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Harry Rose Novels #3
Typhoon Ace: The RAF Defence of Southern England
It is late 1942, and England is under constant attack from the Luftwaffe.
Bored with his desk job, Flight Lieutenant Harry ‘Flash’ Rose is persuaded by his dear friend Daniel ‘Granny’ Smith to re-join Excalibur Squadron, now flying Hawker Typhoons in the defence of the south coast of England. His success rate is extraordinary, but there is much more to Rose’s story than combat.
Separated from his wife and child, Rose throws all of his energies into airborne battles with the enemy, content to focus on the job until his family is reunited. That is, until he meets another just as weary and alone…
At last, as the Luftwaffe turn their focus to the east, it seems that Rose may have some respite. But will he live to make it home?
Perfect for fans of Pierre Clostermann.
Bored with his desk job, Flight Lieutenant Harry ‘Flash’ Rose is persuaded by his dear friend Daniel ‘Granny’ Smith to re-join Excalibur Squadron, now flying Hawker Typhoons in the defence of the south coast of England. His success rate is extraordinary, but there is much more to Rose’s story than combat.
Separated from his wife and child, Rose throws all of his energies into airborne battles with the enemy, content to focus on the job until his family is reunited. That is, until he meets another just as weary and alone…
At last, as the Luftwaffe turn their focus to the east, it seems that Rose may have some respite. But will he live to make it home?
Perfect for fans of Pierre Clostermann.
- GenresFiction
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 24, 2020
316 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
September 25, 2020
I loved the book! There was quite a lot of technical stuff but written in a way that I, a non-flyer / mechanic, could understand. The dog fights were spellbinding and scary! There was some romance and high jinks which added another slant to the story and made one more aware of what the fighter pilots had to endure during WW2. I have to say that Russell Sullman's attention to detail and research for that period was impeccable. The characters really spoke to me, many a time I was either distressed or elated by the parts they played in the novel. I shall definitely read more of Russell Sullman's books and as a person, he is very approachable and compassionate.
September 27, 2020
This was a little different from the books I normally read, but despite that I still enjoyed it.
It was well researched and well written. The descriptions of the air battle scenes were really well written as they really had you holding your breath and feeling nervous for Harry and his fellow pilots.
I loved the camaraderie and friendship between Rose and the other members of the Excalibur squadron. Granny and a couple of the other members had quite the personality, with some of their antics making you laugh out loud.
I would have given the book the full 5* rating, but a specific action of our main character disappointed me (sorry, Russell! I know my comments regarding said action was stressful for you!). Whilst a part of me could understand to some extent, the circumstances, it was still wrong to me. I think the reason I was so disappointed is because I really liked Harry and expected better from him.
Thank you to Pigeonhole and thank you Russell Sullman not just for giving us the chance to read the book, but also reading and commenting along with us. And, specifically for being very patient with all my comments!
It was well researched and well written. The descriptions of the air battle scenes were really well written as they really had you holding your breath and feeling nervous for Harry and his fellow pilots.
I loved the camaraderie and friendship between Rose and the other members of the Excalibur squadron. Granny and a couple of the other members had quite the personality, with some of their antics making you laugh out loud.
I would have given the book the full 5* rating, but a specific action of our main character disappointed me (sorry, Russell! I know my comments regarding said action was stressful for you!). Whilst a part of me could understand to some extent, the circumstances, it was still wrong to me. I think the reason I was so disappointed is because I really liked Harry and expected better from him.
Thank you to Pigeonhole and thank you Russell Sullman not just for giving us the chance to read the book, but also reading and commenting along with us. And, specifically for being very patient with all my comments!
January 24, 2022
A Good Trilogy
Though each book in this trilogy, To So Few, Beaufighter Blitz and Typhoon Ace, could stand alone, together they present a much better story. I was impressed by the author’s grasp of the various airplanes involved in the conflict. He knew both the good and the bad of all of them. His willingness to go into aircraft that are not usually written about, the Beaufighter and the Typhoon, made the stories more interesting. The speed and horrors of air to air combat are well written. Night fighting in WW2 was a really new form of combat and both sides evolved strategies very quickly despite the inherent dangers. More trainees were killed learning how to take off, fly and land at night on both sides than can be counted. It was truly dangerous work just flying the planes in the dark, let alone engaging in combat. The main characters in the trilogy are well presented. Not perfect but good human beings doing their best on all fronts. I enjoyed reading the books and recommend them.
Though each book in this trilogy, To So Few, Beaufighter Blitz and Typhoon Ace, could stand alone, together they present a much better story. I was impressed by the author’s grasp of the various airplanes involved in the conflict. He knew both the good and the bad of all of them. His willingness to go into aircraft that are not usually written about, the Beaufighter and the Typhoon, made the stories more interesting. The speed and horrors of air to air combat are well written. Night fighting in WW2 was a really new form of combat and both sides evolved strategies very quickly despite the inherent dangers. More trainees were killed learning how to take off, fly and land at night on both sides than can be counted. It was truly dangerous work just flying the planes in the dark, let alone engaging in combat. The main characters in the trilogy are well presented. Not perfect but good human beings doing their best on all fronts. I enjoyed reading the books and recommend them.
November 18, 2020
A gripping tale of the heroic men who fought in the skies during the Second World War, the ground crew who maintained the aircraft and dedicated long, fatiguing hours to making sure that each machine was in optimal condition and of the courageous women who played a vital role in supporting them via ground operations. Although mostly written from the Allied forces perspective there are some glimpses of life as a fighter pilot in the Luftwaffe which serve to remind one that people are people with a shared experience of hope and mortality.
The characters are vibrantly depicted and relatable. The setting and actions engage all one's senses and draw us into the very centre of the whole panoply of battle with all it entails.
I read this book on the Pigeonhole app but this review is entirely voluntary.
The characters are vibrantly depicted and relatable. The setting and actions engage all one's senses and draw us into the very centre of the whole panoply of battle with all it entails.
I read this book on the Pigeonhole app but this review is entirely voluntary.
September 24, 2020
My first time reading a book through the Pigeonhole app, getting a "stave" a day and sharing comments with other readers. An exciting, well-researched slice of life in wartime with lots of aerial adventures and an affair with a saucy WAAF to keep the (married) hero busy and some scenes from the perspective of his his opposite number in the Luftwaffe.
September 24, 2020
3.75 stars. After a slow start this warmed up to an enjoyable read ( if you can say the harsh realities of war is enjoyable).Thank you to Pigeonhole and Russell Sullman for taking me out of my comfort zone.
October 23, 2020
This is a well researched story, with plenty of exciting air battles which really give the reader a feeling of how dangerous life was in the RAF during the Second World War.
Harry is a believable hero, as are his colleagues. Along with the action there is also a human story of relationships and how life really was for the living when every day could be your last.
I really enjoyed this and plan to read the earlier books.
Harry is a believable hero, as are his colleagues. Along with the action there is also a human story of relationships and how life really was for the living when every day could be your last.
I really enjoyed this and plan to read the earlier books.
September 23, 2020
Harry Rose is a pilot based on the south coast of England. He must help protect England from the threat of invasion.
The author certainly knows a thing or two about tactics in the war in the air against the Luftwaffe. This is a tense action thriller that takes the reader right inside the cockpit facing the enemy.
There's plenty of empathy for Rose and his comrades. All of it told with passion and honesty. The action is all very hard-hitting boy's own stuff but back on the ground there is the loneliness and the loss and the need for love even if it is found in the arms of a woman who is not your wife.
Splendid stuff.
The author certainly knows a thing or two about tactics in the war in the air against the Luftwaffe. This is a tense action thriller that takes the reader right inside the cockpit facing the enemy.
There's plenty of empathy for Rose and his comrades. All of it told with passion and honesty. The action is all very hard-hitting boy's own stuff but back on the ground there is the loneliness and the loss and the need for love even if it is found in the arms of a woman who is not your wife.
Splendid stuff.
September 29, 2020
Read via Pigeonhole.
Although this is part of a series I was able to read it as a standalone which was good.
Very well written, well rounded characters that you immediately felt empathy with.
Yes there is lots of technical bits about the aircraft but this is well balanced with the story of Harry "Flash" Rose, as he flies the typhoon fighter on the south west coast, against luffwaffe raids. Alongside the fighting there is his story with wife Molly & his "little affair" with Charlie.
Very enjoyable read, definitely recommend and will be looking at others in the series.
Although this is part of a series I was able to read it as a standalone which was good.
Very well written, well rounded characters that you immediately felt empathy with.
Yes there is lots of technical bits about the aircraft but this is well balanced with the story of Harry "Flash" Rose, as he flies the typhoon fighter on the south west coast, against luffwaffe raids. Alongside the fighting there is his story with wife Molly & his "little affair" with Charlie.
Very enjoyable read, definitely recommend and will be looking at others in the series.
October 2, 2020
If you are interested in WWII novels then this is definitely one for you. One is drawn into the book by the characters, their incredible feats of bravery and the camaraderie between those brave men and women. The book was extremely well researched and the reader has the opportunity to learn all about the sorties that were carried out at that time. Interspersed is the 'love' story that too brings understanding as to why it occurred in the first place. Extremely well written and enjoyable read.
September 25, 2020
Another book from Pigeonhole that I probably wouldn't have chosen for myself but am so glad that I decided to join the serialisation. We've just had the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and, although this book was set a couple of years later, it shows how much we owe to these brave pilots and all those who supported them. I enjoyed the book immensely and also liked the fact that Russell Sullman was reading along and interacted with fellow Pigeons. I do hope there will be a sequel.
September 24, 2020
Excellent story, with funny dialogues, a lot of love, and much tension when we sit with the pilots in the cockpit! The characters are real people I would love to meet! I really, really enjoyed reading this story and hope for sequels!!!
Thank you Russell for letting me read your book on Pigeonhole.
Thank you Russell for letting me read your book on Pigeonhole.
September 25, 2020
This is the best book I have ever read. My second book through The Pigeonhole app. It's really gripping and the affairs? Well let's just say no more about that😅. The dogfights are just so amazing and are written in so much detail! I highly reccomend it.
January 1, 2021
When I started reading this book, I thought it was a memoir but it is actually a novel & the third in a series. Now that I know this, I would definitely advise reading the first 2 books before this as they will no doubt fill in some gaps in storyline & give background to the characters.
The book was a slightly different take on the war, and shows the impact that war had on pilots and other personnel of both separation from their loved ones and the stress of combat.
The writing itself is choppy and doesn’t flow well. It’s possible that this is deliberate but it makes it hard to read & the language does slip from 1940s to modern day a little too often to make it one or the other. Overall, I didn’t enjoy this as much as I thought I would. There was too much sex & not enough detail, though there was evidence that some historical research had been done.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free via @ThePigeonHoleHQ. Whilst thanks go to the publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own.
#TyphoonAce @ThePigeonholeHQ # BookReview
The book was a slightly different take on the war, and shows the impact that war had on pilots and other personnel of both separation from their loved ones and the stress of combat.
The writing itself is choppy and doesn’t flow well. It’s possible that this is deliberate but it makes it hard to read & the language does slip from 1940s to modern day a little too often to make it one or the other. Overall, I didn’t enjoy this as much as I thought I would. There was too much sex & not enough detail, though there was evidence that some historical research had been done.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free via @ThePigeonHoleHQ. Whilst thanks go to the publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own.
#TyphoonAce @ThePigeonholeHQ # BookReview
July 10, 2021
It's 1943 and in this book # 3 of this series, now Pilot Lieutenant Harry Rose is now a Flight Leader and flying Typhoons, the supposed successor to the venerable Hurricane. One interesting tidbit that I didn't know about the Typhoon is that carbon monoxide would leak into the cockpit from the engine compartment. The problem was never solved, and pilots would breath oxygen from a face mask from engine start to engine shutoff. Again, good realism and historical detail about flying, fighting and living in WWII Britain. Some good counterpoint chapters about the opposing Luftwaffe.
September 29, 2020
Writing, story, supporting cast were all as good as in previous books. I gave 3 stars because of unexpected turn in character progression in our mc. From shy, "so in love with his wife, who is oh so perfect he will never want another" to, well, a di*k. This turn of events is not in line with previus 2 book, far from it. I have bo idea why author did this. It makes the book worse and Harry annoying, not the other way around.
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March 18, 2021I have now read all 3 books in this series and enjoyed them all. The flying scenes were very enthralling and showed a real feeling of understanding of how difficult it must have been and not just the usual "glory boys" type description. Book 2 Beaufighter Blitz was particularly descriptive, fumbling around in the dark and the early days of AI airborne interception. I hope there will be more in this series
August 20, 2021
Good flying tales, but...
Another fine story of a less well known RAF plane in WW2, the Typhoon. I enjoyed learning about how it was used and a,axed it was mistaken for the FW190. I was a little frustrated by the affair with Charlie. I suppose it was to make Harry Rose not seem to perfect, but I was disappointed that he gave in to Charlie so easily and he author seemed to feel their love could be justified. Too bad.
Another fine story of a less well known RAF plane in WW2, the Typhoon. I enjoyed learning about how it was used and a,axed it was mistaken for the FW190. I was a little frustrated by the affair with Charlie. I suppose it was to make Harry Rose not seem to perfect, but I was disappointed that he gave in to Charlie so easily and he author seemed to feel their love could be justified. Too bad.
February 8, 2023
An outstanding read
An excellent read about the exilerating flying in the RAF during WW2. There is an abundance of stories about both air attacks on German aircraft, day and night, as well as ground attacks against airfields in France.
Halfway into the book the author introduced a love interest to the main character. While it brought another dimension to the character, I felt it detracted from the main story.
As a former fighter pilot, I heartily recommend this book.
An excellent read about the exilerating flying in the RAF during WW2. There is an abundance of stories about both air attacks on German aircraft, day and night, as well as ground attacks against airfields in France.
Halfway into the book the author introduced a love interest to the main character. While it brought another dimension to the character, I felt it detracted from the main story.
As a former fighter pilot, I heartily recommend this book.
September 26, 2020
Read with the Pigeonhole.
This isn’t my usual type of read and I felt at a bit of a disadvantage when I realised I was in the middle of a series, although it does stand alone.
Battle descriptions were amazing - it really felt like you were in the action, but the rest didn’t quite gel with me. Great writing, not my cup of tea! Clearly excellent of its genre.
This isn’t my usual type of read and I felt at a bit of a disadvantage when I realised I was in the middle of a series, although it does stand alone.
Battle descriptions were amazing - it really felt like you were in the action, but the rest didn’t quite gel with me. Great writing, not my cup of tea! Clearly excellent of its genre.
February 19, 2021
Captivating story
Excellent presentation in the 1st person of all the stress and narrow escapes and harrowing experiences suffered by the Typhoon pilots. The side issues of the danger and loneliness to the individual pilots was well described. Recommend the book to all WWII addicts.
Excellent presentation in the 1st person of all the stress and narrow escapes and harrowing experiences suffered by the Typhoon pilots. The side issues of the danger and loneliness to the individual pilots was well described. Recommend the book to all WWII addicts.
March 7, 2021
The reality of a Early Typhoon pilots routine
Good book showing the stress and life of an early typhoon squadron pilots and the dreary patrol life they lead early on and the beginning of fighting back and the start of what was to be known as ram rod raids on the coast of France and Brittany.
Good book showing the stress and life of an early typhoon squadron pilots and the dreary patrol life they lead early on and the beginning of fighting back and the start of what was to be known as ram rod raids on the coast of France and Brittany.
December 13, 2021
The end of the line
I have read this authors other books up through this one. No more, I enjoy the service stories an descriptions of various aircraft. I do not like the intricate exotic sexual escapades. Male and female are a part of life and I am male and served 3 years,8 months and 14 days so will read other stories in which sex is not so descriptive.
I have read this authors other books up through this one. No more, I enjoy the service stories an descriptions of various aircraft. I do not like the intricate exotic sexual escapades. Male and female are a part of life and I am male and served 3 years,8 months and 14 days so will read other stories in which sex is not so descriptive.
May 7, 2023
Great War story, too much sex
Actually 4.5 stars. The descriptions of combat and the airmen’s characters were very authentic. And as a reader of WWII history I learned still more about the RAF and especially their aircraft and tactics. But I wasn’t expecting so much explicit sex, and it was more than I cared for. Other than that, it is an excellent novel.
Actually 4.5 stars. The descriptions of combat and the airmen’s characters were very authentic. And as a reader of WWII history I learned still more about the RAF and especially their aircraft and tactics. But I wasn’t expecting so much explicit sex, and it was more than I cared for. Other than that, it is an excellent novel.
October 19, 2020
WW2 air combat and romance
Harry Rose is back on single engine fighters but is now a flight leader. With his wife and son safely in the Lakes District (and too far away to regularly visit) he becomes involved with a local WAAF.
A bit "boys own" but an enjoyable, light read.
Harry Rose is back on single engine fighters but is now a flight leader. With his wife and son safely in the Lakes District (and too far away to regularly visit) he becomes involved with a local WAAF.
A bit "boys own" but an enjoyable, light read.
February 7, 2021
confusing slang and character names- soldiers are named with female names and vice versa, given multiple names used interchangeably without much guidance on who was who. I found it hard to follow and lost interest once it got into the love affair.
April 12, 2021
A good story about a fighter pilot in England during WW 2. Somewhat crude in spots but several good descriptions of aerial combat. Not high-quality literature but easy to read and seemingly realistic. One of the better books on this topic I have read.
June 11, 2021
A good story, blending realistic combat with great character development
This well written storey could have been a biography. The characters are truely believable and the flying/combat descriptions definitely also align to real life reports
This well written storey could have been a biography. The characters are truely believable and the flying/combat descriptions definitely also align to real life reports
June 13, 2021
The battle scenes in this novel were intense, very descriptive of air combat and the stresses placed upon these adventurous young men. It also carried over onto their relationships with their squadron mates and the women in their lives. Well written, and well worth the time a reader will spend exploring its pages.
September 20, 2021
3 of the best books I have ever read about the air war in Europe.
Couldn't put them down. Read one after the other. Lots of action,but lots of life also. Very realistic. Can't wait for more. Hope there are.
Couldn't put them down. Read one after the other. Lots of action,but lots of life also. Very realistic. Can't wait for more. Hope there are.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews