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No Merciful War #1
Everything We Had
November 1941: War is coming to the Pacific. In Europe, the Nazis are triumphant. England is under siege by air and sea. France has fallen to the Nazi Wehrmacht, which in turn fell on Soviet Russia. The Red Army is in full retreat, with the Nazis at the gates of Moscow. In the Pacific, Japan has been at war with China since 1937. Her war industries depend upon imports of scrap metal and oil from the Allied nations. When an embargo is placed on imports to Japan, they are left with a year's supply of oil to supply their armed forces. Japan surrounds American possessions in the Philippines on three sides. The US Army is making a desperate, last-minute attempt to reinforce the Philippines garrison, but the clock is ticking for the Japanese, with their oil running out. The armed forces of Imperial Japan may attack the Philippines at any moment. Two brothers, Jack and Charlie Davis, are pilots in the US Army Air Forces. They are part of the reinforcements sent to the Far Eastern Air Force, charged with air defense of the Philippines. For Jack and Charlie, in a time when the US is on the brink of world war, a simple question must soon be answered: what will I do when the Japanese come?
- GenresFiction
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2015
321 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 28, 2020
Tom Burkhalter’s book takes place in the few months before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It involves the story of two airplane pilots, brothers Charlie and Jack. Charlie is a bomber while Jack is part of an Intercepter Squadron. Most of the action takes place in the Pacific, where there is an uneasy peace between the United States and Japan.
Mr. Burkhalter has an incredible command of airplane knowledge, and is able to describe how each plane works, the sights and sounds one would experience if flying the planes in the book, and even adds items that spice up the action, such as the height when the atmosphere begins to play havoc with the engine and may possibly cause it to stall. This is the author’s five-star element.
There are times when this knowledge spills into the conversations, with pilots talking about airplanes the same way people might dissect a Sunday afternoon of football games. While the knowledge is precise, after a while it can become overwhelming.
Although the author has designed this as a series (this being book 1), the story can be read as a standalone. I found the dogfights to be exciting and could almost smell the engine oil and hear the sounds of bullets whacking the wings and bodies of the planes. This is a good historical fiction that holds knowledge for those who are interested in history. Four stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for a complimentary electronic copy of this book.
Mr. Burkhalter has an incredible command of airplane knowledge, and is able to describe how each plane works, the sights and sounds one would experience if flying the planes in the book, and even adds items that spice up the action, such as the height when the atmosphere begins to play havoc with the engine and may possibly cause it to stall. This is the author’s five-star element.
There are times when this knowledge spills into the conversations, with pilots talking about airplanes the same way people might dissect a Sunday afternoon of football games. While the knowledge is precise, after a while it can become overwhelming.
Although the author has designed this as a series (this being book 1), the story can be read as a standalone. I found the dogfights to be exciting and could almost smell the engine oil and hear the sounds of bullets whacking the wings and bodies of the planes. This is a good historical fiction that holds knowledge for those who are interested in history. Four stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for a complimentary electronic copy of this book.
July 9, 2021
Very good
A tad confusing with so many characters introduced in the first chapter. Got much better after that. Only correction is that airplanes fly in knots and distances are nautical miles. About 1 1/8 mph. For some unknown reason while distance is in nautical miles, altitude is in feet, now I think it’s meters. Too many planes out there with airspeed indicators in knots. Confusing. 1 nautical mile = 1 minute of latitude. 1.1508 miles. Dates back to the 17th century.
A tad confusing with so many characters introduced in the first chapter. Got much better after that. Only correction is that airplanes fly in knots and distances are nautical miles. About 1 1/8 mph. For some unknown reason while distance is in nautical miles, altitude is in feet, now I think it’s meters. Too many planes out there with airspeed indicators in knots. Confusing. 1 nautical mile = 1 minute of latitude. 1.1508 miles. Dates back to the 17th century.
November 12, 2021
Interesting and enjoyable
It started to be a little too much history of the start of the army air force and flying information and very little action, but made up for it in the action described in the last quarter of the book.
It started to be a little too much history of the start of the army air force and flying information and very little action, but made up for it in the action described in the last quarter of the book.
April 20, 2023
Burkhalter did a terrific job of showing how unprepared the United States was for a modern war. In particular, the Air Force was puny and starved for resources. Jack Davis, the son of a fighter pilot in the Great War loves to fly and is drawn into the Army Air Force as the United States embarks on a crash program to build a modern air force. Probable enemies, Germany and Japan have already successfully deployed extensive air power in their conquests.
Jack is assigned to the Philippines where he encounters the Far East Air Force’s horrifying lack of preparedness as well as the shortages, misalignment of resources, and lightly trained pilots resulting from the need to build an air force quickly. War with Japan is imminent and there are few aircraft available to resist.
When war does come with the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor, most of the resources were allocated to Europe. Jack and his squadron mates were forced to face the Japanese air forces outnumbered, outgunned, and using inferior aircraft. The heroic fighting retreat by the Far East Air Force (FEAF) is so real I could smell the sweat and avgas.
The technical details of the aged pursuit planes like the P-26, which had an open cockpit, fixed landing gear, and wire-braced wings were fascinating. The P-35 was better, but still no match for the highly maneuverable and heavily armed Zeros and suffered heavy losses. The handful of modern P-40s were simply outnumbered.
The flying scenes, even when not fighting are riveting. The air combat scenes are electrifying. As Jack throws his P-40 across the sky to get a shot at enemy fighters while avoiding the Zeros on his tail, I was with him. I yanked back the stick and stomped on the rudder pedals with him.
The characters are a bit underdeveloped. I was reminded of the WWII movies we used to watch. This shortcoming was overshadowed by the details of the hardships, the aircraft, and flying a pursuit plane in combat.
Jack is assigned to the Philippines where he encounters the Far East Air Force’s horrifying lack of preparedness as well as the shortages, misalignment of resources, and lightly trained pilots resulting from the need to build an air force quickly. War with Japan is imminent and there are few aircraft available to resist.
When war does come with the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor, most of the resources were allocated to Europe. Jack and his squadron mates were forced to face the Japanese air forces outnumbered, outgunned, and using inferior aircraft. The heroic fighting retreat by the Far East Air Force (FEAF) is so real I could smell the sweat and avgas.
The technical details of the aged pursuit planes like the P-26, which had an open cockpit, fixed landing gear, and wire-braced wings were fascinating. The P-35 was better, but still no match for the highly maneuverable and heavily armed Zeros and suffered heavy losses. The handful of modern P-40s were simply outnumbered.
The flying scenes, even when not fighting are riveting. The air combat scenes are electrifying. As Jack throws his P-40 across the sky to get a shot at enemy fighters while avoiding the Zeros on his tail, I was with him. I yanked back the stick and stomped on the rudder pedals with him.
The characters are a bit underdeveloped. I was reminded of the WWII movies we used to watch. This shortcoming was overshadowed by the details of the hardships, the aircraft, and flying a pursuit plane in combat.
October 20, 2019
A TB. WW II Military Aviation Action Adventure (EWH) (ANOTSPAWN-D1941)
TB. has penned A World War II military aviation action adventure which begins with a flight of bombers flying from Pearl Harbor to the Philippines. The bombers depart Pearl before the attack on December 7. They are carrying USA Aviators to fly P-40's. They arrive in Manila and receivevthe news that the Japanese are soon to attack the Philippines. After Pearl Harbor the Japanese attack The Philippines. This work detail the way the fighters and bombers were utilized before the falk of the fall of Correigdor. This is an excellent read for genre.....DEHS
TB. has penned A World War II military aviation action adventure which begins with a flight of bombers flying from Pearl Harbor to the Philippines. The bombers depart Pearl before the attack on December 7. They are carrying USA Aviators to fly P-40's. They arrive in Manila and receivevthe news that the Japanese are soon to attack the Philippines. After Pearl Harbor the Japanese attack The Philippines. This work detail the way the fighters and bombers were utilized before the falk of the fall of Correigdor. This is an excellent read for genre.....DEHS
March 12, 2020
At war before they could prepare
Well written, historically accurate. Excellent story of two American brothers sent to the Philippines in December 1941 as America attempts to build up the Pacific forces as realization slowly dawns that Japan is almost certain to go to war. One is a B-17 pilot, the other a fighter pilot going into battle in the P-40 (my personal all time favorite warplane). They learn of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, then face the attack on the Phillipines the next day. Great action, good start to the series at a place and time not well covered in historical writings, real or fictional
Well written, historically accurate. Excellent story of two American brothers sent to the Philippines in December 1941 as America attempts to build up the Pacific forces as realization slowly dawns that Japan is almost certain to go to war. One is a B-17 pilot, the other a fighter pilot going into battle in the P-40 (my personal all time favorite warplane). They learn of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, then face the attack on the Phillipines the next day. Great action, good start to the series at a place and time not well covered in historical writings, real or fictional
October 2, 2019
I enjoyed the book greatly! It was believable and technically correct for the time period! I would recommend to anyone interested in the pre and post WWII Time Period!
Note: My father was in the U.S. Navy and he was stationed across the bay from Manila (1950-52). He got base housing, so my mom, 2 sisters, 2 brother, and me lived there in 51 & 52 (9/10years old). It was an experience that I will never forget!
Note: My father was in the U.S. Navy and he was stationed across the bay from Manila (1950-52). He got base housing, so my mom, 2 sisters, 2 brother, and me lived there in 51 & 52 (9/10years old). It was an experience that I will never forget!
May 25, 2020
Enjoyable
A fictional novel accounting for the period prior to the onset of World War II in the Philippines and ending after the Japanese invasion. Seen through the eyes of a fighter and a bomber pilot, who happen to be brothers, this is an engaging story which sets the path for books to follow. The story is realistic, the characters are credible, if perhaps a bit too nice and calmly heroic. Will be reading the next in the series.
A fictional novel accounting for the period prior to the onset of World War II in the Philippines and ending after the Japanese invasion. Seen through the eyes of a fighter and a bomber pilot, who happen to be brothers, this is an engaging story which sets the path for books to follow. The story is realistic, the characters are credible, if perhaps a bit too nice and calmly heroic. Will be reading the next in the series.
June 27, 2020
Best book I have read since getting my Kindle! The authenticity was right on the money and it easily transported me to a place and time I have never known. The characters are well developed and the technical aspects of the men, machines and weapons are spot on. My biggest grief with it is how it ends and THAT it ends. There is so much more to tell! I hope there is another book forthcoming that picks up right where he left off.
November 13, 2020
I like historical fiction that follows a plausible storyline.
This book is the best one I've read covering the earliest air campiagn in the ABDA theater.
Covering the U.S. army air forces I got wrapped up in what happens to the main(fictional)characters.
I'm an amateur historian and this area is one that I feel knowledgeable in. The book follows the facts of history very closely while stirring in the fictional in a believable way.
Well Done!
This book is the best one I've read covering the earliest air campiagn in the ABDA theater.
Covering the U.S. army air forces I got wrapped up in what happens to the main(fictional)characters.
I'm an amateur historian and this area is one that I feel knowledgeable in. The book follows the facts of history very closely while stirring in the fictional in a believable way.
Well Done!
July 30, 2021
I enjoyed the book, story and characters are great. However, I found some of the technical items pertaining to aircraft maintenance and flying off, a common problem with many books that I read. I am both a pilot and an aircraft mechanic who has worked on round engines, my father in law flew B-17 in WW2 so I may have more insight than most and the errors do no take anything away from the story. Still looking forward to reading the next book.
November 20, 2024
Great read
Cannot say what there were as far as problems. I am glad someone is finally covering this geographic area. My Dad was in Burma, and an uncle in the retaking the PI. Another relative spent from 42-45 as a POW a Camp O'Donnell. I had my own hot weather in Vietnam. We all agreed that leather, uniforms, weapons are hell in that climate and that you can never ever drink enough
Cannot say what there were as far as problems. I am glad someone is finally covering this geographic area. My Dad was in Burma, and an uncle in the retaking the PI. Another relative spent from 42-45 as a POW a Camp O'Donnell. I had my own hot weather in Vietnam. We all agreed that leather, uniforms, weapons are hell in that climate and that you can never ever drink enough
April 10, 2020
Great evocation of the first days of the war in the Pacific
Good characters, story line and great detail on the planes and their characteristics. The author puts you in the cockpit quite well and includes detail beyond the norm so you begin to appreciate how complex it was to fly and fight these aircraft.
Good characters, story line and great detail on the planes and their characteristics. The author puts you in the cockpit quite well and includes detail beyond the norm so you begin to appreciate how complex it was to fly and fight these aircraft.
September 23, 2020
An interesting storyline for what appears to be the first book of a new series. The author has used the first book to develop the characters in the series, and therefore there is not a lot of action, until the last few chapters of the book. However, the book did keep my attention and I look forward to the next one to see what happens. Overall a good read for a first book in the series.
March 8, 2021
Good book about the period just prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor. It shows how woefully unprepared and uninformed the US was regarding the Japanese military. They had intelligence on the new Japanese fighter, 06M “Zero”, but dismissed it because they didn’t like Claire Chenaut.
Entertaining and enjoyable.
Entertaining and enjoyable.
March 10, 2021
Enjoyable Novel
Good Novel about the lead up to the beginning of the conflict. Focused on two brothers, both pilots, who end up in the Philippines at the beginning of the war. A novel, but written with a good amount of detail of how things were in actuality. Both in technical detail and how difficult life and survival really was. Easy reading.
Good Novel about the lead up to the beginning of the conflict. Focused on two brothers, both pilots, who end up in the Philippines at the beginning of the war. A novel, but written with a good amount of detail of how things were in actuality. Both in technical detail and how difficult life and survival really was. Easy reading.
August 27, 2021
A story of sacrifice and duty to and sacrifice for country
Because it is fiction does not mean that it didn't happen that way, because it did. We need to be thankful for those who actually went through these times. We should be grateful to the men and women for their great. sacrifices
Because it is fiction does not mean that it didn't happen that way, because it did. We need to be thankful for those who actually went through these times. We should be grateful to the men and women for their great. sacrifices
January 23, 2020
A real good read. I rarely wright any thing at all about what I read.
I read a dozen books or per month. It is the only activity that I can participate in that doesn't increase my pain level..
I read a dozen books or per month. It is the only activity that I can participate in that doesn't increase my pain level..
April 10, 2020
Everything They Had
The early days of WW2, two brothers, one fighter pilot, one bomber pilot, land in the Phillipean Islands and prepare for war. Outnumbered, Outclassed by superior Japanese aircraft, they do the best they can with what they have. First book of a series.
The early days of WW2, two brothers, one fighter pilot, one bomber pilot, land in the Phillipean Islands and prepare for war. Outnumbered, Outclassed by superior Japanese aircraft, they do the best they can with what they have. First book of a series.
April 16, 2020
Interesting bit of early Pacific Theater history.
Enjoyed the background information on situations and players in the prior to and early stages of the war. The forced building and mistakes that were made were enlightening.
Enjoyed the background information on situations and players in the prior to and early stages of the war. The forced building and mistakes that were made were enlightening.
June 28, 2020
Excellent Aviation Fiction
Good development of engaging characters. Very good account of air combat. Historically accurate. Excellent description of the science and art of flying. Unlike almost all military fiction, this doesn't disappoint.
Good development of engaging characters. Very good account of air combat. Historically accurate. Excellent description of the science and art of flying. Unlike almost all military fiction, this doesn't disappoint.
Read
December 7, 2020Really enjoyed this book and reading the next in the series now. As far as I can remember about my non-fiction readings during this period it follows the incidents leading up to and the attack in Dec Japanees attack on the Phillipines. Highly recommend this book.
January 27, 2021
New series Army Air Corp in the Pacific
First book well done, pretty good detail of Clark Field and the days leading up to and after December 7, 41.
Technicals are good, to carry the story line the Japanese Zero is a surprise until the attacks.
Moving onto book two immediately
First book well done, pretty good detail of Clark Field and the days leading up to and after December 7, 41.
Technicals are good, to carry the story line the Japanese Zero is a surprise until the attacks.
Moving onto book two immediately
January 29, 2021
Great book
I have read several of this authors books and being a pilot i can attest to his accuracy of the flying stories. I hearty recommend this book, and any of his other ones as exciting reading.
I have read several of this authors books and being a pilot i can attest to his accuracy of the flying stories. I hearty recommend this book, and any of his other ones as exciting reading.
March 6, 2021
Oh, the memories....
There is so much in these books that resonate from my childhood. The families that lost loved ones, the sacrifices of every person, the determination of every citizen to do their part to help win the war. This was my childhood.
There is so much in these books that resonate from my childhood. The families that lost loved ones, the sacrifices of every person, the determination of every citizen to do their part to help win the war. This was my childhood.
July 9, 2021
Wonderful book! The greatest generation at its greatest!!
I loved this book and will try to read the others in order. Although fiction it is Really true to what happened in a critical time in our history.
I loved this book and will try to read the others in order. Although fiction it is Really true to what happened in a critical time in our history.
December 9, 2021
Detailed
An easy to follow detailed story of the Pacific islands in WWII. There is so much we don't know about these times and this book gave a clear view of how things were. I loved how this was written, easy to follow with a great story and we'll developed characters.
An easy to follow detailed story of the Pacific islands in WWII. There is so much we don't know about these times and this book gave a clear view of how things were. I loved how this was written, easy to follow with a great story and we'll developed characters.
January 27, 2022
riveting
A harrowing look at the pre-WWII pacific issues prior to the official beginning of the US entry into the war on December 7, 1941. Kudos to the author for memorializing these unsung heroes. A must read for history buffs and for anyone interested in flying.
A harrowing look at the pre-WWII pacific issues prior to the official beginning of the US entry into the war on December 7, 1941. Kudos to the author for memorializing these unsung heroes. A must read for history buffs and for anyone interested in flying.
March 19, 2022
Excellent descriptions of Airmanship
I appreciated the author's technical expertise in describing what the early FEAF had to deal with in the Philippines. Clear, concise and not overwhelming; interweaving the stories of Jack and Charlie with the early days of war.
I appreciated the author's technical expertise in describing what the early FEAF had to deal with in the Philippines. Clear, concise and not overwhelming; interweaving the stories of Jack and Charlie with the early days of war.
November 29, 2022
A great and exciting story.
The author has written a very intriguing and action packed story of the early air war in the Pacific that will keep you entertained and guessing. Very enjoyable and entertaining reading.
The author has written a very intriguing and action packed story of the early air war in the Pacific that will keep you entertained and guessing. Very enjoyable and entertaining reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews