It began with a brutal assassination in the Bushido Tradition ... it could mean the end of the civilised world.

After the collapse of their economy fanatic Japanese nationalists take matters into their own hands and with the approval of the Prime Minister launch an attack on Russia. Bound by secret protocol to come to Russia's aid in the event of war, the US government sends Air Force Colonel Bob Cassidy and a squadron of F-22s to thwart the Japanese in the skies over Siberia. The operation brings Cassidy one on one with Captain Jiro Kimura, flying Japan's most secret weapon. Japan's goal is world domination, the price a third world war. ... all that stands between Kimura and the completion of his mission is Cassidy, a man he once counted his best friend.

Two friends find themselves on the opposite side of a war neither of them wanted to be involved in. As the scale of the war escalates, both of them are forced to examine their consciences and decide exactly how far they will go to finish the war.

Stephen Coontz as a writer generally manages to capture my attention very well. His style of writing is brisk and descriptive and very, very readable. This is a techno-thriller in the traditions of Tom Clancy and Dale Brown. I personally believe his depictions of aerial combat capture the terror and impersonality of modern aerial combat better than any writer so far.

I found this book to be a brilliant read. In the manner of the genre, the story gives one the impression that while it might not be happening now, it could well be happening tomorrow. This tends to give the stories a thought provoking immediacy. This is one of Coonts' best books yet and if you like techno-thrillers, grab this one. You aren't having mine though, I'm keeping it.