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Missing in Action
Missing in Action is a story, based on true events, set on the Eastern Front during World War II. At a time when the Slavic nations were united as one in a desperate fight against a common aggressor, Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians fought side by side, through one of the most brutal, barbaric and murderous periods of human conflict. The story follows its main character, Valia Alexandrovich Ermolaev, through many of the horrific and harrowing experiences that this young, and very ordinary Soviet soldier has to confront during a truly fearful time of remorseless, cruel and savage warfare.
At the onset of Operation Barbarossa, Valia and his battalion are sent to help protect a vital river crossing in the Ukrainian city of Kremenchug. Here, despite the overwhelming odds stacked against them, Valia and his comrades prevent the marauding Nazi invaders from crossing the river for a whole month. However, despite their fierce and heroic resistance, Valia and his surviving comrades are eventually overwhelmed, and forced to surrender. During his captivity, Valia suffers appallingly and witnesses countless truly horrifying events.
One day, he gets a tempting offer that may just save his life. Can he really stay that one step ahead of death? Can he possibly return to the fray and defend his homeland once more?
At the onset of Operation Barbarossa, Valia and his battalion are sent to help protect a vital river crossing in the Ukrainian city of Kremenchug. Here, despite the overwhelming odds stacked against them, Valia and his comrades prevent the marauding Nazi invaders from crossing the river for a whole month. However, despite their fierce and heroic resistance, Valia and his surviving comrades are eventually overwhelmed, and forced to surrender. During his captivity, Valia suffers appallingly and witnesses countless truly horrifying events.
One day, he gets a tempting offer that may just save his life. Can he really stay that one step ahead of death? Can he possibly return to the fray and defend his homeland once more?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 5, 2026
an amazing story of survival
I’m amazed how this man survived the conditions of the frozen winter living in those open compounds in freezing temperatures it’s an amazing true story of how the human body can survive
I’m amazed how this man survived the conditions of the frozen winter living in those open compounds in freezing temperatures it’s an amazing true story of how the human body can survive
November 4, 2022
Dark and Brutal
This is a brutal account of Operation Barbarossa told from two points of view, a Russian conscripted soldier and a German tank driver. The historical research is impressive but this is tough to read because it is so grim. The utter depravity and cruelty of the Germans is nauseating due to the fact that they revel in it. Parts of this was so horrific that I had to put the book down and get some distance. The account of the partisans was fascinating but I felt that the German character's epiphany in Stalingrad was hard to believe. This is a good book but you should be prepared for the multitude of atrocities.
This is a brutal account of Operation Barbarossa told from two points of view, a Russian conscripted soldier and a German tank driver. The historical research is impressive but this is tough to read because it is so grim. The utter depravity and cruelty of the Germans is nauseating due to the fact that they revel in it. Parts of this was so horrific that I had to put the book down and get some distance. The account of the partisans was fascinating but I felt that the German character's epiphany in Stalingrad was hard to believe. This is a good book but you should be prepared for the multitude of atrocities.
March 18, 2025
Missing in Action by E.W. Butcher is a book that left me absolutely emotionally wrecked—in the best way possible. I went into this expecting a war story, but what I got was something far more profound. This book is a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit, a story that doesn’t just tell you about war but makes you feel it in your bones.
The protagonist, Valia, is not just a soldier—he’s a symbol of every person who has ever been caught in the crossfire of history. His capture and subsequent trials make for some of the most gut-wrenching and emotionally raw moments I’ve ever read. Butcher writes with such stunning clarity and heart, making you feel every ounce of Valia’s pain, hope, and sheer will to survive.
What really hit me hard was how personal this story felt. It’s not just about the battles fought on the field—it’s about the battles fought within the soul. The friendships, the losses, the moments of despair, and the tiny flickers of hope—it all felt so real, so lived-in. It reminded me that the past isn’t just history; it’s the foundation of every life we live today.
If you love books that break you apart and piece you back together, that make you reflect on the depths of human endurance, then this book is for you. E.W. Butcher has created something truly unforgettable.
The protagonist, Valia, is not just a soldier—he’s a symbol of every person who has ever been caught in the crossfire of history. His capture and subsequent trials make for some of the most gut-wrenching and emotionally raw moments I’ve ever read. Butcher writes with such stunning clarity and heart, making you feel every ounce of Valia’s pain, hope, and sheer will to survive.
What really hit me hard was how personal this story felt. It’s not just about the battles fought on the field—it’s about the battles fought within the soul. The friendships, the losses, the moments of despair, and the tiny flickers of hope—it all felt so real, so lived-in. It reminded me that the past isn’t just history; it’s the foundation of every life we live today.
If you love books that break you apart and piece you back together, that make you reflect on the depths of human endurance, then this book is for you. E.W. Butcher has created something truly unforgettable.
March 20, 2025
Rarely does a book capture the brutality, complexity, and deeply personal struggles of war as well as Missing in Action does. This isn’t just a war story—it’s a human story, filled with courage, suffering, and resilience.
What stood out to me most was the depth of perspective that E.W. Butcher provides. Seeing history through the eyes of Valia Ermolaev and the Red Army soldiers, while also getting a glimpse into the lives of German soldiers, makes this book feel so much more real and impactful. It’s not a simple tale of good vs. evil—it’s a deeply nuanced, thought-provoking look at the realities of war and how it affects those on both sides.
The writing is vivid and immersive, making you feel as if you’re standing right there on the battlefield, in the prison camps, and in the quiet moments of reflection. This book isn’t just about history—it’s about survival, humanity, and the choices people make in the face of unimaginable hardship.
Even if you don’t usually read war novels, this one is worth your time. It’s a powerful, well-written, and unforgettable book that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
What stood out to me most was the depth of perspective that E.W. Butcher provides. Seeing history through the eyes of Valia Ermolaev and the Red Army soldiers, while also getting a glimpse into the lives of German soldiers, makes this book feel so much more real and impactful. It’s not a simple tale of good vs. evil—it’s a deeply nuanced, thought-provoking look at the realities of war and how it affects those on both sides.
The writing is vivid and immersive, making you feel as if you’re standing right there on the battlefield, in the prison camps, and in the quiet moments of reflection. This book isn’t just about history—it’s about survival, humanity, and the choices people make in the face of unimaginable hardship.
Even if you don’t usually read war novels, this one is worth your time. It’s a powerful, well-written, and unforgettable book that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
May 1, 2025
Some war stories focus on the battles, the strategy, and the politics. Missing in Action goes deeper it’s about the people. The ones who fight, suffer, survive, and sometimes don’t.
Valia Ermolaev’s journey is gut-wrenching, raw, and deeply personal. From the moment of his capture to the brutal conditions he endures, you don’t just read about his experiences—you feel them. The hunger, the cold, the sheer will to keep going despite everything. E.W. Butcher doesn’t glorify war; he shows it for what it truly is a force that destroys lives, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.
What sets this book apart is its honest and unflinching look at survival. The writing is immersive, the historical detail is impeccable, and the emotional weight is undeniable. This isn’t just a novel it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
If you want a war novel that goes beyond history and into the heart of what war really does to people, Missing in Action is a must-read.
Valia Ermolaev’s journey is gut-wrenching, raw, and deeply personal. From the moment of his capture to the brutal conditions he endures, you don’t just read about his experiences—you feel them. The hunger, the cold, the sheer will to keep going despite everything. E.W. Butcher doesn’t glorify war; he shows it for what it truly is a force that destroys lives, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.
What sets this book apart is its honest and unflinching look at survival. The writing is immersive, the historical detail is impeccable, and the emotional weight is undeniable. This isn’t just a novel it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
If you want a war novel that goes beyond history and into the heart of what war really does to people, Missing in Action is a must-read.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews