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Firebird: A Desert Air Force Novel
Is banishment a fate worse than death?
An unexpected one-way journey takes Bryan Hale to the city of Alexandria on the Nile Delta, and from there, headlong into a desert war that is approaching a pivotal crisis. Against his will, he is absorbed into the Desert Air Force, and an unlikely victory against the world’s most ruthless army led by the world’s most accomplished general is the only way Bryan can hope to get back to the island where he left his heart.
The warmth and succour of an old flame in Cairo, and the friendship of Snowy, his new wingman in Firebird Squadron, go some way to alleviate the dusty deprivations of Landing Ground 97.
American bombers and fighters are arriving in the desert, with whispered rumours of a gathering invasion fleet. Perhaps victory is a possibility after all…
An unexpected one-way journey takes Bryan Hale to the city of Alexandria on the Nile Delta, and from there, headlong into a desert war that is approaching a pivotal crisis. Against his will, he is absorbed into the Desert Air Force, and an unlikely victory against the world’s most ruthless army led by the world’s most accomplished general is the only way Bryan can hope to get back to the island where he left his heart.
The warmth and succour of an old flame in Cairo, and the friendship of Snowy, his new wingman in Firebird Squadron, go some way to alleviate the dusty deprivations of Landing Ground 97.
American bombers and fighters are arriving in the desert, with whispered rumours of a gathering invasion fleet. Perhaps victory is a possibility after all…
179 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 18, 2022
69 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Melvyn Fickling
7 books7 followersMy first novel, 'Bluebirds', was inspired by the life of a Battle of Britain pilot who grew up in my own hometown. Out of Bluebirds was born a purely fictional character named Bryan Hale.
My next novel, 'Blackbirds', follows Bryan Hale as he emerges from the end of the Battle of Britain and enters the new world of night-fighting in the dark winter skies of The Blitz.
'Falcons' follows Bryan to Malta where he struggles against the unrelenting Nazi siege that aims to grind the troublesome island into oblivion.
My fourth novel 'Farewell to the Glory Boys' goes further back in time to follow the RFC pilots of Jackdaw Squadron battling in the skies of France during the Battle of Arras in 1917.
Follow me to receive notifications of new works as they are released. Thank you for your continued support.
My next novel, 'Blackbirds', follows Bryan Hale as he emerges from the end of the Battle of Britain and enters the new world of night-fighting in the dark winter skies of The Blitz.
'Falcons' follows Bryan to Malta where he struggles against the unrelenting Nazi siege that aims to grind the troublesome island into oblivion.
My fourth novel 'Farewell to the Glory Boys' goes further back in time to follow the RFC pilots of Jackdaw Squadron battling in the skies of France during the Battle of Arras in 1917.
Follow me to receive notifications of new works as they are released. Thank you for your continued support.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 24, 2023
Reality of War
Fear and confusion and duty all rolled up in pure terror. The life of a couple of pilots who scramble blindly from day to day to survive. Well written and I am sure close to reality.
Fear and confusion and duty all rolled up in pure terror. The life of a couple of pilots who scramble blindly from day to day to survive. Well written and I am sure close to reality.
January 30, 2023
Likeable WW2 story
Bryan is a typical pilot as we’d like to imagine him. He has a soul and he like girls. He gives the Jerries hell and he’s a good friend.
I found his adventures fun to read.
Bryan is a typical pilot as we’d like to imagine him. He has a soul and he like girls. He gives the Jerries hell and he’s a good friend.
I found his adventures fun to read.
February 8, 2023
Reads well with good and credible phrasing.
Decent read, follows historical events and seemed to have a good grasp of the minutiae that weave together to create a credible story. Better than most I’ve read.
Decent read, follows historical events and seemed to have a good grasp of the minutiae that weave together to create a credible story. Better than most I’ve read.
February 16, 2023
Very good series. You get a real feel how it was. I do hope there will be more in this series
Very realistic I learned some new history here
My father flew P 47s in the war and I flew the F-4 and F-111. I really enjoyed this series a really realistic read. Thanks
Very realistic I learned some new history here
My father flew P 47s in the war and I flew the F-4 and F-111. I really enjoyed this series a really realistic read. Thanks
May 15, 2023
What a delightful surprise this novel was. A proper plot. Main characters with depth and nuance. Believable dialogue. Accurate adherence to the historical events that served as its backdrop. Thoroughly enjoyable.
February 11, 2023
The saga continues in fine fashion
Bryan Hale continues on his way around the Med. The author spins a believable tale of twists and turns both in the air and on the ground.
Bryan Hale continues on his way around the Med. The author spins a believable tale of twists and turns both in the air and on the ground.
April 28, 2024
very good hope there is a sequel
Riverting story keeps up a good pace with a few surprises. Look forward to the next book in the series
Riverting story keeps up a good pace with a few surprises. Look forward to the next book in the series
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews