In this third in his connected series of novels about the Great War, John F. Andrews explores the WWI Battle of Belleau Wood with harrowing detail.

The pivotal Battle of Belleau Wood halted the German army’s advance toward Paris. The novel’s 1918 timeline spans nearly four weeks of one of the war’s bloodiest battles and one of the first engagements with U.S. troops. Andrews clearly aims to glorify the valor and sacrifice of the U.S. Marine Corps, which then proved to the U.S. military and the world that it was a fighting force to be reckoned with. A physician, Andrews also works plentiful medical detail into his narrative, and that, along with his extensive research, provides for an engaging read.

The story follows four major protagonists. The viewpoint of Major Ab Johnson is the most developed; an Army veteran in his 40s, the major expects to be providing back-office support and somehow ends up on the front lines, where he fears for the safety of his son, a Marine. Navy surgeon Arthur “Hot Shot” Beck shows the most character development as he shifts from complaining about his assignment at the front to doing his utmost for the soldiers he treats. Rounding out the cast are Private Carl Larsen, driver and messenger, and orphaned Lyle McCormack, whose work as a medical corpsman puts him amidst brutal action.

Indeed, the action never pauses, and the novel focuses heavily on the war’s tactical aspects, skillfully delivered. The weight of the detail leaves the characters feeling a bit slighted, however, and the narrative voice is the same for all four men, leaving it hard to distinguish between their challenges and woes. Also, the stakes remain the same throughout, making it feel like the action doesn’t progress but simply wears on.

However, Andrews’ knowledge can’t be faulted. There’s no happy ending, only relief when the carnage finally concludes, but fans of war novels will find much to appreciate here.

Also available in hardcover and ebook.