Standing the Final Watch (The Last Brigade Book 1)

Folks, it's time to put down the remote and read this book. I was one of the lucky ones that got to read an advanced copy of this novel. Great read.....I loved it. Word of advice, make sure you have some free time on your hands when you start.....you will not be able to put it down. Can't wait for the next one. Awesome job Mr. Webb.

I too was fortunate to receive an advance copy,,,,,and all I can say is.....when is the next book coming?

I read everything from Clive Cussler to Wilbur Smith, if its an action adventure yarn, I read it. Throw in the military, and I'm hooked.

Great captivating yarn, Mr. Webb !

This story has a real twist that gives a different idea of how the U.S. government would react to the certainty of a national shutdown. I do get tired of the military becoming the 'goons' in every story. This one makes them the good guys. A very relateable take with some really compelling characters. It is good read that offers some action. Not too much politics--but what there is reflects the current situation. This is not a 'survival' story by any means--at least, not yet. I have no idea of the author is going to continue the story, but if he does, I'll read it.

This initial offering by a new author is everything you read military and fantasy fiction for.....exciting and fast-paced. He (the author) pulls you into a plot that ensnares you from the first few sentences of the Prologue! It is a world we all know, and yet it is different in a terrifying and all too real way. For aficionados of military fiction full of hardware and battle scenes, there is plenty to love. The hardware is thoroughly researched and the tactical applications are spot on! For former military, you will find characters here you identify with.....some will be almost too real. For fans of conspiracy theories and those who fear the all too real threat of radical Islamists as well as the corrupt and power-hungry within the corridors of the Capital and the Pentagon, this read will keep you up all night just to finish.

This book will resonate with many today in these trying times. Webb's Nicholas Angriff is a man of duty--to his God, to his family, to his country. Neither his principles nor personality waver in the face of tragedy, trials, or betrayal. Webb paints a stark picture following the end of the world as we know it but leaves us confident in General Angriff's ability to bring America back from the brink of extinction. Can't wait for more in the next installment as "Nick the A" inspires his troops, decimates our enemies, and leads our remnant countrymen toward a new Gilded Age.

This book will resonate with many today in these trying times. Webb's Nicholas Angriff is a man of duty--to his God, to his family, to his country. Neither his principles nor personality waver in the face of tragedy, trials, or betrayal. Webb paints a stark picture following the end of the world as we know it but leaves us confident in General Angriff's ability to bring America back from the brink of extinction. Can't wait for more in the next installment as "Nick the A" inspires his troops, decimates our enemies, and leads our remnant countrymen toward a new Gilded Age.

Recently I was at a New Years Eve party, and I ended up having a fascinating conversation with someone I'd only just met. We talked about tech, finance, politics, games, novels and film and I had a fine time noshing on hor d'oeuvres and chatting with a newly-made friend.

Then, during an exchange of theories on how Game of Thrones might end, he let drop that he thought dragons really did exist.

He wasn't talking about Komodo dragons, or iguanas or alligators seen by travelers long ago and misreported. No. He meant huge, flying, fire-breathing dragons! He was certain that they exist, or maybe existed, but were hunted out of existence and their bones or fossils have been, I don't know, misplaced?

I don't believe that at all. But if I see him again and have a chance to chat, why not just accept that part as beyond the pale and enjoy the rest of the conversation?

I have read both of the existing Last Brigade books and have pre-ordered the third. I enjoy them and just skip past the political bits. That's my recommendation. There's a lot of simply fun stuff here!

Enjoyed the book but the story dwelt too much at the base. By the time there was some action 10 percent was all that was left. The concept was great even though there were much of the conspiracies plots, innuendos, etc going on even after the soldiers woke up from their deep freeze. Still do not have a clue what is really going on outside the base, could of given more thought to that inside of leaving the readers not completely in the dark, but damn close enough.

I rarely write reviews, though I know should. But when a book totally captures my attention and holds it I do...as in this case. The writing is crisp, the characters (flaws and all) are excellent, and the situation intriguing.

No spoilers here, just know that you'll find yourself wondering how much of what is happening now in real life, mirrors what happens in setting up the novel.

My only regret is that I didn't wait until the 2nd book was out before reading the 1st one. Drat. Now I have to wait like everyone else. I hate waiting!

Part of me really enjoyed this book. The premise is great, it's written well, but something just bugged me about it. The main character was a bit too over the top. Some of the good guy call signs were just laughable. But it was written well and that goes a long way for me. If there are more in this series I will probably read them

Any former military folks should skip this book. There are so many things wrong with it. i barely got through chapters. NO SOLDIER is gonna going around carrying dual 50 cal desert eagle handguns. nonsense.

The author is in dire need of a military technical advisor. Lieutenants General (and I know a couple former SOCOM LTGs as friends and a couple more as acquaintances) do not go gallivanting off into the African hoongle' in defiance of orders; they do not carry Cal .50 IMI Desert Eagles on shoulder holsters and shoot them at an RPG gunner who has already fired his RPG directly at the LTG, and they don't use those portable cannons at rages beyond 50 meters with any chance of hitting a man-sized target without a tripod and a good T&E.

Variations of FUBAR, SNAFU, FIDO, do not roll trippingly off the tongues of even CAG dudes when the fecal matter is impacting the propellers (I've known CAG dudes before they were CAG dudes, back when they took over the stockade, and before they got the fancier digs out past McKellars Lodge). I knew Wade, Country, and Stan and served with Big Frank when he was a major, before he got 1, 2, 3, and 4 stars.

And that's just the first 10 pages.

You blew it. You had a chance at a decent plot with a political premise that I could have lived with, but you screwed up my suspension of disbelief in the first chapter with such glaring errors.

Far off the charts to the right with the initial plot. The writing itself is OK, but the character larger than life and is difficult to connect with. I am an avid science fiction reader and fond of military based themes, but I only made it through the first few chapters before the plot struck me as more of a political comment that an true novel. It may get better as the story developed, but I did not find it worth the trouble.

~I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review~

My Rating: 5/5 Stars

I don't usually read military fiction, but this story started off with such a bloody punch that I was instantly pulled in. I usually don't like prologues on a story, but this one was so loaded with action that it set up the perfect tone for the rest of the book.

Angriff, the main character, lost his family--his wife and daughter--to a terrorist attack. In order to get revenge on the men that did it, he makes a deal to become part of Operation Overtime-- a group of soldiers cryogenically frozen until the time they are needed.

The characters in this story were very down-to-Earth and relatable, making it easy to feel Angriff's pain over losing family. I loved the dialogue in this piece as well. "There's nothing here but ghosts," was probably my favorite quote of the story.

There's quite a bit of army/military lingo in this book, but not too bad where a person uneducated about the subject would be confused. All the important information is very nicely laid out.

All in all, I really enjoyed this story, and I'm excited to see what comes next in the series!

Couldn't make it through the first chapter. Writing reminds me of a high school short story macho masturbation project. Also, writer couldn't keep his own story line consistent. For example, he goes into detail about the unit being totally un-Americanized yet a couple of pages later refers to the use of the M242 25mm Bushmaster Chain gun.

I had never heard of this Author my wife was online messaging with friends and somehow wound up connecting with Mr. Webb and a few day's later someone was knocking on my door. It took me a bit of time to wheel myself to the door, pull myself up to unlatch the chain and locks to find Mr. Webb standing there with three book's. All signed with a personal note in each book. I started reading book one in the series a week or so later and once I started I was hooked. I have completed all three of the books in the series so far. I am hopeful that there will be many more to come and look forward to whatever Mr. Webb decides to wright next. The story is great I would recommend this to anyone who loves reading military science fiction.

The first half of this book was so Fox News it was ridiculous. But I read another reviewer saying that once you get to the halfway point the book gets better. However as one of those stinking liberals, I don't think having an open mind toward immigration is going to lead to Armageddon. Maybe, if the immigrants are psychos out to kill the country they're migrating to, then it might happen but just because I'm a democrat does not mean I'm stupid. Although the author may disagree.

And the reviewer is correct, the second half was much better than the first. But I don't know if it's enough for me to read the rest of the series. However, I might change my mind. Remember, I'm not only a democrat but I'm a woman. It's my liberal privilege.

William Alan Webb has written an extraordinary book that combines military fiction, sci fi, and apocalyptic political intrigue into a rollicking great read that carries with it a strong commentary on contemporary America. It reads quickly and makes its biting political insights with clarity but without polemics or long winded diatribes.

This book is just flat out fun to read, and while the serious issues presented in the book are sure to anger readers on left or right for different reasons, the story Webb has concocted is so clever one just has to kee reading. The sci-fi elements are not dreamy what ifs but rooted in soon to come real life technology.

Mr Webb is certainly well read in a variety of subjects from deep military history, current affairs, rock and roll (but of course, being from Memphis) and technology. His characters are well fleshed out, emotions are real, and dialogue smooth and realistic.

At the end of the book you're left wanting more. There is also the realization that the political issues of this book aren't fiction, but real and staring us in the face. I can't wait to read the next segment and hope this turns into a multi volume series.

This was the first title in my Military Science Fiction binge and it’s technically not military science fiction. I think it should be characterized as Alternate History Military Fiction. It’s only right to say that I’ve always loved this stuff. There’s a lot of this stuff being written today – both alternate history and science fiction – and all too much of it – with some really notable exceptions – isn’t worth the paper it’s written on or the digital storage space it occupies. Still, I’ve read a lot of it over the years and I always – from time to time – find myself putting the weightier stuff aside and just digging into a stack of this stuff. I can’t explain it – except to say that I have fun with it. There’s a good vs. evil – victory against all odds – martial virtue and values – honor and tradition aspect to it that I can’t help but enjoy.

This one starts in present day – a world falling apart – the United States fracturing and degrading politically. The protagonist is a U.S. Army officer – one of the last of the true believers – committed to his men – committed to the mission – committed to a concept of the United States that seems to be disappearing or – in all too many cases – already gone. His wife and one of his children are killed by domestic terrorists – leaving him with nothing but revenge.

Before being able to extract that revenge and – as he’s in the process of walking away from everything he’s committed his life to – he’s convinced by the last remnants of a government and armed forces determined to protect and preserve those aspects of the country to which they’ve committed their lives – to enter a covert program that recruits soldiers willing to submit to cryogenic hibernation – waiting for the day they’re needed – to be called upon in an emergency where their return might play a meaningful role in saving the country and re-establishing order. It should come as no surprise that things go wrong – the sleepers are forgotten or never activated – the country and the government collapses – and they wake to a Mad Max version of North America.

There are plenty of things to quibble over with this book – the first being the premise that so much could fall apart in such a short period of time – another being that the U.S. Government would be capable of engineering such a massive and expensive project off the books and keeping it secret – a third being that every aspect of our society but the military is fragile, corruptible and not worth saving. If you’re able to forget all that and more – and I was – it’s actually a pretty entertaining story. This book spends most of its time building the concept and introducing the players but there was enough action to hold my attention. It’s a very quick read, the characters are sympathetic and admirable enough to identify with and the base and all its capabilities is enough to make you wish that it’s something we might actually be capable of building.

One aspect of this book that worries me – and it’s a common element in a lot of these stories – is that the U.S. Military is the only organization manning the barricades – the only group working day in and day out to preserve the promise and purpose of the United States – that every other institution in the country is weak, corruptible, ill-intended and at odds with the principles at the heart of our constitutional democracy. The military and those who serve are presented as individuals – not perfect or pure – but virtuous. Journalists, politicians, lawyers, average citizens, law enforcement are always juxtaposed as groups against this collection of noble men and women and are always found wanting in contemptible ways. To me, that’s a simplistic and potentially dangerous illusion.

I don’t call this out because I don’t respect the military – I do – in a very fundamental and thankful way – military service has been a consistent part of our family history – but I also respect journalists and politicians and lawyers and law enforcement officers and social workers and activists. I’ve lived long enough to know that there are as many types of individuals in each of these professions or callings as there are people – they range from exceptionally good to exceptionally bad and most of them / us fall somewhere in the middle – imperfect but capable of goodness – sometimes even greatness – on any given day. I’m an attorney, I’ve worked for the U.S. Government, I know a fair number of journalists and diplomats and federal law enforcement officers and service people and veterans and most of them – in all categories – are good, decent people who are capable of and committed to doing the right thing as they see it.

So…if you suspend disbelief, embrace the United States of Mad Max and buy into the concept that the U.S. Military could run a black program on a scale similar to the effort made to put a man on the moon – you may actually find yourself enjoying the story. While I’m almost embarrassed to admit it – I did – enough to buy the next two titles in the series: “Standing In The Storm” and “Standing At The Edge”. I suspect I’ll have fun with them as well.

I had the pleasure of getting my hands on a preview copy and I can openly share that while I have read a few military fiction books in the past, I usually like the graphics in movies so much that I wait for most of them or hope most of them come out on the big screen. Reading this book may absolutely change my mind moving forward, the simplicity of the overall theme like all good writes have along with what most great writers have is to then maintain that story with interesting characters, story lines that keep you wanting to turn the next page were here from the first page until the last. This book reads like one of those books that force you to stay up all night and try and complete it, it grabs you and holds onto you like your best friend! Wow!

I didn't know what to expect with the first book. Found myself totally immersed in this new world and quickly read book 2 and 3. Character development was great. I care for them. Lots of twists and turns and sometimes the twists are not what I expected. Loved it! Can't wait for book 4!

Mistakes: none found
Plot: This reminds me of some of the books I grew up reading: Wingman, Doomsday Warrior, The Survivalist. This book fits right in. I was always happiest when reading s good over the top action adventure. This book makes me happy.
I could have done without the two bits from other books at the end though.
Characters: over the top and larger than life.
I give this a 7.5/10

If you seek an action packed adventure book this is one of the best ! The plot and cast of charters are over the top as each chapter just blows the reader away ! Like a roller coaster ride, this one will have your mind over the top .

Well edited fast paced story. Every single element i love in a book,post apocalyptic,action,plot twists,sub plots,and no political correctness.I read this one in one sitting and cant wait to start the next.Heroes you will like and bad guys you hate.Almost a ripped from the headlines book (if you read between the lines). Gotta add one more favorite author to my list. thanks and keep them coming.

I love Vince Flynn, Brad Taylor and other giants of the genre, and I found that Standing the Final Watch can go toe-to-toe with any of their works. Plus, the world in which the story takes place is the most creative/imaginative I've read. I highly recommend this book and look forward to book 2.

Hated the book. I get its fiction, but I can assure you no spec ops team talks like these characters do. Anyone who says otherwise knows zip. It hurt my brain reading this nonsense. I get people imagine how teams work. I get they imagine it in different ways. But this was so over the top bs I gave up. Not even comic book characters talk like this. it was that bad. I love scifi and fiction books. Takes a lot for me to pan a book. But this was to much. if your an ex mil or active mil you'll cringe. God help you if your spec ops. You'll want to either laugh or cringe its that bad.

"The plot of this book sounded intriguing, but I didn't expect the characters to be so fully formed that I could picture them in my mind. And, I particularly enjoyed the witty dialogue throughout the book - it's always on point. I can't remember ever reading a better thriller."

I was fortunate enough to read a pre-release copy.

From Chapter 1, the story gets you engaged with its complexity; led by Angriff.

Action packed, with twists to guarantee an inability to put the book down.

Mr. Webb has a home run here with a now newly established hero to follow.

This book is fantastic! It sucked me in from the beginning, and I found it hard to put it down until I finished reading it. If you love action, particularly military action, then this book is must read. Can't wait for the next book.

Ranting and raving about "refugees" and liberals hating and wanting to destroy America . I found it trite and unreadable and greatest sinner of all for a book boring. Well money well spent I leaned never to purchase material from this author again.

Terrific read. Grabs you early and keeps you. This one has the big screen written all over it.

One of the better books I've read in the last couple of years. I will be pre-ordering his next book.

I wanted to like it but it turned out to be a post-apocalyptic Christian Right anti Obama book. I assume there are plenty of people who will like it for that but honestly if I could give it a zero or minus rating I would.

I could only stomach about 20% of this junk. This started out ok, but within a few pages it devolved into complete total idiotic garbage. The author expects the reader to believe that a 3star general is going to charge headlong into a shootout in the jungle like some Rambo superstitious soldier. Puhleez. The general (aka saint nick to his cardboard men), spends a lot of the first 20% of the book hating just about anything or anyone who isn't a staunch right wing white man. It fits into the rw narrative... the president is a gun grabbing Muslim sympathizer, social safety nets are the boogymam, the military has been gutted... you get the gist. Perhaps Mr. Webb should write for Fox news instead of pretending to be an actual author.

The author's world view and the role of the military and politics is so simplistic and childish the book is unreadable. His complete lack of insight into the world would best be confined to twitter where bumper sticker deep understand is considered thoughtful. It is as if a high school freshman wrote this drivel.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book; and can't wait to start the next in the series. However the author deserves a few words of reward for entertaining this hard to satisfy jaded editor. Well written, action adventure military sci-fi that kept me on edge to the last words. Wordsmithing at its best, you will not be disappointed.
Aurora Wolf a Literary Journal of Science Fiction and Fantasy

Outstanding book! Can't wait to read the second release. Not since the ARISEN series have I found a novel to hold my attention or earned the place in my "What next!" expectations. Military authentication mixed with post apocalyptic political upheavals and a mix of SCI/FI. Read thousands of books and find this to be one of the top ones. Clearly well thought out and working strategically along a twisted path to contact, left with the overwhelming dread that something is amiss but clearly entertaining. You won't be disappointed with this novel as it is clearly a passage of lines to the next contact. Well done.

The book reads like a 12 year old in call of duty. A three Star General carrying dual desert eagles in shoulder holsters? M16s are over forty years old. Maybe look up weapons nomenclature once in a while. Terribly written.