Any feedback on W. E. B. Griffin?

[BOSSHOG]

I've never read him but my wife knows I like a good military yarn so she picked me up one of his books from the bargain bin. I've read about half of it and I do like his writing style. I was looking in the front of the book and he has written a whole bunch of books. Any comments, complaints, criticisms of his works would be appreciated.

[rubberducky]

1. I have read many of his books and enjoyed them.

I also like Dale Brown and Tom Clancy! Earlier Clancy books are the best. I have re-read many of them. "Once An Eagle" by Anton Myrer is a personal favorite of mine.

[BOSSHOG]

2. The Griffin book I have

"By Order of the President" is really nicely written. Easy to understand and follow. No tricky plot twists. Great character development and I've yet to detect any political agenda. That was very nice of my Wife to introduce me to yet another good author. David Poyer is another good author if you like military fiction. Thanks for your feedback.

[rubberducky]

5. Will try David Poyer. Thanks.

[Monkeyman]

3. Great Books

[BOSSHOG]

4. Thanks Monkeyman

Are they serialized? Would I have to start at his earlier books to keep the stories straight? Do the same characters appear from book to book?

[harlinchi]

6. In the Army (Brotherhood of War) series, the same characters appear. as

they do in the Phila. Police series, the name of which escapes me. They are enjoyable books. The Army series makes good use of historical events in which to involve characters.

[rsdsharp]

7. William Edmund Butterfield III has been a writing machine

for decades under numerous pen names. In the 80s, he started the Brotherhood of War (US Army WWII- Vietnam) series under the name WEB Griffin, and suddenly found fame and fortune. He followed with the Corps (US Marines WWII) , and then Badge of Honor (Philadelphia police). He has a couple of other series out now, involving the CIA, and Homeland Security. At least some of that stuff is recycled material from another pen name.

Much of what he writes is based on life experiences -- his, his friends' or family members. He is very formulaic. They are all written in the same style, and most have almost interchangeable characters. Most every series has a rich guy who won't follow the rules, a warrior type who is his best friend, and someone very highly politically connected. Still, his stuff is addictive, especially the BoW and Corps stuff. His books come out in hardback, often make the best seller lists for about 10 minutes, and fall to the discount bins within three months. Me, I'm addicted. I pay full boat for the new hardcover, because I can't wait three months to save 80%.

[BOSSHOG]

8. Thanks very much

My mother's Uncle and Cousin were both on the Philadelphia Police Force in the 1st half of the last century. I may find some of their escapades in one of his books. I do know some of their exploits ain't much to be proud of. I look forward to catching up with W.E.B. and thanks for your review.

[rsdsharp]

9. It's been quite a while since I read any of the Badge of Honor

series, but if it's not set in present day, it's no earlier than the 70s.

[rsdsharp]

10. It will help somewhat to read them in order. I'll list them by series.

Brotherhood of War

The Lieutenants
The Captains
The Majors
The Colonels
The Berets
The Generals
The New Breed
The Aviators
Special Ops

The Corps

Semper Fi
Call to Arms
Counterattack
Battleground
Line of Fire
Close Combat
Behind the Lines
In Danger's Path
Under Fire
Retreat Hell!

Badge of Honor

Men In Blue
Special Operations
The Victim
The Witness
The Assassin
The Murderers
The Investigators
Final Justice


Honor Bound

Honor Bound
Blood and Honor
Secret Honor


Men at War

The Last Heroes
The Secret Warriors
The Soldier Spies
The Fighting Agents
The Saboteurs


Presidential Agent

By Order of the President
The Hostage
The Hunters

[BOSSHOG]

11. Thanks very much

I'm slow but sure, like a glacier. I'll plow through them eventually. Your list is very helpful.