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Survivor: Life in the SAS
How do you rebuild your life when you've hit rock bottom?
Mark Wales thought his life would end in a cornfield in Afghanistan.
Mark and his SAS troops emerged from that scorched battlefield twelve hours later, his mentor gunned down, his dream career now a nightmare. Over four deployments of intense warfighting, Mark watched the line between right and wrong become blurred. When he left the SAS he was adrift, crippled by guilt.
On a mission to rebuild himself, Mark turned his life around. He fought his way into the gates of a US Ivy League business school and into the boardrooms of top-tier international corporations. He spent years navigating failure in a quest to find new meaning in life. With every setback, Mark counterattacked, discovering the tactics and tools needed to become more resilient, and to find happiness, belonging and purpose.
Told with gripping suspense, humour and touching warmth, Survivor is Mark's extraordinary life in and out of the SAS, a story of resilience and a testament to the power of transformation.
Mark Wales thought his life would end in a cornfield in Afghanistan.
Mark and his SAS troops emerged from that scorched battlefield twelve hours later, his mentor gunned down, his dream career now a nightmare. Over four deployments of intense warfighting, Mark watched the line between right and wrong become blurred. When he left the SAS he was adrift, crippled by guilt.
On a mission to rebuild himself, Mark turned his life around. He fought his way into the gates of a US Ivy League business school and into the boardrooms of top-tier international corporations. He spent years navigating failure in a quest to find new meaning in life. With every setback, Mark counterattacked, discovering the tactics and tools needed to become more resilient, and to find happiness, belonging and purpose.
Told with gripping suspense, humour and touching warmth, Survivor is Mark's extraordinary life in and out of the SAS, a story of resilience and a testament to the power of transformation.
368 pages, Paperback
Published May 25, 2021
27 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
Mark Wales
3 books16 followersMark Wales grew up in the red dirt of Western Australian mining towns in the Pilbara. While still in high school, he decided he wanted to join Australia's elite military unit, the Special Air Service Regiment (commonly referred to as the SAS), and embarked on a career that would eventually lead him to the battlefields of Afghanistan. There, as a troop commander in charge of 30 elite soldiers, Mark led combat missions deep behind enemy lines.
Like many who survived this unique and harsh environment, Mark's experiences made a searing impression, allowing him the chance to forge greater resilience and undergo personal growth. Today he is an accomplished corporate speaker, reality TV star, and CEO and founder of a tough luxury fashion label. He lives in the Dandenong Ranges, Victoria, with his wife and son.
Like many who survived this unique and harsh environment, Mark's experiences made a searing impression, allowing him the chance to forge greater resilience and undergo personal growth. Today he is an accomplished corporate speaker, reality TV star, and CEO and founder of a tough luxury fashion label. He lives in the Dandenong Ranges, Victoria, with his wife and son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 27, 2021
Mark Wales cuts an imposing figure in his SASR kit, and the striking image on the cover gives the impression this is a book full of bravado and daring-do. A real “boy’s own adventure”. It has that of course, but within a few pages I discovered a heart-felt, warm and engaging story that had me laughing, crying, and nodding my head at shared emotions. It is so well-written that I found it hard to put down, and was keen to pick it up again whenever I could.
Mark has provided a unique insight into the life and trials of a young Australian bloke wanting to be the best, but struggling with issues of confidence and belonging. This will resonate with many who face similar struggles as they seek to find meaning in their life, relationships and work. Even after earning the much coveted and iconic sandy beret (an item synonymous with being the best of the best), he still struggled with belief in his own abilities and even if he truly wanted all it entailed.
We see the heavily armed and equipped Aussie SASR and Commando lads casually walking to waiting Chinooks and just assume these guys are cool as ice without a care in the world. It is amazing to read how Mark honestly felt at various times in and out of action. Not for one second does it lessen the respect and love we should have he and his mates, because they are human after all.
His recollections of his time in combat are brutally honest in their description of the fear and confusion when under fire. His responsibility for his men as their officer weighs heavily, but his humility allows him to accept the guidance and support of his experienced and loyal NCOs and men to ensure the job gets done. The loss of a ‘brother’ in combat is heart-wrenching and we can only imagine the effect it had and will continue to have for those who must go on.
I think Mark’s story can give hope to many others who are hurting, particularly the ‘wounds’ that can’t be seen. While everyone is different, his experiences demonstrates that there can be a life beyond service and that veterans can find their new tribes and use their hard-earned skills to succeed in other ventures. His next achievements with study, fashion, and being on Survivor, are only surpassed by finding his tribe in wife Sammy and son, Harry.
Thank you for your service Mark, and for sharing your candid and very entertaining life story mate. Bless you and your little Tribe and all the best for the future as the story is not finished yet.
Mark has provided a unique insight into the life and trials of a young Australian bloke wanting to be the best, but struggling with issues of confidence and belonging. This will resonate with many who face similar struggles as they seek to find meaning in their life, relationships and work. Even after earning the much coveted and iconic sandy beret (an item synonymous with being the best of the best), he still struggled with belief in his own abilities and even if he truly wanted all it entailed.
We see the heavily armed and equipped Aussie SASR and Commando lads casually walking to waiting Chinooks and just assume these guys are cool as ice without a care in the world. It is amazing to read how Mark honestly felt at various times in and out of action. Not for one second does it lessen the respect and love we should have he and his mates, because they are human after all.
His recollections of his time in combat are brutally honest in their description of the fear and confusion when under fire. His responsibility for his men as their officer weighs heavily, but his humility allows him to accept the guidance and support of his experienced and loyal NCOs and men to ensure the job gets done. The loss of a ‘brother’ in combat is heart-wrenching and we can only imagine the effect it had and will continue to have for those who must go on.
I think Mark’s story can give hope to many others who are hurting, particularly the ‘wounds’ that can’t be seen. While everyone is different, his experiences demonstrates that there can be a life beyond service and that veterans can find their new tribes and use their hard-earned skills to succeed in other ventures. His next achievements with study, fashion, and being on Survivor, are only surpassed by finding his tribe in wife Sammy and son, Harry.
Thank you for your service Mark, and for sharing your candid and very entertaining life story mate. Bless you and your little Tribe and all the best for the future as the story is not finished yet.
February 7, 2022
It was so satisfying and amusing watching Mark on Survivor utterly destroying challenges, while his team mates are there confused thinking he was in fashion 😂 so naturally I was intrigued by his book when it came out. The story as a whole was brutal, raw, but also super interesting - definitely filing this away for writing purposes later - and the last part about Survivor was hilarious. His performance for the audio was a great listen! Really well read, I know it can’t be helped but it’s super jarring when narrators stumble over what they’re reading but he never did
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
February 9, 2025
Very well written. Engaging and inspiring story. Kept my interest page to page. Thanks Mark
August 11, 2021
What a read! What a journey! This book should be a must read for young men struggling to find themselves and their identity in the world. Mark goes through this journey of struggling to place himself in a complex world and uses external unfulfilling quests (short term romance / drinking) to distract himself from himself. It amazes me that on his journey, he goes from being in the SAS, doing multiple tours to then going to business school, working for the top global consulting firm, then to.. Survivor??? This man reconciled with his demons and ultimately concluded that “regret and bitterness are not good travelling companions”. I think this quote sums up this open, honest and heart wrenching journey. Highly recommend!
February 5, 2022
Audiobook read by the author. First of all, it was GREAT to hear an Aussie voice for an audiobook and even better that it was the author himself.
LOVED this story. I am a sucker for all things extreme military. Having said that, what sets this book apart is Mark’s fabulous writing and his candour. He does not shy away from his missteps, his ego traps, his mental health pain. Raw, real. This is a great story of perseverance, and self discovery. Wonderful!
LOVED this story. I am a sucker for all things extreme military. Having said that, what sets this book apart is Mark’s fabulous writing and his candour. He does not shy away from his missteps, his ego traps, his mental health pain. Raw, real. This is a great story of perseverance, and self discovery. Wonderful!
November 12, 2024
Found this in my notes app, a review for a book club so thought I’d add this back here a year later.
“The career I’d had was not the most important part of my life, just another chapter. I could stand apart from that now and in fact I would have to” Mark Wales
I too have always appreciated the T Roosevelt quote about the stepping into the arena - whether that be the rugged Afghan terrain on a Special Ops mission, or leaving the comfort of an established career. Mark described a the ups and downs of service life and stepping out fully as he forged a new path. From the battlefield Afghanistan to the runway of the Wharton fashion show, Mark exemplifies what is possible when you extend yourself past your comfort zones. I found this book a refreshingly honest reflection of the past, brutal at times, and courageous in its authenticity. The respect he has for his colleagues and family is evident through the pages.
This book spoke to me immensely as a former military officer who walked away from a successful career (to the surprise of my peers and superiors) in the search of something more.
I related to Mark’s first semester at Wharton and feeling like I’ve given up stability on a well calculated risk. I’ve relished the freedom and autonomy of civilian life but found myself coming back to the roots of discipline taught in the military when it gets tough.
On face value the below takeaways could be implemented by anyone. However understanding Marks experiences to through all the chapters made me understand their importance more than just the tips alone.
1. Exercise often
2. Sleep 7-9 hrs a night
3. Eat a clean diet
4. Stay connected to family and friends
5. Keep looking for your life’s purpose.
For leaders
1. Be clear about the mission
2. Address your teams needs before your own
3. Invest in self by taking care of your basic heath
4. Persevere - the night is always darkest before the dawn.
“The career I’d had was not the most important part of my life, just another chapter. I could stand apart from that now and in fact I would have to” Mark Wales
I too have always appreciated the T Roosevelt quote about the stepping into the arena - whether that be the rugged Afghan terrain on a Special Ops mission, or leaving the comfort of an established career. Mark described a the ups and downs of service life and stepping out fully as he forged a new path. From the battlefield Afghanistan to the runway of the Wharton fashion show, Mark exemplifies what is possible when you extend yourself past your comfort zones. I found this book a refreshingly honest reflection of the past, brutal at times, and courageous in its authenticity. The respect he has for his colleagues and family is evident through the pages.
This book spoke to me immensely as a former military officer who walked away from a successful career (to the surprise of my peers and superiors) in the search of something more.
I related to Mark’s first semester at Wharton and feeling like I’ve given up stability on a well calculated risk. I’ve relished the freedom and autonomy of civilian life but found myself coming back to the roots of discipline taught in the military when it gets tough.
On face value the below takeaways could be implemented by anyone. However understanding Marks experiences to through all the chapters made me understand their importance more than just the tips alone.
1. Exercise often
2. Sleep 7-9 hrs a night
3. Eat a clean diet
4. Stay connected to family and friends
5. Keep looking for your life’s purpose.
For leaders
1. Be clear about the mission
2. Address your teams needs before your own
3. Invest in self by taking care of your basic heath
4. Persevere - the night is always darkest before the dawn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2021
Boy2Warrior2Man2Father
Mark Wales is a writer - he is brutally (in some senses) honest - his grief comes with unashamed tears - for stuff-ups, for the loss of his mother, for the loss of his mates in war, for his own feelings. He has dreams which he follows doggedly and with success - until he senses the hollowness of parts of that success and finally out of the depths he achieves - a few “mentors” prodding him along - a life - just in time I thought. His thinking of one war in particular and of those politicians pushing at the expense of soldiers’ mental and physical health - and of the lives of communities in that land fighting for their right to live without foreign occupation came through to me - a teacher of history - who respects the men and women sent (has many family members who have so served - from the US, the UK and from OZ and NZ) but who detests with a passion the politicians who start and promote the wars - cowards almost all of them - only in the photo-ops are they near any actual khaki/camouflage. Bravo, Mark. A great and gripping read.
Mark Wales is a writer - he is brutally (in some senses) honest - his grief comes with unashamed tears - for stuff-ups, for the loss of his mother, for the loss of his mates in war, for his own feelings. He has dreams which he follows doggedly and with success - until he senses the hollowness of parts of that success and finally out of the depths he achieves - a few “mentors” prodding him along - a life - just in time I thought. His thinking of one war in particular and of those politicians pushing at the expense of soldiers’ mental and physical health - and of the lives of communities in that land fighting for their right to live without foreign occupation came through to me - a teacher of history - who respects the men and women sent (has many family members who have so served - from the US, the UK and from OZ and NZ) but who detests with a passion the politicians who start and promote the wars - cowards almost all of them - only in the photo-ops are they near any actual khaki/camouflage. Bravo, Mark. A great and gripping read.
November 6, 2021
This is a brutal and raw account of life in the SAS and what being immersed in war can do to you. Mark Wales has provided an open and honest account of his successes and his failures, plus those of the SAS and the leaders who send them into war zones for reasons that over time are questionable.
The average person in the street has no idea of the brutality of war as everything we see in the media is sanitised. This book may open many eyes to what these soldiers have to face every day and what is does to their mental health.
Wales survived, just, and then had to try and piece his life back together and find a path that could help heal and give him hope for the future. He comes across as a good bloke, one who stands up for his mates and cares for his family. But also one who will do whatever is necessary to succeed, both in his missions and in his personal life. He has overcome what many would find intolerable.
An eye-opening story and one that shows no matter how high the barriers and how many there are, you can eventually get through.
The average person in the street has no idea of the brutality of war as everything we see in the media is sanitised. This book may open many eyes to what these soldiers have to face every day and what is does to their mental health.
Wales survived, just, and then had to try and piece his life back together and find a path that could help heal and give him hope for the future. He comes across as a good bloke, one who stands up for his mates and cares for his family. But also one who will do whatever is necessary to succeed, both in his missions and in his personal life. He has overcome what many would find intolerable.
An eye-opening story and one that shows no matter how high the barriers and how many there are, you can eventually get through.
August 1, 2021
First discovered this book through Instagram.com/brothersnbooks and so glad I did!
Not my usual go to genre by any means. I have no military background of my own, though I have a lot of people in my life who are current or former serving ADF personnel.
I loved this book. As a story, it paints a picture early on of Mark’s upbringing and childhood aspirations, giving the reader an inside glimpse of the physical and mental challenges of qualifying for the SAS. Some of the war assignments and details were a bit intense or went over my head, but they were written in a way that gave me enough understanding of what Wales experienced, I didn’t feel stranded, so to speak.
Mark Wales is humble, stubborn, ambitious and deserving of the success and happiness he’s worked so hard to achieve. Highly recommend this book for everyone.
Not my usual go to genre by any means. I have no military background of my own, though I have a lot of people in my life who are current or former serving ADF personnel.
I loved this book. As a story, it paints a picture early on of Mark’s upbringing and childhood aspirations, giving the reader an inside glimpse of the physical and mental challenges of qualifying for the SAS. Some of the war assignments and details were a bit intense or went over my head, but they were written in a way that gave me enough understanding of what Wales experienced, I didn’t feel stranded, so to speak.
Mark Wales is humble, stubborn, ambitious and deserving of the success and happiness he’s worked so hard to achieve. Highly recommend this book for everyone.
August 5, 2021
It’s really hard to find the words to write to give justice to this book. The author has taken us on a journey and gave us a respectful insight into the challenges that soldiers are faced with whilst in and out of the service.
Thank you for sharing this with us - I imagine it wasn’t an easy task.
A lot of us sit in the privileged position of benefiting from the tasks that are completed by our military. We aren’t exposed to the gory details of the frontline and we don’t spend our lives dealing with the results of this. Thank you for the sacrifice you have made for a better world and I hope that peace can be found.
Very well written and read (audio book) - an intimate account of the writers life.
Ake Ake Kia kaha
Thank you for sharing this with us - I imagine it wasn’t an easy task.
A lot of us sit in the privileged position of benefiting from the tasks that are completed by our military. We aren’t exposed to the gory details of the frontline and we don’t spend our lives dealing with the results of this. Thank you for the sacrifice you have made for a better world and I hope that peace can be found.
Very well written and read (audio book) - an intimate account of the writers life.
Ake Ake Kia kaha
December 8, 2021
Very honest portrayal of a "man of men" who found it very difficult to continue with the daily threat to life and limb in the 'Stan, as well as guilt over colleagues who were less fortunate. We can only begin to imagine, and then fail, at what Mr Wales must have gone through and the stress on both body and mind. This was also a "short and sweet" book from boy soldier to SAS veteran, without divulging anything operational. Well done to Mr Wales for getting his life back into some semblance of order, but I suspect we are not hearing it all and he still has recurring problems and issues. Best of luck Mark with a full recovery and thank you for portraying your weaknesses as well as the macho alpha male of being at the peak of your profession.
August 31, 2021
**4 stars**
I did not realize how clever the title of this book was until I realized that the author had been on the show 'Survivor' which was a pivotal turning point in the author's life.
What a life that Mark Wales has lived! From deciding at an early age that all he wanted to be was an SAS officer, he did everything he could to achieve that dream. He worked hard and accomplished his goals and was eventually deployed several times to Afghanistan.
This is the story of Mark's journey of loss, battle of mental health, walking away from his dream career, and trying to find meaning in his life after leaving the armed forces.
Well written, and well told
Thank you for your service!
I did not realize how clever the title of this book was until I realized that the author had been on the show 'Survivor' which was a pivotal turning point in the author's life.
What a life that Mark Wales has lived! From deciding at an early age that all he wanted to be was an SAS officer, he did everything he could to achieve that dream. He worked hard and accomplished his goals and was eventually deployed several times to Afghanistan.
This is the story of Mark's journey of loss, battle of mental health, walking away from his dream career, and trying to find meaning in his life after leaving the armed forces.
Well written, and well told
Thank you for your service!
November 18, 2021
A raw account of pain, success, suffering and rebirth told with no detail spared.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Mark Wales himself which only added to the immersion of his journey. The way he was able to articulate himself from his childhood, throughout his career and to the path that has lead him to where he is today is superb.
Highly recommend for anyone who wants to hear about what life is truly like as an elite soldier and the battles that are faced (and overcome) in life.
I’m a fan for life Waler!
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Mark Wales himself which only added to the immersion of his journey. The way he was able to articulate himself from his childhood, throughout his career and to the path that has lead him to where he is today is superb.
Highly recommend for anyone who wants to hear about what life is truly like as an elite soldier and the battles that are faced (and overcome) in life.
I’m a fan for life Waler!
March 31, 2022
survivor - Life in the SAS
Although it was a great look into the life of an SAS soldier, I found it jumped about a bit.
Mark told us about the first fashion show but left us to guess if it ever took off and became a success.
I felt a lot of the story after the SAS lacked depth and detail and seemed to skip a lot.
Good on Mark for being brave enough to get help when he needed it. A bit more depth and I would have scored a 5 star.
Although it was a great look into the life of an SAS soldier, I found it jumped about a bit.
Mark told us about the first fashion show but left us to guess if it ever took off and became a success.
I felt a lot of the story after the SAS lacked depth and detail and seemed to skip a lot.
Good on Mark for being brave enough to get help when he needed it. A bit more depth and I would have scored a 5 star.
January 19, 2022
I heard Mark Wales do a presentation at a conference. I found his honesty and his clear and simple guide to overcoming mental illness a lesson for all to remember how to build toward purpose in life. Sometimes his book grates especially around his war stories but I guess that is the raw honesty that is great to read.
April 30, 2022
Ever since he was a boy, Wales wanted to become a member of the elite SASR. Somehow he even managed to land his work experience with the unit when he was at school, which was an exceptional effort. The book itself is well written and what I particularly liked about it is the author is brutally honest about his experiences and his life in general. He is not hesitant in showing his mistakes as well as his triumphs, which shows true integrity in my opinion. The time he spent with the SASR and his continual deployments to Afghanistan are also laced with brutal honesty and grit. This was a fantastic book and I'd highly recommend it to everyone, it is well worth the read and I found it difficult to put down.
December 29, 2023
Really loved this book, I read it after seeing Mark speak at a work conference. As a military spouse myself I found it very real and honest about the struggles of someone in the Defence Force.
His writing is very descriptive and real. A great read for anyone who is curious about the life of a military member and also life post service.
His writing is very descriptive and real. A great read for anyone who is curious about the life of a military member and also life post service.
October 17, 2024
Somewhat of a slow start…maybe a bit too much…but then…oh my gosh…it really gets going and produces so many twists and turns in the authors life you would think you were reading a thriller!! Exceptional in every respect…a truly wonderful life that could so easily have ended up so badly. A huge credit to the author…and his lovely lady. All the best.
May 30, 2021
What a fantastic read!
I first saw Mark speak at a conference and have followed him since. He has had an incredible life and has come out the other side better for it! Very inspiring!
I first saw Mark speak at a conference and have followed him since. He has had an incredible life and has come out the other side better for it! Very inspiring!
June 2, 2021
Refreshingly honest
I was hoping for something special, and l certainly got it. It's a very well written, gripping read, that is -most importantly, and greatly appreciated- full of honesty and openness. This is the first book of this genre that l won't be deleting from my library.
I was hoping for something special, and l certainly got it. It's a very well written, gripping read, that is -most importantly, and greatly appreciated- full of honesty and openness. This is the first book of this genre that l won't be deleting from my library.
January 11, 2022
This was a great read! Very real thoughts, short comings and challenges revealed. His persistence despite set backs are inspirational and stayed with me. One of those books that stick with you during the day when not reading..living in the story.
September 9, 2024
I received the book when Mark spoke at a conference.
Two stars as I find it disrespectful upon Mark's wife, Samantha, that he chose to be so open about his sexual life prior to meeting Samantha. There are some stories that a gentleman simply should not tell.
Two stars as I find it disrespectful upon Mark's wife, Samantha, that he chose to be so open about his sexual life prior to meeting Samantha. There are some stories that a gentleman simply should not tell.
February 5, 2025
Must read for all young Australians
Every young Australian needs to read this to understand the sacrifice the defence men and women have and continue to endure to protect our country.
Every young Australian needs to read this to understand the sacrifice the defence men and women have and continue to endure to protect our country.
May 15, 2025
Good Story
It’s a bit different than the normal run of the mill military experience book. I admire Marks candor with his trauma, the experiences he lived, and the trauma he has to deal with. Stay steady Mark.
It’s a bit different than the normal run of the mill military experience book. I admire Marks candor with his trauma, the experiences he lived, and the trauma he has to deal with. Stay steady Mark.
September 11, 2021
I laughed and cried my way through this one. Thank you, Mark.
January 3, 2022
Good book showing how with determination you can pivot and strive through different careers. A book about risk taking.
April 12, 2022
Some great stories in this!
April 14, 2022
Honest, riveting and insightful. An interesting story of an Marks search for meaning and purpose before, during and after war.
May 23, 2023
4.5 Survivors out of 5
November 5, 2023
3.5, but 3 seems too low.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews