David L. Robbins (1) (1954–)

I am a fan of author David L. Robbins and I knew that The Low Bird is set in Vietnam and would be a gripping military story. A pilot is shot down over a heavily defended valley and rescue becomes the number one priority of the American forces. Meanwhile the VC cadre is using the downed pilot as bait to bring other American planes within reach of their guns. A helicopter is also shot down, bringing another American into the valley.

The author changes the viewpoint of the story between these two Americans and that of the VC cadre, Loh. He also brings Minh, a North Vietnamese woman who loves the cadre into the story and we get a well rounded view of both sides, as she travels with the troops as a singer. I would have liked a little less of the military jargon and detailed information about ordinance and equipment which I found a little overwhelming and, for me, made the story rather disjointed, but I do know that many military and ex-military personnel read this author and like to have these details given.

The story moves at a fast pace and depicts the teamwork that enabled many downed pilots to be rescued from certain death. The author excels at describing battle conditions and in particular the bravery that had these helicopter rescue crews flying over the Ho Chi Minh Trail to spot and save a pilot in peril.… (mere)

The Devil’s Waters by David L. Robbins is a military adventure thriller about an elite American Air Force Pararescue unit. The story develops as aid is requested by a Russian super-sized freighter travelling the waters of the Gulf of Aden. When the unit arrives to stabilize two injured seamen, it is determined that one of the Americans should remain on board until the ship reaches Djibouti, the next major port on route, and the injured men can be hospitalized. What is unknown at this point is that this ship is carrying a top secret weapon destined to eventually reach Iran. Also unknown at this point is that Somalian pirates are about to overtake the freighter.

What follows is an entertaining and educational story that is full of action and plot twists. This author knows his military jargon and uses it in a spontaneous and natural manner. He also has an eye for both the historical and cultural details about the pirates of Somalia. As the pararescue team return to the ship both to get their stranded team member and to come to the aid of the hostages, they receive secret orders about the mission. It is far more important to ensure this weapon does not fall into the wrong hands than it is to save lives. Timing is important in this story and as the clock ticks down the tension mounts.

The Devil’s Waters is the first book in a trilogy about this U.S.A.F. special force, and I am looking forward to the next two. With it’s detailed plot and fast pace, this was a story that gave me an authentic glimpse of how a pararesue team operates and delivered lots of thrills.… (mere)