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Eddie Dawson #1
To Do or Die
A high action World War II thriller introducing a mesmerizing new hero and action as real as it gets, from an author who used to work in covert operations
As Hitler's armies march into Europe, Eddie Dawson, an explosives expert and somewhat reluctant Lance-Corporal in the Royal Engineers, is sent to France on an assessment mission that seems straightforward enough. His task completed, he anticipates an early return to Britain, but instead he's sent to the Saarland region, where the French have launched an ill-advised invasion into German territory. Dawson's demolition skills are needed to clear a way through a minefield. Within hours everything goes wrong and Dawson and a fellow sapper are caught on the wrong side of the front line. Their obvious escape route blocked, they head north, but their troubles have only just begun.
As Hitler's armies march into Europe, Eddie Dawson, an explosives expert and somewhat reluctant Lance-Corporal in the Royal Engineers, is sent to France on an assessment mission that seems straightforward enough. His task completed, he anticipates an early return to Britain, but instead he's sent to the Saarland region, where the French have launched an ill-advised invasion into German territory. Dawson's demolition skills are needed to clear a way through a minefield. Within hours everything goes wrong and Dawson and a fellow sapper are caught on the wrong side of the front line. Their obvious escape route blocked, they head north, but their troubles have only just begun.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
404 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2010
136 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
James Barrington
45 books76 followersI also write as Max Adams, James Becker, Tom Kasey, Thomas Payne and Jack Steel.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 26, 2020
A high paced action packed WW II combat story. James Barrington did his research but doesn't allow for a breather in between the action to allow for background and character development. It's all about the fighting. This book is set in 1939, before France was invaded by the Germans and deals with a lesser known episode of the war. It is entertaining, in the same way as watching a film like Inglorious basterds.
August 10, 2018
Slow start.
I had just finished one of his other books and started this one. After three chapters the style was set and the reading and story became more interesting. The last ten chapters it was almost impossible for me the put it down for the night. I really enjoyed the style and form for the story. Now to his next one.
I had just finished one of his other books and started this one. After three chapters the style was set and the reading and story became more interesting. The last ten chapters it was almost impossible for me the put it down for the night. I really enjoyed the style and form for the story. Now to his next one.
September 13, 2017
Action packed
A little difficult to translate some of the British jargon but was able to. Looks like a good series, looking forward to the next one.
A little difficult to translate some of the British jargon but was able to. Looks like a good series, looking forward to the next one.
March 24, 2018
Amazing!
Well written,plausible,and very entertaining. The characters are so relatable you find yourself cheering them,and wanting to offer advice! If that's not the hallmark of a masterful author,I don't know what would be
Well written,plausible,and very entertaining. The characters are so relatable you find yourself cheering them,and wanting to offer advice! If that's not the hallmark of a masterful author,I don't know what would be
October 18, 2018
So-so war novel.
Starts ok, but drags on and on with implausible attempts at avoiding capture. Story would have been better as a short story. First in a series. Can only hope following storylines are more feasible.
Starts ok, but drags on and on with implausible attempts at avoiding capture. Story would have been better as a short story. First in a series. Can only hope following storylines are more feasible.
October 29, 2018
To Do or To Due
Interesting tale during early WWII. Accurately portrays the incompetence of the French army and the laughable Maginot Line.
The picture on the cover is a US soldier based on the helmet. Too bad it didn't show a British army helmet.
Interesting tale during early WWII. Accurately portrays the incompetence of the French army and the laughable Maginot Line.
The picture on the cover is a US soldier based on the helmet. Too bad it didn't show a British army helmet.
June 10, 2023
Just like the real war. It starts off slow, then bursts into action. The first three chapters set the scene, but once the action starts for real in chapter four it's non-stop to the last page. Excellently written and thoroughly enjoyed.
March 7, 2017
a great read
May 18, 2017
Good read
Worth the read effort. Maybe a bit action heavy but a good bad easy read.
Not a lot of character development.
Worth the read effort. Maybe a bit action heavy but a good bad easy read.
Not a lot of character development.
July 23, 2017
Terrible language
I didn't read past the first line I don't read stories with f word. Reading to me at times to escape stress and tension not add to it.
I didn't read past the first line I don't read stories with f word. Reading to me at times to escape stress and tension not add to it.
September 1, 2017
Good fast paced read
Strong characters, nice use of details, great story. You will enjoy the read
I look forward to his next book
Strong characters, nice use of details, great story. You will enjoy the read
I look forward to his next book
November 25, 2017
A fun early WWII adventure focusing on a couple of British troops trapped behind enemy lines and their efforts to return to friendly territory. I found the book a quick and enjoyable read.
March 30, 2018
Do or die
Outstanding story of the first part of WWll and the crazy way it began in France and the area around He
Germany. Very believab!e and thorough in all its telling.
Outstanding story of the first part of WWll and the crazy way it began in France and the area around He
Germany. Very believab!e and thorough in all its telling.
May 23, 2018
Action packed story
Lots of combat. Author didn't spend too much time on different embellishments. Slow start but persevere - it's worth it.
Lots of combat. Author didn't spend too much time on different embellishments. Slow start but persevere - it's worth it.
June 30, 2011
Well. I have now read both of Max Adams's WWII novels. Heaps of similarities between the two. Soliders need to get back to somewhere; there are lots of Germans in the way; is a Brit capable of surviving on his wits? I enjoyed them both as they smack of authenticity (sometimes too much so as it gets in the way of the plot), but they are not about gung ho soldiers who are just supermen and who will always prevail. Good stuff.
August 11, 2013
Really good read….nice suspenseful ww2 action on a small scale. Really enjoyed the easy reading style. Excellent details and research. Inspired to read the sequel.
May 19, 2014
It was a very good read.
April 23, 2017
Great war story!
Never a dull moment. Dawson and Watson consistently show their bravery facing overwhelming odds. Laid back British tenacity wins the day.
Never a dull moment. Dawson and Watson consistently show their bravery facing overwhelming odds. Laid back British tenacity wins the day.
May 1, 2017
A slam bang action story that never lets up from beginning to end.
I liked this book. It would have been more believable if there were fewer brushes with the Germans while behind their lines, but I can't wait to start the next one so clearly that isn't really much of an issue for me.
I liked this book. It would have been more believable if there were fewer brushes with the Germans while behind their lines, but I can't wait to start the next one so clearly that isn't really much of an issue for me.
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May 24, 2017Max Adams novel To do or die was a book in the war section that stood out to be. I am lucky I picked it because it talks about what really happens in war. The book didn't really have main characters because it was just one big team. I felt that all the characters were all confident and were there for each other during war. This book has taken us back to the 1900's so it is really a book for high schooler's. While I was reading I couldn't stop saying "wow". While I was reading the author, Max Adams, had gone into better detail than I had expected. I'm glad this story had been viewed on a group of veterans because it showed me what really happens. This book can be enjoyable by any teenager. It doesn't tell you that joining something can be fun, it can be nerve racking to.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews