Colonel Gary Hawker puts together a mix of Canadian Reservists, civilians, cops, and even some U.S. National Guardsmen, to slow down the Chinese invasion force landing at Vancouver. They have to keep the invaders from advancing through the mountains until a formal effort can be mounted. They blow bridges, tunnels, and have numerous firefights with the Chinese in the valleys and passes east through the cordillera of British Columbia. Not all goes to plan, if improvisation can be called a plan.
Jason Gagnon, and seven month pregnant Kelly, flee North Vancouver to escape the invaders. Jason's brother, Tom, stays behind to join Hawker's battalion.
Ray McGillis, a trophy winning sharp shooter, becomes Hawker's favorite sniper, yet finds himself uncomfortable in how easy it is to kill.
Erik Stein, a UBC geology professor, is trapped unable to escape the invasion. He plays mind chess with the general of the Chinese occupation force who thinks Erik is organizing a resistance movement.
Nurse Rita Harrington is thrust into the horrors of war, treating the graphic wounds inflicted on the human body. Not just Allied personal, but also a Chinese officer once she is behind the lines.
This is a fast paced, combat filled, emotional roller coaster paraquel to Wakefield's previous thriller, "Blinding White Flash.""