Title: Flight: The Dead Side
Author: W.R. Blocher
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 978-1663248510
Pages: 288
Genre: War / Military Action Fiction
Reviewed by: Lily Amanda

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Flight: The Dead Side by W.R. Blocher is a truly exciting novel that beguiles with awe- inspiring action all through its captivating storyline. It features a squad of deserters who have found it hard to survive the Enemy’s excruciating brutality and tense savagery which comprises rape, insults, and whipping amidst other deadly ordeals in the course of forced army training.

In its first pages, Blocher introduces stressing memories that are taking a toll on Sam’s mind, as he recalls repeated difficulties such as being hunted and killed for trying to flee the murderous exercises. As is famously quoted, a man who believes in freedom will do anything under the sun to acquire it. Such is the case for this group whose further stay in the Enemy’s domain, The Dead Side, poses more risk to their very existence and that of their children. Unintelligible desperation and an esoteric desire to survive have seen some of Sam’s colleagues take on heartless sergeants in brutal brawls that saw both sides suffer casualties.

Fear, anxiety, and uncertainty grip the deserters as they hop on the Hope, a ship constructed by one of the squad members whose father specialized in making boats. The squad’s adrenalizing voyage sees them navigate unfamiliar waters without being detected by the Enemy’s search parties while at the same time facing challenges such as lack of fresh water, and the occurrence of unforeseen strong tides and winds. Will the enemy invade them before they set out for a sail, or will he wait till they are offshore?

Blocher’s novel shines with a distinct level of creativity as revealed in the cordial but deeply engaging dialogues among its characters. The text also poses a compelling but twisty plot that feels different and original from the very beginning. The ingenious characters such as George, Sarah, and Debbie are relatable and for that readers are able to root for them easily as they fight against the barbarous antagonist. The inclusion of children and a pregnant woman aboard the Hope is a nice addition to the already enticing composition.

Flight: The Dead Side is a uniquely plotted read chockfull of exhilarating scenes and quick-paced activities. As the text comes to an end, readers will confirm that Blocher is an author who has mastered his craft in offering a satisfying story, whose components undoubtedly add complexity and depth to the title. The novel’s setting involves a part of the world where readers have not been, and this aspect of creative writing and imagination will hugely contribute to the book’s undeniable fate of becoming a best seller!