AN Angel From Hell: Real Life on the Front Lines

When I pre-ordered this book months ago, I did not expect such a substantial account of the author's first tour of duty in Iraq, but it was a pleasant surprise. The book is an excellent personal account from someone who had a special vantage point as an active member of the US military presence in post-war Iraq. Part way through the first chapter I was hooked.... so the only advice I can give is this; buy it now while it's still available in hardcover edition at a bargain price.

An Angel From Hell is one compelling read. The book is very well-written. As a reader you are engaged in the author's story from the very beginning to the very end of the book. At the end of the book you are left wanting to read more from the author.

I received this book on the 7th and finished it the same night. I thought the book was well written from our perspective. I am an army medic and was attached to Ryan's unit when I was deployed. I thought the way Ryan covered the terror that we go through and how we react to all of these situations was spot on. Everyone goes through their own personal hell while deployed and this just showed how some of us deal with the stress. I congratulate Ryan on taking his love for the army and his brothers to the next step. I thought this book was very well written from a personal perspective. Ryan's passion for writing shows in his pages about how he feels for his new found family on good days and bad days. A definite read for anyone who served with him and a very good starter from people who are considering this line of work. It can be an eye opener for the average person.

This is one of the most realistic, honest military books you will ever read. As I read this book I was struck with the idea that it seemed like Mr. Conklin was sitting next to me telling me his story. This is an honest, brutal memoir, that is extremely hard to put down. I loved every page of the book. For those of us who never served in the military, it gives us an authentic idea of what it is like to be on the front lines with America's finest.

I began reading An Angel From Hell Tuesday afternoon and finished it Tuesday evening. The book was a page turner that pulled no punches and made no apologies for honestly and explicitly covering gritty subjects like the aftermaths of IED and suicide bomber attacks. Easily on par with Stephen Ambrose's works, but with an added degree of authority thanks to the author's having been there and done that. A great book for those who want a look at the post-invasion occupation of Iraq through the eyes of one self-proclaimed grunt. Hopefully there will be a sequel covering Ryan's second deployment to Iraq.