The Warsaw Hammer: A World War II Alternate History Thriller: What If Poland Defeats Germany in 1939?

by Martin Asiner

What if Poland struck first—before Hitler could?

1938: Hitler's invasion plans are no longer a secret. Polish intelligence knows the Reich is coming—but what if Poland doesn't wait?

With time running out, Major Marek Pierski proposes the a preemptive strike straight into Germany. Outgunned and alone, Poland launches a desperate assault aimed at Berlin itself. If they fail, they’ll be crushed. If they succeed, history itself will be rewritten.

Caught between Nazi Germany and Stalin’s Soviet Union, Pierski faces impossible odds—and one brutal

Is this bold move Poland’s last hope… or the beginning of its destruction?

And if Hitler is captured alive—what then?

The Warsaw Hammer is a fast-paced alternate history thriller packed with military strategy, moral conflict, and the weight of a nation’s survival. Perfect for fans of Fatherland, SS-GB, and The Man in the High Castle.

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2024

Reviews

[Roger Hruska · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I read the synopsis of WARSAW HAMMER, I will admit that I thought that it was an intriguing concept that had never occurred to me, and I looked forward to being able to start reading the book. The idea that the Polish Army would launch a preemptive strike against Germany was brilliant. And I must say, the author does a masterful job of constructing the dialogs in the first part of the book. Plus, none of the actions seemed forced or contrived as the author laid the groundwork for this book. But once the war had commenced, the narrative became nonsensical. The idea that once the Polish forces began their drive into Germany, the million and a half German soldiers sitting on either side of the attack would do nothing for several days, made no sense whatsoever. Add to that, the idea that once Great Britton decided to enter the war, they were able to transfer the entire BEF over to France and be ready for offensive operations within several days was beyond belief. I know that this is an alternative history, but please try to make it at least somewhat believable.

[C R · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a great and interesting premise - that peters into implausibility

The premise of the book is fascinating alternative history! The main fictional characters are well drawn and interesting. Having spent far too much time in graduate school in history studying modern Europe and having had an almost lifelong interest in military history, I just couldn’t suspend disbelief that the historical characters (with a few exceptions) would have acted as the author has them act. The idea of what he has the Poles doing is really good. The technical and technological ability to pull it off was largely lacking as far as I understand it. I really wanted to like it more! I’ve enjoyed another of the author’s works - the Marines and Mongols time displacement book. I think that was better.

[James J Chapman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fresh idea but too unrealistic

I enjoyed the book and the premise was unique. Where it failed was its adoption of impossible plans and anachronistic events. The heavy water and v2 programs were much later. Also the logistics of the Berlin thrust just won't work. Still fun read, A few good characters and a nice diversion.