Review: Political-military techno-thriller about a Chinese invasion of Taiwan
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 22, 2013
Though this is the first novel by Peter von Bleichert, a young man born in New York but who has lived in Puerto Rico, Greece, England  and now lives in California,  this book apparently has been in his process of research and writing since 2008. That background shows, as not only is he able to write a fluid story, he is also sophisticated enough to offer information that despite the fictional element of the novel makes this thriller seem as though it is happening at this moment.One sign of a writer who cares about his reader's attention is to supply some background history for the coming story before the novel begins, also listing the names and roles of the actors in his drama. That keeps the reading tight and offers a ready reference to refresh the mind when the story line become complex.The story postulates a fourth crisis in the relationship/'ownership' of Communist China to Taiwan, a festering sore since the end of WW II. In essence von Bleichert creates a fictional but plausible war between China and Taiwan in which the U.S. intercedes on behalf of Taiwan. The pacing is one of the strong points as incidents occur, actors on all sides are introduced, plans for war develop, and the drama between politicians and military minds, troops and citizens, and ultimate the declaration of  war that involves not only the proud Taiwanese and the haughty Chinese, but also the intervention of the United States unravels with a speed of exposition that makes the reader's head spin.For those readers who are either fans of military topics or of global possibilities that are all too credible, this book will satisfy. And for those who enjoy reading `first novels' by young writers, FOURTH CRISIS introduces a writer with great potential. Grady Harp, July 13