What do you think?
Rate this book
Innocent No More #4
Fighting Back
The Battle of Britain is over and Squadron Leader Thomas Stark is posted to Hurribombers; a new incarnation for the old fighter. He is tired, short-tempered, snappy – he needs a rest from flying and command. But, that’s not to be.
Sent to North Africa with the squadron, it becomes clear a few weeks into the action that the short-ranged Hurribomber is unsuitable for desert work, and he is soon shifted across to a squadron of Marylands – unloved twin engine light bombers capable of being used as long-range fighters, but with a reputation for being hard to fly and a string of crashes behind them.
Stark makes the best of the squadron and takes them out on a special mission... which is perhaps too successful.
Sent to North Africa with the squadron, it becomes clear a few weeks into the action that the short-ranged Hurribomber is unsuitable for desert work, and he is soon shifted across to a squadron of Marylands – unloved twin engine light bombers capable of being used as long-range fighters, but with a reputation for being hard to fly and a string of crashes behind them.
Stark makes the best of the squadron and takes them out on a special mission... which is perhaps too successful.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2021
254 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 17, 2023
The RAF at its best
The author continues to spin an excellent war yarn that should please any aviation enthusiast. In general, I really appreciate his narrative style though I feel it doesn’t transfer as well to the dialogue. The dialogue is my only criticism and a minor criticism it is.
The dialogue is too stylistic. Having been an American soldier who spent some time with outstanding Australian soldiers I can attest that the language employed was no where near as stylistic or polite as in this book. On the contrary, soldiers tend to be far more colorful and linguistically creative than the characters in these novels.can’t wait to read the next installment.
Nevertheless, this book and the whole series are a great read. I can’t wait to read the next installment.
The author continues to spin an excellent war yarn that should please any aviation enthusiast. In general, I really appreciate his narrative style though I feel it doesn’t transfer as well to the dialogue. The dialogue is my only criticism and a minor criticism it is.
The dialogue is too stylistic. Having been an American soldier who spent some time with outstanding Australian soldiers I can attest that the language employed was no where near as stylistic or polite as in this book. On the contrary, soldiers tend to be far more colorful and linguistically creative than the characters in these novels.can’t wait to read the next installment.
Nevertheless, this book and the whole series are a great read. I can’t wait to read the next installment.
March 30, 2021
A Wide Ranging of The Early Air War in England & Egypt & The Attempts to find the right mix of planes, pilots, Leaders, & Tactics.
As The Air War became an essential aspect of what was to become the Greatest War in History to date, the ability to learn, innovate, develop new technology, Strategy & Tactics, as well as Weapons, put in increasing pressure on developing the Leadership & Training to incorporate the rapid changes into The Battles, overcoming the resistance to change & Traditions. We are still learning these lessons today. Great Characters with stories you will follow through the whole series.
As The Air War became an essential aspect of what was to become the Greatest War in History to date, the ability to learn, innovate, develop new technology, Strategy & Tactics, as well as Weapons, put in increasing pressure on developing the Leadership & Training to incorporate the rapid changes into The Battles, overcoming the resistance to change & Traditions. We are still learning these lessons today. Great Characters with stories you will follow through the whole series.
March 23, 2023
Electric
Wonderful Book I enjoyed every chapter. The formation of characters and the description of how they interacted with the history of that time was compelling And enjoyable every face I hope you are Going to continue with this series For many books to come It is very enjoyable to have a story that interact with history and geography of the area with the book covers.It is all so very enjoyable to have a conversation With the levels of British society and the foolishness that imposes itself on both upper and lower classes.
Wonderful Book I enjoyed every chapter. The formation of characters and the description of how they interacted with the history of that time was compelling And enjoyable every face I hope you are Going to continue with this series For many books to come It is very enjoyable to have a story that interact with history and geography of the area with the book covers.It is all so very enjoyable to have a conversation With the levels of British society and the foolishness that imposes itself on both upper and lower classes.
July 25, 2023
RAF and desert warfare
From the British Expeditionary Force’s defeat in Belgium and France to the Battle of Britain, and now to fighter-bombers in North Africa, Squadron Leader Thomas Stark has a difficult, successful war with the RAF.
North Africa provides particular differences— heat, diseases, even sandstorms. Here the enemies are Italians as well as Germans, and British forces are stretched thin. Thomas’ success will depend not just on his flying ability, but also on his ability to unify and lead his squadron.
Recommended.
From the British Expeditionary Force’s defeat in Belgium and France to the Battle of Britain, and now to fighter-bombers in North Africa, Squadron Leader Thomas Stark has a difficult, successful war with the RAF.
North Africa provides particular differences— heat, diseases, even sandstorms. Here the enemies are Italians as well as Germans, and British forces are stretched thin. Thomas’ success will depend not just on his flying ability, but also on his ability to unify and lead his squadron.
Recommended.
September 14, 2021
Light and exciting
Interesting take on the RA F during WW11. Australian hero who has nothing but disdain for British military traditions and class system especially when applied to RA F promotions and officer class. Would be an interesting and realistic view if he were not himself taking full advantage of his high up family connections in the RAF and offensively arrogant and rude himself. Battles a little too successful.
Interesting take on the RA F during WW11. Australian hero who has nothing but disdain for British military traditions and class system especially when applied to RA F promotions and officer class. Would be an interesting and realistic view if he were not himself taking full advantage of his high up family connections in the RAF and offensively arrogant and rude himself. Battles a little too successful.
November 7, 2021
30th Wareham book I've read since june
Someone recommended "Poor Man at the Gate" to me last June. I blew through that series in a copulation weeks and key going.
I read this series in the past week or so. They are all great but I think this is the best so far. Great characters, great detail, great action extremely well written.
I suggest reading "innocents at war" series first. It is somewhat of a prequel
Someone recommended "Poor Man at the Gate" to me last June. I blew through that series in a copulation weeks and key going.
I read this series in the past week or so. They are all great but I think this is the best so far. Great characters, great detail, great action extremely well written.
I suggest reading "innocents at war" series first. It is somewhat of a prequel
February 28, 2021
A Stark odyssey
Follows the fighting career of an Australian RAF pilot. Tedious at times, but gripping often to keep your interest. Explores in detail the British culture during wartime. The author has researched out this drama, including elements that occurred in actual combat and administration. A realistic nice that keeps you engaged.
Follows the fighting career of an Australian RAF pilot. Tedious at times, but gripping often to keep your interest. Explores in detail the British culture during wartime. The author has researched out this drama, including elements that occurred in actual combat and administration. A realistic nice that keeps you engaged.
March 2, 2021
Keep 'em Coming
I don't know how he does it. Few novelists can write series as well as this man. I had never been a fan of air war fiction but have enjoyed reading Wareham historical naval fiction, decided to give his air war fiction a try. Every series if his I have read has kept me entertained.
I don't know how he does it. Few novelists can write series as well as this man. I had never been a fan of air war fiction but have enjoyed reading Wareham historical naval fiction, decided to give his air war fiction a try. Every series if his I have read has kept me entertained.
April 8, 2021
Enjoyable and Engrossing (Characters and Action)
I could hardly put it down, because I enjoyed the characters and action, so much! It was a believable story line and technically correct. During the late 70’s/early 80’s, I worked with an older Brit, who was in the RAF and flew in North Africa during 41-3. He had just turned 19, when he arrived as a replacement pilot!
I could hardly put it down, because I enjoyed the characters and action, so much! It was a believable story line and technically correct. During the late 70’s/early 80’s, I worked with an older Brit, who was in the RAF and flew in North Africa during 41-3. He had just turned 19, when he arrived as a replacement pilot!
April 9, 2021
Outstanding!
Once again, Andrew Wareham has provided a great story with straight forward characters and enough history to make another novel almost a historical account. Mr. Wareham has a style of writing that grabs the reader and pulls them into the story. Hope to see many Thomas Stark series as the near future as the war continues.
Once again, Andrew Wareham has provided a great story with straight forward characters and enough history to make another novel almost a historical account. Mr. Wareham has a style of writing that grabs the reader and pulls them into the story. Hope to see many Thomas Stark series as the near future as the war continues.
April 23, 2021
A Very Good Book!
This book was full of action. It highlighted a great group of pilots
willing to fly most anything to destroy the enemy. The author reveals the manic lives of fliers risking death on a daily basis, but
using humor, satire, and humility to battle the rigors of battle!
This book was full of action. It highlighted a great group of pilots
willing to fly most anything to destroy the enemy. The author reveals the manic lives of fliers risking death on a daily basis, but
using humor, satire, and humility to battle the rigors of battle!
February 18, 2021
Andrew Wareham is a master story teller.
Once again, Wareham gives us an irreverent look at the RAF in WWII. I particularly like that his books are well written and edited. I don't have to figure out what a sentence means. It already makes sense.
Once again, Wareham gives us an irreverent look at the RAF in WWII. I particularly like that his books are well written and edited. I don't have to figure out what a sentence means. It already makes sense.
March 4, 2021
Very good continuation of the series!
This continues the action from the first three volumes, shifting the action to the Dessert, which is where the action was at that time. Setting up for another shift to Australia, a return home for Thomas.
This continues the action from the first three volumes, shifting the action to the Dessert, which is where the action was at that time. Setting up for another shift to Australia, a return home for Thomas.
March 9, 2021
Like being in the unit.
Great read. Not familiar with the social structure of the Brits but as korea vet USAF know the Staff pomposity well . Got out asap rif in 1953 tour 1950- 53.
M
Great read. Not familiar with the social structure of the Brits but as korea vet USAF know the Staff pomposity well . Got out asap rif in 1953 tour 1950- 53.
M
March 19, 2021
Just as good as the first books
But a bit tedious in many of the conversations. The action is still great, honest, and thrilling. This has been an enlightening and thrilling series.
But a bit tedious in many of the conversations. The action is still great, honest, and thrilling. This has been an enlightening and thrilling series.
April 18, 2021
Good read
Had trouble stopping reading. Always wondering, what next. Enjoyed description of the difference planes involved with their strengths and weaknesses. The modifications they performed to meet the mission requirements.
Had trouble stopping reading. Always wondering, what next. Enjoyed description of the difference planes involved with their strengths and weaknesses. The modifications they performed to meet the mission requirements.
May 21, 2021
Excellent as the previous books in the series. Hopefully there will be another soon.
Anyone who likes books with an interest in World War II, aviation, or simply well written books. It is a great series.
Anyone who likes books with an interest in World War II, aviation, or simply well written books. It is a great series.
July 3, 2021
This and the previous series have been a great read the politics, action, characters and technical aspects have made these great reads. I hope beyond all hope the series continues. - yes, I know hope is not a strategy
July 25, 2021
Uv hug gu ugufu hi vvc guy uguvug
Gfggyhfj vjpcup ghig guy in
Hvu bydyflkhcb. Vuviboyyv.vu. H Ucuypvoyc. Yes good phvouuv. Houohvuv. Gugi hvivjb jpvhff uv. Ufhpvu yvug ggigug ucuvuvuc jv job jvivycb. Ihibibihi. Ibinib ibinib ibinib cry baby good guy uvi by
Gfggyhfj vjpcup ghig guy in
Hvu bydyflkhcb. Vuviboyyv.vu. H Ucuypvoyc. Yes good phvouuv. Houohvuv. Gugi hvivjb jpvhff uv. Ufhpvu yvug ggigug ucuvuvuc jv job jvivycb. Ihibibihi. Ibinib ibinib ibinib cry baby good guy uvi by
August 1, 2021
Good and fast read
Not much of a proofreading job on this book, but did not detract from the story. I enjoy the flying descriptions and the simple and direct approach to the rigors of flying in the war.
Not much of a proofreading job on this book, but did not detract from the story. I enjoy the flying descriptions and the simple and direct approach to the rigors of flying in the war.
August 2, 2021
Very informative
I do enjoy reading of the English services, they are so much more formal than my service experience. This was an experience of a senior officer move through several actions.
I do enjoy reading of the English services, they are so much more formal than my service experience. This was an experience of a senior officer move through several actions.
March 3, 2023
Not as much action, but fine history lesson.
I prefer stories with more action than this, but Andrew is able to hold my interest without it. These novels are excellent examples of what the war was like for the pilots who were owed so much. Good job!
I prefer stories with more action than this, but Andrew is able to hold my interest without it. These novels are excellent examples of what the war was like for the pilots who were owed so much. Good job!
May 13, 2023
great storyline continues
The characters and storyline continue to develop, with changes in the plot keeping the story interesting. Four down and one to go, I hate for the series to come to an end!
The characters and storyline continue to develop, with changes in the plot keeping the story interesting. Four down and one to go, I hate for the series to come to an end!
July 13, 2024
A exciting and thrilling Air War story.
The author has written a great story of the early air war in England and Northern Africa. A story of duty and heroism that is sure to keep you entertained.
The author has written a great story of the early air war in England and Northern Africa. A story of duty and heroism that is sure to keep you entertained.
December 14, 2024
Solid WW2 RAF Story
If you are this far into the series you are quite aware of how this author writes and the direction each book will take. Despite knowing all of this, it’s still a very pleasant read. Both entertaining and educating.
If you are this far into the series you are quite aware of how this author writes and the direction each book will take. Despite knowing all of this, it’s still a very pleasant read. Both entertaining and educating.
May 15, 2025
People, Relationships to jobs at hand
Not much detail on actual fighting but set ups to personnel involved is excellent. Good 1st person accounts of command structures and threading the needle of varied frequent commands.
Not much detail on actual fighting but set ups to personnel involved is excellent. Good 1st person accounts of command structures and threading the needle of varied frequent commands.
March 5, 2021
Ready for the next book
Good story, great continuation of the previous book, I am ready for book 5 (and more) should be good .
Good story, great continuation of the previous book, I am ready for book 5 (and more) should be good .
March 14, 2021
More!
Astonishing as always, love the derision visited upon the egotistical and inept thinking themselves superior! Can’t wait for Tommy over Bougainville!
Astonishing as always, love the derision visited upon the egotistical and inept thinking themselves superior! Can’t wait for Tommy over Bougainville!
March 31, 2021
Very good read.
Very interesting story. Had never read anything on either aircraft. I had do Google the aircraft to get a picture of them. Enjoyed.
Very interesting story. Had never read anything on either aircraft. I had do Google the aircraft to get a picture of them. Enjoyed.
April 20, 2021
Better than most
Better than most for this series. Hope for more. More realistic for the role all ranks did. Very good read
Better than most for this series. Hope for more. More realistic for the role all ranks did. Very good read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews