The Magnificent Mission

by Phil Ward

In this sequel to Economy of Force, Colonel John Randal returns in The Magnificent Mission.
Col. Randal has been summoned to London to meet with Major the Lady Jane Seaborn’s Godfather, Lieutenant Colonel John Henry Bevan, the Chief of Deception. Lt. Col. Bevan is in charge of the super-secret London Controlling Section. Major General Sam Houston Blackwell sends his personal aircraft to fly the party to the meeting — Lady Jane has a shopping safari on her calendar. Before they can depart, Raiding Forces is tasked with rescuing a photo reconnaissance pilot who has been shot down. The pilot is under the command of Colonel Elliott Roosevelt — President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s son. The resulting action became known as The Magnificent Mission.

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 11, 2024

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

[D. Jane Akins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read the whole series to date in order and in succession so this is a comprehensive review

What a treat to be able to read 17 books of a series without having to wait on the next one. You can really get the continuation of the series that way. It’s well worth it in this story line. The action is well written and the character development is superb. The books are about a serious subject, obviously; deal with the hard parts of the war, battles, injuries and death, realistically; but includes comic relief through the characters. It’s based on parts of the war in areas of the world that are usually never heard about which makes the story line very interesting. I recommend each book enthusiastically but I recommend reading them as I have in order with no interruptions for a great read. I’ll be waiting now for Book 18 since the promise is they’ll continue all the way to VE Day.

[Gary Pickersgill · Rating 3 out of 5]

C- could do better.

I was a bit disappointed at first from all the training based verbage.
It seemed to take ages for the story to pick up speed. Nothing was mentioned about the Germans that were still trapped at ABCHQ . More could have been done about the Frog,s jump into combat I thought.
I'm sorry Phil but this wasn't up to your usual standard, it was as if you were finding it hard to knit various sections together.

[Clay Silsby · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the Way!

Readers of historical fiction that enjoy action and great characters will burn through this book. The author loves the language, weapon details and gear that soldiers love. Get out a big map of the Aegean and your military arms references and enjoy. Made my bones ache to read about the swing landing trainer.

[edward cates · Rating 4 out of 5]

a little more actin, a little less detail in training.

I read these books as soon as they come out, they are action packed and Phil Wards experience is evident through out the book. As a military jumper my self, i thought the detailed descriptions of Jump schools and PLFs was to long and should been shorter.

[Ed Obarowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another tour de force from Phil Ward with his latest Raiding Forces book. From the moment I picked it up, I didn't want to put it back down. The flight attendant on my trip home from vacation had to tell me it was time to leave the plane as I was devouring page after page and just didn't want to stop.
I can't wait for the next book to come out! Enjoy!

[Peter Hendrycks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is quite interesting! As with all the books in the series, there is a lot going on in multiple areas. The story about Billy Jack is intense, and well told! Im thinking that now that Randal has a few more troops at his disposal, the next book will showcase that fact even more, as the allies are getting set for D Day in the near future.

[Heather Harned · Rating 5 out of 5]

always a good read

I highly recommend this book , this series to any one who loves history and enjoys learning about it through historical fiction. It seems to be well researched and the story and characters are well written

[Ellis lee Knox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing to be a best read...

Thank you Phil Ward for another great read. I anticipate each installment with impatience, but never disappointed in the next book. Again can hardly wait for the next!

[james dobbs]

captivating series

I've read the entire series from and it is truly captivating, the characters are remarkable but not bullet proof. If you are at all a fan of war time friction based on historical events the this is a must read in my opinion

[Michael W. Gray Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great to be back in action

Book 17 in a long line of outstanding novels is just the tip of the next one can’t wait to see what double crosses happens next Col. Randal won’t be allowed to get his well earned rest something will happen to click him on

[RANDY MILLER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Series

First off, thank you for you service! I have thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series. The progression of the characters is very good. As I finished this book and saw that book 18 was available I was thrilled. Thank you Phil Ward!

[John S · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

Phil Ward has once again written a masterpiece. Enjoy the riveting action. I read it cover to cover in one sitting. Raiding Forces at its best. Right Man Right Job.

[Gerald Good · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

Another raider adventure with blow em up and shoot em up galore, Good to see the characters evolving as the organization grows and changes.

[Joe Simonds · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short on action, too much filler.

[Tom OConnor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 17

Well written story but got a little confusing with the ranks and all the different nicknames. Read all of this series . but this book seemed to drag on.

[Mary Kaye Kuzma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent story

I love the characters and the story it constantly keeps my attention. One of my favorite series. And I read alott.

[Jim Purcell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of getting ready, to get ready, to ad nauseam already. But, the characters stay interesting and while the actions are hard to believe, they are fun to read.

[Marc VanDerKarr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Some of the best read I’ve had in years. I can’t look forward to the next book. Keep up the great work and keep the books coming.

[James E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storytelling at its finest

Phil Ward not only tells a great story, he brings the reader deep inside and makes you wish you had a cool nickname.

[Ray W. Hanson · Rating 3 out of 5]

ho/hum

Loved the 1st 10 novels. Gradually lost their luster. Would like a bit more history and a lot less reorganization

[JOE L WOODWARD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book

Read it. It's fun. A real page turner. World War 2 fiction at its best. The whole series is really fun.

[Tommy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed Book 17: The Magnificent Mission. I enjoy all the technical information provided, although I do see how some people would find them a bit too long and heavy in this book. But I think all the explanation was necessary for the book though. I consider myself a long-time student of WWII for many years, but this book delves in a part of that war that I am not as familiar with, so I needed the background. Of course, I thrive on that stuff, so . . . It's still a 5-star book! Can't wait for Book 18.

[Kenneth Koehler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mission

This book kept me n it from beginning to the
end. I would recommend this book for WW2 lovers,it's a great book.