Series: James Ashcroft, Book 2
Genres: Biography, War
Tag: Ghost Written Books
Publisher: Virgin Digital
Publication Year: 2009
Format: Ebook & Paperback
Length: 336
ASIN: B0031RS66E
ISBN: 9780753519844
The true and gripping story of James Ashcroft's audacious return to war-torn Iraq to save his friend.
Gun-for-hire James 'Ash' Ashcroft thought he'd left Iraq behind. Last time he only got out alive thanks to the bravery of his interpreter and friend Sammy. But now a call for help means Ash must once again face the chaos of war-torn Baghdad - and this time there's no pay cheque. Abandoned by the occupying Coalition Forces, Sammy and his family face certain death at the hands of the Shia-dominated Iraqi Police and the death squads that roam the streets unless Ash and his team can get in and get them to safety over the border. This is the action-packed story of their audacious escape from Baghdad. It is a gripping account of the chaos of war, where the only thing that can be relied upon is the bond between former brothers-in-arms.
Reviews
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'A genuinely terrifying insight into how execution squads now stalk Baghdad targeting people who helped the coalition forces ... An encounter with a suicide bomber is truly harrowing but Ashcroft somehow manages to blend stark realism with gallows humour ... Edge of the seat stuff,'
News of the World
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Readers who like big guns and adrenaline-buzzed adventure will love the second outing for Ashcroft and co-writer Clifford Thurlow ... Nuggets of political insight are woven through this page-turning adventure that is head and shoulders above the other military memoirs hitting the shelves,'
London Lite
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'A page-turner that will hold the attention of military readers, it is also a heart-warming tale of how military comradeship transcends money and nationality,'
War Book Review
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I'm a huge fan of 'Making a Killing' - Major James Ashcroft's first book - and I'm glad to say that his follow up is just as good as the first instalment of his time spent as a private security contractor in Iraq.
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After reading James Ashcroft's 1st excellent book "Making a Killing" I dropped him an email explaining how much I enjoyed it.
After some time to my joy he released "Escape from Baghdad" which details, how he goes back to the Hell of Baghdad to save a friend and family. It says a lot of James and his military friends that they all return, off their own backs, out of loyalty, to rescue a friend and his family from the chaos that is now the day to day slaughter in Iraq.
The book was an excellent read, exciting, sad, very thought provoking and extreamly well written. It explains in sometimes chilling detail the mayhem and suffering the poor folk in Iraq have to deal with in their day to day fight for survival. Race murder, rape, slaughter, young people as suicide bombers. Insanity in all it's glory.What on earth have we created in that country ?
I would highly recommend the book and now wait in hope for a third.
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Another fine book by the author, picked p the first book while on tour as a book swap and could not put it down between jobs, a more realistic view from the ground, it captures the professionalism and camaraderie of a team of men who are trying to do a good job, he also brings out the humanity in what is essentially a grim and impersonal experience war, with a long view of the inhabitants of the country over time. The book starts to get a picture of what it is like to live in a land who's culture is completely alien to ours. Reading about the friends made and lost gave this book more of a sentimental / realistic side (may they RIP). I also have to admit that the author's perception as to why we went to war gave me something to think about. I'd recommend this book, it's easy to pick up and hard to put down; definitely worth buying.
My only complaint was that i did not realise the paperback was out yet and when i made the purchase i did not check and was expecting a hardback. i thought i was getting an excellent buy, not to worry i am a dumb **** and the paperback was just as good.
The further humane twist / side is that the author has been giving profit from his books to support his friend Sammy, I take my hat off to you James for your integrity.
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Having read and written a review for "Making a Killing" I was really looking forward to another book by this great combination of action man James Ashcroft and writer Clifford Thurlow.
I was not disappointed, like "Making a Killing" I could not put "Escape from Bagdad" down, a great adventure story with intelligent political observations and an insight into the horrific realities of this war zone and a struggle for power which still continues today. A great read...well done that duo.
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I read the "Making a Killing" and was amazed how good it was. Now I got this one and I don't know what to say. It is even better. An interesting analysis of the situation on the ground and how it deteriorates. But mostly the mission that is leaving you biting your finger nails to the very last page. An awsome account of a mission carried out for so uncommon today reason. Another 5+! Highly recommended.
