Thunder in the Morning Calm is the first book in Don Brown’s Pacific Rim series and what a book it is!  It’s hard to express how refreshing it is to have a book where there is not a hidden romance blooming around every turn.  Romances are fine, but not every story needs to have one.  If for no other reason than this, the book could be worthy of five stars.

This military thriller draws on all types of characters and pulls its readers into the story.  The maps in the book are especially nice and help a lot.  Although the characters are not having amazing dialogues, it feels natural and perhaps un-noteworthy as every day conversations often are. 

Unfortunately, the best part of the story is a plot spoiler and will not be written here, but suffice to say that not every event in the story is a happy ending, but those who read on to the end will feel satisfied and fulfilled.  The author is able to get readers to empathize with the pains and sorrows of his characters.

If the next book in the series is anything like the first, readers will find themselves immersed in the exciting and intense world of military adventures.

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:   3 religious exclamations, 1 mild obscenity.

Violence/Gore:   Prisoners are abused by guards, including whippings and shoving;  several instances of gunfire exchanges in combat situations; people shot and killed; characters are on fire as a result of combat weapons; character hit and blood drips; reports of suicide, knife fights, and torturous burning; characters threaten other with guns.

Sex/Nudity:   Characters behave in “sexy” manner; a person has a mistress and they are involved in kissing, hugging, flirting and sleeping in same bed, sex is not specifically mentioned, but could be understood; character is accused of sleeping with another.

Mature Subject Matter:

Prisoners of war, suicide, death of spouse/parent/friend.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Adult characters consume alcohol and smoke cigarettes.