Arc Light (novel)
 |
|
| Author | Eric L. Harry |
|---|---|
| Country | United States of America |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Techno-thriller |
| Publisher |
Simon & Schuster (hardcover) Jove Books (paperback) |
|
Publication date
|
September 1994 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover, paperback) |
| Pages | 625 pp (paperback edition) |
| ISBN | (hardcover) (paperback) |
| OCLC | 30355388 |
| 813/.54 20 | |
| LC Class | PS3558.A6753 A89 1994 |
Arc Light is the debut novel by Eric L. Harry, a techno-thriller about limited nuclear war published in September 1994 and written in 1991 and 1992.
As China and Russia clash in Siberia, and war brews between the US and North Korea, a series of accidents and misunderstandings lead to a Russian nuclear strike against the United States. The U.S. retaliates against Russia, and World War III begins.
The novel becomes part military techno thriller, part political drama as heated internal debates concerning the right course of action in the war unfold on both sides while each government tries to deal with the colossal damage the nuclear strike has done to their countries. Moderate voices try to prevent a second nuclear exchange by taming the hawks and working behind the scenes to arrange a ceasefire. Meanwhile, the on-the-ground consequences for civilian and military alike are explored in depth.
The novel focuses on four key groups:
As North Korea invades the Korean Demilitarized Zone, Russian General Yuri Razov makes a phone call to the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Andrew Thomas, informing him of Russia's intent to recapture land lost to China in a previous conflict. This will initially involve the use of tactical nuclear weapons to clear paths through the Chinese defenses. Horrified, and fully aware of the dangers of escalation from regional nuclear conflict, General Thomas tries to talk him out of it, and fails.
Meanwhile, a radical Russian general, Zorin, seizes control of the Stavka and Russia's Strategic Missile Forces, including the Cheget Nuclear Briefcase and thus gains access to Russia's nuclear-launch codes.
General Thomas, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, refusing to take Russia at their word, takes the precaution of recommending the President go to DEFCON 3, which triggers the 'Joint Emergency Evacuation Plans' (JEEP) which evacuate and disperse key government personnel to ensure Continuity of Government after a nuclear strike.
...
Wikipedia