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Brotherhood of War #1
The Lieutenants
They were the young ones, the bright ones, the ones with the dreams. From the Nazi-prowled wastes of North Africa to the bloody corridors of Europe, they answered the call gladly. It was their duty, their job, their life. They marched off as boys, and they came back--those who made it--as soldiers and professionals forged in the heat of battle...
373 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 1982
627 people are currently reading
2987 people want to read
About the author
W.E.B. Griffin
351 books1,298 followersW.E.B. Griffin was one of several pseudonyms for William E. Butterworth III.
From the Authors Website:
W.E.B. Griffin was the #1 best-selling author of more than fifty epic novels in seven series, all of which have made The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, and other best-seller lists. More than fifty million of the books are in print in more than ten languages, including Hebrew, Chinese, Japanese, and Hungarian.
Mr. Griffin grew up in the suburbs of New York City and Philadelphia. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1946. After basic training, he received counterintelligence training at Fort Holabird, Maryland. He was assigned to the Army of Occupation in Germany, and ultimately to the staff of then-Major General I.D. White, commander of the U.S. Constabulary.
In 1951, Mr. Griffin was recalled to active duty for the Korean War, interrupting his education at Phillips University, Marburg an der Lahn, Germany. In Korea he earned the Combat Infantry Badge as a combat correspondent and later served as acting X Corps (Group) information officer under Lieutenant General White.
On his release from active duty in 1953, Mr. Griffin was appointed Chief of the Publications Division of the U.S. Army Signal Aviation Test & Support Activity at Fort Rucker, Alabama.
Mr. Griffin was a member of the Special Operations Association, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Army Aviation Association, the Armor Association, and the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Society.
He was the 1991 recipient of the Brigadier General Robert L. Dening Memorial Distinguished Service Award of the U.S. Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, and the August 1999 recipient of the Veterans of Foreign Wars News Media Award, presented at the 100th National Convention in Kansas City.
He has been vested into the Order of St. George of the U.S. Armor Association, and the Order of St. Andrew of the U.S. Army Aviation Association, and been awarded Honorary Doctoral degrees by Norwich University, the nation’s first and oldest private military college, and by Troy State University (Ala.). He was the graduation dinner speaker for the class of 1988 at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
He has been awarded honorary membership in the Special Forces Association, the Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, the Marine Raiders Association, and the U.S. Army Otter & Caribou Association. In January 2003, he was made a life member of the Police Chiefs Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and the State of Delaware.
He was the co-founder, with historian Colonel Carlo D’Este, of the William E. Colby Seminar on Intelligence, Military, and Diplomatic Affairs. (Details here and here)
He was a Life Member of the National Rifle Association. And he belongs to the Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Pensacola, Florida, chapters of the Flat Earth Society.
Mr. Griffin’s novels, known for their historical accuracy, have been praised by The Philadelphia Inquirer for their “fierce, stop-for-nothing scenes.”
“Nothing honors me more than a serviceman, veteran, or cop telling me he enjoys reading my books,” Mr. Griffin says.
Mr. Griffin divides his time between the Gulf Coast and Buenos Aires.
Notes:
Other Pseudonyms
* Alex Baldwin
* Webb Beech
* Walker E. Blake
* W.E. Butterworth
* James McM. Douglas
* Eden Hughes
* Edmund O. Scholefield
* Patrick J. Williams
* W. E. Butterworth
* John Kevin Dugan
* Jac
From the Authors Website:
W.E.B. Griffin was the #1 best-selling author of more than fifty epic novels in seven series, all of which have made The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, and other best-seller lists. More than fifty million of the books are in print in more than ten languages, including Hebrew, Chinese, Japanese, and Hungarian.
Mr. Griffin grew up in the suburbs of New York City and Philadelphia. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1946. After basic training, he received counterintelligence training at Fort Holabird, Maryland. He was assigned to the Army of Occupation in Germany, and ultimately to the staff of then-Major General I.D. White, commander of the U.S. Constabulary.
In 1951, Mr. Griffin was recalled to active duty for the Korean War, interrupting his education at Phillips University, Marburg an der Lahn, Germany. In Korea he earned the Combat Infantry Badge as a combat correspondent and later served as acting X Corps (Group) information officer under Lieutenant General White.
On his release from active duty in 1953, Mr. Griffin was appointed Chief of the Publications Division of the U.S. Army Signal Aviation Test & Support Activity at Fort Rucker, Alabama.
Mr. Griffin was a member of the Special Operations Association, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Army Aviation Association, the Armor Association, and the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Society.
He was the 1991 recipient of the Brigadier General Robert L. Dening Memorial Distinguished Service Award of the U.S. Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, and the August 1999 recipient of the Veterans of Foreign Wars News Media Award, presented at the 100th National Convention in Kansas City.
He has been vested into the Order of St. George of the U.S. Armor Association, and the Order of St. Andrew of the U.S. Army Aviation Association, and been awarded Honorary Doctoral degrees by Norwich University, the nation’s first and oldest private military college, and by Troy State University (Ala.). He was the graduation dinner speaker for the class of 1988 at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
He has been awarded honorary membership in the Special Forces Association, the Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, the Marine Raiders Association, and the U.S. Army Otter & Caribou Association. In January 2003, he was made a life member of the Police Chiefs Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and the State of Delaware.
He was the co-founder, with historian Colonel Carlo D’Este, of the William E. Colby Seminar on Intelligence, Military, and Diplomatic Affairs. (Details here and here)
He was a Life Member of the National Rifle Association. And he belongs to the Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Pensacola, Florida, chapters of the Flat Earth Society.
Mr. Griffin’s novels, known for their historical accuracy, have been praised by The Philadelphia Inquirer for their “fierce, stop-for-nothing scenes.”
“Nothing honors me more than a serviceman, veteran, or cop telling me he enjoys reading my books,” Mr. Griffin says.
Mr. Griffin divides his time between the Gulf Coast and Buenos Aires.
Notes:
Other Pseudonyms
* Alex Baldwin
* Webb Beech
* Walker E. Blake
* W.E. Butterworth
* James McM. Douglas
* Eden Hughes
* Edmund O. Scholefield
* Patrick J. Williams
* W. E. Butterworth
* John Kevin Dugan
* Jac
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
January 17, 2020
Less than expected as I was bored with this story. 2 of 10 stars
December 23, 2018
5 stars.
🌺🦋
🌺🦋
January 4, 2009
When Joe recommended this book, I didn't want to read it because I thought it was another historical fiction book about war. This book is not about war at all, but about the characters Griffin masterfully creates. This book made me laugh nightly because of how it pokes fun of the military. If you've ever served, you've met people like these guys in the military, and you've been in similar situations as what they face. My favorite character is Lowell, a snot-nosed rich kid who gets kicked out of West Point only to get himself commissioned as an officer because a General wants him on his polo team! Lowell ends up becoming the rebelious, daring , and combat savvy hero of Greece post-WWII at age 19. Griffin's descriptions of Lowell at Officer functions, and interacting with "desk officers" is classic. I can't wait to read "Captains"!
November 30, 2017
What a fantastic ending. This book was amazing and what a cast of characters set in the WWII time era. I was so happy for the ending, it almost made me cry. The book takes the reader all over Europe and of course the United States and what it might have been like for lieutenants in the U.S. Army during WWII and after the war while still in the military. What they had to deal with and how they helped each other out during hard assignments. The dialogue was superb and this book rivals the book Band of Brothers. I'd love to see this as a movie or miniseries if the rest of the books in this series are this good. I'm looking forward to reading the rest in this series.
July 4, 2018
This book is absolute jingoist propaganda trash. The plot is pretty good, but it was hard to make it through all of the RACISM. I've probably read this series two or three times while I was in high school. It was definitely strange to return to this after fifteen years. This would be a good book if you managed to rewrite it and take out all of the racism, sexism, anti-semitism, and homophobia. But even then, it wouldn't change the fact that this series is just conservative anti-communist propaganda from the 1980s. This is the kind of book that makes white people think that they can use racist terms with their POC friends, and that it's okay because they're friends. Well, it doesn't change the fact that it's racist, you assholes! If you'd like to know what MAGA fools really think, read this book. They think they're all noble, patriotic Americans with self-respect! haha! And lets not forgot the glorification of the 'Good Germans.' This may have been my first introduction to the Katyn massacre, an incident that has been a counterpoint of my academic life. Without a doubt the things said here (it happened, the Russians did it, the Allies covered it up) are all true. But to talk about it without talking about the Nazi death camps is absolutely sickening. I've never read Griffin's books about cops, but I wouldn't be surprised if they primarily consist of cops murdering POC and pinning it on the victims. In a few words, Griffin is absolute scum trash.
June 12, 2016
When I started this book, I was hoping along the lines of a Shaara historical fiction, but found it more along the lines of the epic scope and multiple characters of a Michener or Clavell novel. I thought the verbiage was too technical. However, the farther I got into the book I found that Griffin's characters were so multifaceted and deep that I got wrapped up in the story, technical jargon just enhancing the story.
The story begins in World War II and takes you through the post years of German occupation, but also the Greek Civil War. But the tidbits of History aside, what I liked most of Griffin's style is his use of humor through out the story - reminding of great military movies and books like, The Dirty Dozen, M*A*S*H and Kelly's Heroes.
I'm excited to read the next in the series!
The story begins in World War II and takes you through the post years of German occupation, but also the Greek Civil War. But the tidbits of History aside, what I liked most of Griffin's style is his use of humor through out the story - reminding of great military movies and books like, The Dirty Dozen, M*A*S*H and Kelly's Heroes.
I'm excited to read the next in the series!
August 2, 2025
Racist. Elitist. Dated. Disappointed. I am putting this book down sadly because I really wanted to read a war type fiction book. But proudly because I refuse to in 2020 accept a book that talks of big black negros or colored stereotypes. Or at one point the author described a man as a little jew. The working enlisted soldiers were working class and he talked down about them making them sound silly. And the career generals were smart all knowing and even seemed to be friendly with the Nazis. What does that say to you? I at first wondered if this book was written in the 40’s, 50’s or 60’s. Would that explain the dated language but no online it says it was published in the 80’s. Inexcusable. There was an undertone that did not sit well with me. It made me angry and I am quitting this book. I won’t be reading anything else by this author.
February 12, 2012
Captivating-- This book -the first in the series- grabbed me like a narcotic--I knew I was hooked in the closing chapters and now own the entire series- to work my way through-
I had just finished reading the Badge of Honor series-- so was lured to see if like most authors Griffin has spent himself and was now just making money -- Heck no-- this book's characters are as deep, as unique and interesting as the last series-- Griffin gives you a little of each but deep enough to interest you-- this is a story ( as was the Badge of Honor )-- a story about life in a unique culture and the people within it-- You don't get hooked on the plot but on the people themselves-- This is a winner --so far-5 stars worth
I had just finished reading the Badge of Honor series-- so was lured to see if like most authors Griffin has spent himself and was now just making money -- Heck no-- this book's characters are as deep, as unique and interesting as the last series-- Griffin gives you a little of each but deep enough to interest you-- this is a story ( as was the Badge of Honor )-- a story about life in a unique culture and the people within it-- You don't get hooked on the plot but on the people themselves-- This is a winner --so far-5 stars worth
January 26, 2020
The first book in a great series about the military. WEB Griffin, actually Bill Butterworth, was a veteran who knew about what he wrote. The books ring with authenticity.
I always appreciate him giving me a blurb for my very first book thirty years ago, Eyes of the Hammer, even though he didn't know me; he just knew I was also a veteran.
Recommended!
I always appreciate him giving me a blurb for my very first book thirty years ago, Eyes of the Hammer, even though he didn't know me; he just knew I was also a veteran.
Recommended!
February 15, 2024
In Its Infinite Wisdom
The Lieutenants is perhaps the worst-marketed novel I’ve picked up this year, with a milquetoast summary that tells you nothing about the plot or characters. Written in the ’80s about the careers of WW2-era soldiers, I prepared myself for dated ideas, unconscious biases and pacing problems indicative of older novels where we had more patience. The latter is true, but I was pleasantly surprised by this well-executed, emotionally charged, character-driven novel.
It’s hard to explain how the cast wormed their way into my heart. Although there are many poorly developed viewpoints, we focus on the two titular Lieutenants and their superiors during and post-WW2. They’re all classic stereotypes with plenty of American jingoism on display. There’s even a damsel in distress, and undergirding the plot is the belief that the army can reform aimless juveniles into principled leaders of men. Yet the cast is given immense depth such that you know their quirks, flaws, and complex familial relationships. With every passing chapter, I grew more interested in their careers and futures. The significant twists were predictable, yes, but the journey made me laugh and cry.
The Lieutenants is a slow starter; with a meandering plot, dreadful pacing and lack of direction. There’s no overarching narrative or crisis that seizes the reader. The first act builds up two interesting characters in a prison camp, but they abruptly exit the stage when the Lieutenants are introduced. The novel doesn’t shy away from the racism of the times but also doesn’t take a moral stand. It displays a progressive attitude with an African-American lead and matter-of-fact presentation of anti-semitism in the American ranks. The author may not have shouted from his soapbox, but neither did he present racism as acceptable, nor wholly an issue with the antagonists.
There are problems with The Lieutenants beyond an antiquated writing style. It glorifies military service, lacks diversity, and ignores the horrors of WW2. Yet that’s the point: the world revolved around the US Army in the 40s. That institution was flawed then, and those flaws are faithfully reproduced in this novel that exudes credibility on every page. I loved that sense of horror as the gears of bureaucracy cut down our heroes while simultaneously giving them room to thrive. In the same way, readers should read at least half of The Lieutenants before judging, as you might end up like me and start tearing up a little.
Recommended.
Series Overall Spoiler-Free Thoughts
★★★★☆ The Lieutenants (Brotherhood of War, #1)
★★★☆☆ The Captains (Brotherhood of War, #2)
★★☆☆☆ The Majors (Brotherhood of War, #3)
★★☆☆☆ The Colonels (Brotherhood of War, #4)
★★☆☆☆ The Berets (Brotherhood of War, #5)
★★☆☆☆ The Generals (Brotherhood of War, #6)
Brotherhood of War is an ensemble, alternate history soap opera built around life in the post-WW2 US Army. Patriotism and machismo are the primary ingredients in this unabashed be-all-that-you-can-be bureaucratic drama. The characters are great, diverse, and wonderfully realized. But it’s held back by the author’s inner desire to be a rich womanizer.
★★☆☆☆ - Not Recommended unless you can stomach a wealthy, serial adulterer as the star.
The Lieutenants is perhaps the worst-marketed novel I’ve picked up this year, with a milquetoast summary that tells you nothing about the plot or characters. Written in the ’80s about the careers of WW2-era soldiers, I prepared myself for dated ideas, unconscious biases and pacing problems indicative of older novels where we had more patience. The latter is true, but I was pleasantly surprised by this well-executed, emotionally charged, character-driven novel.
It’s hard to explain how the cast wormed their way into my heart. Although there are many poorly developed viewpoints, we focus on the two titular Lieutenants and their superiors during and post-WW2. They’re all classic stereotypes with plenty of American jingoism on display. There’s even a damsel in distress, and undergirding the plot is the belief that the army can reform aimless juveniles into principled leaders of men. Yet the cast is given immense depth such that you know their quirks, flaws, and complex familial relationships. With every passing chapter, I grew more interested in their careers and futures. The significant twists were predictable, yes, but the journey made me laugh and cry.
The Lieutenants is a slow starter; with a meandering plot, dreadful pacing and lack of direction. There’s no overarching narrative or crisis that seizes the reader. The first act builds up two interesting characters in a prison camp, but they abruptly exit the stage when the Lieutenants are introduced. The novel doesn’t shy away from the racism of the times but also doesn’t take a moral stand. It displays a progressive attitude with an African-American lead and matter-of-fact presentation of anti-semitism in the American ranks. The author may not have shouted from his soapbox, but neither did he present racism as acceptable, nor wholly an issue with the antagonists.
There are problems with The Lieutenants beyond an antiquated writing style. It glorifies military service, lacks diversity, and ignores the horrors of WW2. Yet that’s the point: the world revolved around the US Army in the 40s. That institution was flawed then, and those flaws are faithfully reproduced in this novel that exudes credibility on every page. I loved that sense of horror as the gears of bureaucracy cut down our heroes while simultaneously giving them room to thrive. In the same way, readers should read at least half of The Lieutenants before judging, as you might end up like me and start tearing up a little.
Recommended.
Series Overall Spoiler-Free Thoughts
★★★★☆ The Lieutenants (Brotherhood of War, #1)
★★★☆☆ The Captains (Brotherhood of War, #2)
★★☆☆☆ The Majors (Brotherhood of War, #3)
★★☆☆☆ The Colonels (Brotherhood of War, #4)
★★☆☆☆ The Berets (Brotherhood of War, #5)
★★☆☆☆ The Generals (Brotherhood of War, #6)
Brotherhood of War is an ensemble, alternate history soap opera built around life in the post-WW2 US Army. Patriotism and machismo are the primary ingredients in this unabashed be-all-that-you-can-be bureaucratic drama. The characters are great, diverse, and wonderfully realized. But it’s held back by the author’s inner desire to be a rich womanizer.
★★☆☆☆ - Not Recommended unless you can stomach a wealthy, serial adulterer as the star.
July 24, 2013
The armed forces, especially the army, isn’t a profession, it is a calling. Its members are treated like the favorite sons of the nation as the country covets peace and glorifies war. Tom Clancy labels the Brotherhood of War as an American epic. At this time I can only speak of the first volume, The Lieutenants. This story begins in the North African theater of operations and soon concentrates on a post-war army. When five thousand Polish officers and cadets are discovered massacred and dumped into a mass grave, the German high command seeks international confirmation that the atrocities were committed by the Russian and not the German army. We are soon introduced to the West Point cadet Stanford T. Feller of the class of 1946. Cadet Feller, convinced that the war would be over before his graduation and commission, resigns his appointment in order to enlist. Ex-POW Sergeant Rudolph George MacMillan received a battlefield commission the day before his capture and the Congressional Medal of Honor a few days after his release. Socialite, occasional polo player and sporadic tennis pro, Pvt. Craig Lowell completes the trio of officers that constitute the lieutenants. They are each from different backgrounds and each has his own story but they have one thing in common, they want to make the army their home; even if they don’t know it yet. I first read this book in 1983 on a flight from Atlanta to Amsterdam. It outclassed the in-flight movie and made a long trip bearable.
May 30, 2020
This series is like an old friend. I don't know how many times I've read it but my father, myself and a friend wore out a set in a couple summers of repeated reading.
The first book follows the beginning military careers of Craig Lowell and Sanford Felter along with many other characters who are nearly as prominent and important as the titular lieutenants. From the waning days of WW2 to just before the beginning of the Korean conflict. Europe, America and even Siberia, we're taken to all parts of the globe. The writing isn't high brow, it's easy on the eyes, most of the military information is spot on. The dialog is believable (soldiers swear like, well, soldiers, who knew?). The settings and action are portrayed in a way that makes them immediately believable. I've been an avid fan of W.E.B. Griffin for decades (although the later books do suffer some) and I'm happy to re-re-re-read these stories again.
The first book follows the beginning military careers of Craig Lowell and Sanford Felter along with many other characters who are nearly as prominent and important as the titular lieutenants. From the waning days of WW2 to just before the beginning of the Korean conflict. Europe, America and even Siberia, we're taken to all parts of the globe. The writing isn't high brow, it's easy on the eyes, most of the military information is spot on. The dialog is believable (soldiers swear like, well, soldiers, who knew?). The settings and action are portrayed in a way that makes them immediately believable. I've been an avid fan of W.E.B. Griffin for decades (although the later books do suffer some) and I'm happy to re-re-re-read these stories again.
September 13, 2013
This was a reread for me. First read this back in the early 80's.
The series, The Brotherhood of War, is more about the brotherhood than it is about war. While some of the novel does take place during WW II and immediately after, it really is more about the developing relationships between the warriors.
The series, The Brotherhood of War, is more about the brotherhood than it is about war. While some of the novel does take place during WW II and immediately after, it really is more about the developing relationships between the warriors.
April 27, 2019
Griffin is a hell of a storyteller and this is a carefully woven tale about several different American Lieutenants during and immediately after world war two. Their lives criss-cross and intertwine as they pursue their separate goals and yet somehow respect, support, and help each other through some turbulent times. The former Nazi commander of a POW camp likewise offers aid to some of these Americans and, in the end, saving him becomes the focus of much of their efforts.
Griffin's a fine storyteller, but not exactly a great writer and a lot of the book reads like an army training manual full of military jargon and step-by-step, by-the-numbers activity. Still, if you're former military or want to immerse yourself in a very realistic portrayal of the life of a second lieutenant, this is a perfect book for you.
Griffin's a fine storyteller, but not exactly a great writer and a lot of the book reads like an army training manual full of military jargon and step-by-step, by-the-numbers activity. Still, if you're former military or want to immerse yourself in a very realistic portrayal of the life of a second lieutenant, this is a perfect book for you.
January 6, 2013
This entire series allows the reader to live through such telling events in american history in way that few books can deliver, as it is seen through the eyes of characters that (though fictional) live those events. It starts in World War II, then to the communist attempt to take over Greece, the Belgian Congo, Korea, Vietnam and beyond. Actual history mixed with plausible character interaction make for an incredible journey for the reader.
The series follows the same characters through their lives during all the periods of history and breathes life into that history. You will learn as well as be entertained.
The series follows the same characters through their lives during all the periods of history and breathes life into that history. You will learn as well as be entertained.
July 8, 2017
Loved it and the whole series (1 through 8 so far). Does the Army really operate this way? It's a combination of "M-A-S-H", "Blacksheep Squadron", and "Winds of War" for a visual analogy. The series follows a group of soldiers from World War II to Vietnam. Their heroics and their failures in their military and personal lives. A West Point graduate, a clerk who is promoted to lieutenant because he can play polo, an enlisted Medal of Honor awardee who gets a battlefield promotion, and others. Excellent read.
March 5, 2011
Excellent book! The characters were unique and believable. The plot had several surprising twists. And despite the serious nature of most situations in the book, it was really funny.
The only negative is that there was a lot of military abbreviations, which you had to get used to.
The only negative is that there was a lot of military abbreviations, which you had to get used to.
March 20, 2013
This is a below average soap opera. The author has written oodles of books in at least two series, and they have high ratings so i thought I would try it. Felt strung along because the book ends as a chapter would, not a novel. Equivalent to an average romance novel, but for boys.
April 1, 2021
This book surprised the hell out of me. I went into it thinking it was going to be a kind of action movie “junk food” book, but it was incredibly. Amazing story, awesome characters. I can’t wait to read more of the series.
August 17, 2023
It’s about the privileged lives and careers of Army officers. I liked this more than I was expecting to, maybe because the plot and characters flow so naturally.
It’s like “Keeping Up With The Kardashians”, but for boys,
It’s like “Keeping Up With The Kardashians”, but for boys,
September 23, 2007
This series is like a gateway drug to the reading sloth in the middle of a cold winter.
April 15, 2022
I remember seeing this series in the bookstore back when I was in high school. I didn’t read it then, but read the whole series after I read Griffin’s The Corps series some fifteen or twenty years later. I enjoyed it, but couldn’t have told you what the plots of the various books were in any detail and only a couple of scenes stood out vividly in my memory. But I just reread The Corps so I decided to give this series a second read as well, and I’m glad I did.
The Lieutenants begins during World War II and mostly follows three young soldiers who get commissioned as officers during the course of the stories. One of them is interested in intelligence work and is smart enough to figure out how to manipulate the system to get what he wants. One is a rich playboy who was drafted and just wants out, but discovers that he likes army life. And one is an enlisted man who wins the Congressional Medal of Honor and gets commissioned. After World War II two of the men get sent to train Greek forces to fight the communists—a very interesting circumstance that isn’t broadly known to have occurred.
The story is always interesting and at times is quite exciting, but there really isn’t any real plot to speak of. It’s more of a look at the lives of these soldiers that will continue in the next novel.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
The Lieutenants begins during World War II and mostly follows three young soldiers who get commissioned as officers during the course of the stories. One of them is interested in intelligence work and is smart enough to figure out how to manipulate the system to get what he wants. One is a rich playboy who was drafted and just wants out, but discovers that he likes army life. And one is an enlisted man who wins the Congressional Medal of Honor and gets commissioned. After World War II two of the men get sent to train Greek forces to fight the communists—a very interesting circumstance that isn’t broadly known to have occurred.
The story is always interesting and at times is quite exciting, but there really isn’t any real plot to speak of. It’s more of a look at the lives of these soldiers that will continue in the next novel.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
December 1, 2025
A fantastic start to a series
December 12, 2023
The first 250 pages are agonizing… necessary, but agonizing. The last 150 pages were well worth the tedious task of reading 250 pages of introduction.
October 12, 2013
I'll start by sating these are in general very well written books that paint day to day life for the central characters in the military...or maybe that should be, life in the military for the central characters. Sorry grammarians.
Anyway I like them. While I'm not big on books that concentrate on the "emotional" and "personal" lives of the characters (who loved who, how did they meet, what problems did they overcome, etc.) But in this case it doesn't ruin the book for me (and I know some of you will actually like this part of the extended story best) as it is so well balanced. We start here with the Lieutenants who are the central players of the story and follow them. We learn how they became Lieutenants. See how their careers proceed, their successes...and screw-ups. We see the women who will be their wives, the soldiers whom they interact with all couched in the history of living memory. The story begins here, at the end of World War 2.
I picked up a book that takes place later in the series The Berets (The Berets) first as it takes place more in my own time period. From it I knew I'd not only like the series but get "involved" in it.
I was right it seems.
While I identify more with the enlisted man (as I was one) Griffin pulls no punches as he shows that officers have "feet of clay". Not only the good decisions and brave actions feature here but also the idiocy and the cowardice.
I can recommend these books quite highly (and of course the fact they've been around a while bears that out...it's not like I discovered them). Do yourself a favor and give them a shot.
Anyway I like them. While I'm not big on books that concentrate on the "emotional" and "personal" lives of the characters (who loved who, how did they meet, what problems did they overcome, etc.) But in this case it doesn't ruin the book for me (and I know some of you will actually like this part of the extended story best) as it is so well balanced. We start here with the Lieutenants who are the central players of the story and follow them. We learn how they became Lieutenants. See how their careers proceed, their successes...and screw-ups. We see the women who will be their wives, the soldiers whom they interact with all couched in the history of living memory. The story begins here, at the end of World War 2.
I picked up a book that takes place later in the series The Berets (The Berets) first as it takes place more in my own time period. From it I knew I'd not only like the series but get "involved" in it.
I was right it seems.
While I identify more with the enlisted man (as I was one) Griffin pulls no punches as he shows that officers have "feet of clay". Not only the good decisions and brave actions feature here but also the idiocy and the cowardice.
I can recommend these books quite highly (and of course the fact they've been around a while bears that out...it's not like I discovered them). Do yourself a favor and give them a shot.
August 6, 2012
I think I read this the first time when I was twelve or thirteen. I remembered bits and pieces and was glad to find it again.
It starts during World War II and spans the end of the war.
There are actually multiple stories in the book, each moving off in different direction and occasionally bumping back into each other.
My favorite is the story of Isle and Craig Lowell. I guess I am a romantic at heart.
***Spoilers***
When he thinks he has lost her after being sent to Greece and then ends up back in the military hospital and she ends up calling his name. He thinks he's lost her - and she thinks he left her after having a good time. She doesn't know that he desperately loves her and that none of his letters have reached or, and he doesn't know that she has stayed true to him. She wasn't just looking for a US soldier to get her into the PX.
***End Spoilers***
All the other stories were entertaining, and to some degree weave into the subplot about Craig and Isle, but while I liked them, I didn't find them to have the same power.
Well worth the read in any event. It brought back memories of walking through Munich and Nuerenberg, looking at the pock marks on the stone buildings and wondering who was shooting at who.
It starts during World War II and spans the end of the war.
There are actually multiple stories in the book, each moving off in different direction and occasionally bumping back into each other.
My favorite is the story of Isle and Craig Lowell. I guess I am a romantic at heart.
***Spoilers***
When he thinks he has lost her after being sent to Greece and then ends up back in the military hospital and she ends up calling his name. He thinks he's lost her - and she thinks he left her after having a good time. She doesn't know that he desperately loves her and that none of his letters have reached or, and he doesn't know that she has stayed true to him. She wasn't just looking for a US soldier to get her into the PX.
***End Spoilers***
All the other stories were entertaining, and to some degree weave into the subplot about Craig and Isle, but while I liked them, I didn't find them to have the same power.
Well worth the read in any event. It brought back memories of walking through Munich and Nuerenberg, looking at the pock marks on the stone buildings and wondering who was shooting at who.
October 24, 2022
Stranded, without access to a library for a while, I pulled this from my husband's bookshelf, as it at least had names I could pronounce in it! It is very much a man's book, as is its successors -the Captains and the Majors. It was a unique perspective on World War II - seeing it from the military side. It was also a deep look into the military, its personalities and tools. Women are accessories in these books - at best.
May 2, 2008
Harlequin romances for those who thought harlequin romances were just a little too....fluffy....frilly....and had too many women in them and way too much of that icky kissing stuff and not nearly enough macho men swaggering around impressing other manly men with their manliness. Testosterone poisoning at its finest. Writing at its....well...not so finest.
July 9, 2013
I nod in agreement with reviews that identify this book as the introduction to the series and not a stand alone book. The Captains, so far, is an improvement in character development, but golly I'm tired of "the little Jew" and "the good looking Craig W. Lowell" and *that* word which axed Paula Deen from favor.
August 24, 2015
Read like a glorified version of the West Point Stepford Wives. Polo playing Academy grads is what we all think of in the years following the end of WWII, right? My most favorite was the complete dismissal of Airborne forces in favor of Armor. Clearly, the author is envious. Legs: So dirty. So nasty.
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