Nigel Cawthorne

Very interesting table-top book aiming at providing short information on military formations from ancient to modern times. Each unit is presented on 4 pages with illustrations, important dates and details from lives of some of the important characters from these units.

While descriptions of units up to modern times are good for modern times they seem ... rushed and little bit over simplified.

Also literal translation of Waffen-SS (Weapon-SS (?)) was little bit off-putting. On the good side author gave a correct picture of this notorious formation.

But all in all solid 3.5 stars - for people interested in military units they will find little new things (maybe in some old units from premodern-times) but for new readers (and as an index of sorts) it is good book.

Since 3.5 is not possible I rounded it to 4 because book is rare one on this subject and with this format.… (more)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the early copy of the book. First and foremost, I am a fanatic of true crime, assassinations, etc. I've been reading about the JFK assassination for years and have come to my own conclusions. So when a book such as this comes out, of course, I am going to jump all over it. The title says it all in nutshell. Many times one hears that assassinations don't accomplish what the killer(s) set out to do, that is, if they even have an agenda or reason for killing. The murders put forth in this book truly did change the world and the author provides details on just how those changes came about because these people were killed. What i loved about the book is that it shed light on murders I wasn't that familiar with, coupled with the effects of those murders. A truly insightful and fascinating read.… (more)

Fantastic!

You can always tell when an author loves the topic of their book so deeply, and has true knowledge of the real world places they are writing about. This book breathes tradition, and alumni. I loved that with each chapter, it had me questioning if I could really go and see this, if this was what life was like at yale. It made the magical elements of the story that much more engulfing.

The story isn't written with a linear timeline, which adds so much to the suspense. I was on edge for the whole book, I needed answers so many questions, and I couldn't read fast enough to get them! The ending was perfection, left just the right questions opened, but gave a solid closure.

The magic has boundaries / rules, it's so believable. This could be present day, a haunting true story. No wand waving or unimaginable spells. Very well researched, and written. I can't wait for the next book!… (more)