BERLIN Book 4 Light and dark
Berlin Book 4 begins with the unraveling of Zach’s painful past. Other secrets are also let out of the bag. The whole crew learns about the mission only Mr. Martin and Zach previously shared in Berlin Book 3. The big secret is accompanied by the addition of a very unexpected crew member. The power of this knowledge leads the way to a new adventure for all members of the crew. An adventure previously never even considered.
The story continues with the theme of men loving men, regardless of their sexual orientation. Each character must balance the pressures of American culture during the 80s against their own values and beliefs. Scott admits, “This is what I fear most about being gay. People I love hating me when they find out.”
Berlin Book 4 tells a story in the tradition of all the Berlin books with numerous dangerous missions for every character. Sometimes alone in a distant land or together in the underground world of East and West Berlin. Scott navigates his world with the ever present advice from his dad, Major Baker right up to the end.
Book reviews
Berlin Book 4
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great read!
I highly recommend reading the entire series. The author was successful in keeping reader interested in the characters and their stories. Berlin during the Cold War years is a character on its own, especially for those of us who remember the times and know the city then and now.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Berlin Book 4: Read it!
I've read four of Jon Swank's 'Berlin' books so far. Frankly, although I've been engrossed in all of them, Berlin 4 is the best to this point. Swank handles his characters well and he maintains the 'tone' throughout the narrative. As I have said before, I don't write long reviews, because I don't want to read long reviews. Suffice it to say that Berlin Book 4 is well worth your time. I'm looking forward to Berlin Book 5, which I plan to order as soon as I post this review. I recommend this series to anyone with an interest in late post-war Berlin. It's historical fiction, both accurate and deftly handled.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great story.
I loved the story line and how the characters worked through the conflicts. It brought back so many memories of being stationed in Germany in the 80s. I didn't have this much excitement.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Still going strong!
The Berlin series continues to engross me with Book 4. (this is causing the demise of my usual non-fiction reading at the moment). Sensitive and warm while tackling coming out in the usually inhospitable military world, Jon Swank's personal style is immensely engaging for me. Just started Book 5.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great military themed read. Good story line and great characters
I like the military theme and the fact LGBT can serve with honor and integrity. Would be easier to read when story line changes were marked. Would hope anyone would like to read as there are interesting bits of real history.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Berlin 4 continues the entralling story of West Berlin in the 80's and gay men in the military.
Berlin 4 continues the story of cold war espionage in partitioned Berlin. Our crew of officers and enlisted in West Berlin are engrossed in covert operations while trying to live their lives true to themselves and those they love. This book also takes us to Riyadh as Scott, one of the MCs, is sent on a TDY to help out the resident agent for the CIA in this Islamic city. Mutawa patrol the souks at prayer time. Saudi police are extremely strict and Scott has to walk a very narrow path in trying to discover the American Airman who is disregarding the law and causing issues. I enjoyed the glimpse of this culture and the harbinger of things to come in our world. But I'm off the topic here.
Scott and Joe are still trying to navigate the complexity of being gay men in the military and are slowly developing a group of friends who know what they are to each other yet still accept them and respect them. Takes some series readjustment at times.
This book is a complex spy thriller/military drama with a gay love story entwined within it. The two main themes are so expertly tied together and woven into a whole that they depend on each other to make a whole, commanding, enthralling read. Mr. Swank also gives us a full set of complex secondary characters that enhance this story and give it more realism. No one is a superman here, well, maybe Zach, but he's extraordinary.
Please don't miss this installment in the Berlin series. It is a must read in my opinion.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Top Class Gay read
Great read as per previous books in this series