Under Fire.

W.E.B. Griffin. 2002. Read by Scott Brick. 14. tapes 24.5 hrs. Putnam Berkley Audio. 0-3991-4826-4. $49.95. Cardboard, plastic; plot, reader, author notes. SA

Fans of this popular and prolific author will welcome this contribution to The Corps series of exploits of the U.S. Marine Corps. Here, Griffin adroitly blends fact and fiction into a fast-paced account of the early days of the Korean War. YAs will learn a great deal about the conflict that is often called "the forgotten war." In June 1950, the Communist North Korean Army invaded South Korea. They nearly drove the inexperienced and poorly equipped American and South Korean troops off the peninsula. U.S. Marine units were mobilized and sent in to stem the tide. Included in this mix were career Marines as well as reservists who had to put their civilian lives on hold. Although the main characters are fictional, they represent a cross section of the Corps. In the end, the stage is set for the invasion and there are enough loose ends for the next book in the series.

Brick's understated semi-voiced reading does not intrude on the story line. With few exceptions (British naval officers), the characters are given generic middle-class American voices. This allows listeners to utilize their imaginations and concentrate on the action. The author continues to capture the spirit of the U.S. Marine Corps. Prof John E. Boyd, Jenkintown, PA