossible viral attacks, an absolute dereliction of duty by the US Department of Defense, the military-industrial complex pulling all the strings to guarantee nothing but massive warfare, while the Russian federation uses dirty tricks and a loose interpretation of international law to get their way… on second thought that all seems incredibly feasible.
I had a good time reading The Smallest War, despite some shortcomings. It reads very much like a Hollywood blockbuster, with locations spanning the globe, giant action set pieces, and characters ranging from damaged, struggling anti-heroes to absolute villains who will do anything to accomplish their goals. The characters are tried and true tropes of the genre: the Americans feature greatest hits such as the strong dumb guy, the mouthy rich guy, and the level-headed woman who can pull the team together. Each has their own flaws that bring a bit more to the stereotype.
The Smallest War: an action-adventure thriller is a riveting military and war novel. Readers will encounter suspense and thrills in each chapter as they wait to find out how this small war will play out and who will end up with control over the oil.
The Smallest War is quite a ride. While the fantastical story is grounded in reality, the reader must embrace their suspension of disbelief to follow the events leading up to the “small war.” Impossible viral attacks, an absolute dereliction of duty by the US Department of Defense, the military-industrial complex pulling all the strings to guarantee nothing but massive warfare, while the Russian federation uses dirty tricks and a loose interpretation of international law to get their way… on second thought that all seems incredibly feasible.
I had a good time reading The Smallest War, despite some shortcomings. It reads very much like a Hollywood blockbuster, with locations spanning the globe, giant action set pieces, and characters ranging from damaged, struggling anti-heroes to absolute villains who will do anything to accomplish their goals. The characters are tried and true tropes of the genre: the Americans feature greatest hits such as the strong dumb guy, the mouthy rich guy, and the level-headed woman who can pull the team together. Each has their own flaws that bring a bit more to the stereotype.
The Smallest War: an action-adventure thriller is a riveting military and war novel. Readers will encounter suspense and thrills in each chapter as they wait to find out how this small war will play out and who will end up with control over the oil.
August 29, 2022
Absolutely incredible page turner by Mark Sheehan. The politics and nail biting action keep you turning the pages even when you should really go to sleep, while the utter encapsulation of humanity and the subtle intimacy of the characters keeps your heart invested. Mark Sheehan has employed the kind of detail and thoughtfulness into this book that makes obvious his investment and care in not only the narrative, but the relationship between reader, story and author.
The juxtaposition of fast paced, epic energy and action, with moments that are heartbreakingly personal throws the reader into the conflict and ensures that you cannot simply sit idly by and watch it go past. In short - this is the kind of book that will worm its way into your heart, leaving you with no choice but to care deeply for its imperfectly raw characters and the sprint to the finish that is the plot.
As a reader of (typically) classics and romance, Mark Sheehan’s attention to detail and exceptionally descriptive employment of language ensured that I enjoyed every moment of AC/DC driven, heart pumping action.
Meanwhile, the web of interpersonal relationships and intricate weaving of this tale hints at a deep understanding and perception of humanity that crosses genre and allows for a sappy romance lover like myself to curl up very happily with this tale.
A book I will absolutely and very happily read again, as I’m sure that when I do I will find a hundred more details and connections. I highly recommend it- to lovers of every genre.
The juxtaposition of fast paced, epic energy and action, with moments that are heartbreakingly personal throws the reader into the conflict and ensures that you cannot simply sit idly by and watch it go past. In short - this is the kind of book that will worm its way into your heart, leaving you with no choice but to care deeply for its imperfectly raw characters and the sprint to the finish that is the plot.
As a reader of (typically) classics and romance, Mark Sheehan’s attention to detail and exceptionally descriptive employment of language ensured that I enjoyed every moment of AC/DC driven, heart pumping action.
Meanwhile, the web of interpersonal relationships and intricate weaving of this tale hints at a deep understanding and perception of humanity that crosses genre and allows for a sappy romance lover like myself to curl up very happily with this tale.
A book I will absolutely and very happily read again, as I’m sure that when I do I will find a hundred more details and connections. I highly recommend it- to lovers of every genre.
September 11, 2022
For those who enjoy their Thrillers to have a "crackle and fizz" (and I do) then the Smallest War is a great addition to your bookcase.
Its a fast paced, intense and insightful variation on the all too common theme of motley crew thrown together in strained and strange circumstances, who, despite all odds end up working as a team in attempting to save the world.
The author starts by building the tension slowly, initially flitting between back stories and current events, weaving in legal process and procedure (in a nod to the author's background) in taking us from dusty plains of middle America to poverty stricken living rooms of Ireland all the way to the United Nations - wrapped up with good doses of profanity and humor.
But once The War that is The Smallest War begins - and before I knew it - I was zipping through the chapters, some only a few pages long, finding myself immersed in some of the most tautly crafted, and yet "fun" high speed pursuit writing that I have read for a while. I felt my own heart racing as fast as the characters, as the action unfolded at high octane!
I polished this off in a day or so. Ideal for a long distance flight, or holiday read. I thoroughly recommend it. This is a fun first effort from a new author who has surely got a great future ahead.
Im keenly awaiting the next serve.
Its a fast paced, intense and insightful variation on the all too common theme of motley crew thrown together in strained and strange circumstances, who, despite all odds end up working as a team in attempting to save the world.
The author starts by building the tension slowly, initially flitting between back stories and current events, weaving in legal process and procedure (in a nod to the author's background) in taking us from dusty plains of middle America to poverty stricken living rooms of Ireland all the way to the United Nations - wrapped up with good doses of profanity and humor.
But once The War that is The Smallest War begins - and before I knew it - I was zipping through the chapters, some only a few pages long, finding myself immersed in some of the most tautly crafted, and yet "fun" high speed pursuit writing that I have read for a while. I felt my own heart racing as fast as the characters, as the action unfolded at high octane!
I polished this off in a day or so. Ideal for a long distance flight, or holiday read. I thoroughly recommend it. This is a fun first effort from a new author who has surely got a great future ahead.
Im keenly awaiting the next serve.
August 28, 2022
The United Sates finds huge oil reserves and stakes it claim, but Russia has other ideas and is adamant it belongs to them. The Smallest War is the United Nations alternative to stop a major conflict and possibly drawing in other countries into battle.
The US puts together its team consisting of Danny the boxer, Matt a lacrosse player and Kimimela a native American woman, each with their own story to tell. Once embroiled as pawns in a bigger game they are relentlessly pursued and hunted down by their ruthless Russian counterparts.
Mark Sheehan’s meticulously researched roller coaster of tale includes action packed fast paced pursuits across multiple locations, it’s like planes trains and automobiles on steroids. The dynamic relationships within the team only adding to the intrigue.
This read is a real page tuner, if ever adapted as series on the screen one episode at a time wouldn’t be enough, a binge watch in the making.
The US puts together its team consisting of Danny the boxer, Matt a lacrosse player and Kimimela a native American woman, each with their own story to tell. Once embroiled as pawns in a bigger game they are relentlessly pursued and hunted down by their ruthless Russian counterparts.
Mark Sheehan’s meticulously researched roller coaster of tale includes action packed fast paced pursuits across multiple locations, it’s like planes trains and automobiles on steroids. The dynamic relationships within the team only adding to the intrigue.
This read is a real page tuner, if ever adapted as series on the screen one episode at a time wouldn’t be enough, a binge watch in the making.
August 28, 2022
Imagine a world where a high stakes conflict between the United States and the Russian Federation is resolved through a marathon game of cat and mouse staged across the world. This is the premise of Mark Sheehan’s outstanding page turner, The Smallest War.
Using the familiar sprinting command, 'Ready, Set, Go!' Mark Sheehan prepares the reader for the action to come. In 'Ready' we learn about the back story of the flawed but believable characters; in 'Set' we are introduced to the geopolitical backstory, but it is in the third section of the novel, 'Go!' that we are immersed in the fast paced action that takes us across the globe. Using short punchy chapters and a witty and pithy dialogue the reader is taken on a journey of twists and turns until the surprising finale.
This is a highly visual thrilling novel that could easily translate to film or a Netflix series.
The Smallest War is an excellent first novel by Mark Sheehan. I am sure there will be more to come.
Using the familiar sprinting command, 'Ready, Set, Go!' Mark Sheehan prepares the reader for the action to come. In 'Ready' we learn about the back story of the flawed but believable characters; in 'Set' we are introduced to the geopolitical backstory, but it is in the third section of the novel, 'Go!' that we are immersed in the fast paced action that takes us across the globe. Using short punchy chapters and a witty and pithy dialogue the reader is taken on a journey of twists and turns until the surprising finale.
This is a highly visual thrilling novel that could easily translate to film or a Netflix series.
The Smallest War is an excellent first novel by Mark Sheehan. I am sure there will be more to come.
September 22, 2022
This very intriguing novel by Mark was one of those you easily got engrossed in, and was hard to put down, particularly when the action-packed adventure thriller ‘games’ got underway that defined The Smallest War. It was written in such a way that you got invested in the diverse types of characters involved and had those you ‘loved to hate’, all of whom you got emotionally invested with from their chequered pasts, motivations and final outcomes, with some outcomes being quite unexpected.
It involved a realistic backdrop of current world conflict over international territories and resources, with some espionage but a very imaginative plot. It was set in amazingly diverse geographical locations worldwide and involved unexpected scenarios and challenges, that the teams of characters found themselves in to resolve that conflict, thankfully minimising human impact, apart of course from those characters involved.
An exciting first novel from Mark.
It involved a realistic backdrop of current world conflict over international territories and resources, with some espionage but a very imaginative plot. It was set in amazingly diverse geographical locations worldwide and involved unexpected scenarios and challenges, that the teams of characters found themselves in to resolve that conflict, thankfully minimising human impact, apart of course from those characters involved.
An exciting first novel from Mark.
May 21, 2023
‘The Smallest War’ is an action-adventure filled with thrill and intense elements. America and Russia are at each other’s throats from a treaty that was made between them back in 1867. The concept of the story revolves around oil and how both countries have the right to it. While the political adventure and legal thriller keep you intrigued and interested, it may not be enjoyable for anyone who isn’t into these conflicts. The way of storytelling had a steady pace, adding to the drama and suspense.
The added employment of action and the dynamic of the tale made the entire story more engaging and exciting tale. I recommend this book.
The added employment of action and the dynamic of the tale made the entire story more engaging and exciting tale. I recommend this book.
June 6, 2023
A great, face paced action novel.
The way the author creates a whole new chapter to the UN Charter with a seemingly realistic option for conflict resolution short of all out war is so convincing that it actually has you reaching for Google to find out if there is an Article 20.
A gripping read that has you traversing the world on a white knuckle ride of treason, traitors and heroism from unlikely sources.
I know the author, I would say that we are acquaintances, and I would have, at best, a passing fondness for him so this review is not biased by personal feelings of loyalty.
The way the author creates a whole new chapter to the UN Charter with a seemingly realistic option for conflict resolution short of all out war is so convincing that it actually has you reaching for Google to find out if there is an Article 20.
A gripping read that has you traversing the world on a white knuckle ride of treason, traitors and heroism from unlikely sources.
I know the author, I would say that we are acquaintances, and I would have, at best, a passing fondness for him so this review is not biased by personal feelings of loyalty.
August 27, 2022
An outright sprint from start to finish………keeps you on your toes and wide awake.
‘All you need is love? Give me a fucking break. Add in a limp-dick president, who doesn’t have the kahunas for big war, and we got Small War.’
With quotes like that, and a chapter titled ‘A Penis of Considerable Inability’, what’s there not to like?
‘All you need is love? Give me a fucking break. Add in a limp-dick president, who doesn’t have the kahunas for big war, and we got Small War.’
With quotes like that, and a chapter titled ‘A Penis of Considerable Inability’, what’s there not to like?
September 7, 2022
A beautifully written book. The images it evokes are vast and cinematic yet incredibly intricate. My favourite chapter was definitely the origin story of Danny ‘The Beef’ Wellington, it brought many a tear to my eye. Will be recommending this book to all of my friends (and even my foes). Can’t wait to see what you write next.
August 17, 2022
This rough and tumble action story has it all: suspense, intrigue, combat, and interesting characters. The struggle for land and energy supplies reflects current international conflicts and failed negotiations. Buckle up and dive in!
September 13, 2022
A totally enjoyable book to read. The short chapters, and converging storylines, lead to a fast pace action novel that once started resulted in needing to read the next chapter.
A well thought out book that is different.
Great effort for a first book and waiting for the next book from Mark.
A well thought out book that is different.
Great effort for a first book and waiting for the next book from Mark.
September 5, 2022
This book has more twists and turns than a great Formula 1 race. I had the need to read.
It has the action, the intrigue to keep you locked in to the very end. I look forward to the next one.
It has the action, the intrigue to keep you locked in to the very end. I look forward to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews