What do you think?
Rate this book
Fortress of Malta #2
Bastion
'Vivid and exciting. This author knows his stuff.' Richard Woodman, author of Malta Convoys
Summer, 1942.
Royal Navy fighter pilot Edmund Clydesdale is exhausted, war weary and stuck on Malta at the height of the siege.
Each day could be Clydesdale's last, as he helps defend the seemingly doomed island against wave upon wave of German attacks.
But as well as the enemy, Edmund must survive Sub Lieutenant Godden, a daredevil fellow pilot determined to hit back at the enemy any way he can.
And when he meets Liena, a fiery Maltese woman working as an air-raid warden in the bomb-ravaged cities, he begins to find something to live and fight for.
But the siege continues and Clydesdale odds of surviving the war are lengthened, when he is ordered on a special mission to fly into enemy territory.
The fate of the island - and the pilot's life - will hang in the balance.
Recommended for fans of Robert Ryan, James Holland and Patrick Bishop.
"A gripping portrait of Malta and a careworn pilot, battling the enemy and inner demons... The author strikes a deft balance between historical insight and narrative drive." Richard Foreman, author of Warsaw
"A remarkable insight into the doubts and fears of a fighter pilot, contrasting relentless action with cool post-combat de-briefs." Frank Barnard
Matthew Willis grew up near the historic port of Harwich and seaplane station at Felixstowe, developing a lifelong obsession with flying and the sea. He worked as a motorsport journalist and media relations officer before becoming a full time writer in 2011. His books include the epic novels of the Norman Conquest 'An Argument of Blood' and 'A Black Matter for the King' co-written with JA Ironside, and the novelette 'The Battle of Alma'.
- GenresThrillerHistorical
117 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2019
16 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Willis
28 books20 followersMatthew Willis is a writer of historical and speculative fiction, and non-fiction. He is the author of the 'Fortress of Malta' series of novellas from Sharpe Books (2019-21) and co-author of the 'Oath and Crown' novels of the Norman Conquest (2017). In 2015 his story Energy was shortlisted for the Bridport short story award.
'Mustang: The Untold Story', a major history of the early variants of the immortal P-51 Mustang fighter, was published in 2021 by Key Books.
Matthew studied Literature and History of Science at the University of Kent, where he wrote an MA thesis on Joseph Conrad and sailed for the University in national competitions. He subsequently worked as a journalist for Autosport and F1 Racing magazines, before switching to a career with the National Health Service.
His first non-fiction book, a history of the Blackburn Skua WW2 naval dive bomber, was published in 2007. He now has nine non fiction books published including the first biography of test pilot Duncan Menzies. He currently lives in Southampton and writes both fiction and non-fiction for a living.
'Mustang: The Untold Story', a major history of the early variants of the immortal P-51 Mustang fighter, was published in 2021 by Key Books.
Matthew studied Literature and History of Science at the University of Kent, where he wrote an MA thesis on Joseph Conrad and sailed for the University in national competitions. He subsequently worked as a journalist for Autosport and F1 Racing magazines, before switching to a career with the National Health Service.
His first non-fiction book, a history of the Blackburn Skua WW2 naval dive bomber, was published in 2007. He now has nine non fiction books published including the first biography of test pilot Duncan Menzies. He currently lives in Southampton and writes both fiction and non-fiction for a living.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 28, 2020
Excellent
Excellent depiction of the air war over Malta and the plight of the Maltese. Shame that Clyde' s exploits seem to end here.
Excellent depiction of the air war over Malta and the plight of the Maltese. Shame that Clyde' s exploits seem to end here.
September 24, 2019
I really enjoyed the first book in this series - Harpoon - but in my opinion, Bastion is even better.
Following on directly from the events of Harpoon reluctant ace pilot Edmund Clydesdale finds himself heading from deep blue sea towards the devil. Instead of the expected recuperational leave after being shot down, the MC is stranded on Malta and drafted into a search and rescue outfit, in Hurricanes that are well past their use by date. Edmund is a little more comfortable in his own skin now that he was when we met him in the first book, though still more resigned to war than actively enthusiastic. He quickly recognises that things are not quite as they should be at the bastion. There's daredevil pilot Sub Lieutenant Godden - a potentially dangerous loose cannon - for one thing. Edmund needs to unravel a tangled interpersonal history between his fellows in order to prevent more senseless death.
There was so much about this book I liked, that it would be difficult to get it all into one review. I read it in just a few hours, resenting every interruption. In fact 'read' might not be an accurate description. 'Mainlined' like someone with a moderate coke habit might be more accurate! Willis has a knack of weaving technical and mechanical specs into the narrative so that even if you know little about aircraft engines, it reads perfectly effortlessly in context and is almost poetic.
The characters are utterly compelling. Edmund has been on quite a journey since the start of the first book and it was great to see how far he had come; from making some sort of peace with himself internally and learning to value his own life, to valuing all life because of that insight. This contrasts sharply with Godden, who has a serious 'death or glory' chip on his shoulder to say the least. Cocke (not pronounced how you think!) was a very sympathetic character - the author is once again exploring the effects of someone forced to act against their nature and the consequences of doing so. Then there's Liena, a Maltese air-raid warden, who makes an excellent foil for Edmund whilst providing both a local and a female perspective. There's even a tiny mention of Vickery! (Honestly I am 100% Vickery trash and I was sad that he wasn't going to be in this book so catching an off page cameo was just a treat.)
The plot itself is both a gripping exploration of all these characters striking sparks off each other and an edge-of-your-seat, high-risk aerial mission that might end in disaster for everyone involved. This is an excellent book. If you like WWII histfic I highly recommend clearing your schedule, buying this and its prequel and just settling in to read for a few hours. I can't wait for the next instalment.
Following on directly from the events of Harpoon reluctant ace pilot Edmund Clydesdale finds himself heading from deep blue sea towards the devil. Instead of the expected recuperational leave after being shot down, the MC is stranded on Malta and drafted into a search and rescue outfit, in Hurricanes that are well past their use by date. Edmund is a little more comfortable in his own skin now that he was when we met him in the first book, though still more resigned to war than actively enthusiastic. He quickly recognises that things are not quite as they should be at the bastion. There's daredevil pilot Sub Lieutenant Godden - a potentially dangerous loose cannon - for one thing. Edmund needs to unravel a tangled interpersonal history between his fellows in order to prevent more senseless death.
There was so much about this book I liked, that it would be difficult to get it all into one review. I read it in just a few hours, resenting every interruption. In fact 'read' might not be an accurate description. 'Mainlined' like someone with a moderate coke habit might be more accurate! Willis has a knack of weaving technical and mechanical specs into the narrative so that even if you know little about aircraft engines, it reads perfectly effortlessly in context and is almost poetic.
The characters are utterly compelling. Edmund has been on quite a journey since the start of the first book and it was great to see how far he had come; from making some sort of peace with himself internally and learning to value his own life, to valuing all life because of that insight. This contrasts sharply with Godden, who has a serious 'death or glory' chip on his shoulder to say the least. Cocke (not pronounced how you think!) was a very sympathetic character - the author is once again exploring the effects of someone forced to act against their nature and the consequences of doing so. Then there's Liena, a Maltese air-raid warden, who makes an excellent foil for Edmund whilst providing both a local and a female perspective. There's even a tiny mention of Vickery! (Honestly I am 100% Vickery trash and I was sad that he wasn't going to be in this book so catching an off page cameo was just a treat.)
The plot itself is both a gripping exploration of all these characters striking sparks off each other and an edge-of-your-seat, high-risk aerial mission that might end in disaster for everyone involved. This is an excellent book. If you like WWII histfic I highly recommend clearing your schedule, buying this and its prequel and just settling in to read for a few hours. I can't wait for the next instalment.
February 6, 2021
As I said with 'Harpoon', this book benefits greatly from the author being a professional naval aviation historian. The detail and authenticity of the language is on point and the closeness and desperation of Malta under siege is palpable (and will be even if you haven't read about it before). There's a great little vignette that pays homage to the ASR launches that saved many downed aircrew around the island. This is a great touch and another indication of the author's depth of knowledge. Clydesdale is, as ever, fearful of being found to be a fraud, believing his success has been down to luck and that someone will eventually work that out. He keeps getting up each day, keeps climbing into the cockpit and taking off. He's the classic 'ordinary' man capable of extraordinary efforts.
Once again, this novella is a quick read, but you'll love every second.
Once again, this novella is a quick read, but you'll love every second.
October 15, 2019
Another excellent novella from Matthew Willis, in his series set in and around Malta (at least so far.) A gripping story, interesting characters, realistic action and dialogue. Not a romanticized war story; the grit, fear, and uncertainty come through. Too short, so I'm hoping there is another coming.
It has prompted me to do my own research on this theater of battle. I knew some of the story, but Willis delves into some interesting facets. The island itself and its occupants also play a part. The previous book made you feel as if you were on a carrier and other ships, and in the cockpit. This one carries on the sense of immersion, in this case of being on the island, or in the air over the sea.
It has prompted me to do my own research on this theater of battle. I knew some of the story, but Willis delves into some interesting facets. The island itself and its occupants also play a part. The previous book made you feel as if you were on a carrier and other ships, and in the cockpit. This one carries on the sense of immersion, in this case of being on the island, or in the air over the sea.
July 5, 2020
Eddie's war.
5stars given as both novels are worth it.
stars given as both novels are worth it.
Excellent depictions of the Malta convoys & the struggles to both defend & deny Malta from the Nazis.
5stars given as both novels are worth it.
stars given as both novels are worth it.
Excellent depictions of the Malta convoys & the struggles to both defend & deny Malta from the Nazis.
March 15, 2022
Bastion
An excellent novel that portrayed life on the Island of Malta. I found the main character to be realistic. I also was intrigued by the air wardeness who risked her life to save the civilians of Malta. The author also portrayed the humanness of the RAF pilots who were stationed on Malta.
An excellent novel that portrayed life on the Island of Malta. I found the main character to be realistic. I also was intrigued by the air wardeness who risked her life to save the civilians of Malta. The author also portrayed the humanness of the RAF pilots who were stationed on Malta.
December 22, 2021
Cracking little read, even better than the first I would say.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews