A Walk Among Heroes

by James McDevitt

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Online Book Club Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Net Galley Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Publisher's Weekly Reviewer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Literary Titan
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rosepoint Publishing

International Impact Book Awards Winner

"Comparable Titles: Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See, Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale. Sharp dialogue and well-defined characters McDevitt’s background as a firefighter and infantry officer lend authenticity to this narrative." — Booklife By Publisher's Weekly:

Good Men Project Magazine calling it "Best book of the year!"

"Hard to believe this is a debut book." — Publisher's Weekly Reviewer second five star of the year out of 370 books.

“Raw, emotional, realistic war storytelling so authentic I forgot it was fiction — 5 out of 5 stars.” Online book Club

“A heartfelt, gripping, insightful, and compelling novel…
Expertly executed… cinematic quality.” Danielle Dyal/BookFox

A Walk Among Heroes is a story about two wars coming together through two vets. Through the eyes of T.J., a young soldier returning from World War II, and Smitty, a World War I ace haunted by the ghosts of his past, the story weaves a rich tapestry of interconnected lives shaped by war, hope, and resilience. Anchored by a love story that defies time, the novel masterfully bridges two world wars, exploring the bonds of family, the weight of duty, and the ultimate cost of heroism.

Genres: Historical Fiction

386 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 11, 2025

About the author

James McDevitt is a U.S. Army infantry officer and full-time firefighter from Alabama. With over twenty years of combined service, including multiple deployments to Iraq and Syria, he brings a deep respect for sacrifice, camaraderie, and resilience into his writing. He deployed as a lower enlisted soldier, a non-commissioned officer, and an officer, giving him the unique perspective of war from the ground up.

"His debut novel, A Walk Among Heroes, is a sweeping historical war saga that blends gritty realism with heartfelt storytelling, honoring both World War I and World War II veterans. Inspired by true stories and extensive research, his work explores themes of brotherhood, memory, and legacy." — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazon review

James spends his time training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, swimming, writing, and working on his property in Fairhope. He is passionate about veteran support, fitness, and preserving history for future generations. Most importantly, he’s a husband and father.

Learn more at JamesMcDevittAuthor.com
Follow him on X:@JMcDevittAuthor
TikTok: @jamesmcdevittauthor
Instagram: @jamesmcdevittauthor

Thank you for considering my novel

Reviews

[Thais • tata.lifepages • · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love emotional historical war stories with true heroes, star crossed lovers and found family all blended across generations, you have to check out this book!

It follows two soldiers from different wars; TJ in World War II and Smitty in World War I, and at first it feels like two separate stories. But the more you read, the more you realize everything is connected. TJ enlists after discovering the love of his life is taken, survives war when most of his battalion doesn’t, and comes home carrying a lot of guilt and grief. The book doesn’t focus so much on battle scenes, it focuses more on what war leaves behind. Then Smitty’s story fills in the past, and the emotional connections across generations slowly come together in really meaningful ways.

It’s quiet, reflective, and very human. If you like war novels that care more about emotional impact of heroes amongst us, this one is worth your time.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sweeping, Emotional Tale That Bridges Two Wars and One Unforgettable Love Story. ❤️
This novel is a beautifully rendered, deeply human story that spans generations and two world wars, binding together the lives of a young soldier returning from WWII and Smitty, a haunted World War I ace still wrestling with the ghosts of his past. Their journeys intertwine in ways both unexpected and heart-wrenching, creating a narrative that feels both intimate and epic in scope.
What makes this book truly special is its emotional authenticity. “It tugged at my emotions… war doesn’t let you pause…” is the perfect way to describe the experience of reading it. The author doesn’t shy away from the lingering wounds of combat—physical, emotional, and spiritual—but instead uses them to explore themes of duty, sacrifice, and the fragile hope that keeps people moving forward.
The relationships at the heart of the novel—especially the love story that transcends time—feel divinely stitched together, echoing the sentiment that these are “threads of life that God weaves into our story.” The characters’ inner battles are just as compelling as their outward struggles, and T.J.’s internal landscape is depicted with such clarity and depth that “you could feel T.J.’s headspace well.”
The book is both a meditation on the cost of heroism and a testament to resilience. It reminds readers that even in the shadow of war, moments of grace, connection, and purpose can take root. With rich historical detail and emotional resonance, this is a story that stays with you long after the final page—perfect for fans of sweeping historical fiction with heart, faith, and unforgettable characters. 🩵

[Jack Knippenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Walk Among Heroes is more than a historical fiction novel—it’s a tribute to the men and women who carry the scars of service and the memories of those left behind. Fans of books like All the Light We Cannot See and The Nightingale will find themselves equally captivated by its humanity and heart.

This is a must-read for anyone who appreciates historical war fiction, epic love stories, or powerful tales of courage and legacy. A Walk Among Heroes is destined to become a modern classic in military and historical literature.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

i won this in a giveaway.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book on a goodreads giveaway. This was a fascinating and unique story of war and the after effects on one soldier. during WWII. May it help us understand what that generation of vererans went through. thank you for the opportunity to read this story.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love supporting our veterans who put their lives on the line for us. This is a must-read for anyone looking for authentic historical fiction with firsthand experience.

[Natalie Halloran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful

Wow. A Walk Among Heroes is a beautiful story that had me hooked from the very first chapter. Powerful, intense, emotional, and wonderful.

[Lindsey Argue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Walk Among Heroes is a deeply moving and masterfully written work of historical fiction that brings the human side of war to life with rare honesty and heart. Spanning both World Wars, it captures not only the chaos and sacrifice of combat but the unbreakable bonds and quiet moments of courage that define those who serve.

McDevitt writes with the precision of a soldier and the soul of a poet—his scenes feel lived, not imagined. The characters breathe, bleed, and endure in ways that stay with you long after the final page. It’s at once brutal and beautiful, a cinematic portrait of duty, loss, and redemption that feels destined for the screen.

Heartfelt, authentic, and unforgettable—A Walk Among Heroes isn’t just a story about war. It’s a story about what it means to be human.

[James Magers · Rating 5 out of 5]

'A Walk Among Heroes' is a gripping tale told in an unusual way (no spoilers). McDevitt pulls you in with relatable characters put into extraordinary positions. A book from a first time author that is well worth your time.

[Shreedevi Gurumurty · Rating 5 out of 5]

​The Eternal Sentinel: A Legacy of Service
​History is often taught as a series of dates, but for the veteran, it is a continuum of shared soul. The uniform and landscape change, but the heartbeat remains the same.

​The Bridge of Blood and Bone
​World wars are not isolated events; they are chapters in a single volume of human sacrifice. The "Great War" veteran raised the son who would storm Normandy. The lessons of duty and discipline were passed down not just through drill manuals but through the quiet, haunted way a father held his coffee or the reverence he showed the flag. This is the intergenerational bond: a silent understanding that the cost of freedom is a debt paid in instalments by every generation.

​The Weight of Heroism
​Heroism is rarely the cinematic explosion; it is the heavy, quiet weight of the "Ordinary." It is the decision to stay when every instinct screams to run. This weight creates a unique architecture of the spirit:
​Resilience: The ability to find humour in a foxhole.
​Sacrifice: Giving up one’s youth so others may grow old.
​The Cost: Carrying the names of the fallen like invisible stones in a rucksack for the rest of one's life.
​Love: The Anchor That Defies Time
​What bridges these decades is a love that transcends the battlefield. It is the love for the "brother" to the left and right, a bond more profound than kinship. It is also the love for a home they might never see again. This affection is the ultimate act of defiance against the chaos of war—proving that even in the theatre of destruction, the human heart remains indestructible.

​The veteran’s life is a testament to the fact that while war seeks to divide, the bonds of service create a global, timeless family. They are the keepers of our collective conscience, anchored by a hope that one day, the heroism they displayed will no longer be a requirement for peace.

[Bryce from the Shelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, James, I know writers read these, so thank you for tagging me in my TikTok account @brycefromtheshelf, so I could find you!

Please write more books. You have a talent, and the world needs more stories like this, with a love for God, country, and family.

What begins as a familiar WWII American soldier story quietly evolves into something more profound, a meditation on love, sacrifice, and how small choices reverberate across generations.

James weaves two timelines, one set in World War I and one in World War II, allowing them to intersect in a way that feels earned rather than contrived.

Heroism here isn’t loud. It shows up in restraint, care, and showing up when it would be easier not to.

TJ, the main character, represents not only service men and women but also anyone who has had to come back from hell.

Seen through TJ’s perspective, the romance is light but sincere, reminiscent of schoolboy love/lust.

What starts as young love is interrupted by life's choices made without malice, time lost without intention, the kind of waste that feels painfully human.

TJ’s hopeful, almost lustful optimism toward his lost love is hard not to root for.

Magdalyn’s dreams of college and a life beyond expectation are respectfully irritating, much like real people can be.

I usually struggle with lost-time love stories, and this one frustrated me, too, but it earned that frustration.

The payoff mattered.
What stayed with me most was how the book treats found family. Brotherhood matters.

Love, respect, and honor extend outward into found family, demonstrating how simple acts can have a lasting impact long after the moment has passed.

This book grew on me. At first, I was like, 'Okay?' This is just another timepiece, love story. Nope, by the mid-point, I was texting friends and family to read this book. By the end, it felt honest, patient, and deeply human.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want my thank to James McDevitt, author and Goodreads First Reads Giveaway for the eBook Kindle copy of A Walk Among Heroes that I won in the Giveaway. It is a very special book that presents the realities of war and as my father was part of D-Day, captured in the Battle of the Buldge, taken from Luxenberg to a POW camp next to the Polish border on the Death March, it was a personal picture into part of my family history.

I sent my thanks to James McDevitt for his service in both the military and as a fire fighter.

A Walk Among Heroes is an exceptional book; it sounded like the stories that I heard about the war as a child from my father and the veterns that he kept in contact with to the end of his life. My mother was his strength and rock. They were an amazing couple; he lived to age 91 and she lived to 102. One of the men (captured in North Africa at the beginning of WWII) he was in the POW camp with lived about three blocks from us and he saved my Dad's life, getting him medicine and food after the Death March. His friend's daughter is my oldest friend as I have know her since we played together in a crib. This story brought back so many memories and has made my life richer to know that the strength in our family and community is shared by others.

Although sad it is realistic in the troubles and funny stories too, of those men and women that lived through the wars we have fought and are still fighting to make our country a wonderful place to live and the world better.

[Ishani Guha-Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 🌟
This character-driven World War II novel explores heroism not as spectacle, but as endurance, sacrifice, and love carried through generations. The story centres on T.J. Montgomery, a determined WWII soldier shaped by loss and longing, and Smitty, a haunted World War I aviator whose past casts a long shadow over the present. Through their intertwined lives, James McDevitt bridges two wars to examine how courage and trauma echo across time.
T.J.’s emotional arc is anchored by his love for Magdalyn, whose absence and memory give the novel much of its quiet emotional weight. Rather than glorifying combat, McDevitt focuses on the internal battles—grief, duty, and the cost of survival—allowing small, human moments to carry the impact. Smitty’s legacy, in particular, underscores the novel’s central theme: that heroes are often deeply scarred, and remembrance is rarely simple.
The pacing is measured and reflective, prioritising emotional resonance over action-heavy sequences.
This is not about the battlefield directly, this book's strength lies in its sincerity and respect for a lived experience.
Overall, A Walk Among Heroes is a thoughtful, emotionally grounded WWII story that honours its characters—T.J., Smitty, and Magdalyn—by portraying heroism as something quiet, painful, and profoundly human.

[Time4bookswithv · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Walk Among Heroes is one of those rare WWII novels that feels both deeply human and quietly powerful. Inspired by a true story, James McDevitt crafts a narrative that isn’t just about war — it’s about the ordinary men who found extraordinary courage in the middle of it.

From the very first chapters, the emotional weight of the story pulled me in. McDevitt writes with a careful balance of honesty and heart, showing the brutality of infantry life while also highlighting the bonds, loyalty, and small acts of heroism that often go unnoticed in history books. The characters feel real in a way that stays with you, and the pacing keeps you fully immersed without ever feeling rushed.

What I loved most is how grounded and intimate the storytelling is. It reminds you that behind every major moment in history, there were individuals fighting their own battles — physical, emotional, and moral. This book honors them beautifully.

If you enjoy historical fiction, especially stories rooted in truth and written with genuine respect for the people who lived them, this novel is a must-read. Moving, authentic, and ultimately inspiring. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. When I tell you I was hooked from the very beginning, I’m not kidding. TJ in the very first chapter says “You told me God will guide, and everyday I pray he brings me back to you.” And T.J. meant every word of that. The tales of war through TJ’s eyes broke my heart. I’ve read and watched several pieces related to WWII and it brings out emotions in me that are so deep and this book was no different. Watching people you love die in battle and not knowing if you will return home is something I can’t even begin to pretend that I understand. Our military and veterans truly are angels on Earth. I loved the little snippets of humor between TJ and the soldiers he was with. The love story was my favorite though. I love reading about a man who yearns for a woman he loves and T.J. has a deep love for Magdalyn. The kind of love that everyone wants. I really enjoyed reading their story and rooting them on at every mention of Magdalyn’s name. To end this, as a Christian, I also want to add that I loved the representation of God sprinkled throughout this story. You can tell that the author put so much love into this book and I was so happy to be able to read it.

[Staci · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The burden of a man is never easy. Especially one that’s walked among heroes.”

What. A. Book. I was locked in from the beginning. The journey I was taken on while reading this story was so utterly devastating. The way it’s written you can’t help but feel every emotion portrayed. It’s been awhile since a book made me feel this way, the last being The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. If you loved that book and are still chasing that high like I was, A Walk Among Heroes is a MUST read!! Going back through all the passages and quotes I highlighted while reading brought back all the emotion I felt the first time reading through, it’s just that good! Prepare to have your heart ripped up, stomped on, and then piece by beautiful broken piece glued back together in the most real way imaginable.

[Dakota Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not my typical read of choice but with that being said I loved it!

I typically read the darker romance books but after getting to know this author through social media I gave his book a try. I was wrapped up in all of the emotions of all the characters! James did an amazing job bringing a story back to life with his own spin on it. I would recommend this book to anyone to read regardless of what your preferred genre is! It really put some things into perspective for me.

[Molly Jaber (Audiobooks And Sweet Tea) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I felt ALLLL the emotions! Happiness, sadness, love, tension. When I picked it up and started it, I was instantly hooked. I had ZERO family while I was reading. They had to cook their own dinner because I was not stopping it for anyone. By the end of the story, I wanted to immediately dive back into it because I didn't want to say goodbye to the story. If you love stories that will make you forget you have a family while reading, you definitely want to grand this one up and see why I love it!

[J.D. Crist · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be honest, I had no idea what to expect going into this book. Let me tell you, it is now going to be one of my most recommended. The characters are absolutely amazing, each one unique and authentic. The way the story doesn't just focus on war but soldiers' lives before and after is amazing. The story is beautiful and written and had me crying (especially the last line). If you are trying to decide if you should read this, the answer is YES.

[Charlotte_booktok_lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

A phenomenal read with incredibly high standards of writing with a plot that will have you completely encapsulated.
This book follows one young man through love that doesn't quite work out the way he thought and then we are taken on a journey through war and how life can certainly show you how small our world can be. There is loss, love and emotions throughout. Perfect old style writing , written as if it was spoken on this day.

I am truly overwhelmed this book.

[Heather H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book by James McDevitt is fresh air in a stale market. It brings you war, heartache, love and every emotion one can have. I highly recommend this book to anyone how is a lover of historical fiction. This book revolves around WW1 and WW2. Don’t sleep on this book once you start you will devour it.

[Alisha Harmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not my normal genre to read. With that being said I couldn’t put this book down! I stayed up late reading it and couldn’t wait to get home from work to continue reading it. The characters were relatable and gives you a view point that really makes you open your eyes. I highly recommend this book regardless of your book preference.

[Jaide Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Emotional Read

This book details a young soldier in WWII, life after coming home, and how the world works in mysterious ways. You feel the excitement, pain, loss, and every other emotion right there on the page. There’s so many interconnected parts, it’s amazing to see everything come full circle.

[Debra Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read

It’s been a while since I’ve read historical fiction. This book was beautifully written and the author certainly did an incredible job creating an amazing tribute to our serviceman. I highly recommend reading this book and look forward to reading more from this author.

[Alex Sysourath · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Walk Among Heroes is a sweeping, emotional debut that shows insight of war while never losing sight of the deeply personal struggles of finding his character and personal ties with people among him. The novel beautifully balances historical authenticity with raw human emotion.

[Michele Argue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard work and dedication pay off. I was spellbound by the process and held captive until the end. If you want a fresh look at the inner struggle and heartache of war you will enjoy this book. It has something for all readers to enjoy.

[Janel Bienert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not sure where to start with this book! The way this book was written was absolutely perfect! The detail, emotion, dedication and love was everything. I will for ever be nothing but grateful for our men and women who have served… but James definitely has a special place in my heart, not only because he opened his up to the world, but because he had the courage too! Thank you for sharing your amazing story with the world! I can’t wait not wait to read more books from you.

[Letina Gouge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical fiction but as a nurse and a veteran this book hit me differently. I could visually see the scenes of this book and related to the military terminology. This book has me hooked and I couldn't wait to get to the next chapter.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely a must read

[scott mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not what I expected…

…but in the end, it was much better than expected. Powerful storytelling that grabs your heart and wrings it out.