Accurate, detailed and moving

I served in the same places only months prior.
Kim Pulls no punches and details the utter mess that is Afghanistan. Every soldier who served outside of Bastion will certainly identify with almost all of this crazy place and time.
The tears, exasperation and even the last minute changes which make you want to explode. But you smile, swear, take the Mickey and move on.
This is outstanding on audible.

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author seems a bit cocky

I found that the book never really seemed to get going. just a few stories about different missions that seemed a bit mundane. at the end of the day it's a bomb and it's dangerous. The beginning was more exciting than the ending.

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outstanding

a riveting listen told by a true hero. if your having a bad work day think of this guy risking his life to clear a mine field that gets replanted by the Taliban as soon as his team has gone back to base.

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Interesting Story About a Dangerous Job

This is a story about courage - a look at a very different sort of job (the kind that can end very badly in a moment). Centered around Kim Hughes' time in Afghanistan during the war - with daily missions to deal with IEDs it seemed almost pointless at times. Constantly clearing bombs only to have to come back and clear them again. Seeming perhaps petty - I did find his personal views about situations, people, his marriage somewhat wearying and times a little self pitying. That said he was more kindly towards his wife (possibly now ex-wife) nearer the end of the book.
An interesting tale about a dangerous way of life.

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thank you for your service

eye opening, interesting, particularly in light of the car crash in Afghanistan in 2021. was it worth it? a good question that the author himself struggles to answer. anyway, very well written & authentic. loved it.

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Fascinating

Not always an easy listen if you are squeamish. I am not so had no problem with the description of carnage you imagine from conflicts in war zones. Nonetheless it is a great insight for a civilian into the world of the armed forces, and in particular bomb disposal. I initially found the author quite bitter, but I think he was portraying his early years which left him angry, understandably.
I really enjoyed this book and was willing his team to get through their tour unscathed. Not my normal choice but highly recommend 👍

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War without window dressing

Kim Hughes has written a starkly honest narrative of his time in Afghanistan. This is a compelling tale of skill, cool use of intellect, and raw courage, in the face of huge odds. The daily dangers faced by Hughes and his team are elegantly and unemotionally described, without unnecessary embellishments. Whatever your personal feelings about British involvement with the Afghan war, the courage, and extreme youth of those fighting, is moving and thought provoking, and the narration is excellent and compelling. A highly recommended listen.

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Really good account of war zone.

I have never read a book like this before. Not my normal choice but it was amazing. What brave men.

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Awesome

One of the clearest insight to the war I have heard, really excellent and I fully recommend this book.

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excellent book

makes me proud of what our armed forces do on a daily basis, to keep us safe

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