Book Review: ONE DECISIVE VICTORY by Jeffrey H. Haskell
ONE DECISIVE VICTORY by Jeffrey H. Haskell is the third volume of the Grimm's War series. I was really impressed with the first two books as it established a realistic military science fiction universe. The Alliance (America), the Iron Empire (Russia), the Caliphate (Afghanistan/Saudi Arabia), the Guild (the military industrial complex), and other groups that make for a consistent but interesting setting.
The premise is Jacob Grimm is manly but sensitive captain who ever man wants to be while every woman wants to be under (because they're naval officers). He was disgraced due to the Caliphate sending children to fight him and has since irritated by his superiors by repeatedly saving the day against horrifying odds. I love this kind of character and think it only gets more entertaining.
One element I don't quite believe is the fact the Alliance doesn't go to war with the Caliphate after they blow up their capital. This part is stretched and unbelievable since I expected there would be a massive public outcry to destroy the Caliphate, whether it was a good idea or not. It didn't ruin the book for me but I was really surprised the author chose not to jump directly into a full-scale war.
Here, the Princess of the Iron Empire has been kidnapped by the Caliphate in a provocative move that pretty much highlights they think they can get away with anything. Which turns out to be true as they nuked the capital of the Alliance but have successfully convinced the majority of people that it was the Guild's doing. Honestly, I really would have been okay with this but it doesn't seem like the Guild is getting nuked like they deserved either (both the Caliphate and Guild are awful).
As usual, Jacob Grimm has been recruited to be the sacrificial scapegoat by the government to launch a "renegade" attack on the Caliphate in revenge. This will result in him being given a life sentence when it's done but he's willing to do it. He's just that self-sacrificing. Their target? The slaving center for the Caliphate. Which is good because I am glad to see them strike out after the Caliphate has been attacking with impunity for some time.
As usual, it's full of action, intrigue, twists, and turns. I liked the twists and turns as we get more information on the Iron Empire as well as the interior of the Caliphate. The latter don't become more sympathetic but we do get the acknowlegement not all of them are complete scum. I heartily recommend it.
