I received both books from the author as part of my BookTasters reviews.

This series is about WWII airmen in England and the struggles they endured during the war. At the time of the books, England has been fighting the Nazis and their resources are dwindling. The pilots are making dangerous nighttime bombing runs. On a beat up plane a crew is facing its worst test. They have lost an engine and the crew is afraid they might not make it home. Their pilot has flown 29 missions and just needs to complete this one so he can finish his tour.

Mr. Havard places the reader alongside this crew on their mission. Each man has desires and regrets that dominate his thoughts on the run and we are able to understand their motivations with insight. The British use the term LMF to mean “Lacking Moral Fiber” or cowardice. It is a label that no one wants to have.

Dag, the main character, is anxious to finish his tour. Few pilots are able to return home and Dag wants to get this over with. He puts together a crew of available airmen and finds a plane for them, C-Charlie. The plane is air worthy, barely. There is no doubt that it will be retired after this mission. With the pieces in place, Dag gets permission to be part of the next mission. There are problems at take off and the plane is delayed by several hours. The crew attempts to make up time but encounter problems while trying to join the squadron. The tension of being in such a small confined place is very well described and the tension throughout the mission permeates the story. When the crew returns without completing its mission, they are investigated.

In the second book of the series, The Way Back, Dag has been labeled LMF and stripped of his rank. He is serving his punishment by working in the mess hall. His reputation has preceded him and he is insulted and attacked regularly. His friends and crew are very concerned for him but once you are labeled LMF, it sticks with you. Dag is regretting his choice to take full blame for the botched mission. Behind the scenes his former girlfriend paves the way for him to fly again.

Will Dag take the opportunity to fly again or will he be content to quietly serve the remainder of his time? As in the first book of the series, Mr. Havard describes the tension and fear of wartime eloquently. Dag has to overcome feelings of inadequacy, failure, and stress to renew his drive to fly.

These books are a gritty, realistic look at the pain of war. There aren’t any wonderful outcomes, beautiful romances, or proving of self. It is a raw time where events brought out the worst in so many. The first book in the series is excellent and has a detailed plot. The second book moves at a slower pace, leaving the reader wanting more with a cliff hanger. Seeing the impact of war on another Allied Nation is important. These books provide a different look at the war; the American versions of events are generally more romanticized. The concept of Lacking Moral Fiber provides a unique look into discipline in the British Air Force. Dag wants to complete his tour and may be given the opportunity to do so. What is his motivation to return to the air? Is completion important to him or is it his ego? I hope a third book will soon be on it’s way. Dag’s story needs a conclusion.

I recommend these books. It is very interesting to see another perspective on WWII events.

My Rating: Book 1 🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻 Book 2 🌻🌻🌻🌻

Additional Thoughts: America entered the war in the latter stages. Fighting took a toll on the European Allies and they had depleted many resources. Thankfully, the Americans injected new resources into a terrible situation. As an American, I understand our military involvement in WWII. Seeing the military involvement from the British side was interesting and I am glad to learn more. I found the concept of LMF very interesting. I really hope that the author does write a third book in the series since Dag’s story hasn’t reached it’s conclusion.

WWII was undoubtedly a difficult time in history. Every historic fiction book lends new insight into the events. While there is no way to understand the complete picture, I enjoy the authors who valiantly work to present their stories.