Island of the Phoenix

Submitted by Jim Greenwald on February 25, 2013 - 11:30

Book Information:
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Cover:

Author's Summary

Same war, different enemy... Captain Michael Hollands, United States Army Air Corps, is a combat-hardened pilot, battling Nazi fighter planes for control of the skies over North Africa. His life is difficult and sometimes it's brutal, but he understands his place in the world, and he understands the rules. Then an unexpected change of orders yanks him out of familiar surroundings, and sends him half-way around the world to fight the Japanese in the South Pacific. Shuffled to an obscure air base in the Solomon Islands, he discovers that his assigned unit has transferred to a new operating area, taking their aircraft with them. Without planes or official sanction, Hollands must beg, borrow, and steal to build a fighter squadron that will take the war to the enemy's doorstep. But nothing can prepare him for what happens when he crash-lands on an unnamed island behind Japanese lines. Marooned among a handful of heroic survivors, he is about to discover the true meaning of loyalty, patriotism, courage, and love. The Japanese Imperial Navy has no idea what's in store for it. And neither does Mike Hollands...


MWSA Review

Island of the Phoenix places a diverse set of characters in a World War II South Pacific setting that the author brings to life with exciting action. The heroes are a mix of military personnel  from multiple service branches trained in different specialties who must overcome  with scant resources and no guidance. They will face a constant threat of enemy aircraft and must use their wits to outsmart their adversary – not just for their survival but to gather intelligence to give their side the tactical advantage.

The lead character, Army pilot Michael Hollands, finds himself in a whirlwind of activity. He ends up facing arduous and hostile conditions both inside and outside the cockpit.  He works with locals and friendly troops of chance to defeat Japanese adversaries, find his way to remote but important islands, and transform abandoned and seemingly useless equipment into resources of opportunity.

The author demonstrates an impressive creativity by crafting a peppery band of characters and by presenting them with a diverse sequence of dangers and challenges that require inspired ideas and action to overcome. 

Reviewed by: John Monteith (2013)

Author(s) Mentioned: 
Mills, Vic
Reviewer: 
Monteith, John
Work Type: 
Book Reviews
Tags: 
Fiction
Historical
Military