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Matt Pontowski #2

Call to Duty

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Call to Duty is a novel of epic scope and breathtaking adventure that races at mach speed between two deadly wars -- one waged five decades ago against a madman with dreams of world domination, the other to be fought tomorrow against well-armed dealers in poison and death. For there are times that call for swift, decisive action -- as unforeseen global events threaten to shatter an uncertain peace. There are times that test the mettle of even the most courageous of men and women -- as four young Americans taken captive by a power-hungry Asian drug lord. And now, a beleaguered Commander-in-Chief -- beset upon by internal political turmoil and terrifying international intrigues -- must find guidance and strength in his own heroic past. Then he must act. For these are certain times.

480 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

32 people are currently reading
110 people want to read

About the author

Richard Herman

33 books49 followers
Also publishes as Richard Herman Jr.

Richard Herman was a member of the United States Air Force (Weapons System operator) for twenty-one years, retiring in 1983 with the rank of major. He is the author of ten previous novels, including The Warbirds, Power Curve, Against All Enemies, Edge of Honor, and The Trojan Sea, all published by Avon Books.
(source Harper Collins)

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5 stars
147 (46%)
4 stars
106 (33%)
3 stars
49 (15%)
2 stars
9 (2%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Jim A.
1,267 reviews80 followers
November 24, 2015
Another hostage rescue novel from Herman. About the only thing this book has going for it is the back story of Zach Pontowski. The book goes back and forth between WW II and present day, relating the exploits of Zach as an American flying for the British during WW II.

Good Reads lists this as Matt Pontowski # 2 when in fact he does not make an appearance in this novel. For those unfamiliar, Matt is the grandson of sitting president Zach and also a pilot in the air force.
4 reviews
February 1, 2014
very good read. after reading it through the first time i decided to do something special and split it up by reading the ww2 part seperate from the modern day part and felt just as i thought. it was essentially two books in one
181 reviews2 followers
January 7, 2021
Great book, sad ending!

Much enjoyed this book, like all of Mr. Herman's efforts. Characters are very real and the action is very exciting and involves the reader in the activities in the cockpit. Every emotionally moving writing with the little extra something that only Herman can add.
99 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2020
A bit confusing at first , but well worth the way it all ties together at the end. Very enjoyable, especially if you are a fan of History, Military Stories and Grear characters.
13 reviews
June 5, 2015
It all started when a group of drug pirates vandalised and kidnapped a group of Americans. Yet, little did they know one of their victims was the daughter of the sentient of the U.S. Throughout the book many people and organizations are pulled away to help the Americans and many people find out many hidden secrets and learn just a dangerous a drug lord can be. Not just staying with one person, this book switches stories and people all around the world at different years as far back as World War 2.Best, part is they leave you with many stories to question and answer. Then you are in the storey in the Vietnam war about a pilot named Zack who is shot down and has to complete his first mission of survival.
Profile Image for Clare S-B.
502 reviews40 followers
June 9, 2015
I read the prologue left the book on the shelf for months then picked it up again and after reading about the fact that the character we were following was walking around with no clothes on I closed the book. I got it second hand to see it this authors books were any good.... I don't think I shall pick up another.
2 reviews
July 27, 2015
Barn Burner

Was really neat the way Author tied in Presidents youth and Senior years. Kept you in suspense about who President had married until last words. Really enjoyed the as I do all Richard Herman books being a retired US AT E-8.

Profile Image for J F Iungerman.
12 reviews
August 2, 2015
Good story plays well with current view and backslashes

Good believable story with strong characters and one really weak one in a position of authority. Portrays real people, forces and situations very well. Leaves reader wanting more..
2 reviews
October 13, 2011
I thought it was a good book. It had action all the way through it. I just kept wanting to read more. I liked how it involved the military. Altogether it was a very good book.
Profile Image for Ralph Neville.
22 reviews2 followers
June 5, 2013
A pretty good book. I liked the way it flashed back to Zack's past and how it related to the present.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

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