The Reich Without Hitler series explores a world where, in late June of 1940, Germany is ruled by a mixed Nazi-Army junta under the new Führer, Herman Göring. It starts as our recognizable World War Two and proceeds in different directions to create something new and unique. In the Falcons of Malta, we take the war to Malta, the start of a major campaign in the Middle Sea. The book covers both the high-level strategy and one company of the Nibelungen Legion, a new service formed after Hitler’s death. Our merry band of freebooters will reveal the picaresque adventures that war can be. We even get a wartime Romeo and Juliet. Strap into your glider and come along for the ride.
This is the first novel of a series of alternate history books based on the idea that Adolf Hitler died accidentally while on his return flight from Paris after the Germany Victory in June 1940. All of the actions which take place are within the realm of possible events which would have followed his unexpected death and this alternate history shows all signs of being thoroughly research and very well written. Fast paced in an adventure story style we focus on a young German who through luck and skill has a rocket velocity rise in rank and status over the months of June, July and August 1940 over the course of this novel. Highly recommended to all AH and WW II fiction fans.
I study WW2, and have walked the battlefields, ridden in the tanks and aircraft, read the diaries and historical works. This was logical and fun. Hitler dies, Göering becomes Fuhrer, and.. ? It is very interesting to me, since I have some experience with military and combat. The planning of battles, the logistics, the political struggles, the staff rivalries, the unexpected and unexplained, all coming together as the feces hits the fan when combat isn't an exercise. If that interest you at all, grab your Kar98, Einfield or PzkwII and this book. I am already trying to find volume 2.
So many WW2 Althistories start with poorly thought out change points, miraculous plot twists, and shoddy portrayals of historical personalities. This book has none of those problems. A refreshing change point, early enough in the war for the change to have actually made a difference, no miracles, just the tragic comedy of errors that is combat, and the real historical persons are portrayed truly, hideous warts and all. I highly recommend this book, and look forward to reading all the others in this series.
This is a delightful romp through a WW II gone abruptly sideways when Hitler dies right after the Fall of France. While the parts dealing with Heydrich's rise and Germany's reorienting of the war were fascinating, the real fun lay in the adventures of Klaus and Greta. These two young people are thrown into the war's meat grinder by happenstance, but manage against the odds to come out the other side of the grandest adventure of their lives. I want more of their madcap experiences and death-defying adventures!
An intriguing alternative history, with a point of departure not often considered. I don't agree with some bits, but it holds together and is a barn-burning page-turner. Some elements, such as the meeting to rationalize military production, are genius and hilarious at the same time.
Easily the best AH I've ever read. Well researched (I'm a WWII history buff), great character development, imaginative yet logical plot progression and impressive in scope. I can see this project encompassing several books and I will be first in line to buy any and all, put on hold whatever I'm reading at the time and dive in. I cannot recommend strongly enough.
Downloaded this e-book largely because of the price, & I quite enjoyed it, although I do think the authors need to use a spellchecker, which is why I only gave it 4 stars. However, it won't stop me downloading the next one in the series, as I found it really compelling reading.
Well thought out AH. Interesting book, alternating between frontlines and the headquarters. Makes a lot sense. Worth reading, can’t wait for sequel to see how it turns out.
A fantastic look at a plausible alternate history with few liberties taken. At no point do you ever find yourself rolling your eyes at the leaps of logic, like you find in so many Alt-history novels. I couldn't stop reading and plowed through this in just two days. I eagerly await book 2.
Extremely well written book, with an interesting premise exploring what could have been had Hitler perished during ww2. Character driven story that still lets you see the big picture. Absolutely recommend.
Fun read, good character building (for the non historical characters), and it's obvious that a lot of research has gone into developing the alternate time line. I'll be first in line to get the next one!