5 stars for Operation Holdfast by Andrew Weston #historicalfiction #historicalactionadventure #warfiction #wwII #bookreview
- N. N. Light
- Mar 11
- 3 min read
Title: Operation Holdfast
Author: Andrew Weston
Genre: Historical Action/Adventure, War Fiction
Book Blurb:
In one of the most decisive battles to take place following the D-Day Landings, 47 (Royal Marine) Commando were successful in ousting the resident German artillery and infantry regiments still dug in at the heavily fortified fishing harbor of Port-en-Bessin, to take control of the region. Having done so, they were expected to hold the ground they’d fought so hard to win.
No easy task, for not only had 47’s strength been drastically reduced during that offensive, but they—like all the other Allied units to arrive in Normandy following the opening stages of Operation Overlord—were introduced to a new style of combat: Boscage warfare.
Averaging out at well over fifteen feet in height and bolstered by a thick girdle of nettles and brambles—torturous to navigate along their base—the hedgerows of France were verdant fortresses, providing both protection and cover for the defenders, and an assault course of thorns and thistles and booby-traps for those trying to attack.
And, as Company Sergeant Major Richard—Lion—Hart, CGM, knew only too well. . .
The longer fighting in such a claustrophobic environment was allowed to continue, then the more his men would bleed. No matter how well trained they were.
My Review:
The heavily anticipated second book to the 47 Commando series and it didn't disappoint. Following up such a brilliant series book one is a tough call for most authors, but Andrew Weston has done a splendid job here! The fictional story of Company Sergeant Richard Lion Hart continues right after the successful conclusion of book one.
The reader is treated to the accurate portrayal of the day to day business of a small unit. There are myriad tasks to accomplish when not in combat. One of the best things illustrated in this story is the arduous task of working in replacement soldiers for those wounded or killed. Never as simple as just putting one in place of the other. The accuracy of this detail is exceptional in this book.
The story is book two of this amazing series but can be read as a standalone. There is enough background provided in subtle ways to keep a new reader fully up to date. The action scenes here are very accurately portrayed again. There is nothing clear about combat. The intensity of each moment is very accurately shown in this amazing work.
The third book is now hugely anticipated by this reader. As one who has read and studied military history for almost my entire life, this book is one that military fiction and military history buffs must get their hands on. This entire series is going to be one of the best ever, I feel.
My Rating: 5 stars
Buy it Now:
Amazon UK:
Author Biography:
Andrew P. Weston is a bestselling author from the UK who lives with a large amount of rescue cats in a medium sized house on a small Greek island.
A former Royal Marine, he is a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association, the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers, and the Western Writers of America. He also reviews articles for Amazing Stories and The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction in his spare time.
His latest pursuit – that of writing action-adventure thrillers – has only just begun, as is his quest to create a story that blends the very best elements of Tom Clancy with Robert Ludlum.
Social Media Links:
Website/blog: https://andrewpweston.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @WestonAndrew
Reviewed by: Mr. N