Appearance
Red Army
I remember reading this as a 12-year old when it first came out in the late 80's. I had already digested "Team Yankee" and "Red Storm Rising" and remember being bored stiff by this one. My memory was that there was a lot of character-building and very little action.I've now re-read the book 26 years on, and like my taste in music, I'm happy to admit I've reconsidered my position. This book is outstanding. Not only is it dramatic and well-written, but it can almost serve as a primer on Cold War-era Soviet operational doctrine. You appreciate how the Soviets wanted this war to GO GO GO. Non-stop advancing. No consolidation on the objective. No set piece battles. Get as deeply into the enemy rear as quickly as possible to deny him the initiative and prevent the establishment of fortified defenses.The book has aged well and even if it now solidly in the "historical fiction" category, it is still very much worth the read. Highly recommended.
Red Army
I'm a huge fan of "Red Storm Rising" and initially almost gave up on this. There was not much technical detail or background to the war (start of hostilities, theaters, combined services, etc.). However, as I forced myself to continue the story picked up.If you're use to and very anal about Cold War technology, this isn't for you. But the author does put together some great character background and story lines. You really get a feel for the other side.The ending was not what I hoped for, but still very good.
Red Army
It ended a bit abruptly but it was a great read and an interesting perspective.
Red Army
This book is amazing in that unlike many contemporary writers, Ralph Peters writes from the perspective of Soviet soldiers. Imagine a Tom Clancy/Larry Bond novel, but from the enemy's point of view. Some of the revelations are quite intriguing.
Red Army
Peters' story about a Soviet push into western Europe was perhaps the best war novel that I have read yet...Peters uses brilliant imagery to describe WW3. What is unique about Red Army is it's perspective - it's all shown from a Soviet point of view, and from every type of Russian military branch. This book is so good it's scary.
Red Army
I read this book for the first time as a new soldier stationed in Germany with the US Army. Found it to be an outstanding read due to the book looking at World War III from the Soviet's viewpoint. I am a big fan of most of Clancy's work, but I thought this book to be at least as good as, if not better, than Red Storm Rising.