The Reich Without Hitler: Volume 1: The Falcons of Malta

The Reich Without Hitler series explores a world where, in late June of 1940, Germany is ruled by a mixed Nazi-Army junta under the new Führer, Herman Göring. It starts as our recognizable World War Two and proceeds in different directions to create something new and unique. In the Falcons of Malta, we take the war to Malta, the start of a major campaign in the Middle Sea. The book covers both the high-level strategy and one company of the Nibelungen Legion, a new service formed after Hitler’s death. Our merry band of freebooters will reveal the picaresque adventures that war can be. We even get a wartime Romeo and Juliet. Strap into your glider and come along for the ride.

There are many World War II alternate histories out there, but many if not most stumble on one thing: they require Hitler (a gambler, not to mention thoroughly evil and insane) to not act like Hitler. Author Scott Palter deftly solves the quandary by removing Hitler of the equation by his death shortly after the Nazis' victory in France. How will the new leadership act?

The novel answers those questions as it follows the ensuing weeks since the Fuhrer's death from both the top (the new rulers and, more importantly, the ones operating behind the scenes) and the bottom (as we follow the misadventures of an unlikely pack of rogues and accidental heroes). As the British (the only great power still in the fight) and the Soviets (at peace but never a friend of the Nazis) make their own plans, the war for dominion of Europe if not the world continues. The book is fast-paced, engrossing read. A must for World War Two AH fans, and an enjoyable read on its own.
C.J. Carella