Storming the Gap First Strike (World at War 85)

Storming the Gap First Strike reveals the explosive origins of the Third World War and delves into the opening salvos of the conflict between NATO and the Warsaw Pact in a world where the Cold War turns hot in 1985.

This epic story is told from a range of viewpoints - through the eyes of the decision-makers in Washington as well as the tankers and infantry fighting through hills and towns of southern Germany.

Based partly on the scenarios from the smash-hit game by Lock 'n Load Publishing World At War 85, each tale is a pulse-pounding narrative of intense Armor clashes that will help determine the fate of the most valuable piece of real estate this side of the Inner German border - the Fulda Gap.

Caught by a surprise Soviet attack, NATO hastily deploys its men and tanks on the first day of the war. Their mission: protect the bridges over the Fulda River in a desperate bid to halt the onslaught of Soviet Armor before it can strike west and bring the Western alliance to its knees.

As the first volume of a series that tells one version of the war's progress, First Strike can be enjoyed as a companion to the platoon-scale wargame or by casual readers as a close-up view of mechanized combat in a war that never was.

"The M1's round carved into the hull deck of the rear tank. A bright emerald glow filled the thermal sight. When, at last, it dissipated, the T-80 was nothing but a heap of smoldering steel. The remaining enemy tank was caught between the two dead T-80s. It pivoted left and right, but the thick woods on either side blocked its progress."

Brad Smith is a freelance writer and game designer. He has a keen interest in the topic of the late Cold War, which has fed his creative output. He has authored around a dozen books set in an alternate World War III: 1985 universe. His blog can be found at www.hex- sides.com. You can also access his books on the Ama- zon.com store page. Several of his stories are available through Lock 'n Load Publishing. His main interests are writing, wargaming, and spending time with his wife and son. He recently designed "NATO Air Commander" and the soon to be released "That Others May Live" both published by Hollandspiele. Two of his favorite wargames are "Gulf Strike" and "The Korean War" from Victory Games. His gaming blog can be found at www.hexsides.blogspot.com. Brad has worked as an Emergency Medical Responder in Canada then as a writer based in Geneva, Switzerland before moving to Japan in 2004, where he has lived ever since. He holds a Bachelor's degree majoring in History from the University of Winnipeg, a Master's in Journalism from the University of British Columbia, and a dual Master's degree in TESOL and Applied Linguistics from the University of Leicester. He has written for academic journals, newspapers, radio, and magazines on a variety of topics. He recently served as an editor for an issue of Yaah! magazine and is a frequent contributor to other game journals. His main writing inspirations include Tom Clancy, Joe Scalzi, Ralph Peters, and Stephen King. His favorite books include "Red Storm Rising", "Old Man's War", and "Red Army".

Keith Tracton has been acting in some way, shape, or form for thirty-seven years. A veteran of stage, screen, TV, film, voiceovers and, of course, audiobook narration. His audiobooks can be found on iTunes and on Audible.com. The only thing he has been doing longer than acting is playing board war games - forty- four years doing that, and still going strong. As such, he also very much considers himself fortunate to be the lead developer for Lock 'n Load Publishing's upcoming alternate-WWIII platoon level game series World At War 85.

I've been playing games in some way or another for most of my life. They are and have always been a large part of who I am. I knew since high school, I wanted to write, design, and develop great games and stories. I owe a great deal of gratitude to Mark Herman and Eric Lee Smith for giving me the opportunity as an intern at Victory Games. It started a fire that has never gone out in me. I am currently the owner and operator of Lock 'n Load Publishing as well as being the founder and President of The Gamers Network, Matrix Games, Strategic Games Publications, and at one point, the owner of The Wargamer. I have owned a few other businesses over the years, but I always keep coming back to gaming. My other interests include music, movies, and technology, and how I can combine my interests together. I give praise and thanks to God for blessing me and allowing me to follow my dreams.