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Recommend this book:
Codename Parsifal
A WWII Thriller
Martin Roy Hill
2024 Finalist
221 Pages
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Fiction - Military
Reviewed by Chinazo Anozie for Readers' Favorite
It was almost the end of World War II, and the Americans occupied much of Germany. However, an ancient relic symbolizes a chance of a Hail Mary to the losing Germans: the biblical spear used by the centurion to pierce Jesus’s body on the cross. According to legend, the spear contains mystical powers and grants its holder strength and invincibility while in their possession. The Germans, Russians, and Americans have all heard about this spear, and each side wants to possess it. In this race toward the spear, who will emerge victorious in the battle of good versus evil? Find out in this historical novel, Codename Parsifal, by Martin Roy Hill.
Codename Parsifal is a brilliant book. I enjoyed the camaraderie between Mac and the rest of the American team tasked with finding the spear, especially how they made jokes even when facing the horrors of war and possible death; I thought they were really brave. It was fascinating to read the story from the perspectives of the Americans, Germans, and Russians; it gave me a well-rounded view of the characters and their different mindsets toward the ongoing war, regardless of their roles as protagonists or antagonists. I also enjoyed the occasional use of German in the narrative, which was translated into English. I thought that this, as well as the dialogues, added to the authenticity of the setting and era. I appreciated that Martin Roy Hill stayed as close to history as possible while creating this splendid work of fiction.
It was almost the end of World War II, and the Americans occupied much of Germany. However, an ancient relic symbolizes a chance of a Hail Mary to the losing Germans: the biblical spear used by the centurion to pierce Jesus’s body on the cross. According to legend, the spear contains mystical powers and grants its holder strength and invincibility while in their possession. The Germans, Russians, and Americans have all heard about this spear, and each side wants to possess it. In this race toward the spear, who will emerge victorious in the battle of good versus evil? Find out in this historical novel, Codename Parsifal, by Martin Roy Hill.
Codename Parsifal is a brilliant book. I enjoyed the camaraderie between Mac and the rest of the American team tasked with finding the spear, especially how they made jokes even when facing the horrors of war and possible death; I thought they were really brave. It was fascinating to read the story from the perspectives of the Americans, Germans, and Russians; it gave me a well-rounded view of the characters and their different mindsets toward the ongoing war, regardless of their roles as protagonists or antagonists. I also enjoyed the occasional use of German in the narrative, which was translated into English. I thought that this, as well as the dialogues, added to the authenticity of the setting and era. I appreciated that Martin Roy Hill stayed as close to history as possible while creating this splendid work of fiction.
Recommend this book:
Against All Enemies
Thomas M. Wing
2024 Honorable Mention
438 Pages
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Fiction - Military
Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite
China's preemptive strike against US military installations is an implicit declaration of war as tensions between the People's Republic of China and the United States of America reach a breaking point. While the US administration seeks international backing for retaliation against China, the Russian president sees a chance to recover lost territory and return his country to its former splendor. While conducting maneuvers in the South China Sea, Captain Bill Wilkins and the crew of the USS Nicholas find themselves in enemy territory amidst this global crisis. Before becoming collateral damage in a rapidly developing international conflict, he needs to guide his crew and ship to friendly waters. Only time will tell if his plan succeeds in Thomas M. Wing’s Against All Enemies.
Thomas M. Wing creates his version of World War Three through deft storytelling. Wing uses the recent history of mistrust demonstrated by the world's major players to craft an incredibly believable background for this story. His vivid account of the events and the expertly crafted military engagements give this brilliant piece of fiction an unsettling resemblance to a real-life battle. He goes to great lengths to fully engross the reader in this tale, with the political backstabbing being just as fascinating as the actual combat. Character dialogue flows naturally and is detailed enough for the reader to follow the action. Nothing exemplifies this more than the back-and-forth between the military top brass and the president’s inner circle regarding who is in charge of launching nuclear missiles against mainland China. Against All Enemies is a gripping read that is remarkably realistic. Wing deserves plaudits for this novel.
China's preemptive strike against US military installations is an implicit declaration of war as tensions between the People's Republic of China and the United States of America reach a breaking point. While the US administration seeks international backing for retaliation against China, the Russian president sees a chance to recover lost territory and return his country to its former splendor. While conducting maneuvers in the South China Sea, Captain Bill Wilkins and the crew of the USS Nicholas find themselves in enemy territory amidst this global crisis. Before becoming collateral damage in a rapidly developing international conflict, he needs to guide his crew and ship to friendly waters. Only time will tell if his plan succeeds in Thomas M. Wing’s Against All Enemies.
Thomas M. Wing creates his version of World War Three through deft storytelling. Wing uses the recent history of mistrust demonstrated by the world's major players to craft an incredibly believable background for this story. His vivid account of the events and the expertly crafted military engagements give this brilliant piece of fiction an unsettling resemblance to a real-life battle. He goes to great lengths to fully engross the reader in this tale, with the political backstabbing being just as fascinating as the actual combat. Character dialogue flows naturally and is detailed enough for the reader to follow the action. Nothing exemplifies this more than the back-and-forth between the military top brass and the president’s inner circle regarding who is in charge of launching nuclear missiles against mainland China. Against All Enemies is a gripping read that is remarkably realistic. Wing deserves plaudits for this novel.
Recommend this book:
Yuri and the Pig
C W Lovatt
2024 Bronze Medal
281 Pages
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Fiction - Military
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Yuri and the Pig is a work of fiction in the military, action, and adventure subgenres. It is best suited to adult readers owing to some scenes of violence and the use of explicit language. Penned by author C W Lovatt, this captivating and thought-provoking tale takes readers on an unexpected journey through war-torn Eastern Europe. At its heart, this book is about an ordinary man, Yuri, and his extraordinary quest, all while accompanied by his loyal pig. Yuri's character is brilliantly crafted, presenting a simple peasant who cares little for the political turmoil surrounding him. He is content with his life of tilling soil and tending to his animals until a burdensome tax forces him to take action. What follows is an epic adventure that challenges his beliefs and opens his eyes to the world beyond his village. As Yuri and his pig travel across a landscape marked by war and suffering, readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.
Author C W Lovatt's storytelling is masterful, blending humor, adventure, and deep philosophical questions seamlessly. Through its close personal narrative and detailed exploration of character, the book beautifully explores themes of injustice, the human condition, and the power of questioning one's deeply held beliefs. Yuri's transformation throughout the story is both heartwarming and profound, showcasing the impact of personal growth and introspection, not to mention the author’s talent for subtle, naturalistic character development. Overall, Yuri and the Pig is an interesting and thought-provoking read that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned.
Yuri and the Pig is a work of fiction in the military, action, and adventure subgenres. It is best suited to adult readers owing to some scenes of violence and the use of explicit language. Penned by author C W Lovatt, this captivating and thought-provoking tale takes readers on an unexpected journey through war-torn Eastern Europe. At its heart, this book is about an ordinary man, Yuri, and his extraordinary quest, all while accompanied by his loyal pig. Yuri's character is brilliantly crafted, presenting a simple peasant who cares little for the political turmoil surrounding him. He is content with his life of tilling soil and tending to his animals until a burdensome tax forces him to take action. What follows is an epic adventure that challenges his beliefs and opens his eyes to the world beyond his village. As Yuri and his pig travel across a landscape marked by war and suffering, readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.
Author C W Lovatt's storytelling is masterful, blending humor, adventure, and deep philosophical questions seamlessly. Through its close personal narrative and detailed exploration of character, the book beautifully explores themes of injustice, the human condition, and the power of questioning one's deeply held beliefs. Yuri's transformation throughout the story is both heartwarming and profound, showcasing the impact of personal growth and introspection, not to mention the author’s talent for subtle, naturalistic character development. Overall, Yuri and the Pig is an interesting and thought-provoking read that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned.
Recommend this book:
Return to Duty
Dustin Williams
2024 Silver Medal
392 Pages
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Fiction - Military
Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite
Ryker Vaughn is part of an explosives detection team. During one of their campaigns, his team came across an unusual device with Ryker’s name on it. When the team tries to transport it back to base, it explodes, killing all his team members except him and leaving him a double amputee with a sense of guilt. On the other side of the world, the discovery of a similar device and an aggressively worded message from an extraterrestrial source puts world leaders on edge and people on high alert. The countdown is on as it looks like war is almost a certainty. The only person capable of stopping it is Ryker. Now he must face his demons to save the planet in Dustin Williams’s Return To Duty.
State-of-the-art technology and riveting storytelling come together explosively in Dustin Williams’s Return To Duty. The storyline has an injured war veteran take on extraterrestrial aggressors in a winner-takes-all battle. Williams focuses this gripping tale on the one resource the planet has in abundance and crafts an elaborate origin story around it with such dexterity that it is completely believable. The fighting scenes where Maazi’s forces take on the world’s might are described in such intricate detail that they are as immersive as they are suspense-filled. Williams’s concept of spacecraft that utilize lesser-known microorganisms abundant within our ecosystem sets the bar very high in science fiction. The best part of Return To Duty is the way Williams humanizes the principal character with bouts of self-doubt and wanting to emulate his father, pushing the narrative of a less-than-perfect hero. Williams deserves plaudits for an excellently crafted science-fiction masterpiece.
Ryker Vaughn is part of an explosives detection team. During one of their campaigns, his team came across an unusual device with Ryker’s name on it. When the team tries to transport it back to base, it explodes, killing all his team members except him and leaving him a double amputee with a sense of guilt. On the other side of the world, the discovery of a similar device and an aggressively worded message from an extraterrestrial source puts world leaders on edge and people on high alert. The countdown is on as it looks like war is almost a certainty. The only person capable of stopping it is Ryker. Now he must face his demons to save the planet in Dustin Williams’s Return To Duty.
State-of-the-art technology and riveting storytelling come together explosively in Dustin Williams’s Return To Duty. The storyline has an injured war veteran take on extraterrestrial aggressors in a winner-takes-all battle. Williams focuses this gripping tale on the one resource the planet has in abundance and crafts an elaborate origin story around it with such dexterity that it is completely believable. The fighting scenes where Maazi’s forces take on the world’s might are described in such intricate detail that they are as immersive as they are suspense-filled. Williams’s concept of spacecraft that utilize lesser-known microorganisms abundant within our ecosystem sets the bar very high in science fiction. The best part of Return To Duty is the way Williams humanizes the principal character with bouts of self-doubt and wanting to emulate his father, pushing the narrative of a less-than-perfect hero. Williams deserves plaudits for an excellently crafted science-fiction masterpiece.
Recommend this book:
Rogue Stars
Purgatory
Jaime Castle
2024 Gold Medal
430 Pages
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Fiction - Military
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
In Rogue Stars: Purgatory by Jaime Castle, Commander Predaxes of Prison Station Twelve maintains strict order and discipline. During a riot among new prisoners, he personally intervenes, resulting in seven inmate deaths. He investigates hackers, focusing on high-profile prisoner Samea Malik, who denies involvement in the incidents. A warship's approach prompts Predaxes to confine Malik and defend the station. Malik's tactical skills prove vital, more so when prisoners and crew alike end up on Faebos, where Malik’s team faces wildlife threats while collecting water samples. Following an attack, Predaxes plans prisoner use for mining, facing security concerns. Malik leads a mission, coordinating defense against creatures at the mining site. He effectively uses a combat platform to secure a retreat where collaboration between guards and prisoners becomes crucial, but Predaxes is forced to manage mixed responses and internal dissent regarding their roles.
Jaime Castle has essentially provided a masterclass on how to launch a series with Rogue Stars: Purgatory, crafting a story that blasts off immediately. The first blending that comes to mind in describing Purgatory is if Andor's Narkina 5 was mobile and crash-landed in Jurassic Park. It's as much fun to read as it sounds. Castle dances between the first-person points of view of Predaxes and Malik, so we see the evolution of their characters and their situations through their eyes. Naturally, the prison guards working on S-12 are going to have some discomfort with prisoners joining forces in a common fight. In fairness to the crew, wondering if it will be a hostile spider alien or a prisoner's shank to the kidney that kills you doesn't sound great. Inevitably, this does come to a head when a violently depicted and devastatingly grisly scene leads to a sort of mutiny, and the lines blur on whether it is Predaxes and Malik that go rogue or the crew. Frankly, when a book is this well-written and engrossing, all that matters is that Castle keeps writing. Very highly recommended.
In Rogue Stars: Purgatory by Jaime Castle, Commander Predaxes of Prison Station Twelve maintains strict order and discipline. During a riot among new prisoners, he personally intervenes, resulting in seven inmate deaths. He investigates hackers, focusing on high-profile prisoner Samea Malik, who denies involvement in the incidents. A warship's approach prompts Predaxes to confine Malik and defend the station. Malik's tactical skills prove vital, more so when prisoners and crew alike end up on Faebos, where Malik’s team faces wildlife threats while collecting water samples. Following an attack, Predaxes plans prisoner use for mining, facing security concerns. Malik leads a mission, coordinating defense against creatures at the mining site. He effectively uses a combat platform to secure a retreat where collaboration between guards and prisoners becomes crucial, but Predaxes is forced to manage mixed responses and internal dissent regarding their roles.
Jaime Castle has essentially provided a masterclass on how to launch a series with Rogue Stars: Purgatory, crafting a story that blasts off immediately. The first blending that comes to mind in describing Purgatory is if Andor's Narkina 5 was mobile and crash-landed in Jurassic Park. It's as much fun to read as it sounds. Castle dances between the first-person points of view of Predaxes and Malik, so we see the evolution of their characters and their situations through their eyes. Naturally, the prison guards working on S-12 are going to have some discomfort with prisoners joining forces in a common fight. In fairness to the crew, wondering if it will be a hostile spider alien or a prisoner's shank to the kidney that kills you doesn't sound great. Inevitably, this does come to a head when a violently depicted and devastatingly grisly scene leads to a sort of mutiny, and the lines blur on whether it is Predaxes and Malik that go rogue or the crew. Frankly, when a book is this well-written and engrossing, all that matters is that Castle keeps writing. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Black Water
The China Connection
Robert J Saniscalchi
2023 Finalist
137 Pages
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Fiction - Military
Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite
Blackwater chaos was about to engulf America, and the town of Caldwell was about to become the center of something bigger than they ever imagined. Hank was employed in the water department and was a part-time plumber for his community. He notices two Chinese nationals who seem suspicious, something he shares with Officer Stanley. The Chinese president, Li Sanshu, is a very happy man after the presentation of Doctor Ming and his assistant, Chao. He is optimistic that the Black Water Project will be a success and bring America to its knees, but those among his closest advisors are concerned about the repercussions of such an act. Will Chin and Li be caught, and how do the different agencies come together to fight this threat? Get a copy of Black Water: The China Connection by Robert J Saniscalchi to find out.
Black Water: The China Connection by Robert J Saniscalchi is a wonderfully written book. I loved the issues the book captured that affect society, such as immigration, our values and unity, and the thorny issue of meritocracy in public appointments. I also loved the appreciation shown for the law enforcement agencies. The steady narration and the flawless plotline kept me entertained and intrigued. Robert described events and emotions vividly, helping the reader create a mental picture of what was happening. The characters are also well-developed and relatable. The reader will also appreciate the easy-to-understand language the book uses, making it accessible to all readers. I cannot wait to read something else from this talented author.
Blackwater chaos was about to engulf America, and the town of Caldwell was about to become the center of something bigger than they ever imagined. Hank was employed in the water department and was a part-time plumber for his community. He notices two Chinese nationals who seem suspicious, something he shares with Officer Stanley. The Chinese president, Li Sanshu, is a very happy man after the presentation of Doctor Ming and his assistant, Chao. He is optimistic that the Black Water Project will be a success and bring America to its knees, but those among his closest advisors are concerned about the repercussions of such an act. Will Chin and Li be caught, and how do the different agencies come together to fight this threat? Get a copy of Black Water: The China Connection by Robert J Saniscalchi to find out.
Black Water: The China Connection by Robert J Saniscalchi is a wonderfully written book. I loved the issues the book captured that affect society, such as immigration, our values and unity, and the thorny issue of meritocracy in public appointments. I also loved the appreciation shown for the law enforcement agencies. The steady narration and the flawless plotline kept me entertained and intrigued. Robert described events and emotions vividly, helping the reader create a mental picture of what was happening. The characters are also well-developed and relatable. The reader will also appreciate the easy-to-understand language the book uses, making it accessible to all readers. I cannot wait to read something else from this talented author.
Recommend this book:
The Hunt for the Peggy C
A World War II Maritime Novel
John Winn Miller
2023 Honorable Mention
264 Pages
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Fiction - Military
Reviewed by Natalie Soine for Readers' Favorite
In John Winn Miller’s novel The Hunt for the Peggy C, Captain Jake Rogers commands a dilapidated cargo ship, the Peggy C, and solicits cargo and contraband to smuggle on his ship. During a violent storm, Jake and his crew rescue a group of sailors from a sunken ship. Upon their arrival in Amsterdam, Jake is surprised at the occupation by German soldiers. The crew loads a large crate onto the Peggy C. They are heading for Gibraltar when they are stopped by a German U-boat. Oberleutnant zur See Viktor Brauer is the U-boat’s commander. Jake and his crew manage to escape which leaves Brauer incensed and determined to hunt down the Peggy C and destroy her with her crew, no matter what it takes. It will take all the experience, skills and knowledge of the crew to save the Peggy C from destruction while protecting her human cargo.
The Hunt for the Peggy C is a gripping historical WW2 novel filled with suspense and action. Author John Winn Miller has certainly done his research in producing his account of men forced to survive the most frightening events. Surprising, beautiful, and heart-warming instances make for a unique addition to the story. The descriptions of the crew members and the dialogue create a feeling of reality. I especially enjoyed learning about how the crew of a ship work together as well as the mechanics involved in sailing, including managing a U-Boat. All-round, a fantastic story that is highly recommended to all adults, young and old.
In John Winn Miller’s novel The Hunt for the Peggy C, Captain Jake Rogers commands a dilapidated cargo ship, the Peggy C, and solicits cargo and contraband to smuggle on his ship. During a violent storm, Jake and his crew rescue a group of sailors from a sunken ship. Upon their arrival in Amsterdam, Jake is surprised at the occupation by German soldiers. The crew loads a large crate onto the Peggy C. They are heading for Gibraltar when they are stopped by a German U-boat. Oberleutnant zur See Viktor Brauer is the U-boat’s commander. Jake and his crew manage to escape which leaves Brauer incensed and determined to hunt down the Peggy C and destroy her with her crew, no matter what it takes. It will take all the experience, skills and knowledge of the crew to save the Peggy C from destruction while protecting her human cargo.
The Hunt for the Peggy C is a gripping historical WW2 novel filled with suspense and action. Author John Winn Miller has certainly done his research in producing his account of men forced to survive the most frightening events. Surprising, beautiful, and heart-warming instances make for a unique addition to the story. The descriptions of the crew members and the dialogue create a feeling of reality. I especially enjoyed learning about how the crew of a ship work together as well as the mechanics involved in sailing, including managing a U-Boat. All-round, a fantastic story that is highly recommended to all adults, young and old.
Recommend this book:
Angels and Bandits
Brodie Curtis
2023 Bronze Medal
364 Pages
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Fiction - Military
Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite
Angels and Bandits by Brodie Curtis is a historical fiction novel set during the early days of the Second World War. After being given a taste of flying on a plane, working-class Eddy Beane is hooked on returning to the skies again. Eventually, he finds himself flying for the RAF after going through training and doing delivery jobs. As a flight instructor, Eddy Beane takes on upper-class society girl June Stephenson as his flying student and eventually starts a relationship with her. With the Second World War looming on the horizon, Eddy finds himself in the same Spitfire squadron as Dudley, June’s ex-fiance. With the incoming war and heightened emotions between both men, will they set aside their personal feelings and class differences and fight together to protect Britain.?
Angels and Bandits by Brodie Curtis is one of those books that you don’t want to put down because you don’t want it to end just yet. Curtis has a proficiently mixed history, suspense, romance, and drama and has given us a war story that’s more than meets the eye. I don’t know much about planes, but Curtis conveniently eases us into a pilot’s point of view of the war. Eddy, June, and Dudley are well-written characters that inform us of a more complex world behind flying planes and the oncoming war. This is not just a love story or another World War novel. This is a story of people working toward what they want and fighting against all odds to reach that goal. Angels and Bandits is a heart-wrenching, suspenseful, well-written book that will keep you wanting more.
Angels and Bandits by Brodie Curtis is a historical fiction novel set during the early days of the Second World War. After being given a taste of flying on a plane, working-class Eddy Beane is hooked on returning to the skies again. Eventually, he finds himself flying for the RAF after going through training and doing delivery jobs. As a flight instructor, Eddy Beane takes on upper-class society girl June Stephenson as his flying student and eventually starts a relationship with her. With the Second World War looming on the horizon, Eddy finds himself in the same Spitfire squadron as Dudley, June’s ex-fiance. With the incoming war and heightened emotions between both men, will they set aside their personal feelings and class differences and fight together to protect Britain.?
Angels and Bandits by Brodie Curtis is one of those books that you don’t want to put down because you don’t want it to end just yet. Curtis has a proficiently mixed history, suspense, romance, and drama and has given us a war story that’s more than meets the eye. I don’t know much about planes, but Curtis conveniently eases us into a pilot’s point of view of the war. Eddy, June, and Dudley are well-written characters that inform us of a more complex world behind flying planes and the oncoming war. This is not just a love story or another World War novel. This is a story of people working toward what they want and fighting against all odds to reach that goal. Angels and Bandits is a heart-wrenching, suspenseful, well-written book that will keep you wanting more.
Recommend this book:
Chevalier
War Horses Book 1
Scott Warren
2023 Silver Medal
278 Pages
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Fiction - Military
Reviewed by Scott Cahan for Readers' Favorite
Chevalier: War Horses Book 1 by Scott Warren is the beginning of a new military science fiction series. The weapons of choice in this futuristic world are Upright Battle Tanks, giant fighting machines that walk on mechanical legs and shoot missiles with lethal arms. The men and women inside the uprights are the focus of this story. They are a ragtag group of tough-as-nails jockeys who routinely put their lives in danger to hold back the forces of evil. Rande Vandal, the main character, starts out as a lowly mechanic for the uprights, but ends up being called upon to step into a jockey’s role after a devastating attack from enemy forces. The story follows Vandal as he learns the ropes of piloting the temperamental uprights while also learning the rules of combat. The practice of simulated battles lasts for only a short time before a real live threat appears and suddenly Vandal is thrust into a life and death situation.
Although Chevalier: War Horses is set in the future, the story structure leans heavily on the lingo and tactics of modern-day warfare. One glance at author Scott Warren’s biography confirms he knows his stuff. He uses his extensive military background to give this book a uniquely authentic feel. Even though his characters are sitting in war machines that don’t yet exist, Mr. Warren makes the uprights feel as real as a fighter jet in a Top Gun movie. He uses military phrases, technical specs, and tactical capabilities that will feel very familiar to anyone who has been in the military, or anyone who enjoys reading and watching military dramas. Couple this kind of real-world grounding with a cast of solid characters, and you’ve got an exceptional sci-fi story. If Chevalier is any indication, the War Horses series promises to be a showcase for great storytelling, involving endearing heroes, cool weaponry, and epic battles.
Chevalier: War Horses Book 1 by Scott Warren is the beginning of a new military science fiction series. The weapons of choice in this futuristic world are Upright Battle Tanks, giant fighting machines that walk on mechanical legs and shoot missiles with lethal arms. The men and women inside the uprights are the focus of this story. They are a ragtag group of tough-as-nails jockeys who routinely put their lives in danger to hold back the forces of evil. Rande Vandal, the main character, starts out as a lowly mechanic for the uprights, but ends up being called upon to step into a jockey’s role after a devastating attack from enemy forces. The story follows Vandal as he learns the ropes of piloting the temperamental uprights while also learning the rules of combat. The practice of simulated battles lasts for only a short time before a real live threat appears and suddenly Vandal is thrust into a life and death situation.
Although Chevalier: War Horses is set in the future, the story structure leans heavily on the lingo and tactics of modern-day warfare. One glance at author Scott Warren’s biography confirms he knows his stuff. He uses his extensive military background to give this book a uniquely authentic feel. Even though his characters are sitting in war machines that don’t yet exist, Mr. Warren makes the uprights feel as real as a fighter jet in a Top Gun movie. He uses military phrases, technical specs, and tactical capabilities that will feel very familiar to anyone who has been in the military, or anyone who enjoys reading and watching military dramas. Couple this kind of real-world grounding with a cast of solid characters, and you’ve got an exceptional sci-fi story. If Chevalier is any indication, the War Horses series promises to be a showcase for great storytelling, involving endearing heroes, cool weaponry, and epic battles.
Recommend this book:
The Song of the Partisans
Kathryn Gauci
2023 Gold Medal
260 Pages
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Fiction - Military
Reviewed by Manik Chaturmutha for Readers' Favorite
Song of the Partisans is a military historical novel by Kathryn Gauci. The story follows the life of a young Parisian nurse, Simone, who helps the Resistance cause havoc against the German forces who have France under their control. She is first used for minor jobs of delivering to couriers or tending to wounded members of the Maquis but, seeing the potential in her, Jacques proposes a job far more dangerous and vital. From Paris, she has to relocate to the wine village of Verzenay in the façade of filling in the position of a live-in nurse and companion for an older woman, Madame Marie Legrande. While traveling, she meets one of the German officers, Oberstleutnant Bruno Albrecht. Little did she know this would be the start of the many meetings. The story outlines the bloodshed occurring on both sides, betrayal, loyalty, uncertainty, and a hardening of hearts, knowing only one thing; whatever happens, life moves on, even when war is waged.
Gauci's writing makes us travel with the Resistance. We can almost feel the tension of getting caught by the Nazis and French society's pressure. Narrated in the third person point of view, the story revolves around the protagonist, Simone. I adored Simone and how she hides her vulnerability yet rises to the occasion when called upon. Seldom letting her emotions take the upper hand, Simone is one true war hero who puts her country first but not without self-doubts. Simone has been adequately fleshed out and made remarkably relatable with different emotions. Simone's little romantic encounters leave us with a heavy heart, knowing nothing is certain in war, not even love. Gauci has a strong grip on military history and has effectively used it in this book. The details of how the Resistance would have worked, up to even the type of guns they used, are mentioned. Overall, Song of the Partisans by Kathryn Gauci is a true feast for readers of historical fiction.
Song of the Partisans is a military historical novel by Kathryn Gauci. The story follows the life of a young Parisian nurse, Simone, who helps the Resistance cause havoc against the German forces who have France under their control. She is first used for minor jobs of delivering to couriers or tending to wounded members of the Maquis but, seeing the potential in her, Jacques proposes a job far more dangerous and vital. From Paris, she has to relocate to the wine village of Verzenay in the façade of filling in the position of a live-in nurse and companion for an older woman, Madame Marie Legrande. While traveling, she meets one of the German officers, Oberstleutnant Bruno Albrecht. Little did she know this would be the start of the many meetings. The story outlines the bloodshed occurring on both sides, betrayal, loyalty, uncertainty, and a hardening of hearts, knowing only one thing; whatever happens, life moves on, even when war is waged.
Gauci's writing makes us travel with the Resistance. We can almost feel the tension of getting caught by the Nazis and French society's pressure. Narrated in the third person point of view, the story revolves around the protagonist, Simone. I adored Simone and how she hides her vulnerability yet rises to the occasion when called upon. Seldom letting her emotions take the upper hand, Simone is one true war hero who puts her country first but not without self-doubts. Simone has been adequately fleshed out and made remarkably relatable with different emotions. Simone's little romantic encounters leave us with a heavy heart, knowing nothing is certain in war, not even love. Gauci has a strong grip on military history and has effectively used it in this book. The details of how the Resistance would have worked, up to even the type of guns they used, are mentioned. Overall, Song of the Partisans by Kathryn Gauci is a true feast for readers of historical fiction.
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