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Book Review: The Warramunga's War by Greg Kater

Title: The Warramunga's War
Author: Greg Kater

Publisher: Zeus Publications

Genre: Historical Fiction

First Publication: 2018

Language: English

Setting places: Middle East, Asia, Australia.

Protagonist: Jamie Munro, Jack O'brien, MI6 and Australian CIS

Antagonist: German Afrika Corps and criminals

Main characters: Jamie Munro and Jack O’Brien

Narration type: Third person

Theme of book: War and the aftermath of war

 

Book Summary: The Warramunga's War


The Warramunga’s War is a story of the friendship formed between Jamie Munro and Jack ‘Jacko’ O’brien during the Syrian Campaign against the Vichi French in WWII. After Jacko rescues wounded Jamie, MI6 conscripted them to Cairo. Here, Jamie and Jacko learn about the seamy side of war in counter-espionage as they track down German spies. The principal fictional characters interact with actual historical figures and events throughout the story.


As desert war escalates to the west Cairo, the MI6 team confuses enemy with local entertainers as undercover agents. On one of his day leaves, Jacko meets a beautiful young Syrian-French girl. A strong romantic bond forms between the two during his time in Cairo.



Following the end of the desert war, Jamie and Jacko are assigned to wartime intelligence work in Southeast Asia. Both, Jamie and Jacko, initiate the Darwin operations of the CIS, after the end of the Pacific war. They are On the trail of two suspected wartime German agents. They discover the agents have formed a dangerous criminal gang with an individual they had known during their time in Cairo. The tracking skills of the Warramunga are needed to finally catch up with the murderous gang in Western Australia’s Kimberley region.


 

Major Character List: The Warramunga's War


Jamie Munro: A young Australian army officer.

Jack ‘Jacko’ O’Brien: An educated half-caste Warramunga aboriginal NCO.

Colonel Johnny Cook: MI 6 official with whom Jamie and Jacko work after they transferred to Cairo.

Sarah: Jacko’s half sister.

Matt MacAulay: One of the antagonists of the story and an Australian soldier who commits murder in Cairo.

 

Book Review : The Warramunga's WarThe Warramunga's War | The Bookish Elf


The Warramunga’s War, a historical fiction book about war and espionage, is first novel in a trilogy. Story revolves around Lieutenant James Munro and Corporal Jack O’Brien. Both were among the Australian troops that fought against the Nazi Vichy French in Syria and Lebanon. Shortly after the end of the Syrian Campaign, both, James and Jack, got promotion; they went Egypt to be part of the army’s intelligence agency in Cairo.


With the aid of other operatives, their mission in Egypt is to detect and neutralize the German agents who are in contact with Rommel, the commander of the Afrika Corps. Cairo is a place full of agents from the Germans, Italians, British, and others; and these operatives are all working desperately to find out battle plans and other secrets to give to their masters. Operating in such an insecure location, will James and Jack succeed in this mission?



Having some interesting twists, this book's plot is solid and fast paced, and set in the 1940s, the narrative features spies, mysterious crime, and adventures. Written in the third-person point of view, it explores the themes of the essence of teamwork, dedication, determination, and love. Being suspenseful and absorbing, Greg Kater wrote it wonderfully, easy to read, and full of fascinating historical details. Excitingly, it gives a fair account of the Egyptian pyramids, Sphinx, and other structures at Giza. No less, the historical setting is excellent, and the narration is compelling.


Besides, what makes it more captivating is Greg's sharp writing and gentle humor. I like the way he teamed his characters to achieve a common goal; and I commend him for his vast knowledge of the military and famous wars. Lastly, this book is balanced since it consists of enthralling and sufficient conversations, action, and narration. It's engaging and worthwhile. Undoubtedly, it will be a feast for fans of historical fiction blended with mystery and romance.






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