Dog Soldiers, by James Tarr - A Review
Bottom line first: This is a great, detailed story about CW2, and takes place in the 10th year of the war in the Detroit and suburban areas surrounding it.
Folks who were raised in Southeast Michigan or currently reside there will recognize the areas, names, and so forth used as the back drop for the story.
No shortcuts are taken to illuminate the 'theater of the mind' while telling the story from the perspective of both the 'dog soldiers' and the communist US forces, complete with the description of 'political officers' attached to the Detroit, 'blue zone' to oversee distribution of 'proper' information. Mr. Tarr tells the story well, and doesn't give anything away. In fact, he keeps you in suspense to the last page; nobody is spared the horror of civil war and it's privations. The story really underscores what this blogger has been saying for a very, very long time the the chest thumpers: You don't want war, because if it does come, you are in it until you win or die. End of discussion. It also bears out Matt Bracken's equation: Bosnia + Rwanda X 10.
I really enjoyed it, and it's not a short read, either. 425 pages of detailed story telling infused with squad and platoon level TTP's if one looks closely.
Very worthwhile read; he leaves room for a sequel - hope he's writing it now!
Oh, and the price can't be beat. Kindle is free with Kindle Unlimited. See it here.
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