From humble beginnings, Johann-Egon Koppenhausen's rise in the upper ranks of the Wehrmacht has been steady but eventful. His exploits in the Great War did not save his beloved nation from defeat but as Germany rebuilt, hope sprang afresh in the form of a brash young politician by the name of Adolf Hitler. Kirill Antonovich Novikov's loyalty to his country's government was never in doubt despite the questionable acts that people whispered about. He was prepared to die for his country if need be. As the Nazis approach Moscow, destroying all in their path, Stalin chooses a location to make a final stand. These two men, spurred on by ambitious leaders, are among the thousands that will decide the fate of the world as the battle for Stalingrad approaches in Richard J. Reese's Stalingrad, Iron, and Fire.

In Stalingrad, Iron and Fire Richard J. Reese retells the story of one of the greatest battles ever fought. He approaches this account from the personal viewpoints of two individuals on opposing sides. His characters are well thought out, complete with the emotional depth that I would expect from a multifaceted story such as this one. The attention to detail is near perfect as the finer points that decided the outcome of that famous battle are brought to life vividly. Credit must go to the author for his impressive storytelling ability as he was able to weave the many threads of war into a story that puts a human face on one of the bloodiest battles in history. There have been several fictional tales based upon what happened in Stalingrad between 1942 and 1943, but I daresay this work would hold its own among its peers admirably.

Stalingrad, Iron and Fire by Richard J Reese is an explosive and powerfully emotive treatise of the turbulent years that marked the first half of the twentieth century, narrated from two widely varied perspectives - those of a German and a Soviet soldier. Johann-Egon Koppenhausen, from rural Bavarian roots, returned from the First World War intact in body but changed forever in mind and spirit. One of the earliest adherents to Adolf Hitler’s fanatical and nationalistic rhetoric, he became an avid Nazi and rapidly rose through the ranks of the Waffen-SS, gaining both respect and power amongst the hierarchy of the Nazi apparatus, even including Hitler himself amongst his colleagues. Kirill Antonovich Novikov was an early member of the Soviets NKGB primarily involved in the Soviet forced collectivism of farming in the 1930s. Following the outbreak of the Second World War and the invasion of Poland by both Germany and the Soviet Union, these two loyal and committed soldiers were destined to meet for the first time on the banks of the Bug River. It would be much later, during the bloody and horrific battle for Stalingrad, that they were destined to meet again during Hitler’s ill-fated invasion of the Soviet Union.

I am particularly fond of historical novels that weave a wonderful story in amongst the facts and personalities of momentous historical events and Stalingrad, Iron and Fire is exactly such a novel. Richard J Reese has produced an account of humanity, strategy, war, and fanaticism that is impossible to put down. The language is tough, uncompromising, and exceedingly brutal, as befits the horrific experiences the characters would undergo in the hell that is battle and more specifically the utter desolation and misery that was the siege of Stalingrad. The author’s incredible ability, through words alone, to convey the sheer desolation to readers was as good as anything I’ve read in this particular genre. The character of Manfred Oettinger was written to portray the barbarism and utter lack of humanity that possessed some Nazi soldiers of the time and the author beautifully crafted this evil character to the extent that chills ran down my spine while reading the passages describing his depravity. I particularly appreciated the structure of the book, which begins with Johann-Egon’s journey to Stalingrad, then halfway through the narrative picks up Kirill Antonovich’s life and love, before bringing both characters together to experience the harsh winter and bloody brutality of Stalingrad in August 1942 to February 1943. The author has researched and understands the period and I cannot speak highly enough of its readability and satisfaction. This is a fantastic story of a terrible time in human history and I can highly recommend this book.