Customer Reviews

Breaking Ranks

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

An excellent look into the machismo and secrecy of the Army's most famous Airborne Division. As a poor wing wiper (Air Force) assigned to Pope AFB smack dab in the middle of Airborne country, I can sympathize with the problems the main character, Major Isen, has to cope with. His descriptions of the area and its seedy nightlife as well as the conduct of many officers is completely realistic. I am surprised more Army personell weren't offended by this unflinching look into the last bastion of so-called "real" soldiers.

As an Infantry LT, I really liked the moral problems presented in the book. I enjoyed the realistic view of the 82nd Air Borne (All American) Division. In our day and age of military cutbacks, Breaking Ranks is very realistic. A must read!

I really enjoyed "Breaking Ranks" by Ed Ruggero. It took me back to Bragg and the 82nd Airborne Division. I spent a couple of years with the All American patch on my shoulder, serving in an infantry battalion with the 82nd, so when Ruggero described Bragg and Fayetteville, it took me right back to my days there. Yes, right there with the attitudes Ruggero writes about.

"Breaking Ranks" is a sharp thriller. It doesn't have a high body count, but rather keeps you guessing as the mystery unravels and the twists and turns continue to wrap around the main character until you wonder if he'll escape the mess he's in with his career or, worse yet, his life.

The book has characters you care about, suspense that keeps you wanting to turn pages, and a military attitude that you'll only find with paratroopers. Highly recommended to anyone who likes military thrillers.

Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., author of "Lost Conscience" a thriller to be released in 2012.