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Raiding Forces #3
Blood Wings
Trilogy set with Raiding Forces framework.n this sequel to Dead Eagles, U.S. Major John Randal, commander of Strategic Raiding Forces, returns in Blood Wings, the first book in a trilogy within the Raiding Forces Series about the Abyssinian Campaign. Major Randal parachutes into the middle of Italian East Africa with orders to raise a guerrilla army. Everything that can go wrong does. Blood Wings is a story of unconventional warfare and the ability to improvise, adapt and press on against overwhelming odds. As in the first two Raiding Forces military adventures, Major Randal takes on a long-range independent mission against incredible odds. He proves once again that he is the best unconventional commander that Special Operations Executive can call on in a time of desperate need.
- GenresWarMilitary Fiction
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2012
573 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Phil Ward
38 books86 followersPhil Ward is a decorated combat veteran commissioned at age nineteen. A former instructor at the Army Ranger School, he has had a lifelong interest in small unit tactics and special operations. He lives in Texas on a mountain overlooking Lake Austin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 30, 2017
Slow, tedious start
About 60% of Blood Wings was devoted to introducing the full names, including nicknames, of all the characters (one character's name took two lines). During those introductions there was only one page of the action I had expected from reading the first two books in this series, and than the author did a brief reintroducion of selected characters followed by a quick action scene before briefly reintroducing most of the key characters again. I do like the creatively drawn problems the author puts his characters in and the even more creative solutions he has them use to deal with those problems--out of the box thinking. I just wish the author had devoted more time showing his characters in action. He's so good at action.
About 60% of Blood Wings was devoted to introducing the full names, including nicknames, of all the characters (one character's name took two lines). During those introductions there was only one page of the action I had expected from reading the first two books in this series, and than the author did a brief reintroducion of selected characters followed by a quick action scene before briefly reintroducing most of the key characters again. I do like the creatively drawn problems the author puts his characters in and the even more creative solutions he has them use to deal with those problems--out of the box thinking. I just wish the author had devoted more time showing his characters in action. He's so good at action.
January 28, 2021
Blood Wings. Phil Ward
Major John Randal is involved in the Abyssinian campaign in East Africa. He has orders to raise a guerilla army to engage the Italians who currently control the area. The British army personnel stationed there and there troops are unfortunately, not up to the task. Leadership is questionable resulting in poor morale. Unknown to Randal his being sent there are for all the wrong reasons. His ex fiancee's husband MIA and presumed killed in action has returned. He was actually rescued by Major Randal on one of his missions. He is an arrogant entitled and narcissistic man. He is also very jealous of Randal and with his connections has requested Randal to be assigned a mission in Africa. Major Randal is clueless to this act. Unfortunately upon parachuting to his location his radio for communication purposes is destroyed and everything goes downhill. This is a fast paced action laced cliffhanger. Enjoyed immensely!!
Major John Randal is involved in the Abyssinian campaign in East Africa. He has orders to raise a guerilla army to engage the Italians who currently control the area. The British army personnel stationed there and there troops are unfortunately, not up to the task. Leadership is questionable resulting in poor morale. Unknown to Randal his being sent there are for all the wrong reasons. His ex fiancee's husband MIA and presumed killed in action has returned. He was actually rescued by Major Randal on one of his missions. He is an arrogant entitled and narcissistic man. He is also very jealous of Randal and with his connections has requested Randal to be assigned a mission in Africa. Major Randal is clueless to this act. Unfortunately upon parachuting to his location his radio for communication purposes is destroyed and everything goes downhill. This is a fast paced action laced cliffhanger. Enjoyed immensely!!
April 16, 2021
Its a fun war story, but the author drives me crazy missing proper nomenclature and even the proper names for common firearms. There never was a Springfield 1903 A1, except in the sniper version with a Unertl scope, unique to service in the Corps. A Springfield was a 1903, or a Springfield. The other is the SMLE, 303 Brit infantry rifle. Most of the WW-II rifles were Mark IV, # 1, pattern, but a number of un-modified WW-I rifles saw service, but, Ward keeps calling them something other than Short, Magazine, Lee-Enfield, or SMLE. Affectionately called the smelly. I suspect that a number of other errors of fact creep in, but he is published and I am not.
August 3, 2025
This book covers a part or WW2 that I have minimal knowledge about. I did not understand the importance of keeping the Red Sea corridor in Allied control as being a caveat for Lend Lease to happen! Abyssenia/Ethiopia sounds like a backwater country, with a less than trustworthy Emperor. Who can you trust? For Randal to go head first into that place, says a lot. This book can be a bit confusing, with all the political ramifications, and infighting amongst the British forces, but it is full of historical info and plenty of action! The last part of the book is quite intense and terrifying! There is more to this story, so onward to the next one.
January 7, 2025
I still gave it 5 stars
Although this book was harder to follow because of all the political information in Africa and the addition of lots of new characters. However, it is worth muddling through all that to continue reading the original story line and characters. This series of books is a very interesting, entertaining read even with the confusing British titles, politics, etc. just keep reading! You won’t regret it but do read the books in order.
Although this book was harder to follow because of all the political information in Africa and the addition of lots of new characters. However, it is worth muddling through all that to continue reading the original story line and characters. This series of books is a very interesting, entertaining read even with the confusing British titles, politics, etc. just keep reading! You won’t regret it but do read the books in order.
November 22, 2019
The Abyssinian Campaign Part 1
“Blood Wings” is the 3rd book in the ‘Raiding Forces’ series. Like the 1st two book, it weaves the story of John Randel and his troops into actual events that occurred during WW II.
The action and intrigue propel “Blood Wings” through the early African campaign to drive the Italians out of Abyssinian.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
“Blood Wings” is the 3rd book in the ‘Raiding Forces’ series. Like the 1st two book, it weaves the story of John Randel and his troops into actual events that occurred during WW II.
The action and intrigue propel “Blood Wings” through the early African campaign to drive the Italians out of Abyssinian.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
August 5, 2017
Great WWII historical fiction
I enjoy following Major Randle and his merry men through the different actions in Africa and France. When you throw in his on again off again relationship with Lady Jane you have a great read.
I enjoy following Major Randle and his merry men through the different actions in Africa and France. When you throw in his on again off again relationship with Lady Jane you have a great read.
September 15, 2017
Guerrilla Raiders
Sent to North Africa to raise a guerrilla army John Randall gets stuck in the desert with no radio, hostile natives and has man eating lions to contend with, Another great story in the Raiding Forces saga..
Sent to North Africa to raise a guerrilla army John Randall gets stuck in the desert with no radio, hostile natives and has man eating lions to contend with, Another great story in the Raiding Forces saga..
January 19, 2018
Great
I had always understood that the Huks were Chinese communist backed, and most, but not all of the uprising from 1906 until 1941 were Moros. Now must say that as awriter you seem to have a strange sense of humor.Very good stories.
I had always understood that the Huks were Chinese communist backed, and most, but not all of the uprising from 1906 until 1941 were Moros. Now must say that as awriter you seem to have a strange sense of humor.Very good stories.
January 31, 2021
Great read!!!
Although the interactions between those of different military ranks is very different from what I remember about the US Army, it makes for interesting reading. I have read all up to this point, and look forward to the next.
Although the interactions between those of different military ranks is very different from what I remember about the US Army, it makes for interesting reading. I have read all up to this point, and look forward to the next.
February 12, 2022
Following the adventure
More fast paced action with a real different African twist.
Didn't see this one coming at all which also reminds us this was a WORLD WAR end most of the world was involved one way or the other.
More fast paced action with a real different African twist.
Didn't see this one coming at all which also reminds us this was a WORLD WAR end most of the world was involved one way or the other.
July 10, 2023
Never expect the plan to work.
The story continues with many foul ups. The capability of the men to play the part needed is difficult to believe. The story continues to be hard to understand and believed!
The story continues with many foul ups. The capability of the men to play the part needed is difficult to believe. The story continues to be hard to understand and believed!
May 21, 2017
Excellent
The realness (is that a real word) is captivating. You care for the characters as if you know them. Warts and all they are compelling. Best WWII story I have read.
The realness (is that a real word) is captivating. You care for the characters as if you know them. Warts and all they are compelling. Best WWII story I have read.
May 29, 2019
Great Read want More
November 4, 2020
The good story continues
The group of aggressive fighters takes on another battle. Good book to read during the pandemic. Easy escape from reality.
The group of aggressive fighters takes on another battle. Good book to read during the pandemic. Easy escape from reality.
February 13, 2021
Too much information
The book started off with some big surprises that sparked a lot of excitement to come. But the fighting of the lions had way to much Information. I actually had to skip over some of it. Moving on to book 4.
The book started off with some big surprises that sparked a lot of excitement to come. But the fighting of the lions had way to much Information. I actually had to skip over some of it. Moving on to book 4.
February 21, 2021
Great story!!!
Mr Ward is an excellent example of a writer who mixes history with fiction in a way that makes sense!
Mr Ward is an excellent example of a writer who mixes history with fiction in a way that makes sense!
March 14, 2021
I’m caught. Hook, line and sinker!
May 31, 2021
Keeps getting better
Great read and getting more compelling as it goes along. The characters are compelling and funny which makes for a great read
Great read and getting more compelling as it goes along. The characters are compelling and funny which makes for a great read
May 19, 2022
Unconventional warfare in Africa. Facing a larger threat from the natives, Lions, leopards, and hyenas. The ending leaves you hanging till the next in the series.
June 23, 2022
Well written
A well written continuation of the series, but leaves many cliff hangers and unanswered questions. Looking forward to reading the next book.
A well written continuation of the series, but leaves many cliff hangers and unanswered questions. Looking forward to reading the next book.
April 2, 2023
The great story continues
A very good story continues of World War II. The series is as good in book 3 as it was in book 1. Ready to start book 4.
A very good story continues of World War II. The series is as good in book 3 as it was in book 1. Ready to start book 4.
December 20, 2024
Excellent story and wonderful characters. And lots of historical perspectives.
May 17, 2025
Totally engrossing!
Some of the best historical fiction I've read in a long time. Great characters. I can't stop chain reading the series.
Some of the best historical fiction I've read in a long time. Great characters. I can't stop chain reading the series.
October 9, 2015
Still good stuff
This book moved more slowly at the onset than the first two. Still in all not a bad read. I was afraid the author had just decided that it was time for a new one. It ended up being a pretty decent follow-up, continuing with the same cast of characters.
This book moved more slowly at the onset than the first two. Still in all not a bad read. I was afraid the author had just decided that it was time for a new one. It ended up being a pretty decent follow-up, continuing with the same cast of characters.
January 7, 2013
A worthwhile addition to the oeuvre. This takes John Randall to the war in Abassynia.
November 22, 2015
Finished this awhile ago. Am currently on book five of the series, which gives you an idea that I might be enjoying the writing? The final book, # six is already on my Kindle.
June 24, 2016
It just left me hanging... I have to find the next one.
It started a little slow but seemed to pick up speed as the book went on.
It started a little slow but seemed to pick up speed as the book went on.
April 6, 2017
This is the next book in the series. Our hero is sent to Africa to battle the invading Italians. This remote part of WW2 is unexpected and one of the most interesting. I was disturbed by the 'cliff-hanger' ending, but will read the next book anyway.
April 30, 2017
Another grew read!
Mr Ward once again informs, enlightens, amuses and generally entertains with his story. I feel like the raiding forces are old friends and I want to hear what happens next. Great job!
Mr Ward once again informs, enlightens, amuses and generally entertains with his story. I feel like the raiding forces are old friends and I want to hear what happens next. Great job!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews