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Innocent No More #6
Learning Anew
The Innocents No More series has more than 5000 5-Star reviews.
Thomas Stark has been put out to grass for the last six months, occupying a meaningless post as liaison to American forces who are not present in his part of Queensland.
He is now rested and fit to fly and command, in control of his temper, drinking less and recovered from the burnout consequent on nearly three years of war flying.
Orders come to create a Wing of Beaufighters at Port Moresby to provide ground support to the Australian forces who have fought the Japanese to a standstill on the Kokoda Track and are now pushing them back. The Wing is to be built up from nothing and will comprise three recently created squadrons who have just completed training on their new aircraft.
Thomas is the only man in the Wing who has flown in the Territories of Papua and New Guinea.
He has an interesting task ahead of him.
Thomas Stark has been put out to grass for the last six months, occupying a meaningless post as liaison to American forces who are not present in his part of Queensland.
He is now rested and fit to fly and command, in control of his temper, drinking less and recovered from the burnout consequent on nearly three years of war flying.
Orders come to create a Wing of Beaufighters at Port Moresby to provide ground support to the Australian forces who have fought the Japanese to a standstill on the Kokoda Track and are now pushing them back. The Wing is to be built up from nothing and will comprise three recently created squadrons who have just completed training on their new aircraft.
Thomas is the only man in the Wing who has flown in the Territories of Papua and New Guinea.
He has an interesting task ahead of him.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2023
290 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 24, 2024
I have dutifully read several of Andrew Wareham's novels about Tommy Stark and the second series about his son, Thomas Stark. Each of these follows the same pattern, which normally would mean that if a method works, then don't change it. The problem for me is Wareham's insistence that only Thommy and his son Thomas are capable of effectively leading an air wing and that all English pilots who came before are idiots and incapable of being successful. Perhaps this may be believable through the first iteration and even the second, but this is the sixth novel in a row in which a Stark has to reform the air force or there will be no success.
To be honest, I love aviation and am fascinated by the advances in aviation that came through the need to develop advanced technologies in the face of war. I do not enjoy war itself and the sad "need" of man to kill his enemy is terrible. But there are advancements made that are essential for flight. In fact, I love the descriptions of flying. Sadly, as the novels have advanced, less text is dedicated to the descriptions and challenges of flight, and more is given to the brutal way in which Thomas rips his comrades apart, embarrassing them, chastizing them, and sending them to jail or death. Sadly, for me, Wareham's desire to write about the Stark's passion for crushing their comrades has lost interest to me. Add to it, the lack of aviation in the stories is disappointing and there are so many typographical errors, that the reading has become cumbersome.
Yes, I know that as pilots moved up the chain of command, they were not allowed to fly as much (so fewer flights for Thomas is realistic), so why not invent a new character to carry on the description of flying? There are ways that Wareham could resurrect the exciting moments in these last few takes, but he latches on to a less than entertaining focus for his novels.
If Wareham does continue this series, I am hopeful that he will find a way to reinvigorate the more interesting topics and perhaps make his characters a bit more realistic and the subordinates at least somewhat capable, as many were.
To be honest, I love aviation and am fascinated by the advances in aviation that came through the need to develop advanced technologies in the face of war. I do not enjoy war itself and the sad "need" of man to kill his enemy is terrible. But there are advancements made that are essential for flight. In fact, I love the descriptions of flying. Sadly, as the novels have advanced, less text is dedicated to the descriptions and challenges of flight, and more is given to the brutal way in which Thomas rips his comrades apart, embarrassing them, chastizing them, and sending them to jail or death. Sadly, for me, Wareham's desire to write about the Stark's passion for crushing their comrades has lost interest to me. Add to it, the lack of aviation in the stories is disappointing and there are so many typographical errors, that the reading has become cumbersome.
Yes, I know that as pilots moved up the chain of command, they were not allowed to fly as much (so fewer flights for Thomas is realistic), so why not invent a new character to carry on the description of flying? There are ways that Wareham could resurrect the exciting moments in these last few takes, but he latches on to a less than entertaining focus for his novels.
If Wareham does continue this series, I am hopeful that he will find a way to reinvigorate the more interesting topics and perhaps make his characters a bit more realistic and the subordinates at least somewhat capable, as many were.
May 5, 2025
The best author of flying stories I have read and that's a lot. At times, it seems a little bit over the top, with Thomas making loads of decisions which are against the usual way things were done in the RAF, most of which I fully agree with, but are still a few too many, it gets slightly rediculous, in my humble opinion. Having made that point, I have just started reading another of Andrew's books and will continue to do so. The flying is very accurately described in an exciting way. Even on the ground, he makes it very interesting, especially when having a go at the higher officers and useless parliamentarian people who control the armed forces.
I find it 'necessary', nowadays, to put my Kindle down sometimes, when reading Mr Wareham's stories, otherwise I would be finishing them too quickly. I am almost 90, so have plenty of time to read, but try to 'save some for later'. But when I have read all his flying stories, he has other other reads which I will certainly go into, as I reckon they will all be worth reading.
Thanks very much, Andrew. You deserve all the many accolades you you get.
I find it 'necessary', nowadays, to put my Kindle down sometimes, when reading Mr Wareham's stories, otherwise I would be finishing them too quickly. I am almost 90, so have plenty of time to read, but try to 'save some for later'. But when I have read all his flying stories, he has other other reads which I will certainly go into, as I reckon they will all be worth reading.
Thanks very much, Andrew. You deserve all the many accolades you you get.
June 2, 2024
Didn't hold me as well as the previous books, although it was an okay read. Everyone keeps saying Thomas Stark is said to be on the edge constantly but his behavior is very consistent, tired or not. He flies less in this book, being Wing Commander and theoretically in the brass now.
His constant diatribes about every single person in charge (Churchill is a drunken racist idiot. Macarthur is a idiotic glory hound, everyone in charge [except his father and father in law] is stupid and worthless, all anti-Communists are white supremacist bigots, yaddda yadda)
His constant diatribes about every single person in charge (Churchill is a drunken racist idiot. Macarthur is a idiotic glory hound, everyone in charge [except his father and father in law] is stupid and worthless, all anti-Communists are white supremacist bigots, yaddda yadda)
July 14, 2023
Good Read, Hard to Put Down
I realy enjoyed this book, as I have the series. Andrew Wareham did his researh and it shows, Ihave only one quibble with the book:
there is a bombing raid by the Japanese using Betty bombers. ithink they should be Sally bombers as they were supposed to be Japnese army. Betty's were Japanese navy. It didn't distrupt the
narrative; no big deal. I would reccomed this book to any aviation warfare enthusast:
I realy enjoyed this book, as I have the series. Andrew Wareham did his researh and it shows, Ihave only one quibble with the book:
there is a bombing raid by the Japanese using Betty bombers. ithink they should be Sally bombers as they were supposed to be Japnese army. Betty's were Japanese navy. It didn't distrupt the
narrative; no big deal. I would reccomed this book to any aviation warfare enthusast:
July 23, 2023
Worst Wareham book I have read...
His 100th book and it shows.... Virtually no plot or character development and instead a series of set pieces and cutout characters that have appeared time and again in his stories... Really should cut down on the output and try and get back to writing some original stories. Even this theatre of war is poorly dealt with compared to Grasso's Jock Miles series....
His 100th book and it shows.... Virtually no plot or character development and instead a series of set pieces and cutout characters that have appeared time and again in his stories... Really should cut down on the output and try and get back to writing some original stories. Even this theatre of war is poorly dealt with compared to Grasso's Jock Miles series....
June 5, 2024
War somewhere near Australia
Informative book if you’re interested in little known areas where WW2 was fought. Lots of technical information.
The main character is a Wing Commander who is ultra competent but has a chip in his shoulder.
I didn’t realize that Australians of that generation were so racially prejudiced but I believe it.
The dialogue is very staccato.
Did they really talk like that?
Informative book if you’re interested in little known areas where WW2 was fought. Lots of technical information.
The main character is a Wing Commander who is ultra competent but has a chip in his shoulder.
I didn’t realize that Australians of that generation were so racially prejudiced but I believe it.
The dialogue is very staccato.
Did they really talk like that?
August 6, 2023
Fot fans of prior books in this series
These books become more formulaic and 2 dimensional with each new release. Set in a remote airfield in New Guinea, Stark perseveres with unrelenting grit and increased cynicism. Although family members, from famous father to dutiful wife are mention, their distant location and infrequent appearances reduces their leavening effect.
These books become more formulaic and 2 dimensional with each new release. Set in a remote airfield in New Guinea, Stark perseveres with unrelenting grit and increased cynicism. Although family members, from famous father to dutiful wife are mention, their distant location and infrequent appearances reduces their leavening effect.
July 18, 2023
enjoyed reading all in series. Hope it continues
Have really enjoyed reading this series. Great characters in all parts. Fun
To think about someone able to deal with the military from strength.
Have really enjoyed reading this series. Great characters in all parts. Fun
To think about someone able to deal with the military from strength.
July 21, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyable read
Stark mark 2.continues his travels into the jungle, rubbing old hands up The wrong way and with typical aussie panache gets the job done.Onwards to the next instalment.
Stark mark 2.continues his travels into the jungle, rubbing old hands up The wrong way and with typical aussie panache gets the job done.Onwards to the next instalment.
August 11, 2023
Boring
Unfortunately, this book follows along the same lines of so many of his others. Hero, bad officer, bad guy, etcetera. Just a sea story re written with airplanes and jungle.
Unfortunately, this book follows along the same lines of so many of his others. Hero, bad officer, bad guy, etcetera. Just a sea story re written with airplanes and jungle.
August 31, 2023
jungle conquest
I liked the Fresh insights on the jungle war. just surviving the climate and bugs required do diligence and planning. Victory against a fanatical enemy was a war of attrition, God help us if we had battle on the Japanese home islands.
I liked the Fresh insights on the jungle war. just surviving the climate and bugs required do diligence and planning. Victory against a fanatical enemy was a war of attrition, God help us if we had battle on the Japanese home islands.
November 29, 2023
Leaves you wanting more.
The next chapter in Thomas State's life as a fighter pilot in WWII. This time he is a Wing Commander setting up a new air field used to support the ground war. Makes you want to know what he does next.
The next chapter in Thomas State's life as a fighter pilot in WWII. This time he is a Wing Commander setting up a new air field used to support the ground war. Makes you want to know what he does next.
February 14, 2024
I
I enjoy reading novels set in the World War II. I have read many books set in this era. I have read both fiction and historical books on the war. I enjoyed the way the author too the powers that be to task over their inability to see the need to change with the times.
I enjoy reading novels set in the World War II. I have read many books set in this era. I have read both fiction and historical books on the war. I enjoyed the way the author too the powers that be to task over their inability to see the need to change with the times.
July 18, 2024
Thomas’s heroic adventures continue.
The author has written a great story of the heroic and adventurous actions that continue to add to all of Thomas’s accomplishments. A must read for everyone who enjoy tales of action and adventure.
The author has written a great story of the heroic and adventurous actions that continue to add to all of Thomas’s accomplishments. A must read for everyone who enjoy tales of action and adventure.
December 11, 2024
Good, action-filled WWII novel
Sixth in the series, and a worthy addition. I recommend all of them.
About the writing: Wareham is English, or at least British, and no fan of the rich or the titled. This American concurs with his description of the breed, regardless of country.
Sixth in the series, and a worthy addition. I recommend all of them.
About the writing: Wareham is English, or at least British, and no fan of the rich or the titled. This American concurs with his description of the breed, regardless of country.
January 7, 2025
Flying in the Jungle
The difference in this book in the series is now Thomas is flying in the jungle. We’ve seen the French countryside, Great Britain, the channel, the desert…and now the jungle. Very interesting. Now where to after this…
The difference in this book in the series is now Thomas is flying in the jungle. We’ve seen the French countryside, Great Britain, the channel, the desert…and now the jungle. Very interesting. Now where to after this…
July 4, 2023
lots of factoids and trivia about air war
Not especially believable, but had a lot of trivia about the flying war in New Guinea and it’s environs. Enjoyed reading, kept me involved.
Not especially believable, but had a lot of trivia about the flying war in New Guinea and it’s environs. Enjoyed reading, kept me involved.
July 8, 2023
Entertaining
Can not wait for the follow up. Like the main characters as always. Australia sounds rough. War is hell. Good one.
Can not wait for the follow up. Like the main characters as always. Australia sounds rough. War is hell. Good one.
July 12, 2023
Best of his significant works.
Great read and a lot of history mixed in. Read it if you enjoy humor and flying. Leaves you wanting more.
Great read and a lot of history mixed in. Read it if you enjoy humor and flying. Leaves you wanting more.
July 13, 2023
Excellent next instalment stopping the Japanese advances in 1942 and beginning the March back it’s a slog with Beaufighters in ground support.
Could not put it down.
Could not put it down.
July 14, 2023
Continued excellence
Once again Andrew Wareham has exceeded himself.
How he produced such a great sequel in such short time amazed me. Another fabulous read.
Once again Andrew Wareham has exceeded himself.
How he produced such a great sequel in such short time amazed me. Another fabulous read.
August 9, 2023
Learning Anew
Excellent. Think Thomas Stark is a fascinating character. Can wait for the next entry in this series. Wareham is a marvelous author.
Excellent. Think Thomas Stark is a fascinating character. Can wait for the next entry in this series. Wareham is a marvelous author.
December 4, 2023
Interesting routine at an airfield during WWII in New Guinea, but too much jargon.
May 13, 2024
review
Politicians and elites mess things up and the lower masses pay the price of “superiors” incompetence. Things don’t change. “He who forgets history….”
Politicians and elites mess things up and the lower masses pay the price of “superiors” incompetence. Things don’t change. “He who forgets history….”
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews