Eli Britt - September 28, 2021

Saving Lives

John 15:9-17 "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends"."The Jackson Mackenzie Chronicles", (we are talking about the fourth book in the series, The author is an excellent narrator) experiencing the story through the eyes of a fellow soldier, a friend, a brother ... "Saving Lives" this is the dream of a young man who has decided to serve in the Special Forces as a Combat Medic. How ready are we to accept our fate? A book of dynamite, which is grim and will make you think about wars, injustices, and trauma for a long time. The book is seriously gory and very detailed, overwhelming from start to finish. Few books like this make us understand the horror of the war, especially that of Vietnam, where hundreds of thousands of young people lost their lives. Strong ties are formed between the Soldiers, far from home, under the Army, the Squad becomes a Family, the Friends become Brothers. Being brothers means never being alone again. An in-depth reading of the human reality that faces war, in all its nuances, from the battlefields the wounded to the losses of comrades, to come face to face with the enemy... and touch the pain... No book will ever make you really feel what it feels like in war... but this, perhaps, comes very close, written in an engaging, exciting and very fluent way. I just wish the book was a must-read for all high school students, they could learn a lot from this. I read it in almost one session and will reread it, can't wait to pre-order this author's new work whenever possible. It Hooks you up.

Military Writers Society of America Review
Angel Giacomo’s Brothers in Arms is a nail-biting installment in the Jackson MacKenzie Chronicles. Lieutenant Colonel Jackson MacKenzie is a legend. Starting his military career as a scared 17-year-old grunt in Korea, he has risen through the ranks to be a Special Forces field grade officer. Never one to sit behind a desk, he leads from the front, moving through the jungle with his team of silent, lethal predators.

Staff Sergeant “Mikey” Roberts is new to Special Forces. After his first tour in Vietnam working at a field hospital, he has now returned wearing a Green Beret and is ready to serve as his team’s combat medic. He is in awe of his commanding officer, as is everyone else.

These two warriors, along with colorful characters like Chief and Major Russell, embark on a routine Special Forces mission, only to be detoured to rescue some downed Navy pilots. Their helicopter is shot down, and the team is captured. Together, they must endure deprivation, uncertainty, and torture as they dig deep within themselves to find a way to survive.

This book is fast-paced and details will seem familiar to anyone who served in Vietnam, Special Forces, or otherwise. Not only is it an enjoyable read, but you probably will look forward to more of the Jackson MacKenzie Chronicles.

Review by Rob Ballister (March 2022)