Red Metal

The book, co-written by Lieutenant Colonel Hunter Ripley Rawlings IV and bestselling author Mark Greaney, commences with a sudden and vicious attack on a French Special Forces team in Africa by Russian mercenaries. As these initial events unfold, it becomes apparent that the aggression is part of a larger, intricately woven plan orchestrated by Russian General Andrei Gryzlov. The objective? To reclaim control of rare earth mineral mines in Africa and re-establish Russia’s superpower status. In contrast to Gryzlov’s imperialistic intentions, we find an assortment of military personnel in the Western coalition. United States Marine and Series Commander Bobby Lee Swagger takes the lead, backed by a variety of equally committed individuals such as Polish intelligence officer Major Dominika Egorova and French Foreign Legionnaire Lieutenant Ellie Matthews. Their common goal is to thwart Gryzlov’s plot and maintain the uneasy peace that has reigned since the Cold War’s end. The narrative course sees multiple theatres of combat, including Europe, Africa, and North America, showcasing the global scale of the conflict. Rawlings and Greaney masterfully depict large-scale combat sequences, ground-level skirmishes, and tense political maneuverings that make the listener feel as if they’re at the heart of the conflict. The characters each play their roles brilliantly, with every decision having a direct impact on the unfolding plot. Although the story is full of intense moments, it’s the combination of tactical genius, bravery, and sheer determination shown by Swagger and his team that leaves the greatest impact. Against overwhelming odds, they manage to rally the Western forces to stand against the Russian onslaught, resulting in a climactic battle that won’t easily be forgotten by the listeners. Once you’ve completed Red Metal, other thrilling novels by Mark Greaney worth considering include The Gray Man series, starting with the novel of the same name, The Gray Man, followed by On Target, Ballistic, and many more, each equally enthralling and narrated with great skill. Also consider his collaborations with Tom Clancy on the Jack Ryan series, such as Locked On and Threat Vector. In conclusion, Red Metal is a stirring tale of modern warfare and international politics, filled with dynamic characters and pulsating action, all brought to life by Marc Vietor’s expressive narration.