I haven't been sucked into such a war novel since the first time I read War and Peace. I just finished Steel Wave, as well. Wow, I am speechless. I only know one thing,..that I'd have definitely been the shell shocked coward that Patton slapped in the face. If all I can give this author is 5 stars,..you got it,..that's what I gave Tolstoy, too.Yes,..to all you huffing college profs,..I am not comparing Shaara with Leo, so don't spill your morning doppio down the urinal along with your crenated pc america-baaaad brains.