Ignore the politics - the book is fine

This is a 'what if' book, taking some trends in society and imagining where they might go in the future IF things were to go badly. It's no different than Margaret Atwood's book and very popular TV series, The Handmaid's Tale, which many correlate to modern day Christians, dressing up as the characters at protests! If that smear is acceptable, then an equivalent book related to Islam is too. Frankly, if any faith or group wants to be fully part of a western democracy, be prepared for any or all of this. We have two choices: find criticism too offensive and try to stop it through laws, violence or shaming words like "racist" or we get over it and understand that's how our society works. It's the western way and it's the best way. Ideas are fine. Criticism of any idea or faith is fine. Bad treatment of anyone is wrong. A book is about ideas. It's fine. Get used to it.

If in fact we have groups of radical Muslims taking over territories and calling them a state and continuing to do that in various parts of the world, which we do as we speak, the premise of this book is valid. Frankly, there is way more of that than radical Christians doing the equivalent. Also, if only 1% of Muslims moving to the west find themselves supportive of this radical view of Islam, we in the west have a problem. So, the denial of it and the name calling to anyone who dares mentions it, to me, are the ones making no sense. And, any denial of a risk is potentially very harmful. We don't know how this is all going to end. We've had decades of Islamic terrorism through multiple presidents and there isn't one we can point to who has 'the answer'. So, it's a difficult problem and if the U.S. were to become extreme isolationists, which could be a future response, since everything else has failed, this story is plausible.

I'm all for supporting all people in the west, whatever their faith, who have allegiance to the principles of democracy, the equality of men and women, tolerance for minorities, etc. If we don't expect that and defend it, we will lose it. It's exceptional in the world and something for us to be proud of. I think that's the most supportive way to look at the many immigrants we have, here in Canada and in the U.S. and ignoring strains of radicalism that might be there puts them at risk as well. The moderate Muslims in the west say that, that our voices are needed, and suppressing criticism emboldens the more radical elements in their midst.

On with the book. I liked it a lot but it did drag for me by the end. I'm probably more interested in political issues than military tactics, but I did find it a bit interesting to think about them for the first time. I kept wondering about the politics going on behind the scenes. I did find the personalities interesting in that it showed major events can be shaped by the personal desires or foibles of leaders, which does make sense. The narrator was good, but a little weak on American accents, which I think are hard to do for most British actors. They seemed more like caricatures than the Muslims. Remember, the lead character was a former Muslim who embraced the west and began to have a spiritual awakening near the end of the book.

So, to me this book had no more stereotypes than any other book around, but at this point in time, political correctness has too many rules about what is acceptable and that's the problem. Figure out what you're o.k. with and hopefully you're not going to let those things bother you and you can enjoy the book.

5 people found this helpful

Beware

I enjoyed the book and I don’t understand the dislike for the book ? It’s entertaining and was a good listen. If anyone has read the Koran then it would make since especially if you have ever fought isis or even taliban which I think most of the reviewers have not. It’s a book that’s . Good story and narration.

4 people found this helpful

Interesting, but mostly fanciful.

interesting premise, but the "omniscient enemy" trope got tiresome pretty quickly. Without going into spoilers, enjoying this book requires either significant suspension of disbelief, or no understanding of military logistics and international relations.

1 person found this helpful

Cliff hanger, I cant wait for

the next installment. so great I'm looking now for the next book. super duper ooper

1 person found this helpful

Great tactical/political thriller, excellent reader choice

I’m a huge fan of books that lean on individual character “voice” and experiences. Fans of World War Z will get flavors of that loose weaving of a larger story through indirectly (or completely isolated) character arcs. Alden has a knack for making you care about the people as individuals, especially if they are closer to his narrative bread and butter. You’ll probably get more out of his ability to flesh out soldiers and military personnel than civilians, but you’re not listening to this because you liked Full House. Can’t say enough for the narrator. I’ve encountered readers that made great authors an absolute slog to get through. Medcroft breathes life into his cadence and voicing to the point that I’d seek out stories specifically because he read them. This one is definitely worth your time if you enjoy tightly woven military pulp.

Required reading for all European citizens!

Well done. Scary prediction of what happens when a kind and generous 21st century civilization helps a 9th century civilization become educated, fed, healthy and modernized.
Religious furor has always ended thus.

Suspend disbelief and it’s good

There is no way an attack like this, an invasion, of the UK could happen. And there is no way the USA wouldn’t be there from the beginning to help.

That said, it’s a great story and a warning to Europe.

Great read but too defeatist

This is the first I have read from this author who is clearly a great writer. I’m pleased ISiS is mostly gone because this scenario was disturbing.

Right wing conspiracy fiction poorly executed.

Do Muslims scare you? Do you think that thier religion prevents them from being loyal citizens of a western democracy? And do you believe that political correctness, diversity, and immigration pose existential threats to western culture? If you answered yes to any of those questions then you will like this book.

Invasion has it all: a caliphate bent on world domination, a Muslim fifth column large to take out a national army and every single police force in the country, misguided liberals whose tolerance and political correctness makes them pawns of terrorists or actual collaborators, and a few clear eyed conservatives who alone see the danger to their society but of course aren’t listened too.

I bought this audiobook because I am a sucker for a good military thriller and the premise seems like it could support a good yarn. While there is some attempt at character development, the setup for the invasion is not well fleshed out. The authors goes from bemoaning political correctness, to describing a few terrorist attacks, a sudden military invasion that takes over Europe almost overnight, and a few valiant rear guard actions of a broken military. Oh, and apparently Muslim communities took out every single police force and Military base in England and Wales almost overnight—although the details of how they did this aren’t well fleshed out.

I like military thrillers that focus on strategy and tactical details. When done well, these details help me suspend disbelief and enjoy the ride. But this book felt like listening to my uncle after his fourth glass of wine at Thanksgiving expound on why we need a wall to keep bad hombres out. Pork rinds and “lock her up” poster not included.

2 people found this helpful

Yuck...

A serious theme in a book that disappoints at every turn. A repository of cliches and doomsday prophecies that overlay what could generously be described as a 'labored' plot.