Operation Fools Mate: Deadlock by M.L. Baldwin - REVIEW
Third in the series, written by M.L. Baldwin and reviewed by Victoria Walsh
Operation Fools Mate: Deadlock plunges readers back into war-torn Britain to meet familiar and unfamiliar characters still recovering from their last outing, saving the world from known and terrifying invading forces. The third instalment (possibly the last) pushes our heroes and the world as we know it into darker, grittier territory, highlighting not just the physical devastation but also the erosion of trust and humanity amidst the chaos.
In Deadlock, Baldwin raises the stakes (if that were possible) as Yeovil is reduced to rubble, symbolic of the broader destruction throughout Britain. The fragile governments struggle to keep control as the by-products of war revealed in this book introduce an unthinkable level of horror. Depravity knows no bounds, especially as the Russian forces emerge as merciless adversaries whose actions shock even hardened veterans.
London is no longer just a battlefield but an outright hostile environment where the citizens are revolting, and even the police cannot be trusted. Baldwin's depiction of mistrust and propaganda is sadly believable and also incredibly chilling, especially as London's residents turn against the country, fed on the lies of corrupt leaders and the decaying cabinet. The American involvement is fraught with uncertainty (yep, that sounds about right!), leaving readers questioning whether they are allies reinforcing the special relationship or opportunistic foes with their eyes on the prize. Baldwin's critique of NATO's dwindling influence is spot on, exposing the fractures in allied relations and reinforcing the narrative's sharp realism.
Baldwin's imaginative analogue inventions shine as technology regresses under wartime pressure, particularly the cutting-edge "dragon computer," a wearable marvel that blends portability with military utility. These clever, tactile details ground the story in plausibility while giving readers a window into the evolving warfare strategies that shape the plot. Analogue equipment is key to keeping the country safe, as in Operation Fools Mate 48.
Deadlock's ensemble cast remains a standout. The returning protagonists—Mike, Fletch, Spider, and the resilient crew—continue to build on their complex relationships. Baldwin's trademark themes of camaraderie, sacrifice, and ethical dilemmas reach new heights, with characters like Corporal Dillon and Sir Charles wrestling with choices that question the very fabric of heroism. Meanwhile, villains like General Terekhov and Golgolvin bring layers of menace and strategic cunning, keeping tensions high - cross and double cross, friends that are foes and foes that are friends are familiar traits in all three stories.
The political undercurrent running through Deadlock is palpable. Baldwin doesn't shy away from dissecting the weakened state of British defence forces, highlighting how successive governments' meddling and mismanagement have eroded their capability. His commentary on the overreliance on the United States is unnervingly prescient, adding weight to his warnings about a precarious future that we see evolve day by day right before our eyes in 2025.
If I have one slight critique (which is cheeky because I have never been in a war zone or written a book), it's that Deadlock's relentless pacing and ambitious scope occasionally feel overwhelming, particularly in the subplot involving the King and Queen. While compelling, these threads sometimes stretch the readers' focus (mine, anyway). But like all compelling writers, Baldwin ensures the payoff is worth it, with moments of nail-biting suspense and gut-wrenching drama that takes no prisoners.
Operation Fools Mate: Deadlock is a masterclass blending military realism with speculative fiction. The book's authenticity stems from Baldwin's firsthand military experience and his ability to explain and humanise the conflicts and decisions that soldiers face. Far from glorifying war, Baldwin paints a bleak picture of its toll on people and nations as a warning, which we would do well to take note of.
I repeat what I said about Baldwin in my Operation Fools Mate 48 review. The storyline touches on a political undercurrent that is so relevant now that it confirms that Baldwin probably has insider knowledge. This time, the narration in Operation Fools Mate: Deadlock is so realistic that Baldwin’s appearance as a government advisor on The News at Ten is not just likely; it's a realistic suggestion.
For fans of the trilogy, Deadlock is a gripping continuation that balances action-packed set pieces with humorous, introspective moments. For newcomers (jumping ahead is not recommended because you will miss some vital backstories), Deadlock is a compelling peek into Baldwin's world—a world uncomfortably close to ours. Baldwin's words are more than fiction; they're a wake-up call to the fragility of global, and particularly UK, security and the resilience required to navigate its challenges.
M.L. Baldwin's unwavering gaze at the brutalities of modern warfare leaves an indelible mark on the soul, ensuring readers are not merely spectators but emotionally (sometimes to the point of queasiness) invested witnesses to the lives of the characters and the unravelling of our nation.
Visit M. L. Baldwin's website - https://mlbaldwin.co.uk for more about the series and its author.
You can buy the book here - https://www.amazon.com/Deadlock-Operation-Fools-Mate-Book-ebook/dp/B0DSXD91CY
