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Commando #1
Operation Arrowhead
Corporal Thomas Lynch won fame at the Battle of Arras, and felt the shame of defeat at Dunkirk. A year later, as a member of Britain's elite No. 3 Commando, Lynch wants nothing more than to go back over the Channel and kick open Hitler's Fortress Europe, guns blazing. Introduced by his commanding officer to the enigmatic Lord Pembroke, Lynch is offered a chance to be part of a special team of hand-picked Commandos. Their sneak into occupied France and ally with the French partisans to fight back against the Nazis. Lynch readily accepts the challenge, but when the mission goes awry from the very beginning, and the motives of the partisan leader become suspect, the Commandos begin to wonder about their role in the trusted allies with the partisans, or worms dangling as bait for a hungry fish? Operation Arrowhead is a military action - adventure novel written in the spirit of classic war movies and wartime pulp adventure fiction.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2012
75 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 24, 2012
Jack Badelaire loves the men's adventure fiction of the 70s and 80s. He has a blog and an ezine both dedicated to the genre. Now he's turned his hand to writing and the influence is obvious.
Commando: Operation Arrowhead reads like those cheap potboilers I read in high school back in the day, and I don't mean that in a bad way at all. There's action aplenty as a team Commandos blasts their way through hordes of Germans in occupied France. It's good versus evil with lots of gunfights, explosions, and blood spraying everywhere.
Badelaire's fight scenes are awesome. He's also good at describing the political and strategic situation of the early war years and the rivalries, petty and no-so-petty, that trouble any group of men in a high-stress situation.
I could have used some more fleshing out of the characters. This style of fiction has always relied a bit more on archetypes than deep characterization. Since this is the first in a series, I suspect we'll be getting into the characters' heads a bit more in later volumes. Well, at least those who survive. Badeliare isn't afraid of killing off characters.
People who aren't World War Two buffs might have a bit of trouble with some of the equipment descriptions. Being a Civil War and Colonial war buff myself, my knowledge of weaponry drops significantly after the invention of smokeless powder. Bren gun and the MP-38? I got you. The MAS-36? I had to look that one up!
All in all, a damn good read for anyone who likes fast-paced adventure fiction and wants to Nazis get blown away in large numbers. I predict Jack Badelaire is going to make a major name for himself in this reemerging genre.
Commando: Operation Arrowhead reads like those cheap potboilers I read in high school back in the day, and I don't mean that in a bad way at all. There's action aplenty as a team Commandos blasts their way through hordes of Germans in occupied France. It's good versus evil with lots of gunfights, explosions, and blood spraying everywhere.
Badelaire's fight scenes are awesome. He's also good at describing the political and strategic situation of the early war years and the rivalries, petty and no-so-petty, that trouble any group of men in a high-stress situation.
I could have used some more fleshing out of the characters. This style of fiction has always relied a bit more on archetypes than deep characterization. Since this is the first in a series, I suspect we'll be getting into the characters' heads a bit more in later volumes. Well, at least those who survive. Badeliare isn't afraid of killing off characters.
People who aren't World War Two buffs might have a bit of trouble with some of the equipment descriptions. Being a Civil War and Colonial war buff myself, my knowledge of weaponry drops significantly after the invention of smokeless powder. Bren gun and the MP-38? I got you. The MAS-36? I had to look that one up!
All in all, a damn good read for anyone who likes fast-paced adventure fiction and wants to Nazis get blown away in large numbers. I predict Jack Badelaire is going to make a major name for himself in this reemerging genre.
October 13, 2012
This is a fun Second World War action read. It reminded me a lot of Commando Comics ("for Action and Adventure"). It hit the sweet spot between 2009's a-tad-too-silly Inglourious Basterds and 2011's a-tad-too-serious Age of Heroes. (Did wish there was more MacTeague, a big Scot who wields a Bren like the other use Thompsons.)
October 6, 2012
Action packed!
Enjoyed reading this book!
I don't find time for reading lengthy books; this is book is well under 200 pages and kept me on the edge of my chair.
Enjoyed reading this book!
I don't find time for reading lengthy books; this is book is well under 200 pages and kept me on the edge of my chair.
October 16, 2019
Operation Arrowhead
Great small unit WWII commando novel. The Author has opened a keyhole to illustrate how desperate the British situation was against the German war machine. So Churchill’s plan was to create small professional soldier to to run around in Europe and sting the Germans at every chance. Assist Resistance units, strike unilaterally, come together with combined troops to execute a short duration mission. Mr. Badelaire has created hard men and women characters who rose to the challenge to ‘Set Europe aflame’ until the Great Crusade was ready to be unleashed.
Great small unit WWII commando novel. The Author has opened a keyhole to illustrate how desperate the British situation was against the German war machine. So Churchill’s plan was to create small professional soldier to to run around in Europe and sting the Germans at every chance. Assist Resistance units, strike unilaterally, come together with combined troops to execute a short duration mission. Mr. Badelaire has created hard men and women characters who rose to the challenge to ‘Set Europe aflame’ until the Great Crusade was ready to be unleashed.
May 16, 2019
A lot of fighting action
There was an extreme amount of detail in descriptions of people, clothing, food, etc. and of course military arms and equipment.
There was an extreme amount of detail in descriptions of people, clothing, food, etc. and of course military arms and equipment.
April 15, 2020
Commando
Book 1 off to a good start introducing characters in the series. Good action story of commandos behind the lines in France
Book 1 off to a good start introducing characters in the series. Good action story of commandos behind the lines in France
September 20, 2013
Jack Badelaire’s pulp action novel COMMANDO: Operation Arrowhead is a great read for someone looking for a short, action-filled story.
The novel takes place during World War II. France is occupied by the Germans and the English are fearing an all out German Invasion. We follow the story of Corporal Thomas Lynch who has seen his share of victories and defeats in the War. He’s itching to take another shot at the Germans and gets his chance by joining the No. 3 Commandos. Their mission is simple: sneak into France, rendezvous with the Partisan army and make hell for the Germans. But things don’t go according to plan after they meet the partisans, and lots of blood shed ensues.
Operation Arrowhead is exactly what you hope for and expect in a WWII action novel. Fun, bold characters, tons of firefights and an easy to follow plot. There’s never a dull moment and when the Commandos aren’t fighting they’re prepping for one. Corporal Lynch is our main protagonist. He’s got a bit of that quiet badboy sense about him. My favorite character has to be the large, loud and bawdy Scotsman, Sergeant McTeague. McTeague is a blast to read and is a character that can really make the COMMANDO series shine above similar titles. We don’t get a ton of him in this book but Badelaire has promised a lot more of the Scottish Commando in the book’s sequel, Operation Bedlam.
For the most part you know exactly who the good guys and the bad guys are in this book. Hell, it’s a WWII novel in the POV of the British. These British Commandos were assigned to the unit because they’re just drooling to “fight the Jerries” so although they’ll kill Germans without batting an eye, things are still pretty black and white to them and the reader. But questions do arise that bring some characters and their motivations a little bit more into the grey area
When it comes to history, the 16th through 18th century is more in my wheel house, but it’s obvious Badelaire has done his homework when it comes WWII. He specifically names certain types of guns and vehicles so if you’re not boned up on your WWII weaponry having Google open might be helpful. But even if you don’t know a MP-38 from a Thompson the story is still quite enjoyable.
I give bonus points to this book for having cover art that actually looks like the characters in the book. I feel like we rarely see that in a lot of covers. Ah, the benefits of self-publishing.
Recommended for pulp fiction fans, WWII history buffs, people who like a little ass-kicking against the Nazis, or those hoping to take a chance on a quick read by a new author.
The novel takes place during World War II. France is occupied by the Germans and the English are fearing an all out German Invasion. We follow the story of Corporal Thomas Lynch who has seen his share of victories and defeats in the War. He’s itching to take another shot at the Germans and gets his chance by joining the No. 3 Commandos. Their mission is simple: sneak into France, rendezvous with the Partisan army and make hell for the Germans. But things don’t go according to plan after they meet the partisans, and lots of blood shed ensues.
Operation Arrowhead is exactly what you hope for and expect in a WWII action novel. Fun, bold characters, tons of firefights and an easy to follow plot. There’s never a dull moment and when the Commandos aren’t fighting they’re prepping for one. Corporal Lynch is our main protagonist. He’s got a bit of that quiet badboy sense about him. My favorite character has to be the large, loud and bawdy Scotsman, Sergeant McTeague. McTeague is a blast to read and is a character that can really make the COMMANDO series shine above similar titles. We don’t get a ton of him in this book but Badelaire has promised a lot more of the Scottish Commando in the book’s sequel, Operation Bedlam.
For the most part you know exactly who the good guys and the bad guys are in this book. Hell, it’s a WWII novel in the POV of the British. These British Commandos were assigned to the unit because they’re just drooling to “fight the Jerries” so although they’ll kill Germans without batting an eye, things are still pretty black and white to them and the reader. But questions do arise that bring some characters and their motivations a little bit more into the grey area
When it comes to history, the 16th through 18th century is more in my wheel house, but it’s obvious Badelaire has done his homework when it comes WWII. He specifically names certain types of guns and vehicles so if you’re not boned up on your WWII weaponry having Google open might be helpful. But even if you don’t know a MP-38 from a Thompson the story is still quite enjoyable.
I give bonus points to this book for having cover art that actually looks like the characters in the book. I feel like we rarely see that in a lot of covers. Ah, the benefits of self-publishing.
Recommended for pulp fiction fans, WWII history buffs, people who like a little ass-kicking against the Nazis, or those hoping to take a chance on a quick read by a new author.
September 27, 2016
Exciting stuff!
A very exciting read from Jack Badelaire and a promising introduction to the Commando series of his books. The characters are rough and tough plus the various skirmishes they are caught up in are described in the goriest of detail.
A very exciting read from Jack Badelaire and a promising introduction to the Commando series of his books. The characters are rough and tough plus the various skirmishes they are caught up in are described in the goriest of detail.
June 16, 2013
I used to read a lot of historical fiction but have gotten away from it in recent years. When I read a book like Commando: Operation Arrowhead, by Jack Badelaire, I wonder why I slowed down in reading the genre. Commando takes place in World War II, certainly one of my favorite historical periods to read about, and probably my very favorite judging from the number of WWII books I have around the house, both fiction and nonfiction. The story is set after the Blitzkrieg has overrun France. A small British Commando team is sent in to make contact with local partisan groups and they have to deal with a brutal local Nazi commandant and his zealous troops. Although a fellow named Lynch is probably the main character, we get familiar with several major commando figures and these characters are a lot of fun. I can see lots of room for backstory to be expanded on these characters as the series continues. An afterword to the novel gives some historical backstory on the British Commando units of WWII.
Badelaire’s work fits in nicely with the books I already have on my shelf, reminding me somewhat of the grittiness of Willi Heinrich’s WWII books, but with considerably more action. That action, which is quite graphic and which I like very much, reminds me a bit of some of the stuff we saw in the movie Inglourious Basterds, but told with the greater depth and background that a novel can achieve over a movie. Any movie reference will be somewhat misleading because this book should really be compared against other WWII adventure series, of which there used to be quite a few. I think it compares very well and really enjoyed it. I know there is a second in the series out, Operation Bedlam, and I imagine more are planned. The series is definitely off to a great start.
Badelaire’s work fits in nicely with the books I already have on my shelf, reminding me somewhat of the grittiness of Willi Heinrich’s WWII books, but with considerably more action. That action, which is quite graphic and which I like very much, reminds me a bit of some of the stuff we saw in the movie Inglourious Basterds, but told with the greater depth and background that a novel can achieve over a movie. Any movie reference will be somewhat misleading because this book should really be compared against other WWII adventure series, of which there used to be quite a few. I think it compares very well and really enjoyed it. I know there is a second in the series out, Operation Bedlam, and I imagine more are planned. The series is definitely off to a great start.
March 6, 2013
Commando: Operation Arrowhead is a rapid fire wartime thriller from author Jack Badelaire. The story concerns Corporal Thomas Lynch, and a team of British Commandos who are dropped into France to make contact and assist the French Resistance. Of course, there is a traitor among the ranks of the Resistance and the mission is compromised from the outset. What follows is a series of running battles and fire-fights that will keep most readers flicking the pages well into the night (or if commuting, possibly miss their train stop).
The story serves up more than the requisite bullets bombs and explosions. There’s a damsel in distress, a truly despicable villain, and a coterie of characters who are a joy to ride along with (as they blast Nazi scum to hell).
Badelaire’s greatest achievement, is he takes a well-worn genre – the war time ‘men on a mission’ story – and breathes new life into it. The story is fresh and exciting, and written with the pace of a modern thriller. I loved reading every word of it.
If you’re looking for informative, accurate historical war fiction, then this is not the book for you. However, if you enjoy apologetically heroic and bullet-riddled tales of derring-do, then Commando: Operation Arrowhead is just the ticket.
The story serves up more than the requisite bullets bombs and explosions. There’s a damsel in distress, a truly despicable villain, and a coterie of characters who are a joy to ride along with (as they blast Nazi scum to hell).
Badelaire’s greatest achievement, is he takes a well-worn genre – the war time ‘men on a mission’ story – and breathes new life into it. The story is fresh and exciting, and written with the pace of a modern thriller. I loved reading every word of it.
If you’re looking for informative, accurate historical war fiction, then this is not the book for you. However, if you enjoy apologetically heroic and bullet-riddled tales of derring-do, then Commando: Operation Arrowhead is just the ticket.
February 26, 2013
Fans of furiously-paced, guns-blazing, corpse-strewn, blood-spurting World War II action-adventure fiction, I command you to drop everything you're doing--no, seriously, whatever that is in your hand, put it down right now--and pick up a copy of this excellent book. While it may paint the characters in broad strokes, it's hard to complain when bullets are spraying every few pages and the blood-'n'-guts are being flung around like a rabid poltergeist haunting a slaughterhouse. The titular British commandos kick all kinds of Nazi ass, usually by filling them with more perforations than a collander or turning their throats into Pez dispensers.
Badelaire writes masterful action sequences and since 80% of this brisk, read-in-one-sitting novel consists of action sequences, that makes this book masterfully written. It's also written for a fairly specific audience--those who prefer quick, violent action rather than protracted character studies--but for that audience, this is really good stuff. If you're a member of the demographic Badelaire is targeting, you should be gobbling up anything the man writes. God knows I certainly will be.
Badelaire writes masterful action sequences and since 80% of this brisk, read-in-one-sitting novel consists of action sequences, that makes this book masterfully written. It's also written for a fairly specific audience--those who prefer quick, violent action rather than protracted character studies--but for that audience, this is really good stuff. If you're a member of the demographic Badelaire is targeting, you should be gobbling up anything the man writes. God knows I certainly will be.
March 28, 2015
Short book, some, or even most of the characters are caricatures, but not in a bad way.
Very violent, in the same way Guns of Navarone was.
I enjoyed it quite a bit - it is one of a type I haven't read for some time - the "men's adventure" story. Very macho, lots of testosterone, but also evocative of the retreat at Dunkirk, and of the partisan and not only British Commandos, but to an extent the commandos during later parts of the war when they were part of the SOE and their counterparts in the OSS.
I like these particular caricatures as characters as well, and am looking forward to another book.
Very violent, in the same way Guns of Navarone was.
I enjoyed it quite a bit - it is one of a type I haven't read for some time - the "men's adventure" story. Very macho, lots of testosterone, but also evocative of the retreat at Dunkirk, and of the partisan and not only British Commandos, but to an extent the commandos during later parts of the war when they were part of the SOE and their counterparts in the OSS.
I like these particular caricatures as characters as well, and am looking forward to another book.
December 27, 2015
Commando Action
I gave this story five stars because I enjoyed it. The reasons I liked it first of all it is about unconventional warfare in World War I I. Then there is the cast of characters, who are just not cardboard cutouts. The story is set before the infamous Commando Directive from Hitler to meet the dagger stabs of Winston Churchill's commandos. If you like good war stories then give this one a read.
I gave this story five stars because I enjoyed it. The reasons I liked it first of all it is about unconventional warfare in World War I I. Then there is the cast of characters, who are just not cardboard cutouts. The story is set before the infamous Commando Directive from Hitler to meet the dagger stabs of Winston Churchill's commandos. If you like good war stories then give this one a read.
March 1, 2016
A grand, entertaining WWII shoot-em-up, "Operation Arrowhead" has all the guts and glory of the quintessential men's adventure novels of the '70s, but with more adept characterization and superior pacing. Badelaire does an excellent job of adding descriptive details—weapons, uniforms, vehicles, etc.—without taking it too far and compromising the flow of the story.
I plan to jump right into the rest of the series. Well done!
I plan to jump right into the rest of the series. Well done!
December 19, 2012
A really fun and quick read. It's the sort of fast-paced action that has a good chance of making me miss my stop when I read it on the train ride home. I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel.
May 8, 2013
Quick reading WWII military action/adventure.
November 8, 2016
Enjoyable fast read. On to the next one
June 16, 2020
Really Enjoyed this book. I like to read WW2 stuff and watch documentaries so this was right up my alley. Great story, great action. What more could you want.
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April 4, 2019first time i have read one of your books and found them very entertaining in the view armchair war (which i know the top brass are used to, i was going to say 'Rubert' instead of 'Top Brass' but Ruberts have shown what their made of.)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews