2023 is the 40th anniversary of the Able Archer nuclear war crisis

Imagine if there were a series of events
that nearly caused an intercontinental nuclear war…
and all of it was kept secret for decades.

The Able Archers
is a novel based on real events
chronicling how the world nearly came to an end
in the autumn of 1983.

Brian Morra’s first-hand experience in many of the
incredible events described in The Able Archers
puts the reader right in the middle of the heart-stopping action.

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“16th Annual National Indie Excellence Award”
Winner of the Military Fiction category
Finalist in the Historical Fiction category

“2022 Next Generation Indie Book Awards”
Finalist in the Historical Fiction category

Latest News

“The Nuclear War Scare of 1983, And The Pop Culture Soundtrack of Anxiety,”
written by Brian in Crimereads
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“US Policy Is Prolonging the War in Ukraine,” written by Brian in Air & Space Forces Magazine
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“National Security and Foreign Policy Redefined,” Brian on the Burn Bag Podcast
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A revelatory thriller with edge-of-your-seat, end-of-the-world suspense.
—Kirkus Reviews

As compelling as it is informative and as entertaining as it is terrifying, The Able Archers is a great read and highly recommended.
—New York Journal of Books

This book is a must-read, and I hope that future books by this talented author will use history to help us understand our world today.
—Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization

While a gripping work of fiction, The Able Archers is a powerful reminder of the value of human judgment—and the continuing peril posed by nuclear-armed powers.
—Robert M. Gates, former Secretary of Defense

Brian J. Morra is ‘the master craftsman’. The Able Archers is brilliant.
—William S. Cohen, former Secretary of Defense

… a terrifying yet factual story of how a few people prevented a global nuclear war. It’s frighteningly relevant to today’s fraught geo-political scene—one of the must-read novels of 2022!
—Jack Carr, former Navy SEAL Sniper and #1 NYT bestselling author

A brilliant thriller full of practical lessons for policy-makers… A seamless blend of carefully researched history and a fascinating cast of both real and fictional characters…
—Admiral James Stavridis, former NATO Supreme Commander USN, (Ret)

The Able Archers is possibly the most important book to be published this year.
—General Bryan Doug Brown, USA (ret) 7th Commander of Special Operations Command

Morra’s spell-binding tale grips the reader from page one through the twists and turns of spy craft and kinetic military activity to a surprising and satisfying conclusion.
—Admiral Timothy J. Keating, United States Navy (retired)

Morra knows the Able Archers story because he lived it, and he tells it in vivid, compelling, and frightening detail—with wit and humanity. Bravo!
—The Honorable James K. Glassman, former Undersecretary of State

Brian’s settings, scenes and characters are absolutely authentic and can send shivers up the spines of those who were there and will never forget those events of 40 years ago.
—Larry Cox, Intelligence Officer

This is a must read, and I hope that future books by this talented author will use history to help us understand our world today.
—Samuel C. Mahaney, Maj Gen, USAF (Retired), HVAO Historian

The Able Archers is a truly gripping account of one of the most dangerous episodes of the Cold War.
—Taylor Downing, historian and author

… a brilliant, fictionalized account of a critical time in global history when the world teetered on the verge of catastrophe.
—Award-winning author Carole P. Roman

… any curriculum for crisis management planning would do well to include Brian Morra’s insightful novel which looks at the crisis that brought us close to war in 1983.
—Dr. Robbin F. Laird

The Able Archers is… exceptionally entertaining and engrossing… a must read…
—Jeffrey “Skunk” Baxter

I just did not want to stop reading. An amazing book that is skillfully written and a must read.
—Samuel G. Tooma, Oceanographer and Author

Read all reviews

About Brian

Brian has spent his career in intelligence and national security beginning with his time as a decorated Air Force Intelligence officer and through his many years as a senior executive in the aerospace and defense industry. Brian was encouraged to write the story of The Able Archers by many friends who convinced him that his unique, personal insight could bring the story to life of how humanity narrowly avoided extinction in the fall of 1983. His writing is based on first-hand experience and the stories of the many intriguing people he’s encountered over the years

Brian grew up in Virginia and is married to Tracy, who is an outstanding story editor. They split their time between homes in Virginia and Florida. When Brian isn’t writing, he is a corporate board member, enjoys cycling, playing guitar and piano, and visiting with his two grandchildren.

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