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Fate of the Warriors
"I must tell you that I stayed up until 1:30 a.m. Sunday completing Fate of the Warriors. I was hooked! Your themes truly affected me as I read the book. Hope and determination - what more is there in life?" Dave Spangler, Shelby, Ohio
"Fate of the Warriors is a sweeping story of family and friends, and we're pulled into wars and countries and conflict right along with them. We do learn more about war - from the horrors of Omaha Beach to the brutality of the Korean War. In front of this historical backdrop we get to know the people who populate this novel. We learn their hopes and dreams, and we watch as the decisions they make alter the courses of their lives and those of others. A great read." Penny Graydon, Hudson, Ontario, Canada
"I read many books and the pleasure I got from reading your first two books certainly goes into the top 10 books I have read." Steve Yosick, Escondido, California
"My husband LOVES Fate of the Warriors. I haven't read it yet, but he could not put it down." Bev Smith, Palo Alto, California
"I finished devouring Fate of the Warriors a couple days ago. To coin a word:Wow!" Brian Tedeschi, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
"I just finished Fate of the Warriors. It was an excellent read. Congratulations! I never did get Warrior Priest; I will have to get it when I am in the States in August." W.R.Timken, Jr., U.S. Ambassador to Germany
"Great stuff! I had a chance to dig in last week on the beach, and I enjoyed it immensely. The historical learnings and reminders are terrific - and your story telling skills and attention to detail make it a fun read. Congratulations on another hit! Are you working on a third book?" Jerry Thompson, Roswell, Georgia
"I've really enjoyed Fate of the Warriors. I thought your passage quoting Dick on religion was exceptional." Henry Patton, Lubbock, Texas
"I thoroughly enjoyed Fate of the Warriors. I loved how you planted the seeds for the story's plot. I liked all the characters. I appreciated the inclusion of an epilogue; I love to learn what happens to characters." Heather Maurer, Springfield, Ohio
"I stayed up until 4:30 a.m. to finish Fate of the Warriors. I liked Warrior Priest, but Fate of the Warriors is grand. Your ability to maintain the reader's interest and paint your characters so as to walk off the pages into my den - so alive! I completely enjoy your physical descriptions of the main characters; a reader might be able to see them on the street. There is a lot going on at the end of the last page. A sequel would be my recommendation! Great job! My parents visited last week. I told my mother about your new work (my parents are serious readers - 2 to 3 per week) and she immediately sat down and read the prologue, looked up and said, 'Great intro, grabs your interest from the first page.' She fixed a drink and moved to the front porch and began reading." Ross Kaul, Norcross, Georgia
"I want to commend you on such a stellar novel. I started to casually read it, just to get some reading time in, but then missed two of my favorite TV shows because I couldn't put it down." Sherry Morvatz, Canton, Ohio
"I'm halfway through your book and enjoying it as much as the first one. Roger's (specifics deleted so as not to disclose story line)sure brings back memories of my mother-in-law, so I can truly relate. I love the characters in the new book." Toni Bertke, Brighton, Colorado
"Warrior Priest was terrific but I think I like Fate of the Warriors just as much. I could see and feel the rain during the fight scene between Dick and Henry and the North Korean soldiers. And I was born the year The Mickey Mouse Club went off the air, so it was fun learning about it and the way it affected people." Nila Stillion, North Canton, Ohio
"I just finished Fate of the Warriors and enjoyed it immensely. The 'journey' you took us through the 1940s-1960s does indeed give one a broader perspective of the happenings during that time, especially the Korean DMZ." Miriam Yosick, Scottsdale, Arizona
"I loved the book. I read it in two sittings. Love his style of writing. He paints such vivid pictures that you can just see yourself there with the characters. Mike Johnson entertains and informs in his books. The journey through history comes alive with his characters. They are believable, likable and you find yourself really caring about what will happen to them. I could not wait to get to the end of the story. And now I hope he writes a sequel to this one also. If you haven't read Warrior Priest or Fate of the Warriors, grab one when you can and give them a try. You will enjoy the ride Mike gives you! His books would make fantastic movies!" Nancy Kerr, Cincinnati, Ohio
"I stayed up until after midnight reading about The Mickey Mouse Club. What fun to have in a book something you actually lived through and loved. I enjoyed your first book but I am loving this one! It flows so easily and still has that wonderful history in it. You have done an outstanding job." Sharon Irish, Houston, Texas
"I finished reading Fate of the Warriors yesterday. It was engrossing. The Lawrence family really came to life. Dick's 'adventure' in Korea in 1950 stood out as especially dramatic and vivid, and of course I related well to the sections of the book dealing with places in Athens, Ohio. Thanks so much for writing this. Are you thinking of writing a third book?" Gifford Doxsee, Athens, Ohio
"Your second book is great! I thoroughly enjoyed it. Loved your characters. Felt closely related to them. You did a great job wrapping up each character. Thanks for another fine novel. And is #3 in the works?" Jan Catherwood, Titusville, Florida
"I began reading Fate of the Warriors and could not put it down as it kept me up till all hours finding out what happened to whom. I am amazed at the research you do, and we all learn so much about different parts of the world. You really brought Korea to life for me. What is the subject of your next one? Get at it." Marion Allen, Coronado, California
"This book should be made into a movie. It's amazing. I couldn't put it down and feel like I read it so fast to get to the end and see what happened with all the characters. Maybe I should read it again to make sure I didn't miss anything. Your research into history is astonishing." Susan Maiyer, Ontario, Ohio
"The characters really came alive for me. I simply fell in love with Edward and then with Dick and Ben. John and Maria were an added bonus. The Yoons were fantastic. My biggest thought is that the book is so aptly titled; it fits right down to the last page. Everything in this book is chance and/or fate. Isn't that the way life is?" Sara Enders, Davidson University, Davidson, North Carolina
"I finished the book on the way to Shanghai. Normally when I finish a book while traveling, I just dump it so my bag is lighter. In this case, I held onto it and hauled it around for two weeks. Once home, my mother-in-law picked it up and has had her nose in it continually, eliminating my wife's ability to start. Good thing I didn't pitch this one! It's a great read." Bob Hendry, North Canton, Ohio
"I read a lot of books and really enjoy books with historical references. Your book was wonderful. I really enjoyed the different paths of the characters and the historical information regarding Korea. Now I can't wait to get started with Warrior Priest." Amy Miller, Louisville, Ohio
"I took your new book out to Colorado with me for my ski trip. Enjoyed it. I don't know how you manage, first, to conceive of a plot and the execute it so splendidly and keep it moving. I am an extremely laborious reader, poring over every sentence and word. Yet at the end of the book I found myself reading great gulps at a time. Even stayed up past midnight to finish it." Bill Miller, Arlington, Virginia
"After I read Ron Simon's News Journal review, I rushed right out and bought both books. Have read Warrior Priest and have passed it on to a friend and am now reading Fate of the Warriors. Simon did not exaggerate; they both are great." Judy Hampton, Mansfield,Ohio
"I have finished your second book and marvel at your ability to bring the various plot lines together at the end." Bob Gardner, Reston, Virginia
"Dick has almost finished Fate of the Warriors and is amazed at your research and story line. He is really enjoying it. He usually only wants to read Grisham or WEB Griffin but has placed you now on their level. Are you working on a third book?" Eleanor Sheehe, Napa, California
"I just had to write and tell you that last week I started reading Fate of the Warriors. It was even better than your first novel. I could hardly put it down. Hope you have more books in the works." Theresa Lake, Shannon, Illinois
"After reading the newspaper review, I actually walked to the other end of the house, into the bedroom, and picked up the book from my nightstand. Yep - 568 pages. I had to check for myself because I couldn't believe it was that long. I cared about the characters so the pages turned very quickly." Amy Ayers, Fountain Hill, Arizona
"We just got back from a three-week river cruise in Europe. I took along Fate of the Warriors as a reading companion. I want to buy two inscribed copies to donate to our libraries." John Travers, Gaffney, South Carolina
"I just finished your latest book. Once I got started I just couldn't put it down. In fact, I found myself carrying the book around and fighting the schedule for another fix about the lives of John, Dick and Ben. Thanks. It was a great read on several levels: family and military to name two. Never forget when I made the trip to Columbus on Draft Day. Everyone lined up and as they counted every third person they casually told us lucky 'threes' that we were now a member of 'The Few, The Proud, The Marines.' I loved the book. Can't wait for your next effort." Fred Mellick, Mansfield, Ohio
"Fate of the Warriors is a real page-turner. I give it two thumbs up." Monroe Slavin, Encino, California
"I have read Fate of the Warriors and enjoyed the way you have interweaved the lives of the characters over the war years into the '70s. I plan on passing the book along to family members." Sally DeSeyn, New Philadelphia, Ohio
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Warrior Priest
Warrior Priest is wonderful. It is rich with character and plot. Suspenseful, witty and an utterly fantastic read. I loved the way it all pulled together and kept you guessing right to the end. There isn't a character in the book I didn't fall in love with. I felt like I was right there in Warsaw. I got to see it and actually smell it. The fact and fiction were woven together so well I had to remind myself that parts were fiction. A great job of researching and better still a fantastic imagination. I can't wait for the movie, and I already have it cast. Now, when is the next one due out? Sara Enders, Davidson, North Carolina
"I just finished Warrior Priest and wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it. My wife's parents were children during the war. My father-in-law lived in Le Mans which was occupied and heavily bombed. To escape the bombings, he had to leave his parents and move to the countryside with a host family for several months. My mother-in-law's family were bakers and had to serve the German soldiers when their neighbors could not afford to feed their families. It is amazing that they lived during an occupation and just got on with their lives. It is equally amazing that they bear no grudge against the Germans; Bavaria is one of their favorite vacation spots. Your book helped me realize that people just adapted as necessary - either living with the occupiers or resisting them as their conscience dictated. I feel eternally grateful to the brave men who left their homes and families to return democracy to Western Europe and allow us to live rich and peaceful lives here." Ed Schreck, Viroflay, France
"I found this book to be an exceptional piece of writing. Great storylines, wonderful character interactions. I like the way Mr. Johnson incorporates real people and situations from WWII into his book, while giving the realism of how those situations would affect the characters in the story. Mr. Johnson's character development is outstanding. I felt that I really knew the characters and feel a slight sense of loss since I have finished the book. In no way do you need to be religious or Catholic to enjoy this book. It is a story about soldiers, nurses, farmers, villagers, home resistance and many more and, or course, a priest. Can't wait for the next book by Mr. Johnson." Dustin Ewing
"I read Warrior Priest and enjoyed it thoroughly. 'Twas a fine yarn you spun." "Desert Cat," New Mexico
"It's absolutely with great vigor that I tell you what a wonderful book Warrior Priest is. I can't tell you how many books I start and stop, but Warrior Priest kept me completely engaged. I couldn't put it down. Your development of characters kept a brisk pace and brought me right in with them. You made me care. Awesome work." Brian Tedeschi, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
"Warrior Priest is great -- the characters, the story, the historical and geographical background -- everything. It was a pleasure to read it! So I can't wait to see the next one published!" Marzena Witek, Sosnowiec, Poland
"Warrior Priest is a great book. As I passed the halfway point, I wanted to read on and on. I found myself worried for each character: Tom, Paul, Jack, Theresa, Thaddeus. I was worried one of them would not see the end of the war. The book gives us a real glimpse into the people dealing with a war and how difficult it was. The people who paid the price for the freedoms we now enjoy are rapidly disappearing as old age takes its toll. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude. They can live forever in your book.� Jim Williams, Columbus, Ohio
"Congratulations on such a fine work. I really enjoyed it! I'm looking forward to the next one! I buy books according to the author. You moved to the top of my list!" Ward Holdsworth, New Philadelphia, Ohio
"I went through Warrior Priest during five evenings here in our farm house, sitting close to the warming chimney. Let me make the following comment: after more than 60 years after the liberation of numerous European countries from Wehrmacht occupation and the unconditional surrender of Hitler's army, including Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine, many of us, Europeans as well as Americans, born during the last months of war or some months or years after, tend to suppress or simply forget this terrible event which had destroyed the lives of more than 50 million human beings. This seems to apply even more to the generation of our daughters and sons. Especially these young people, often refusing to deal any longer with dry -- from their point of view -- 'outdated' historical facts and figures, and used to a fast, uncomplicated, easily accessible flow of data via email and internet, should be the ideal key target audience for your fascinating novel. Why fascinating? Because you give a personal, authentic face to the young 'actors' from various countries and functions involved in the events before, during and after World War II. You are describing their very personal fates, including their sufferings, their feelings, their courage, their doubts and their fear -- using historical facts and events just as a stage behind. This approach should be appropriate to attract the interest of those younger people -- 'internet generation' -- who might hesitate to digest diaphoretic historical treatises. Therefore, I do hope that your novel will be intensively read and well-understood by a broad readership, especially of younger women and men and that numerous further editions will follow in the near future." Joachim Kramer, Saint Jean Troliman, Brittany, France
�I enjoyed Warrior Priest very much; would put it in a class with Nicholas Sparks or a Tom Clancy. I want to donate your book to each of our two libraries in Cherokee County. Can't wait for your next book!" John Travers,Gaffney, South Carolina
"I thoroughly enjoyed Warrior Priest. My favorite character was the priest; he was a cool guy." Ron Argo, Baghdad,Iraq
�You made the characters come alive on the page. I was onboard the Hornet with Tom and Sam during that horrible attack, and was with Father Jack at the Easter service for the Poles. What a great book; can't wait for your next one.� Linda Regel, Jacksonville, Florida
�Regrettably I just finished the last sentence of the final epilogue, and I�m sooooo sad. Why, you may ask? I wanted the story to go on and on and on! I love how you started with all those separate strings and then wove them beautifully together for an absorbing story. You made me feel as if I were living the story along with the characters. When does the next book come out!?� Louise Hunter, Shelby, Ohio
�Warrior Priest was a wonderful read! For me a book needs to have accurate history, romance without explicit detail and keep me reading. I want to learn something I don�t know. Your book filled the bill. Excellent job and I�m blown away by the fact that it is your first book! I can�t wait for #2.� Sharon Irish, Houston, Texas.
�Warrior Priest would make a kick-ass movie.� Andrea Johnson, Columbus, Ohio
�I'm learning a great deal more about WWII through various characters' descriptions in Mike Johnson's wonderful historical novel. He uses first-hand knowledge as well as life experiences from several long-time acquaintances of his to add depth and interest to the story. I'm enjoying the book so much but don't want it to end quite yet. It's like not wanting to take that last bite of a really good cheeseburger or an awesome piece of chocolate. I'm savoring the rest of the story. A great read!" Jodi Lowery, San Mateo, California
�I loved the book. My mom is reading it now, and she�s really intrigued. She keeps telling me, �I really like this book� � like a child who�s just discovered she likes something she�s never before tasted. Looking forward to the next one. What�s your ETA?� Trudy Jacobs, Shelby, Ohio
�I have just gotten into Warrior Priest and I am enjoying it greatly. I love history, and I will read fiction if and only if it is based on actual history. With very limited time for reading, I am doing it devotionally! Each morning sandwiched between the Bible and a couple devotional guides, I read a section or two of Warrior Priest. I am being captured and may have to take personal leave-time to get more of it at one time.� Rev. John Edwards, Somerset, Ohio
�I really enjoyed the book. I�m looking forward to the next one.� Peter Bloomfield, Petworth, England
The book was great. I really loved knowing that the story was factual and enjoyed your style. I get upset when I read a story I think is based on fact and later find the only true fact is that D-Day or the Battle of Bull Run happened. I really came to care about the characters.� Sharon Dillon, Williamsburg, Virginia
�I'm convinced the characters in Warrior Priest are real people who lived, loved, laughed and fought at a time that is very real in my memory.� Phyllis Gates
�I started reading Warrior Priest late at night. But your vivid description of the Polish lancer battle kept me awake, so I�ll have to find another time to continue reading it.� Mel Helitzer, Athens, Ohio
�The book is fast-moving and a page-turner. I've re-learned a few things about WWII that I'd forgotten -- the number of evacuees from Dunkirk, for example.� Bill Miller, Arlington, Virginia
�I truly enjoyed reading Warrior Priest. When I saw the number of characters and your decision to give to so many of them their own voice, I wondered if you could get inside so many heads in a credible way. Well, you did it. It must have been a little crowded up their in the old noggin� at times. I also appreciated being reminded of the history of WWII and from such personal angles � much preferred to just a chronological recitation of dates. My favorite character was General Sosabowski. He was a great leader and patriot who cared about his men and loved his country. But he also had a dignified modesty about him and absorbed life�s disappointments and wrongs in a completely admirable way. You had a real-life to deal with but thank you for the inspirational portrayal.� Tom Sneeringer, Washington, D.C.
�I really enjoyed your book. Loved the characters, loved the HISTORY! Can�t wait before it becomes �a major motion picture playing in a theater near you,� or better yet, a mini-series.� Dick Parrish, Shelby, Ohio
�I have just finished reading Warrior Priest. I was born in 1938 in Timmins, a mining town in northern Ontario, Canada. My memories of World War II are prickly brown uniforms worn by my uncles on their return from the war and newsreels at the theatre. The sound of danger and incoming bombs was forever emblazoned on the mind of a 6-year-old child when I heard the sirens going off in Great Britain during the newsreels. To this day, when I hear a sound similar to that siren, it strikes fear in my heart! I don't know any of the characters from Shelby (Ohio) portrayed in your book. I came to a point in my read that I could not put the book down until it was finished. Thank you for the facts that you have presented from history -- most known, some forgotten, some remembered. They renewed my admiration for all the brave souls who served in the war from all over the world 'That others might live.' Our generation and our offspring are the 'others.' I, too, wish for a sequel or, better yet, a parallel story from that era.� Elinor Armstrong,New Liskeard, Ontario, Canada
�I have finished reading Warrior Priest. I liked it! I have told many people about your book � it was so easy to follow all the different characters. I was 9 years old when the second world war began and 13 when it ended. I remember many of the events you have written about. And I met Father McFadden � he was quite a character!� Jeanette Allard, Shelby, Ohio
"I took Warrior Priest with me on a recent business trip to Moscow, Russia. It was a great setting to read the book with Red Square and the Kremlin right around the corner. And flying over France thinking about battles and characters. I was moved to tears in a couple places as troops rallied around their warrior priest and the peace and hope he offered as he brought them closer to God. I would have liked to have seen a little more baseball in the story, but that is not a surprise to you." Lynn Guerin, Irvine, California
"I just returned from a business trip to Mexico, and Warrior Priest went along for the ride. What a great read! Your cast of characters do a wonderful job of explaining the war from so many different perspectives. Some of your story lines were especially intriguing to me for three main reasons. One, my grandfather -- Stephen Wilczynski -- immigrated from Poland around the turn of the century. The family "Americanized" their sir name, and Wilczynski became Wilton, my middle name. Your descriptions of the Polish lancers kept my attention. Two, my uncle was wounded by mortar shrapnel during the Battle of the Bulge, and your story did a nice job of describing the events of some fierce fighting. And three, I interviewed a family friend who fought for the German Army in late 1944. He was captured by the Americans and eventually sent to a prison camp in Oklahoma. Sometime after his release, he returned to the USA, and he now lives in Cincinnati. Your book achieves a real personal feel for the events of World War II through the eyes of so many ordinary people. You've done a great job and I look forward to your next work!" Robert Fox, Knoxville, Tennessee
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