Okinawa: This is the Future of War by FX Holden is an exceptional story that had me enthralled from the very first page, a science fiction tale that predicts — in a sense — what future wars might look like. The narrative takes readers back to the period of WWII in 1942, featuring the encounter between two powerful enemies: US Fighting Tigers squadron commander John Chen and Japanese pilot, Tadao Kato. In the future war, their great-grandchildren partner in Operation Red Dove, a military naval exercise that unites Japan and China. China wants to emerge as an unbeatable power with Japan as its closest ally. But there are other developments that might obliterate this dream. 'Bunny' O'Hare, a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Drone pilot is poised for the last exercise of the US Navy’s stellar undersea base. But there is another threat from Japan, a princess who is determined to stop her beloved country from getting entangled with China. It is her father’s last wish!

The future will not be anything that can be remotely likened to WWII because it will be a war fought with sophisticated weapons and advanced technology, including cyber warfare, and FX Holden has captured this idea in his science fiction in a brilliant manner. The writing is impeccable, with descriptions that plunge readers into the action that punctuates the narrative. The book is filled with realism and the position of China in contemporary geopolitics is amplified. The novel is intriguing, featuring very strong characters, the plot cunningly devised with conflicting interests. Okinawa: This is the Future of War is electrifying, a novel with a strong potential to delight fans of the genre.

Okinawa: This is the Future of War by FX Holden is a meld of science fiction, military, historical, and futuristic genres, a novel with strong political themes and intrigue. It is set in the future in 2033, nineteen years after the face-to-face encounter between US Fighting Tigers squadron commander John Chen and his archenemy, Japanese pilot, Tadao Kato. Today, the playground is occupied by their great-grandchildren who are on the same side in a project designed to bind China and Japan militarily. A US Navy platform is being prepared under the sea in Okinawa. Meanwhile, Princess Mitsuko Naishinno is set on taking back full control over Japan. A lot is at stake as cyber warfare takes center stage. Who wins?

This is fiction that plots the geopolitical landscape of the future, a work that is as gripping as it is prophetic. Readers who enjoy politics and who are keen on the political ambitions of the Chinese will enjoy this novel. The conflict is huge and it reflects the realities that dominate contemporary politics. The novel is ingeniously plotted and the author's use of suspense makes it a page-turner. The shifts in the plotlines and the skillful use of subplots augment the satisfaction of readers. The prose is powerful, the characters rock-solid and the setting expertly achieved. The way that cyberwar is developed portrays what the next world war might look like. The story takes into account the political and technological realities of our time and projects us into a future filled with conflict and how it possibly plays out. This novel is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.

Okinawa: This is the Future of War by FX Holden is the second book in the Future War series. This is a story of cyber warfare where the future of war is not just limited to weapons and blood. Set in 2033, the world is no longer as we thought it would be in the future. Japan and China have signed a new defense treaty and are now allies. They have big plans for the future of their nations and of the nations in the East. While the Chinese are trying to launch a new kind of global war, the Japanese government needs to be on their toes. Some people are not happy about their new allegiance with China and there might be a rebellion on their hands. In a world where the war is fought in cyberspace, how safe is anyone?

The future is bleak, especially considering how we have intertwined our lives in cyberspace. This is a fast-paced, action-packed political thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. While there are many characters in the story, the most memorable of them all is Mitsuko Naishinno. To me, she was the real hero of this story, she was the one fighting for a cause she actually believed in and was ready to do whatever it took. The pace of the story was good; the narrative was smooth while the overall feel of the story was very intriguing. While the names of the military weapons and vehicles were a little difficult for me to pronounce, they added to the air of secrecy and confidentiality in the story. Overall, Okinawa: This is the Future of War by FX Holden is an intense novel that will keep you entertained for hours!

Okinawa: This is the Future of War is a work of fiction in the action and military genres and was penned by author F. X. Holden. Set in both historical time periods and science fiction style visions of the near future of the military, this is a suspenseful and intriguing look at West versus East. The central action of 1942 features US squadron commander John Chen as he faces his fighter pilot enemy Tadao Kato. Then we cut to the year 2033 when their great-grandchildren take up the mantle, but on the same side when Operation Red Dove signals a new mutual defense treaty between China and Japan.

Combining the old ways of the historical fiction war thriller with the scientific and dark world of cybercrimes in the modern day is no easy feat, but author F. X. Holden certainly meets the challenge with a novel that never lets up from cover to cover. Fans of any of the many genres involved are sure to enjoy the mash-up of sci-fi versus history and real-life warfare crossed with intrigue, secrets and the world of the web. Princess Mitsuko Naishinno had a really fantastic political storyline, which was probably my favorite of all the different plot threads, and the overall construction of these different storylines comes together in a really satisfying way. Overall, Okinawa: This is the Future of War ticks all the boxes for military fiction fans, serving up a superb and highly recommended parade of non-stop action and thrills throughout.