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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
21 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
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.
April 15, 2025
Missing in Action by E.W. Butcher is one of those books that completely caught me off guard. I knew it would be intense—it’s a war story, after all—but I wasn’t expecting to be this emotionally shaken by it. It’s raw, it’s deeply human, and it made me feel things I didn’t even know I needed to process.
From the very beginning, I was pulled into Valia’s journey. He’s not written as some idealized war hero—he’s just a man trying to survive something brutal and senseless. The scenes of his capture, the cruelty he faces, the small sparks of resistance and hope—it all felt heartbreakingly real. And that’s the thing about this book: it doesn’t try to dramatize war. It lays it bare. No sugar-coating. No glorifying. Just pain, endurance, and the tiny threads of humanity that refuse to snap even under the worst conditions.
Butcher has this incredible ability to write with emotional precision. His words don’t just tell a story—they cut. They get under your skin and stay there. There were parts that made me wince, parts that made me pause and just stare at the page, and a few that brought actual tears to my eyes. And not just because of what was happening, but because I could feel how much it meant.
I’ve read a lot of historical fiction, but this one stood out because of its emotional depth. It’s not about battles—it’s about the people caught in them. It made me think about real-world events, about the countless unnamed individuals who’ve endured similar horrors. And honestly? It made me want to be a little braver, a little kinder, and a lot more grateful.
If you want a book that stays with you long after you close it—this is it. You won’t forget it. I know I won’t.
From the very beginning, I was pulled into Valia’s journey. He’s not written as some idealized war hero—he’s just a man trying to survive something brutal and senseless. The scenes of his capture, the cruelty he faces, the small sparks of resistance and hope—it all felt heartbreakingly real. And that’s the thing about this book: it doesn’t try to dramatize war. It lays it bare. No sugar-coating. No glorifying. Just pain, endurance, and the tiny threads of humanity that refuse to snap even under the worst conditions.
Butcher has this incredible ability to write with emotional precision. His words don’t just tell a story—they cut. They get under your skin and stay there. There were parts that made me wince, parts that made me pause and just stare at the page, and a few that brought actual tears to my eyes. And not just because of what was happening, but because I could feel how much it meant.
I’ve read a lot of historical fiction, but this one stood out because of its emotional depth. It’s not about battles—it’s about the people caught in them. It made me think about real-world events, about the countless unnamed individuals who’ve endured similar horrors. And honestly? It made me want to be a little braver, a little kinder, and a lot more grateful.
If you want a book that stays with you long after you close it—this is it. You won’t forget it. I know I won’t.
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 19, 2025
This book is a masterpiece of historical storytelling, bringing to light the true cost of war—not just in lives lost but in the souls of those who survive.
Valia’s journey is both tragic and inspiring, filled with moments of quiet reflection and sheer, unrelenting hardship. The scenes of his capture and the brutal conditions he endures made me feel like I was right there with him, experiencing every moment of despair and fleeting hope. The rawness of Butcher’s writing doesn’t allow for detachment—you can’t help but care, fear, and hope alongside the characters.
What struck me most was how eerily relevant this book felt. Even though it’s a historical account, the themes of power, survival, and the cost of war feel just as real today. This isn’t just a book about the past; it’s a warning, a reminder of what war does to people—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally.
If you’ve ever wanted to understand what war truly means beyond strategy and battles, this book is a must-read. Butcher has crafted something powerful, something that lingers long after you turn the last page.
Valia’s journey is both tragic and inspiring, filled with moments of quiet reflection and sheer, unrelenting hardship. The scenes of his capture and the brutal conditions he endures made me feel like I was right there with him, experiencing every moment of despair and fleeting hope. The rawness of Butcher’s writing doesn’t allow for detachment—you can’t help but care, fear, and hope alongside the characters.
What struck me most was how eerily relevant this book felt. Even though it’s a historical account, the themes of power, survival, and the cost of war feel just as real today. This isn’t just a book about the past; it’s a warning, a reminder of what war does to people—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally.
If you’ve ever wanted to understand what war truly means beyond strategy and battles, this book is a must-read. Butcher has crafted something powerful, something that lingers long after you turn the last page.
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.
March 14, 2025
What a journey! Missing in Action isn’t just a war novel—it’s a gripping tale with a huge heart. E.W. Butcher doesn’t just tell you about history; he makes you live it. Too often, historical fiction can feel like a collection of dates and facts, but this book goes deeper, making the past feel personal and urgent.
The way the author brings Valia Ermolaev’s true story to life is incredible. You feel every hardship, every battle, every triumph, and even the quiet moments of reflection in between. The book doesn’t just focus on one side of history either—it gives a rare perspective into both the Red Army and the German forces, making the entire narrative feel even more complex and real.
This is what history lessons should be—relatable, engaging, and full of raw human emotion. The book keeps things tense, emotional, and deeply interesting all the way through. I was fully immersed in every moment, and by the time I finished, I felt like I had walked in the footsteps of the characters.
The way the author brings Valia Ermolaev’s true story to life is incredible. You feel every hardship, every battle, every triumph, and even the quiet moments of reflection in between. The book doesn’t just focus on one side of history either—it gives a rare perspective into both the Red Army and the German forces, making the entire narrative feel even more complex and real.
This is what history lessons should be—relatable, engaging, and full of raw human emotion. The book keeps things tense, emotional, and deeply interesting all the way through. I was fully immersed in every moment, and by the time I finished, I felt like I had walked in the footsteps of the characters.
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.
April 4, 2025
I have to say, I wasn’t expecting Missing in Action to hit me this hard. War stories can sometimes feel distant, but this book makes you feel every moment, as if you’re right there on the battlefield.
The fact that it’s based on a true story makes it even more intense. Valia Ermolaev’s journey through WWII is heart-wrenching, brutal, and yet filled with moments of sheer determination. What really impressed me is how the book doesn’t just stick to one side of history—it gives you both the Soviet and German perspectives, making it a much richer, more complex read.
And the writing? Absolutely top-notch. It’s hard to believe this is the author’s first full novel because he writes with the skill of a veteran storyteller. If you love books that suck you in, break your heart, and teach you something all at once, you need to read this one.
The fact that it’s based on a true story makes it even more intense. Valia Ermolaev’s journey through WWII is heart-wrenching, brutal, and yet filled with moments of sheer determination. What really impressed me is how the book doesn’t just stick to one side of history—it gives you both the Soviet and German perspectives, making it a much richer, more complex read.
And the writing? Absolutely top-notch. It’s hard to believe this is the author’s first full novel because he writes with the skill of a veteran storyteller. If you love books that suck you in, break your heart, and teach you something all at once, you need to read this one.
March 10, 2025
This is a true story of Valia Ermolaev and his experiences during WWII. The way the author tells the story makes it all feel so real. You really feel the brutality of war, the struggles the Red Army soldiers went through, and even the internal battles they faced.
A thing that stood out to me was how the book also gives the perspective of the German army. That was very interesting to read. Getting to see both the sides and how the main characters stories cross over was fascinating. It made the history feel even more complex and real.
Overall, this is a powerful and eye-opening read. If you’re interested in history, or even if you don’t usually read books from this era, it’s definitely worth picking up.
A thing that stood out to me was how the book also gives the perspective of the German army. That was very interesting to read. Getting to see both the sides and how the main characters stories cross over was fascinating. It made the history feel even more complex and real.
Overall, this is a powerful and eye-opening read. If you’re interested in history, or even if you don’t usually read books from this era, it’s definitely worth picking up.
March 14, 2025
I just finished this book and it’s a lot to process. The story is based on the true, incredible story of Valia. It’s a tough read, & it shows the harsh reality of the Second World War, but it also has themes of hope, courage, and bravery.
It is quite a shock that this is the author’s first full novel. His writing style is so interesting that you get into the story right from the start. He’s definitely a very talented writer, and I’m excited to see his next project.
The story of Valia is captivating, the flow is smooth, and the attention to detail is really good. There are some graphic moments, but they only add to the impact, making the book all the more attractive. I highly recommend this one, especially for anyone who loves real-life stories.
It is quite a shock that this is the author’s first full novel. His writing style is so interesting that you get into the story right from the start. He’s definitely a very talented writer, and I’m excited to see his next project.
The story of Valia is captivating, the flow is smooth, and the attention to detail is really good. There are some graphic moments, but they only add to the impact, making the book all the more attractive. I highly recommend this one, especially for anyone who loves real-life stories.
March 17, 2025
If you love historical fiction that is deeply researched and emotionally powerful, then Missing in Action is an absolute must-read.
E.W. Butcher takes the reader on a harrowing, immersive journey through the brutal realities of war. What impressed me most was the incredible attention to detail—every scene, every setting, every historical reference felt so authentic and vivid that I could almost hear the echoes of the past.
But beyond the historical accuracy, this book is a deeply personal story. Valia’s journey is not just about surviving war—it’s about surviving the ghosts of war. His experiences force him to confront who he is, what he’s lost, and what it truly means to fight for something bigger than yourself.
E.W. Butcher takes the reader on a harrowing, immersive journey through the brutal realities of war. What impressed me most was the incredible attention to detail—every scene, every setting, every historical reference felt so authentic and vivid that I could almost hear the echoes of the past.
But beyond the historical accuracy, this book is a deeply personal story. Valia’s journey is not just about surviving war—it’s about surviving the ghosts of war. His experiences force him to confront who he is, what he’s lost, and what it truly means to fight for something bigger than yourself.
March 21, 2025
It’s hard to put into words how deeply Missing in Action affected me. Some books tell a story, but this book pulls you inside it, makes you live it, makes you feel every moment.
E.W. Butcher has an incredible gift—he doesn’t just write about war; he writes about what war does to people. He writes about the quiet moments of pain, the silent grief, the small flickers of hope that keep a person going. Valia’s story is a testament to the indomitable human will—a journey of suffering, survival, and the desperate longing for home.
What I loved most about this book is how it doesn’t give easy answers. It doesn’t paint a black-and-white picture of war, of right and wrong. Instead, it presents the messy, brutal, heartbreaking reality—and yet, within that reality, i…
E.W. Butcher has an incredible gift—he doesn’t just write about war; he writes about what war does to people. He writes about the quiet moments of pain, the silent grief, the small flickers of hope that keep a person going. Valia’s story is a testament to the indomitable human will—a journey of suffering, survival, and the desperate longing for home.
What I loved most about this book is how it doesn’t give easy answers. It doesn’t paint a black-and-white picture of war, of right and wrong. Instead, it presents the messy, brutal, heartbreaking reality—and yet, within that reality, i…
April 4, 2025
If I had to describe Missing in Action in one word, it would be cinematic. From the first page, it pulls you into the battle-scarred landscapes of WWII, making you see, hear, and feel every moment.
This isn’t just a war novel—it’s a brutal, honest, and deeply moving account of real history. Valia Ermolaev’s journey is harrowing yet inspiring, showing the raw survival instincts of soldiers on both sides of the conflict. The way E.W. Butcher weaves together personal stories with historical events is nothing short of masterful.
If you’re looking for a gripping, immersive read that makes history come alive, this book delivers in every possible way. Even if war novels aren’t usually your thing, this one is absolutely worth your time.
This isn’t just a war novel—it’s a brutal, honest, and deeply moving account of real history. Valia Ermolaev’s journey is harrowing yet inspiring, showing the raw survival instincts of soldiers on both sides of the conflict. The way E.W. Butcher weaves together personal stories with historical events is nothing short of masterful.
If you’re looking for a gripping, immersive read that makes history come alive, this book delivers in every possible way. Even if war novels aren’t usually your thing, this one is absolutely worth your time.
April 5, 2025
Missing in Action is the kind of book that stays with you long after you finish it. Valia Ermolaev’s journey through World War II is harrowing, raw, and deeply human. It’s not just about the horrors of war—it’s about survival, determination, and the will to keep going even when all seems lost.
One of the things I loved most about this book is how it brings history to life in such a personal way. You don’t just read about the war—you feel it, through Valia’s exhaustion, his hunger, his fleeting moments of hope. And the fact that this is based on a true story? That makes it hit even harder.
If you’re looking for a gripping, emotionally powerful read, this book is a must. It’s brutal, yes, but also filled with moments of resilience that make it unforgettable.
One of the things I loved most about this book is how it brings history to life in such a personal way. You don’t just read about the war—you feel it, through Valia’s exhaustion, his hunger, his fleeting moments of hope. And the fact that this is based on a true story? That makes it hit even harder.
If you’re looking for a gripping, emotionally powerful read, this book is a must. It’s brutal, yes, but also filled with moments of resilience that make it unforgettable.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews