mimaindo

I struggled to rate this one, but have finally decided that it deserves a 3.5 Stars as while it was nothing spectacular it was a definite improvement on Odin's mission . I don't really know how to review this book, as there was no stand out parts - neither good, nor bad. I think that the best and worst that can be said of it is that it is a solid, good read. Apart from that though there was nothing much else to comment on. The characters were well written I suppose. Jack Tanner was of course the most in depth, and continued to show the characterisation that was developed in the opening book. His comrades were well done, with Sykes and Hepworth being stand out characters that had well-developed depth and distinct characterisations. It was interesting to see the enmity between Blackstone and Tanner, with Blackstone being well written for a one novel character and the history between the two serving to entice the reader as to Tanner's History. The plot line was a bit gargled though. There was no specific target like in Odin's Mission when they had to return from behind enemy lines, rather there were loads of minor conflicts and trials that they had to overcome. With the subplot/plot of Blackstone/Tanner being the thread that bonded the novel into one. It was interesting to see the WW2 from the "soldier's perspective", and thought that it was really well researched and fell into the same understanding that I had over the whole situation. There was true realisation of the failings of the French - they really were that dismal - and the BEF; but I did think that the BEF was let of lightly. At the outbreak of the war we - the Allies - were seriously unprepared, we still had the mindset of 'static armies' and 'trench warfare' and that coupled with our blind ignorance of the mounting military presence in Germany was the reason for our early defeats. However, this book seemed to shift the blame more onto the French, however while this may be true we were not 'perfect' by any means. Overall this was a solid book. It has been tagged as the 'Sharpe of WWII', and while I can see and appreciate the parallel, I don't believe that these books hold a light to the Cornwell's Napoleonic adventures. This book was good though, and I would happily suggest it to anyone looking for good, solid historical fiction. I said in my previous review that I was surprised anyone had taken on a military fiction of WWII, but this more than does it justice. Have fun reading.

2022-12-17 06:54