Product Description

The discovery of a mountain of platinum in the remote African republic of Zangaro causes Sir James Manson, a smooth, ruthless tycoon, to hire an army of mercenaries to topple the government and replace its dictator with a puppet president. But the situation develops into a terrifying power game.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #22379 in Books
• Published on: 1996-04-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 448 pages

From the Publisher
'Enormous and convincing detail, and a shattering climax' Sunday Mirror

About the Author
Frederick Forsyth is the author of a number of bestselling novels including The Day of the Jackel, The Odessa File, The Dogs of War, The Devil's Alternative and The Fourth Protocol. He lives in Hertfordshire, England

Customer Reviews

Bloomin good!!
It was after I had read the book that I saw that film was going to be on television and decided to stay up until stupid o'clock in the morning. If there was ever a stupid idea, and has made me wary of Christopher Walken ever since.

If unlike me, you saw the film first and have since decided that the storyline is nothing to write home about then you need to pick up the book. Right from the outset you become close to Cat Shannon, a mercenary and a leader, and his rag tag army of specialists.

Its the traditonal setup with the heavy weapons guy being 7 feet tall and the silent assassin being a small withdrawn man. But you feel for them despite their existance relying on war and as your drawn into the world of backhanders and clandestine meetings you'll soon realise that several hours have passed.

Frederick Forsyth is very good with the english language, but it's the lengths that he goes to to research the book and it is evident that he knows more about the underworld than he should.

I have read this book twice and enjoyed it thoroughly both times although I wouldn't say it was as good as "The Negotiator" or "The Devil's Alternative", both by the same author.

Platiniuim and a coup powered by mercenaries.
The discovery of a Platinium in a remote republic in Africa sets Sir James Manson thinking. A ruthless man, he wants it all and more. Cat Shannon, a mercenary is dispatched to the country to carry out a study of the defenses of the capital and the palace where the President lives.

And so unfolds an audacious tale, as Manson prepares a mercenary force to launch a coup in the country and place a deposed general as the new president. At the same time he intends to scam his shareholders and bolster his personal fortunes. But he has not reckoned for a mercenary with brains. At the same time, a rival mercenary is gunning for Shannon, hoping that his death will place this particular coup contract in his hands. The meticulous preparation by Shannon forms the highlight of the book as he shops in Europe for guns and ammunation, bazookas and mortar bombs.

The actual climax of the coup and the twist at the end are typical Forsyth.

An Enjoyable Read!
The Dogs Of War is typical Forsyth. When you finish the last page you always feel as though you have learnt something. It took me a while (as with all of his novels)to get into the book but once the story is set you find it hard to put it down. Great writing and an interesting plot. The characters are as always, well written and very believable which makes the book that much better. Although in my opinion not quite as good as it's predecessor (The Odessa File), it is still a classy book and well worth the read as are all Forsyth's novels.