Brent Decker Jr

Vague Spoilers Within, No Details Annie Jacobsen has done a masterful job collecting and curating data concerning the current doctrine of Western society and the globe and the positions of MAD (Mutually Assured Destruction). She weaves a fantastic narrative of a possible scenario involving a rogue state with a mad king at the helm initiating a horrific first strike on the United States of America, building in crescendo to the complete annihilation of humanity and its footprint. She proffers new information recently declassified to the public concerning a plethora of tactics, casualties, and hardware in wonderful snippets that are pertinent to the tale she envisions, doled in bite-sized and memorable parcels. For the uninitiated in the science behind nuclear armament doctrine and warfare tactics, this is an easy read to broaden a readers scope of the perilous reality we all face: that of us - our leaders, our nations, our selves, OUR CHILDREN, let alone every single living thing on Earth - each have a proverbial shotgun cocked and shoved into the back of our throats at the hands of a small cadre of individuals with their fingers resting if not pressuring the triggers, without our true consent or will. If you are unaware of the horrors of nuclear proliferation, then this novel will be an absolute call to consciousness. But for those of us who are more privy to the same information, be it by seeking it our selves or having had third hand knowledge pressured upon us our entire lives, this scenario will lack some narrative substance. Characters are sparsely fleshed out, with little background or motivations. This could be seen as a strength to keep this tale alive for any future generation as you could supplant any person to fill the shoes of each character. But to me, it creates a bland background that had me wanting more of the history studies she researched for this scenario. The most negative aspect is the ludicrous use of the term "nuclear warfare". I believe Anne Rice has been ribbed for her dozen or so uses of the word "preternatural" in her first novel, but it pales in comparison with Jacobsen's choice to barrage you with this term. One may argue that the intent is undeniably clear: to drill and bore into your mind the ridiculousness that nuclear war is a possibility. To embed a finality to the doctrine, or sicken the reader to the point that we must find an alternative path. Unlike climate change or birth rates or asteroids or financial collapse, nuclear war is unparalleled in it's certainty to end civilization and most likely to occur in our lives, with unrealistic ease of use. Perhaps it is used to the point of parity and absurdity to convey the same sentiment of each our own hostage roles. I found it distracting to say the least. Overall, if Jacobsen's intent is to shock the moderately educated to stark alertness concerning humanity's probable demise, then she crafts a well enough narrative to engage most individuals. If the Hollywood tabloids are to be believed, then I am most excited about this being envisioned by the people behind Sicario and welcome their attempt to widen the audience across our nation and globe. I've held Nuclear Armageddon as my greatest fear for all of my adult life, and Jacobsen does a damn fine job painting the sickening reality if this nightmare becomes corporeal.