This little known story was very well known to me. My husband was in the Navy and stationed in the area at the time of the Quarantine. I'm anxious for him to read this book when it's published. I doubt that few people realize or remember how close we were to a nuclear war. Thank you to the author for bringing this episode in our country's history to light.

Prolific biographer and historical fiction writer Jeff Shaara, whose previous novels have covered many American wars takes readers inside the events of October 1962 and how war was prevented in this case. His book “Gods and Generals “ is a favorite of mine..
In “The Shadow of War,” Shaara takes us through the dangerous days which pitted the Soviet Union against the U.S. over the discovery of Soviet missiles in the too-close- for comfort country of Cuba. Events of this monumental time are seen primarily through the eyes of U.S. President Kennedy, Kennedy’ s brother and close confidant Robert Kennedy, and Soviet Premier Khrushchev. The narrative alternates among the three men as they seek to avoid nuclear war and save face. Kennedy and Khrushchev are surrounded by advisers, some of whom seek peace and some who want to march toward war.
Representing everyday Americans we meet the Russo family as they react to the alarming events of the day, neighbors building home fallout shelters and their children practicing duck and cover drills at school. I identified with the Russos, going back to my 9 year old self hearing news reports about missiles in Cuba and possible nuclear war. Daily air raid drills at school scared me; I remember looking up the words “blockade” and “quarantine” in my Dad’s dictionary.
“The Shadow of War” is an informative and entertaining book about a dangerous time of our recent history.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a copy for review.

I was very excited when I opened the email inviting me to read the latest offering from one of my favorite history authors. The focus on the Cuban Missle Crisis was especially poignant from my personal recollection in studying current events in high school. Seeing behind the curtain, so to speak gives those of us the missing context to what we lived through. It's not easy at times to make interesting something that is completely expected, even though I knew just how this story worked out, this is a detailed look at how it happened and what it took to resolve. It was also tragic knowing how the Kennedy brothers would end and how the Soviet Premier ended public life. This was a central focus of the Cold War that mutual destruction was only minutes away and we grew up under that Damocles sword which only abated after Gorbachev came to power. This is a superb work which should be required reading for students and teachers as well as anyone who enjoys history.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC.
Another great historical novel from Mr. Shaara, this time shining a light on the Cuban Missile Crisis. I
was a kid at the time, but vaguely remember that time and the anxiety it caused worldwide, but especially the US, the Soviet Union and Cuba. The chance of a nuclear war had everyone glued to their tv's.
Luckily we had a stormy weekend and I was able to gobble up the book in record time and what a mesmerizing read it was.
Highly recommended, I loved it and learned quite a bit in the process!

I think many people will love this book. There are a few things that weren’t as appealing to me. I found some of the dialogue too simplistic and I also found the book a tad too long. But I often feel this way!! I did learn a few things about the Cuba Missile Crisis that I didn’t know. For me this book was between 3 and 4 but I rated it higher as I truly believe others will enjoy it.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an early release in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's for an advanced copy of The Shadow of War by Jeff Shaara. This novel takes you back to the 1960's and the tumultuous times in our country and abroad. Mr. Shaara's account of the Cuban Missile Crisis and all the people involved kept me mesmerized from the beginning. I felt a sense of connection with all the historical figures during that time. I truly enjoyed Mr. Shaara's writing style and look forward to reading other books by this author.

Entertaining?

While this isn't my normal genre, I enjoyed many aspects of it. It was well written, the characters seem very believable about how they could’ve been in real life.

I liked how the author showed the emotions of the characters to convey some of the thoughts and feelings of everyday of Americans during the events of the Cuban Missile Crisis

Overall, it wasn't bad, definitely not the genre for me, but entertaining enough that it wasn't a total waste of time.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with this book to read and review.

"The Shadow of War" by Jeff Shaara is a gripping novel that delves into the complexities of World War II, offering a fresh perspective on the conflict through the eyes of key historical figures. Shaara's masterful storytelling brings to life the intense emotions, strategic decisions, and personal sacrifices that shaped this pivotal period in history.

One of the strengths of the book is Shaara's ability to humanize the iconic figures of World War II. From General Dwight D. Eisenhower to Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, each character is portrayed with depth and nuance, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and moral dilemmas. This approach allows readers to connect with these historical figures on a personal level, making their triumphs and tragedies all the more impactful.

Shaara's attention to historical detail is also commendable. The book is meticulously researched, and the author's descriptions of battles, tactics, and political machinations are both accurate and engaging. This attention to detail not only adds authenticity to the narrative but also helps readers gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the war.

Overall, "The Shadow of War" is a compelling read that offers a fresh perspective on World War II. Shaara's skillful storytelling, combined with his deep understanding of history, makes this book a must-read for anyone interested in the era. Highly recommended.

My thanks to St. Martin’s for the ARC. I started this book last night and could not put it down. It was a great read following all the main points of view from both sides as well as in Cuba. It was a balanced read and even though one knows the outcome the reader was kept on edge. The characters were well developed and given a humanity one needed to understand how critical this time was. I truly enjoyed it and again thank the publisher for this book

This wonderful book by Jeff Shaara provides a detailed glimpse into the Cuban missile crisis and particularly its affect on the United States, the Soviet Union and Cuba. Featured are the leaders of those countries, President Kennedy, Premier Kruschev and Fidel Castro. For those who lived through that frightening period, glued to our televisions, it appeared that we were very close to a nuclear war and we were all fascinated and frightened. If you are not familiar with this story, you should be. and if you were there, this book not only takes you back to that time and provides new insights and information. A must-read!

I received an ARC for free and gave my honest opinion voluntarily.

Jeff Shaara brings to life one of the most explosive events from the 1960s, the Cuban missile crisis. He tells the story mainly through three sets of eyes. The first is Robert F Kennedy, Attorney General of the United States and brother to the president. The second is the Nikita Khrushchev, the first secretary of the communist party better known as the leader of the Soviet Union. The third is Joseph Russo, an English professor at Florida State University and a Kennedy supporter in a state of Republicans. Mr. Shaara weaves the events of the Cuban missile crisis so well, that you actually feel you are reading a nonfiction book.

The book was well written, and the characters seem very believable as to how they could’ve been in real life. My only complaint on this book is that it didn’t have that edge of your seat feeling to the read, This could partly be due to the fact that the events of what took place are already well known. That was the only thing I didn’t overly enjoy about this novel though. Mr. Shaara did an excellent job giving you a sense of how all the main players felt, as well as, using Joseph Russo to convey some of the thoughts and feelings of every day of Americans during this crisis.

Overall, this book is well worth your time. Especially if you are a fan of history and a good fiction novel. This book is worth picking up when it releases on May 14, 2024. Thank you to Jeff Shaara,, NetGalley, and St. Martin’s press for a free advance copy for an honest review.

I'm probably one of Jeff Shaara's biggest fans. I have read everything that he has published. And loved every bit of it!
This book was a real departure for the author. More of a political orientated bent than his other books.
Growing up in the 60's, I remember the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the fear it unleashed on the entire world. And I remember the silly, duck and cover under your desk drills in elementary school.
Shaara does an excellent job of laying out the entire crisis. I loved how he managed to put you into the rooms with JFK and his brother Robert, as well as with Khrushchev. And with his other characters, the Cubans, the Russians, the British, the Americans. Leaders, soldiers, and ordinary citizens.
I could not put this book down from the day I started reading it until I finished it! I was left exhausted, pleased, and very satisfied. As well as awe-struck at the talent the author has (once again). It was that good! Unbelievably good. Award-winning good. Oscar winning good (hint hint movie producers).
I could almost taste the atmosphere in the rooms and jungles and homes. The emotions he portrayed were entirely believable. The writing, again, was incredible.
How did we ever survive this crisis? Even after reading this, it still seems unbelievable that we didn't all vanish in a mushroom cloud.
And, to top it all off, Shaara pulls off a real surprise at the end, involving one of the characters, Joseph Russo. Wow! You will have to read it yourself, but you will be awed!
Highly, highly, highly recommend this book. 10 out of 5 stars good!

Since I remember the Cuban Missile crisis, Jeff Shaara's details and insight brings back memories. As a part of history often ignored, Shadow War, reminds us of the time the world was at the edge of destruction. We see all views from total neculear war, to a peaceful solution. This is an engrossing read, not to be missed.

This author is my favorite writer of historical fiction. He has the unique way of bringing the past to light through the individuals involved. This time he devotes this narrative to the Cuban missile crisis. He explores all the well known characters involved in this tense time in our nation’s history and brings them to life as they grapple with a situation that may destroy the world. He also includes regular people and reveals their feelings about this dangerous time.

As always, he includes a biographical section at the end about all the ones mentioned. I was delighted to find someone well known to the author included.

How close did we get to total annihilation in those late days of October? Please read this book and come to your own conclusion.