Three men – a hero with a background in special forces, a Coast Guard slacker who has been around the block a few too many times, and an ecologist stationed on the island – get tangled up in the deadly struggle against the invading mercenaries. The story delivers plenty of heroic derring-do, and its “live together, die together” ethos hits the mark. The distinctive character of Taiwan’s military culture is also on display, providing humor and a sense of familiarity.
It’s an effortlessly smooth read, and like a movie, you hardly know when to breathe once the action kicks in. There’s a sniper scene that compares favorably to Enemy at the Gates, and the dialogue during the naval battles will have readers in mind of The Hunt for Red October.