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Innocent No More #1
The Gathering Clouds
The Gathering Clouds… Following on from the acclaimed Innocents At War Series which featured Tommy Stark, a Great War flying ace, his son, Thomas, after seeing action in Spain, joined the RAF in the long lead up to the Second World War. Young Thomas witnessed the atrocities that the Nazis had carried out in Spain and trained his pilots to show no mercy when towards the end of the book, he breached the rules to attack German planes.
Published by The Electronic Book Company
Published by The Electronic Book Company
277 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2019
930 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 30, 2024
Wareham continues the story begun in the WWI Innocents Abroad series. This time its mostly about Tommy Stark's son Thomas, who has been flying against Fascists in Spain and signs up to the RAF because he and other flyers had to get out of Spain after losing.
Why he went to Spain in the first place to fly for Communists is not ever clearly stated, the author is obviously leaning heavily in favor of Communists, seeing them as at worst mistaken. Everyone who opposes Communism in this book is at best a rich elitist ass and usually a flat out fascist. According to Wareham, the British military was riddled with outright fascist Hitler supporters, not to mention the government. There's only one passing mention that maybe there might be a communist in the government -- something proven in later years to be very true and many more than one.
Again, Wareham portrays the British society and government as awful, stupid, backward, elitist monsters who have to change (read: become more left wing). Its even more pronounced in this book than the last series. Thomas runs into and marries the first girl he sees in England, as does his father Tommy who has been unwed since the bizarre ending of the last series 20+ years earlier, but immediately hops into bed with a girl and marries her straight away.
Those are the negatives. In the positives, there's a decent overview of prewar England RAF, the planes being flown, their relative weaknesses and strengths (the wings on the old Hurricanes, for instance, were canvas covered, still, and they were armed with .303 machine guns that largely bounced off of German planes). Tactics and particularly getting used to the radio system in planes and how to properly use them as well as how to communicate effectively are shown.
Thomas is less rash and impulsive than his father, said father signing up to be a commander of coastal forces flying sea planes. He is otherwise a basic Wareham hero, stumbling constantly into ever greater status and wealth. This series feels less engaging and easy reading than the previous ones but I'll give it a few books to see if it grows.
Why he went to Spain in the first place to fly for Communists is not ever clearly stated, the author is obviously leaning heavily in favor of Communists, seeing them as at worst mistaken. Everyone who opposes Communism in this book is at best a rich elitist ass and usually a flat out fascist. According to Wareham, the British military was riddled with outright fascist Hitler supporters, not to mention the government. There's only one passing mention that maybe there might be a communist in the government -- something proven in later years to be very true and many more than one.
Again, Wareham portrays the British society and government as awful, stupid, backward, elitist monsters who have to change (read: become more left wing). Its even more pronounced in this book than the last series. Thomas runs into and marries the first girl he sees in England, as does his father Tommy who has been unwed since the bizarre ending of the last series 20+ years earlier, but immediately hops into bed with a girl and marries her straight away.
Those are the negatives. In the positives, there's a decent overview of prewar England RAF, the planes being flown, their relative weaknesses and strengths (the wings on the old Hurricanes, for instance, were canvas covered, still, and they were armed with .303 machine guns that largely bounced off of German planes). Tactics and particularly getting used to the radio system in planes and how to properly use them as well as how to communicate effectively are shown.
Thomas is less rash and impulsive than his father, said father signing up to be a commander of coastal forces flying sea planes. He is otherwise a basic Wareham hero, stumbling constantly into ever greater status and wealth. This series feels less engaging and easy reading than the previous ones but I'll give it a few books to see if it grows.
July 23, 2023
Entry into war
Aussie pilot Thomas Stark’s arrival in England was startling from the point of view of British authorities— he landed a DC-2 he’d “liberated” from the Spanish Republican forces on a British airstrip. Not only that, he had with him his co-pilot and fourteen passengers from four different countries, all of whom had been involved with him in fighting Fascists during the Spanish Civil War.
The year before Britain’s entry into World War II was a time of serious political stress. Many in government supported Chamberlain in his attempts to appease Hitler, and others went further, supporting Fascism as a counterbalance to Soviet Communism.
Thus, when it appeared that Britain might be pulled into war with Nazi Germany, it was in many ways unprepared. Pilots in particular were hard to come by, as the RAF could train young men to fly, but not to fight— their only experienced fighter pilots had flown biplanes in World War I.
Thomas Stark, son of a WWI pilot and recipient of the Victoria Cross), and the motley group he’d brought with him were experienced as fighter pilots; he’d fought in Spain, while the three Americans and one of the others had fought in China against the Japanese as well.
As good as they may have been (and Stark was a double ace), they didn’t fit the RAF’s upper class image. Thus, Stark found himself in a fighter squadron made up of primarily foreign pilots, a kind of British Foreign Legion. He was quite happy about it— it meant they were all experienced and skilled, which wouldn’t have been the case in a regular squadron.
Recommended.
Aussie pilot Thomas Stark’s arrival in England was startling from the point of view of British authorities— he landed a DC-2 he’d “liberated” from the Spanish Republican forces on a British airstrip. Not only that, he had with him his co-pilot and fourteen passengers from four different countries, all of whom had been involved with him in fighting Fascists during the Spanish Civil War.
The year before Britain’s entry into World War II was a time of serious political stress. Many in government supported Chamberlain in his attempts to appease Hitler, and others went further, supporting Fascism as a counterbalance to Soviet Communism.
Thus, when it appeared that Britain might be pulled into war with Nazi Germany, it was in many ways unprepared. Pilots in particular were hard to come by, as the RAF could train young men to fly, but not to fight— their only experienced fighter pilots had flown biplanes in World War I.
Thomas Stark, son of a WWI pilot and recipient of the Victoria Cross), and the motley group he’d brought with him were experienced as fighter pilots; he’d fought in Spain, while the three Americans and one of the others had fought in China against the Japanese as well.
As good as they may have been (and Stark was a double ace), they didn’t fit the RAF’s upper class image. Thus, Stark found himself in a fighter squadron made up of primarily foreign pilots, a kind of British Foreign Legion. He was quite happy about it— it meant they were all experienced and skilled, which wouldn’t have been the case in a regular squadron.
Recommended.
December 13, 2023
yes well…
I wanted to enjoy this book and hopefully the whole series as well. Unfortunately, one simple but intensely irritating literary device ruined it for me. In what seems to be every time one character speaks to another, they mention that person’s name as though the reader is incapable of remembering who they are talking to. As in “, Douglas/John/Judith, ”. Nobody ever talks like that. Ever. Except possibly schoolteachers reprimanding errant pupils. A book shot down for me by writing style I’m sad to say.
I wanted to enjoy this book and hopefully the whole series as well. Unfortunately, one simple but intensely irritating literary device ruined it for me. In what seems to be every time one character speaks to another, they mention that person’s name as though the reader is incapable of remembering who they are talking to. As in “, Douglas/John/Judith, ”. Nobody ever talks like that. Ever. Except possibly schoolteachers reprimanding errant pupils. A book shot down for me by writing style I’m sad to say.
August 31, 2020
Excellent read
Could not put this book down. Very interesting in how the British RAF was run prior to WWII. I did not know that backgrounds gave the rank, not knowledge. Also interesting is the reluctant government powers in have no problems sending men to die in second rate aircraft.
Could not put this book down. Very interesting in how the British RAF was run prior to WWII. I did not know that backgrounds gave the rank, not knowledge. Also interesting is the reluctant government powers in have no problems sending men to die in second rate aircraft.
September 21, 2023
Every Brit is a Nazi!
From a technical point of view the book is accurate enough, but the author's insistence that every other British officer was Nazi sympathizer was ridiculous and annoying and ruined the story. If this were an alternative history book I'd go along with the premise but it's not so I will not continue with this series.
From a technical point of view the book is accurate enough, but the author's insistence that every other British officer was Nazi sympathizer was ridiculous and annoying and ruined the story. If this were an alternative history book I'd go along with the premise but it's not so I will not continue with this series.
November 8, 2024
Good WW2 RAF Story
This being the 2nd series, the first in WW1. I love the detail the author instills in his writing. It’s a unique perspective into the events leading up to and involving WW2. The growing pains of the RAF and its pilots is the focus and it’s quite interesting. Some may find this story too slow. But I like the solemn ambiance as the wartime machine builds.
This being the 2nd series, the first in WW1. I love the detail the author instills in his writing. It’s a unique perspective into the events leading up to and involving WW2. The growing pains of the RAF and its pilots is the focus and it’s quite interesting. Some may find this story too slow. But I like the solemn ambiance as the wartime machine builds.
October 7, 2020
A new slant for me
This book was an eye opener in so far I was unaware of the extent of facist sympathies within the upper echelons of military and in government. I was perhaps more aware of the upper crust attitudes.
This book was an eye opener in so far I was unaware of the extent of facist sympathies within the upper echelons of military and in government. I was perhaps more aware of the upper crust attitudes.
March 12, 2021
Well worth reading
Very realistic,you will find it hard to put this book down once you start reading. Exciting yet very descriptive of the way things were in Britain and the RAF during the early part of World war two. Looking forward reading the rest of this series.
Very realistic,you will find it hard to put this book down once you start reading. Exciting yet very descriptive of the way things were in Britain and the RAF during the early part of World war two. Looking forward reading the rest of this series.
July 23, 2022
Decent Read
A good read. The time frame of the book was an interesting one. The pre-war days were very interesting both politically and socially. Many new the war was coming but refused to believe it could happen gain so soon.
A good read. The time frame of the book was an interesting one. The pre-war days were very interesting both politically and socially. Many new the war was coming but refused to believe it could happen gain so soon.
October 31, 2023
An introduction
Good introduction to a series about a family and friends being together for the begining of wwii. It covers the conflict between the normal citizens and the aristocrats during the formation of the fighting forces in particular the the RAF.
Good introduction to a series about a family and friends being together for the begining of wwii. It covers the conflict between the normal citizens and the aristocrats during the formation of the fighting forces in particular the the RAF.
June 5, 2024
A real eye opener on conditions just before WW II.
The author has done a very detailed and good account of the atmosphere in England during the time leading up to the start of the war. A story full of action and planning.
The author has done a very detailed and good account of the atmosphere in England during the time leading up to the start of the war. A story full of action and planning.
August 13, 2020
Beginning of WW2
This book is an excellent story about the beginning of WW2 from the view point of a slightly unorthodox RAF pilot.
This book is an excellent story about the beginning of WW2 from the view point of a slightly unorthodox RAF pilot.
June 1, 2021
Very very good
A great insight into the political and snobbery attitude of the UK in 1939 ,great character, plenty of action plenty of detail
A great insight into the political and snobbery attitude of the UK in 1939 ,great character, plenty of action plenty of detail
July 3, 2021
Great follow on to a fun series
October 31, 2021
Social History
Very informative book about pre WW2 England. Too much about food and marriages for me. Some exciting bits but a lot of routine. Prefer later books by this author.
Very informative book about pre WW2 England. Too much about food and marriages for me. Some exciting bits but a lot of routine. Prefer later books by this author.
February 18, 2022
Early days
Superb writing. Main character vs bureaucracy and Nazis. Unorthodox leader racks up scoring in spite of stifling old men in power.
Superb writing. Main character vs bureaucracy and Nazis. Unorthodox leader racks up scoring in spite of stifling old men in power.
July 30, 2023
Disappointing waste of time
Unbelievable story, unlikeable characters and an almost laughable collection of cliches and stereotypes. Will not be reading the rest of the series.
Unbelievable story, unlikeable characters and an almost laughable collection of cliches and stereotypes. Will not be reading the rest of the series.
August 23, 2023
Well, now I’ve done it
I’m trying to get my next book finished up, and I stumbled across this series. Down the rabbit hole I go. Love it so far.
I’m trying to get my next book finished up, and I stumbled across this series. Down the rabbit hole I go. Love it so far.
July 30, 2025
outstanding page turner
I was surprised when I finished, the end came so quickly, can’t wait for book 2. Great characters and action.
I was surprised when I finished, the end came so quickly, can’t wait for book 2. Great characters and action.
January 8, 2026
- Looks interesting.
August 2, 2019
An excellent following act
Am definitly loving the return to this storyline, a follow-up to Innocents at War. As well should praise the edits and epilogue to the previous series(not editing my previous reviews for those as they stand for when I read them). Very much looking forward to Wareham adding more to this series, his work in keeping historical accuracy, realism, and fictional charachters balanced has kept me coming back to many of his works time and again; thus far Innocent No More is off to a good start for me, can't wait for the story to get to WWII proper, especially with all the advancements of the time for him to work with. I was pretty intent on the action, and I personally find it just as well written (when it does occur, not to much happening yet as this is setting up a new series) at nearly 250mph monoplanes, as it was when he wrote 80mph biplanes
More to say, but I'll wait for more entries to expand the scope of my review
Am definitly loving the return to this storyline, a follow-up to Innocents at War. As well should praise the edits and epilogue to the previous series(not editing my previous reviews for those as they stand for when I read them). Very much looking forward to Wareham adding more to this series, his work in keeping historical accuracy, realism, and fictional charachters balanced has kept me coming back to many of his works time and again; thus far Innocent No More is off to a good start for me, can't wait for the story to get to WWII proper, especially with all the advancements of the time for him to work with. I was pretty intent on the action, and I personally find it just as well written (when it does occur, not to much happening yet as this is setting up a new series) at nearly 250mph monoplanes, as it was when he wrote 80mph biplanes
More to say, but I'll wait for more entries to expand the scope of my review
October 28, 2023
Horribly written dialog made this an absolute slog. It was essentially a wish.com attempt of W.E.B. Griffin's brilliance. Do yourself a favor and just read the Brotherhood of War or The Corps series instead.
October 1, 2019
Easy reading.
I like the flow of the book. Very easy reading for my taste. I cannot presume that every one will like the style. However the author’s style of writing fits me well. I enjoyed this book and looking forward for the next one in this series.
I like the flow of the book. Very easy reading for my taste. I cannot presume that every one will like the style. However the author’s style of writing fits me well. I enjoyed this book and looking forward for the next one in this series.
July 14, 2019
Great read
This is a new series following his WW1 character and his son during WW2. It is another great book and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
This is a new series following his WW1 character and his son during WW2. It is another great book and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews