Great thriller. Interesting detail about the states of Australia and some history included. Very plausible scenario.

Bad news: I was up until 4 am knocking off this book. Good news: Really, really enjoyed it. Australia is invaded and her northern territories annexed by a long-term thinking, resource limited, surgent China emboldened by a slow witted western world caught up in its age of debilitating self-introspection. Fortunately, and to the consternation Aussie branded appeaser, the current PM is both smart and courageous and rallies a few good men and women around him and a patriotic if half-starved military to take decisive action while the rest of the world slowly stirs itself. But, will it be enough.

This book had me riveted from the first chapter. It reads like a factual report almost and has me imagining a "what if this did happen" scenario. The characters are fascinating and although it is mainly men ( well this is about Australia) I enjoyed how the PM's wife got things sorted with no nonsense when required.
The PM Gazza Stone ran the situation like a game and I had mixed feelings about him but I think that is what the author was aiming for. I felt the descriptions of the action were perfect and not giving any spoilers I hope but when the packing boxes were delivered to The Lodge were described as like a coffin delivered early was just superb imagery.
Will watch out for more fro BC Colman and have already ordered a copy for my husband's kindle because I got my copy for free in exchange for this review...delighted to be able to recommend this book.

China quietly invades North Australia without firing a shot. They want the resources there. How can the Prime Minister resolve this without giving in to the demands. He may have to sacrifice some of those resources and a few people may die but the whole country is really at stake here. I found this to be a good read and shows the reaction of the people well if that situation were to happen. Hope we will see more from this author.

I loved everything about this book--the storyline, the way it was written. This novel was full of surprises with a complicated, and all true plausible, plot that was easy to follow. My favorite genre is political/spy but many times it is hard to keep track of the characters and the various plot lines. Not so with this writer. The relationship between the President and First Lady came to life through wonderful repartee. I hope B. C. Colman continues to write political thrillers.

Before I start my review, I would like to thank The Liberty Publishing Company and NetGalley for allowing me to review A Line Too Far by B.C. Colman.

**All opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone. I received A Line Too Far from The Liberty Publishing Company through NetGalley for free for my honest review**

Now onto my review:

I was initially undecided about this book when I was reading the email with it featured (along with a few other books). See, I am not a huge fan of war/spy books but will read them. I mainly read them because it makes me feel closer to my grandfather, who died in June of 2015. He was always reading and he loved that genre. That is what ultimately made me chose this book.

To be honest, I was prepared to not like the book and just trudge through it. But I ended up really liking it. The beginning was a little bumpy but once it ironed out and the book picked up pace, it was a very enjoyable read. I actually read it one day.

Now, I did read some reviews where people were complaining that this scenario is unrealistic. Ummm….hello, it’s a fiction book. Fiction. For those unfamiliar with the definition here it is (pulled from Google). Everyone is entitled to their opinions but jeeze….lol.:

fic·tion
ˈfikSH(ə)n/
noun
literature in the form of prose, especially short stories and novels, that describes imaginary events and people.
synonyms: novels, stories, (creative) writing, (prose) literature;
informallit
“the popularity of South American fiction”
invention or fabrication as opposed to fact.
plural noun: fictions
“he dismissed the allegation as absolute fiction”
synonyms: fabrication, invention, lies, fibs, untruth, falsehood, fantasy, nonsense
“the president dismissed the allegation as absolute fiction”
a belief or statement that is false, but that is often held to be true because it is expedient to do so.
“the notion of that country being a democracy is a polite fiction”
I highlighted the areas that I think stand out and that’s all I have to say about it.

Anyways, like I said above, I thought it was a good and quick read. I think I learned more about how the Australian government works than I ever wanted to know. I thought the author did a realistic job of showing how people will panic when an event like this happens (or as preppers like to say: SHTF: Shit Hit The Fan). From the racist targeting of Chinese Australians to petrol rations to people just being dirtbags….it was pretty realistic.

I was impressed with PM Stone’s, well, stones….as well as his wife’s and most of his Cabinet members.

The author also dealt with the aftermath of what happened realistically too. I actually liked the ending because of how true to life it is.

I do think that this book would have been one that my grandfather would have liked.

How many stars will I give A Line Too Far: 3 1/2-4

Why? An action filled, fast paced book that was great to read.

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Violence and language

Wait, Chinese invade, U.S. will not help; society goes haywire; is this a book or a news story! I enjoyed it and having served with the Aussies in the RAQ I could see them in some of this. Great job, and a good read.

A what if? scenario that could.possibly happen. The author weaves a realistic tale that keeps the reader interested. An exciting read.