Shadows of War

Flight Journal, Jun 2005

Shadows of War by Robert Gandt; 352 pages; $7.99.

Although I am not a fiction fan, Robert Gandt's books are a distinct exception. Gandt's new "Shadows of War" is the fourth in the series about the fictitious, but dramatic life of Cmdr. Sam "Brick" Maxwell and his Road Runners squadron, who fly F/A-18 Super Hornets.

Typically, the flying scenes are terrific, as Gandt is excellent at describing weapons and tactics even to those who aren't familiar with them. And yet again, the author seems to have the uncanny ability to take the world's latest problem region and put Maxwell within its context for another ride into near reality. Just as they have been in recent newspaper headlines, Iran and Iraq are the hot spots in this story.

The story centers around Maxwell's good friend, who was shot down on the first night of the first Gulf War. Though his body was never recovered, he was declared KIA and slowly faded from memory. Years later, evidence reveals that he might still be alive. Maxwell is asked to learn the truth about his long-lost friend. Helped by friends and challenged by shadowy outside influences, he finds himself thrust into a web of intrigue and almost astonishing duplicity.

Gandt's new novel is another real gem (just like his last one "Dark Star"). His loyal readership has by now acquired the art of patience as it awaits the next installment about N Cmdr. Maxwell. If "Shadows of War" is any indication, the wait will be worth it-again.