Blood of Honour

Impressive!

Billed as "Sharpe for WWII meets Commando comics" that description is completely correct. This is the third in the Jack Tanner series, and really its more of the same: if you liked the previous two books (The Odin Mission and Darkest Hour) then you'll like this. If military fiction is not your thing, then you won't - there is not a lot of gripping characterisation going on here, more struggle for survival with extra explosives. Blood of Honour is the 1941 Battle of Crete, and is historically accurate in details large and small (as you'd expect from a historian who also writes novels). There is a short note at the end of the book about the real campaign and how it played out: it really is a bit of a mystery how Crete fell to the Nazis. Tanner here is part of the British army dug in at Heraklion, fending off the assault by German paratroopers, while making friends and enemies (not necessarily in that order) with the locals and then retreating by RN Destroyer, pleasure yacht, foot and submarine. Holland does a good job of capturing the fatigue and disappointment of retreat after retreat for the British Army, but then again, you are never in any doubt about how it will all end: Tanner is never in any real danger, in the sense it is always clear he is our hero, for all he is drawn in the odd shade of grey. I haven't read Sharpe (yet) so can't speak how it compares in a literary sense, but this is readable, accurate and, if you want suspense, why read military historical fiction at all - the result has generally been known for a fair while! Holland is probably a better historian than fictioneer, yet one can do worse than read Blood of Honour.

This is the third novel by James Holland to feature his WW2 hero, Jack Tanner. A blend of those old war comics that some of us read as kids, Bernard Cornwell style stories and the author's historical knowledge. Cornwell comparisons are inevitable, but the author rightly identified a cap in the market for Sharpe like stories set in the Second World War. In general the series is fun and does exactly what is says on the tin, a fast moving action story laced with slightly over the top bad guys, incompetent officers and good old British fighting spirit. Here we have Tanner in Crete helping fend off the German invasion. In fairness to the author, he tries to flesh out Tanner a little more. Our hero arrives on the Island a bit grumpy about the way the allied forces are retreating and it does not take long for him to upset a new officer and the leader of the local partisans. We also learn a few more snippets about his background which helps add to the character. As German paratroopers drop onto Crete, Tanner and his men are involved in fierce fighting, but after initial success the situation changes and Tanner and co end up retreating towards the mountains and needing the support of the partisans that he has made enemies of. So it has pace and drama a plenty, it sometimes lacks a bit of the atmosphere of the time, the culture and the climate. It's an place and aspect of WW2 that I knew little about and perhaps could have done with more atmospheric background but this is still boys own stuff and an easy fun read.

I read this as i was heading to Crete. It gave a great background to what the kiwis experienced fighting there. A good story of the defense by the partisans and the allies. Not so sure about blaming Freyburg for the great loss - making decisions in that sort of situation woildnt be that clear.

Another Gripping Jack Tenner adbenture. Definitely worth a read of you're into your world war 2 history. Well recommended and can't wait to read the next instalment!

If you liked Commando comic as a kid, or enjoy the Sharpe or Cato series of military fiction as an adult then you will feel right at home enjoying this. Historically accurate with a square jawed, dead shot, hero this series is actually pretty awesome.

I really enjoy James Holland's approach with this series. As has been said in earlier reviews, the stories are woven into actual events. I think it is very well done and is a good way to learn of these events. I was inspired to read more deeply about Dunkirk after book 2 for instance and will do so with regard to Crete. These early novels are set during the darker days when the Allies were in retreat. Jack Tanner, as the lead character is not so invincible that he can avoid having the proverbial kicked out of him but he always wins through in the end in the platoon level actions he is involved with. I actually think the story lines are improving as the series gets established and look forward to more. I have read most of the Sharpe novels and think the Jack Tanner books compare very favourably.

I love the Jack Tanner series. I really wonder if I fit the demographic of the most avid Jack Tanner reader; middle aged mother. Anyway, doesn’t matter I love these books, they are like the James Bond of WWII minus the Martinis and ladies, I love James Bond too. They are fast paced full of action but there is great story telling and you feel like you could be a member of Jack’s platoon or later in the series his battalion. They should be made into films too, I think they would convert very well to the screen.

Great read. Took me back 50 years to my obsession with Commando comic books. But the writing is suitable for all ages and keeps you hooked. I like the way James Holland weaves his yarn around factual places, dates and events. Just bought my 3rd book in the series. James please write a sequel to Alvesdon which was OUTSTANDING.