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The British Military Quartet #4
Congo Blue
Book 4 of Mike Lunnon-Wood’s BRITISH MILITARY QUARTET
‘ SNIPER ONE MEETS HEART OF DARKNESS ’ - Rowland White, author of Vulcan 607
When a group of missionaries get caught up in bloody African civil war London is forced to act. For the men of 40 Commando, Royal Marines, it should be a quick in and out. A nice clean operation. But what awaits them will test them like never before. And, facing overwhelming odds, this time the skill and raw courage of these legendary fighting men may not be enough...
Congo Blue was previously published as Heraklion Blue .
‘ SNIPER ONE MEETS HEART OF DARKNESS ’ - Rowland White, author of Vulcan 607
When a group of missionaries get caught up in bloody African civil war London is forced to act. For the men of 40 Commando, Royal Marines, it should be a quick in and out. A nice clean operation. But what awaits them will test them like never before. And, facing overwhelming odds, this time the skill and raw courage of these legendary fighting men may not be enough...
Congo Blue was previously published as Heraklion Blue .
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2002
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75 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 25, 2017
The Royal Marines cross the border into The Congo to rescue nuns from violent militants. It is a bit of a love story to the Marines and British “pluck” but it is great fun. As the Marines fight a rear-guard action towards a navy ship, tactics, bravery and professionalism come into play. This is slightly old school in approach but in a really good way. Sadly (and tragically) the author is no longer with us, but his legacy is a number of great books, and I loved his Military quartet that this forms part of.
I really enjoyed this, if you like basic military action, pre techno-thriller, you will enjoy this.
I really think Mr Lunnon-Wood was destined for great things and this just shows the talent of the man.
I really enjoyed this, if you like basic military action, pre techno-thriller, you will enjoy this.
I really think Mr Lunnon-Wood was destined for great things and this just shows the talent of the man.
April 18, 2022
Mike Lunnon-Wood is one of my favorite authors. In my experience, he stands alone when it comes to writing stories that capture the full spectrum of a country at war. He expertly moves back and forth between the front line soldiers, the various arms of the British armed forces, the politicians and the generals and in doing so, tells a gripping and complete story.
In my opinion, Congo Blue is the pinnacle of this author's storytelling. It follows a company of British Marine commandos as they trek into and out a country in Africa in order to save a group of ex-pats. As mentioned above, the story weaves multiple perspectives but also does an exceptional job of developing the main characters. They seem real, their relationships are compelling, and by the end of the book you care about them. The villian is equally well-written. Lunnon-Wood allows you to understand the baddies' motivation and does not hold back on the details allowing the reader/listener to build up a frothy amount of loathing.
The action throughout the novel is realistic and gritty. I liken it to that scene in Saving Private Ryan where the Tom Hanks and his company hit the beach on D-Day. Epic, visceral and believable. There are no superheroes in this story. Just well-trained soldiers who rely on their training and each other to survive.
Finally, if you listen to this story, the narration is terrific in every way. The narrator has a gift for various British accents and does an equally good job with the French characters. And when he describes the scenes and settings, if you close your eyes, it feels like you're somewhere in Africa.
This story is worthy of the five stars I've given it.
In my opinion, Congo Blue is the pinnacle of this author's storytelling. It follows a company of British Marine commandos as they trek into and out a country in Africa in order to save a group of ex-pats. As mentioned above, the story weaves multiple perspectives but also does an exceptional job of developing the main characters. They seem real, their relationships are compelling, and by the end of the book you care about them. The villian is equally well-written. Lunnon-Wood allows you to understand the baddies' motivation and does not hold back on the details allowing the reader/listener to build up a frothy amount of loathing.
The action throughout the novel is realistic and gritty. I liken it to that scene in Saving Private Ryan where the Tom Hanks and his company hit the beach on D-Day. Epic, visceral and believable. There are no superheroes in this story. Just well-trained soldiers who rely on their training and each other to survive.
Finally, if you listen to this story, the narration is terrific in every way. The narrator has a gift for various British accents and does an equally good job with the French characters. And when he describes the scenes and settings, if you close your eyes, it feels like you're somewhere in Africa.
This story is worthy of the five stars I've given it.
April 13, 2021
The final book of Mike Lunnon-Wood's Military Quartet is just as good as the previous three.
Set in the late Nineties, we are thrust into the heart of Africa, and unfortunately not too much appears to have changed. The Democratic Republic of Congo is in the midst of a nasty civil war (it still is), ruled by a tyrannical dictator (ditto), and a place of potential high reward for those prepared to take risks.
A small mission of nuns at Tenta, and a nearby diamond mine gets sucked into the horrors of the civil war. A group of Unita fighters have crossed the border from Angola, intent on violence and money, and Tenta is their target. When a mine worker receives a warning from a local village elder, he shares it with the embassy, and the wheels are set in motion for an intervention.
In neighbouring Congo, the Royal Marines of 40 Commando are based in Brazzaville, close enough to act. HMS Winchester, a Type 42 destroyer is close enough to offer support. The plan is simple - a relatively small group in, rescue the missionaries and mine workers and back out in a day or so. Of course, things don't go to plan, and the Royal Marines soon find themselves facing a numerically superior force, led by a psychopathic killer. With HMS Winchester operating in the tight confines of the Congo river, the men of 40 Commando must fight their way to the ship and safety, whilst taking care of the rescued civilians.
As with the other books in the series, this is an ode to the British armed forces, in this case the Royal Marines and the crew of a Royal Navy ship. Facing terrible odds, we are introduced to a cast of characters, and live their hopes, dreams, fears and foibles over the course of the novel. This is once again a fantastic read. I was nervous at the start that it was going to be too like the King's Shilling (book 2), but it quickly takes on a life of its own. The end is slightly sentimental, but that is a harsh quibble. Every time I read MLW's work, I am impressed by how he develops the characters, so you care what happens to them, and want to keep reading. It is a shame to come to the end of these books, given Mr. Lunnon-Wood passed away and there will be no more.
Set in the late Nineties, we are thrust into the heart of Africa, and unfortunately not too much appears to have changed. The Democratic Republic of Congo is in the midst of a nasty civil war (it still is), ruled by a tyrannical dictator (ditto), and a place of potential high reward for those prepared to take risks.
A small mission of nuns at Tenta, and a nearby diamond mine gets sucked into the horrors of the civil war. A group of Unita fighters have crossed the border from Angola, intent on violence and money, and Tenta is their target. When a mine worker receives a warning from a local village elder, he shares it with the embassy, and the wheels are set in motion for an intervention.
In neighbouring Congo, the Royal Marines of 40 Commando are based in Brazzaville, close enough to act. HMS Winchester, a Type 42 destroyer is close enough to offer support. The plan is simple - a relatively small group in, rescue the missionaries and mine workers and back out in a day or so. Of course, things don't go to plan, and the Royal Marines soon find themselves facing a numerically superior force, led by a psychopathic killer. With HMS Winchester operating in the tight confines of the Congo river, the men of 40 Commando must fight their way to the ship and safety, whilst taking care of the rescued civilians.
As with the other books in the series, this is an ode to the British armed forces, in this case the Royal Marines and the crew of a Royal Navy ship. Facing terrible odds, we are introduced to a cast of characters, and live their hopes, dreams, fears and foibles over the course of the novel. This is once again a fantastic read. I was nervous at the start that it was going to be too like the King's Shilling (book 2), but it quickly takes on a life of its own. The end is slightly sentimental, but that is a harsh quibble. Every time I read MLW's work, I am impressed by how he develops the characters, so you care what happens to them, and want to keep reading. It is a shame to come to the end of these books, given Mr. Lunnon-Wood passed away and there will be no more.
January 3, 2025
Just finished reading Heraklion Blue for the New Year and it is easily one of the best contemporary novels that I have read. Getting straight to the point, the book tells the story of a troop of Royal Marines that are sent in to rescue a group of missionaries. A no-nonsense and robust hero in the form of Douglas McLean as their leader, the troop goes through all sorts of ordeals and horrors as they fight their way back to safety.
Personally, as a Catholic myself, I appreciated the positive portrayal of the missionaries, simply ordinary people who are driven by their faith to engage in humanitarian endeavors in a dangerous part of the world. The missionaries themselves show a lot of bravery and courage throughout the ordeal and manage to maintain their dignity even when faced with intense violence of the conflict.
I would caution more sensitive readers with reading this book as some of the violence is very graphic and could make readers uncomfortable. Other than that, I highly recommend this book to those who are interested.
Personally, as a Catholic myself, I appreciated the positive portrayal of the missionaries, simply ordinary people who are driven by their faith to engage in humanitarian endeavors in a dangerous part of the world. The missionaries themselves show a lot of bravery and courage throughout the ordeal and manage to maintain their dignity even when faced with intense violence of the conflict.
I would caution more sensitive readers with reading this book as some of the violence is very graphic and could make readers uncomfortable. Other than that, I highly recommend this book to those who are interested.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2020
Another slow starter, but got going quicker this time and it has been a thoroughly good read with a lovely ending which surprised me as it was not something I was expecting. The actual story was well written with a lot of detail and how I would imagine Marines etc would conduct themselves and how they are very disciplined in their duty and work as a team. Very good description and inside knowledge and the story is very traumatic, a lot of bravery on the part of the marines, the way that the co-ordination between units and others is quite remarkable and I did enjoy the comradeship and loyalty and trust in their leader who was extremely well acquainted with the procedures he had to follow which helped in their survival and escape.
October 31, 2020
Entertaining, old school military action story with brave Brit marines saving helpless nuns from a rogue contingent of UNITA forces who have crossed the boarder into the DRC at the tail-end of the 90 under the command of an evil, diamond-hungry psycho.
The author interweaves a sentimental love story in amongst all the violence and mayhem along with the graphic details of war. Not particularly politically correct these days, I imagine. But who cares?
The author seems to have done his homework.
The narrator did a smashing good job, too.
The author interweaves a sentimental love story in amongst all the violence and mayhem along with the graphic details of war. Not particularly politically correct these days, I imagine. But who cares?
The author seems to have done his homework.
The narrator did a smashing good job, too.
January 27, 2019
Brilliant
The three books I have read are outstanding. Characters brilliantly described. The descriptive writing makes you feel as if you are part of the military. The research into each of the services involved is phenomenal. What a shame this author has passed, but what a fantastic legacy he has left behind. These are books that I will re-read.
The three books I have read are outstanding. Characters brilliantly described. The descriptive writing makes you feel as if you are part of the military. The research into each of the services involved is phenomenal. What a shame this author has passed, but what a fantastic legacy he has left behind. These are books that I will re-read.
November 12, 2019
Tears to my eyes
The fourth book I have read by Mike. Have very much enjoyed his previous yarns but this one was one hell of a well constructed story .
In the last few novels, medals were awarded. I appreciate that this is a total work of fiction but I would award 1 VC, 3 MC's and a bunch of MM's with some DSO's
The fourth book I have read by Mike. Have very much enjoyed his previous yarns but this one was one hell of a well constructed story .
In the last few novels, medals were awarded. I appreciate that this is a total work of fiction but I would award 1 VC, 3 MC's and a bunch of MM's with some DSO's
June 13, 2017
Brilliant
Fantastic story, well worth the time & money to read.
Along the lines of Wilbur Smiths earlier African war/rebel uprising stories with some outstanding heroes who come through to the end.
Fantastic! !!
Fantastic story, well worth the time & money to read.
Along the lines of Wilbur Smiths earlier African war/rebel uprising stories with some outstanding heroes who come through to the end.
Fantastic! !!
July 9, 2017
I have loved all of Mike's books - easy to read, good characters, a real shame that there are no more to read.
Although his books are all action adventures by a small group of people fighting against the odds, they are also not far fetched and obviously well researched and the characters do not seem 2 dimensional.
Although his books are all action adventures by a small group of people fighting against the odds, they are also not far fetched and obviously well researched and the characters do not seem 2 dimensional.
September 23, 2019
What a story teller one of the best at describing military functions and their formations in battle and planning.For a ex soldier i find his descriptions of forces ways on the button,for someone who wasn't in the forces he did a magnificent job.
Read
May 31, 2021Ex South African Soldier
Anybody that was or involved in the wars and conflicts in Africa and those who lived or survived the communist and or greed that will forever be Africa,will read the thruth between the lines.
Go well brothers!
Anybody that was or involved in the wars and conflicts in Africa and those who lived or survived the communist and or greed that will forever be Africa,will read the thruth between the lines.
Go well brothers!
August 6, 2018
Excellent
Gripping, and sad. All four books in the set are good, but this one and the first are the best of the batch
Gripping, and sad. All four books in the set are good, but this one and the first are the best of the batch
June 30, 2019
i think this one was my favorite of the 4 books
October 24, 2019
Simply brilliant
A cleverly written book which you cannot put down. Very authentic, brutal but honest. I cried at the end because of the simple beauty of the words. A must read.
A cleverly written book which you cannot put down. Very authentic, brutal but honest. I cried at the end because of the simple beauty of the words. A must read.
December 11, 2019
Amazing
Extensive information and an incredible way of writing I really hope more of the British military quartet will be uploaded .
Extensive information and an incredible way of writing I really hope more of the British military quartet will be uploaded .
September 23, 2023
Mike Lennon Wood does it again. An action packed adventure that still manages to pull on the heart-strings. Highly recommend.
March 21, 2024
Tremendous! All I want and need to say.
April 9, 2018
Simply outstanding
I must say, the first 20% of the book was up and down for me, but had just enough to keep me going.
And boy am I glad I did.
Emotions were all over the place on this one, the highest highs to the lowest of loss, few moments when tears were almost shed ( this is a rare occurrence).
But this book. Read this book. Love this book.
I must say, the first 20% of the book was up and down for me, but had just enough to keep me going.
And boy am I glad I did.
Emotions were all over the place on this one, the highest highs to the lowest of loss, few moments when tears were almost shed ( this is a rare occurrence).
But this book. Read this book. Love this book.
February 2, 2017
One of the best reads i've had in a while. A great mix of action and human interest. The action was realistic and the history accurate. Not often found in today's books which have super human characters and lack depth
I hope you can see the review I wrote in the wrong place. I would recommend this book to any reader of this genre
I hope you can see the review I wrote in the wrong place. I would recommend this book to any reader of this genre
September 13, 2023
This is the first MLW book I read and I have since followed his excellent work.
As a former Royal Marine, we don't usually talk about the commando part, but it's there, I was very attracted to the storyline.
I was surprised the author was not an ex-bootneck, as his narrative is so accurate.
A great adventure story. A firm favourite.
As a former Royal Marine, we don't usually talk about the commando part, but it's there, I was very attracted to the storyline.
I was surprised the author was not an ex-bootneck, as his narrative is so accurate.
A great adventure story. A firm favourite.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews