Review of Wolfgang's Castle

[Sarah Luna]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Wolfgang's Castle" by Rex W Last.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Set in the center of one of the heinous acts in history, Wolfgang’s Castle explores the threat of the Nazi regime and the unsung, everyday heroes who work to thwart another plan by Adolf Hitler. A novel aircraft for land and water is being tested; meanwhile, the unthinkable is being developed for captured British (RAF) fighter pilots, a plan of medical testing that promises nothing but pain and anguish for those ensnared.

The titular character, Wolfgang, becomes an essential member of a brave group set to ensure that the Nazi Project, codenamed Project Sea Eagle, never achieves the goal of attacking Great Britain. A notable crew has banded together, each with their unique specialties: multilingual assets, medical professionals, a talented forger, rescued (and grateful) POWs, and a just man with an impressive amount of money to set things right.

This fictional take on the nonfiction event of the Nazi movement is precise in its detail. The personalities of actors - Gestapo soldiers instilling fear in Jewish citizens literally running for their lives - are vivid. Cliff-hanging scenes with occasional, appropriate comic relief keeps one glued to the pages. Historically accurate imagery drops the reader right into the story itself.

The glossary and occasional definitions of both military terms and German translation make it easier for a reader who is not fluent in either of those languages. Food, slang, weapons – the author does not leave the reader in the dark. The bouncing to secondary characters in the book is smooth and relevant to the storyline and the overall objective.

Mr. Last has brought a tale so realistic that the features of the story make one inclined to believe that Wolfgang and the band of heroes did exist. And I continue to wonder to myself, “Perhaps they actually did.” The tenderness of family and love are mixed with strength, resolve, fear, panic, determination, and surety. Each of those things come together at once…in a casserole of emotion. In short, I was invested.

Potential readers, please look out for a couple “easter eggs” of hilarity so don’t breeze by the pages, for you may miss a couple gems. There is no profanity nor overt sexual innuendo; I believe this novel is appropriate for any child that is mature enough to digest content about the Nazi party and its end objective.

Wolfgang’s Castle is, in short, a story that delivers from start to finish and more than deserves four out of four stars.

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Wolfgang's Castle
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