Nov 15, 2025 | Editorial reviews, Historical
“This sweeping historical trilogy, set across the tumultuous years of the Second World War and the aftermath, assembles an unlikely fellowship of prisoners united by a single imperative: survival. But survival is not merely endurance – it is also the forging of camaraderie, the capacity for forgiveness, and the stubborn insistence on maintaining humour amid unrelenting hardship.
At the centre stands Lance Corporal Richard “Jock” Mitchell, the narrative thread binding the trilogy together. Resourceful, quick-thinking, and possessed of an instinctive generosity, Jock becomes both catalyst and compass, his resolve galvanising others into acts of courage and kindness.
In the first volume, the prisoners uncover a secret of startling consequence: the Germans are concealing a cache of gold. What follows is an audacious plan to “liberate” this treasure – a scheme requiring an escape from the camp, a hiding place for the gold, and ultimately a return to captivity. The risks are immense, and failure carries consequences too grave to ignore.
The second instalment turns a stark light on the brutal conditions endured within the camps and during the forced marches between them. Yet even here the series finds room for levity and moral choice, as the group grapples with the perilous decision to rescue an innocent in a decidedly unconventional manner.
By the third book, the war is over and Jock has returned home to his wife and young daughter, attempting to lay the ghosts of war to rest. But peace proves elusive. When he is presented with a compelling proposition – to return to Poland in search of the long-buried treasure – he is drawn once more into subterfuge. Travelling under the unlikely cover of a schoolgirls’ orchestra and accompanied by British government agents, Jock soon discovers that, as ever, nothing is quite what it seems.
In the Face of the Foe ultimately affirms that even amid humanity’s darkest chapters, compassion, solidarity, and the will to persevere endure as the true triumphs. It reminds us, too, of the fragility and preciousness of life, and of the imperative to make every moment count.
The books resonated deeply with me, so immersing me in their harrowing depictions of war that I found myself constantly measuring them against the relative comfort of contemporary life. The author does not shy away from the brutal realities, but balances them with flashes of levity that illuminate the resilience of the human spirit. The result is a compelling, finely crafted narrative and a thoroughly rewarding read, one I would readily recommend,” The International Review of Books.
MORE ABOUT THESE BOOKS:
Three action-packed adventures featuring British prisoner of war, Lance Corporal Richard ‘Jock’ Mitchell. One man’s story of survival across two conflicts, told in three tales.
After surrendering to the all-conquering Wehrmacht in France in May 1940 as part of the rearguard that allows the bulk of the British army to evacuate at Dunkirk, Jock faces five years of captivity in distant Poland under the brutal Nazis, and a lifetime of trauma and torment from his memories. Disarmed and forgotten, starved, and mistreated, Jock and his friends may have thought their war was over, but it’s only just begun.
Triumphant Where It Dares Defy (1941) – For those in the British army captured holding back the advancing Germans, things look grim. The Nazis have stolen their freedom and dignity, but after a year in captivity, it’s time to steal something back. Against his better judgement, Jock finds himself at the centre of a brazen plan to give Hitler a bloody nose. To succeed, he needs to break out of the prison camp… and back in.
A Place More Dark (1945) – After five years of hell, it’s about to get worse for the prisoners of Stalag XXA. Pawns in a deadly World War endgame, victory for the starved inmates is surviving their brutal Nazi overseers and an unforgiving winter’s march across Europe. Weak and a shadow of the man he once was, Jock still finds the strength to rescue the most unexpected of companions from the dangers of war-torn Europe.
For All the Treasures Buried Far (1948) – Germany has surrendered, but for the survivors from Stalag XXA, their war never ends. Still a prisoner of the ghosts and demons from his time as a captive under the Nazis, Jock returns to Poland, where death offers a drastic means of escape from his internal torment. But a greater, more appealing prize awaits if he can survive one last adventure in a new type of war against an old ally turned enemy, the Soviet Union.
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Nov 13, 2025 | Editors' Blog, Historical
Remembering Courageous People To Show Us The Way
In these days of challenges to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs, it’s timely to look back in our history to mine lessons that could guide us to a more inclusive future. When I reflect on the struggles of minority populations, and specifically the Black community, in American history there is a period that stands out.
Prior to the end of the Civil War, Southern authorities and newspapers worked diligently to deny the reality of self-liberated slaves creating free, multi-generational, and self-sustaining communities in the South. Those locations were known as Maroons, and existed in any country that allowed slavery, e.g., Brazil, Haiti, and many more in the Caribbean and South America. In the American South, estimates indicate that over fifty Maroons existed at various times, located in areas not easily accessible, such as mountainous or swampy terrain.
The largest Maroon in North America survived in southern Virginia and northern North Carolina–the Great Dismal Swamp. Before modern development and encroachment, that swamp covered an area the size of Rhode Island. Research estimates that over 2,000 individuals lived freely in one of the worst environments. Indigenous people, who populated the Dismal for thousands of years before the first runaways arrived, often worked closely with fleeing slaves to share knowledge and skills needed to survive in the swamp. Whether the runaways chose to live alone or settled into larger communities, these amazing people built cooperative systems and a working economy to support themselves.
The basis for their economy centered on harvesting cedar trees and trading with merchants willing to skirt the law. The most in-demand product was finished timber, such as shingles. Wood products harvested and produced by Maroon residents were typically of higher quality and undersold competing products produced by enslavers. This reality demonstrated how minorities could organize and govern themselves, which threatened the myths that authorities spread to justify slavery. In attempts to suppress knowledge among enslaved people about Maroon successes, Southern governments and newspapers attempted to deny the existence of Maroon communities. Because of the vastness of the Dismal Swamp, Maroon communities deep in the swamp were beyond the threat of force.
Among the current President’s many recent directives, Executive Order 3431 directs the dismantling of historical information and exhibits at federal sites that recognize the courage and accomplishments of people who stood up to slavery. Displays and materials honoring the Maroons at the Great Dismal Swamp Refuge have been ordered for removal and will no longer tell the stories of people who refused bondage to create a better future for their children.
Like the Southern authorities attempted to deny that Maroons existed, I see parallel efforts by the current administration. Eliminating programs that support minorities growing skills and gaining resources to fully contribute to a growing economy limits the potential for a better America. A strong society needs all of its people, no matter how diverse. History shows that Southern governments allowing enslavement created economies not as strong as those in Northern states. Decisions today to handicap minorities through administration policies is the wrong direction for a vibrant United States.
What can those who chose freedom, in spite of mosquito swarms and twenty-one kinds of snakes, tell us today? We need to resist misinformation that claims DEI initiatives have no value. In our local communities, we must strive to fill the void created by the administration’s extreme actions. Initiatives with businesses, local governments, and educational institutions must continue to educate about how a diverse society creates a stronger, more creative America. Just as the Maroon residents and their communities sacrificed for a better world, the voices of history cry out to us to resist, stay innovative, and never give in to messages promoting separation.
READ MIKE’s BOOK ON AMAZON
Oct 25, 2024 | Editors' Blog, Historical, International Review of Books
We recommend this book to readers who enjoy fable-like narratives with a blend of myth and wisdom, as it offers a unique perspective on survival through being underestimated, vivid depictions of Timbuktu and desert life, and thought-provoking proverbs, despite some disjointed historical elements.
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Which line stood out from all the others in the book?
From the beginning: The mysteries of the desert were hidden within its ever-shifting sands, much like the currents and eddies of an ocean. And from the ending: What an old man sees while lying down, a young man can never see even when climbing a tree.
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General Summary for Context:
The author introduces an intriguing protagonist—an aging scholar from the renowned University of Timbuktu—whose journey home sets the stage for an epic tale. As the story unfolds, a diverse cast of characters and subplots enrich the narrative, including encounters with zombies and legendary warriors, firmly rooting the novel in the fantasy genre. However, it is equally grounded in history, with the author skillfully weaving in historical events, making it a unique blend of fantasy and historical fiction. While this genre mix is innovative and refreshing, it may present a challenge when it comes to marketing due to its unconventional nature.
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Concise Review:
Cazembi, a wise and revered scholar, embarks on a perilous journey back to the University of Timbuktu. But the year is 1591, and Africa is swept by a tide of change. Fearing the dangers of crossing the Sahara, Cazembi joins forces with two merchant brothers and the legendary warrior Ayaan. Their journey soon turns violent as they face not only a rival faction but also the horrors of the undead.The story masterfully follows Cazembi and his companions through a series of gripping trials, offering plenty of intense battle scenes. Yet beneath the excitement of swordplay lies a deeper layer of quiet wisdom, expressed through proverbs passed down from the elders.
I particularly enjoyed the rich historical detail, which vividly captures life in the desert, with all its myths and legends. While the book incorporates elements of fantasy, it is firmly grounded in historical fact, making it both entertaining and educational. The inclusion of African proverbs, such as “A butterfly cannot think it is a bird just because it can fly,” added a layer of cultural depth that I found captivating.
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General Thoughts on the Novel:
While I typically don’t enjoy books where all the main characters meet a tragic end, the premise of Kho—the character who survives not by being the wisest or the bravest, but by being the most underestimated—imbues the story with the feeling of a fable or a myth. This unique angle adds a timeless quality to the narrative, reminiscent of ancient legends.However, I found that the historical elements sometimes felt disjointed. Certain parts, particularly in the last chapter, read more like a copy-and-paste from Wikipedia rather than being seamlessly integrated into the plot. This detracted from the flow of the story, making the historical context feel a bit forced at times.That said, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Timbuktu and the lives of the desert people, which the author brought to life in vivid detail. What truly enriched the experience were the numerous proverbs and wise sayings scattered throughout the text. I found myself jotting many of them down, as they offered thought-provoking insights worth reflecting on.
Overall, despite some issues with the historical integration, the book’s blend of wisdom and myth makes for an engaging and memorable read.
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Sojourner by Ayaan Pettus is available on Amazon.
Jul 3, 2024 | Editors' Blog, Historical, Interviews
Today, we’re talking with Ayşe Osmanoğlu about her book,
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
I have five children! As every mother knows, that makes me great at juggling, balancing and multi-tasking!!
Why do you write?
I write because I want to give a voice to my ancestors and tell their story, share their memories, and describe the lost splendour of Imperial Istanbul.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
The inspiration for my book, “A Farewell to Imperial Istanbul,” came from the love and respect I have for my grandparents and the pride I feel for my family’s history. When I was young, my grandparents told me many stories about their life in Istanbul before their exile and of the terrible hardships they endured after they were forced to leave their homeland. This forged a desire in me to give voice to their experiences, to capture the essence of a bygone era, and to explore themes of family, duty, and resilience as a tribute to their memories and a celebration of the beauty of Imperial Istanbul.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
What I love most about writing historical fiction is the opportunity to escape into another world and to invite my readers to join me on the journey back in time. It’s a genre that allows me to tell forgotten stories, bring historical figures to life, and connect readers with the enduring themes of our shared history.
How would you describe your writing process?
My writing process has definitely evolved. For my first book, ‘The Gilded Cage on the Bosphorus’ I was definitely a pantser and did very little planning. However, with ‘A Farewell To Imperial Istanbul’, I adopted a much more structured approach which I think resulted in a more polished manuscript. I outlined, plotted, and planned extensively. When I eventually sat at my desk and began to write, a cold Diet Coke and a few snacks within easy reach, the right words flowed more easily so I will definitely be outlining, plotting and planning for my next book. Once I start writing, I like to re-visit and edit the scene I worked on the day before, then I move on to the next scene. I typically spend focussed blocks of time, usually about three hours, crafting one new scene at a time, in between sips of Diet Coke and nibbles of hummus and pitta!
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
I think the best thing about social media is that it is an excellent way for authors to connect directly with their readers. I am so lucky to have forged some very special relationships with some of mine, and I am so grateful for the wonderfully supportive community that surrounds my books.
What advice would you have for other writers?
My advice for other writers is simple: don’t put off writing your story. Begin today, even if it’s just a few words. There’s never a perfect time to start, so why not now? And write about something you love, something you are passionate about – write for yourself…
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
For my first book, the title came to me during the early stages of research, so that was easy! However, with my newest book, ‘A Farewell To Imperial Istanbul’, I struggled quite a bit and only settled on the title after finishing the manuscript. It took time, but I love it and think it is perfect! As for the covers, I had specific ideas in mind that talented (and very patient!) designers brought to life after some collaboration.
What’s your next step?
I have already started the research for my next book!
What book do you wish you’d written?
Oh gosh! That is a hard question! Can I pick two classics? If so I would choose ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane Austen and ‘War and Peace’ by Leo Tolstoy. I would love to be able to write about love with the wit and charm of Jane Austen, while I admire the way Tolstoy’s characters are so vividly drawn and how he weaves together their personal stories with the grand sweep of history.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
When I spot a new review for my book, my heart definitely quickens! While a negative review does hurt, I always try to focus on the positive ones and appreciate the insights readers share. It’s all part of the journey of being an author, and I’m grateful for every reader’s perspective.
FIND AYŞE’S BOOK ON AMAZON
