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Against All Enemies
Against All Enemies is a Silver Finalist for the American Writing Awards, a Firebird Award Winner for Best Military Fiction, and a North American Book Awards Bronze Medal Winner for Military Fiction!
When the People's Republic of China unleashes a devastating attack on the United States, newly appointed Navy Commander Bill Wilkins and his crew are suddenly alone, deep in the enemy's backyard, and unable to communicate with naval or national leadership.
At home in Washington, the president is detached from reality. Survivors of his cabinet contend with military leadership for control, some to save the nation they serve, others in pursuit of personal power. As America becomes alienated from her allies, Russia begins a campaign that creates heightened fears of nuclear annihilation.
Bill must navigate a political minefield to find friends among China's neighbors while undertaking a role that demands he take unimaginable risks and wrestle with the question, What losses are acceptable in order to win?
Praise For Against All
“This action-packed naval thriller comes ominously close to reality in imagining the events leading up to, and into, a Third World War...the novel moves from war zones to the boardroom machinations playing out in Washington and Moscow. Action and political intrigue are woven into a taught story that equally draws from world-domination strategy games and blockbuster war films…Wing’s first-hand experience in naval combat and decades of service as a Navy Surface Warfare officer are on full-display in immersive combat scenes…of real-world fighting. The combination of chaos and calm that unfolds in the command center of a naval destroyer fighting for its life is captured with uncanny reality…These clear, authentic description of modern warfare practices are thrilling…An eerie depiction of the contemporary world sliding from an imaginable military conflagration to war of an unimaginable scale, Against All Enemies is a thrilling exercise in political prophesy.”
-Warren Maxwell, Independent Book Reviews
"In his book Against All Enemies, author Thomas Wing has provided us with a fascinating tale of what may happen if the Chinese committed a limited, surprise attack against the United States. The Chinese believed that a non-nuclear attack that significantly destroyed our ability to respond would force a wounded US to accept an immediate cease fire agreement. They were wrong, and elements of the Pacific fleet took the fight right back to them. Outnumbered, and for the most part fighting without communications and satellite assistance, Commander Bill Wilkins and the crew of the USS Nicholas wreak havoc on the Chinese navy. The author's portrayal of the naval combat kept my attention throughout the book. Anyone who enjoys reading military fiction should enjoy this book." -Bob Doerr, Military Writers Society of America
When the People's Republic of China unleashes a devastating attack on the United States, newly appointed Navy Commander Bill Wilkins and his crew are suddenly alone, deep in the enemy's backyard, and unable to communicate with naval or national leadership.
At home in Washington, the president is detached from reality. Survivors of his cabinet contend with military leadership for control, some to save the nation they serve, others in pursuit of personal power. As America becomes alienated from her allies, Russia begins a campaign that creates heightened fears of nuclear annihilation.
Bill must navigate a political minefield to find friends among China's neighbors while undertaking a role that demands he take unimaginable risks and wrestle with the question, What losses are acceptable in order to win?
Praise For Against All
“This action-packed naval thriller comes ominously close to reality in imagining the events leading up to, and into, a Third World War...the novel moves from war zones to the boardroom machinations playing out in Washington and Moscow. Action and political intrigue are woven into a taught story that equally draws from world-domination strategy games and blockbuster war films…Wing’s first-hand experience in naval combat and decades of service as a Navy Surface Warfare officer are on full-display in immersive combat scenes…of real-world fighting. The combination of chaos and calm that unfolds in the command center of a naval destroyer fighting for its life is captured with uncanny reality…These clear, authentic description of modern warfare practices are thrilling…An eerie depiction of the contemporary world sliding from an imaginable military conflagration to war of an unimaginable scale, Against All Enemies is a thrilling exercise in political prophesy.”
-Warren Maxwell, Independent Book Reviews
"In his book Against All Enemies, author Thomas Wing has provided us with a fascinating tale of what may happen if the Chinese committed a limited, surprise attack against the United States. The Chinese believed that a non-nuclear attack that significantly destroyed our ability to respond would force a wounded US to accept an immediate cease fire agreement. They were wrong, and elements of the Pacific fleet took the fight right back to them. Outnumbered, and for the most part fighting without communications and satellite assistance, Commander Bill Wilkins and the crew of the USS Nicholas wreak havoc on the Chinese navy. The author's portrayal of the naval combat kept my attention throughout the book. Anyone who enjoys reading military fiction should enjoy this book." -Bob Doerr, Military Writers Society of America
438 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2023
49 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Thomas M. Wing
3 books14 followersA Naval Academy and Naval War College graduate, Thomas M. Wing retired after thirty-two years as a Navy Surface Warfare officer. He served in guided missile destroyers and frigates, as well as with destroyer squadron, cruiser destroyer group, numbered fleet, and Joint Task Force staffs, where he planned and executed real-world joint operations at the operational and strategic levels of war. He also participated in naval combat during Operation Praying Mantis in the Middle East in April, 1988.
He has taught Coast Guard licensing courses and has held a variety of sailing licenses, including Master and Master of Sailing Vessels, Upon Oceans. As well, he founded and served as Executive Director for the Continental Navy Foundation, which conducted experiential education at sea for young people 13-17 years of age. He also commanded the Foundation's tall ship, the brigantine Megan D.
His novel, Against All Enemies, resulted from a random thought during a period of political tension between China and the U.S. What if that political tension included cruise missiles flying in from the sea to strike the San Diego waterfront?
Thomas M. Wing resides in San Diego with his wife and daughter, a cat, and a dog. He still spends whatever free time he has on the water.
He has taught Coast Guard licensing courses and has held a variety of sailing licenses, including Master and Master of Sailing Vessels, Upon Oceans. As well, he founded and served as Executive Director for the Continental Navy Foundation, which conducted experiential education at sea for young people 13-17 years of age. He also commanded the Foundation's tall ship, the brigantine Megan D.
His novel, Against All Enemies, resulted from a random thought during a period of political tension between China and the U.S. What if that political tension included cruise missiles flying in from the sea to strike the San Diego waterfront?
Thomas M. Wing resides in San Diego with his wife and daughter, a cat, and a dog. He still spends whatever free time he has on the water.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 18, 2023
Tom has given us a very realistic and plausible scenario with a window into the current day-to- day front line operations of the U.S. Navy and a warning of what could happen soon. As a former destroyer captain, I can confirm that Tom has captured brilliantly the operational details, intensity, and emotions of the valiant crew of USS Nickolas as they find themselves in peacetime operating alone and unafraid as usual and then suddenly at war. As the saga played out, I found myself turning the pages quickly to see if the global crisis Tom presents could possibly be resolved. This is a great read.
October 22, 2023
I struggled with this one a bit at the beginning as I found the abbreviations and jargon a bit much. It was fast-paced, and I found myself reading sections and then flicking back to see what a certain abbreviation meant. Once I had gotten past that, though, and got used to it, I really enjoyed it. Lots of action, never dull. A great read.
September 24, 2023
Unsettling and thought-provoking, this was not a comfortable read but I could not put it down. There are particular characters who really enhanced the possibility of this fictional story actually happening in reality. Absolutely gripping,, incredibly clever writing.
October 1, 2023
Against All Enemies is a powerful “what if?” story that puts the reader into the midst of naval warfare in the modern world. The Chinese have attacked the United States due to the deteriorating relationship. The Russians find NATO weak, again due to the U.S. abandoning its allies. At the center of the turmoil, the President of the United States is a paranoid bully who is convinced that there’s a deep-state responsible for misinformation that undermines his administration at every turn. He ignores facts and advice from experienced men and women both civilian and military. However, there is hope. When the President orders a nuclear strike, good people stand in the way. The military leaders take their jobs seriously and continue to protect the people of the United States. They don’t let the top-down nature of the executive branch win out when a leader has become a autocrat. But, will it hold? Told with authenticity and urgency, I learned a lot about the nature of war in our modern navy, and how rapidly things can escalate politically when our allies are treated poorly and our enemies dismissed. The tension ratchets up page by thrilling page as we follow a path of mutual destruction or brave salvation.
November 6, 2023
"Against All Enemies," written by Thomas M. Wing and published by Acorn Publishing, is a thoroughly entertaining read within its genre. The story revolves around a Chinese strike against the United States successfully carried out using conventional weapons. Throw in NATO fighting for its life against a resurgent Russia and White House indifference to their dilemma, and things get really interesting. Unfortunately, one of the major premises of the text is that China has been forced into its military position by a venal and entirely (almost absurdly so) corrupt political administration run by an egotistical populist most of whom's appearances in the book seemed to be modeled on those "Hitler Rants" satirical pieces which often show up on You Tube. The political leadership of the nation is ruthlessly pilloried for their ineptitude, but I would argue that the handling of this seems blatantly partisan and way over the top. This is not to say that this not a good read if you are willing to largely set aside the simplistic and almost childish caricatures of the President and his minions. The battle scenes are excellent and the action is non stop if, again, not altogether plausible. Having carefully evaluated the ARC graciously provided to me by Acorn, I can say that I would not hesitate to buy the book. I have learned to set aside my concerns about authors who persist in injecting rather too much partisanship into their writing when the writing manages to rise above their apparent prejudices. Please don't misunderstand me, there is altogether too much evidence of the kind of rot at the center of our political system described here, but that doesn't negate its overall tone here, which is both digressive and exaggerated. Given that caveat, and some technical reservations I have about our Armed Forces, principally the Navy, fighting a war in the absence of effective national leadership after a devastating surprise attack, there is much to enjoy here with a major willingness to suspend disbelief. I am sufficiently interested to keep an eye on this author in the future. There is great potential here.
April 29, 2024
Against All Enemies plunges its readers into a high-stakes military scenario led by the adept and seasoned Commander Bill Wilkins. The novel thrusts Wilkins and his crew into the heart of a conflict sparked by an audacious attack from the People’s Republic of China against the United States. Navigating these treacherous waters, the story unfolds in enemy territory, while political turmoil back home adds layers of complexity. Washington is in disarray, with a President depicted as out of touch and government officials pursuing personal agendas, leaving the nation's unity and direction in jeopardy. Simultaneously, Russia seizes the opportunity to sow further discord among U.S. allies.
Drawing comparisons to the suspenseful narratives of Tom Clancy, the book presents Wilkins as a character reminiscent of the renowned Jack Ryan. Wilkins' intellectual and strategic acumen are central to the plot as he endeavors to lead his crew to safety amid escalating tensions. The narrative does not shy away from the gritty realities of such a dire situation, portraying the challenges and the resilience of Wilkins and his crew in vivid detail. An underlying theme explores the concept of patriotism in a modern context. Wilkins' love for his country is evident and unwavering, yet the portrayal of a fractured and self-serving American leadership raises poignant questions about the nature of this devotion. The novel invites readers to ponder what it means to fight for one's country when the very essence of that country seems undermined by its leaders. It subtly hints at a disconnect between Wilkins' clear sense of duty and the broader, more nuanced realities of national and international politics.
Against All Enemies offers more than just a military thriller; it is a reflective journey into the complexities of loyalty, leadership, and the often-blurred lines between ideals and reality. The narrative challenges readers to consider the true meaning of patriotism in a world where political motivations can be as convoluted as they are compelling.
Drawing comparisons to the suspenseful narratives of Tom Clancy, the book presents Wilkins as a character reminiscent of the renowned Jack Ryan. Wilkins' intellectual and strategic acumen are central to the plot as he endeavors to lead his crew to safety amid escalating tensions. The narrative does not shy away from the gritty realities of such a dire situation, portraying the challenges and the resilience of Wilkins and his crew in vivid detail. An underlying theme explores the concept of patriotism in a modern context. Wilkins' love for his country is evident and unwavering, yet the portrayal of a fractured and self-serving American leadership raises poignant questions about the nature of this devotion. The novel invites readers to ponder what it means to fight for one's country when the very essence of that country seems undermined by its leaders. It subtly hints at a disconnect between Wilkins' clear sense of duty and the broader, more nuanced realities of national and international politics.
Against All Enemies offers more than just a military thriller; it is a reflective journey into the complexities of loyalty, leadership, and the often-blurred lines between ideals and reality. The narrative challenges readers to consider the true meaning of patriotism in a world where political motivations can be as convoluted as they are compelling.
December 12, 2023
Worthy military thriller writers such as Mr. Wing make it their duty to portray in detail exactly what a war with a near-peer enemy such as China and the Soviet Union would look, feel, and sound like. In his novel Against All Enemies, he accomplished that feat flawlessly. It reminds me of a police ride-a-long when a citizen steps into the world of law enforcement for an evening and leaves the car at EOW, a transformed person for all the experiences encountered. Mr. Wing accomplished just that. He takes the reader on a ride from the bridge of a destroyer under attack and the life and death decisions that must be made instantly, with no second chance. Get it wrong, and the entire crew could pay for the error with their lives.
In war, the soldiers and sailors are on the front lines. But there’s much more to the equation. Mr. Wing takes us inside the White House and the halls of American power to witness some blistering back and forth as policy and courses of action are prepared, argued, and initiated. Like war, politics can get ugly with their own form of casualties. Agree or not, the author brings this to the forefront with several chilling chapters as egos get in the way of thoughtful planning. That’s politics, and in any given political cycle, events could easily transpire just as the author so dramatically wrote. Wars are fought by differing personalities, and Mr. Wing did an excellent job bringing that point home. I highly recommend Against All Enemies.
James Bultema, author of Sea of Red
In war, the soldiers and sailors are on the front lines. But there’s much more to the equation. Mr. Wing takes us inside the White House and the halls of American power to witness some blistering back and forth as policy and courses of action are prepared, argued, and initiated. Like war, politics can get ugly with their own form of casualties. Agree or not, the author brings this to the forefront with several chilling chapters as egos get in the way of thoughtful planning. That’s politics, and in any given political cycle, events could easily transpire just as the author so dramatically wrote. Wars are fought by differing personalities, and Mr. Wing did an excellent job bringing that point home. I highly recommend Against All Enemies.
James Bultema, author of Sea of Red
February 6, 2024
Against All Enemies is an extremely well-written book about China attacking the USA, and Russia simultaneously attacking NATO in Europe. The story revolves mainly around a surviving and isolated USN warship in the Pacific.
From the naval warfare perspective, the author has a significant amount of technical knowledge and expertise.
I liked the way that a significant number of the author's military protagonists were strong, assertive, and professional women.
The fictional leaders of China and Russia could easily be mirrored in the present incumbents Xi Jinping and Putin. No points for guessing who the US president is based on - to quote:- a leader who is impetuous and quick to anger, thin-skinned, constantly lying, brazen, vulgar, and boasting a grandiose sense of self and his accomplishments!
I thoroughly recommend this book,
From the naval warfare perspective, the author has a significant amount of technical knowledge and expertise.
I liked the way that a significant number of the author's military protagonists were strong, assertive, and professional women.
The fictional leaders of China and Russia could easily be mirrored in the present incumbents Xi Jinping and Putin. No points for guessing who the US president is based on - to quote:- a leader who is impetuous and quick to anger, thin-skinned, constantly lying, brazen, vulgar, and boasting a grandiose sense of self and his accomplishments!
I thoroughly recommend this book,
Read
March 7, 2024MWSA Review
In his book Against All Enemies, author Thomas Wing has provided us with a fascinating tale of what may happen if the Chinese committed a limited, surprise attack against the United States. The Chinese believed that a non-nuclear attack that significantly destroyed our ability to respond would force a wounded US to accept an immediate cease fire agreement. They were wrong, and elements of the Pacific fleet took the fight right back to them. Outnumbered, and for the most part fighting without communications and satellite assistance, Commander Bill Wilkins and the crew of the USS Nicholas wreak havoc on the Chinese navy. The author's portrayal of the naval combat kept my attention throughout the book. Anyone who enjoys reading military fiction should enjoy this book.
Review by Bob Doerr ( February 2024)
In his book Against All Enemies, author Thomas Wing has provided us with a fascinating tale of what may happen if the Chinese committed a limited, surprise attack against the United States. The Chinese believed that a non-nuclear attack that significantly destroyed our ability to respond would force a wounded US to accept an immediate cease fire agreement. They were wrong, and elements of the Pacific fleet took the fight right back to them. Outnumbered, and for the most part fighting without communications and satellite assistance, Commander Bill Wilkins and the crew of the USS Nicholas wreak havoc on the Chinese navy. The author's portrayal of the naval combat kept my attention throughout the book. Anyone who enjoys reading military fiction should enjoy this book.
Review by Bob Doerr ( February 2024)
July 7, 2024
Great What-If? War Scenario
I enjoyed this book and it was a tightly plotted novel about what would happen if World War III broke out between the US and NATO on one side, and China and Russia as aggressors. As others have mentioned, the politicians are almost caricatures but one of way of looking at it is what kind of leaders would allow the fighting to go to the depths it does in this book, which overall I found to be well researched and plausible, assuming the initial conditions for War breaking out occurred. My favorite part of this book are the scenes on board tje naval ships, where you can tell the author's military and seaman experience helped him craft super realistic dialogue and portrayal of how the many teams on board a U.S. Navy ship work in partnership. If you like Tom Clancy novels, you will love this book!
I enjoyed this book and it was a tightly plotted novel about what would happen if World War III broke out between the US and NATO on one side, and China and Russia as aggressors. As others have mentioned, the politicians are almost caricatures but one of way of looking at it is what kind of leaders would allow the fighting to go to the depths it does in this book, which overall I found to be well researched and plausible, assuming the initial conditions for War breaking out occurred. My favorite part of this book are the scenes on board tje naval ships, where you can tell the author's military and seaman experience helped him craft super realistic dialogue and portrayal of how the many teams on board a U.S. Navy ship work in partnership. If you like Tom Clancy novels, you will love this book!
October 12, 2023
Against All Enemies is a propulsive page-turner from the explosive start to the satisfying conclusion. Embracing the perspectives of multiple players and theaters of war, the story centers on US Navy Captain Bill Wilkins, in his first command of the destroyer USS Nicholas in her maiden deployment in the South China Sea. As Bill finds loyal allies in unexpected quarters and is forced to make monumental life-or-death decisions, he grapples with loss and perseveres with courage. Thomas Wing has created an immersive and suspenseful tale of fiction that is all the more chilling because every sentence of it rings true.
November 18, 2023
After I started Against All Enemies, I was still so engrossed in the story, that it was hours before I was able to put it down. The completely plausible storyline of a war involving the super powers of today kept me wanting to read more, to find out who, if anyone, was victorious in the end. The author does an excellent job of describing the technical intricacies of naval warfare, but in a way that is interesting and educating to non-military readers. I found myself rooting for the characters, who were courageous, but also human. That the story was completely believable made it an even more riveting read. I highly recommend.
December 20, 2023
Against All Enemies is a story that could be a mirror image of the events happening in today’s headlines. It was an unnerving and though provoking read that touched very close to today’s reality; Russia’s aggressive invasion of Ukraine and threats to the rest of Europe, NATO infighting and Chinese expansionist rhetoric and posture. Wonderfully developed characters, some who you will love and others you will love to hate. It has a frightening but plausible plot made for an unputdownable read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Acorn Publishing who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Acorn Publishing who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
February 22, 2024
As someone who taught political science at the USAF Academy, I found the international and domestic political setup for this near-future scenario quite plausible (unfortunately). In the best traditions of this genre, Tom weaves personal stories into a global tapestry pitting those who serve others against those who serve themselves. I will defer to others on the accuracy of the naval warfare details but note for the rest of us that the plot and story remain gripping even if you don't follow the jargon. Plenty of twists... you have to read it to find out how it plays out!
November 4, 2023
A thrilling action-packed book! I could not put this one down! The storyline is plausible, and the author makes good use of today's technology in the story. This author's writing reminds me a lot of Larry Bond's (Red Storm, Red Phoenix). If you like military books, do not pass this one up!
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 11, 2023
Real-world scenarios that could happen with the political climate we are living in. Nonstop action and nicely written characters. It's hard to believe the fiction could become reality but that's the time we are living in. If you enjoy military thrillers than this is a must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2024
Action filled, this wartime story unfolds in an unrelenting drama that captures the reader and does not release its hold until the last.
It seems technically accurate and detailed.
Character building was superb and the scenes were really developed enough to give a good picture of what was transpiring.
Vivid, action packed read
It seems technically accurate and detailed.
Character building was superb and the scenes were really developed enough to give a good picture of what was transpiring.
Vivid, action packed read
March 18, 2024
Mixed Review
The author needs to decide whether he wants to write a military book or a political book. The military portion was excellent. The political portion was absolutely dreadful. Fortunately, the chapter format of the book allowed me to skip the garbage political portion. Not sure I could have finished the book otherwise.
The author needs to decide whether he wants to write a military book or a political book. The military portion was excellent. The political portion was absolutely dreadful. Fortunately, the chapter format of the book allowed me to skip the garbage political portion. Not sure I could have finished the book otherwise.
December 1, 2023
Read this book!
The character development was superb and the action intense, but what I liked most was how Mr. Wing involved me, the reader, in the story…got me to invest in the tale from beginning to end.
The character development was superb and the action intense, but what I liked most was how Mr. Wing involved me, the reader, in the story…got me to invest in the tale from beginning to end.
January 11, 2024
This very well written. I found the book to be both, thrilling and thought-provoking.
Very intriguing action novel with likeable leads who tackle escalating bad situations with grit and a bit of style.
The details are what I liked the most but more than that, this story is compelling.
Very intriguing action novel with likeable leads who tackle escalating bad situations with grit and a bit of style.
The details are what I liked the most but more than that, this story is compelling.
February 4, 2024
A pretty good but flawed book
A good action story flawed by the author’s political biases which created thin cardboard characters in the political side of the story. Could have been a much better story.
A good action story flawed by the author’s political biases which created thin cardboard characters in the political side of the story. Could have been a much better story.
March 27, 2024
This read is definitely worth your time. Thomas M. Wing crafted a great over-arching story, taking you into the Captain's seat with a detailed perspective of the US Navy at war. I found it to be both entertaining and educational.
August 16, 2024
I thought it was a good read. China wants to be a blue water navy so bad. They will go to any extent, to catch, & surpass us. They have spies everywhere. I think we will go to blows with them over 🇹🇼 soon. As opposed to later.
November 11, 2023
What a page-turner this book is. The plot and characters are real-world and they make for a riveting read.
January 26, 2024
Timely thriller
Excellent surface warfare descriptions set in a “could happen” milieu, given recent political leaders and events. A reminder of what can happen when amateur narcissists run things…bad for the country and bad for the world.
Excellent surface warfare descriptions set in a “could happen” milieu, given recent political leaders and events. A reminder of what can happen when amateur narcissists run things…bad for the country and bad for the world.
October 20, 2024
Written from obvious Tin Can experience. Well done.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews