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Innocents At War #1
When Empires Collide
When Empires Collide … As WWI approaches, Anglo-American pilot, Tommy Stark joins the embryonic Royal Flying Corps. Never far from his mind is squire’s daughter, Grace; childhood friends, over time their friendship intensifies. With the conflict escalating, Tommy completes training, earning his RFC Wings. After fulfilling social commitments with the County Set, and getting a chance to test a new Sopwith aeroplane, he is sent to France to do battle with the enemy. About the Series The Royal Flying Corps grew from the amateur hobbyists flying the earliest and most dangerous machines. Mostly drawn from the Army and Navy, the pilots regarded themselves as gentlemen members of a new club. The Great War saw the death of amateurism - except in the higher ranks - and the unplanned, fortuitous creation of a professional force. Innocents At War follows the career of teenage pilot, Tommy Stark, an enthusiastic boy forced to grow up quickly as many around him die. His deep affection for squire’s daughter, Grace is his only certainty as the bitter conflict threatens to strip the world of its innocence. Published by The Electronic Book Company
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2016
479 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 11, 2023
The early years of aviation has always fascinated me. Somehow this bök felt more real than any other book I hve read about WW I, maybe because of the authors familiarity with the earlier machines and the era itself. I would definitely recommend this bok for anyone interested in history, but not without the use of internet. I have heard of most of the machines used in this book, but there were a few I didnt know anything about so I had to go to wikipedia to check them out. Look forward to the rest of the books in this series.
February 13, 2021
A very interesting story that often provided a very credible insight into the attitudes of the times. It demonstrated how poorly prepared the Royal Flying Corps was before the start of the First World War.
I expected the story to quickly move towards the actual war, but there is a slow build-up through 1914 following Tommy Stark as he moves from a civilian flyer to a RFC lieutenant. I actually enjoyed this and would even have liked a little more about his time away from the RFC.
Once war begins it becomes clear the Senior commanders have no clue about modern warfare and the British were still fighting a Napoleonic war.
Overall I thought this was an excellent story and if possible I would have given 4.5 stars.
I expected the story to quickly move towards the actual war, but there is a slow build-up through 1914 following Tommy Stark as he moves from a civilian flyer to a RFC lieutenant. I actually enjoyed this and would even have liked a little more about his time away from the RFC.
Once war begins it becomes clear the Senior commanders have no clue about modern warfare and the British were still fighting a Napoleonic war.
Overall I thought this was an excellent story and if possible I would have given 4.5 stars.
February 6, 2024
Standard Wareham stuff with a very capable young hero who never really faces tremendous challenges and gets rich while doing things his own way. But its entertaining stuff, and this covers ground I know very little about: early aviation (very) and the early years of WWI.
The planes are barely airworthy, the pilots are sitting in wicker chairs being sprayed with oil, navigating with roads and rail lines using Michelin road maps, and everything is new about air combat. Every lesson has to be learned, every new trick, every defense, every new thing to worry about.
These little frail gutless planes were the best they had and they were barely better than aerial bicycles. Even the weight of a gun to fire at anything was more than some of them could support. 50 horsepower was a big engine.
Tommy Stark is our hero and he's a bit rash as every combat pilot needs to be, while controlled as every surviving combat pilot needs to be. Entertaining stuff.
The planes are barely airworthy, the pilots are sitting in wicker chairs being sprayed with oil, navigating with roads and rail lines using Michelin road maps, and everything is new about air combat. Every lesson has to be learned, every new trick, every defense, every new thing to worry about.
These little frail gutless planes were the best they had and they were barely better than aerial bicycles. Even the weight of a gun to fire at anything was more than some of them could support. 50 horsepower was a big engine.
Tommy Stark is our hero and he's a bit rash as every combat pilot needs to be, while controlled as every surviving combat pilot needs to be. Entertaining stuff.
December 12, 2019
Not enough flying
I first found this book and author through searching for more stories about the Napoleonic era sea battles. One of Wareham's other books popped up in the search. In following that link, I found this series, When Empires Collide, and considered reading it. I have two major interests in life, the old warships on the ocean and flying. When I was a child, I was fascinated by the development of flight, particularly the early biplanes and early monoplanes. WWI was always a time that drew my attention, particularly in the development of the early fighter airplanes. As a result, this first book in the series piqued my interest. I purchased it for Kindle Reader.
Tommy Stark was certainly an interesting character. To be the son of an airplane designer, camped on the airfield with the other designers of the time, like Sopwith and deHavilland, seemed like a dream. To be young and flying early in life, learning everything and trying many planes, sounds like an amazing way to grow up. Tommy admits that he is not a designer or an engineer, but it is clear that he is a naturally gifted flyer. At the opening of the book, WWI seems imminent and Tommy is aware that he will have a chance to do his civic duty flying for the Royal Flying Corps (RFC). But then a tragedy occurs and his life is changed. Wareham links Tommy to a benefactor, who is the father of his close friend and love, 'Monkey' (his childhood nickname for Ms. Moncour) and Tommy sees his fortunes change.
Finally, the war starts and Tommy is able to do some early flying. But I was hoping for more descriptive sections of flying. The story comes to a flying stop but does clearly set the stage for book two of the series. While Tommy seems set to be successful and happy, it is clear that a lot more needs to fall in line for him to get there. He is young, has lost two significant members of his life, is married to his childhood best friend, but the war has not really exploded across Europe yet. I am hopeful the second installment will have more description of flight.
I first found this book and author through searching for more stories about the Napoleonic era sea battles. One of Wareham's other books popped up in the search. In following that link, I found this series, When Empires Collide, and considered reading it. I have two major interests in life, the old warships on the ocean and flying. When I was a child, I was fascinated by the development of flight, particularly the early biplanes and early monoplanes. WWI was always a time that drew my attention, particularly in the development of the early fighter airplanes. As a result, this first book in the series piqued my interest. I purchased it for Kindle Reader.
Tommy Stark was certainly an interesting character. To be the son of an airplane designer, camped on the airfield with the other designers of the time, like Sopwith and deHavilland, seemed like a dream. To be young and flying early in life, learning everything and trying many planes, sounds like an amazing way to grow up. Tommy admits that he is not a designer or an engineer, but it is clear that he is a naturally gifted flyer. At the opening of the book, WWI seems imminent and Tommy is aware that he will have a chance to do his civic duty flying for the Royal Flying Corps (RFC). But then a tragedy occurs and his life is changed. Wareham links Tommy to a benefactor, who is the father of his close friend and love, 'Monkey' (his childhood nickname for Ms. Moncour) and Tommy sees his fortunes change.
Finally, the war starts and Tommy is able to do some early flying. But I was hoping for more descriptive sections of flying. The story comes to a flying stop but does clearly set the stage for book two of the series. While Tommy seems set to be successful and happy, it is clear that a lot more needs to fall in line for him to get there. He is young, has lost two significant members of his life, is married to his childhood best friend, but the war has not really exploded across Europe yet. I am hopeful the second installment will have more description of flight.
September 16, 2020
A Good Book for Specific Readers
I give this book four stars because I enjoy early English military reads. It is rather slow, full of historical facts and dates, and does not not necessarily focus on action and adventure. If you’re looking for something fast-paced and full of action then look elsewhere. If you’re looking for an interesting read in a compelling era conveyed in an English fashion then this series will be good for you. That being said, the author could inject a bit of writing adrenaline to get the story moving or produce more dramatic scenes.
I give this book four stars because I enjoy early English military reads. It is rather slow, full of historical facts and dates, and does not not necessarily focus on action and adventure. If you’re looking for something fast-paced and full of action then look elsewhere. If you’re looking for an interesting read in a compelling era conveyed in an English fashion then this series will be good for you. That being said, the author could inject a bit of writing adrenaline to get the story moving or produce more dramatic scenes.
June 14, 2021
Great historical fiction!
I very much enjoyed this book - a fine piece of historical fiction that brings to life the experiences of the first military aviators in World War I, and gives a good deal of insight into the birth of the Royal Flying Corps. Very well written, and entertaining. I look forward to reading the rest of this series!
I very much enjoyed this book - a fine piece of historical fiction that brings to life the experiences of the first military aviators in World War I, and gives a good deal of insight into the birth of the Royal Flying Corps. Very well written, and entertaining. I look forward to reading the rest of this series!
November 19, 2025
- An interesting beginning to the story of what later became the RAF. Very well done characters. The only thing I found interrupting was the author’s unfortunate choice of a pet name for the main character’s girlfriend and later, wife. (Monkey?) As a reader I made a habit of brushing past the pet name and substituting it with her actual name.
September 20, 2017
Good historical fiction
Really enjoyed this book and have started the second in the series gives a good insight as to what soldiers and families experienced during the war good read for ww1 enthusiasts
Really enjoyed this book and have started the second in the series gives a good insight as to what soldiers and families experienced during the war good read for ww1 enthusiasts
September 17, 2019
Excellent read. The author puts in just enough action to keep it interesting yet realistic. Seems to track with historical fact pretty well. The main character is likable and his exploits believable.
June 7, 2020
A good read for anyone interested in military historical fiction. The story includes both fascinating details about the early years of military aviation and insights into the social and cultural context of the British armed forces in the early 20th century. A good story well told.
July 27, 2022
Interesting, full of facts about early aviatin
Too short, had some interesting facts about early aviation in WWI, used some factoids from other of his books covering the same times. Easy read.
Too short, had some interesting facts about early aviation in WWI, used some factoids from other of his books covering the same times. Easy read.
December 8, 2022
An excellent beginning
This book gives an excellent account of the British upper class at the beginning of the war as well as the mindset of the lower classes. It will be interesting to read how the war changes British society.
This book gives an excellent account of the British upper class at the beginning of the war as well as the mindset of the lower classes. It will be interesting to read how the war changes British society.
February 17, 2023
Great start
This is the first book that I have read by this prolific author. Well written, a very interesting story set in the early days of the RFC and WW1. Moving straight on to the next.
This is the first book that I have read by this prolific author. Well written, a very interesting story set in the early days of the RFC and WW1. Moving straight on to the next.
October 9, 2024
The Early Days of the Royal Flying Corps
Very good book. Characters are believable. Tommy Stark is young, heroic, and likable. The action is realistic and continues to be more and more compelling. Read the Innocent No More Series first. This promises to be just as good.
Very good book. Characters are believable. Tommy Stark is young, heroic, and likable. The action is realistic and continues to be more and more compelling. Read the Innocent No More Series first. This promises to be just as good.
July 8, 2017
It's great.
Nothing to dislike. Read it, had problems putting it down. Thank you. I can actually say I like a book in ten words or less.
Nothing to dislike. Read it, had problems putting it down. Thank you. I can actually say I like a book in ten words or less.
December 20, 2017
Really very good
If like me you are a propellor head. This is a well researched and historically accurate portrayal of the early RFC.
If like me you are a propellor head. This is a well researched and historically accurate portrayal of the early RFC.
June 1, 2019
Good read
An enjoyable book on flying in the first worldwide war, the book is well written and I found myself totally engrossed in the book.
An enjoyable book on flying in the first worldwide war, the book is well written and I found myself totally engrossed in the book.
June 22, 2021
Great fun book with characters and plot for the non-tech as well as early aero tech for the enthusiasts
July 11, 2021
The truth before guns were installed on biplanes
Great read. Carries a good story. Will read more by this author. WouldLike to know more about Sopwith, and his planes.
Great read. Carries a good story. Will read more by this author. WouldLike to know more about Sopwith, and his planes.
December 3, 2021
Excellent Read
Very captivating story suited for teenagers to retirees different view of the Rad during WWI will be reading the next book and series
Very captivating story suited for teenagers to retirees different view of the Rad during WWI will be reading the next book and series
August 7, 2022
Great Yarn
But be aware this book is part of the Kindle Unlimited system and the rest are $4.99 each. Seems kinda misleading to me.
But be aware this book is part of the Kindle Unlimited system and the rest are $4.99 each. Seems kinda misleading to me.
May 7, 2023
Wareham is a favorite, this time RFC at its inception
A good read, fair attention to detail for pre Great War aviation. This is a good enjoyable read, moving now to book Two.
A good read, fair attention to detail for pre Great War aviation. This is a good enjoyable read, moving now to book Two.
May 14, 2021
An excellent story, as can be expected of Andrew Wareham. I hope this series is as good as ‘the war to end all wars’ series has been. In all the books Andrew has written of life at that time, his words paint a very believable picture of how things were in society.
October 7, 2016
Great read
As always with his books a very enjoyable read. I highly recommend it. You will not be disappointed in the least.
As always with his books a very enjoyable read. I highly recommend it. You will not be disappointed in the least.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews