The U.S. is in shambles as another recession slams the recovery process. A militia group calling themselves the Knights of the True Republic has stumbled upon a cache of radioactive waste and decides to stage a series of terror attacks to express their displeasure with the government. The new president seems helpless to do anything. In Nevada, Patrick McLanahan and his son, Bradley, are part of a group of volunteer soldiers that use military technology to help keep the peace. Patrick was a general but retired under a bit of a cloud. The attacks continue practically in the soldier's backyard, and the FBI starts wondering if Patrick is a member of the militia group. The story unfolds slowly, but in this case, that's a good thing. The intensity grows, generating suspense as the soldiers begin to distrust each other. Brown's devoted fans recognize him as one of this country's leading military-fiction writers, and his latest will do nothing to change their minds.--Ayers, Jef. Copyright 2010 Booklist

Bestseller Brown's interesting but light on action thriller, part of his loose series featuring a number of characters (Executive Intent, etc.), finds Gen. Patrick McLanahan now retired to Battle Mountain, Nev. There McLanahan continues his lifetime of service by flying rescue missions for the local Civil Air Patrol. In an earlier installment, America survived an attack by Russian bombers after McLanahan led a successful counterattack, but now the economic crash of 2012 has achieved what the Russians were unable to accomplish. Severe budget cuts have mothballed much of America's armed might, and now homegrown terrorists known as the Knights of the True Republic of America are carrying out attacks on the government. McLanahan has a full plate of domestic difficulties-his 17-year-old son, Brad, is chafing at the familial bonds, and McLanahan's girlfriend, Gia, has disappeared. Fortunately, McLanahan can rely on the help of his fellow CAP volunteers and some old friends in his battle with the terrorists. Established fans will have no trouble following the action, but newcomers are advised to dive into the series two or three books back if they really want to know what's going on. (May) Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.