Book Review: Under Fire

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Under Fire     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
W. E. B. Griffin
Class/Genre:   Military   Korean War
Series: Corps # 9
Putnam, Jan 2002, $26.95, 592 pp.

Though warned by American military operatives in Korea, a wary United States government ignores the threat of the North Koreans crossing the 38th parallel. However, on June 25, 1950, the Communist North invades South Korea. The United States quickly reacts and within three days has returned many retired World War II veterans along with new blood to fight the new war in the Pacific.

Truman selects retired General Pickering to head the CIA in Asia and the new appointee quickly brings with him some of his best soldiers from the previous war. Without missing a beat, the gang operating together as a cohesive unit as the American led army tries to repel the invaders. However, Pickering's son is shot down over Korea and missing. Can Pickering do the job, persuade the President to support MacArthur's counter invasion punch, while worrying about his son? With competent warriors like McCoy, Banning, Hart, and others of the old gang, Pickering knows he can, but will Truman trust him to complete the mission?

The latest W.E.B. Griffin Marine Corps tale, UNDER FIRE, is the first one to occur after World War II. The story line retains all the action, excitement, and insight that make this series so highly regarded by military readers. However, the tale begins a bit slower than the last several Corps stories because Mr. Griffin takes the needed time to introduce a radically different world scene and flush out how his characters react to the changes. This makes UNDER FIRE that much better of a novel when it goes into full throttle so those military historical fans of this series attain a triumphant tale.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner