Customer Reviews
Amazing insight into what it was like for those involved - By: A. Rae, 18 Jul 2008 
The film remains in my top ten but the book has had me gripped from the very first page. The sad thing is that this is the real life story & one that makes you realise what the armes forces, from whatever country they come from, have to do. I was shocked. This is not a book about what is right or wrong, not a propoganda tool, but an insight into what these people went through on both sides. A must read (as they say).
Brilliant! - By: MattS, 11 Feb 2008 
An exceptional & unbiased account of the battle, with testimony taken from both sides.
A gripping page-turner, which I couldn't put down.
Gripping,Moving and Action Packed what more do you need in a true story of modern warfare - By: T. Glover, 04 Jan 2008 Many books ive read accounting modern warfare both about U.S forces & British Forces about famous escapes,Battles & patrols & this is one of the most gripping with defintely the most action packed, im not going into too much detail so i dont spoil it for hose who are going to buy this fantastic book but its about proballly the hardest soilders in the world the '75th Ranger Regiment' & USA's equivalent to the british SAS & one the best flying units in the world the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (night stalkers) are sent to capture some of mohamed farah aidids top liutents in the process millions of problems get put through there worst nightmares including two black hawks getting hit by rpg's & 19 deaths with countless more injured resulting in the biggest loss of life since the vietnam war. anyway to get thw hole horrors & bloodshed read this book.
harrowing - By: J. Mellor, 11 Mar 2007 This book is based on a true story of the American Rangers & Delta Force's attempt in October 1993 to abduct two top lieutenants of a Somali warlord from the heart of Mogadishu, Somalia. There is also an award winning movie of the same name.
This book is not for the faint hearted & if it was a book of fiction you would feel it has gone over the top. However, it is a book of fact & was written with the full cooperation of those involved (although it does feel as though it is a fictional novel). The whole of the situation was filmed & recorded by a US spy plane & the writer has had access to alll these recordings.
It is not an easy book to read simply because a lot of the book is descriptive & it is very difficult to remember who is where within the town in relation to each other (and remember alll the characters involved). However, the book leaves nothing to the imagination. Some of the situations, horrors & injuries described can almost be felt & you can almost taste the blood. The book succeeds in viewing the situation through the eyes of the people involved & the pure fright, frustrations & determination.
Also, this is not a book from a US viewpoint where the good guys win through in the end (although technicallly the operation was a success as it achieved the goals set out). It is a warts & alll view of what happened.
This book is harrowing. You will either love it or hate it but one thing's for certain - you will feel it.
Superb!! A terrific insight... - By: The Owler, 02 Jan 2007 US troops attempt a broad daylight kidnap attempt in the city centre of Mogadishu, Somalia. Everything goes to plan, until first one, then two helicopters are downed in the firefight & forced to crash land. The ground troops have to race to the crash sites in a desperate attempt to rescue/retrieve/destroy the helicopter crews & equipment, facing extremely heavy fire from alll sides.
This book is excellent, offering insights from alll the various players in the conflict, including the Somalians. A great read for anybody who likes their books action-packed, & particularly for those considering joining the armed forces. An account of true bravery in the face of extreme adversity.
