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Raiding Forces #1
Those Who Dare
The first in a series of meticulously researched World War II novels about hit-and-run raids against Hitler's war machine by British forces - under the command of a U.S. soldier - "Those Who Dare" is sure to appeal to avid military fiction fans. By May 1940, panzer divisions had decimated Belgium and reached Calais. Lieutenant John Randal of the U.S. 26th Cavalry Regiment volunteers his expertise to help slow their advance. What unfolds is a blend of military guerrilla tactics, suspense, humour, cultural and social commentary, and war buddy camaraderie - plus a little romance between the American GI and the widowed Lady Jane Seaborn. Along the way readers meet such colourful characters as Captain David Niven in MO-9 and Captain 'Geronimo Joe' McKoy with his Travelling Wild West Show and Shooting Emporium. The author - a decorated combat veteran - covers the details of war extensively, from the five points of contact of a parachute landing fall to descriptions of a British raider's A-5 flinging ferries before the first 12-gauge shell casing hits the floor. As the novel ends, Major Randal's men, fresh from Operation Tomcat in France, learn they will deploy via sea transport within 48 hours on their next mission. The second book, which is already written, tells that tale.
374 pages, Paperback
First published July 31, 2010
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1877 people want to read
About the author
Phil Ward
47 books86 followersPhil 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
September 23, 2015
In the same spirit as other authors who write about the military, this novel is more about the characters than the war itself.
A fictionalized account of the formation of the British Commandos of WW II. Very entertaining and, as most fiction about the war, based in at least a small part on fact.
First of a series.
A fictionalized account of the formation of the British Commandos of WW II. Very entertaining and, as most fiction about the war, based in at least a small part on fact.
First of a series.
November 28, 2014
Excellent Introduction to the Series!
This is an amazing fast moving fictional story based on non-fictional research about the beginnings of British commando tactics at the outset of WW2. The author sets the action rolling as he recounts the opening actions at the pullout from Dunkirk seen through the eyes of a brave young American Calvary Lieutenant John Randall. Randall is sent in at the French port of Calais to organize & execute a diversionary slowdown to buy time for allied soldiers trapped at Dunkirk to be rescued. From that point on the author creatively builds his story almost seamlessly, giving the reader an in-depth view as to how quickly Britain's civilian populace & military had to react and respond to the new massive war machine poised on the coastlines of France and Europe. The author gives the reader first hand insight into the complex set of problems and solutions that people from all walks of life were faced with by the onslaught of the Nazi Germany. This is a fascinating and enthralling novel that moves with a flawless energy yet is based on exhaustive research and realism. Excellent reading!
This is an amazing fast moving fictional story based on non-fictional research about the beginnings of British commando tactics at the outset of WW2. The author sets the action rolling as he recounts the opening actions at the pullout from Dunkirk seen through the eyes of a brave young American Calvary Lieutenant John Randall. Randall is sent in at the French port of Calais to organize & execute a diversionary slowdown to buy time for allied soldiers trapped at Dunkirk to be rescued. From that point on the author creatively builds his story almost seamlessly, giving the reader an in-depth view as to how quickly Britain's civilian populace & military had to react and respond to the new massive war machine poised on the coastlines of France and Europe. The author gives the reader first hand insight into the complex set of problems and solutions that people from all walks of life were faced with by the onslaught of the Nazi Germany. This is a fascinating and enthralling novel that moves with a flawless energy yet is based on exhaustive research and realism. Excellent reading!
June 9, 2025
Raiding Force book #1
First published in 2010
This series begins with the birth of special operations that lead to hit and run raids against Hitler’s war machine by the British Forces under the command of Lieutenant John Randal of the U.S. 26th Cavalry Regiment. He had never been placed in charge of people that he didn’t know and had no idea what obstacles and challenges he had to overcome. What unfolds is a blend of military tactics, suspense and war buddy comradery…and a little romance and much more….
I almost drop this around chapter 4; I simply couldn’t get into all the rigorous military training the men had to endure. Chapter 5 brought an interesting twist when Lady Jane Seaborn came into play and her presence spiked things little bit and what came next became clear and “Those Who Dare” finally had my full attention.
This story bounces with humour, light romantic intrigue and British speech, slang and all. Not surprising the author male fantasy depicted all the women as pin-up girls but gave them high-ranking officers status…hum. Ok..
Once the Commando was deployed to France, their mission was highly risky and the author’s knowledge in war fair tactics were at its best. The details war extremely visual even you can hear the rat-ta-ta, pap pap, boom boom, bang bang, the whizzing, humming or hissing of the artillery and the yells of dying men.
Of course, the mission came to an end and the “Raiding Force” out preparing for another mission….
This historical fiction based on real events is well-researched, well said and well-done.
First published in 2010
This series begins with the birth of special operations that lead to hit and run raids against Hitler’s war machine by the British Forces under the command of Lieutenant John Randal of the U.S. 26th Cavalry Regiment. He had never been placed in charge of people that he didn’t know and had no idea what obstacles and challenges he had to overcome. What unfolds is a blend of military tactics, suspense and war buddy comradery…and a little romance and much more….
I almost drop this around chapter 4; I simply couldn’t get into all the rigorous military training the men had to endure. Chapter 5 brought an interesting twist when Lady Jane Seaborn came into play and her presence spiked things little bit and what came next became clear and “Those Who Dare” finally had my full attention.
This story bounces with humour, light romantic intrigue and British speech, slang and all. Not surprising the author male fantasy depicted all the women as pin-up girls but gave them high-ranking officers status…hum. Ok..
Once the Commando was deployed to France, their mission was highly risky and the author’s knowledge in war fair tactics were at its best. The details war extremely visual even you can hear the rat-ta-ta, pap pap, boom boom, bang bang, the whizzing, humming or hissing of the artillery and the yells of dying men.
Of course, the mission came to an end and the “Raiding Force” out preparing for another mission….
This historical fiction based on real events is well-researched, well said and well-done.
July 4, 2019
Exciting Read
Love, hard training and secret missions against the Nazis.
All of the parts make a fine book to read. I didn't check but these missions sounded like they really happened. They were protected under the classification of need to know only, so who knows.
Great adventures at each turn of the pages will keep you entertained.
Love, hard training and secret missions against the Nazis.
All of the parts make a fine book to read. I didn't check but these missions sounded like they really happened. They were protected under the classification of need to know only, so who knows.
Great adventures at each turn of the pages will keep you entertained.
January 6, 2017
This book kept my interest from the first page to the last. If you like military fiction then this is a book for you. Well written. This was the first book I have read by this author and look forward to reading more of his books
March 4, 2022
Great start! Excellent story and interesting characters. I look forward to reading the entire series.
August 13, 2016
An intimate look at a small bit of what war is like. I enjoyed this book so much that I went and watched Band of Brothers, which I had been avoiding because the WWII theme is just too much for me sometimes. The description of how this special search-and-destroy unit was formed hit home with me. I don't think we understand, ever, how random history can be. Someone gets a great idea, and its fate is in the hands of the whimsical nature of the powers-that-be. It's brilliant strategy and innovation struggling to happen against the powerful forces of politics and bedfellows. History is fascinating! said the person who has studied history more than any other subject. It was an easy sell on this one, it goes without saying. I would read it again, just to make sure I understood exactly what happened.
January 15, 2017
Outstanding
Very good book on the beginning and setup of the covert operations teams that would later turn into the British S. A. S. And other teams such as Delta Force and NAVY SEALS
Very good book on the beginning and setup of the covert operations teams that would later turn into the British S. A. S. And other teams such as Delta Force and NAVY SEALS
February 6, 2017
England at its best!
This book gave me a new perspective on what England went through during World War II. They fought hard to keep the Germans out of their country. Luckily, they never succumbed and the war ended without their experiencing invasion.
This book gave me a new perspective on what England went through during World War II. They fought hard to keep the Germans out of their country. Luckily, they never succumbed and the war ended without their experiencing invasion.
January 4, 2020
Wow! Great Book
Historical fiction at its best. Really enjoyed this book. Well researched. Great characters. Terrific story. I could not put it down and I finished it in one day. Excellent!
Historical fiction at its best. Really enjoyed this book. Well researched. Great characters. Terrific story. I could not put it down and I finished it in one day. Excellent!
September 16, 2015
This was a truly fun read for those of us inclined to enjoy war stories. Very well written, engaging characters and a supreme plot.
July 1, 2019
Heroes seldom heralded
Hard training pays off in this historic review of Great Britain in crisis. Training and opportunity reward this group of excellent patriots. A quick read.
Hard training pays off in this historic review of Great Britain in crisis. Training and opportunity reward this group of excellent patriots. A quick read.
April 4, 2017
A different perspective
It was a enjoyable read, however felt that virtually and coincidentally every thing pretty much just happened with out any most normal problems.
It was a enjoyable read, however felt that virtually and coincidentally every thing pretty much just happened with out any most normal problems.
April 13, 2023
So, this book could have been decently presented. The timeline is just around the years the Americans jumped in to help the UK and Europe nations being destroyed by Hitler and the Fascists of Italy. The US had not officially entered the war until the attack on Pearl Harbor. So this story slightly predates that time. However, I removed this material from my download and I will never read this idiotic author's pubs again. Here's why.
My biggest beef is that there is zero respect for any and all females who wore the uniforms and served their nations at a time of huge risk, tragic consequence, and tremendous destruction. What the women who people his pages are given as their identifiers are the abilities to wear killer pencil skirts, skin tight blouses, eye-popping jodhpurs, and form fitting trousers. Is he kidding? Of course, the red-kissable lips and highly arched brows are also given significant treatment worthy of serving forces ammo. I am absolutely appalled that this book and his other books are even published at all.
Sexist, misogynistic, degrading, and immoral are some of the words I could use to describe prose that basically sucks, anyway. There's no point to this story, and there is absolutely no room or permission, in our world of culture clashes, gender inequality, discrimination, and violence against women for this crap.
Before you come at me, understand I am a 20 year veteran of the US Army and I have served in some god-awful locations, but I served with men and women who were not only proud to serve but they all wore the uniform and did the work with pride and honor. I'd challenge this moron to spend a day with some of the toughest, most formidable, even lethal female soldiers I have ever known.
And for a hint of derision, I'd guess he'd quit after a few hours. The soldiers, marines, airmen and sailors I have worked with have had some killer attributes, and not one of them ever measured the capability of their fellow service members by the length and breadth of their penises. Unlike this creepy "author" who seems to think if you don't sport killer legs, or a D-cup bust-line that you can't be effective, honorable, worthy to wear the uniform, and damn good at your job.
He should be forced to walk naked down the mall in DC., while the ladies he has maligned by his ridiculous "prose" get to catcall and point out his clearly useless manhood bobbing around like a deflated sausage.
Old fashioned, chauvinistic, bellicose, and just plain out of touch with reality. Words he should be using to describe himself. He is supposed to be a writer, yes?
Fat chance.
My biggest beef is that there is zero respect for any and all females who wore the uniforms and served their nations at a time of huge risk, tragic consequence, and tremendous destruction. What the women who people his pages are given as their identifiers are the abilities to wear killer pencil skirts, skin tight blouses, eye-popping jodhpurs, and form fitting trousers. Is he kidding? Of course, the red-kissable lips and highly arched brows are also given significant treatment worthy of serving forces ammo. I am absolutely appalled that this book and his other books are even published at all.
Sexist, misogynistic, degrading, and immoral are some of the words I could use to describe prose that basically sucks, anyway. There's no point to this story, and there is absolutely no room or permission, in our world of culture clashes, gender inequality, discrimination, and violence against women for this crap.
Before you come at me, understand I am a 20 year veteran of the US Army and I have served in some god-awful locations, but I served with men and women who were not only proud to serve but they all wore the uniform and did the work with pride and honor. I'd challenge this moron to spend a day with some of the toughest, most formidable, even lethal female soldiers I have ever known.
And for a hint of derision, I'd guess he'd quit after a few hours. The soldiers, marines, airmen and sailors I have worked with have had some killer attributes, and not one of them ever measured the capability of their fellow service members by the length and breadth of their penises. Unlike this creepy "author" who seems to think if you don't sport killer legs, or a D-cup bust-line that you can't be effective, honorable, worthy to wear the uniform, and damn good at your job.
He should be forced to walk naked down the mall in DC., while the ladies he has maligned by his ridiculous "prose" get to catcall and point out his clearly useless manhood bobbing around like a deflated sausage.
Old fashioned, chauvinistic, bellicose, and just plain out of touch with reality. Words he should be using to describe himself. He is supposed to be a writer, yes?
Fat chance.
July 1, 2017
The story opens with the final weeks of the German Army slashing through France in hopes of encircling and capturing the entire BEF. Calais must be held to allow the force attempt an escape from the doomed continent and hopefully be allowed to rebuild and someday carry the fight back to Europe.
Lt. Randal and his 30 Brigade were ordered home. Their orders were changed. His men would become the rearguard and attempt to slow down the thrust of the XIX Panzer Korps. Not an easy task. Randal knows they can’t take them on head-to-head so he forms his group into a guerilla force, dubbed Swamp Fox Force. Using tactics he learned in the jungles of the Philippines, he explains to his unenthused unit how they are going interrupt the advance by sniping at tank commanders, cutting communication and delaying the arrival of supplies. For four days, they raided the 10 Panzer Spearhead with remarkable results.
With the inevitable on the horizon, Randal was give orders to blow that last bridge west of Calais. Think of the scene in “Saving Private Ryan” where they bridge at Ramel, France. There’s one big difference, this bridge is packed with refuges. This act will haunt him.
Arriving back in England he finds out he’s going to heading up a Commando Force. Meet David Niven, that’s right the actor and the fictitious, The Lady Jane Seaborn, a Wild West Entertainer-Captain “Geronimo” Joe McKoy, Pamela Plum-Martin and you have the makings of a decent wartime novel. And yes ladies, there a few potential budding love relationships
The majority of the tale goes over the training and planning of building this new elite unit, now dubbed, The Strategic Raiding Force. Watching this group mature and become implemented into the fray was interesting. I believe all the problems associated with a ground-up unit were well covered and believable.
All the characters were well rounded and established
We do get to see three fledgling operations put to the test to test the new tactics: Operation Buzzard Plucker-the sniping of German Pilots, Comanche Yell-disrupting rail traffic and Operation Tomcat-knocking out a lighthouse and capturing any important documents. All three are fun and exciting.
Came across a smattering of grammatical errors. They didn’t interrupt the flow, but what did the section where the print was all in blue. And then there’s location, 5241-kindle reference, where is says, “include map here.” Where’s the map?
Still pondering whether I’ll continue with the series.
Three and-a-half stars
January 1, 2023
This review will probably work best if you can get a sense for the writing style that I just slogged through, confused, for five chapters.
Consider: a book about a boxer.
“Kevin ‘Big Hands’ Macmillan stared at his opponent in the other side of the ring. This was finally it, the hardest fight of his life. He felt nervous, not knowing if he would survive, or what injuries he would suffer, or even recover from the ones he did manage to incur, which would be inflicted upon him in such force that would tend towards a heavier strike than would otherwise be done by a less or more than average person off the street who had not engaged in this level of proficiency training that men like Kevin ‘Big Hands’ Macmillan was used to. Sweat dripped from his brow. His opponent was Fergus ‘National Television’ Drummerson, who had won four of the last five Eastern Division Title Bout ’95D© Heavyweight Boxing, Seventh Ponticle World Fights America. Kevin ‘Big Hands’ Macmillan tapped his gloves together, and he wondered whether he should have used these 56g leather-stitch, faux-polyester blend with crosshatch 5mm stitching semi-professional boxing gloves or tried to get the new 58g gloves with the experimental pressure-heat tested complete leather with 5.25mm inseam threading, but current economic conditions for the last 15 years, due to constraints in global production and a rise in conflict-strategic intercontinental tariffs, were not favorable for this kind of purchase. Later on, after he had won the fight, he realized that these gloves would work just fine. He went on to win three more fights by technical knock-out (TKO) and then retired. His son also won a championship title fight with several trophies.”
That’s the flavor of this book so far.
Maybe your paragraph starts with a shoulder-level view of the action, and you’re invested in what’s happening according to the perspective of this one guy. But without warning, you’ll be hit with macro exposition on the state of the war, or maybe you’ll just get a broad brush of the next several months in a sentence. None of the characters are distinguishable from one another yet, so I don’t know why I should care about them. I don’t even feel like I know them. Oh, except that some of them growl a lot when talking. Like, every time.
And while you’re trying to keep track of which blitz of several weeks just flew by in a sentence, you will find yourself unprepared to digest the brick of technical details about which guns are which and how many of them they have. This has come up multiple times so far.
Oh, and even though the paragraph started with a question as to whether what’s about to commence will be successful, the author will basically spoil it for you and continue on his merry way.
For whom is this book written? I’m not sure, but I can say it clearly wasn’t written for broad appeal. Maybe it was to share some laughs with other Army enlistees. Like, “Ha-ha! Ohh doggie, they had only fourteen Webley Mark V .455 revolvers and eighteen .303 Short Model Lee-Enfield rifles?!?! Golly!” Um… okay, I guess, what, maybe they should’ve gone for… the bigger guns, then? Your average reader has zero context for these details, and they basically serve only to distract, especially when they keep coming up, and you don’t know if you’re supposed to be keeping track of these, or if this will be important later, or if the author is going to visit you at 11:43 PM (sorry, 43 minutes past 2300 hours) and quiz you on it.
I got through five chapters and concluded that this is probably not going to get any better.
Consider: a book about a boxer.
“Kevin ‘Big Hands’ Macmillan stared at his opponent in the other side of the ring. This was finally it, the hardest fight of his life. He felt nervous, not knowing if he would survive, or what injuries he would suffer, or even recover from the ones he did manage to incur, which would be inflicted upon him in such force that would tend towards a heavier strike than would otherwise be done by a less or more than average person off the street who had not engaged in this level of proficiency training that men like Kevin ‘Big Hands’ Macmillan was used to. Sweat dripped from his brow. His opponent was Fergus ‘National Television’ Drummerson, who had won four of the last five Eastern Division Title Bout ’95D© Heavyweight Boxing, Seventh Ponticle World Fights America. Kevin ‘Big Hands’ Macmillan tapped his gloves together, and he wondered whether he should have used these 56g leather-stitch, faux-polyester blend with crosshatch 5mm stitching semi-professional boxing gloves or tried to get the new 58g gloves with the experimental pressure-heat tested complete leather with 5.25mm inseam threading, but current economic conditions for the last 15 years, due to constraints in global production and a rise in conflict-strategic intercontinental tariffs, were not favorable for this kind of purchase. Later on, after he had won the fight, he realized that these gloves would work just fine. He went on to win three more fights by technical knock-out (TKO) and then retired. His son also won a championship title fight with several trophies.”
That’s the flavor of this book so far.
Maybe your paragraph starts with a shoulder-level view of the action, and you’re invested in what’s happening according to the perspective of this one guy. But without warning, you’ll be hit with macro exposition on the state of the war, or maybe you’ll just get a broad brush of the next several months in a sentence. None of the characters are distinguishable from one another yet, so I don’t know why I should care about them. I don’t even feel like I know them. Oh, except that some of them growl a lot when talking. Like, every time.
And while you’re trying to keep track of which blitz of several weeks just flew by in a sentence, you will find yourself unprepared to digest the brick of technical details about which guns are which and how many of them they have. This has come up multiple times so far.
Oh, and even though the paragraph started with a question as to whether what’s about to commence will be successful, the author will basically spoil it for you and continue on his merry way.
For whom is this book written? I’m not sure, but I can say it clearly wasn’t written for broad appeal. Maybe it was to share some laughs with other Army enlistees. Like, “Ha-ha! Ohh doggie, they had only fourteen Webley Mark V .455 revolvers and eighteen .303 Short Model Lee-Enfield rifles?!?! Golly!” Um… okay, I guess, what, maybe they should’ve gone for… the bigger guns, then? Your average reader has zero context for these details, and they basically serve only to distract, especially when they keep coming up, and you don’t know if you’re supposed to be keeping track of these, or if this will be important later, or if the author is going to visit you at 11:43 PM (sorry, 43 minutes past 2300 hours) and quiz you on it.
I got through five chapters and concluded that this is probably not going to get any better.
March 4, 2020
Audible. ebook available via Kindle Unlimited.
Those Who Dare is exactly what it purports to be – a lot of military, some suspense and humor with a hint of romance. Phil Ward’s first book in the Raiding Forces series feels like part Ken Burns documentary (that’s not an insult, I love Ken Burns) and part 1950’s radio program. Detailing the creation of the Raiding Forces, this centers mostly around Lieutenant John Randal but there is a huge cast that we get to know, root for, and love. The romance does not progress beyond a peck on the cheek and Lady Jane Seaborn proves an enjoyable Peggy Carter to John Randal’s Steve Rogers.
My only complaints were:
* the author used rank and full names nearly every time a character was mentioned. It gets tedious.
* the military drum sound effect between each section. It’s a lot of drumming.
Even with that I truly enjoyed this production and am looking forward to the next book, Dead Eagles.
This is duet narration. Miles Meili narrates the bulk of the story with Shauna MacDonald performing any female speaking parts. Meili & MacDonald give us an impressive range of voices, accents, and personalities. It was wonderful and I’m thrilled they’ll be narrating the rest of the series.
Trigger Warnings (possible spoilers):
Very brief mentions of wartime death. Not graphic.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from Audiobooks Unleashed and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Those Who Dare is exactly what it purports to be – a lot of military, some suspense and humor with a hint of romance. Phil Ward’s first book in the Raiding Forces series feels like part Ken Burns documentary (that’s not an insult, I love Ken Burns) and part 1950’s radio program. Detailing the creation of the Raiding Forces, this centers mostly around Lieutenant John Randal but there is a huge cast that we get to know, root for, and love. The romance does not progress beyond a peck on the cheek and Lady Jane Seaborn proves an enjoyable Peggy Carter to John Randal’s Steve Rogers.
My only complaints were:
* the author used rank and full names nearly every time a character was mentioned. It gets tedious.
* the military drum sound effect between each section. It’s a lot of drumming.
Even with that I truly enjoyed this production and am looking forward to the next book, Dead Eagles.
This is duet narration. Miles Meili narrates the bulk of the story with Shauna MacDonald performing any female speaking parts. Meili & MacDonald give us an impressive range of voices, accents, and personalities. It was wonderful and I’m thrilled they’ll be narrating the rest of the series.
Trigger Warnings (possible spoilers):
Very brief mentions of wartime death. Not graphic.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from Audiobooks Unleashed and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
October 5, 2017
Interesting book. I enjoyed the detailed account of a US army officer fighting with the Brits early in WW II. But the story was about 95% "telling, " and only 5% showing, which breaks a "cardinal rule" of writing--show don't tell. However, this storytelling was overall quite entertaining, so that wasn't a significant detraction. WWII fans will enjoy this book the most. Others, maybe not. There is a distinct lack of tension since the main character never seems to have a personal or professional setback and there is little or no conflict or competition between characters.
But this longish story held my attention well enough for me to read to the end, and overall, I liked the story. My one complaint was the constant use of complete names and ranks of all the characters continuously throughout the book. Even only saying "Major Randal" instead of the typical "Randal" or "John" would have been better than the constant use of "Major John Randal" over and over again. The same holds true for the dozen or so other characters who had significant roles in the book. The custom with the majority of authors is to use either first or last name only, so reading "Captain the Lady Jane Seaborn," (for example) a dozen times or so per each chapter in which she appeared got very tiresome and significantly slowed the book's pace.
But this longish story held my attention well enough for me to read to the end, and overall, I liked the story. My one complaint was the constant use of complete names and ranks of all the characters continuously throughout the book. Even only saying "Major Randal" instead of the typical "Randal" or "John" would have been better than the constant use of "Major John Randal" over and over again. The same holds true for the dozen or so other characters who had significant roles in the book. The custom with the majority of authors is to use either first or last name only, so reading "Captain the Lady Jane Seaborn," (for example) a dozen times or so per each chapter in which she appeared got very tiresome and significantly slowed the book's pace.
May 9, 2017
Those Who Dare by Phil Ward is the first book in a series of novels about British raiding forces in World War II. Led by Lt. John Randall, an American officer who joined the UK forces early in the war, these brave volunteers engaged in dangerous hit-and-run attacks against German installations in occupied France. A former cavalry officer, Randall brought guerilla tactics and an American can-do attitude to the buttoned British forces, in the process learning to lead in combat, while at the same time, dealing with his growing affections for the hard core British baroness, herself trained in clandestine warfare, and who is working to elevate the position of women in the hide-bound British system.
This novel is meticulously researched, and the author does a masterful job of weaving actual historical personalities into his fictional narrative. Military details are on the money, and used in such a way that they don’t disrupt the narrative or flow of the book. Characters are fully fleshed out, and the reader comes away from the book with a sense that you ‘know’ them.
If you like military fiction, you’ll love this book. While there are some oddities in formatting in the e-book version, they do not detract from the pleasure of reading well-crafted military fiction.
This novel is meticulously researched, and the author does a masterful job of weaving actual historical personalities into his fictional narrative. Military details are on the money, and used in such a way that they don’t disrupt the narrative or flow of the book. Characters are fully fleshed out, and the reader comes away from the book with a sense that you ‘know’ them.
If you like military fiction, you’ll love this book. While there are some oddities in formatting in the e-book version, they do not detract from the pleasure of reading well-crafted military fiction.
January 26, 2021
Those Who Dare. Phil Ward.
This book has fictional and actual historical figures woven into it's extremely fast paced powerful story of the birth of Britain's first unit to utilize hit and run or guerilla type tactics against the Germans during WWII. They are lead by an American Lieutenant John Randal of the U.S. 26th Cavalry Regiment. The British initially are skeptical of his tactics which the American General called or referred to as Swampfox used against the British during the American Revolution. Under Randals leadership based on his personal experience utilizing this type of hit and run tactics proves to be quite successful. As the story progresses he and his men have obtained quite a reputation. He quickly gaines the respect of his men. He is a leader who leads by example. The British military has internal issues between the Army, Navy and it's Air Force. This is also common in America. Traditionally. He slowly gains the support of people in positions of power. This is an immensely powerful and entertaining novel. Some of the characters are extremely colourful. My highest recommendation!!! Enjoyed immensely!!
This book has fictional and actual historical figures woven into it's extremely fast paced powerful story of the birth of Britain's first unit to utilize hit and run or guerilla type tactics against the Germans during WWII. They are lead by an American Lieutenant John Randal of the U.S. 26th Cavalry Regiment. The British initially are skeptical of his tactics which the American General called or referred to as Swampfox used against the British during the American Revolution. Under Randals leadership based on his personal experience utilizing this type of hit and run tactics proves to be quite successful. As the story progresses he and his men have obtained quite a reputation. He quickly gaines the respect of his men. He is a leader who leads by example. The British military has internal issues between the Army, Navy and it's Air Force. This is also common in America. Traditionally. He slowly gains the support of people in positions of power. This is an immensely powerful and entertaining novel. Some of the characters are extremely colourful. My highest recommendation!!! Enjoyed immensely!!
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December 17, 2020The novel Those Who Dare by Phil Ward was a read that thoroughly brightened my pandemic days. It is a throwback to the days of the swashbuckler (frogspawn) but Errol Flynn never shows up. An American officer joins the British effort to gear up for covert action in the days before the United States joined the European war. In the process he introduces the humor of the way prewar Britain selected their military officers from the peerage and their knowledge of warfare from the troops. Along the way we read about Captain Lady Jane Seaborn Royal Marines and Royal Marine Pamela Plum-Martin (frogspawn) and a Vice Admiral Randolph “Razor” Ransom from the Royal Navy who attaches himself to some glittering commando naval derring-do. If you have ever enjoyed John Wayne, the Lone Ranger, or Zorro you will know what I mean about derring-do. Just think the author has written 13 of these jewels (frogspawn).
July 2, 2021
I rarely write reviews on books as I’m happy to just give a star rating. On top of that I rarely give a book something less than three stars. The premise of the story is good but the execution is clumsy. From an annoying habit through the entire book of referring to well known characters by rank AND full name AND nickname (often in the same dialogue sequence) it makes reading tedious. Lots of mistakes throughout the book which I can normally overlook but toward the end the mistakes came as fast and furious as the brief action of the climax. The ending was underwhelming and over the top all at the same time. This was my first WWII fiction book so I took a chance on this and have to say I’m a bit disappointed with it as an introduction. I won’t be continuing the series as the writer’s style just isn’t my cup of tea. Perhaps things improve in the series but it’s not compelling enough for me to continue.
January 22, 2018
"Those Who Dare" was an exceptional book. The plot was immersive, complex and believable. Characters were extremely well drawn, (I cared what happened to them while reading). This was fiction set at the very beginning of WWII, and as such could have just devolved into action scenes loosely based on historical events, but the author did his research and introduced material in a believable way that realistically expands the typical reader's knowledge of how life could have been for a protagonist in that real situation and time. The book also contains a dash of romance, keeping it classy, all set in a very immersive military plot. I have a military background and was impressed with the accurate detail used in planning and training conducted by the characters in this story, without it devolving into a dry history. I highly recommend this book and will keep it on my re-read list.
July 28, 2025
Wow! This book far exceeded my expectations! This story about an american officer volunteering to help the Brits, whos back was up against a wall in early WW2, is one that will stick with me. First, the author, Mr Ward deserves a lot of credit for his ability to tell this story, filled with tons of tactical info, hellish training experiences, and introduces plenty of notable characters into an action packed theater that hopefully will turn the tide of the war so far. I found it hard to put this book down, for fear I would miss out on something. Im glad this book was recommended to me by goodreads. Im anxiously awaiting the second book in this series.
May 21, 2017
Mystery, suspense, covert actions, some romance, soldier camaraderie, secret missions, and life and death during WWII.
I won a hardback signed copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway and I am under no obligation to write a review and do so voluntarily. Now I am passing this book onto my son, a US soldier since 2001 with 82nd Airborne who has deployed seven times between 2003 and 2012. I hope he will enjoy the story and I am sure his life experiences in war, he will be able to relate to this book.
I won a hardback signed copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway and I am under no obligation to write a review and do so voluntarily. Now I am passing this book onto my son, a US soldier since 2001 with 82nd Airborne who has deployed seven times between 2003 and 2012. I hope he will enjoy the story and I am sure his life experiences in war, he will be able to relate to this book.
December 21, 2020
I was hoping for more action. In my opinion there's way too much of who's who in the zoo and why they're who they are. Perhaps this is just British custom but it's told from the standpoint of an American. Way to much space and time is spent every time a character when a character speaks by giving his full name and title and everything about him - lots of alphabet soup which means nothing anyway. I bought book number two hoping that it will be a little more active and less about everyone's character which is repeated over and over. The parties all have unique first names, just call them that. I'll review more after reading the second book in the series and let you know if I'll continue the series or whether is more of the same. But it's a good book to read right before bedtime if you get my drift.
August 17, 2019
Engrossing and Educational
Starts out with the evacuation of Calais and Britain’s darkest hour and then, through character development, shows the creation of its special forces. Although its credibility is often stretched to the breaking point it’s a very engrossing tale. Ends with a great victory for its raiders. It is very early in the war and nothing good is happening until this and a few other victories by the lead characters.
Engrossing. Couldn’t put it down.
Starts out with the evacuation of Calais and Britain’s darkest hour and then, through character development, shows the creation of its special forces. Although its credibility is often stretched to the breaking point it’s a very engrossing tale. Ends with a great victory for its raiders. It is very early in the war and nothing good is happening until this and a few other victories by the lead characters.
Engrossing. Couldn’t put it down.
June 14, 2021
This is a very well researched fictional WW2 novel written about actual events with feelings and personalities. It gives an exceptional view of the beginnings of raiding army creations and the type of activities they were expected to achieve. It is an excellent review of the people and the policies of the world at war. I would recommend to anyone who has enjoyed the war series by W.E.B. Griffin, it is that good and entertaining.
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June 21, 2022An American Joins British Troops before America Declares War
Absolutely thrilling story about a young American who gets involved in Commando training before America enters WW 2. Of course, even though it is a novel there is so much training that it seems like the men will never get involved in real fighting. The Nazis look like they are winning the war, and they are absolutely devastating London. Well written and fast paced.
Absolutely thrilling story about a young American who gets involved in Commando training before America enters WW 2. Of course, even though it is a novel there is so much training that it seems like the men will never get involved in real fighting. The Nazis look like they are winning the war, and they are absolutely devastating London. Well written and fast paced.
July 7, 2022
A Jolly Good Read
Be prepared to slip into a wonderfully woven English adventure. Tight and crisp with a fine mix of dangerous escapades, shades of subtle romance, and “stiff upper lip” bravado. You may be tempted to track the various regimental designations and royal details - but I was just happy to go along for the ride as if I knew it all - didn’t matter that I didn’t. Can’t wait to dig into volume 2.
Be prepared to slip into a wonderfully woven English adventure. Tight and crisp with a fine mix of dangerous escapades, shades of subtle romance, and “stiff upper lip” bravado. You may be tempted to track the various regimental designations and royal details - but I was just happy to go along for the ride as if I knew it all - didn’t matter that I didn’t. Can’t wait to dig into volume 2.
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