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The Circumstantial Enemy: An astounding, based-on-true-events WW2 thriller Paperback – October 25, 2017

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 80 ratings

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On the wrong side of war, there is more than one enemy…

When Croatia becomes a Nazi puppet state in 1941, carefree young pilot Tony Babic finds himself forcibly aligned with Hitler’s Luftwaffe. Unbeknownst to Tony, his sweetheart Katarina and best friend Goran have taken the side of the opposing communist partisans. The threesome are soon to discover that love and friendship will not circumvent this war’s ideals.

Downed by the Allies in the Adriatic Sea, Tony survives a harrowing convalescence in deplorable Italian hospitals and North African detention stockades. His next destination is Camp Graham in Illinois, one of four hundred prisoner of war camps on American soil.

But with the demise of the Third Reich, repatriation presents a new challenge. What kind of life awaits Tony under communist rule? Will he be persecuted as an enemy of the state for taking the side of Hitler? And then there is Katarina; in letters she confesses her love, but not her deceit… Does her heart still belong to him?

Based on a true story, John Richard Bell’s
The Circumstantial Enemy is an energetic journey to freedom through minefields of hatred, betrayal, lust and revenge. Rich in incident with interludes of rollicking humour, it’s a story about the strength of the human spirit, and the power of friendship, love and forgiveness.

John Richard Bell was born in Chigwell, UK and now resides in Vancouver, Canada. Before becoming an author of business books and historical fiction, he was the CEO of a Fortune 500 company and a global strategy consultant. A prolific blogger, John’s musings on strategy, leadership and branding have appeared in various journals such as Fortune, Forbes and ceoafterlife.com.
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (October 25, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 324 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1973147203
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1973147206
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.1 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.81 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 80 ratings

About the author

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John Richard Bell
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Before becoming an author of business books and historical fiction, John Bell was a CEO, global strategy consultant, and a director of several private, public, and not-for-profit organizations. A prolific blogger, John's musings on strategy, leadership, and branding have appeared in various journals such as Fortune, Forbes and ceoafterlife.com.

John's novel, 'The Circumstantial Enemy' chronicles the trials and capers of Tony Babic, a young pilot who finds himself forcibly aligned with Hitler’s Luftwaffe in 1941. Unbeknownst to Tony, his sweetheart Katarina and best friend Goran have taken the side of the opposing communist partisans. The threesome soon discover that love and friendship can not circumvent this ideals of this war. Like many of the adventure novels of Wilbur Smith and Bryce Courtenay, 'The Circumstantial Enemy' is an energetic journey to freedom through minefields of hatred, betrayal, lust, and revenge. Rich in incident and rollicking humor, it's a story about the strength of the human spirit, and the power of friendship, love, and forgiveness.

John's business book, 'Do Less Better - The Power of Strategic Sacrifice in a Complex World', was released by Palgrave Macmillan USA in 2015. This book helps leaders recognize the complexity within their businesses and suggests how they can simplify and streamline through specialization and sacrifice. For leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs who need help embracing the practices that foster agility, foresight, and resilience, 'Do Less Better' provides a tool-kit of road-tested strategies.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
80 global ratings
I couldn't put it down - COVER to COVER great. My fingers just kept turning the pages
5 Stars
I couldn't put it down - COVER to COVER great. My fingers just kept turning the pages
WoW, just the book I was looking for. Well written and read fast. I couldn't put it down - COVER to COVER great. My fingers just kept turning the pages. That's a good sign of a great read. Another one soon please Mr. Bell.Lynn S
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2017
I recently purchased John Bell’s new WWII novel The Circumstantial Enemy on the recommendation of a good friend.

Initially apprehensive, as I don’t normally favour that particular literary genre, I skim-read the book – however, by the time I was three-quarters of the way through, I realized this novel held much more promise than originally anticipated. I am pleased to report I have now read the book in full and thoroughly enjoyed it. Bell's engaging characters and plot twists and turns held my attention throughout, as they led me on a dangerous and emotionally charged ride through the fog of war and the early days of European communist occupation.

Though in the main violent and roughly hewn, The Circumstantial Enemy is not without quiet and tender moments that speak to love and humanity. All in all, a story well told.
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed The Circumstantial Enemy. The story is engrossing, all the way to the nail-biting ending. I especially appreciated the character Tony Babic who embodies the contrasting nobility and flaws that typify the human condition. It was illuminating to get a first-hand accounting of what was going in World War II Croatia as well learning about life for the non-Nazis in a POW camp. John Bell writes in a style that is engaging and easy to read. My only complaint is it was hard to put the book down, and I stayed up later than I wanted several nights.
Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2017
This fast-paced saga spans 1941-1952 and carries you from the politics of Croatia (then Yugoslavia) to prisoner of war camps in America and post war Europe. Compelling characters, the intrigue and brutality of war and a poignant love story all make this a fine read. War and history buffs will love this fact-based novel but so will everyone who loves a compelling story.
Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2017
This novel came recommended and has proven to be an atypical WWII story ( for most North American readers). The author brings many characters to life, against a well researched back drop of WWII from the Croatian perspective.
The action hits immediately, as does a love story. The novel moves quickly and balances multiple story lines nicely.
The author is known for his business related content, however, bridges the gap to fiction effortlessly.
Check it out.
Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed ever page of this roller coaster by John Bell. I found it to be a fascinating and gripping portrayal of true life characters caught in the most difficult circumstances that I can possibly imagine. Hero's, villains, and even some romance mixed in...the plot had it all. I couldn't put it down.
Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2018
Excellent read! Interesting WW2 history lesson, wonderful characters, intriguing adventure, and poignant love story. John Bell’s novel takes one on a journey of multiple emotions. Bravo!
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2018
I loved your new WWII suspense thriller! Wow! What a very personal, emotional, historical and very big literary challenge, writing this kind of thriller. This book brought out anger, sadness, humility, compassion, some humour and a crazy romance ... a very moving story right up to the very last page. Very well done! Lin
Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2018
The Circumstantial Enemy drew me in from the first page. A very informative and exciting read. It reminded me of the days when I used to read Robert Ludlum and Ken Follet ...where I couldn’t read fast enough as I just had to find out how it was going to end!

Top reviews from other countries

Maureen H.
5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating Story!
Reviewed in Canada on February 18, 2018
An excellent read that kept me turning the pages but never wanting the story to end! The Circumstantial Enemy is a great historical novel that reveals the ugliness of war and the aftermath and one mans resilience and struggle to survive it all. The love triangle adds an intriguing dimension to the story and I found all of the characters both believable and fascinating. I look forward to more from this author!
Judi Lees
4.0 out of 5 stars A Compelling Story
Reviewed in Canada on November 22, 2017
This fast-paced saga spans 1941-1952 and carries you from the politics of Croatia (then Yugoslavia) to prisoner of war camps in America and post war Europe. Compelling characters, the intrigue and brutality of war and a poignant love story all make this a fine read. War and history buffs will love this fact-based novel but so will everyone who loves a compelling story.
LizA
5.0 out of 5 stars A rip-roaring read from start to finish
Reviewed in Canada on August 28, 2020
This book takes your breath way. You're never bored for a minute. And l learned so much about the other sides of war, the ones that are so often kept in the shadows.