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I assume you're here at this website because you like my books. Good. And that also means you might like the books I enjoy reading, and that all of us might enjoy the books that you read, so this is simply a place where we can exchange news of books - any books - not just historical novels. Tell us if you've read something wonderful and entertaining, and we'll post your recommendations and reviews here. And, please, let us know what you think of these recommendations!

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Reading Club Results 51 through 60
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 Posting Date: 02 Apr, 2009                          (51.)
 Posted By:
BrianFalk
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Book Title:
HUNTING EICHMANN

Book Author:
Neal Bascomb
Publisher: Quercus Publishing
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  Here is a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading the book, the true story of how a young spy agency hunted one of the worst war criminals known.after following countless dead end leads over the years.after most people had lost interest in bringing nazi war criminals to justice,these men would not rest till justice was done. not so much for them but for millions of people put to death under this man's direction.once started you'll have a hard time putting it down. and once you put it down you'll have a harder time forgetting it.
 Posting Date: 10 Mar, 2009                          (52.)
 Posted By:
Greg Anchors
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Book Title:
SNIPER 1

Book Author:
SGT.DAN MILLS
Publisher: Penguin
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  Just finished this 1.Normally,non-fiction by soldiers doesn't excite me much,though I'm very interested.This account by Sgt. Mills (& his "professional" ghost writer-lets not kid ourselves)of his sniper plts yr in Iraq more than 1 yr after the initial invasion is a chilling rollercoaster ride through a hell of Shia militias,maniacal Imams,ignorant commanders,a callous media,ruthless terrorists,an even more ruthless govt,deadly heat,debilitating illness & the nightmarish dilemma of hate,bigotry,greed & bloodlust that makes up warfare.These snipers see & know all cause they're the scouts & surgical assassins in any theatre of war.They get a front row seat & if you're interested in the battlefield per se,these are the guys to learn from.I couldn't put it down & I dont normally use that cliche.
 Posting Date: 10 Mar, 2009                          (53.)
 Posted By:
Greg Anchors
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Book Title:
FEAST OF BONES

Book Author:
DANIEL BOLGER
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  This novel by lt.Col (now)Brig.Gen bolger concerns the Russians in Afghanistan during the 1980s.It was awesomely intelligent,graphic & realistic due to Bolgers military svc.It takes 1 to know 1 & West Pointer Bolger is a military man though & through.As a military novelist he stands toe to toe with guys like Coyle,Ruggero,etc.Hes not just a dilletante either.Plot,characters,nararative,dialogue,et;al score bullseyes.Highly reccomended but hard to find(long out of print)Happy reading.
 Posting Date: 08 Mar, 2009                          (54.)
 Posted By:
Greg Anchors
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Book Title:
CASCA

Book Author:
BARRY SADLER
Publisher: Ace
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  Hey! What's wrong with you people? Why has CASCA never been mentioned in these galleys? For those of you not in the know,CASCA was a character devised by the late,great SGT. Barry Sadler,who also authored the legendary BALLAD OF THE GREEN BERETS during V Nam.Casca is a Roman Legionairre who was responsible for spearing the side of Christ on the mount.Before the deity passed,however,he curses the Roman to a life of eternal battle as an undying,omnipresent mercenary.This gives Casca the excuse to serve in every military org you can name through any war that's ever happened.Talk about battle fatigue.Sadler wrote 21 of these before his murder in 1989.I know they're cheap pulp fic but if you dig history & soldiers,this is what you need to take on a plane or something.Theyr'e all about 190 pgs(paperback) & keep the schoolboy adventurer in all of us primed.Sadler really did his research & you can tell when you read these books.It's debatable whether he had a ghost writer doing his actual writing for him,but,Sadler created the character at least.Kudos to him.Happy reading.
 Posting Date: 08 Mar, 2009                          (55.)
 Posted By:
Greg Anchors
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Book Title:
KILLING ROMMELL

Book Author:
STEVEN PRESSFIELD
Publisher: VIKING
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  Unfortunately,I must say I was disappointed by this account of Montgomery's war against the Afrika korps & the exploits of the fascinating bunch of guys known as the LONG RANGE DESERT GROUP.Although characters were intriguing & realistic I couldn't be transported into the hell of war as overwhelmingly as in Pressfields other novels.I think,perhaps,its because this 1 was a bit too short.I think Pressfield could have lengthened it a bit.It seems as though it may have been a hurry up job.However,don't let me stop you if you want an interesting WW2 read.It's a good book.I was just disappointed in its lack of scale.
 Posting Date: 28 Feb, 2009                          (56.)
 Posted By:
Edward Sharman
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Book Title:
RAVEN BLOOD EYE

Book Author:
Giles Kristian
Publisher: Bantam Press
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  Be warned this is a very very good book, I started to read it on my way to work and missed my stop because I was so engrossed. The plot is well written and has some very good twists as the story develops.I have not been able to put it down and wish I could get my hands on the next part.If you want a great action story to put you into the shieldwall or on a sleek Dragon ship this is the book for you. Brillant 10/10
 Posting Date: 24 Feb, 2009                          (57.)
 Posted By:
Keith Potter
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Book Title:
Mercenary's Tale

Book Author:
William Heuisler
Publisher: Booksurge
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  More history than historical novel, this one grabs you from the start and never lets go. A short-timer Marine is recruited from Quantico Marine Base by the CIA into anti-Castro, "Operation Mongoose" to train Cuban refugees on raids into Cuba. The condensed, but true story explores political intrigue and often-sinister characters in turbulent, bloody South Florida during the early sixties. Hints of betrayal complicate rescue missions and an unlikely love affair adds further tension. Readers are led through a bizarre world where ambush is only the dawn of misfortune, and where the horrors of combat, shipwreck, starvation and worse become commonplace. Those interested in history in Cuba's tempestuous relationship with the United States and how powerful politicians courted Fidel - will be pleasantly surprised as six decades of Cuban turmoil becomes a current background for hurtling action and taut suspense. The saga of bravery, betrayal, personal heartache and bittersweet retribution is completed as friends give the ultimate sacrifice and the U.S. Government indicts its own mercenaries.
 Posting Date: 14 Feb, 2009                          (58.)
 Posted By:
Lee
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Book Title:
THE LAST ENGLISH KING

Book Author:
Julian Rathbone
Publisher: Abacus
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  OK - I'm using the The Last English King as a reference point for Julian Rathbone's historical canon. Anyone who appreciates the craft of Bernard Cornwell will, I have no doubt, adore works such as Joseph, Wellington's War, Kings of Albion, A Very English Agent, Birth Of A Nation, etc.

The Last English King is a wonderful re-telling of the events leading up to William the Bastard's invasion of England in 1066 as seen through the eyes of the fantastically real Walt - one of Harold II's housecurls who has spent four years wandering Europe and Asia in shame for having failed his lord in his hour of need. The characterisation is extraordinary - in my mind Rathbone was without peer in this respect. It is impossible not to feel for the inevitable plight of Harold Godwinson and Rathbone works brilliantly within the historical novelist's great challenge that the reader will always know the outcome of major events underpinning the story. Walt is telling a story - a story of his failure and, within that, the failure of Harold to preserve England for all time. The truth is, of course, that neither failed ... both gave all they had and all anyone can ask but at the end of the day it was not quite enough. The rest, as they say, is history ..... but this book is far more than that.
 Posting Date: 09 Feb, 2009                          (59.)
 Posted By:
J Ricks
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Book Title:
SHOGUN

Book Author:
James Clavell
Publisher: Hodder Paperbacks
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  A great historical fiction about an English pilot who ends up shipwrecked in 16th century Japan. It's full of political intrigue, awesome samurai battles, and incredible amounts of Japanese culture. Read this book! It is long but well worth the time spent.
 Posting Date: 04 Feb, 2009                          (60.)
 Posted By:
Jim Landgraf
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Book Title:
LORD OF THE SILVER BOW

Book Author:
David Gemmell
Publisher: Corgi Books
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  This is the first of a three part series about the battle of Troy. The characters and scenery are amazingly wrapped around solid storytelling and an entertaining plot line. A must read for fans of historical fiction.
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