by Doug Stanton
First published 2018
Captain Mitch Nelson leads a small team of Green Berets into Afghanistan just weeks after September 11th. Their mission seems impossible: work with Northern Alliance fighters to defeat thousands of Taliban troops entrenched in the mountains. The Americans must adapt quickly to unfamiliar terrain and forge alliances with Afghan warlords who have their own agendas. Nelson and his men ride horses into battle, combining ancient warfare with modern technology. They call in airstrikes while navigating tribal politics and harsh winter conditions. The soldiers face constant danger from enemy fire, treacherous mountain passes, and the uncertainty of whether their Afghan allies can be trusted. As the Taliban stronghold of Mazar-i-Sharif comes within reach, the small American force must overcome overwhelming odds. Their success or failure will determine the opening chapter of America's longest war. This is the story of extraordinary courage under fire and the bonds forged between warriors from different worlds.
Genres: historical-fiction, military-fiction, adventure, action
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: against-all-odds, fish-out-of-water
Setting: Afghanistan, Mazar-i-Sharif
Period: September 11th
528 pages · Mass Market Paperback · Booket
Content warnings: violence, war