The emergence of a stable and democratic Iraq has greatly shifted the balance of power in the Middle East. As a consequence, Saudi Arabia has found itself all but marginalized. When hard line elements in Russia, promising to return their nation to its former glory, come to power the Saudi’s see an opportunity. A Russo-Saudi alliance is formed with the goal of driving the United States from the region and gaining control of the worlds oil reserves. Standing in their way are elements of the Unites States military and the battle hardened Iron Tigers.
That is the premise behind Michael Farmer’s military thriller "Iron Tigers". It is a straight forward, get to point war story. While not on a par with Tom Clancy’s World War III masterpiece "Red Storm Rising" or works by Larry Bond (Vortex and Red Phoenix) it is nonetheless a fast paced, enjoyable read.
As an active duty member of the military serving with CENTCOM Farmers knowledge of tactics and tank combat is clearly seen within the pages of "Iron Tigers". His writing reminds me of Harold Coyle (Team Yankee and The Ten Thousand). He also does a nice job of taking the reader into the halls of power in Washington and Moscow to observe some the statecraft and brinkmanship involved in waging a war.
The characters in "Iron Tigers" are fairly one dimensional and standard for a novel of this type. There are two exceptions. Rolf Krieger is a Schwarzenegger-esque type character, the son of parents from the East Germany he has a burning hatred of Russians and is delighted for an opportunity to confront the Russians in battle. The other is a Jack Russell Terrier named
Phantom who survives a run in with a brutal Russian Colonel to fight another day.
The story while fast moving and entertaining does feel a bit rushed particularly a cloak and dagger B plot inside the Kremlin itself. This B plot alone could make a great read. Fans of the movie "Patton" will appreciate the climax of "Iron Tigers" be it a bit farfetched.
A few faults aside "Iron Tigers" is a nicely conceived, well-executed military thriller and well worth a look.
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