The Balkans area has always been one of those areas, Geographically in history that has remained a mystery mainly due to the fact so much has gone on and little has been reported. Many will understand the area was prominent in the First World War and suffered under Hitler during the Second World War, but I think that the more recent conflict in the 90’s would have been seen by many as a ‘new’ conflict. Whereas the two major conflicts were reasonably simple to understand, the later conflict involved many different sides and influences that would have made it more complicated to understand. But reading this book makes things a lot clearer and understandable over the whole period of conflict, not just the recent one. The author has done a great job in setting things out more clearly and focused. A really good read, one of those books that can give you a good understanding of the subject.

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UK Historian

It’s a fascinating read about a region that has been plagued with terrible conflicts and genocide. I would recommend anyone with an interest in modern warfare take a read of this book... I’m not sure the more recent conflicts will make a period to wargame. Though you could use some of the background for a hypothetical WW3 scenario.

I found the chapters that covered the two world wars of more interest than the more recent conflicts which were very brutal with many of those fighting committing war crimes. I suspect there is more for a historian in this book than a wargamer, but there is some useful information for anyone looking to run a campaign in the region in either the First or Second World War.

Irregular magazine, Issue 16 Volume 2 / Summer 2021 - review by Jason Hubbard

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