MWSA Review
W.H. Hawthorne’s The Very Last War is a believable techno-thriller that combines plausible weapons tech with American fighting spirit.
After a disastrous presidential administration ruins America’s reputation and causes her allies to turn against her, the United States leaves the UN and finds herself without international friends. The world, sensing the weakness of its once greatest superpower, plots to destroy her once and for all. However, two factors arise which stand in their way.
First, America’s new president, Jake O’Connor, believes in returning America to the people, and soon the country is rallying around his simple message. America’s spirit is reborn. Second, this president believes in restoring America’s military dominance and gives free reign to young technological minds to push the limits of technology on the battlefield. They soon come up with what may be a “wonder weapon.” America’s arsenal is ready.
The now hostile UN plans a two-prong invasion of the United States, with Germany pushing through Canada and China attacking via Mexico. Friendless, America is left only with her rebuilding military, its new techno-toy, and the spirit of her citizens. Will it be enough?
Fans of Tom Clancy, Harold Coyle, and Dale Brown will love this book. The science is sound, the characters colorful, and ending more than satisfying.
Review by Rob Ballister (May 2025)
Author's Synopsis
#1 Amazon Bestseller, Political Fiction
A pivotal election revives freedom and self-governance in America, sending shockwaves across the globe and rattling four rival powers—European socialists, Chinese communists, Islamic radicals, and avaricious Russian leaders.
With dreams of world domination fading, they set aside differences and forge an alliance. Not to simply defeat America, but—with the help of a devastating new weapon—to erase it from the earth.
Outnumbered and alone, America answers with its own revolutionary weapon. But machines, no matter how intelligent, won’t be enough. Once again, survival will depend on something older. Something deeper.
The unbreakable American spirit.
In dimly lit halls of power, shadowy intrigues unfold. On sunlit battlefields, selfless heroism burns bright. Across North America, war rages from the frozen tundra of Alaska to the red clay of Alabama, from the mountains of Montana to the scorching deserts of Mexico.
If America falls, the free world falls with her.
A great generation will be needed. But can America still produce greatness?
Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle
Review Genre: Fiction—Mystery/Thriller/Crime
Number of Pages: 543
Word Count: 153,790
Note: Audiobook version coming out by April 2025