Roman Candle

Raiding Forces #4

by Phil Ward

In this sequel to Blood Wings, U.S. Major John Randal, commander of Strategic Raiding Forces, returns in Roman Candle, the second book in a trilogy within the Raiding Forces Series about the Abyssinian Campaign. Major Randal is raising a guerrilla army 600 miles behind the enemy lines in Italian East Africa. In the north Col. Orde Wingate will be leading a column of rag-tad band of Patriots to install the exiled Emperor back on his thorn, out of the Sudan the Kaid will be attacking with two Indian Divisions into the mountainous Kern stronghold and from the south out of Kenya the East Africa Force will be attacking up the Red Sea coastline to clear it of Italians in order for the British Middle East Command to qualify for Lend Lease. The Empire Forces are attacking against at least 10 to 1 odds. The only hope of success is for Major Randal’s guerrilla army, called Force N, to disrupt the Blackshirts lines-of communications and for the attacking army’s to maintain the element of surprise. At the last minute it is learned the Italians have a master spy in Kenya. Unless he is discovered and eliminated the invasion will fail.

Genres: War, Military Fiction

340 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 15, 2012

About the author

Phil 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.

Reviews

[dennis barron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roman Candle Phil Ward

Major Randal is to raise an Army in Italian East Africa. Trying to enlist local tribesmen who constantly war against each other is a challenging task. Due to a radio ruined when he parachuting to his drop zone, he has no way to communicate to his command post. He now is thought to be MIA or KIA. Trusted friend's are dispatched to locate him. Some with permission, others went AWOL. Major Randal is a respected leader. His men are willing to March into Hell to find him. After he is located, he finally is able to garner more troops , supporting cast and tools that he needs to great havoc or rather pure chaos against the Italian military. This is an extremely fast paced action thriller. Another excellent read in this series. Enjoyed immensely!!

[Peter Hendrycks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This well written book is filled with tactical information. Mr. Ward has a way of describing the scene, down to the smallest detail. It makes it clear to the reader, who may not have battle experience, the what and why of each area of action. There were many areas of action in this book! The ending is especially intense! Camp Croc sounds like a truly hellish place. It will not be on my bucket list! Im beginning to really like the Lana Turner and Rita Hayworth characters. What a find for Raldal!

[Jeffrey Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bravo!

I have just read all 4 books in the “Raiding Forces” series, sequentially. I grew up mostly on Army posts around Texas, and pretty much nailed the Major as a Texan immediately.

I was initially drawn to the series because it was frequently referred to as “well researched”, damn straight! Everything seemed right to me, or was simply instructive.

Can’t wait for the next book!

[Paul Bacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the series

Well thought out stories in all these books that keep me coming back for more. It has me looking up all kinds of things to confirm the details and I love the attention the author has paid to getting the details right and still making the stories compelling to read

[Richard Cowart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another outstanding book

This is another great read about British commando operations during the start of WWII and the continuing on again off again romance of Major Randle and Lady Jane. The political game playing in the British empire adds spice to the series.

[Bill Giles · Rating 5 out of 5]

The "Raiding Forces" is a great series and Roman Candle follows the great story set up in books 1 - 3. The detail is exact and the story flows from the start. Major John Randal is a real stud and The Captain Lady Jane Seaborn is every mans dream partner.

[William L. McCracken · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fast start slow uptake

The last third was better than the first two thirds . I enjoyed most of the series but getting into some of the detail is boring and I just skim through that part. I sometimes get lost in all the characters but just keep reading and I figure it out. Enjoy

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic read recommend highly

[John Scheibelhut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down.

Well written and interspersed with humor. The characters were colorful and interesting in their own right. Think you'll like it too.

[spencer galloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

An interesting read for any World War Two history buff. Reads very well, as if your there in person. Quality

[mike hammock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

A very entertaining series, well written and fast paced. These books are hard to put down. I highly recommend this series to anyone that likes military fiction.

[Heidi Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read

While not quite as believable as the preceding books in the series, I did enjoy it and look forward to the next.

[Raymond Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic job by Mr.Ward !!

Each new book introduces a clearer portrait of the main characters. I wish they did not grow so addictive so fast!

[Leo R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could Not Put it Down

Another great story told the way an old soldier likes to hear it; blood, guts and glory. With added romances and intrigue, keeps me turning pages.

[Bryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't care for this one.

[Diane Puckhaber · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT A HOOT

Phil Ward has a great sense of humor. He takes factual history, jumbles them up and writes a rollicking good story.

[Gerald lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot

Good read especially if you like details about fighting troops of the Brits and lesser nations. This is my fourth book and Randal keeps you interested.

[Matthew · Rating 2 out of 5]

okay this book seemed rushed and not like he was ready to put a book together. Usually there is some brilliance and neat stuff going on in the plot. In my opinion this book and the one before it could have been one book.

plus I am so tired of him saying the rank, their nickname, given name EVERY SINGLE time he mentions someone. If you took that away it would be half a book shorter than it was. Not too impressed with this one.

Not enough action or suspense kinda blah about the whole book. Not sure if I will continue to read the series.

[HARRY L WINTERS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once Again An Excellent Story!

I actually enjoyed Roman Candle more than the first two in the series because it was not only more in-depth detailed but the action is almost non-stop. Truly a fascinating read!

[Lewis F. Fierke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good one.

Fourth in the series but number two on my personal list from this author. Lots of excitement coupled with enough military jargon and reality to keep me wanting to keep reading.

[Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable WWII military fiction

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr Ward dos it again!

Once again I found it difficult to put this book down. None stop action. I highly recommend this book for all fans of WWII fiction.

[Lloyd Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never liked the choice of "it's Amazing" for 5 stars. To me "thoroughly enjoyed" sounds more accurate. I've had my library purchase the series.

[Kenneth Holbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Enjoyed the book looking forward to the next book in the series hope it is as good as the last four

[Kim A. Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!

Very good story. I enjoy the style of writing, the author's humor and the subject immensely. Great job Mr. Ward.