What if the Cold War suddenly ran red hot? That's the tantalizing premise of Burke's debut novel, which unfurls the grim historical possibilities.

The author, a former reservist, does an admirable job of depicting the honor and courage of such part-time soldiers, whose commitment is often as steadfast as their full-time counterparts'. Also, his portrayals of combat violence are stunning and chilling by turns. Overall, this is a work of both literary and historical appeal virtue.

A well-researched, affecting account of a world lost in war.