KCR: Countdown, the Liberators (modern, war, novel)

Countdown is a new series from Tom Kratman, and Liberators is the first volume (next is "M day"). It is a completely self-contained novel so don't fret about not getting the picture. My main problem with it is there is a LOT of setup for a few bits of action.

Basically, Wes Stauer was a retired soldier, with a girl who likes him, but is bored out of his skull. When the young son of an African tribal chief (a rich one) was kidnapped by a rival tribe, Stauer was recruited to head a rescue. What instead happened is the creation of a new mercenary force, complete with armor, infantry, and close air support. Light armor from South Africa, infantry from all over (mostly ex-Western powers), and quite a few Soviet-bloc helicopters. The novel deals mainly with the formation and training of the force, the few actions the force was sent on (defeating some pirates in the area for recon) and how the "prince" learned the reality of life in Africa (he grew up in the US).

The book is slow, because the cast was a huge ensemble, with crew from all over doing various different things. Even Stauer's girlfriend (ER nurse) had to get survival and weapons training, and you can imagine a pampered city girl may not do too well in such a situation.

If you like the sort of "build-up" Countdown may be for you. If you prefer right into the action, something by Dale Brown may be more up your alley.

Rating: Try it

Countdown: The Liberators (on Amazon)