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The Way Back: The sequel to LMF
Churchill tasked the SOE to set Europe ablaze - but it was the RAF who got them there.
It was the start of the Allies way back into Europe that led to D-Day.
For one burned out pilot who had been judged to be 'Lacking Moral Fibre' it was his own way back...
It was the start of the Allies way back into Europe that led to D-Day.
For one burned out pilot who had been judged to be 'Lacking Moral Fibre' it was his own way back...
280 pages, Paperback
Published November 11, 2021
About the author
Malcolm Havard
40 books19 followersMalcolm started writing fiction around 10 years ago, self-publishing three novels through Amazon including a mountaineering thriller, The Last Mountain, which has had more than 10,000 downloads. He also has two books published by a small publisher, including a collection of WW1 stories which topped the Amazon anthology best-sellers list at Christmas 2014.
His short stories have done well in a number of competitions, including runner-up placings for those run by Henshaw Press and the Mere Literary Festival.
Having written in several genres early in his career, Malcolm has now settled into writing historical fiction.
This includes LMF, a WW2 novel set during the RAFs controversial night bombing campaign, Leviathan, a novella about a young, frightened pilot hunting Zeppelins in the night during WW1, The Neutral Zone, a collection of short stories, and Eleven Days, a novel set around the events of 'Bloody April'. 1917.
LATEST NEWS!
The long-awaited sequel to LMF, The Way Back, is published 15 March 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 18, 2021
This book is a greathistorical fiction book. It had a lot of action and was intrigued with with the details from World War all. They branded the main character as a coward and it was hook on the storyline. The characters were great and it is a great sequel in this series.
July 7, 2021
I received a copy of this book as part of BookTaster reviews. This is the second book in the series by Malcolm Havard. The main character Dag is serving his punishment for being judged "lacking moral fiber". He has been stripped of his wings and rank. Dag is working in the kitchen at a base, peeling potatoes. Each time an air raid crew returns, he finds himself longing to fly again. After his former girlfriend pulls some strings, he is given the opportunity to redeem himself.
Can Dag put his pride aside to return to the skies? Does he miss flying because he wants to fly his final mission or is it the love of flying? The book does a good job showing how being LMF effects your career and the reaction of service members to LMF. This is a gritty book with a harsh look at the lives of pilots in WWII. We do not get to see if Dag makes his redemption but hopefully a third book will complete this story.
This book moves more slowly and lacks some of the storytelling novelty of the first book. It does take us more fully into Dag's life and explains some of his reticence with accepting familial help. You need to read the first book to truly grasp the story of the second book. It is good to see Dag having an opportunity at redemption, I hope we get to learn of his life choices.
I recommend this book, it is a good follow on to the first book in the series.
Can Dag put his pride aside to return to the skies? Does he miss flying because he wants to fly his final mission or is it the love of flying? The book does a good job showing how being LMF effects your career and the reaction of service members to LMF. This is a gritty book with a harsh look at the lives of pilots in WWII. We do not get to see if Dag makes his redemption but hopefully a third book will complete this story.
This book moves more slowly and lacks some of the storytelling novelty of the first book. It does take us more fully into Dag's life and explains some of his reticence with accepting familial help. You need to read the first book to truly grasp the story of the second book. It is good to see Dag having an opportunity at redemption, I hope we get to learn of his life choices.
I recommend this book, it is a good follow on to the first book in the series.
January 20, 2022
The Way Back is a gem, a tightly written, suspenseful, detail-rich, and highly immersive little novel detailing not quite three months of Douglas “Dag” Atkinson-Grieve. He is a RAF bomber pilot suffering from nightmares brought about by his combat experiences who has been labeled as having a “Lack of Moral Fibre”, the dreaded LMF from which, an RAF Squadron Leader tells us, “there is no way back.”
Except that, it turns out, there is. However, that will prove quite a task for Dag who has fallen just sort of the required 30 combat missions that constitute a complete a tour, and who is at novel’s start a mere Aircraftsman “spud-bashing” in the kitchen of an RAF base somewhere in Yorkshire. The plot’s suspense stems from two sources, intra-service intrigues and of course combat. Military organizations are not immune from the “human factor” and its associated obsessions, petty jealousies, clashes of personality. But also deep, unbreakable, interpersonal bonds borne out of having faced mortal danger together. The need to prove oneself can push people to extreme measures, make them do things they might not have done had they not had that lingering doubt hovering over themselves. Doubt by superior officers, doubt by peers and subordinates, doubt by oneself. And Dag, struggling to make his “way back” from the ignominy of LMF which he is trying to keep a secret, has that going for him in spades. Dr. Havard treats these human problems in a very humane, empathetic fashion while developing a very plausible, multi-dimensional and fallible character.
He gets the mechanical problems right as well. One of the main characters in the novel is actually the Handley-Page Halifax four-engined heavy bomber, a less well known contemporary of the Avro Lancaster which, on the grounds of somewhat inferior performance, has been shunted into a variety of special missions variants which indeed we see on the pages of the novel too. The knowledge of the Halifax expressed on the pages of the novel is nothing short of encyclopedic. The bomber’s inner workings, the effects of battle damage, strong and weak points in the design, down to things like the sequence in which its four engines are started.
Combat scenes are delivered in rich detail as well. The sights, sounds and, yes, the smells of a bombing mission over Germany, the experience of low-level flight across occupied France in dense fog, dodging hostile and occasionally friendly night-fighters, dealing with a wall of flak over the Atlantic Wall, and other such experiences are all present on the pages of the novel whose final chapters become a frenetic page-turning emotional roller-coaster racing toward an ending in which we learn that perhaps there are worse things than having “LMF” stamped on your personnel file?
All in all, highly recommended, particularly to fans of WW2-era aviation fiction.
Except that, it turns out, there is. However, that will prove quite a task for Dag who has fallen just sort of the required 30 combat missions that constitute a complete a tour, and who is at novel’s start a mere Aircraftsman “spud-bashing” in the kitchen of an RAF base somewhere in Yorkshire. The plot’s suspense stems from two sources, intra-service intrigues and of course combat. Military organizations are not immune from the “human factor” and its associated obsessions, petty jealousies, clashes of personality. But also deep, unbreakable, interpersonal bonds borne out of having faced mortal danger together. The need to prove oneself can push people to extreme measures, make them do things they might not have done had they not had that lingering doubt hovering over themselves. Doubt by superior officers, doubt by peers and subordinates, doubt by oneself. And Dag, struggling to make his “way back” from the ignominy of LMF which he is trying to keep a secret, has that going for him in spades. Dr. Havard treats these human problems in a very humane, empathetic fashion while developing a very plausible, multi-dimensional and fallible character.
He gets the mechanical problems right as well. One of the main characters in the novel is actually the Handley-Page Halifax four-engined heavy bomber, a less well known contemporary of the Avro Lancaster which, on the grounds of somewhat inferior performance, has been shunted into a variety of special missions variants which indeed we see on the pages of the novel too. The knowledge of the Halifax expressed on the pages of the novel is nothing short of encyclopedic. The bomber’s inner workings, the effects of battle damage, strong and weak points in the design, down to things like the sequence in which its four engines are started.
Combat scenes are delivered in rich detail as well. The sights, sounds and, yes, the smells of a bombing mission over Germany, the experience of low-level flight across occupied France in dense fog, dodging hostile and occasionally friendly night-fighters, dealing with a wall of flak over the Atlantic Wall, and other such experiences are all present on the pages of the novel whose final chapters become a frenetic page-turning emotional roller-coaster racing toward an ending in which we learn that perhaps there are worse things than having “LMF” stamped on your personnel file?
All in all, highly recommended, particularly to fans of WW2-era aviation fiction.
June 18, 2021
The Way Back by Malcolm Havard
I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Way Back follows the story of Douglas “Dag” Atkinson-Grieves after being characterised as LMF - lacking in moral fibre - the shameful removal of his stripes and rank.
The account begins in 1944 with the unmistakable anguish of charges against him and the official, incomplete tour still hanging over him. With the threat of invasion hanging over their heads as a persistent time bomb, can Dag pull himself out of the pit of desperation where he finds himself?
I was looking forward to the novel with anticipation. After finishing ‘LMF’, the initial presentation of Dag, I couldn’t help feeling a sense of sadness concerning his situation. He had come through for his squad, accepting complete responsibility only to receive an unfair punishment, which at those times was the worst kind one could have. He confronts other servicemen, is categorised as a disgrace, an embarrassment to the core and classed as the lowest form of a human being.
When I read, what affected me the most was his acknowledgement of this label. It was as if he deserved the abuse, not only from his superiors but also from everybody around him. He was named a coward, accepting it without question. With this admission comes an odd sense of calm, as if he disconnected with his role or place in life. Malcolm Havard creates such a well-written portrait of Dag as simply a broken man, a shadow of his former self; my heart broke for him. I couldn’t help feeling the utmost respect for this man. A human being who seized the burden of others’, secured an unjust discipline and was living with that decision. You may say he is only a character composed in a book, but this type of events and cruelty was a very legitimate part of WW2. Unfortunately, a part that none of us can ever imagine in our worst nightmares.
Malcolm Havard has constructed a fascinating sequel yet still a stand-alone work. Dag evokes a feeling of emotional insecurity because of his experiences. I can’t help creating an imaginary sequel where he lives happily ever after and chalks it all down to “the war“.
In conclusion, I couldn’t get enough. I would suggest reading LMF written by the author first. Whilst not entirely necessary, it brings the protagonist to life, giving a deeper understanding of what makes him tick. I stayed awake with the need to discover the outcome of The Way Back and I am left needing more. More of Malcolm Havard’s writing and more of Dag, please!
I rate The Way Back 5 out of 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Way Back follows the story of Douglas “Dag” Atkinson-Grieves after being characterised as LMF - lacking in moral fibre - the shameful removal of his stripes and rank.
The account begins in 1944 with the unmistakable anguish of charges against him and the official, incomplete tour still hanging over him. With the threat of invasion hanging over their heads as a persistent time bomb, can Dag pull himself out of the pit of desperation where he finds himself?
I was looking forward to the novel with anticipation. After finishing ‘LMF’, the initial presentation of Dag, I couldn’t help feeling a sense of sadness concerning his situation. He had come through for his squad, accepting complete responsibility only to receive an unfair punishment, which at those times was the worst kind one could have. He confronts other servicemen, is categorised as a disgrace, an embarrassment to the core and classed as the lowest form of a human being.
When I read, what affected me the most was his acknowledgement of this label. It was as if he deserved the abuse, not only from his superiors but also from everybody around him. He was named a coward, accepting it without question. With this admission comes an odd sense of calm, as if he disconnected with his role or place in life. Malcolm Havard creates such a well-written portrait of Dag as simply a broken man, a shadow of his former self; my heart broke for him. I couldn’t help feeling the utmost respect for this man. A human being who seized the burden of others’, secured an unjust discipline and was living with that decision. You may say he is only a character composed in a book, but this type of events and cruelty was a very legitimate part of WW2. Unfortunately, a part that none of us can ever imagine in our worst nightmares.
Malcolm Havard has constructed a fascinating sequel yet still a stand-alone work. Dag evokes a feeling of emotional insecurity because of his experiences. I can’t help creating an imaginary sequel where he lives happily ever after and chalks it all down to “the war“.
In conclusion, I couldn’t get enough. I would suggest reading LMF written by the author first. Whilst not entirely necessary, it brings the protagonist to life, giving a deeper understanding of what makes him tick. I stayed awake with the need to discover the outcome of The Way Back and I am left needing more. More of Malcolm Havard’s writing and more of Dag, please!
I rate The Way Back 5 out of 5 stars.
January 19, 2022
Real-Life and Fast Paced WWII story
I loved this authentic story of WWI pilots and all the horrors they faced, causing them to be placed down further, mentally and physical into the RAF’s well-known group, labeled, LMF (Lack of Moral Fibre). Life in the realm of ‘cowardice’ was difficult for many of the air crew members, plus all the badges of normal life that were taken away from the stamp put on the men during the war (though, maybe less than the embarrassment of a court-martial). Personally, my father fought in WWII in Japan, but I don’t know if could have survived what my father witnessed, or Dag sitting in a bomber plane over Nazi Germany (I probably would have turned back my plane a few times, too).
With the dates leading up to the big D-Day battle, I really liked how the author had a dated, daily, laid out version of the everyday lives of the crewmen. Mixing the amazing life for Dag (Douglas) whether inside the canteen, hangars, or barracks, along with the vivid descriptions of the Merlins revving up, or the rumbling Hercules and Halifax planes taking off and landing, added to all the action going on in the real-life wartime world of the flyers. Both terrific sections on what Dag has to go through to retrain his way back to the air waves, and the authentic action inside the planes while airborne.
Great characters built in Dag, Connie, Bette, Roland, Faz – Dag, who constantly tries to make himself a whole man again from cutting carrots to maybe getting another chance in the air, Connie’s empathy for Dag and her efforts to get him help during his trouble time in the LMF, almost having the guts to slap a general, Bette, who would do anything for Dag(hoping for him to do the same in return), Roland’s off and on support and a painful letter to Dag, Raz being a constant friend to Dag while they tried to cover each other during their time together on the ground or in the air.
All in all, a great story of crew life, LMF quandaries and mishaps, and the crewmen’s life in World War II. Whenever I read these war stories, I think of the line in the movie, “Where Eagles Dare,” - “Sir, why don’t we just load up a few bloody Lancaster’s and blow the place to kingdom come?”
I did give the author, one less on the rating, due some of the overused and repetitive personal pronouns, the definite article, and names in the beginning of sentences. Some of the dialogue was wonderful, but some overdone, and could have had more descriptions between the characters conversations.
I loved this authentic story of WWI pilots and all the horrors they faced, causing them to be placed down further, mentally and physical into the RAF’s well-known group, labeled, LMF (Lack of Moral Fibre). Life in the realm of ‘cowardice’ was difficult for many of the air crew members, plus all the badges of normal life that were taken away from the stamp put on the men during the war (though, maybe less than the embarrassment of a court-martial). Personally, my father fought in WWII in Japan, but I don’t know if could have survived what my father witnessed, or Dag sitting in a bomber plane over Nazi Germany (I probably would have turned back my plane a few times, too).
With the dates leading up to the big D-Day battle, I really liked how the author had a dated, daily, laid out version of the everyday lives of the crewmen. Mixing the amazing life for Dag (Douglas) whether inside the canteen, hangars, or barracks, along with the vivid descriptions of the Merlins revving up, or the rumbling Hercules and Halifax planes taking off and landing, added to all the action going on in the real-life wartime world of the flyers. Both terrific sections on what Dag has to go through to retrain his way back to the air waves, and the authentic action inside the planes while airborne.
Great characters built in Dag, Connie, Bette, Roland, Faz – Dag, who constantly tries to make himself a whole man again from cutting carrots to maybe getting another chance in the air, Connie’s empathy for Dag and her efforts to get him help during his trouble time in the LMF, almost having the guts to slap a general, Bette, who would do anything for Dag(hoping for him to do the same in return), Roland’s off and on support and a painful letter to Dag, Raz being a constant friend to Dag while they tried to cover each other during their time together on the ground or in the air.
All in all, a great story of crew life, LMF quandaries and mishaps, and the crewmen’s life in World War II. Whenever I read these war stories, I think of the line in the movie, “Where Eagles Dare,” - “Sir, why don’t we just load up a few bloody Lancaster’s and blow the place to kingdom come?”
I did give the author, one less on the rating, due some of the overused and repetitive personal pronouns, the definite article, and names in the beginning of sentences. Some of the dialogue was wonderful, but some overdone, and could have had more descriptions between the characters conversations.
June 23, 2021
After reading first book I was very eager to catch the next one! I am so grateful to the author Malcolm Havard for gifting me this wonderful book in exchange for review! I could hardly put the book down. I am so grateful to Booktasters for giving me this opportunity.
Genre:
Historical fiction set in World War II period.
Synopsis:
Almost a month after the fateful mission ended, while rest of his crew found their places, Douglas Atkinson- Grieve or Dag, the high-strung and burned-out pilot, is wrongfully labelled as LMF (Lacking Moral Fiber). Dag just accepts his fate and continues to serve kitchen duties. By the twist of fate, he gets a chance at redemption. Will he be able to fly again? Will he be able to prove himself? It’s time for his way back…
Review:
The book starts right where we left in the previous book. In the first book, while we do get irritated with Dag’s behavior, this book explains his side of the story. The more we read, the more we feel for his character. There were moments we actually feel like fixing the situation for him. The emotional side of this story tugs us a lot.
The author maintains the pace as in the first book, although this time the focus is more on Dag’s character development. There are more characters introduced, apart from couple of characters who mark a return. Slowly and steadily, the author ensures that we bond with the main characters. Every character has their own role to play and the author gives ample space for them to shine.
There is blossoming romance which feels quite realistic and makes us feel hopeful about Dag’s future. Be it friendship, romantic relationship or the bond with other mates, the author explores every bit of human nature beautifully.
The thrill during the mission, the urge to prove self, the past trying to catch up, – the story just gets thrilling as it progresses. The book leaves us with more questions than the first book, almost gives us a feeling of underlying mystery waiting to be unraveled.
The book, though looks strong as stand alone novel, I recommend readers to first catch up LMF Files Book 1, before reading this one. I can’t wait to read the next book!
Please don’t miss these books! Malcolm Havard really packs a punch with this one!
Genre:
Historical fiction set in World War II period.
Synopsis:
Almost a month after the fateful mission ended, while rest of his crew found their places, Douglas Atkinson- Grieve or Dag, the high-strung and burned-out pilot, is wrongfully labelled as LMF (Lacking Moral Fiber). Dag just accepts his fate and continues to serve kitchen duties. By the twist of fate, he gets a chance at redemption. Will he be able to fly again? Will he be able to prove himself? It’s time for his way back…
Review:
The book starts right where we left in the previous book. In the first book, while we do get irritated with Dag’s behavior, this book explains his side of the story. The more we read, the more we feel for his character. There were moments we actually feel like fixing the situation for him. The emotional side of this story tugs us a lot.
The author maintains the pace as in the first book, although this time the focus is more on Dag’s character development. There are more characters introduced, apart from couple of characters who mark a return. Slowly and steadily, the author ensures that we bond with the main characters. Every character has their own role to play and the author gives ample space for them to shine.
There is blossoming romance which feels quite realistic and makes us feel hopeful about Dag’s future. Be it friendship, romantic relationship or the bond with other mates, the author explores every bit of human nature beautifully.
The thrill during the mission, the urge to prove self, the past trying to catch up, – the story just gets thrilling as it progresses. The book leaves us with more questions than the first book, almost gives us a feeling of underlying mystery waiting to be unraveled.
The book, though looks strong as stand alone novel, I recommend readers to first catch up LMF Files Book 1, before reading this one. I can’t wait to read the next book!
Please don’t miss these books! Malcolm Havard really packs a punch with this one!
February 23, 2022
As a lover of historic fiction, I grabbed the book when Booktasters gave me the opportunity to review this book. Though this is a sequel, it could be read as a stand-alone also, as this is my first book of Malcolm Havard.
I can with confidence say that this author satisfies his readers with a gripping narrative on a well-researched plot. WWII and its horrors are well known and I cringe while reading a few of them. Branding the veterans of WWII as LMFs is just unimaginable when they are undergoing so much stress and trauma.
The main protagonist who is the RAF elite pilot (Dag) has been branded as LMF (Lack of Moral Fibre) and made to work in the camp's kitchen. His love for flying and his emotional turmoil every time he meets the air raid team members have been described in such detail that tugs the reader's hearts.
The author has kept the book moving at a fast pace but in chronological order. There is no jumping back and forth in this story. So that shows the amount of hard work the author has put into this main story along with the sub-stories of each and every character in this book. I would have been happier had this story been complete. Now there are some loose ends hanging at the end, maybe, they would be closed in part 3. Having read part 2, now I am getting more curious to know how it all has started and made me go back to the first book.
The life in barracks, the details about the different planes, their humming sounds, the boring life in the canteen with mundane work, the author has not spared any part and described everything in a picture-perfect way. In fact, he was just transporting the readers back into WWII time.
Thank you for this wonderful book Sir, I really had fallen in love with your narrative style and your way of captivating the readers.
Thank you Booktasters for really a wonderful book this time. All the reviews are purely personal and are not influenced by anyone.
I can with confidence say that this author satisfies his readers with a gripping narrative on a well-researched plot. WWII and its horrors are well known and I cringe while reading a few of them. Branding the veterans of WWII as LMFs is just unimaginable when they are undergoing so much stress and trauma.
The main protagonist who is the RAF elite pilot (Dag) has been branded as LMF (Lack of Moral Fibre) and made to work in the camp's kitchen. His love for flying and his emotional turmoil every time he meets the air raid team members have been described in such detail that tugs the reader's hearts.
The author has kept the book moving at a fast pace but in chronological order. There is no jumping back and forth in this story. So that shows the amount of hard work the author has put into this main story along with the sub-stories of each and every character in this book. I would have been happier had this story been complete. Now there are some loose ends hanging at the end, maybe, they would be closed in part 3. Having read part 2, now I am getting more curious to know how it all has started and made me go back to the first book.
The life in barracks, the details about the different planes, their humming sounds, the boring life in the canteen with mundane work, the author has not spared any part and described everything in a picture-perfect way. In fact, he was just transporting the readers back into WWII time.
Thank you for this wonderful book Sir, I really had fallen in love with your narrative style and your way of captivating the readers.
Thank you Booktasters for really a wonderful book this time. All the reviews are purely personal and are not influenced by anyone.
July 20, 2021
I read LMF – acronym for 'Lack of Moral Fibre’ – a few weeks ago so when I was offered the follow on book, ‘The Way Back’, I seized it.
To have the disciplinary sanction of LMF applied to you by the RAF's Bomber Command in WW2 – branded you a coward. Dag, the burnt out pilot who was hanging on by a rapidly unravelling thread, was so branded and, when we meet him here again, he’s peeling potatoes and an object of disdain.
This time, author Malcolm Havard has placed his focus on Dag and his personal and professional ‘way back’ with all roads leading to one night in February 1944. On the personal front, he gets a second chance at authentic love: “Things happen fast in wartime, we all know that…Relationships have to form more quickly, don't they?” He grows, becoming more empathetic, less self-centred. “It was the human condition, life wasn't easy, one accumulated issues, some small, some great.”
Then Havard reminds the reader that a war is on. Dag takes what seems like a gifted opportunity to regain some of his lost self-worth and confidence. We are back in the dangerous night skies where all bets are off and nothing is guaranteed. I am looking forward to a possible book three and a resolution since (spoiler alert) I really need to know that Dag found a literal way back. My thanks to the author and Booktasters for a complimentary copy in return for a fair review.
To have the disciplinary sanction of LMF applied to you by the RAF's Bomber Command in WW2 – branded you a coward. Dag, the burnt out pilot who was hanging on by a rapidly unravelling thread, was so branded and, when we meet him here again, he’s peeling potatoes and an object of disdain.
This time, author Malcolm Havard has placed his focus on Dag and his personal and professional ‘way back’ with all roads leading to one night in February 1944. On the personal front, he gets a second chance at authentic love: “Things happen fast in wartime, we all know that…Relationships have to form more quickly, don't they?” He grows, becoming more empathetic, less self-centred. “It was the human condition, life wasn't easy, one accumulated issues, some small, some great.”
Then Havard reminds the reader that a war is on. Dag takes what seems like a gifted opportunity to regain some of his lost self-worth and confidence. We are back in the dangerous night skies where all bets are off and nothing is guaranteed. I am looking forward to a possible book three and a resolution since (spoiler alert) I really need to know that Dag found a literal way back. My thanks to the author and Booktasters for a complimentary copy in return for a fair review.
May 27, 2021
Solid characters and fast paced plot keep the reader glued to this gripping story about a disgraced RAF pilot who struggles to come to terms with his life. Sequel to the book LMF, The main character Dag, finds himself stripped of rank, labeled as a coward, and peeling potatoes. To add insult to injury, his girlfriend has left him for his former best friend. Despite the abuse he faces, Dag begins to find himself at peace and starts to rebuild his life. However the pull of flying and the opportunity for a second chance threaten to upend what sanity he has achieved.
Unable to put the book down, I found myself immersed in Dag's struggles to rebuild himself while maintaining his sanity in the weeks and days before D-day. Believable characters and realistic storyline make for an excellent read. While I found myself initially confused about the passage of time, it in no way detracted from my enjoyment of the book. I highly recommend the story to anyone who enjoys a good, realistic war story that is not all guts and glory.
Unable to put the book down, I found myself immersed in Dag's struggles to rebuild himself while maintaining his sanity in the weeks and days before D-day. Believable characters and realistic storyline make for an excellent read. While I found myself initially confused about the passage of time, it in no way detracted from my enjoyment of the book. I highly recommend the story to anyone who enjoys a good, realistic war story that is not all guts and glory.
January 16, 2022
First and foremost, the book itself was solid, it could even potentially be read as a standalone novel, which is what I read it as, not knowing that it was a sequel. I do think that if I had read the first novel I would appreciate this one more, but nevertheless I did enjoy the main character's thought process and his reconciliation with himself.
The book is quite a quick read, with short and sharp chapters, but the moral of the story powers through by the end. I think the pacing was very well done, and again our main character was actually enjoyable to read. There are references to the first novel (obviously as this is a sequel); however, again it really does well as a standalone.
I think it would do me well to go and read the first novel now, but I do recommend this book for those who enjoy historical fictions with 'troubled' main characters.
The book is quite a quick read, with short and sharp chapters, but the moral of the story powers through by the end. I think the pacing was very well done, and again our main character was actually enjoyable to read. There are references to the first novel (obviously as this is a sequel); however, again it really does well as a standalone.
I think it would do me well to go and read the first novel now, but I do recommend this book for those who enjoy historical fictions with 'troubled' main characters.
May 8, 2022
an excellent read
Having enjoyed the first novel immensely it was great to read what happened to Dag and some of his crew mates. This novel as with the previous one is well written and researched. It deals with a difficult subject of what little is known. Nevertheless the author conveys the experiences of his characters in a gripping and credible narrative that manages to transport the reader into the world of aircrew facing a daily life of danger and challenges at the very edge of human endurance. I thoroughly enjoyed this excellent read from this fantastic author.
Having enjoyed the first novel immensely it was great to read what happened to Dag and some of his crew mates. This novel as with the previous one is well written and researched. It deals with a difficult subject of what little is known. Nevertheless the author conveys the experiences of his characters in a gripping and credible narrative that manages to transport the reader into the world of aircrew facing a daily life of danger and challenges at the very edge of human endurance. I thoroughly enjoyed this excellent read from this fantastic author.
November 4, 2021
As usual I started reading the sequel instead of the first book. 😀
However I easily came into the story. The main character was deepened out
very well and it also has a realistic story.
So, I really enjoyed "The Way Back". I recommend this book to all who love
historical fiction.
With lots of pleasure I give a 5 star rating for "The Way Back".
Note to the author: Please do write other books soon!
However I easily came into the story. The main character was deepened out
very well and it also has a realistic story.
So, I really enjoyed "The Way Back". I recommend this book to all who love
historical fiction.
With lots of pleasure I give a 5 star rating for "The Way Back".
Note to the author: Please do write other books soon!
May 8, 2021
Part II. A more sedate and moderating sequel to LMF until the ending, at which point the adrenaline rush begins again. The characters are so vividly real that one can’t help becoming involved in their respective fates. Worse, the novel ends on a cliffhanger and the third part isn’t to hand. (But such a lovely wait)
August 23, 2021
Good sequel… the way back indeed.
A very good follow on from LMF. The authors style has improved, and the story is less chaotic. It’s well researched, and well written, and believable. I’m still rooting for DAG and I hope the graves are not what he thinks. Book 3 please.
A very good follow on from LMF. The authors style has improved, and the story is less chaotic. It’s well researched, and well written, and believable. I’m still rooting for DAG and I hope the graves are not what he thinks. Book 3 please.
October 11, 2021
Back from LMF
Enjoyed the novel gave you an insight into the consequences , emotions of LMF as it was intended to be at the time . Horrible prejudice towards RAF crews before it was diagnosed as an illness .Will read more by this author .
Enjoyed the novel gave you an insight into the consequences , emotions of LMF as it was intended to be at the time . Horrible prejudice towards RAF crews before it was diagnosed as an illness .Will read more by this author .
November 13, 2021
Book 3 please
Enjoyable read don’t think he would have got back to flying after the court marshal, but for the sake of the story not a problem, book 2 could easily stand alone but a book 3 wouldn’t go amiss
Enjoyable read don’t think he would have got back to flying after the court marshal, but for the sake of the story not a problem, book 2 could easily stand alone but a book 3 wouldn’t go amiss
January 16, 2022
Not a bad read
A well written book ,probably going too deep into the innermost thoughts of the main character's,the storyline is very believable but I thought the ending was a bit strange
A well written book ,probably going too deep into the innermost thoughts of the main character's,the storyline is very believable but I thought the ending was a bit strange
January 18, 2022
This is an interesting book
This is well written in the style of people who spoke on ww2. However it was not my type of book in general. If you want on the other hand a imaginable story that is full of historical imagery. This is for you.
This is well written in the style of people who spoke on ww2. However it was not my type of book in general. If you want on the other hand a imaginable story that is full of historical imagery. This is for you.
September 9, 2021
Really enjoyable read. Haven’t yet read the first book in this series yet and I do hope that a 3rd is in the pipeline.
June 7, 2022
I really liked this book.
I really liked his friend, because she encourages him. In the last scene, this he dead, too .
Teen and adults should read this it. It shows the cruel of the war, even when your both on the same side.
I really liked his friend, because she encourages him. In the last scene, this he dead, too .
Teen and adults should read this it. It shows the cruel of the war, even when your both on the same side.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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