- Hardcover: 414 pages
- Publisher: Putnam Pub Group (T) (May 1991)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0399136037
- ISBN-13: 978-0399136030
- Product Dimensions: 23.1 x 16 x 3.8 cm
- Shipping Weight: 748 g
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #1,782,783 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Details |
Product Description
From Publishers Weekly
In this Vietnam-era sequel to Rolling Thunder and Steel Tiger , Berent takes his well-established characters into the period of the Tet Offensive. Fighter pilot Court Bannister and forward air controller Toby Parker are assigned to form a new unit for a new mission: flying high-performance fighters as "fast forward air control" to interdict night movement of supplies and reinforcements down the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Special Forces lieutenant-colonel Wolf Lochert continues to fight his war on the ground--much of it against trumped-up charges of murdering an enemy agent. The novel's real antagonists, indeed, are less the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong armed forces than the ignorant politicians and malevolent activists back in the U.S. Berent's flogging of this familiar theme sacrifices impact for repetition. But Berent remains without peer in the battle zone, describing the dynamics of an air war waged in a restrictive environment against a determined enemy. And his stomach-turning--and essentially accurate--depictions of the treatment of American pilots in Vietnamese captivity are timely reminders that there is no such thing as a Nintendo war.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
YA-- A fast-paced novel about the 1968 Tet offensive in Vietnam through which readers come to see the excitement and cruelty of war. Flak Apple parachutes into the midst of the Viet Cong and becomes a prisoner in Hanoi's Hoa Lo Prison. Toby Parker is taken prisoner after his plane is shot down on a reconnaissance mission. Court Bannister, a hotshot F4 pilot who violated the Rules of Engagement, is now assigned to set up secret night misions over Laos. Wolf Lochert, a Special Forces officer, not only fights the Viet Cong, but must also fight for his life against Washington political action. Berent brings out the contradictions of the war and the political morass that on one hand sent men to Vietnam and on the other hand constricted their actions to such an extent that victory was never a possibility. The imprisonment of Flak Apple clearly demonstrates man's inhumanity to man and will bring tears to the eyes of most readers. --Margie Jones, Herndon Int., Fairfax, VA
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Customer Reviews
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Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
As real as it gets,
By A Customer
This review is from: Phantom Leader (Paperback)
PHANTOM LEADER is the third in Berent's five book saga of fighting men in Vietnam. Berent's series gets better as this author gains experience and insight into the lives of his characters. This book is probably the first one in the series I would consider a "must read". The reason is the story of Major Algeron "Flak" Apple who is shot down in his F-4 fighter early in the book and is captured by the North Vietnamese. His story gives the reader a shocking look at life as a prisoner of war inside the Hao Lo prison, known more commonly as the "Hanoi Hilton". His story continues through the final two volumes. Berent agonizing portrayal of Apple's life of misery and torture inside the prison is dramatic and moving. The story also contains the continuing story of Court Bannister, an Air Force pilot that I believe Berent uses to tell his own story. Wolf Lochert also continues his battle as a US Army Special Forces Lt. Colonel. Berent writes with a similar style to Tom Clancy. This book is really five seperate stories that all intersect at one time or another. Berent's books are much easier to read and have more action than technical detail. The reader does, however, recieve enough explanation of military terms and acronyms to understand the sometimes complex language used by military persons. This books is a surperb action novel, but what makes it great is the amazing and horrifying look inside a prison camp of North Vietnam.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
5.0 out of 5 stars (3 customer reviews) 18 of 19 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
As real as it gets,
By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Phantom Leader (Paperback)
PHANTOM LEADER is the third in Berent's five book saga of fighting men in Vietnam. Berent's series gets better as this author gains experience and insight into the lives of his characters. This book is probably the first one in the series I would consider a "must read". The reason is the story of Major Algeron "Flak" Apple who is shot down in his F-4 fighter early in the book and is captured by the North Vietnamese. His story gives the reader a shocking look at life as a prisoner of war inside the Hao Lo prison, known more commonly as the "Hanoi Hilton". His story continues through the final two volumes. Berent agonizing portrayal of Apple's life of misery and torture inside the prison is dramatic and moving. The story also contains the continuing story of Court Bannister, an Air Force pilot that I believe Berent uses to tell his own story. Wolf Lochert also continues his battle as a US Army Special Forces Lt. Colonel. Berent writes with a similar style to Tom Clancy. This book is really five seperate stories that all intersect at one time or another. Berent's books are much easier to read and have more action than technical detail. The reader does, however, recieve enough explanation of military terms and acronyms to understand the sometimes complex language used by military persons. This books is a surperb action novel, but what makes it great is the amazing and horrifying look inside a prison camp of North Vietnam.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Phantom Leader,
By PH - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Phantom Leader (Mass Market Paperback)
Been waiting 20 years to get this book. It was never avaiable here in New Zealand.All i can say is "wow" it was well worth the wait. Mark Berent is truley a genious in his writting. Best book i have read in 25 years.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Can't put it down,
By Sheepdog - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
I flew the F-4, but not in Vietnam. However most of the guys in the Squadron had flown in Vietnam. This gives you the very feeling that you are there. Very well written, I hate putting it down. I have already ordered 3 more of Mark's books.
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