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After Dunkirk #4
The Giant Awakens
The world is at war.
Japan has just attacked Pearl Harbor. In London, Prime Minister Churchill disappears. In Washington, President Roosevelt faces an alliance with conflicting objectives. In the Soviet Union, dictator Joseph Stalin watches a Nazi onslaught maul his country.
From their isolated perch on Sark Island, feudal rulers Dame Marian Littlefield and her husband oppose their German occupiers in the only way left to them—through a battle of wits. They wonder about the location and well-being of their offspring, Paul, Claire, Lance, and Jeremy.
Meanwhile, Paul engages in intelligence operations in Manhattan and Washington, DC. Claire works with Americans decoding enemy messages. Lance conspires to escape with other POWs at Oflag IV-C within the walls of Colditz Castle. Jeremy leaves his heart with Amélie in France to join the British commandos for the greatest raid in history.
And in Moscow, the Russian winter has just set in.
The saga of the Littlefield family intensifies in THE GIANT AWAKENS, the fourth installment in Lee Jackson's epic After Dunkirk series.
470 pages, Library Binding
First published June 7, 2022
4457 people are currently reading
1022 people want to read
About the author
Lee Jackson
17 books539 followersMy Tagline: Lee Jackson Brings Heat To The Cold War. I write Historical Thriller Fiction - particularly surrounding the Cold War. Having lived in Morocco, Germany, Costa Rica, and of course in the United States; and, having been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan for a combined 38 months, I've been up-close-and personal with many different cultures. I graduated from West Point and Boston University, resulting in a front row seat on many pivotal events. I live in Texas with my wife. My first novel, "Curse The Moon" was published on 10 December 2013. I publish under my own name, Lee Jackson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
June 25, 2022
This book, in fact the entire series, is fabulous. I blew through the first 3 and waited anxiously for 4 months for this one. The history is well researched and brought to life on page in such a way that it is difficult to put down, even when the horror of war feels so real you don't want to read anymore. It's pretty predictable in relation to the main characters, but there was a big surprise at the end of this installment. Now I have to wait 9 months for the 5th book... sigh.
October 21, 2023
Book #4 takes place mostly in 1942 with the Allies scrambling to take on the European and Pacific wars at the same time. This time the author places his fictional characters directly into a number of key conflicts as well as In the room with Roosevelt,Churchill and even Stalin. Very informative and entertaining.
July 1, 2024
Really good book. It reminds me of War and Remembrance. I liked this one the family develop their relationships during the war and how they are all involved in different parts of the war
This is a great series
This is a great series
October 12, 2022
A thoroughly enjoyable yarn set within the Dunkirk evacuation of 1940 and the nascent French resistance. Interesting and likeable characters get off to an exciting start in this series of books set in World War 2. Recommended.
August 25, 2024
I enjoyed this one. There is so much to anticipate knowing the full story. Excited for how he’ll keep telling it in the next book.
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April 5, 20254
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July 15, 2023MWSA Review
The Giant Awakens by Lee Jackson is a fantastic work that offers something for all readers, whether you're seeking a fictional account of well-known events, or a greater insight into the characters and interactions of monumental figures like FDR and Churchill, or getting a sense of being “there” for the pilots and grunts, diplomats and spies who served in WWII. Jackson does a great job balancing the high-level strategic situations and the tactical ones. He presents well-known historical events and characters in a fresh light, giving the reader a strong appreciation for events and historical figures from a new perspective.
Jackson clearly did his research, whether it was geography, strategy, personality, or the armaments of war, and he presented dialogue in a realistic manner, weaving in necessarily historical reminders in a seamless and logical way.
I also “read” the audio book, which was a great experience, often making me feel like I was a fly on the wall of some of the 20th century's most significant events.
Review by Frank Biggio (July 2023)
The Giant Awakens by Lee Jackson is a fantastic work that offers something for all readers, whether you're seeking a fictional account of well-known events, or a greater insight into the characters and interactions of monumental figures like FDR and Churchill, or getting a sense of being “there” for the pilots and grunts, diplomats and spies who served in WWII. Jackson does a great job balancing the high-level strategic situations and the tactical ones. He presents well-known historical events and characters in a fresh light, giving the reader a strong appreciation for events and historical figures from a new perspective.
Jackson clearly did his research, whether it was geography, strategy, personality, or the armaments of war, and he presented dialogue in a realistic manner, weaving in necessarily historical reminders in a seamless and logical way.
I also “read” the audio book, which was a great experience, often making me feel like I was a fly on the wall of some of the 20th century's most significant events.
Review by Frank Biggio (July 2023)
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February 20, 2023Hi. I just wanted to put this out here because I sqee-ed because a) Billy Mitchell got mentioned, b) Ted Lawson made an appearance, c) Peter Tunstall got a mention. Billy Mitchell (aka General Mitchell International Airport is named after him) got court marshaled for trying to get the US to take aviation seriously with their military and also he predicted the bombing of Pearl Harbor almost exactly. Ted Lawson flew with Jimmy Doolittle in the Doolittle raid over Japan and wrote Thirty Seconds over Tokyo. And Peter Tunstall wrote The Last Escaper, which has been sitting on my currently reading shelf for quite some time. I'm looking forward to who makes the next appearance. (And McClusky gets an honorable mention as well because I remembered him from the movie Midway and I almost forgot his name popped up here.)
(Also, this one dragged less than the previous book in the series as I finished it much sooner.)
(Also, this one dragged less than the previous book in the series as I finished it much sooner.)
November 20, 2023
History or Novel?
The writing is very good, and the editing is great (Very few questions on grammar, etc.).
Sometimes the description of the what is happening in different wartime theaters is tedious using the way the author chooses to disclose it. A pure description is not my idea of the best method in a book that has been described as an action novel (historical fiction).
I heartily approve of the parts that describe what might happen when the dictators start to take control by using false information, aka propaganda, and try to say the Other side is doing it (who, us? Nahhh;-/). Also the describing of the loss of the Constitutional freedoms, free of any other country...(or a World Organization) who would shut you down.
So far, there has been no mention of the states in the ME who were all in on the side of the National Socialists...a big problem. The future will show that, in further books, I'm sure.
The writing is very good, and the editing is great (Very few questions on grammar, etc.).
Sometimes the description of the what is happening in different wartime theaters is tedious using the way the author chooses to disclose it. A pure description is not my idea of the best method in a book that has been described as an action novel (historical fiction).
I heartily approve of the parts that describe what might happen when the dictators start to take control by using false information, aka propaganda, and try to say the Other side is doing it (who, us? Nahhh;-/). Also the describing of the loss of the Constitutional freedoms, free of any other country...(or a World Organization) who would shut you down.
So far, there has been no mention of the states in the ME who were all in on the side of the National Socialists...a big problem. The future will show that, in further books, I'm sure.
October 21, 2023
This book was incredible! It is packed with so many cricial scenes, they are too numerous to list! It is nice reading about some of the lesser known raids. Something different. The only negative thing I can say about this book was the way conditions were described inside Colditz. As described, it seemed too nice, The guards too lenient, and the inmates seemed to have the run of the place. It must have been tougher. Just my opinion. The main characters are intertwined with all the heavy hitters of the Allies, and all the politics that comes with managing an end to this brutal period in world history. Yes, it appears the Giant has been awakened!
June 11, 2022
The Giant Awakens. Lee Jackson
Japan has attacked Pearl Harbor. Unfortunately for them they will soon learn their fate. They have awakened the sleeping giant. One English family in particular the Littlefield family and their cousin in America share a strong part of this story. The family members courage and sacrifice never ends. The French leadership is divided. No true leader has emerged. The French Resistance fights a courageous battle. Another excellent read in this series!!! My highest recommendation!!
Japan has attacked Pearl Harbor. Unfortunately for them they will soon learn their fate. They have awakened the sleeping giant. One English family in particular the Littlefield family and their cousin in America share a strong part of this story. The family members courage and sacrifice never ends. The French leadership is divided. No true leader has emerged. The French Resistance fights a courageous battle. Another excellent read in this series!!! My highest recommendation!!
June 13, 2022
Still Fighting
Another truly outstanding chapter of the series. e While awaiting the release of bok four I read the series again and still found myself totally immersed in the story and characters. Now finishing bok four, I see that Lee Jackson has done it again with another wonderful book. His style pulls you in to the stories and you cannot help but become part of this fantastic family and their terrible and even sometimes wonderful trip through a world War Two. Mr. Jackson includes enough facts that it all seems real. Fantastic reading!!
Another truly outstanding chapter of the series. e While awaiting the release of bok four I read the series again and still found myself totally immersed in the story and characters. Now finishing bok four, I see that Lee Jackson has done it again with another wonderful book. His style pulls you in to the stories and you cannot help but become part of this fantastic family and their terrible and even sometimes wonderful trip through a world War Two. Mr. Jackson includes enough facts that it all seems real. Fantastic reading!!
June 19, 2022
Lee Jackson continues with a winner...
Lee Jackson continues with a winner in keeping the emphasis on the Littlefield
family, while providing the insights on WWII leaders such as Roosevelt, Churchill, Stalin and Esinhower. It appeared that Lee had worked his way into a dead end with the apparent death of the only U.S. Littlefield at The Battle of Midway in the Pacific, after using him in the Doolittle Raid, but alass, the only U.S. Littlefield lives to fight again in Guadalcanal and returns to the fight in Europe. Great story. Keep it coming Lee!
Lee Jackson continues with a winner in keeping the emphasis on the Littlefield
family, while providing the insights on WWII leaders such as Roosevelt, Churchill, Stalin and Esinhower. It appeared that Lee had worked his way into a dead end with the apparent death of the only U.S. Littlefield at The Battle of Midway in the Pacific, after using him in the Doolittle Raid, but alass, the only U.S. Littlefield lives to fight again in Guadalcanal and returns to the fight in Europe. Great story. Keep it coming Lee!
September 13, 2022
I can’t believe that I have to wait until March, 2023, to get Book 5🥲
I have spent the last two weeks reading the first 4 books in this series and just found out that I must wait on Book 5. What a disappointment because these books are that good. I find this series so well written and I love the style. The author writes the history and then adds the fictional characters into it. It is obvious that the books are well-researched and there is so much detail about the war that I’ve ever read about that it makes the books are now some of my favorites. Don’t miss this series!
I have spent the last two weeks reading the first 4 books in this series and just found out that I must wait on Book 5. What a disappointment because these books are that good. I find this series so well written and I love the style. The author writes the history and then adds the fictional characters into it. It is obvious that the books are well-researched and there is so much detail about the war that I’ve ever read about that it makes the books are now some of my favorites. Don’t miss this series!
December 30, 2022
Sometimes 4 * sometimes 5
This book 4 moves at a blistering pace covering the activities of 4+ people, so you have to wait sometimes as the author closes a chapter and jumps to another protagonist. He went over events in previous books in the series which I found irritating, I suppose to bring up to speed readers who missed a book. The details in the planning various military incursions was amazing and to me, I had to speed read some of it because it was so detailed - as I imagine it really was. Hats off to the level of research in this book. I will read book 5.
This book 4 moves at a blistering pace covering the activities of 4+ people, so you have to wait sometimes as the author closes a chapter and jumps to another protagonist. He went over events in previous books in the series which I found irritating, I suppose to bring up to speed readers who missed a book. The details in the planning various military incursions was amazing and to me, I had to speed read some of it because it was so detailed - as I imagine it really was. Hats off to the level of research in this book. I will read book 5.
February 14, 2024
Book Four of the After Dunkirk series featuring the Littlefield family...
A solid 4+ stars for the continuation of the Littlefield family saga. With the family spread out in England, France, Germany, and in and around Gibraltar. Danger is never far away and tension rarely subsides. Mom and Dad still imprisoned on Sark Island under Nazi control.
The Axis powers have been dominating most of the world with their sudden attacks but with America finally in the fight with Great Britain and Russia the tide is starting to turn...
A solid 4+ stars for the continuation of the Littlefield family saga. With the family spread out in England, France, Germany, and in and around Gibraltar. Danger is never far away and tension rarely subsides. Mom and Dad still imprisoned on Sark Island under Nazi control.
The Axis powers have been dominating most of the world with their sudden attacks but with America finally in the fight with Great Britain and Russia the tide is starting to turn...
April 28, 2022
I was pleased to be a reviewer of an ARC. As a student of WWII, I was impressed by the accuracy of the interactions with historical figures. This novel takes it to anew level - addressing driving issues often underplayed due to their sensitivity, e.g., Churchill’s priority of preserving the empire vs. Roosevelt’s desire for self determination. Great novel - great history lesson. Highly Recommend for either or both motives to read
June 7, 2022
I received an advanced copy for my honest review. This is another great book in this series. The main characters remain the same and the author weaves each of their stories throughout the book. I know that this story is historical fiction but, the author blends in the fiction very well with the history. The reader would benefit from reading the series in order but, this book could be read by itself. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
July 23, 2022
A great story of war and its effects on loyal and patriotic people.
The author has written a very intriguing and entertaining story of the events of WW II and how a very patriotic and devoted family is effected and how they reacted to all the adversity and danger. A story full of suspense and excitement that will keep you entertained and wondering how the family members will cope and survive.
The author has written a very intriguing and entertaining story of the events of WW II and how a very patriotic and devoted family is effected and how they reacted to all the adversity and danger. A story full of suspense and excitement that will keep you entertained and wondering how the family members will cope and survive.
December 25, 2022
As the series goes on, it’s not captivating me as I thought it would. There are pages and pages of dialogue and explanation about military strategy and it’s just not easy to track it all. Naturally, it gets easier to follow when the fictional characters come back into play but I’m enough of a skeptic to wonder if all this is realistic in one family.
I’ll finish the series and be done with it later in 2023.
I’ll finish the series and be done with it later in 2023.
April 8, 2023
Another excellent book in this series! The Littlefield siblings continue to trudge on through the war, taking on new roles & responsibilities. Love the little bits of humor peppered throughout the book! I've quite enjoyed how this series has encompassed all of the Allied Forces throughout the story. It doesn't just focus on one particular country/region or a few people as most historical fiction books on WWII I've read.
May 4, 2023
The fourth in the five books in the After Dunkirk series, this was a tough one to slog though. The Japanese have just bombed Pearl Harbor and the story goes into way too much detail about military strategy and dialogue between Winston Churchill and others. I was much more captivated when the first three books had a decent balance of historical fiction and the happenings of the Littlefield family. Sadly, the family members were barely in the background in this fourth book.
February 29, 2024
This book is a harder read
The battle has moved to Africa and Guadalcanal areas. Lots of technical information and lists of equipment needed to fight the war in a new location. British, American and French forces are fighting together to overthrow the Germans and Japanese.
Hitler is throwing a fit and sends troops to France to wipe out the resistance. Everyone is moved around for security reasons and we hope that’s enough to save the main characters in our story.
The battle has moved to Africa and Guadalcanal areas. Lots of technical information and lists of equipment needed to fight the war in a new location. British, American and French forces are fighting together to overthrow the Germans and Japanese.
Hitler is throwing a fit and sends troops to France to wipe out the resistance. Everyone is moved around for security reasons and we hope that’s enough to save the main characters in our story.
August 19, 2025
Clean vocabulary.
I love reading, and reading Lee Jackson's books was a great time keeping in his knowledge of WWII with great insights and great detail. Moreover, he used proper and clean English vocabulary that built my vocabulary. It's a series designed for readers to know WWII history in a very clear perspective, giving us a greater sense of freedom bought with the lives of millions of man and woman who fought for our freedom today.
I love reading, and reading Lee Jackson's books was a great time keeping in his knowledge of WWII with great insights and great detail. Moreover, he used proper and clean English vocabulary that built my vocabulary. It's a series designed for readers to know WWII history in a very clear perspective, giving us a greater sense of freedom bought with the lives of millions of man and woman who fought for our freedom today.
June 15, 2022
Wonderful book/series
This series is suberb, the author has went above and beyond on research and it has made the books come alive. The conversations between Roosevelt and Churchill are wonderful along with all the other main characters. The timeline is great. I absolutely love these books and do so highly recommend all of Lee's books
This series is suberb, the author has went above and beyond on research and it has made the books come alive. The conversations between Roosevelt and Churchill are wonderful along with all the other main characters. The timeline is great. I absolutely love these books and do so highly recommend all of Lee's books
June 16, 2022
I enjoyed the first three books in this series, but then with this one . . . It references 1904 Russia and uses the word, Kremlin, which did not exist then. The next glaring error was the phrase, impacting
the plane -- Impact just recently became accepted as a verb and was not used in 1941. I like my historical fiction to be historically accurate, and this disappointed me.
the plane -- Impact just recently became accepted as a verb and was not used in 1941. I like my historical fiction to be historically accurate, and this disappointed me.
August 4, 2022
Continuation of a compelling and sweeping story
Lee Jackson does a great job in extending a fantastic story about the Littlefield family in WW2. One moment the reader is engrossed with conversations between Roosevelf and Churchill and the next you're on the ground in France with the underground or the Marines on Guadalcanal. Epic and very readable. Can't wait for the next one!
Lee Jackson does a great job in extending a fantastic story about the Littlefield family in WW2. One moment the reader is engrossed with conversations between Roosevelf and Churchill and the next you're on the ground in France with the underground or the Marines on Guadalcanal. Epic and very readable. Can't wait for the next one!
August 27, 2022
I can’t get enough of this WWIi historic fiction series. This series is reminiscent of my favorite novels Winds of War and War and Remembrance by Hermann Wouk. The Littlefield family is all involved In this war and it takes them all over the globe as the war continues. I will have a hard time waiting until The spring of 2023 for the saga to continue!
February 27, 2023
You got to read this if
You are a WW2 history buff. There are times you see some literary enhancement. However, it follows conversations that none may have been privy to. Yet it just doesn't matter as the story wheels its way through so many historical events. Everyone real or fictional blend into exciting and well researched story. Well worth the read.
You are a WW2 history buff. There are times you see some literary enhancement. However, it follows conversations that none may have been privy to. Yet it just doesn't matter as the story wheels its way through so many historical events. Everyone real or fictional blend into exciting and well researched story. Well worth the read.
March 8, 2023
Great as expected
I'm already reading the 5th book! The 4th was excellent as were the first three. Jackson is an amazing and talented zauthor, his research is quite in-depth, as you will see when reading about WWII, in this series. Get the hard copies for your library.
Phil King
philwkinb@gmail.com
I'm already reading the 5th book! The 4th was excellent as were the first three. Jackson is an amazing and talented zauthor, his research is quite in-depth, as you will see when reading about WWII, in this series. Get the hard copies for your library.
Phil King
philwkinb@gmail.com
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews