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Killing Zone: A Life in the Paras, the South African Special Forces, the SAS and the RUC
Harry McCallion was a trained killer, fighting in the world’s trouble spots with ruthless professionalism. Born ‘a ragged-arsed kid from the backstreets of Glasgow’, the son of a violent gangster, McCallion joined the Paras to escape a miserable home life and find the family he longed for. After six tense tours in Ulster, McCallion gave up everything to move to South Africa in the hope of qualifying for the highly elite, highly dangerous South African Special Forces. Having succeeded in joining the Recces, McCallion was involved in plots to assassinate Robert Mugabe and Joshua Nkomo. Back in Britain, McCallion once again put his body and mind through unimaginable pressure during SAS Selection and ended up back in Ulster for two tours with the SAS anti-terrorist team. But must McCallion must continue his personal feud with the IRA as a policeman in Belfast, before a serious car accident led to him retraining as a lawyer. ‘Killing Zone’ is a story of exceptional endurance, told with grim humour and great psychological insight into the minds of those whose lives depend on killing others. “A stun grenade of a book” - Sunday Express “A story of daring and adventure ... few men have lived more perilously than Harry McCallion” - Daily Mail “KILLING ZONE exposes some of the SAS’s most closely guarded secrets” - Sunday Express “McCallion is the hardest man you could encounter” - The Independent “An extraordinary insight into the psychology of a man who has survived despite choosing to live as dangerously as possible” - The Times “A remarkable tale of life on the edge” - Glasgow Herald Harry McCallion served in the British Army in both the Parachute Regiment and in the SAS, as well as spending two years in the South African Special Forces. After six years with the Royal Ulster Constabulary, he retrained as a lawyer and is now a barrister. Harry McCallion is also the author of two ‘Hunter Killer’ and ‘Double Kill. Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent digital publisher. For more information on our titles please sign up to our newsletter atwww.endeavourpress.com. Each week you will receive updates on free and discounted ebooks. Follow us on @EndeavourPress and on Facebook We are always interested in hearing from our readers. Endeavour Press believes that the future is now.
Hardcover
First published April 11, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 4, 2018
Stop reading reviews and BUY it Now!
What a great read! One of the best accounts I've read of SAS training and the best account of the "Troubles" from the prospective of an SAS man who worked the military and police role during such times. A well written excellent biography of a man I'd love to meet someday. Well done sir, well done!
What a great read! One of the best accounts I've read of SAS training and the best account of the "Troubles" from the prospective of an SAS man who worked the military and police role during such times. A well written excellent biography of a man I'd love to meet someday. Well done sir, well done!
November 5, 2017
Really enjoyed this book, how McCallion has trodden so many walks of life is impressive to say the least!
February 6, 2020
Good storyteller, but largely without the everyday details that make up the emotional understanding of the narrator or characters in his life. Interesting to compare with Michael Herr's Dispatches, as they are both adrenalin junkies, from different perspectives.
May 10, 2022
I’d give it more than 5 if I could
March 22, 2018
An extremely well written & interesting book. Had, in the past, read only one side of the story, now I have (hopefully) got the whole picture. Its a sad tale of men in uniform attempting to do their duty within the constraints of strict rules, regulations & boundaries that can never be crossed upon peril of official retribution. The opposition, on the other hand can run riot & choose any course of action until their final end.
I loved the book & enjoyed every page of its story. My compliments to Mr. Harry McCallion for an interesting & eye opening aspect of the training & final implementation & consequences of that grueling period of induction.
Captain Dady J. Mody
I loved the book & enjoyed every page of its story. My compliments to Mr. Harry McCallion for an interesting & eye opening aspect of the training & final implementation & consequences of that grueling period of induction.
Captain Dady J. Mody
November 1, 2018
A deeply enthralling read
Great story of a boy done good. I really didn’t want to put the book down from the minute I picked it up. Shows that no matter what your background is, you can achieve against all the odds and do great things in life. Harry McCallion is an inspirational man!
Great story of a boy done good. I really didn’t want to put the book down from the minute I picked it up. Shows that no matter what your background is, you can achieve against all the odds and do great things in life. Harry McCallion is an inspirational man!
February 4, 2018
An AMAZING story!!
This story is so impressive! I am astonished that the author survived his childhood, never mind all the SAS and RUC years, and so impressed by his achievements. A very interesting book too!
This story is so impressive! I am astonished that the author survived his childhood, never mind all the SAS and RUC years, and so impressed by his achievements. A very interesting book too!
July 17, 2018
One of the best Military books I've read.
As someone with experience in this field, this book captures all of the emotions surrounding that life. From a lad on the Glasgow streets, through Military and Police life, it was totally absorbing. Highly recommended.
As someone with experience in this field, this book captures all of the emotions surrounding that life. From a lad on the Glasgow streets, through Military and Police life, it was totally absorbing. Highly recommended.
January 25, 2019
Good read
Thus author knows how to keep you captivated. Excellent story line and history lessons. He has the knack of changing direction at the right time to stop you getting bored.
Thus author knows how to keep you captivated. Excellent story line and history lessons. He has the knack of changing direction at the right time to stop you getting bored.
July 21, 2019
A life well lived
Inspirational story from a man who had so many opportunities to go off the rails yet managed through good choices and some fortuitous good fortune to make the right choices at the right time. I really enjoyed the book.
Inspirational story from a man who had so many opportunities to go off the rails yet managed through good choices and some fortuitous good fortune to make the right choices at the right time. I really enjoyed the book.
December 9, 2015
Great story simply told
Good story simply told no excuses made. Highly enjoyable life story with a fascinating insight to a world we never see if we are fortunate
Good story simply told no excuses made. Highly enjoyable life story with a fascinating insight to a world we never see if we are fortunate
April 29, 2016
Really good read
Not much of a reader but couldn't put this dowm , top story well told and flowed nicely, two more words!
Not much of a reader but couldn't put this dowm , top story well told and flowed nicely, two more words!
March 8, 2017
Interesting but could be condensed somewhat
September 3, 2017
5 Enormous Stars
What a splendid story, Harry. You're a fabulous writer, too, as well as the ideal warrior. Thank you. All thumbs up.
What a splendid story, Harry. You're a fabulous writer, too, as well as the ideal warrior. Thank you. All thumbs up.
March 9, 2018
Riveting
I,m not an avid reader,,but could hardly put this book down,,Thanks to brave people like Harry,we can sleep safely in our beds.Respect.
I,m not an avid reader,,but could hardly put this book down,,Thanks to brave people like Harry,we can sleep safely in our beds.Respect.
October 8, 2018
Real Grit
Well written the real truth of what it to live a soldiers life on the edge. I particularly enjoyed his adventures fighting SWAPO, since I currently life in Namibia
Well written the real truth of what it to live a soldiers life on the edge. I particularly enjoyed his adventures fighting SWAPO, since I currently life in Namibia
August 20, 2020
A hard hitting gut gripper
Harry McCallion writes as he sees things, he doesn't pull punches, he pole axes his readers. It has been a long time since I've been so wrapped up in a book so vividly written as the Killing Zone. He relates his thoughts and experiences in a style that had me occasionally sneaking looks over my shoulder to make sure I was alone and not in any danger from the characters I was reading about. This is an account of an outstanding and brilliant writer who has unreservedly given us his thoughts and life experiences to share.
Harry McCallion writes as he sees things, he doesn't pull punches, he pole axes his readers. It has been a long time since I've been so wrapped up in a book so vividly written as the Killing Zone. He relates his thoughts and experiences in a style that had me occasionally sneaking looks over my shoulder to make sure I was alone and not in any danger from the characters I was reading about. This is an account of an outstanding and brilliant writer who has unreservedly given us his thoughts and life experiences to share.
July 21, 2025
A life hard lived
An interesting read - as a fiction it would stretch credibility and as a biography there were parts that felt untrue; that the authors was a typical “Walter Mitty” SF wannabe. But then there would be a comment or reference that made the incredible seem believable.
I lean towards believing it as a true biography, but still have some doubts. Maybe because of some of the extreme views on life and the scant allowance for the worth of opponents throughout his career.
But fact, faction or fiction, a very good read.
An interesting read - as a fiction it would stretch credibility and as a biography there were parts that felt untrue; that the authors was a typical “Walter Mitty” SF wannabe. But then there would be a comment or reference that made the incredible seem believable.
I lean towards believing it as a true biography, but still have some doubts. Maybe because of some of the extreme views on life and the scant allowance for the worth of opponents throughout his career.
But fact, faction or fiction, a very good read.
June 17, 2021
Another gung ho exaggerated tale from clearly a very narcissistic author
Sadly this author, who can only be described as an apolitical mercenary, brings us plenty of tales without realizing that he inserted himself into world conflicts to which he does not belong. Hoped he would redeem himself at the end by showing us he has contributed to society. It seems he’s quite content with the description of ‘trained killer’
Sadly this author, who can only be described as an apolitical mercenary, brings us plenty of tales without realizing that he inserted himself into world conflicts to which he does not belong. Hoped he would redeem himself at the end by showing us he has contributed to society. It seems he’s quite content with the description of ‘trained killer’
April 26, 2021
Excellent memoir
Really well written account of the author's life. An interesting inside look at the troubles in Ireland and a really interesting account of a young poor boy leaving behind his desperate childhood and turning into a man. I particularly enjoyed his account of SAS selection.
Really well written account of the author's life. An interesting inside look at the troubles in Ireland and a really interesting account of a young poor boy leaving behind his desperate childhood and turning into a man. I particularly enjoyed his account of SAS selection.
October 7, 2022
Great read
I worked with Harry back when he was stationed in Tennent Street. I liked the bloke . I did know his back ground or some of if . The information in this book and the way he has put it together I have found I very hard to put it down. It's 04:00hr (4am) and I'm just finished this book.
I worked with Harry back when he was stationed in Tennent Street. I liked the bloke . I did know his back ground or some of if . The information in this book and the way he has put it together I have found I very hard to put it down. It's 04:00hr (4am) and I'm just finished this book.
October 6, 2020
One of the best SAS books
Well written and interesting.
At least as good as the Andy McNab book if not better.
The change in perspective between serving in Ireland with the army and the RUC is fascinating.
Well written and interesting.
At least as good as the Andy McNab book if not better.
The change in perspective between serving in Ireland with the army and the RUC is fascinating.
March 3, 2017
3.5 stars
December 10, 2019
From killing to law maker
An excellent story of rags to crutches and the role that being an AD operator has on Your life.
Few will achieve what the author has achieved as a career.
An excellent story of rags to crutches and the role that being an AD operator has on Your life.
Few will achieve what the author has achieved as a career.
September 9, 2020
Amazing life story
February 1, 2021
Good book! I loved this gentleman’s story: it is very inspirational
March 19, 2021
Very impressed
I could not put the book down well done what a life he led and one tough guy and military man
I could not put the book down well done what a life he led and one tough guy and military man
June 8, 2021
A very entertaining read.
June 9, 2021
Flew through this book. Really good.
February 26, 2017
Sorry for the poor rating but it is important to know what you are reading. It is a well detailed history of a poor troubled and brutalized youth who grows up with anger and fighting. He takes this into the paratroopers and gong to Ireland in the miss of the IRA troubles. I was looking for a story and a plot with a goal. This is simply the recitation of a man's life. For those who are looking for this, it is excellent. For me, I didn't finish it because it wasn't what I was looking for.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews