Jason Sheehan

I expected space opera, but A Private Little War is serious war fiction. The first part of the book is a bit tedious, the tediousness of sitting in a tent between combats, bored and surrounded by strange people who probably want to kill you. No swashbuckling here. This part of the book definitely sets the tone of an extended combat tour in the back of beyond.
As the story unfolds, the characters’ backgrounds are revealed, and you begin to understand the war and the natives. The increasing role of NGOs and mercenaries are one of the main themes.
An interesting part of the story for aviation buffs will be the use of replica World War I biplanes. The use of these low-performance aircraft, with updated avionics and materials, makes sense tactically and politically. However, the attention given to making these warbirds actual replicas of Spads and Fokkers isn’t explained.… (mehr)