Jihad

Published in 1986, it was a different situation in Afghanistan, the setting for this adventure. The Soviets are at war with Mujahedeen and the SOBs are thrown into the thick of it. While the main plot involves the elimination of a new deadly nerve gas stored in a Soviet controlled compound, there are some minor sub-plots that make this book interesting. I liked the story of the two 14 year old boys that were caught up in the war-torn countries factions with the Mujahedeen, the Soviets, and the Afghan secret police. This was a well written perspective that was a story on its own as well as being tied to the events surrounding the SOB's mission. Lots of great action and tense situations in this book, a villain as evil as it gets, and a tough mission that again seems impossible at the outset, but the SOBs have a way of pulling it off. Barrabas showed why he is such a good leader in this story, and the way he improvised when things went wrong was brilliant. An Afghan ally joins the SOBs this mission as a guide as well as a soldier, Gunther is with the team as well. No Bishop for this mission, the pilot was not a factor as the team was traveling on horseback in the rugged landscape. Once again Alan Philipson tells a terrific tale here, all six of his books thus far have been gems, unfortunately only two more he wrote after this but at least those are the 350 page variety, I'm looking forward to those. Again I strongly recommend this series for anyone looking for quality entertainment in action reading, this series has been nothing but excellent so far.

Set in Afghanistan this time during the occupation/invasion of the country by the Soviets and the Russians are getting their collective arses kicked big time by the locals. Hugely overdue for a massive injection to raise the optimism of it's troops the Soviet commanders have turned their attention to chemical warfare and particularly to an ex Third Reich scientist working for them who has created possibly the most powerful chemical weapon ever invented. The SOB's assignment this time simple invade Afghanistan locate the fort where the weapon is being tested and destroy it once again with not only not being caught but to make it look like an accident. Lots to like in this title starting with the comradeship between the members, some of the bantering and joking between them is classic stuff indeed and considering we are now over one third through the released series the titles remain rock solid reading with no let downs at all to date. One thing that does stand out though is the use of multiple authors in the series where during the last title the female troubles of Barrabas and O'Toole was of huge interest in this title it is't even mentioned. Once again a fine read in the series and recommended reading.

Not as good as the Executioner entries taking place in Afghanistan, but still a decent adventure with Nile and Co. taking on the Russians.