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Reviewed by Robert A. Groves for Readers' Favorite
The bonds that hold us together are often forged in times of crisis. The Jackson MacKenzie Chronicles: Brothers In Arms by Angel Giacomo follows idealistic Staff Sergeant Michael “Mikey” Roberts. But its true subject is Lt. Col. Jackson MacKenzie, Mikey’s commanding officer. As a new Green Beret medic, Mikey joins MacKenzie’s unit in Vietnam. Having proven himself and earning a Bronze Star for the care of an injured warrior, MacKenzie makes him a brother of the Montagnard Blood Order and gives him the signature copper bracelet. However, when a failed rescue mission culminates in a downed helicopter, the survivors are captured by enemy forces. MacKenzie takes the brunt of the torture to shield his men. Six months later, an opportunity arises for the men to make a daring escape. Mackenzie’s survival is uncertain. Will he recover, and what happens to all the survivors?
The story is told from Mikey's perspective. The Jackson MacKenzie Chronicles: Brothers In Arms argues that it is sacrifice, not skills, that binds soldiers into a family. Angel Giacomo uses that theme to give the narrative its emotional weight. The cast is small and stable. It is also diverse. That is one of its strengths. As a Vietnam War story, most of the men did not want to be there. They did not volunteer to serve, and they come from everywhere, representing all types of social classes. You really get to know each one, which makes their ordeal hit harder. Stylistically, the book is dense. There are detailed military facts such as weapons, aircraft, and procedures. As Mikey learns about this world he has been dropped into, so does the reader. If you like tales filled with adventure and action, then you will want to add this novel to your reading list. Well done, Angel Giacomo. I look forward to more.
