Two Russian agents discover a missing nuclear weapon was hidden in an American city by North Korea. Another nuclear weapon nears Seoul in a tunnel built by North Koreans. And North Korea’s new military dictator launches an all-out invasion. Will Seoul or Pyongyang be the new capital of a united Korea?
“Well-crafted, imaginative war story; a “page-turner” that keeps you engrossed.”
Plot is fascinating and compelling, albeit complex because of the substantial number of sub-stories. I give author Ted Halstead credit for not only sustaining my interest to the last Kindle page, but also causing me check Amazon for any of his sequels.
I particularly enjoyed the interplay of Anatoly Grishkov, lead homicide detective for Vladivostok, and Alexei Vasilyev, FSB colonel. More story climax around Captian Jim Cartwright and his Virginia-class USS Oregon submarine would have been effective. Seal Team Six’s action scene was rather terse.
Suspense builds from the early chapters–initially more like shotgun scatter than a rifle bullet. Brief glimpses of introduced characters tends to jar focus, yet the author succeeds in advancing disparate people together to tell an engaging story. I would prefer organizing with fewer chapters than using many ultra-short ones that almost continuously jump scenes.
*The Second Korean War* deals primarily with intrigue and brutal power moves that lead up to direct hostilities, as well as acceptable resolution of conflict. No cliffhanger ending. Recommended recreational reading, especially suited for a free weekend. 4.5 stars.
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