This is a special review by Elise Cooper for BlackFive. Since many of you have expressed appreciation of Elise's reviews, we are continuing to provide specials from her. Thomas W. Young's latest novel, Silent Enemy, re-unites the characters Major Michael Parsons and Sergeant Major Sophia Gold. It is a fascinating glimpse into the actual work performed by those in the military and the pride they take in doing their job. He used his own experience as an Air National Guard flight engineer to create an informed, riveting novel. Young explained that although he writes to entertain the reader his other purpose was “to show the job aeromedics do, especially the difficulty they have in transporting the wounded. This hospital in the air creates difficulties for the flight medic; notably how certain wounds can be worsened in a depressurized aircraft and how various patients are affected by the flying environment.” The story begins with a bombing of an Afghan National Police Training Center in Kabul that results in massive casualties. The wounded, including Sergeant Gold, are loaded onto a C-5 Galaxy plane flown by Major Parsons. While heading for Germany the crew and passengers are informed that their plane is among those in which Jihadists have placed bombs. This is where the plot takes off. Young is able to show the horrors of war through this insightful story: the job of the aeromedical team, the harrowing decisions Commanders must make, sometimes choosing the best of the worst, and how soldiers must battle not only the human enemy but how technology and nature also become threats. He used his own experience to show that Parsons, as a pilot, needs “to know everything about the machine including its limitations. Most importantly what are the consequences if you exceed those limitations. I used the plane setting to add to the tension of the story since the characters are entrapped in a confined space, an enclosed tube of medal, with no immediate escape from the dangers they face.” Although there is somewhat of a supporting cast, he wrote the two main characters as divergent personalities. Gold is an interpreter in the army who is thoughtful, philosophical, calm, and likes to hide her emotions. Parsons on the other hand is an Air Force pilot who is impulsive and a man of action. Young stated that these characters “skills and personalities are very different but complement each other to succeed against the different set of challenges presented. As a commander Parsons has to make constant choices that are not win-win, which is the burden of the commander.” In addition the book has two perspectives: that of the passengers, represented by Gold, and that of the crew. Young wanted to show that Gold “knew what was going on but was helpless to do anything other than provide moral support, wisdom, and a different perspective.” He gives a heads up about the next book where Parson and Gold once again work together in Afghanistan. In that book he explores their relationship and feelings for each other. In all his books, past, present, and future, he wants to convey “the experience of the modern day American soldier. The mindsets of those who raise their right hand, knowing they are going into harms way. They believe in something bigger than themselves, wanting to serve their country because it is a place worth fighting for.” This book is very exciting, informative, and thrilling. The characters are extremely well developed and their divergent personalities allow the reader see how they complement each other to resolve this compelling drama. ~Elise Cooper for BlackFive.net
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Aug 03 2011, 04:34 PM
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