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ARMOR #1
ARMOR #1, The Battle of North Africa: a Novel of Tank Warfare
Near the end of 1942, more than 100,000 Allied soldiers board transports for what they believe will be a major invasion of Europe. Instead, they land in French North Africa to fight the German Army for the first time. In the midst of the invasion, an M4 Sherman tank rolls into combat. It is manned by a crew of John Austin, the commander; Anthony Russo, the driver; Charles Wade, the gunner; Amos Swanson, the loader; and Eugene Clay, the bow gunner.Cocky and confident in Allied victory, they expect the battle for North Africa to be a cakewalk. Soon, the Germans will teach them the harsh realities of armored warfare. To survive, they'll have to show grit--and learn to work together."If you're looking for a great WW2 historical fiction audiobook about tanks, then you're going to want to check this out." - History X"An instant classic of World War II historical fiction ... brilliantly written, populated with realistic and entirely human characters who stay with you long after finishing the last page, and searingly, unflinchingly open about the realities of combat during World War II as experienced by the crew of an M4 Sherman medium tank." - The Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reviewer"Historically accurate, fun, and action-packed." - Brian's Book Blog
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2020
424 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Craig DiLouie
62 books1,521 followersCraig DiLouie is an author of popular thriller, apocalyptic/horror, and sci-fi/fantasy fiction.
In hundreds of reviews, Craig’s novels have been praised for their strong characters, action, and gritty realism. Each book promises an exciting experience with people you’ll care about in a world that feels real.
These works have been nominated for major literary awards such as the Bram Stoker Award and Audie Award, translated into multiple languages, and optioned for film. He is a member of the HWA, International Thriller Writers, and IFWA.
In hundreds of reviews, Craig’s novels have been praised for their strong characters, action, and gritty realism. Each book promises an exciting experience with people you’ll care about in a world that feels real.
These works have been nominated for major literary awards such as the Bram Stoker Award and Audie Award, translated into multiple languages, and optioned for film. He is a member of the HWA, International Thriller Writers, and IFWA.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 14, 2020
Title – Armor #1 The Battle of North Africa
Author – Craig DiLouie
Genre – Military
Word Count 41,000
Rating 4 stars out of 5
No. – 08- 2020
Posted 3/14/2020
My Impressions: All the bloody horrors of war are on display here.
Main Characters:
Sgt. John Austin – tank commander
PFC Anthony Russo – tank driver
PFC Amos Swanson – main gun loader
PFC Eugene Clay – assistant driver and .30 caliber bow gunner
Corporal Charles Wade - gunner
Tank 34 affectionately known as ‘Boomer’ is an M-4 Sherman tank in company ‘B’ of the third platoon of the 1st armored Division, 6th armored Regiment, 1st Battalion. The story is set in Africa in WWII. where the tanks go up against Rommel’s tank forces. German troops have larger tanks and more powerful armament.
The story is a fictional account of a green bunch of men struggling to work together for the good of the team. All of them, except Sgt. Austin, question what the hell made them volunteer to be there. Weather conditions are grim, senior officers are incompetent and the German enemy is capable and shrewd. Amid constant bickering and deep resentment of each other, the group gradually develops into a capable fighting force. An element of coming of age is in the story as the crew learns to appreciate the strengths of other members and to minimize the impact of the verbal jabs they each make.
The editing and sentence structure are fair at best. Commas are the biggest bugaboo, but there are other issues too.
Character development is excellent. I came to know and care for all the main characters.
Details are superb and research is evident.
The plot is based on historical events with fictional characters woven into the story.
If you’re a fan of military action, you’ll likely enjoy the story. If you abhor any mention of war and killing skip it.
The editing issues drag it down to a weak four star rating. It is carried entirely by the story telling and writing.
This review was provided in exchange for a free book.
Vigilant Reader Book Reviews.
Author – Craig DiLouie
Genre – Military
Word Count 41,000
Rating 4 stars out of 5
No. – 08- 2020
Posted 3/14/2020
My Impressions: All the bloody horrors of war are on display here.
Main Characters:
Sgt. John Austin – tank commander
PFC Anthony Russo – tank driver
PFC Amos Swanson – main gun loader
PFC Eugene Clay – assistant driver and .30 caliber bow gunner
Corporal Charles Wade - gunner
Tank 34 affectionately known as ‘Boomer’ is an M-4 Sherman tank in company ‘B’ of the third platoon of the 1st armored Division, 6th armored Regiment, 1st Battalion. The story is set in Africa in WWII. where the tanks go up against Rommel’s tank forces. German troops have larger tanks and more powerful armament.
The story is a fictional account of a green bunch of men struggling to work together for the good of the team. All of them, except Sgt. Austin, question what the hell made them volunteer to be there. Weather conditions are grim, senior officers are incompetent and the German enemy is capable and shrewd. Amid constant bickering and deep resentment of each other, the group gradually develops into a capable fighting force. An element of coming of age is in the story as the crew learns to appreciate the strengths of other members and to minimize the impact of the verbal jabs they each make.
The editing and sentence structure are fair at best. Commas are the biggest bugaboo, but there are other issues too.
Character development is excellent. I came to know and care for all the main characters.
Details are superb and research is evident.
The plot is based on historical events with fictional characters woven into the story.
If you’re a fan of military action, you’ll likely enjoy the story. If you abhor any mention of war and killing skip it.
The editing issues drag it down to a weak four star rating. It is carried entirely by the story telling and writing.
This review was provided in exchange for a free book.
Vigilant Reader Book Reviews.
June 26, 2021
There aren't many novels about armored warfare during WW2. This is a pretty good one.
This is the story of five Americans from various walks of life who are sent into North Africa in an M4 Sherman tank during Operation Torch. At first they are a mismatched bunch who don't get along well. However, the intense pressure of the meat-grinder battle of Kasserine Pass forges them into an effective team.
The descriptions of tank warfare are very well done. DiLouie seems to have done his research.
I will move on to the next book in the series.
3.5 stars rounded up.
This is the story of five Americans from various walks of life who are sent into North Africa in an M4 Sherman tank during Operation Torch. At first they are a mismatched bunch who don't get along well. However, the intense pressure of the meat-grinder battle of Kasserine Pass forges them into an effective team.
The descriptions of tank warfare are very well done. DiLouie seems to have done his research.
I will move on to the next book in the series.
3.5 stars rounded up.
February 12, 2020
Kasserine Pass Survivors
The story told in this novel rings true to the history I read many years closer to this battle. The characters constructed by the author begin as 5 separate and abrasive individuals. Through the heat of battle they are forged into a team. The battle scenes are well written and suspenseful. Truly an educational and exciting read. Mr. DiLouie has duplicated the success of his earlier series about the submarine service of the U. S. Navy. Don’t miss this one. Can’t wait for the next volume to be released.
The story told in this novel rings true to the history I read many years closer to this battle. The characters constructed by the author begin as 5 separate and abrasive individuals. Through the heat of battle they are forged into a team. The battle scenes are well written and suspenseful. Truly an educational and exciting read. Mr. DiLouie has duplicated the success of his earlier series about the submarine service of the U. S. Navy. Don’t miss this one. Can’t wait for the next volume to be released.
May 15, 2020
Tank warfare during WWII
While there is an abundance of aviation books recording World War 2 history, I personally have not found many stories on tank warfare.While I read a good deal of military history and military fiction I found this book to be a novelty in my normal reading. In addition, my father fought In north Africa during the war and even though he was in artillery, the theater and history is familiar to me. Craig DiLouie writes a good book, I'll move on now the the next book in the series.
While there is an abundance of aviation books recording World War 2 history, I personally have not found many stories on tank warfare.While I read a good deal of military history and military fiction I found this book to be a novelty in my normal reading. In addition, my father fought In north Africa during the war and even though he was in artillery, the theater and history is familiar to me. Craig DiLouie writes a good book, I'll move on now the the next book in the series.
March 3, 2020
This is how a series should start
It took me a little time to get involved but once I did the story flew by. We follow an American Sherman tank crew as they first fight amongst themselves before they learn to fight together. Plenty of action but the real stars are the crew, five different personalities learning to live and fight together. I also enjoyed the descriptions of tank combat. No super heroes here, real characters, real dialogue and real action. Bring on #2.
It took me a little time to get involved but once I did the story flew by. We follow an American Sherman tank crew as they first fight amongst themselves before they learn to fight together. Plenty of action but the real stars are the crew, five different personalities learning to live and fight together. I also enjoyed the descriptions of tank combat. No super heroes here, real characters, real dialogue and real action. Bring on #2.
August 25, 2021
I had read this book previously and wanted to read the whole series. Thus I revisited this first one.
I found this whole ARMOR series a little dull to read. The characters needed more development to make them relatable and the stories seemed loosely structured around historical facts. For me, more detail was needed on the included maps so that I could keep a mental image of the different battlefields.
I found this whole ARMOR series a little dull to read. The characters needed more development to make them relatable and the stories seemed loosely structured around historical facts. For me, more detail was needed on the included maps so that I could keep a mental image of the different battlefields.
September 27, 2021
good read, gives a bit of a perspective of the north africa campaign from a tanker point of view----commands were fairly accurate, however needed more work. Having been an armor officer I'm fairly familiar with all the commands current and past. Sort of hard to hear anachronisms..makes it comical..sort of like Saving Private Ryan in the opening scenes seeing 1950's uniforms on D-Day.. but a good read nonetheless.
February 15, 2020
As Real As It
Can get. Taking you inside the venerable M4. Sherman tank the sheer horror of battle from seeing your brothers blown away to facing a superior tank and against all odds managing a few kills.
Told from the crewmembers perspective, you actually feel like your in tank.
Well written, look forward to reading more in the series
Can get. Taking you inside the venerable M4. Sherman tank the sheer horror of battle from seeing your brothers blown away to facing a superior tank and against all odds managing a few kills.
Told from the crewmembers perspective, you actually feel like your in tank.
Well written, look forward to reading more in the series
April 8, 2020
On the way
If you've never been in an armored vehicle as it rolls and bounces across country, it would be hard to put into words the noise, smell and thrill of a "tankers" world. Mr. DiAlogue comes close. Mud, dust, diesel fuel and busted knuckles. Most of those who have experienced the "tankers" world, can't hear anything anymore....but then, they've heard enough!
If you've never been in an armored vehicle as it rolls and bounces across country, it would be hard to put into words the noise, smell and thrill of a "tankers" world. Mr. DiAlogue comes close. Mud, dust, diesel fuel and busted knuckles. Most of those who have experienced the "tankers" world, can't hear anything anymore....but then, they've heard enough!
April 24, 2020
First book in the Armor series is a hit
This series is off to a great start. Vivid tank battle descriptions of a crew of the tank Boomer. You meet each member of the crew, their backgrounds and personalities. How they face the first American combat on African soil. Looking forward to the next in the series.
This series is off to a great start. Vivid tank battle descriptions of a crew of the tank Boomer. You meet each member of the crew, their backgrounds and personalities. How they face the first American combat on African soil. Looking forward to the next in the series.
August 22, 2020
This book does not pull any punches- you will feel that you are part of the tank crew facing off against Vichy and Nazi enemies in North Africa, sweltering, freezing and bleeding alongside them! I raced through the story to get a feel for what tank combat in that front of WWII was like, and was not disappointed.
June 30, 2021
Great story
I can only assume that all was accurate technically. Doesn’t matter it is a great story and history lesson added in. If history had been taught like this I would have paid more attention. The author brought the horrors of war to the pages. The fear turned into humor and rage. Looking forward to the next one.
I can only assume that all was accurate technically. Doesn’t matter it is a great story and history lesson added in. If history had been taught like this I would have paid more attention. The author brought the horrors of war to the pages. The fear turned into humor and rage. Looking forward to the next one.
April 1, 2020
Hard going but worth it
Initially I was on the point of abandoning the novel as it seemed like a typical U.S. War novel, all gung ho. But the story develops eventually,and the characters fill out as the story unfolds.
Initially I was on the point of abandoning the novel as it seemed like a typical U.S. War novel, all gung ho. But the story develops eventually,and the characters fill out as the story unfolds.
August 31, 2020
If you’re a warfare and history buff as I am, then you’ll absolutely LOVE Armor!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Armor and highly recommend it. The author puts you right into the action with the great characters
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Armor and highly recommend it. The author puts you right into the action with the great characters
July 2, 2022
A good overview of armoured warfare in WWII. The descriptions of the tanks are interesting and it captures some of what the feeling of the war must have been. Characters are a little light. I enjoyed this as a light read.
March 26, 2020
I have already started the next in series Fortress Europe. All have been a good read!
April 27, 2020
Nice book!
First book I’ve read involving tankers in WW2! Gives you a good perspective on how it was in North Africa during the war. Good characters.
First book I’ve read involving tankers in WW2! Gives you a good perspective on how it was in North Africa during the war. Good characters.
May 10, 2020
Did not finish. Tiger tanks in North Africa, think not.
July 13, 2020
Interesting but not intriguing
A little too much random personal thought for me, understand the author developing the characters, but would have preferred not action.
A little too much random personal thought for me, understand the author developing the characters, but would have preferred not action.
July 30, 2020
Surprisingly intelligent, yet fun page turner. History is woven in with good characters.
August 13, 2020
Enjoyable read
September 8, 2020
If you are a world war II buff you'll want to pick this one up
October 16, 2020
an interesting although often done approach
August 4, 2022
One of the best
One of the best books on WW2 tanks I've read. The author captures a group of individuals that turn into a team that fights together and in the end love each other.
One of the best books on WW2 tanks I've read. The author captures a group of individuals that turn into a team that fights together and in the end love each other.
December 15, 2022
A little too cheesy for me. Maybe it’s just the narrator. Enjoyed this writers submarine series but this was a little too much for me to take.
May 10, 2025
Good read!
This is the first book by Craig DiLouie I've read.I'm looking forward to read more of this series. Good story and characters.
This is the first book by Craig DiLouie I've read.I'm looking forward to read more of this series. Good story and characters.
March 11, 2024
Not as good as the crash dive series. It’s just pulp fiction, but it doesn’t have the same tension as cliffhanger feel as the other World War Two series.
February 14, 2020
Great opener!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews