Title: Red Storm Rising
Author: Tom Clancy
First published August 28, 1986
Audio Cassette
ISBN: 9780394298665 (ISBN10: 0394298667)
Rating: 4.19
Overview
“Strike!” With that commanding order, a group of Chinese hackers launch a cyber attack on critical infrastructure in the United States, causing widespread chaos and economic turmoil. As the US struggles to recover from the devastating blow, Russia sees an opportunity to exploit the situation and expand its power.
With a carefully crafted plan of deception and manipulation, the Russians set in motion a chain of events that pits the world’s superpowers against each other in a deadly game of brinkmanship. But as tensions escalate and the threat of all-out war looms large, both sides realize that victory may come at too high a cost.
Will cooler heads prevail, or will the world be plunged into chaos and destruction? Find out in this gripping tale of political intrigue and high-stakes diplomacy from Tom Clancy.
About the Author
Tom Clancy was not always a writer. He first attended Baltimore’s Loyola College to study English, and eventually became an insurance broker in Maryland.
However, his passion for naval history led him to pursue writing, and he was able to achieve his dream with the publication of his first novel, The Hunt for Red October (1984).
Clancy became known for his unique blend of realism, intricate plotting, and razor-sharp suspense in his more than a dozen novels. One of his most famous characters is Jack Ryan, a former stock broker and CIA employee, who appears in ten of Clancy’s books, including (Berkley, 2004).
In addition to his fiction works, Clancy wrote several non-fiction books, including a series of guided tours of America’s warfighting assets, such as Submarine, Armored Cav, Fighter Wing, Marine, and Airborne.
Throughout his life, Clancy resided in Maryland. Here is a list of his books and the approximate time frames they cover:
– Without Remorse (1969-73)
– Patriot Games (1981-82)
– Red Rabbit (1982)
– The Hunt for Red October (1984)
– The Cardinal of the Kremlin (1986)
– Clear and Present Danger (1988)
– The Sum of All Fears (1990-91)
– Debt of Honor (1995-96)
– Executive Orders (1996)
– Rainbow Six (1999-2000)
– The Bear and the Dragon (2002)
– The Teeth of the Tiger (2006)
– Dead or Alive (2007)
– Locked On (2007)
– Threat Vector (2009)
– Command Authority (2013)
– Support and Defend (2014)
– Full Force and Effect (2014)
Editoral Review
Tom Clancy’s Red Storm Rising is a gripping military thriller that explores the complexities of modern warfare and the political tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. First published in 1986, the book remains a classic in the genre and a testament to Clancy’s ability to weave together intricate plots and characters.
Set in the mid-1980s, Red Storm Rising imagines a hypothetical conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union, sparked by a surprise attack on NATO forces in Europe. As the two superpowers engage in a deadly game of cat and mouse, the fate of the world hangs in the balance.
The book’s cast of characters is vast and diverse, ranging from soldiers on the front lines to politicians and military strategists in Washington and Moscow. Despite the large ensemble, Clancy manages to give each character a distinct voice and personality, making them feel like real people rather than caricatures.
One of the book’s strengths is its meticulous attention to detail. Clancy’s descriptions of military hardware and tactics are so detailed that they could be mistaken for actual military manuals.
The author’s extensive research and technical knowledge lend the book a sense of authenticity that is unmatched in the genre.
However, the book’s pacing can be slow at times, with long passages devoted to military strategy and political maneuvering. Some readers may find these sections dry and unengaging, and the plot can feel bogged down by excessive detail.
Despite its flaws, Red Storm Rising remains a must-read for fans of military thrillers and anyone interested in the history of the Cold War. The book’s relevance to current events cannot be overstated, as tensions between the United States and Russia continue to simmer.
Clancy’s vision of a global conflict is a stark reminder of the dangers of geopolitical instability.
In conclusion, Red Storm Rising is a well-crafted and thought-provoking novel that deserves its status as a classic of the genre. While it may not be for everyone, fans of military fiction and history buffs will find much to appreciate in Clancy’s masterful storytelling.
The book earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars for its technical prowess, attention to detail, and relevance to contemporary issues.
