2034: A Novel of the Next World War

 As I was reading 2034: A Novel of the Next World War (#996) yesterday, I heard on the news that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austen was going out to the South China Sea to promote the American fleet's Freedom of Navigation cruises in the face of Chinese proliferation of attempts to enlarge their territorial claims in the area.  Ironically, it is one of those very Freedom of Navigation cruises which sets off the entire chain of events leading to an escalating world war in 2034.

The reason this novel by Elliot Ackerman and retired Admiral James Stavridis is so compelling and down right frightening is that it is so plausible. We are experiencing more and greater cyber intrusions in our lives as it is.  What if the retaliation for such acts become physical attacks?  As Americans in the western states are well aware, it doesn't take any more than the smallest spark to ignite a huge conflagration.  With nuclear weapons involved, can a line be drawn before it is too late for everyone?

Thanks, Joyce, for recommending this nail biter of a novel!  If you have trouble sleeping at night, this book probably won't help...