The Odin Mission

Sergeant Jack Tanner #1

by James Holland

Fans of Sharpe will love the first novel in the Jack Tanner series. Set in Norway, April 1940. Sergeant Jack Tanner and his Yorks Rangers, separated from the main battalion, are drawn into a desperate mission to smuggle Norway’s King Haakon’s treasures to safety.


From the Hardcover edition.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, World War II, Historical, War, Military Fiction, Thriller

384 pages, Paperback

First published June 10, 2008

About the author

Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name

James Holland was born in Salisbury, Wiltshire, and studied history at Durham University. He has worked for several London publishing houses and has also written for a number of national newspapers and magazines. Married with a son, he lives near Salisbury.

Reviews

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A less than perfect deployment of British troops trying to halt the German advance through neutral Norway during WWII in 1940.

Certainly not Britain’s finest hour. Set amid the historical fall of this peaceful country there is little to take comfort from as ill-prepared and poorly equipped novice soldiers in the main face humiliating defeat after defeat against a much better trained and Co-ordinated fighting force.

Enter the fictional hero, Jack Tanner who has skirmishes with officers while training to fashion his men into a fighting unit that can endure and live to fight another day.

Tasked with an impossible mission we see his struggles but resolve to get the task done. A career soldier who has echoes of the solders that were victorious in the Commando Comics I read as a child. Here though is a mere sergeant, battle hardened, a crack shot and with the increasing support of his unit he snatches victory from the jaws of defeat, against a superior enemy and odds.

A pulsating novel, full of action, mystery and intrigue. Where the Germans are seen to be able to advance almost at will and where Tanner and his man fall behind enemy lines. The set piece action is realistic to a point but the bullets never seem to hit Jack while his interventions are often critical and bring victory in the battles he fights.

An escape of sorts. A patriotic diversion amid a calamitous defeat. Loved the balance between conflict and conduct on the battlefield the adrenaline of battle beside the realities of soldiers losing their lives. Bought home as the historical writer details the burial of the dead, the pain and fear of being wounded and the futility of war. This marks the book out for me as more than a disposable thrill giving read - to become a more reflective piece on all violence.

Sufficient that I enjoyed it with guilty pleasure.

[Chris Wray · Rating 3 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this, what a perfect book to read on holidays - zippy, action-packed and fun. It's been well described as a Commando comic in novel form, or as Sharpe for the Second World War, and was every bit as enjoyable. I love James Holland's non-fiction, and the same research and attention to detail come through here.

Writing fiction is a very different skill, and that can be seen in parts and especially in some wooden characterisation. But all in all, this was thoroughly entertaining and I am sure the series will improve as it continues - I look forward to reading the next one and following Sgt. Tanner as he ploughs through the Boche at Dunkirk!

[Carol Ellwood-Clarke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've ranked this as 3 * as it was a first historical war book I've read. Whilst not rushing to pick up another soon it challenged my normally reading genre! More for the male species.

[Robin Braysher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am something of a James Holland fan. I listen to his podcast (We Have Ways...), watch him on TV and read his books - even some fiction - although this is my first foray into the 'Jack Tanner' series. Sergeant Tanner is a good, solid action hero: an experienced soldier, thoughtful yet aggressive, tough, uncompromising, but who has a problem with authority, especially when it is incompetent, pompous, etc. (as it so often is!). This is a ripping yarn set in the rather overlooked campaign in Norway and rattles along quite well, with 'boo hiss' villains and a few twists and turns but, I'm afraid to say, I will not be following Tanner's war any further. Maybe it's my age, but I just don't seem to enjoy these sorts of stories anymore (I'm the same with Bernard Cornwell's 'Sharpe'). Perhaps I'm getting squeamish about the bone-crunching violence, but also they're just so humourless. I remain a devoted Flashman fan and you certainly get plenty of laughs with him - but maybe I prefer my 'action heroes' to be disreputable poltroons! So, sorry Mr Holland, but I'll be sticking to your excellent non-fiction in future.

[Mark Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A World War 2 espionage and small-group action thriller, The Oden Mission is set in the early days of World War 2 (the invasion of Norway, specifically), and follows a small group of British rangers who were cut off from their unit and then stumbled onto a mission of vital import for the war: guiding a mysterious Norwegian scientist to safety. As the British expeditionary force stumbles backwards in defense, crippled by lost supply ships, German forces envelop the country. We follow Sergeant Jack Tanner and his men as they survive the harsh Scandinavian landscape, made all the more savage by the lingering winter, and work desperately to evade capture by German forces. The task is made all the more challenging by an incompetent French lieutenant who asserts command, and the presence of a traitor within the ranks.

[Daniel Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

My father was a Vietnam Vet and my Grandfather served in one of the world wars, so I was raised with respect for the sacrifices our soldiers had made. All the soldiers I met as a boy were old.

In the Second World War, Jack Tanner is leading his men back to the Allies out of Norway but on the way they come across a man they must help because his survival is essential to a victory for the Allies. Tanner and his men selflessly put aside their own desires and do their duty.

Despite my family history, I'm not a lover of war books, or anything to do with war really. But this novel worked for me on so many levels. The soldiers are young men who bumble along, going in pursuit of their objectives but making a lot of dumb mistakes along the way. They are heroes, but not in a Hollywood over-the-top dramatic way; the heroism is understated.

You don't have to be into war books to enjoy this. If you like a good adventure, you should read it. But if you do like war stories, then you'll have a lot of fun with it.

[Roy Szweda · Rating 3 out of 5]

James Holland is well worth our attention either on screen or on the printed page. His non-fiction books are worthwhile ways of exploring often complex subjects without the sometimes stodgy plod you can encounter despite the cover blurb.
This is his first novel I think, certainly it was my first go at this Tanner series and summing up I would say that it was your proverbial mixed bag. An author doing his best to bring his research more into human focus via his own hero a British Army NCO with some experience out in India applying it to the warzones of WW2. Along the way we shall no doubt see him caught up in derring doings on key fronts and what better place to start than to see him meet those fiendish Bosche in Norway.
In picture postcard scenes, danger lurks around every pine tree as a well-equipped Wehrmacht meets the Brits for the first time, badly-equipped and in smaller numbers. Not least completely lacking in air cover... or tanks... or heavy weapons etc. They do their best to safeguard some locals all the time knowing the game is up because some real nasties are out to get them...
You feel safe in Jim's hands thanks to his thorough knowledge, as far as I could tell, of the machinery of war. You even get stuff on bullets and obscure Jerry tanks! Panzer Six? Yep, it was there... a dead-end of course but a little cameo was fun.
But I found myself wishing I could get to the end faster. It really was a tortuous trail for our little band of good guys, some not so good, etc. But suffice to say the end is the closing of just the first chapter of Tanner's saga. And good thing too.
Others have inevitably compared Tanner to the beloved other fictional heroes of war, Battle comic had several, 2000AD even, Commando certainly. At times he also reminded me of a grounded Biggles! What he is not is a Sergeant Steiner of Iron Cross fame, nor Porta, Revell and co I have enjoyed in Hassell, Rouch and Kessler books. So don't expect whoring, profanity, drinking etc in Tanner's life tho there is a token romance thrown in to make sure we know he aint a robot.
Altogether a nice read for the hols but maybe 80 pages too long and yet I shall read more in this series. Darkest Hour awaits!

[Jeff Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first Second World War book I have ever read, my preference usually being ancient history, especially Roman, but in all honesty I saw this book for 50p in a charity shop and intrigued by the cover/title, decided I had nothing to lose but time by trying it.

I think at least one of the other reviewer's said in their review that it felt like reading one of the old Commando type comic books as opposed to something by Leo Kessler or Sven Hassle, and I wouldn't disagree.

I think I'm right in saying this was the author's first attempt at fiction writing and that is evident by some of the all too wooden supporting characters in the book. Some of the language used and I don't mean foul language as there's very little in this book, doesn't sit as quite right either, but the lack of swearing means that the book can appeal to a wider audience and that's no bad thing.

That said, I quite enjoyed the book which moved along at a fair pace and the basic story wasn't too bad - sort of a 20th century Richard Sharpe is what it felt like.

In conclusion, not a book I would jump up and down with excitement about but if I happen to stumble across the sequel, which I'm sure there must be, I will certainly give it a try. The more the author writes the more realistic and rounded his characters will become I'm sure.

[Christopher Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is sold as "Richard Sharpe in WW2" and I can kind of see it. Jack Tanner is the big tough guy who fights really well, but where Sharpe started out rough and raw, Tanner has had experience in Africa and other places, making him experienced and capable.

Many of the typical Sharpe elements are there, including an escort quest like Sharpe's Rifles and there's the usual slightly incompetent and annoying superior officer to struggle against. Tanner has his sidekick, a burglar from his part of England, and Tanner has to find a way through the impossible using luck, skill, intuition, and experience.

Overall its okay, I wasn't as engaged as I hoped I would be, and Tanner nudges up against the over-competent at times, particularly his shooting skills but its a decent story of survival and struggle against nearly overwhelming German invading forces. This is very early in the war, and Germany is simply steamrolling everyone in their path, including the ill-equipped, poorly-supported English troops sent to help Norway.

Sadly, this didn't convince me to want to read any more of the series.

[Mark Adkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book in the "Sergeant Jack Tanner" series, a military historical fiction set in WWII with the main character a Sgt in the British Army.

In this book we are introduced to the main character Sgt Jack Tanner a career soldier at the beginning of WWII who is part of the ill fated British Force that was sent to Norway to halt the German advance of that country.

When reading military historical fiction I find myself always comparing the books to the successful "Sharpe" series. Unfortunately while the setting and era are interesting the characters were not. They did not feel really authentic just a means to pass on historical info to the reader.

I did enjoy the book, the fact that is written by an actual military historian, James Holland, who has several successful books on actual WWII events makes the setting and events interesting. It is only the first book in the series so I am hoping they can better develop the characters so that they are more realistic and relatable. I will be reading the second book in the series.

[John A. Hopkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

We are introduced to Sergeant Jack Tanner in Norway. The German invasion is progressing at pace, and British troops everywhere are in retreat after a disastrous attempt to stop the German advance. As winter turns to spring, Tanner and his men must battle not only the Germans, including the vengeful Zellner, but also a cantankerous French officer, all whilst protecting a mysterious professor who the Germans are desperate to get their hands on.

Tanner is a typical boys own hero, with no task beyond him. He is smarter than the officers he serves, has the experience to command the respect of his men and knows just what to do in every situation. I suppose all heroes have to be this way. The premise for rescuing the professor is a bit of artistic licence prescience which I though was well used, and the story itself is pacy enough. Obviously Mr. Holland knows his stuff in terms of the WW2 setting. It kept me interested, and I expect much the same from the remaining four books in the series which I have just downloaded as they were all on offer.

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I grew up in the 1970s reading the Warlord comic, and I must admit that Jack Tanner was reminiscent of characters like Union Jack Jackson and Spider Wells. It really did feel like a war comic (misnomer?) in novel form. Nevertheless, it was a pacy read, and the descriptions of the Norwegian campaign and military equipment and practices of the time were very accurate, as far as my knowledge goes. I sense that the author has genuine respect for his subject, and the ordinary British soldier caught up in the events he describes.

I shall continue with the series, and hope to see further character development as it progresses.

[Gareth Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, that was fun.

This is a breezy, action packed, page turning, ripper of a yarn, featuring Sergeant Jack Tanner as he crosses Norway during the disastrous British military campaign of 1940. I've read some of Holland's non-fiction historical work in the past and enjoyed it (Italy's Sorrow and Battle of Britain). Holland brings the historical detail and knowledge of the campaign brilliantly to bear, as the historical back drop to what is essentially a Commando story.

I just hope the rest of the series is as enjoyable as this was.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book and it was full of great details about a lesser known campaign during the war.

It would possibly have been even better if the main character was not so much of an archetype (the tough as nails sergeant who is too good to be real, knows better than all the officers and is very much the type of character that would be played by John Wayne. He's basically the WWII version of Sharpe).

I would recommend it as a fun read and will probably read the sequels at a later date....

[Sonny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sergeant Jack Tanner of the Kings Own Yorkshire Rangers is fighting his way through 1940 Norway trying to catch up with the retreating British army. Along the way he has picked up a mysterious civilian he has vowed to a dying Colonel to keep out of German hands and get him to Britain if he can.
Actually my rating is 3 1/2 stars but I always round up since Goodreads does not allow 1/2 stars. It's a pretty good war novel but it is sluggish in some areas.
Still debating on whether or not to put the second in the series on my to read list.

[Matthew Cunningham · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful. Seemingly an attempt to capture the vibe of the old Warlord/Commando comics with a touch of various WW2 movies thrown into the mix, it fails due to its paper thin plot, underdeveloped supporting characters and totally unbelievable action man hero (the plastic doll is somewhat more charasmatic than Jack Tanner). What could have been a thrill a minute boys own adventure is a soulless bore sorely lacking in excitement.

[Daniel Andersson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Underhållande utan att lämna ett bestående intryck. Huvudpersonen är en klassisk hjälte - han är smart och kapabel, det mesta går hans väg, och när det inte gör det så räddar han ändå upp situationen. Vändpunkterna kändes dock lite tafatta och inte särskilt överraskande, och kärleksrelationen mitt under brinnande krig var något malplacerad. Plusbetyg för att miljöerna och tidsandan kändes trovärdig, och att den historiska bakgrunden vare sig förvanskades eller beskrevs i långa infodumpar.

[Spenser · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid 4 1/2 stars. Gritty down in the dirt WW2 quasi historical fiction read. Have had the Jack Tanner books on my to-read radar for some time. They are seemingly hard to find but managed to snag this one from Thrift Books. Hopefully I can stumble upon the others as this looks to be a good series for anyone interested in World War 2 reading.

[John Boyda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cracking good read! A lost patrol behind enemy line during the German invasion of Norway teams up with other stragglers to protect a scientist. During the debacle of the British/Norwegian holding action/retreat they try to make it to ever-shifting friendly lines. Full of realistic action. Well written with a believable hero. Looking forward to reading the next in this series.

[Leslie Betts · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Perfect Start to a Promising Series

A great story on a little known episode, for me, of the Second WW. It is James Holland so you know it is well researched and at times very informing. It reminded me of the Battle and Commando war books/comics of old but without the illustrations.

[Smithers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by James Holland and really appreciated his meticulous attention to detail, well-drawn characters and relentless pace of the action. I highly recommend The Odin Mission and am only disappointed that this is the first in a series of five! I will now look for other authors who meet James' high standard;

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good knowledge of the times and extremely atmospheric. Felt the ending was a little rushed but other than that felt that the pace throughout was good and the story line was amazing! Couldn't put it down in the end.

[Shaun · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love James Holland military history books, this was dare I say ok. Enjoyable but it was a historian putting too much detail, I guess the challenge when you want to be exact it could cloud the narrative...

[Mr Gary Labbett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read

I enjoyed the pace of this book and found it difficult to put down. I also enjoyed the WW2 setting and hadn't read much about the Norway campaign previously to reading this book. Looking forward to reading more Jack Tanner stories.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A roller coaster of a Second World War adventure, worthy of a well known military comic book. This is what you get when a historian is “let off the leash”! Adventure, but with the benefit of historical accuracy. I love this variety of novel, in any period of history. Roll on Jack Tanner #2!

[M.J. Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining read with excellent historical notes/details. A sort of Sharpe for WW2. Peaked my interest so I'm reading the sequel next.

[Pete Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth reading

Great read a story of true British
guys more enjoyable because it based on facts. Also giving an understanding of what happened when bad planning took place

[Ben Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Great book and thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Marmalade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow to begin with but as it gathered momentum it did get better