Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite

David "Kick" Tacker survived four tours in the sweltering heat and jungles of Vietnam that claimed the lives of many young men. He came back with scars and a burning desire for justice for those fellow Canadians who got suckered into a war they did not fully understand. He believes he has evidence to prove that the Canadian government hides a secret so disturbing it will turn the worldview against them. With a bit of help from Kelly O'Leary, an investigative reporter with a chip on her shoulder looking for a big break, he may get it done. They discover that powerful forces will stop at nothing to keep this conspiracy hidden, even if it means death. Will Kick get his wish, or will he drag himself and Kelly down into that dark abyss where ugly secrets never emerge? Find out in Barry Levy's The War Machine.

Barry Levy's The War Machine is a singular novel. The character development is profound. Kick's origin story has a realistic feel to it because the relentless memories of his tours of duty come flooding back in a startling, disorganized way, similar to combat veterans grappling with PTSD. Levy complements this with Kick constantly referencing his father's activities, implying how he failed Kick, creating a personal facet of his life that will tug at readers' heartstrings. The other characters all have some dark, hidden side that they are reluctant to reveal, a recurrent motif in the narrative. The best part is the dialogue between the characters. Levy mixes slang and coarse language with military discourse in a clever way. Each chapter seamlessly transitions between Kick's Vietnam memories and his current urban adventure, creating an immersive atmosphere. With its even pace, intelligent subplots, and a high degree of attention to detail, especially in the combat scenes, Levy's The War Machine translates into an entertaining novel with a realistic edge that action genre enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy.