Call to Arms: The Corps, Book 2

This is the second of a series that can be read as a standalone novel. However there are numerous characters and references to the first in the series and I am glad that I read that novel first. I liked this novel but not as much as many other reviewers…In reading other well written reviews it is clear to me that this author has an enthusiastic following. I respect that fact, but do not count myself among that enthusiastic following. I felt that some of the storyline was somewhat simplistic and insensitive. This felt like more of an OK “male read” as opposed to good literature, the kind of novel I read when I don’t want to think too much.There are times I feel that I am unrealistic and perhaps naïve. But within this story there is a war widow. Her husband would have been killed in action in December 1941. By January 1942, as I recall, it appears to me that she is now “fair game” for romantic pursuit by males who are fellow Marines of the deceased husband. Maybe it is just me, but I was appalled by the assumption that she was even available for approach.There are other female characters that seem to be almost some sort of male fantasy caricatures than normal. There are a bit too many coincidences. It just feels more of a fantasy than realistic fiction.PLEASE CONSIDER NOT READING THIS SENTENCE as it might reveal a bit of the story one does not wish to know ahead of time… I will attempt to be vague. I wish to avoid giving anything away, but one male character is repeatedly “wounded”, I include both of the first two novels, in this instance, and keeps receiving minor flesh wounds. He is wounded enough to seem heroic but not enough to be disabled. Obviously this can happen once, but when does one’s luck run out? That does remind me of other novels that I have read and seems part of a formula.In summary, I did like this novel. It is the kind of novel that I consider a light read when I want to relax and maybe my mind is slightly preoccupied. I am glad that I read the first of this series already. But this could be read as a standalone novel. I am not really sure I will read the next novel in the series anytime soon. Thank You for taking the time to read this review.

I like reading what Griffin has written all his books about the core facts with fiction .I have read ever one of his books close combat the last hero's Brotherhood of war Badge of honor Men at war honor bound The Corps I've read most 2 or 3 times Even read all about his Police books all of his new about the new President A Presidential Agent novel

A must read for any Marine or those that thought of becoming one of the few and proud. Young or old. Truly educational as well as entertaining. Couldn't put it down.

Some parts of this book were difficult to read because my father served in the Pacific during WWII. There are two primary stories within this book that begins with remnants of Pearl Harbor, touches on the fall of the Philipines and highlights the odd but unique friendship of Ken McCoy and Macolm Pickering and those supporting staff that connections the two parts of the war in the Pacific. . The first story continues the quest of Pick to become a fighter pilot and finds himself roommated with Dick Stecker- second son of Jack NMI. Dick's elder brother, Jack jr, was on the Arizona, leaving Dick with his military life insurance. The two create another odd couple friendship inspite of one who is "by the book" and one who adheres to "if it isn't prohibited, its approved". The second portion outlining the development of Capt Roosevelt and Col Carlson to create the Marine Rangers. For those who read the first Series of Mr. Griffin, Brotherhood of War, it strikes an earlier version of the difficulties in Creating the Green Berets. Seems not even the military learns from its own history. Within the two stories we learn that the Marines really were like a large family and both groups-McCoys intelligence and Picks fighter pilots- have family and long time friends intermixed. In the development of conflict regarding the Marine Raiders, the COI is involved and McCoy is sent to eval & assess. Ernie travels with Ken to San Diego and sets up housekeeping on a boat owned by one of the Pickering family friends. The boat becomes the one "no man's land" where enlisted and officers can mix and chat. Enter into the mix in San Diego, Sgt- now Gunny Zimmerman younger McCoy brother, Jack NM Stecker and the return of Banning and Sessions to the fold. COI is the precurser to the OSS with handlers Banning and Rickerbee under Gen. Forrest. There will be elements similiar to Sandy Felter, and DPs [ Direction of the President] and by-passing the regular army/Navy command involved as with the Brotherhood of War series, that is sure to make the reading interesting.

Third in the sieries, and full of historical detail. A cracking read, which interweaves fact and fiction with strong believable characters. Locations varry between luxuary hotels.military prisons and jungle battlefields. Meticulous resarch into weapons, tactics, equipment, politics and all other aspects of the era enhance a storyline based on real events

All his books an excellent listen well thought out very interesting leaves you wanting more

Part of a series by W Griffin, who os always a good writer abut the U S Marines of the Pacific War in WW2

Product arrived promptly, undamaged, and as advertised

As described, delivery good