Another gigantic, almost overpoweringly complicated book. I must confess that, for the first time since I began reading this fabulous series, I found myself wishing I'd taken comprehensive notes! But I suppose what was best for me was just to let it flow, enjoy the progression. There were some poignant, powerful moments - spine-tingling in their efficacy and worrying in the impact that they had on my psyche.

Poor Donelson comes in for more than her fair share of pain in this one, and yet I still found myself hoping things between her and Thorne would keep ticking over - when they were both happy and playful they could take on the world.

But of course, the world's kicking the shit out of each other at the moment: “Negative, Green-Leader… negative… Approaching aircraft are not Luftwaffe…”, what a scary transmission! But to be aboard the Kormoran, flying that Lightning II, to be poor Evan, or even Sergeant Langdale, technically at liberty but a prisoner of the situation and his orders. So, so many things going on, and I haven't even brought up any of the German officers individually yet; Ritter was superb of course, and - I can't spoil it - but I didn't see the ending coming, I knew it would involve Brandis obviously but the twist got me right between the eyes.

What an absolute, incontestable joy to spend a week back with these familiar characters as their world continues to divulge its secrets on a path different to our own. These books are very much worth the price an I can't imagine the effort, dedication and involvement needed to produce such breathtakingly powerful and brilliant works. I'm very glad Mr jackson knows where the series is going, and equally glad I, as a thoroughly satisfied and happy reader, have this delight to come.