Rating: 
Summary: A Must Read
Review: Bill Harlow's new--and first--novel is a real page turner. It's first rate entertainment. The story--a plot by Libya to use chemical weapons against Israel and the United States--is gripping and has a realism that will have you heading for the surplus store for a gas mask. Hollywood should take notice--Circle William would make a great movie. I can't wait for Mr. Harlow's next novel. Watch out Tom Clancy!
Rating: 
Summary: Fine & Fun First Novel
Review: Circle William by Bill Harlow is a riveting, fast paced, first-rate effort for a first novel. The heroes are heroic, the villains, villainous, and the good guys win. If you're looking for literature, search elsewhere, but if you want a few hours diversion in the company of some believable and developed characters acting out an intriguing story line, you've picked the right book. Clanceyesque is his attention to detail and technical expertise, Harlow weaves his action, adventure plot through the halls of the White House to the decks of a modern Aegis destroyer with agility. Reminiscent of the storytelling style of W.E.B. Griffin, he moves closer to Nelson DeMille in the quality of his writing. Intelligent, funny and respectful of his reader, Harlow avoids many of the pitfalls of modern fiction, one of which seems to be the required gratuitous sex sequence. He does set the stage for this standard cliche‚ but deftly lets the story carry itself away believably. All is not perfect in Circle William. Some of the characters are two dimensional - notably the Secretary of State and the Executive Officer of USS Churchill, both of whom fail to evolve into complete people. They seem to have no purpose other than the advancement of their own careers and the annoyance of everyone around them. Wait a second, I know those guys! Then we have CDR Jim Schmidt, an officer with whom most military guys would love to serve, but who would have trouble surviving in today's politically correct military with his crew of lively-but- lovable liberty risks more suited to McHale's Navy than to today's. Harlow paints a picture of a Navy from a more forgiving era when sailors were not expected to be candidates for canonization, when kicking up your heels on liberty was viewed as normal and when the nation seemed to understand that the guys it hires to do its killing may not be suitable guests for afternoon tea. Bill Harlow describes a Navy I remember fondly - but I digress. Action, adventure, a little bit of fantasy and some skillful writing can create magic in the right hands, and Bill Harlow has 'em. If he is the quick study which his former high powered military career would indicate, his next novel should be stunning. Andrew W. O'Hara LtCol USMC(Ret)
Rating:
Summary: Finished the book at 3AM on a work night!
Review: Circle William was a very pleasant surprise. A quasi-techno-thriller, Circle William combines Tom Clancy/Clive Kussler with Dave Barry. The book is witty and compelling -- you will laugh at this novel while being glued to the plot. The characters, for a change, are believable as is the story line. Even the supporting characters in this novel are well developed. This is not a 'way out' story written with sprinklings of techno information. The plot is BELIEVABLE and the information is solid. You come away from this book with the feeling of knowing the characters. A very promising author if he sticks to the information he knows first hand. Best new author I have seen in quite a while.
Rating:
Summary: CIRCLE WILLIAM - 1999 Colby Award Winner
Review: Circle William was awarded the prestigious Colby Award on April 16, 1999 at the 1999 William E. Colby Military Writers' Symposium, Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont. The Colby Award, named in honor of the former Ambassador and CIA director, is presented for a first work of fiction or non-fiction which has made a major contribution to the understanding of intelligence operations, military history or international affairs. Presenting the award was Symposium co-founder, W.E. B. Griffin. On hand for the 1999 event were authors Ralph Peters, Harold Coyle, Fred Chiaventone and CNN's Frank Sesno. The William E. Colby Military Writers Symposium -- founded in 1996 by the late Ambassador Colby, W.E.B. Griffin and Carlo D'Este -- holds events at Norwich University, the nation's oldest private military college, in April and at the National Press Club in November each year. Among the top authors and historians in the Colby Circle are: W.E.B. Griffin, Tom Clancy, Stephen Coonts, Dale Brown, Phil Caputo, Fred Chiaventone, Thomas E. Ricks, Ralph Peters, Harold Coyle, Ed Ruggero, H. R. McMaster, Admiral Stansfield Turner, Frank Sesno, Cole Kingseed, Carlo D'Este, GEN Gordon R. Sullivan, USA (Ret.) and Winston Groom.
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Summary: GREAT JOB. FANTASTIC
Review: Heard an interview on public radio. Gave it a try Circle William was great. Up there with Rainbow Six, and Without remorse
Rating:
Summary: The Author has obviously Been There/Done That
Review: I bought this book hoping for something along the lines of Tom Clancy. What I got was better. While Mr. Clancy has admittedly never been in the navy, and seems to get around that by sometimes excessive technical discussions, Capt Harlow needs no such artifice. We are introduced to the technology only on the level to which we require for the story. The characters, while they may seem outlandish, are very true to life. In fact, as a police officer in NYC, and having helped many sailors out of scrapes during Fleet Week, I can say that the liberty sequences, even though they seem outlandish, are dead on. As far as the story, all I can say is, could be, very well could be. The premise is not out of the realm of possibilities, and Capt Harlow does NOT resort to "deus ex machina" solutions to plot problems. What happens could happen, and when it does you look at the book and think, "well, sure I can see that happening." As far as the rest of the cast of characters, and the way that the Secret Service acts and would act in the face of a threat to the president, he hit that one on the head, dead on. I recommend this book as a definate go out and buy. Keep up the good work Captain, I await whatever you write next.
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Summary: Schmidt happens!
Review: I came across this book while researching the "competition" for my upcoming novel. Circle Williams shines like a diamond amidst the coals in the category of the military thriller. Harlow's characters are believable and realistic--especially the details about Churchill's XO; if he were a woman and in the medical field, he could very well be my husband's division officer! The dialog is slick, clever and at times uproariously funny. It has the authenticity of conversations you might overhear between well-educated and intelligent professionals. Of the dozens of books I've been subjecting myself to in my research, Circle William is the one exception: enjoyable and well-worth the time it took. My only question is for Mr. Harlow: when will we see more from you? Please do say 'soon!'
Rating:
Summary: Great--Funny and Intense
Review: I casually picked up this title to listen to while driving and became seriously hooked on the book. I howled at stop lights and in parking lots. I was blown away often. The characters were well created and masterfully read buy the actor. I only wish Harlow had other books and that this tape were 5 hours longer.
Rating:
Summary: I really enjoyed this book.
Review: I did not have high hopes for this book, but I love thrillers so gave it a try. It blew me a way. I started reading at 8 O'clock on a Sunday night and the next think I knew I was finnished and it was 3:00 am. It was fun and thrilling to ready, and written with a great sense of humor. I strongly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: I ENJOYED THIS BOOK SO MUCH I FINISHED IT IN TWO DAYS
Review: I FOUND THIS TO BE IN THE LINE OF ONE OF TOM CLANCY'S BOOKS & HOPE THE AUTHOR WILL BRING THESE CHARACTERS BACK IN FUTURE STORIES
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