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A Time to Serve #3

The Scars of Battle

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Flung to the far corners of the earth, the Cooper family fights for survival in a world devastated by war.

Locked in a gut-wrenching struggle against a desperate and relentless enemy, Clyde Cooper and his team of vaunted paratroopers engage in a bloody campaign that pushes each man to his limits. The war may have begun as an idyllic romp in Australia—but the terrifying reality has now become inescapable.

Meanwhile, Clyde’s cousin Shawn fights in Burma alongside the shadowy OSS. Their hallmark brutality leaves him shaken, but it may be the only thing that can keep him alive.

Back home, Abby rediscovers her knack as a pilot. Her job could help turn the tide of the war—but can she risk everything in the line of duty?

And for Frank, each day is a grim battle to stay alive. As a POW deep in enemy-occupied territory he focuses every effort on undermining his Japanese captors. But his strength is wearing thin, and his sanity hangs in the balance.

The Cooper family is separated by thousands of miles and an overwhelming conflict that threatens to leave the world in ruins. But their determination, ingenuity, and shared purpose will unite them as they persevere against all odds.

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 28, 2023

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About the author

Chris Glatte

33 books46 followers

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5 stars
853 (57%)
4 stars
505 (33%)
3 stars
111 (7%)
2 stars
17 (1%)
1 star
9 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for David Taylor.
1,602 reviews29 followers
February 22, 2023
The war heats up across the Pacific.

This third installment in the A Time to Serve series takes the reader on a journey throughout the Pacific theater in WWII as it chronicles the exploits/experiences of the Coopers – Frank, Shawn and Clyde and to Texas as it follows Abby’s experiences becoming a WAF Ferry Pilot. AS with each of the preceding stories in the series the character development creates such a compelling story that you feel like you have known the Coopers and Abby all your life. The action sequences in the story make me wonder if Chris Glatte has a time machine hidden away where he can go back and observe these battles and experiences, in this story I felt like I right there with each of the Coopers experiencing what they were going through. If you enjoy war stories you should really check out this series starting with A Time to Serve so that you have a full understanding of the characters and what has driven them to do what they do. I received an Advance Reader Copy of The Scars of Battle from the publisher and chose to provide my honest review.
1 review
May 27, 2023
The Eye of the Storm

One glaring inaccuracy that you might want to address in future episodes. Several times the use C4 explosives was mentioned. It should be noted that the original plastic explosive was a British development called Composition-C. In 1943, this was upgraded to C2 explosive. In the late 1940's, this was upgraded to C3 explosive and was used extensively in the Korean Conflict. The C4 explosive was not available until about 1958, well after WWII. It was developed by the Phillips Petroleum Co.
923 reviews15 followers
March 25, 2023
A well-done book following the lives of a family during World War 2 in the Pacific. The characters are well developed, and the story provides plenty of action. this is a great continuation of the series. I look forward to the next title in the series.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
1,236 reviews10 followers
April 11, 2023
In this third book of the “A Time To Serve” series, the Cooper family continues to serve in various capacities in WWII. Frank is trying to survive a Japanese prison camp, Clyde is in the OSS on missions in Burma, and Shawn is deep in the war effort in New Guinea. Meanwhile back home, Abby moves to Texas to begin flying as a WASP. Really enjoying this series and moving I to the fourth book.
Profile Image for Melody.
787 reviews13 followers
May 6, 2023
I thought this book spent too much time on what was going on in San Francisco as it related to Victor Brooks. Maybe the intent was to give readers an idea of how so much of the US went about daily business. I am enjoying reading about the war from other parts of the world. It really was a world war.
7 reviews
June 26, 2023
The trilogy of books written were well written and boooooooooooring. Had nothing to do with the titles. I read all of "Tarks Ticks" by Chris Glatte and was eager to read the trilogy. VERY disappointing, most of the books had nothing to do with...., for example, "A Time to Serve" or "The Scars of Battle"
812 reviews8 followers
October 1, 2023
Good book series

These books are really intense on the battlefield it was probably more intense for real. These guys just want to defeat the enemy and arrive home alive. The pacific war was a blood bath and it shows in these books. The very height of evil. Chris is a master storyteller. Get in this series today!
440 reviews4 followers
February 26, 2023
This is the third installment of a Pacific WWII thriller that cab be read without having read the previous two novels. Both the characters and plot build off history and show the complexity of reality. You can hear and feel the sounds and emotions of battle. Highly recommend this book
Profile Image for Monroe Bryant.
423 reviews1 follower
March 31, 2023
A pretty decent plot, with three different stories. But, it was not written very well, seemed very juvenile. Also, I HATE authors that don’t end the story but make you buy the next one to see what happened. Will not continue with the author.
215 reviews8 followers
April 1, 2023
Airborne!!!

Another great chapter in the lives of Clyde,Abby, Franck Sean and all the other friends and family. Chris Goats continues to serve up great stories a interesting characters.
Profile Image for Richard.
532 reviews5 followers
April 17, 2023
War is hell, even at home

Been a minute since the last book and I had forgotten some of the backstory. Still a great story! The battle descriptions are vivid! I especially appreciated the WASP training segments!
3 reviews
August 6, 2023
A good yarn .A family at war

bdrtom23@gmail.com. Takes in war through the eyes in different areas of battles and out looks profiteers and combating .In war some one all ways money while the squadies take all the risks
4 reviews1 follower
March 30, 2024
Books are fun but short so you spend more

These books are not masterpieces but they are engaging and will keep you reading. I dislike how short each book is - the divisions feel artificial and simply a way for the author to increase revenue. But I'll buy the next one....
36 reviews
April 27, 2024
I

Enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next one in the series. I enjoy reading books set in this era. The fact that the author has several story lines going in the same book is very entertaining.


389 reviews2 followers
May 19, 2023
The Scars of Battle

As usual a well written continuation of the Cooper saga. Can't wait to read the next chapters . Battles were tough in the South Pacific and the enemy brutal.
946 reviews3 followers
March 14, 2024
Bouncing from one venue and vignette to another does not make a compelling story.
Profile Image for Phil.
456 reviews18 followers
August 11, 2024
Two brothers and a cousin of the same family attack WW II with naivete but a desire to serve their country. This book is the third of four in The Time to Serve Series. It is a good history of WW II and introduces the day-to-day struggles that men and women faced during that time. They served when called upon and paid the price of freedom, some with their lives.


Profile Image for grace !!.
400 reviews11 followers
September 5, 2024
OKAY WOAH. this book takes not a single ounce of brain power, but OMG?? I swear these plots take turn after turn- (ignore that it took me 2 months to read this...smh)
464 reviews
May 7, 2025
Well written

A pleasure to read, just the right amount of truth, not overwhelming. A tell it like it is book.
Rock on!
Profile Image for Terri Stewart.
645 reviews2 followers
July 26, 2025
Finished all three in a row, now on to number 4 of 5. Great historical WWII book
16 reviews
May 22, 2023
Really engaging series about a family both military and civilian as they lived through WWII
Profile Image for Amanda Bruner.
118 reviews7 followers
October 13, 2023
"An Epic WWII Saga of Courage, Hope, and Survival"

In the wake of a world devastated by war, the Cooper family finds themselves scattered across the globe, fighting for survival in the most challenging of circumstances. Clyde Cooper, along with his elite paratroopers, is thrust into a relentless battle that pushes the limits of human endurance. What began as an idyllic experience in Australia has transformed into a terrifying and inescapable reality.

In Burma, Clyde's cousin Shawn fights alongside the enigmatic OSS, facing brutal circumstances that leave him deeply affected. Their brutality may be their only means of survival.

Back home, Abby rediscovers her skill as a pilot, a role that could prove pivotal in turning the tide of the war. However, the question remains: can she risk everything for the greater good?

As for Frank, each day is a grueling struggle for survival. Held as a prisoner of war deep within enemy-occupied territory, he focuses every ounce of his strength on undermining his Japanese captors. Yet, his resilience is waning, and his sanity teeters on the precipice.

Despite being separated by vast distances and the overwhelming conflict that threatens to engulf the world, the Cooper family's unyielding determination, resourcefulness, and shared purpose unite them as they strive to overcome insurmountable odds.

This epic WWII historical fiction novel, "The Scars of Battle," weaves a powerful tale of courage, hope, and survival. It brings the Pacific Theatre to life with gritty and authentic detail, making it a must-read for fans of Jeff Shaara and Ken Follett. The book continues the family's gripping journey, offering well-developed characters and plenty of action. It's an exceptional addition to the series, leaving readers eager for the next installment.

My sincere thanks to #NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews