Leo Kessler Books In Order

Publication Order of SS Wotan Books

Chronological Order of SS Wotan Books

Publication Order of The Black Cossacks Books

Publication Order of Otto Stahl Books

Publication Order of Rebel Books

Publication Order of Rommel Books

Publication Order of Sea Wolves Books

Publication Order of Stormtroop Edelweiss Books

Publication Order of Stuka Squadron Books

Publication Order of Submarine Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Leo Kessler
Leo Kessler is the pseudonym used by Charles Whiting, a thriller writer who also writes under John Kerrigan and Duncan Harding names. The British born author served in the British army from the age of sixteen by lying about his age. This explains why his war stories are so vivid and accurate. After a four-year stint in the army, Kessler demobilized and got married in 1948. Once the was over, Kessler completed his levels before studying language and history in different universities across Europe. By the time of his death in 2007, Kessler had over 100 published works to his name.

SS Panzer Battalion
SS Panzer Battalion comes first in the SS Wotan series. It was winter in January 1940, and the Western front is paralyzed by war. This is one of the worst winters ever experienced, and people are wary of getting outside. However, at Adolf Hitler’s barracks, an SS troops’ new battalion is going through the most grueling training ever seen in the German Army. The battalion was being prepared for a secret mission that only a select few knew about. The secret mission was codenamed Zero, and only Major Horst Geier, otherwise known as Vulture, knew that the objective was to infiltrate the Belgian fortress guarding the area between the Albert Canal and River Meuse. This wasn’t going to be easy given this area was regarded as the most impenetrable of Europe’s strongholds.

Despite the dangers that came with targeting such a fortress, the Vulture and a few like him knew that the stronghold had to be taken no matter the cost. However, to even attempt the mission, SS Panzer troops had to be handpicked by Hitler first before undergoing intense training. The author has done a good job of merging fact with fiction and vividly describing the scenes, and bringing them to life. All characters are well fleshed out, and it is amazing following them through their life journeys through the uncertain times.

This book takes you back to WWII and its never-ending action. The story introduces the likes of The Vulture and Major Geir, among other officers who played a part in crushing the Maginot line. Though young, these officers were exceptional, and it is admirable how they were dedicated to serving their nation. In this tale, you will be following the troops from their success in 1940 to the bitter end of Hitler’s reign. It is refreshing having a peak of the second world war from the other side and following all the action. Like most war stories, this book is not sexist and violent, so it is easy to root for the SS heroes and hope they somehow come out victorious.

SS Panzer Battalion is war porn and pulp fiction all in one. Written from the defeated German’s point of view, this book introduces another angle to this trying time. It is fun meeting Kuno von Dodenburg, the charming, idealistic officer, and the rogue Schulze, also known as the ladies’ man. The troop’s mission and attempt to invade France comes with its fair share of challenges, and it is outstanding how the officers manage to outsmart their enemies. While this is a war story, everything is simple and straightforward. The book is also quite short, making it a perfect choice if you want a quick read.

Claws of Steel
Claws of Steel comes fourth in the Dogs of war series. The troupes had already triumphed over the impenetrable fortress and faced Stalin’s cadets in what turned into a screaming inferno. Now the German soldiers are back home but with only a few survivors. However, with the second world war still continuing, there is no time to stay home. Most of these soldiers were Hitler’s most dedicated men, and they were not afraid of death even after seeing most of their friends lose their lives in battle. Their next mission was at Kursk right in the middle of Soviet Russia. However, they will soon realize that this new path is going to be more challenging than the first one.

As the soldiers progress towards the burning steppes right after Stalingrad’s fall, they found mutilated German soldiers’ tortured bodies. Some of the bodies were hanged, and the sight was so disturbing that the soldiers swore never to leave Russia before they took their revenge on behalf of their countrymen. This could only mean that they had to work twice as hard, even in the face of devastation. Fortunately, in some instances, the intense training in the beginning paid big time.

This book starts with the opening of the Kursk battle, and it goes all the way to Italy, where the Allies met again. The author starts the story by showing the soldiers recuperating in Hamburg after completing their first mission. While there is not much fighting in the first few chapters, the author flashes back to the events that caused the injuries. He also goes into the details of the fire-bombing and the horrors that ensued soon after. In the end, we see how the Italians started their action against the British and Americans in Vietnam. While the SS soldiers are the heroes and anti-heroes in this book, they do not get any heroic treatment. The Nazis are callous in their dealings, and you cannot help but sympathize with the soldiers, given all they went through.

Claws of Steel is another outstanding war story that starts in the late 1940s goes deep into the 50s. The SS soldiers are still as determined as ever despite the challenges they face along the way. Throughout the book, Kessler delivers another grand romp of the second world war from the other side. All characters are intriguing, so do not be surprised if you become too emotionally invested. It is outstanding how the author details every scene and merges fact and fiction so well. If you like Kursk or are fun of tank warfare, you will love this book. The fun leans more to the gothic side, but the action is nonstop, and the tension rises as the story unfolds.

2 Responses to “Leo Kessler”

1. The Red Baron: 7 months ago

   On a par with the legend that is Sven Hassel

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2. Henry Alder: 7 months ago

   These books are by far, the best reads for detail and excitement that I have come across. They convey in exquisite detail, both the horrors of war and the humour of situations which the characters find themselves in. I strongly recommend that you read these books and find them hard to believe they are FICTION! Kindest regards, HPA.

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