Wind in the Ashes

Ashes #6

by William W. Johnstone

In post-World War III America, legendary soldier and freedom fighter Ben Raines orders his rebels to make one last desperate assault against the Russian invaders and the mercenary turncoat San Hartline. But until fresh troops arrive, Raines wages a one-man guerrilla war against the enemy! Reissue.

Genres: Post Apocalyptic, Fiction, War, Military Fiction, Action, Science Fiction

400 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

William W. Johnstone is the #1 bestselling Western writer in America and the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of hundreds of books, with over 50 million copies sold. Born in southern Missouri, he was raised with strong moral and family values by his minister father, and tutored by his schoolteacher mother. He left school at fifteen to work in a carnival and then as a deputy sheriff before serving in the army. He went on to become known as "the Greatest Western writer of the 21st Century." Visit him online at WilliamJohnstone.net.

Reviews

[Todd Sullivan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another year, another jaunt through one of William W. Johnstone's 'Ashes' books. In 2019 that book was 'Wind in the Ashes' -- perhaps the least necessary of the Ashes books that I have read so far. Also the least interesting.

Following the assault on Raines and the kidnapping of his girlfriend, Ben decides it's finally time to take out the mad russian general Striganov and his right hand man Sam Hartline. This assault takes roughly 75% of the novel to occur. That means that 'Wind in the Ashes' breaks the cardinal rule of Ashes books. You can be terrible, but please don't be boring.

The first quarter of the book involves Raines slowly assault Striganov's encampments and taking them over. This is a sneak assault that will have no bearing on the final fight. Also in the early portion of the book, after Raines learns that his kidnapped girlfriend has been murdered, he picks out another female companion to look up to him in awe and occasionally fuck him.

These books become less and less set in a post-apocalyptic world with each passing volume. No one ever seems to have trouble tracking down bullets or gasoline even though, as near as I can tell, no one is manufacturing those things anymore. But Ben -- and of course his enemies -- have no trouble shooting at each other a bunch. And driving tanks and APCs around, and flying plans from Oregon to Canada.

And let's not forget, this is now 15 years after the bombs dropped. I mean, whut?

I was also entertained by just how wrong Johnstone is with his definition of Soldier of Fortune. At multiple times in this book he explains how a Soldier of Fortune -- someone like Raines -- is different from a mercenary, because a Soldier of Fortune works for the morally right side, sometimes for no profit at all.

And, I mean, whut? What does he think the "Fortune" in "Soldier of Fortune" even means? Like, literally, that is a soldier who is only in the fight for money.

Two new threats arrive in this volume, mostly just to be introduced for the future, because they don't have much to do here. First, a group of terrorist organizations from the middle east and also, I think, maybe Ireland, because obviously all terrorists would work together regardless of their ideologies. Also Johnstone is able to show how progressive he is by calling these Islamic warriors "Camel-Jockies." It was a different time, right?

Also, the woman who had the hate on for Ben because he may or may not have knocked her up returns, with the maybe son of Raines by her side, Ben Raines Blackman. I can't remember the race of the woman, but if Ben Raines Blackman isn't literally a black man, I'll be very disappointed.

The one somewhat satisfying part of the book comes at the end, when Raines finally kills Sam Hartline. I honestly didn't think that was going to happen, and I figured Hartline would continue to be his archenemy for the remainder of the series, which would have been dumb. So kudos to that.

Also, apparently, after escaping to Canada, Striganov has had a change of heart and wants a truce with Raines, because reasons.

To anyone reading through this series, know that this is one volume you could probably skip. Very little happens, and about the only stuff that matters can be learned by reading this review. Which, hey, thanks for doing!

[Tom OConnor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wind in the ashes

Another enjoyable book, well researched and full of action. Can't wait to read the next one as I know it will be as good as this one. Mr. Johnstone writes very well and keeps the readers engrossed in his stories.

[David Greenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quality decreasing

I wonder if this and the last on were ghost written. The jumping around and squishing together of outline segments make it hard to read.

[Tanja langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

This actually looks like it's happening today I can understand where Ben range is coming from I like his idea of living

[Jeannie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the only book in the series that I have attempted to read, and I will not finish it. The theme of the series is intriguing, and on its own would be great to read. I can handle the violence, which is a cruicial part of the entire series (after all the world is at war). However, I cannot stomach the sexual violence, toward children in particular. I was put off pretty early, and thought general references might be tolerable, however the scenes do become more graphic and with details that I find disturbing.

[Bryan457 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Once again Ben Raines is thwarted in his attempts to put civilization back together by mercenary Sam Hartline and his army of Russians.

The series seems to have settled into a formula; plans to put civilization back together get put on hold because they have to go out and fight the bad guys.

Warning, strong language, violence, and sex.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben decides to take on the Russian and Sam Hartline in this book, and we have the introduction of Col. Kamsin. Bad old arabs raising their heads. Well, we need a new bad guy. Strighonav decides that he's done with the inhuman mutant experiments, and pretty much just chooses to stop being a bad guy. Ben kills Hartline, and now off to deal with the Hot Wind.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know it, but there are about 18 books in this series, so far each I have read are full of fast paced action, good characters, some so mean and nasty you want to shoot them yourself.

[Ken · Rating 3 out of 5]

Formula writing but entertaining brainless read.

[Little Timmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good adventure series. Basically the forming of a new United States after WW3 and the story of the man who leads and forms it. If you like men's adventure stories you will enjoy it. Recommended