The Last Phoenix Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have always enjoyed Mr Herman's books and believed he had a good grasp of what he writes about.
However, being a Malaysian who currently resides in Singapore, I'm apalled at what I've read so far. Yes I'm only halfway through the book but am already wondering about whether to continue reading.
While it is a work of fiction, the factual errors in the book coupled with a poor understanding of Malaysia and Singapore has greatly reduced my opinion of Mr Herman.
He may be an ex fighter pilot and writes well enough about aerial conflict and the workings of the American political and military machine, Herman should have at least put some effort into making the bits about Malaysia and Singapore beliveable.
The Malaysian Army for example is one of the few forces in the world to have successfully put down a communist insurgency. The way he portrayed Malaysian troops makes them sound more like the Iraqi Republican Guards.
US Marines and Rangers regularly train in Malaysia and have acknowledged their professionalism. The Malaysian Armed Forces may not be quite ready to fight a major conventional war, but in the context of this book, they would undoubtedly more than hold their own.
It's fine if you're only catering to the American market who still think Malaysia is a country somewhere in the Carribean but for those of us here who appreciate good fiction, this is a poor effort.
Let's hope he puts more effort into his next book. And no, watching Ben Stiller's Zoolander is not enough if you want to know about Malaysia.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Last Phoenix

Click here for more information about The Last Phoenix

Read More...

Apache Dawn: Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The first surprise when I opened this book is that it is about the British Forces, not the US. It does not give a clue about this on the cover; but in many ways for those of us interested in reading about military operations this book is of interest and a revelation.
I have had a huge respect for the British Forces ever since I was stationed with them in England. Their skill, camaraderie and even their understated humor can match any of our soldiers. Their methods of quick attack and their sometimes even more maverick methods are illustrated in this story of the Apache air and ground crews of the 663 Squadron Army Air Corps and their insertion for a 100 day mission in Afghanistan in 2007.
Their story starts with their training on the Salisbury Plain of England where the local village's newsletter warns of a new training schedule of parachuting, aircraft trials, jet activity, live firing, helicopter night flights, but otherwise there should be little disturbance.
If you do not already know the amazing coordination needed to fly any helicopter where one foot and hand have opposite tasks to do, then you will really be astounded by these pilots who have one eye on a firing monocle and another doing the `seeing`, much less controlling over 200 buttons with 4 functions each. You will certainly have a new respect for the fighting men of all forces who fly these deadly instruments of war.
In the first 15 pages the descriptions of soldiers strapping themselves to the outside of the Apache with their heads in front of the screaming engines in order to rescue a wounded Royal Marine you will know that you are in for a book that can leave you filled with awe for what the military can ask and accomplish with their men.
The rules of engagement are covered and can be a surprise to those who do not know or respect how the allied forces attempt to avoid civilian casualties. Also covered are some of the differences in American methods of Apache flying, mainly at close to ground level and the British preferred higher aerial. Both have their advantages, but of course this is written from a British Forces viewpoint and that belief is the preferred method in this book; as is the more democratic coordination between the front and rear pilots.
The writing style is a more subdued, less emotional reporting of the missions and the men's thoughts; but the operations are well covered. Hopefully the British vocabulary does not leave too many in the dark with council houses, kilometers, liters and gob smacking; but that should not deter you from an interesting read. There is a glossary of military terms at the end.
Those of you that think the marching guards in front of Buckingham Palace are show forces, realize that these men might have just come from the battle zone or might shortly be deployed. There is much to be learned and respected here about modern warfare, and our fighting men and allies and especially such a fearsome weapon as the Apache is.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Apache Dawn: Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned

Get 28% OFF

Click here for more information about Apache Dawn: Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned

Read More...

Strike Eagle: Flying the F-15E in the Gulf War (The Warriors) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As a former F-15E WSO in the 336TFS depicted in this book, I can say with absolute confidence that this is a totally accurate account of the Strike Eagle in Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Mr. Smallwood took great pains to interview as many of us that flew the aircraft as was humanly possible and he has MORE facts than the Air Force in terms of the leadership problems and difficulties in fielding a new aircraft with new crewmember in a combat situation. This book brought back laughs, sobs and the very smell of being in the jet! He described instances that I was involved in as if he were standing there when it happened. If you ever looked at the F-15E and wondered what it would be like; read this book! It is very accurate and reflects the emotions of going off to "war" and being in combat. All of us that flew the aircraft salute Bill Smallwood for his insight and commitment to accuracy.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Strike Eagle: Flying the F-15E in the Gulf War (The Warriors)

Written by a pilot for the non-aviator, Strike Eagle puts the reader inside the cockpit of one of the world's most advanced fighters-the F-15E. It is a human-scale account of men at war.

Click here for more information about Strike Eagle: Flying the F-15E in the Gulf War (The Warriors)

Read More...