Today I’m reviewing the audiobook version of 1914 by Griff Hosker, narrated by Malk Williams 

Here’s the blurb

In the air, we find freedom. In the summer of 1914, the world stands on the brink of chaos, and for young William Harsker, life is about to change forever. Drawn to the pride of the cavalry and the allure of glory, William trades the freshness of English fields for the muddy trenches of Flanders. But nothing can prepare him for the brutal reality of cavalry charges against merciless machine guns, where valour and death dance intimately on the battlefield.

As the war escalates, William’s fierce spirit leads him to the Royal Flying Corps, a daring shift that takes him to the skies above the carnage. In the cockpit, he transforms from an observer and gunner to a pilot, discovering an unyielding passion for aerial combat that tests his bravery in ways he never imagined. Through breathtaking dogfights and narrow escapes, William grapples with the contrast of his once-simple life back home and the dark, consuming world of war that has engulfed him.

1914 is a poignant exploration of courage, brotherhood, and the indomitable human spirit. As William faces the stark realities of loyalty, sacrifice and the abrupt loss of innocence, listeners will be drawn into a whirlwind of emotions that resonate long after the final tick. Join William on his journey; feel the thrill of flight, the weight of dread, and the bittersweet nature of heroism as the world he once knew fades into the shadows of history.

The gripping first instalment of Griff Hosker’s acclaimed seven-part British Ace series. A must-listen for fans of Ben Kane, Bernard Cornwell, Simon Scarrow and Anthony Riches. Prepare for battle – this is just the beginning.

Review

We meet Bill Harsker in the run up to World War I. We learn about his family, the estate they live on and the worry they start to feel as rumbles of war reach them.

It’s a stressful time for all and the tranquillity of their lives are shattered.

Bill heads to war along with many other brave souls, some never to return.

He has to learn fast, build relationships and find his place in the unit… but is he ready for the brutality of the cavalry unit? How can a horse compete against a machine gun?

The action is bloody, brutal and heart pounding. I’m big enough to admit a couple deaths hit hard and had me shed a tear..The saddest thing is how quickly the story moves on, mirroring life, we don’t get given time to grieve… and just when you think things are calming down.. bang.. more death and destruction..

As the war escalates its inevitable that Bill can’t come out the other end unscathed.. the respite allows him to travel home where we again see the stresses of those left behind.. those who’ve lost loved ones, those who wish to fight but can’t, and those just living day to day in the hope the war will end.

The break allows Bill to refocus.. he loves the cavalry but when the opportunity arises to join the Royal Flying Corps it’s a chance he can’t turn down.

The action again moves quick as Bill shows how natural it is for him to fly, but to also lead.

I particularly enjoyed seeing Bill need to deal with clashing personalities and goals.. no one needs a glory hunter in the air if it means others getting hurt.

Plot wise I loved it. It moves super quick but for me felt natural..just like Bill would have been, we are in the dark about the war, only the powers that be know their plans and that just plays into the pace perfectly as the objectives change and things heat up.

Character wise the development was spot on. I felt connections with some, others leave us too soon but that plays into the scenario.. not every one can make it out alive but even those deaths play a part to develop that characters meaning and enhance Bill’s journey.

I noted from the synopsis the word “bittersweet” is used and I couldn’t agree more. There’s a lot to Bill that makes you smile, the playful moments when he notices he’s forgot to write home when he made a promise to do so for example..and then the sadness hits as to how his family must be worrying.. but then hits harder when you know some families would be waiting for letters that will never be written.

I wish we had more time but war waits for no man.

A great intro to a series and I must admit the narration by Malk Williams was beautiful, The tone and pace blended perfect with the urgency of war.

The book is a perfect depiction of sorrow and hope.. and with more books in the series to crack on with I’m a happy man!

5/5 stars

To find out more head to Goodreads or head to the authors website, word of warning.. Griff seems to be prolific so best warn your bank now ha.