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World War II #4
Lions of the Desert
Winner Readers' Favorite Book Awards
Winner Beverly Hills Book Awards
Winner National Indie Excellence Book Awards
Award-Winning Finalist Foreword Reviews' Book of the Year
Award-Winning Finalist American Fiction Best Book Awards
LIONS OF THE DESERT is the true story of the WWII 1941-1942 Desert War in North Africa and Operation Condor, a story that has captivated the minds of authors, historians, and filmmakers for three-quarters of a century.
The story is told through the eyes of six legendary historical figures that lived through the epic events: Scottish Colonel David Stirling, leader of the Special Air Service, a brigade of eccentric desert commandos that raided Axis airfields and supply lines; German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, commander of the vaunted Africa Corps, who very nearly succeeded in driving the British out of Egypt; Egyptian Hekmat Fahmy, the famous belly dancer, regarded as a Mata-Hari-like German agent in previous accounts but in fact a far more intriguing and ambiguous character in real life; Major A.W. Sansom, head of the British Field Security unit that hunted down Axis spies and pro-German Egyptian nationalists operating in Cairo; Johannes Eppler, the notorious German spy of Operation Condor whose real story is finally told; and Colonel Bonner Fellers, the U.S. military attaché in Cairo, who was privy to Allied secrets in the North African theater and inadvertently played an important role in intelligence-gathering activities for both sides in the campaign.
Winner Beverly Hills Book Awards
Winner National Indie Excellence Book Awards
Award-Winning Finalist Foreword Reviews' Book of the Year
Award-Winning Finalist American Fiction Best Book Awards
LIONS OF THE DESERT is the true story of the WWII 1941-1942 Desert War in North Africa and Operation Condor, a story that has captivated the minds of authors, historians, and filmmakers for three-quarters of a century.
The story is told through the eyes of six legendary historical figures that lived through the epic events: Scottish Colonel David Stirling, leader of the Special Air Service, a brigade of eccentric desert commandos that raided Axis airfields and supply lines; German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, commander of the vaunted Africa Corps, who very nearly succeeded in driving the British out of Egypt; Egyptian Hekmat Fahmy, the famous belly dancer, regarded as a Mata-Hari-like German agent in previous accounts but in fact a far more intriguing and ambiguous character in real life; Major A.W. Sansom, head of the British Field Security unit that hunted down Axis spies and pro-German Egyptian nationalists operating in Cairo; Johannes Eppler, the notorious German spy of Operation Condor whose real story is finally told; and Colonel Bonner Fellers, the U.S. military attaché in Cairo, who was privy to Allied secrets in the North African theater and inadvertently played an important role in intelligence-gathering activities for both sides in the campaign.
- GenresHistorical FictionWar
380 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2019
524 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Samuel Marquis
16 books111 followersThe ninth-great-grandson of legendary privateer Captain William Kidd, Samuel Marquis, M.S., P.G., is a professional hydrogeologist, expert witness, and bestselling, award-winning author of twelve American non-fiction-history, historical-fiction, and suspense books, covering primarily the period from colonial America through WWII. His American history and historical fiction books have been #1 Denver Post bestsellers and received multiple national book awards (Kirkus Reviews and Foreword Reviews Book of the Year, American Book Fest and USA Best Book, Readers’ Favorite, Beverly Hills, Independent Publisher, Colorado Book Awards). His historical titles have garnered glowing reviews from bestselling authors, colonial American history and maritime historians, U.S. military veterans, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, and Foreword Reviews (Starred Reviews, 5 Stars). His website is samuelmarquisbooks.com and for publicity inquiries, please contact BooksForward at info@booksforward.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 28, 2019
In this, the fourth installment of his World War Two series, Marquis weaves a tale of espionage and intrigue set in the exotic desert locales of North Africa. Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia are populated by armies and spies jockeying for supremacy in a fight to the death. Generals, leaders, and spies on both the Allied and Axis sides come to life as the story weaves in their personal history, examines their motivations, and looks at the outcome of their efforts.
Not to be missed are the Afterword pages where the author follows up in real time with the major characters. As he says, "I also provide a comparison between the traditional representations of several of the major historical figures and the new, more historically accurate interpretations based on the latest declassified materials and up-to-date research as presented in this work, so that readers of the Condor story can finally separate fact from fiction."
A new twist on an old tale, 'Lions of the Desert' gives fresh insight into what transpired on those desert sands almost 80 years ago and laid the foundation for the world we know today.
Not to be missed are the Afterword pages where the author follows up in real time with the major characters. As he says, "I also provide a comparison between the traditional representations of several of the major historical figures and the new, more historically accurate interpretations based on the latest declassified materials and up-to-date research as presented in this work, so that readers of the Condor story can finally separate fact from fiction."
A new twist on an old tale, 'Lions of the Desert' gives fresh insight into what transpired on those desert sands almost 80 years ago and laid the foundation for the world we know today.
October 3, 2021
The Rest of the Story
“Lions of the Desert” is a story that needed telling in a manner that illuminates the heroism of the men during the North African campaign. Samuel Marquis produces a story based on the historical records that are now available. His novel of fiction combines the historical record with his fictional storytelling. I thoroughly enjoyed his story. There are errors of grammar and in the storytelling narrative, but I refuse to allow the faults of the author to obscure the history of the North African campaign.
The heroism of Stirling during the North African campaign was a story that needed an author. While the author may be one of many to tell this story, nevertheless, Samuel Marquis entertains with this story. His sympathetic treatment of B.L. Montgomery is interesting in that his treatment by many historians is very poor but for his British compatriots. His sympathetic portrayal of Rommel is masterful in that he illuminated the ethical dilemmas of the man which, in the end, destroyed him.
These men were the “Lions of the Desert” and a more complete story can now receive better treatment by historians. I, for one, enjoyed this story, and now we can appreciate the contribution of these men to the war effort. It was, after all, the rest of the story.
“Lions of the Desert” is a story that needed telling in a manner that illuminates the heroism of the men during the North African campaign. Samuel Marquis produces a story based on the historical records that are now available. His novel of fiction combines the historical record with his fictional storytelling. I thoroughly enjoyed his story. There are errors of grammar and in the storytelling narrative, but I refuse to allow the faults of the author to obscure the history of the North African campaign.
The heroism of Stirling during the North African campaign was a story that needed an author. While the author may be one of many to tell this story, nevertheless, Samuel Marquis entertains with this story. His sympathetic treatment of B.L. Montgomery is interesting in that his treatment by many historians is very poor but for his British compatriots. His sympathetic portrayal of Rommel is masterful in that he illuminated the ethical dilemmas of the man which, in the end, destroyed him.
These men were the “Lions of the Desert” and a more complete story can now receive better treatment by historians. I, for one, enjoyed this story, and now we can appreciate the contribution of these men to the war effort. It was, after all, the rest of the story.
April 26, 2019
"Lions of the Desert" eBook was published in 2019 and was written by Samuel Marquis (http://samuelmarquisbooks.com). Mr. Marquis has published ten novels. This is the fourth in his "World War Two" series.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘G’. The story is set in North Africa during the early years of World War II. While David Sterling, the founder of the British Special Air Service (SAS) is a major character, there are others as well: German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, Egyptian belly dancer Hekmat Fahmy, head of British Field Security Major A.W. Sansom, German spy Johannes Eppler, and U.S. military attaché Colonel Bonner Fellers.
This dramatized historical novel describes how the SAS was formed and outlines some of the action that they saw in North Africa. There is also the story of the German spies that infiltrated Cairo and how Sansom pursued them. You also find that the Germans had broken the code used by Colonel Fellers as he made his daily reports back to Washington. This gave Rommel and incredible insight into what the British were doing.
I enjoyed the 16.5 hours I spent reading this 562-page story of action in North Africa. I was a little disappointed that this was dramatized history. I had hoped it was more straight non-fiction. I did find that the novel gave a different outlook on the war in Africa. The chosen cover art is OK. I give this novel a 3.6 (rounded up to 4) out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘G’. The story is set in North Africa during the early years of World War II. While David Sterling, the founder of the British Special Air Service (SAS) is a major character, there are others as well: German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, Egyptian belly dancer Hekmat Fahmy, head of British Field Security Major A.W. Sansom, German spy Johannes Eppler, and U.S. military attaché Colonel Bonner Fellers.
This dramatized historical novel describes how the SAS was formed and outlines some of the action that they saw in North Africa. There is also the story of the German spies that infiltrated Cairo and how Sansom pursued them. You also find that the Germans had broken the code used by Colonel Fellers as he made his daily reports back to Washington. This gave Rommel and incredible insight into what the British were doing.
I enjoyed the 16.5 hours I spent reading this 562-page story of action in North Africa. I was a little disappointed that this was dramatized history. I had hoped it was more straight non-fiction. I did find that the novel gave a different outlook on the war in Africa. The chosen cover art is OK. I give this novel a 3.6 (rounded up to 4) out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
March 24, 2019
As a kid growing up in the 1970's I was enamored with the TV show "Rat Patrol." Samuel Marquis puts this classic into detailed context in his latest epic, "Lions of the Desert." An ardent student of history and a meticulous researcher, the author uses recently declassified information to tell the gripping tale of WWII's Desert War. Intent on conveying nuances of the complicated major figures involved, Marquis offers intriguing insight into Rommel, Stirling, and, the alluring belly dancer, Hekmat Fahmy. A prolific and highly entertaining novelist, Marquis is an inspiration having discovered his passion for writing later in life.
November 28, 2019
I think I'll have another White Horse and soda! Having an uncle who fought in the North Africa campaign attracted me to this book. Although the setting of this story precedes the arrival of the Yanks, detailed descriptions of the Cairo nightlife and the barren, star-filled skies of the desert provided the backdrop for fun and engaging stories of intrigue, espionage, and adventure.
It especially enjoyed learning more about the earlier days of the SAS and following along with their long haul assaults under the cover of the night. A fun and exciting read and I hope we may see a follow-up focusing on the liberation of Italy.
It especially enjoyed learning more about the earlier days of the SAS and following along with their long haul assaults under the cover of the night. A fun and exciting read and I hope we may see a follow-up focusing on the liberation of Italy.
August 5, 2021
The storyline was very strong and richly detailed. The multiple plots thru out the novel were easy to follow and flowed quite evenly. The authenticity of the characters was very well researched and made for an enjoyable read. The scenery and atmosphere of the novel were very detailed to almost make you feel like you were right there along, with the characters. The length of the novel was just right, enough to make the reader feel educated after reading this novel. The interest level and suspense thru out the novel were well detailed and enjoyable. I would definitely read more from this author.
November 24, 2021
A fictionalized account based on records and diaries of the events in North Africa during WW II, focusing on Rommel and a new special British force, the SAS - Special Air Service - created to wreak havoc on Rommel's army to slow him down. It uses historical figures (Rommel, Sterling, Sansom, Hekmar, Montgomery) during this time to cover the main events, including some of the spying that occurred and the points of view of the main leaders of both sides. The story was well written, has good character development and multiple plots, and held reasonably close to the actual events of the war. This is the fourth book in a series on WW II, so I need to read the others.
April 17, 2019
Marquis had me engaged from the first page. Loved the characters in this book! They came to life and didn't want the book to end. I particularly liked knowing more about General Edwin Rommel and Hekmat Fahmy. Fascinating people who must historians just don't have right. Marquis tells the truth through his diligent and through research. I certainly didn't realize the Germans broke our code and knew exactly what the British armies were doing. Learned a lot about the important WW2 battles in North Africa. Can't wait for the next page turner.
May 9, 2019
Once again, Sam Marquis has worked his magic and turned history into a dramatic thrill ride. I'm not a huge fan of WWII books, but along with the other books in this series I once again became enthralled with the story. I always appreciate when I gain knowledge from a book while also being entertained. Even though the book is historical fiction, due to the amazing amount of research Mr. Marquis did prior to writing, I feel I learned an awful lot about the 1941-42 desert war in North Africa. Buy a copy for any WWII buff friends or family. They will appreciate it.
September 27, 2021
WW 2 History At Its Finest
This is a brilliant historical novel that includes the true story of the formation of the SAS - Special Air Service - a small, stealthy group of British Commandos who were instrumental in winning the desert war in North Africa. While the brutal war rages between the Germans and the British, there are spies everywhere and plenty of liquor and exotic belly dancers in Cairo. Imagine what it was like to be there! Samuel Marquis really makes this story come alive. You can see it, hear it, feel it, breathe it, smell it, like you’re right there in the middle of the action! FABULOUS!
This is a brilliant historical novel that includes the true story of the formation of the SAS - Special Air Service - a small, stealthy group of British Commandos who were instrumental in winning the desert war in North Africa. While the brutal war rages between the Germans and the British, there are spies everywhere and plenty of liquor and exotic belly dancers in Cairo. Imagine what it was like to be there! Samuel Marquis really makes this story come alive. You can see it, hear it, feel it, breathe it, smell it, like you’re right there in the middle of the action! FABULOUS!
February 21, 2019
WOW- this book absolutely changed how I saw World War II. The five main characters were all so fascinatingly different, it was incredibly entertaining to be put in their shoes. Reading about a time you've spent your whole life learning so much about through the eyes of the people who were there is such a surreal feeling, and the author captured it all so well. I had trouble putting this down and recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction, and especially World War II!
August 19, 2019
Excellent Read
Highly recommend this novel by Samuel Marquis. It's an easy read loaded with action and accurate historical detail. Marquis does a great job bringing his characters to life thus allowing the readers to identify with their various trials and tribulations. I particularly enjoyed his depiction of Rommel and his ideological struggle at times with Hitler and Nazism as a whole. Well worth the read.
Highly recommend this novel by Samuel Marquis. It's an easy read loaded with action and accurate historical detail. Marquis does a great job bringing his characters to life thus allowing the readers to identify with their various trials and tribulations. I particularly enjoyed his depiction of Rommel and his ideological struggle at times with Hitler and Nazism as a whole. Well worth the read.
August 14, 2021
Could have been.....
A great story, realism mixed with imagination to create a compelling plot and a fascinating tale. Alas, the tired repetitive, one dimensional themes were too convenient. The good guys and gals always did the right things and the villains were always bad. Repetition and unnecessary attempts at suspense made the story longer than necessary. I will pursue more books about this part of WWII but not by this author.
A great story, realism mixed with imagination to create a compelling plot and a fascinating tale. Alas, the tired repetitive, one dimensional themes were too convenient. The good guys and gals always did the right things and the villains were always bad. Repetition and unnecessary attempts at suspense made the story longer than necessary. I will pursue more books about this part of WWII but not by this author.
December 28, 2021
And unexpected delight.
I love reading about WWII, particularly historical character novels. Winds of War, etc. This is on par with those. Great character development, especially of Rommel, described as a warrior with great moral character, such as those in the film 300. The author's afterwords were an additional unexpected pleasure. His research appears authentic and reasonable. Irregardless, I'd love to see a film made from it.
I love reading about WWII, particularly historical character novels. Winds of War, etc. This is on par with those. Great character development, especially of Rommel, described as a warrior with great moral character, such as those in the film 300. The author's afterwords were an additional unexpected pleasure. His research appears authentic and reasonable. Irregardless, I'd love to see a film made from it.
October 1, 2022
Interesting view on WWII in North Africa
I thoroughly enjoyed this reading. I am sure the author filled many blanks in his research while writing it. The Stirling brothers reminded me of an old tv show, The Rat Patrol, that did much of the same as Stirling and may have been based on the exploits. Rommel was a master tactician and if he had been on the allies side maybe the war for Germany might have ended sooner. Really grea?t to read
I thoroughly enjoyed this reading. I am sure the author filled many blanks in his research while writing it. The Stirling brothers reminded me of an old tv show, The Rat Patrol, that did much of the same as Stirling and may have been based on the exploits. Rommel was a master tactician and if he had been on the allies side maybe the war for Germany might have ended sooner. Really grea?t to read
February 21, 2019
I never learned about North Africa's involvement in WWII, and I certainly had never heard of Operation Candor until reading this book. It was super enjoyable to learn about the subject in the form of historical fiction. Reading it from the eyes of key historical figures that were involved added intrigue and character insight. Would definitely recommend!
February 22, 2019
Marquis never disappoints! This is the 4th book in his WWII series and it's just as much a hit as the first three. It has everything I could have wanted: action, psychological intrigue, and even a little bit of romance. Definitely a must-read for fans of Marquis or fans of historical fiction in general!
November 30, 2019
I read Spies of the Midnight Sun by the same author and thought it was well written. This one wasn't so much. Good information and cleaner than the other book, which I appreciated, but seemed a bit more amateur. Good material for my interest in World War II. I had not read a lot about the war in the desert.
February 21, 2019
This is a fantastic book to learn about a little-known but essential component to WWII! It's thoroughly researched, has a little bit of everything, and beautifully continues an existing, equally magnificent series.
March 1, 2019
A thrilling look at an often forgotten, yet essential part of WWII. Follow six different characters from both sides of the war as they fight for control of North Africa. Set predominantly in Egypt, Marquis tells a beautiful story that any history fanatic would be interested in.
March 23, 2019
Enjoyed this book
Very interesting story line. The battles in Africa I believe are little known of World War II. Edwin Rommel was a very interesting person and leader as it seems. I will recommend this book and the series.
Very interesting story line. The battles in Africa I believe are little known of World War II. Edwin Rommel was a very interesting person and leader as it seems. I will recommend this book and the series.
July 13, 2021
The Art of War
Very well written with an excitement of surprise in strategies. Wonderful behind-the-scenes narrative. You frlt psrt of tge intrigue and narrative. Enjoyable throughout
Very well written with an excitement of surprise in strategies. Wonderful behind-the-scenes narrative. You frlt psrt of tge intrigue and narrative. Enjoyable throughout
July 15, 2021
Outstanding!
Well researched. Marquis Labors through a host of self-aggrandizing spurious memoirs, sourcing his account almost exclusively from official reports. The truth in this case is extremely entertaining and worth while.
Well researched. Marquis Labors through a host of self-aggrandizing spurious memoirs, sourcing his account almost exclusively from official reports. The truth in this case is extremely entertaining and worth while.
July 16, 2021
Good Story
This was a good story but a bit ponderous with more detaik than necessary to providea foundation for a military adventure. The action was hit and miss, but overall a good story.
This was a good story but a bit ponderous with more detaik than necessary to providea foundation for a military adventure. The action was hit and miss, but overall a good story.
August 16, 2021
Excellent Historical Fiction
An excellent historical fiction book that tells the story of spies and SAS troops behind the backdrop of Rommel's movement through North Africa during WW2.
An excellent historical fiction book that tells the story of spies and SAS troops behind the backdrop of Rommel's movement through North Africa during WW2.
August 30, 2021
I learned a great deal.
Very well written and informative. Kept me reading from the start. I just wish the conclusion was included and in a single novel. I highly recommend this read
Very well written and informative. Kept me reading from the start. I just wish the conclusion was included and in a single novel. I highly recommend this read
January 5, 2022
A well written book about the war in Africa during WW II and the principal players for England and Germany as well as some US players. Provided great information and was easy to read, but more of an overview of the war positions than a novel.
March 13, 2019
Lions of the Desert
I thought this was a well written & researched book about all the different aspects of the war in North Africa before the Americans arrived.
I thought this was a well written & researched book about all the different aspects of the war in North Africa before the Americans arrived.
March 20, 2019
Fascinating
Although well written the feel good ending was disappointing. The way to easy style of writing did not seem appropriate
Although well written the feel good ending was disappointing. The way to easy style of writing did not seem appropriate
June 9, 2019
Loved the book.A real page turner.Gave the reader a visual experience of what the war was actually like in the desert.The insights into Rommel and Sterling were fascinating .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews