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Cauldron
The German attack to pinch off the Kursk Salient begins with a tremendous artillery assault.
Captain Alexei Demetrovsky’s unit of Lavochkin fighters defends the Soviet positions as Operation Citadel explodes across the Ukrainian Steppe, while he is investigated by the Soviet political officer of his squadron for disloyalty to the party.
On July 4, 1943, the largest tank and aircraft battle in history initiated a blistering fifteen-day period of intense combat.
Captain Alexei Demetrovsky’s unit of Lavochkin fighters defends the Soviet positions as Operation Citadel explodes across the Ukrainian Steppe, while he is investigated by the Soviet political officer of his squadron for disloyalty to the party.
On July 4, 1943, the largest tank and aircraft battle in history initiated a blistering fifteen-day period of intense combat.
335 pages, Paperback
Published May 20, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 14, 2024
Yes, my uncle is a published author! This book is about the battle of Kursk during WWII. I know nothing of what it was like to be a Russian or German fighter pilot during this time, but it's safe to say my uncle is an expert on this stuff. He doesn't skimp on air battle action. It's exciting! I got to know and like the two main characters. I felt invested in their destinies. It's a very balanced telling that will keep you turning pages until the very end. I think everyone should read it! Best news: It's the first of a trilogy, and I'll be picking up the second one very soon!
July 14, 2024
Kruse has put together an engaging story set in history. Between heart pounding aerial dogfights there's a human story, both uplifting and tragic. Jump into fighters with Alexi and Schnell as they compete in one of the greatest battles of WWII. Their final confrontation will take your breath away as you rip through the pages. A well-done historical novel.
June 4, 2025
Anyone who loves Russian history in particular, World War II stories and military history in general, will love this story and it’s companion, Crucible. The author has done his due diligence in portraying accurate and sometimes painfully honest detail about life in the trenches and the sky during this terrifying period of world unrest.
Told through the eyes of the principal players of Russian pilot Alexy Demetrovsky and German pilot Gerhard Schnell, readers are drawn in to the dogfights, the plotting, the betrayals, mistrust, and personal dramas of soldiers each believing their fight is just and right.
You’ll go on patrol, or engage the enemy, be drawn into the harsh realities of camp life, food, personal traumas of male and female soldiers on the war front. You’ll be drawn into their angst and regrets, their determination to survive, and dreams of the future.
This is a gritty challenging read, told with the type of detail that puts you right into the action, both sides drawing closer to that fateful battle. Well done.
Told through the eyes of the principal players of Russian pilot Alexy Demetrovsky and German pilot Gerhard Schnell, readers are drawn in to the dogfights, the plotting, the betrayals, mistrust, and personal dramas of soldiers each believing their fight is just and right.
You’ll go on patrol, or engage the enemy, be drawn into the harsh realities of camp life, food, personal traumas of male and female soldiers on the war front. You’ll be drawn into their angst and regrets, their determination to survive, and dreams of the future.
This is a gritty challenging read, told with the type of detail that puts you right into the action, both sides drawing closer to that fateful battle. Well done.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews