Ryskamp

by J.C. Jarvis

In 1938, the world was at a crossroads. For Michael Fernsby, it was a choice between surrender and survival. But even he could not predict the lengths he would go to in order to stay alive.

In the heart of Nazi Germany, Michael and his brother David embark on a dangerous mission to rescue their Jewish family members trapped in Bavaria. However, when their plan goes awry and they find themselves on the run from the Gestapo, they turn to an underground resistance movement for help.

As they fight their way through the dangerous streets and back alleys of Bavaria, Michael discovers a hidden reserve of strength and resilience that he never knew existed.

With danger at every turn, he must be prepared to lose everything if he hopes to survive…

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, World War II, Historical

386 pages, Paperback

Published June 14, 2023

About the author

J.C. Jarvis grew up in Derbyshire, England, with a lifelong fascination for history, particularly the Second World War and Tudor England.

After serving in the British Army and later working in the IT industry, he turned fully to writing, transforming a lifelong passion for history into a career as a bestselling historical fiction author.

He is best known for the Fernsby’s War Series, a sweeping World War II saga following British intelligence officer Michael Fernsby and those drawn into the hidden war of espionage, resistance, and sacrifice behind enemy lines.

The series has built a loyal international readership and is praised for its depth of research, emotional realism, and cinematic storytelling.

In addition to Fernsby’s War, Jarvis is the author of the John Howard Tudor series and the origin novel Defying the Reich, which tells the powerful early story of fan-favourite resistance heroine Mina Postner.

When not writing, J.C. continues to research obsessively, always chasing the next story buried in history’s shadows.

Reviews

[Michael Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Ryskamp, book one in J.C. Jarvis's promising series Fernsby's War! Adventure, terror and confusion dominate a story that we, the readers, are possibly very aware of. Anyone who knows WW2 history knows where the story here is heading. What impresses is how well the author captures the naivety and inexperience of the people of the time, who are dealing with what is now our history first hand. And the plot is gripping. When two Jewish relatives are imprisoned in Dachau, a concentration camp, in 1938, bewildered and frightened relatives in England come up with a plan to find and save them. I won't say any more, but what at first felt like a cozy war adventure took some dark and seriously affecting turns.

Sure, I have some minor complaints. I do feel the dialogue can get clunky at times. The way details are revelead through exposition at times feels repetitive, and at others almost like the characters are reciting sentences remembered from a text book. The ending as well almost felt like a tribute to Rambo!

However, there is heart in the words of the author J.C. Jarvis, and soul in the characters, and the way the book ends has me dying for more. This is a story waiting for a decent Hollywood adaptation, and fans of Herman Wouk, Ken Follett and Sebastian Faulks can do far worse than open the pages of Ryskamp!

4.5/5

[Mary Sue Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good

This was a very difficult book to put down. It is well written and moves quickly. It is a story of family, love and survival. I highly recommend. I am looking forward to book2.

[Carolyn O’Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled on this book about WWII that was recommended to me by Kindle. I did not realize it was a series of 5 books with the 5th book coming out in 2025. I am very glad, because this was an excellent book, that had content, grit and escape from all odds from Germany before WWII started. You yourself can read the summary, but as a lover of WWII novels, I loved it. I had read another book in between but I am excited the story continues. Highly recommend.

[Jim Rickard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

This book started off kinda slow for me but then it got really good. It's always a surprise to see how many different stories come out of war.

[cliff a russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pre WWII and an adventure.

I am no expert on Nazi Germany but like most of my generation, baby boomers, I have read my fair share of fact and fiction. The premise is good and the events are well described. The sheer terror of the regime is evident throughout. At this time of war in the middle east, the strength of the Jewish people who survived the holocaust and settled in Palestine shines through, though that came later. There is a bit of the Boys Own Adventure to the tale but overall, well written.

[Mary Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very real storyline

The storyline and attention to detail was well written. The author described each scene that one could visualize being there. The description of each character was very vivid. I would recommend this book if one wanted to know what it was like pre WWII living in Germany and those who opposed Hitler. Also in England and how it was ignoring the signs of war.

[Jim Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impossible Rescue Attempt

Two young college students attempt a rescue even experienced veterans wouldn’t dare. Nothing would ever be the same for them or their family. One of the best WW II stories I have read.

[EvilAntie Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A long time coming

This book has been on my Kindle unlimited for the longest time. And today I opened it. It was hard to get started. I didn’t think I would be vested in this story, but I am looking forward to book too.

[David Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a WWII buff, I was pleased to come across this adrenaline-filled novel, which takes place in Nazi Germany in 1938. Although this is the first book that I’ve read by JC Jarvis, it definitely won’t be the last…even if it means rejoining Kindle Unlimited for access the rest of the series. Aside from believable characters and a powerful plot, the novel moves at breakneck speed…to the point that I was at the edge of my seat a number of times throughout the book. Even though I would have liked to have seen everything neatly wrapped up at the end of the novel, it would not have been a very accurate historical reflection of the time period if that were the case. Even so, the good news is that there are six more books to read in the series, as well as a complimentary copy of the “prequel” given out by the author.

[Robert M. Roth MD · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh

Not a fan of this one but I didn’t have any difficulty finishing it. Never did figure out what Ryskamp referred to.

The problem for me was the repeated descriptions of the protagonists’ fears and other worries. Yes, I get it…..two teenagers in a very dire situation but the repeated need to express it is a bit overbearing. The plot stretches the limits of credibility and all of the characters are very idealistic.

The positive is that the author creates tension quite well and that propels the reader to keep reading.

Won’t be reading the next in the series.

[K. Leach · Rating 3 out of 5]

Michael is a cowboy and the idiot got his brother David killed. It was definitely Michael’s fault.

So many annoying cliques. Another reviewer mentioned this. I hope it’s not overwhelming or i’ll have to stop reading the series. I have read many WW2 SOS books & this one seems to copy/follow the same storyline. So far not seeing much original material.

The book improved as the action intensified but i never had to worry about the outcome since Michael is the hero & is featured in all the books.

[Morgan Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

RYSKAMP by J.C. Jarvis is a gripping, high-stakes adventure that blends emotion and intensity with masterful storytelling. The characters are raw and real, the pacing is tight, and the world pulls you in with every chapter. A bold and unforgettable read that leaves you thinking long after the last page.

[Richard McKenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

waste of time

The book was slow and filled with a predetermined outcome, many times I skipped whole paragraphs knowing that I wouldn’t miss much.
In closing I found this book boring and amateurish.
I wish you the best and hope that your writing improves.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling

Very realistic, believable. The horrors experienced by families during the 2nd WW are excruciatingly painful and beyond description. But the stories MUST continue to be told, so the next generation will know & work together to prevent another catastrophe.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting characters!

Having traveled through Germany and experiencing Dachau, the wandering Rhine and Strasbourg I followed along in the trials and so glad Michael made it through.
Will see what the next book and the Fernsby's add to the novel history of WWII.

[Veronica Shaw]

Family saga of death,pain and survival reveling the reality of The Nazis hidden cruelty

No one at home had any real idea how cruel and evil the Nazi death camps were or The lengths they would go to to destroy people they felt we're no
Longer welcome in Germany.

[Jill KBuchle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing book. I stumbled across it n Facebook and purchased a copy that same day. May favorite genre is WW2, specifically the survival of those simply trying to be good people. This book was fast paced and kept me trying the pages. I am anxious to ready the rest in the series.

[Melanie Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read an advance copy of the first in what I anticipate will be an excellent series. A fast-paced, exciting page-turner, this was almost impossible to put down.

[Sheryl Hanefeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly intense and fast paced! A really good read.

[Debbie Trammell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

This is a very good book. The characters are great. A very passionate book. I recommend this book. Looking forward.to reading next one in series.

[Marcia Ditter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read.
Couldn’t put it down. Well written. Can’t wait to read
Book 2.

[Sid Burr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read

This is by far the best book I have ever read. I cannot wait for book 2. Historical fiction doesn't normally grab me but I will try his other series and give it a go.

[Marie Ciotti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

The author is amazing! I read this book in two nights... Strongly recommend it and looking forward to book two.

[Carl Thomas]

interesting to read as history match

[Daniel Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book in the series and it won't be my last

Great book with a very good storyline and characters. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading the next book.

[Harriet Cook]

Kept my interest and characters were likeable and well described.

[Katja Bozeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written. I couldn’t put the book down! Can’t wait to read the next book in this series!

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It didn't drag, and it was a very engaging story. I will definitely be reading the next 2 books in the series

[Bob Stenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good to read about Germany before the war and how out of control the Nazis were. Yhe 2 boys were not prepared for what they got into.

[S. Richard Reece · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book for me was just a vehicle to describe the horrors of Nazi rule.
It has been told many times before, and I thought the plot for this book was quite weak and unbelievable.