Conscript's Call (Rifleman, #1)

From the ashes of tragedy, new beginnings arise.
England, 1940: When seventeen-year-old John Sharratt's life is shattered by a single, devastating bomb dropped by the Luftwaffe, he is thrust into a world of loss and longing. With his family gone and his heart heavy, John's conscription into the army offers a refuge and a new beginning, even in the face of turmoil.
"The army had to be my future. I had nothing else and the bombing raid had brought the war home to me. My fingers clenched into fists. I wanted revenge."
As he dons the battledress of a British soldier at Seaforth Barracks, John embarks on an intense journey of transformation. Amidst gruelling training and the camaraderie of fellow soldiers, -those who will become his new family, - he learns not only to wield a weapon but also to navigate the depths of grief and resilience. Each drill sharpens his skills, especially as a marksman. As his section sees postings in Greece, Crete and North Africa, will John emerge from the shadows of his past to thrive as a rifleman, or will the weight of his sorrow consume him? With the world on the brink of an all-out war, the lad from Lancashire must face the darkest of nights before the dawn of hope can break through.
Set during the early years of WW2, Conscript's Call is more than a tale of historical conflict; it is an exploration of the profound impact of loss and the unyielding strength of the human spirit.
The first in Griff Hosker's brand-new WW2 'Rifleman' series which takes a poignant look into the horrors of war, the bonds created and the struggles of those left behind. A must-read for fans of David Gilman, James Holland and Douglas Reeman.

Griff Hosker is a #1 bestselling UK author of over 180 historical novels, renowned for his sweeping, meticulously researched series that span from ancient Rome to World War II. With a global readership and an unmatched output, he is one of Britain's most enduring voices in historical fiction.
A former English teacher with over 35 years in education, he moved from leading a successful educational consultancy to writing full-time—returning to his lifelong passion for history and storytelling. Inspired by authors such as C.S. Forester, Simon Scarrow, Ben Kane, Alexander Kent, and Bernard Cornwell, he launched his career with The Sword of Cartimandua, a Roman series that laid the foundation for a vast and diverse historical canon.
His work explores major periods and conflicts: from Hadrian's Wall and Viking invasions to the Crusades, the Tudors, the Napoleonic Wars, and the American Civil War. Popular series include Dragonheart (Viking Age), The Anarchy Series, The Lord Edward's Archer Series (Edward I), and The Sir John Hawkwood Series.
Recent titles include series focused on the Royal Flying Corps in WWI, British Commandos in WWII, The East Indiaman Series, and English Mercenary, set during the Thirty Years' War.
A disciplined writer producing 5,000 words daily, he credits his readers for their insight and ongoing engagement. His work is published by Sword Books Ltd., with a growing Audible catalogue produced in partnership with W.F. Howes.