In the mountains and passes of Nuristan the men of patrol base Azun grind through their days and nights of constant vigilance. They hunt the Taliban and try to win hearts and minds. Trouble is coming, that is certain. How or when, where and in what form, they do not know. They fear it and also long for it. Only Lieutenant Simon Ellice, with a clarity born of grief and anger, can see the shape of it. Only he, being beyond care, will do what has to be done and pay the price. Not that he will be the only one to pay. Dead Ground is a story of the impossibility of the task assigned to British forces in Afghanistan and the heroism of some of those who attempted it.
Fast moving, genuinely exciting and a thoroughly cracking read, this short story reminds me of the best of John Buchan, albeit updated for today. It is well written, well researched and quickly creates a very believable atmosphere of what being a modern British soldier is like, warts and all. The “hero”, Simon Ellice, is thankfully not particularly likeable being irresponsible, egotistical and very self-centred. Despite all that, I want to know more about him so I can't wait for his future exploits. He does seem to generate loyalty from those he commands, so I presume he has a lot more to offer.
I read this book in a single sitting, it really is a terrific read. With many years experience of military life I am amazed at the way Humphris has managed to capture the day today stresses, routines,and unpleasantness of army life.The plot is convincing and fast moving it's tough out there.
