So, how does one categorize The Red Cliffs of Zerhoun?
In my opinion, you simply can’t.
Anyone taking a cursory glance at Amazon’s current fiction novel listings will confirm what many folks may have already surmised. The past few years have seen an explosion of what is commonly now referred to as “dystopian fiction”.
In the typical dystopian tome, a lone protagonist or group sets out on a quest for survival in what was once the world as he, or she, knew it.
I will cut right to the chase. Matt Bracken’s latest novel is not a work of dystopian fiction.
Today’s Headlines
The Red Cliffs of Zerhoun is a fascinating amalgam of today’s news headlines and long-term economic collapse.There are the very real horrors of jihadist piracy, and sexual slavery. Stir in a healthy dose of Bracken’s trademarked attention to accurate detail,. Add several shocking rapid fire plot twists, and stunningly up close and personal tactical action. This could only be penned by a man who knows what it’s like to have trained and worked with those guys who swim in, do really dangerous stuff with weapons, and then back swim out.
If you’ve been in the military, especially in the Navy, Marines, or Special Ops, Bracken’s unique portal will catapult you right back into pitch black night forced marches, monster swell sea-states, and the muscle memory weapons familiarity that never completely leaves, even with the passing of the years.
Never served? It doesn’t matter. Matt’s worldly and fascinating cast of civilian and military irregulars will be dragging and pushing you along for the ride of your life!
Action!
The men and women in this book are unique and thoroughly fleshed out. Matt takes a slightly slower and more detailed start off in this novel to introduce them. Trust me, you’ll actually care about these people. The action will come, and when it does, you’ll be right in the middle of the hell-storm with people who have transcended the printed page and become living, breathing, flesh and blood in your mind.
The Red Cliffs of Zerhoun works as an adventure novel. Man alive, does it work.
It also goes much deeper than that. I won’t reveal just how.
Red Cliffs is Matt Bracken’s best book. That alone should be all you need to hear.
Typeay, glad your still with us. Any book you have recommended has been a good read. I’ll get ahold of this one too. God bless you and yours..
Semper Fi,
Greg
I love reading this genre so much that I decided to write a book of my own. I’ve now written 2 books, ‘Finding Home, A Place of Safety’ and a sequel, ‘Fleeing Home, for Safety’s Sake’. I think I’ll order this book and add it to my post-apocalyptic library. Thanks for the suggestion!
Matt Bracken is an awesome author. I just finished reading ‘Castigo Cay’ and thought I finally got caught up on all his books. Wow, thanks for the heads up about ‘The Red Cliffs of Zerhoun’.
Started reading it last night – already getting attached to the characters……
Matt is definitely a great writer. This is probably my favorite of his books. Its filled with lots of History and as the reviewer said detail. I would not categorize this as a prepper book. Its right up there with Tom Clancy’s “Sum of All Fears”. Very good book.
I can’t wait to read it. Matt Bracken has never disappointed.
Is there such a thing as a “good” deep state? The idea was put out on 8/2/17 on the Alex Jones program by Dr. Steve Pieczenik. I checked with another concerned prepper and there is no “good”
deep state. I think that AJ is compromised.
Have all of Matt’s books (autographed I might add) and the only comment I have to make about Zerhoun is that I just finished it and now I have no new Bracken book waiting in the wings Another GREAT read Matt – WELL DONE and can’t wait for your next.
Ive read his books really enjoyed them
Have read all Matt’s books except this new one. Just ordered it. Originally ordered a caseload of the first three “enemies” directly from Matt, and gave them to friends for gifts. Have a mint set of the first four autographed. He is one of the best writers I have ever read, and as an old guy, I have read much over my lifetime from the entire bible to everything ever written by Ayn Rand. And soon, Matt.
His characters are so well developed and the action in all of them is in one word – superb.