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Jox McNabb #1
The Lightning and the Few
Don’t miss this thrilling wartime adventure! For fans of Derek Robinson, James Holland, Frank Barnard and Jack Higgins.
Jox is exchanging civilian life for the thrill of fighting in the skies.
Scotland, 1939
When Jox McNabb is expelled from school he is forced to look to his future.
Inspired by the sight of a Hurricane flying over him, he becomes determined to join the RAF.
And after basic training, Jox is posted to RAF Montrose with the growing group of other recruits he has met along the way.
Battling the bleak Scottish elements and finding themselves immediately thrown in at the deep end, the lads struggle to keep up with the training.
Many are deemed unfit for service, and after tragedy strikes, Jox questions if he’s got what it takes.
Can Jox earn his wings to face Blitzkrieg and defend his country in its hour of need? Does he have the courage and skill to become one of The Few?
Will he beat the odds to survive his first battle?
THE LIGHTNING AND THE FEW is the first book in the Jox McNabb Aviation Thrillers action-packed, authentic historical adventures following a RAF pilot during the second world war.
‘Sweeping yet a fast-paced tale centred on the skill, luck, hopes, and fears of one young man battling for survival and triumph in the dangerous skies above 1940 England. Will definitely appeal to anyone fascinated with the tenuous, tense, and razor's edge lives of the legendary Few.’ Dave Mason, author of EO-N
‘Larsimont’s achievement is to blend a remarkable depth of research with an exciting story about people you can believe in. He has made an impressive start to what promises to be a significant contribution to the genre of fighter pilot thrillers, helping to keep alive the ever-growing interest in that small band of heroes who more than eighty years ago stood between victory and defeat.’ Frank Barnard, author of Blue Man Falling
THE JOX MCNABB AVIATION THRILLERS
BOOK The Lightning and the Few
BOOK The Raiders and the Cross
BOOK The Maple and the Blue
BOOK The Vulcan and the Straits
Jox is exchanging civilian life for the thrill of fighting in the skies.
Scotland, 1939
When Jox McNabb is expelled from school he is forced to look to his future.
Inspired by the sight of a Hurricane flying over him, he becomes determined to join the RAF.
And after basic training, Jox is posted to RAF Montrose with the growing group of other recruits he has met along the way.
Battling the bleak Scottish elements and finding themselves immediately thrown in at the deep end, the lads struggle to keep up with the training.
Many are deemed unfit for service, and after tragedy strikes, Jox questions if he’s got what it takes.
Can Jox earn his wings to face Blitzkrieg and defend his country in its hour of need? Does he have the courage and skill to become one of The Few?
Will he beat the odds to survive his first battle?
THE LIGHTNING AND THE FEW is the first book in the Jox McNabb Aviation Thrillers action-packed, authentic historical adventures following a RAF pilot during the second world war.
‘Sweeping yet a fast-paced tale centred on the skill, luck, hopes, and fears of one young man battling for survival and triumph in the dangerous skies above 1940 England. Will definitely appeal to anyone fascinated with the tenuous, tense, and razor's edge lives of the legendary Few.’ Dave Mason, author of EO-N
‘Larsimont’s achievement is to blend a remarkable depth of research with an exciting story about people you can believe in. He has made an impressive start to what promises to be a significant contribution to the genre of fighter pilot thrillers, helping to keep alive the ever-growing interest in that small band of heroes who more than eighty years ago stood between victory and defeat.’ Frank Barnard, author of Blue Man Falling
THE JOX MCNABB AVIATION THRILLERS
BOOK The Lightning and the Few
BOOK The Raiders and the Cross
BOOK The Maple and the Blue
BOOK The Vulcan and the Straits
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 16, 2022
676 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 15, 2023
An excellent account of the Battle of Britain with rare -- and much-appreciated accuracy. The main character was also well-developed and likable. This is the author's first book, however, and he attempted rather too much with a huge cast of characters, whom he did not adequately develop. The modern bookends were also completely superfluous. The book stands well and soundly on the historical core. Despite these weaknesses, which are only to be expected with a new novelist, I look forward to reading the sequel.
January 1, 2023
Very enjoyable read.
Quick paced action with very likable characters. Held my interest the whole way. Great story without getting too technical. Recommend.
Quick paced action with very likable characters. Held my interest the whole way. Great story without getting too technical. Recommend.
February 14, 2023
Very good read
Very good kept me interested to the end, details are spot on. I know the pub on Purley Way and the Croydon and Kenley areas well. Looking forward to the next book.
Very good kept me interested to the end, details are spot on. I know the pub on Purley Way and the Croydon and Kenley areas well. Looking forward to the next book.
February 7, 2023
Great read for WWII buffs
I've read about this all my life it's a great addition to my knowledge of the war and those who fought in it.
I've read about this all my life it's a great addition to my knowledge of the war and those who fought in it.
July 19, 2023
Young pilot and the Battle of Britain
Patrick Larsimont’s novel about a young RAF pilot at the beginning of the Second World War is a fascinating look at not just the role of the young men who flew for England, but also at the England for which they flew.
The majority, but not all, of the young men flying Hurricanes and Spitfires during the Battle of Britain were from “upper middle” and upper class families— educated in good schools and prepared to become officers and gentlemen. Flying beside them, though, were working class men, equally skilled as pilots, yet not commissioned as flying officers— they were enlisted men, sergeants, who flew the same planes and took the same risks for a fraction of the pay and prestige. England before the war was significantly class-ridden, and one of the things that the war did was break down that rigid class structure and replace it with a more egalitarian society.
Mind you, all that is just a subtext of the novel, which is actually the story of young Joc McNabb, a young man who decides to join up in order to fly after seeing a plane overhead while leaving school. The book takes him through pilot training (initially on WWI-era biplanes) and into his first months in combat. His relationships with his fellow pilots, his feelings both as a new pilot and then as he begins losing colleagues to German guns, his seeing what the Germans did in France (and especially when a young child was killed), all combined with the scenes of aerial combat to show us a boy becoming a man under the most strained of circumstances.
It is not just well written and interesting, but also historically accurate— it’s clear that the author has done his research. Many of the characters in the book were actual pilots, and the scenes of combat are those that actually occurred, although of course the protagonist is a fictional character.
Recommended.
Patrick Larsimont’s novel about a young RAF pilot at the beginning of the Second World War is a fascinating look at not just the role of the young men who flew for England, but also at the England for which they flew.
The majority, but not all, of the young men flying Hurricanes and Spitfires during the Battle of Britain were from “upper middle” and upper class families— educated in good schools and prepared to become officers and gentlemen. Flying beside them, though, were working class men, equally skilled as pilots, yet not commissioned as flying officers— they were enlisted men, sergeants, who flew the same planes and took the same risks for a fraction of the pay and prestige. England before the war was significantly class-ridden, and one of the things that the war did was break down that rigid class structure and replace it with a more egalitarian society.
Mind you, all that is just a subtext of the novel, which is actually the story of young Joc McNabb, a young man who decides to join up in order to fly after seeing a plane overhead while leaving school. The book takes him through pilot training (initially on WWI-era biplanes) and into his first months in combat. His relationships with his fellow pilots, his feelings both as a new pilot and then as he begins losing colleagues to German guns, his seeing what the Germans did in France (and especially when a young child was killed), all combined with the scenes of aerial combat to show us a boy becoming a man under the most strained of circumstances.
It is not just well written and interesting, but also historically accurate— it’s clear that the author has done his research. Many of the characters in the book were actual pilots, and the scenes of combat are those that actually occurred, although of course the protagonist is a fictional character.
Recommended.
February 26, 2025
The Lightning and the Few by Patrick Larsimont
This is a well researched novel that seats the reader firmly in the cockpit of a Hawker Hurricane in 1940.
The hero, Jox McNabb, is a well crafter and rounded character. He is a real person with foibles and failings like any man. He is, however, typical of the generation that saved Great Britain and the rest of Europe in the dark days of World War 2.
The war is portrayed warts and all. Men, women and children died and Patrick shows that side of the conflict well. It is a thoroughly engaging read for anyone who likes a good tale filled with action and heroes.
This is a well researched novel that seats the reader firmly in the cockpit of a Hawker Hurricane in 1940.
The hero, Jox McNabb, is a well crafter and rounded character. He is a real person with foibles and failings like any man. He is, however, typical of the generation that saved Great Britain and the rest of Europe in the dark days of World War 2.
The war is portrayed warts and all. Men, women and children died and Patrick shows that side of the conflict well. It is a thoroughly engaging read for anyone who likes a good tale filled with action and heroes.
August 1, 2023
This read was absolutely brilliant. The flying was so realistically described, I was in the cockpit with the pilots. Their lives, when on the ground, were so interesting and true to life, I didn't want anything bad to happen to them when in the air. But that wouldn't have been real life, would it? McNabb#2 was just as good. Looking forward to Book#3, now!
I was only nine when the war ended, so didn't understand just what those chaps went through and what they did for their country. Now I do, because, even though their stories are fiction, I appreciate the amount of research which must have been done by Patrick and Co, as well as their own experiences to write such wonderful descriptions of the times. My admiration for the writers is only eclipsed by my admiration for the real Battle of Britain pilots, as well as the brave men of all the services. These books make a sort of suitable 'epitaph' for all those who didn't survive, as well.
My thanks to everyone involved in any way. How lucky we are!
I was only nine when the war ended, so didn't understand just what those chaps went through and what they did for their country. Now I do, because, even though their stories are fiction, I appreciate the amount of research which must have been done by Patrick and Co, as well as their own experiences to write such wonderful descriptions of the times. My admiration for the writers is only eclipsed by my admiration for the real Battle of Britain pilots, as well as the brave men of all the services. These books make a sort of suitable 'epitaph' for all those who didn't survive, as well.
My thanks to everyone involved in any way. How lucky we are!
March 5, 2023
Outstanding
One of the best books I have read in a long time, the horror of the war and the sacrifices of the brave pilots and aircrew are brought to life in the telling of a pilots war. It is a story of a very young man, doing his duty. Along the way he finds love and a purpose, showing that not everything was grim in the war years. Love still went on.
One of the best books I have read in a long time, the horror of the war and the sacrifices of the brave pilots and aircrew are brought to life in the telling of a pilots war. It is a story of a very young man, doing his duty. Along the way he finds love and a purpose, showing that not everything was grim in the war years. Love still went on.
March 21, 2023
Desperate Times and Daring Pilots
Excellent retelling of the early part of the Battle of Britain. The authors style of writing is exciting and holds your attention so it is a real page turner that recounts those harrowing days.
Excellent retelling of the early part of the Battle of Britain. The authors style of writing is exciting and holds your attention so it is a real page turner that recounts those harrowing days.
February 24, 2023
Fascinating book, bringing to life the horrors of WWll from the lives of the airmen who fought in the battle of Britain. Harrowing at times but thoroughly enjoyable
July 7, 2023
Excellent read, passion, and understanding.
Can’t wait to read the next one.
Can’t wait to read the next one.
November 27, 2023
a remarkable story of the Dunkirk miracle and Battle of Britain
Truly a well done book. Starting on the eve of the sSecond World War and going to the Battle of Britain.
Character development is splendid. The reader to taken from training aircraft to the cockpit of a Hawker Hurricane with accurate detail.
Highly recommend
Truly a well done book. Starting on the eve of the sSecond World War and going to the Battle of Britain.
Character development is splendid. The reader to taken from training aircraft to the cockpit of a Hawker Hurricane with accurate detail.
Highly recommend
April 20, 2023
Great read
A well written tale of the battle of Britain. A more realistic portrayal of the conflict,not all heroics. Roll on to the next instalment.
A well written tale of the battle of Britain. A more realistic portrayal of the conflict,not all heroics. Roll on to the next instalment.
January 14, 2024
I don't read a lot of ww2 fiction but i really liked this. I found the last 20% slow but the first 80% was fantastic.
January 5, 2023
realistic story
I enjoyed this read, it had good dialogue and appeared to be an accurate retelling of a well known event in warfare.
I enjoyed this read, it had good dialogue and appeared to be an accurate retelling of a well known event in warfare.
December 26, 2022
Great War Story
Loads of action and told as a fighter pilot. Throw in the human side and you have a book to capture the imagination and keep you entertained.
Loads of action and told as a fighter pilot. Throw in the human side and you have a book to capture the imagination and keep you entertained.
May 27, 2023
great history of Battle of Britain
Wonderful account of a young man with a love for flight, forced to witness the horror of war.
Became a leader of men in the fight for freedom against overwhelming odds.
Wonderful account of a young man with a love for flight, forced to witness the horror of war.
Became a leader of men in the fight for freedom against overwhelming odds.
January 17, 2023
The Few
This book was fair. At times I struggled to continue reading it. At times the pace was slow and did not seem to flow. There seemed to be quite a few similarities between this book and another series about The Few. It may be coincidental. I realize that the similarities may be due to history. However, there seems to be similar characterizations. I do not recommend this book.
This book was fair. At times I struggled to continue reading it. At times the pace was slow and did not seem to flow. There seemed to be quite a few similarities between this book and another series about The Few. It may be coincidental. I realize that the similarities may be due to history. However, there seems to be similar characterizations. I do not recommend this book.
December 16, 2023
Aviation thrillers
I loved this book! Not my usual thriller but historical fiction-so well written, well researched and punchy it kept me enthralled! Jox, a pilot, no more than a schoolboy, becomes one of The Few. Familiar airbases - and World War 2 events tether the story in place & time. So glad I found the first of this series- it’s just right for a film or tv adaptation. A quick read, with humour and sensitivity evocative of Sebastian Faulks or Wilfred Owen’s handling of war. Would recommend!
I loved this book! Not my usual thriller but historical fiction-so well written, well researched and punchy it kept me enthralled! Jox, a pilot, no more than a schoolboy, becomes one of The Few. Familiar airbases - and World War 2 events tether the story in place & time. So glad I found the first of this series- it’s just right for a film or tv adaptation. A quick read, with humour and sensitivity evocative of Sebastian Faulks or Wilfred Owen’s handling of war. Would recommend!
May 22, 2025
This was a well-researched, thoroughly gripping WW2 aviation thriller. Jox McNabb is an immediately likable, endearingly irreverent point-of-view character whose personal journey kept me invested in the story and whose heroic RAF exploits kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. Exciting, poignant, and elucidating. I really look forward to experiencing Jox's continued adventures in the subsequent books in the series. Highly recommended!
January 5, 2023
A good book but....
I would have given this 5 stars but for the inaccuracies in it. While they're not story spoiling l, for me they detracted from it. I'm probably being pedantic but I'm a very keen amateur historian of the period & the aircraft. Also a couple of scenes, to me, seem straight out of the film "Battle of Britain". Worth a read though.
I would have given this 5 stars but for the inaccuracies in it. While they're not story spoiling l, for me they detracted from it. I'm probably being pedantic but I'm a very keen amateur historian of the period & the aircraft. Also a couple of scenes, to me, seem straight out of the film "Battle of Britain". Worth a read though.
January 28, 2023
Good book
This is a very workmanlike and competently written book.
There’s a lot about Croydon in it.
The remains of the airport are still there.
I used to walk dogs on Kenley aerodrome, still recognisable as a a Battle of Britain airport.
I knew about 18th August 1940 - ‘The hardest day’. The author adds colour to it.
Well written and recommended.
This is a very workmanlike and competently written book.
There’s a lot about Croydon in it.
The remains of the airport are still there.
I used to walk dogs on Kenley aerodrome, still recognisable as a a Battle of Britain airport.
I knew about 18th August 1940 - ‘The hardest day’. The author adds colour to it.
Well written and recommended.
February 13, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this action-packed tale, celebrating the valiant service of ‘the few’ who fought in the Battle of Britain. The author demonstrates skilful storytelling, in a novel that is written with great pace and panache. I can’t wait to read the next instalment to find out what happens next to our hero Jox.
February 13, 2024
A good war story
This is an aviation story which begins just before WW2 and is mainly centred on the period covering the fall of France and the Battle of Britain. The story is pretty well historically correct. The authors style of writing conveys the fear and desperation of the time.
This is an aviation story which begins just before WW2 and is mainly centred on the period covering the fall of France and the Battle of Britain. The story is pretty well historically correct. The authors style of writing conveys the fear and desperation of the time.
March 5, 2024
Makes you feel part of it in 1940
I was sorry to see the book end, but I've downloaded the next installment. This time in history fascinates me and brings back memories of my time in general aviation as a student pilot. It gets in your blood and stays there. Excellent character development and perfect symiosis with the times.
I was sorry to see the book end, but I've downloaded the next installment. This time in history fascinates me and brings back memories of my time in general aviation as a student pilot. It gets in your blood and stays there. Excellent character development and perfect symiosis with the times.
June 4, 2024
An excellent historical novel about the Battle of Britain. A Hurricane pilot goes from school to training to combat, to leader. Well-written, well-edited, with deep characters, interesting plot that often lines up with actual events, and accurate technical details. Now I want to read the next in the series.
June 28, 2024
Bloody good read.
Good mix of historical fact intertwined with believable fiction. Captured the feel of the Battle of Britain from the Treble One’s perspective rather deftly. Enjoyed the Hurricane being central to the action rather the usual Spitfire. Solid characters and tension was well maintained as events unfold. Definitely a series worth checking out.
Good mix of historical fact intertwined with believable fiction. Captured the feel of the Battle of Britain from the Treble One’s perspective rather deftly. Enjoyed the Hurricane being central to the action rather the usual Spitfire. Solid characters and tension was well maintained as events unfold. Definitely a series worth checking out.
May 12, 2025
Currently listening to the audiobook version after listening to the second book in the series.
I love historical novels based on real events and this book hits that mark. You can find a great deal of info on the Treble One squadron online. Start here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No._111...#
I love historical novels based on real events and this book hits that mark. You can find a great deal of info on the Treble One squadron online. Start here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No._111...#
February 21, 2023
This account of the life of one young man and how he became a pilot, learning what he needed to know on the eve of World War II, makes for a lively read with believable characters and events.
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December 15, 2023
A thrilling and action packed war story.
The author has written a very riveting and intriguing story of the air war action of England during WWII as well as the love and heartaches of the pilots and their families.
The author has written a very riveting and intriguing story of the air war action of England during WWII as well as the love and heartaches of the pilots and their families.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews