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Silent Heroes: When Love and Values Are Worth Fighting for Paperback – July 10, 2019
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How far would you go to save strangers in need? A platoon of Marines and their military working dogs, MWD, are about to find out.
An educated woman makes the ultimate sacrifice to teach girls to read. She leaves behind a daughter and a son whose lives become intertwined with those of the U.S. Marines. But the Taliban is infiltrated everywhere and is hard to differentiate between friend and foe.
A revised, 2022 edition.
As vivid as a movie, you will share the life of the Marines deployed in an Afghan military base; climb the breathtaking Hindu-Kush Mountains to a secluded Taliban camp; dive in the belly of ancient Qala-e-Bost fortress in the middle of a battle, and experience the culture of the Afghan people.
Silent Heroes is a race against time, “an emotional rollercoaster of a read,” a page-turner, a thrilling contemporary story with a vivid sense of the place, history and politics that shines a light on the humanity of the Marines and their special relationship with their canine buddies.
The utterly thrilling war fiction read inspired by true events from a Historical Fiction bestselling author - it will keep you gripped until the final page.
Chosen one of 5 Books Everyone Should Read in Their Lifetime
From the author of the Amazon Historical Fiction Bestseller Joyful Trouble comes Silent Heroes, When Love and Values Are Worth Fighting for - ‘a book not to be missed. (Mandie Griffiths, Book Reviewer)For readers of Kite Runner, A Dog's Way Home and The Operator.
Readers are loving Silent Heroes:
‘Although this is a work of fiction there are truths to it that will tug at your heart. For anyone who has not read one of Patricia’s books then I would recommend this one.’ (5 stars) Mandie Griffiths
‘Have you ever read a fiction novel but felt as if you were reading a true account of events instead? This was my experience while reading Patricia Furstenberg’s Silent Heroes. Regardless of your usual preferred genre, this is an excellent read … will stay in your heart and mind long after finishing.’ (5 stars) Dandelion Inspired
‘If you’re looking for a fast paced read I really can’t recommend this book highly enough. It’s a definite must read.’ (5 stars) Mani’s Book Corner
’I strongly recommend this book to EVERYONE!’ (5 stars) Bunny’s Pause ‘A fantastic, action packed, captivating and emotional tale then will take you on a rollercoaster. Definitely recommended by me!’ Curled Up With a Good Book
‘The writing is wonderful… Great book to experience something different than a traditional suspense or mystery read.’ (5 stars) Goodreads Reviewer
’I recommend this book to anyone … who wants a novel with plenty of action and great characters.’ (5 stars) Goodreads Reviewer
‘Incredibly well researched, and provides many edge of the seat moments… Highly recommended.’ (5 stars) Goodreads Reviewer
‘It was also very interesting to read about the important role Military Working Dogs played in the US Marines’ war against the Taliban insurgents.’ (5 stars) Goodreads Reviewer
‘A story that uplifts with its portrayal of people who continue to care for others despite the dangers they face every day. A great read. (5 stars) Goodreads Reviewer
’The entire story feels urgent, totally against the clock.… A well-researched, thought-provoking and ultimately insightful consideration of life in the military.’ (Goodreads Reviewer)
- Print length365 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateJuly 10, 2019
- Dimensions5.25 x 0.92 x 8 inches
- ISBN-101079754911
- ISBN-13978-1079754919
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Editorial Reviews
Review
Therelationship between the dog handlers and their dogs was a highlight ofthe book. The dogs were given such strong personalities and theirconnection to their handlers was beautifully portrayed. The storyrevolves around these relationships and their importance. I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys reading war stories or who are animal lovers." (Books by Jen)
"Silent Heroes is a reality-inspired story about the U.S. Marines' selfless fightingin the Afghanistan war. Far away from home, they start a new familybased on camaraderie, a vow to protect the innocent lives at stake andaccepting the sacrifice that comes with it.
The story alsoportrays life on the other side of the trenches. Taliban soldiersoppressing their own kind for political, national or religious reasons.
A book about the dangers of doing the right thing, friendship in the most unexpected places, canine loyalty and political betrayal, family,devotion, trauma.
Silent Heroes is a story of loss, perpetual tragedy, and hope."
(Crissu for Book Review Hub)
From the Author
But the political religion, like the aftermath of the terroristattacks on 9/11, has stirred the local fundamentalists and, on thebackdrop of an already troubled country that had seen centuries offoreign abuse, things went downhill and snowballed, pulling along thecivilians - as always.
In an attempt to gain control over their country, once and for all,these fundamentalists have abused religious rituals and have turnedtheir spiritual religion into the same political weapon that centuriesof foreign vanquishers had already used against their people.
What I tried to convey through Silent Heroes is that allthose impacted by war are, at the end of a fighting day, human beingwith dreams and families. War, although in different ways, it impactsall those involved. A war's consequences, like the shadow of anightmare, reach far beyond the battlefield.
Perhaps being a woman that writes about war I couldn't ignore myinner voice speaking for the daughter, the wife, and the mother in me.
Thank you for choosing Silent Heroes.
Product details
- Publisher : Independently published (July 10, 2019)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 365 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1079754911
- ISBN-13 : 978-1079754919
- Item Weight : 14.7 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.25 x 0.92 x 8 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #7,043,529 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #13,653 in Women's Adventure Fiction (Books)
- #18,325 in Military Thrillers (Books)
- #23,382 in Romantic Action & Adventure
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Amazon Bestseller and Award Winning writer Patricia Furstenberg is the author of JOYFUL TROUBLE, SILENT HEROES: When Love and Values Are Worth Fighting for (chosen One in Five Books Everyone Should Read in Their Lifetime), and new releases DREAMLAND and TRANSYLVANIA'S HISTORY A to Z. With a medical degree behind her, Patricia writes about unconditional love and war, while her keen interest for history and dogs brought her writing, through a perfect loop, to her native Romania, Patricia being the creator of #Im4Ro hashtag, sharing positive stories.
Her latest books, "Dreamland" and "Transylvania's History A to Z" are "a wonderful combination of stories, photos, history, and legends", "a novel idea and a captivating read".
Her contemporary military novel "Silent Heroes: When Love and Values Are Worth Fighting for" is a highly emotional read, action-packed, a vivid story of enormous sacrifice and bravery. "Silent Heroes" is a narrative about the value of life. A new look at the War in Afghanistan, at the MWD, Military Working Dogs and the brave Marines fighting it, but also at the Afghans caught in it.
Her historical fiction book "Joyful Trouble" is an Amazon Bestseller - read about real dogs caught in WW2.
Through her children's books Patricia is well known for her uplifting, charming themes and lovable, enchanting characters: dogs, cats, elephants, cheetahs, lions, but also squirrels and snails. Using her inner child she crafts stories and poems that are great fun, as well as teaching empathy. Her stories are filled with “creativity and vivid imagery” and she knows how to “capture the reader’s imagination.”
Her words “truly make the world a happier and more beautiful place!”
Her prolific writing is described as: positive, diverse, crisp, joyful and uplifting.
Patricia Furstenberg came to writing though reading, her passion for books being something she inherited from her parents. As a winner of the Write Your Own Christie Competition, the Judges "were impressed by her thorough investigation and admired the strength of her narrative; they were impressed by her style”. The judges thought Patricia's writing style is "well structured, with a great sense of tension and suspense”, “confident and intriguing”. The Judges were Mathew Prichard, David Brawn from Harper Collins UK and Daniel Mallory from Harper Collins US.
Patricia Furstenberg received Author of the Year at the Spillwords Press Awards MMXXIII.
When she doesn't writes Patricia enjoys reading, researching for forthcoming books and traveling with her family. She never counts how many cups of coffee she enjoys in a day.
Patricia lives happily with her husband, children and dogs in sunny South Africa.
Patricia Furstenberg Author Page and Blog: http://alluringcreations.co.za/wp/
Connect on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PatFurstenberg
Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PatriciaFurstenbergAuthor
Connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciafurstenberg
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers praise the book for its well-written and compelling story. They find the descriptions vivid and emotional, opening their minds and hearts to the American experience. The book is described as poignant and thought-provoking, opening readers' minds and hearts to the world of war.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the writing quality of the book. They find it well-crafted and compelling, with vivid descriptions of both physical and emotional events. The author has a talent for writing an engaging story. However, some readers feel the book needs proofreading.
"...the history of Afghanistan, and it’s people through the author’s well-crafted story. This book should be required reading for everyone...." Read more
"...Her vivid descriptions, both physical and emotional, opened up my mind and my heart to the American soldier's and the Afghanistan people's turmoils...." Read more
"...The author has a real talent for writing a compelling book, but she needs to find a good proofreader." Read more
"A Must-read War Story!..." Read more
Customers find the book thought-provoking and emotional. They say it opens their minds and hearts to the American experience. The storyline is graphic and intense, yet filled with the underlying beauty of the country.
"...The storyline is graphic and intense, yet, filled with the underlying beauty of the country...." Read more
"...Her vivid descriptions, both physical and emotional, opened up my mind and my heart to the American soldier's and the Afghanistan people's turmoils...." Read more
"Poignant and thought-provoking, Silent Heroes gives readers an up-close and personal look behind the scenes of war in one of Afghanistan’s deadliest..." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2020Silent Heroes is a thought-provoking story of a Marine K-9 unit serving in Afghanistan. The storyline is graphic and intense, yet, filled with the underlying beauty of the country.
I can not imagine the hours of research Ms, Furstenberg invested in writing such an in-depth book. She crafted every word to evoke the struggles the characters endure. The pacing is excellent. Just when you lose your breath due to the intensity, you are offered a respite through interactions with the elderly, women, and children.
The K-9 members of the unit are equally as important as the humans. Their job is dangerous, deadly, and essential to the survival of all. Each dog’s personality shines through the author’s words.
I learned quite a bit about the history of Afghanistan, and it’s people through the author’s well-crafted story.
This book should be required reading for everyone. I highly recommend this book to fans of fiction, drama, war stories, and history.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2019Ms, Furstenberg's concise yet sentimental style takes us through an emotional book. Her vivid descriptions, both physical and emotional, opened up my mind and my heart to the American soldier's and the Afghanistan people's turmoils. The book embraces the special relationship built between humans as well as soldiers with their canine partners who play a very important role. A silent role. Have you ever read about these wonderful dogs? I have not. I've read a lot about the situation in Afghanistan but her research delves into areas I wasn't familiar with. The culture of this country is revealed by her words in such a way that made me enthralled by the citizens and appalled by the Taliban. Read it and be taken on a journey of brutality and humanity which left me feeling happy to be part of the human race. There is hope for a better world.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2020Poignant and thought-provoking, Silent Heroes gives readers an up-close and personal look behind the scenes of war in one of Afghanistan’s deadliest provinces. The author skillfully ties together the lives and objectives of a Marine K-9 unit serving in Helmand Province and a local community trying its best to survive as the Taliban’s rampant rule kills, threatens, abuses and uses them for its own sinister purposes. The author does an amazing job weaving the ravages and ruins of war into a beautiful heartrending story that is an eye-opener. Highly recommended! ~ Bette A. Stevens, author of award-winning children's picture book AMAZING MATILDA and other books for children and adults.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2021The book drew me in to the nonsense of wars, and I especially appreciated how the Military Working Dogs were given such care and love. This is a story of our times, right now, with Americans, allies, and MWD's abandoned in Afghanistan by the current president.
I would have given this book a 5+ review except for the errors that became worse and worse as the book progressed. Sheer carelessness: ..."were seen bend over a desk..." "...if anyone will tug him into bed..." "...hunters feeling like pray..."
Numerous errors with the verb "to lie," such as "She was laying on her side."
The author has a real talent for writing a compelling book, but she needs to find a good proofreader.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2022This was a difficult book to read due to the nature of the subject matter. That said, everyone should read this story. The novel brings home the issues with military life in an Afghanistan war zone. I don't think the Taliban will ever stop their crazy murderous ways in which they kill regardless of age and innocence. Sure. We can help build schools or a hospital but who would teach??? Girls not allowed to learn. The horror of children used as weapons such as exploding IED's, or grenade and explosive liquid in hand, crying because they know they will die, but doing what was drilled into their brain, is more than heart-rending. Five stars.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2019It is clear that the author did an amazing amount of research for this book. Over the last few years I have read many, many book written by our soldiers. All of these books were based on each soldier's experiences. The author of "Silent Heroes" has captured the experiences of our military men and women. I highly recommend this book and I plan to read more book by this author.
Top reviews from other countries
- Patricia BuntingReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 20, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars A well-researched and detailed novel that evokes so many emotions
Silent Heroes is the third of Ms Furstenberg’s books I’ve read and I found it a thoroughly engaging, thought-provoking and well-paced read. It is very well researched, with intricate details of the life and work of the American forces based in Afghanistan, and of the Afghan people struggling to survive against the Taliban’s harsh and brutal enforcement of Islamic Sharia law.
Taliban bands swoop down from their hideouts in the mountains to mete out their barbaric punishments of villagers. Women, in particular, are targeted, especially those who have attempted to educate themselves or their female children, or failed to wear a burqa in the presence of men outside their family. Sometimes, young boys are snatched from their families to be indoctrinated in Sharia law and trained to become fanatical killers. Such raids are inflicted upon people who are already starving, their once fertile farmland having been claimed by the Taliban to grow their opium poppies – the sale of which funds their ongoing fight against the Afghan government and foreign forces deployed in the country to counter them.
A harrowing description of one such Taliban raid in the opening scene gabbed my immediate attention, serving to introduce two of the key Afghan characters in the story, a brave and well-educated teenage girl and her equally brave younger brother. It also leads to the introduction of the main characters in a group of US servicemen and their faithful well-trained and much-loved dogs.
The work of the American unit and their dogs largely revolves around the ‘sniffing out’ and removal of IED’s – bombs planted along roads and in fields to kill or maim armed forces and Afghan people alike. It is deadly work for both men and dogs, one that they must cope with on a daily basis, as well as dealing with bands of raiding terrorists, whose strongholds prove very difficult to locate. The relationships and camaraderie between the servicemen and between the dogs and their handlers, is very special and often tear-jerking.
Silent Heroes is a book that evokes so many emotions, presenting readers with tragedy, trauma, heartache and pain, homesickness, and incredible courage. The pride the men take in fulfilling their duty also shines through. Characters are realistically and skilfully drawn, coming to life as the story unfolds. The ‘heroes’, both human and canine, are endearing and memorable. The author also succeeds in filtering in the historic and religious reasons for the Taliban activity in a country that has been fought over and war-torn for centuries.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about the Taliban and the situation in Afghanistan, as well as to anyone who wants a novel with plenty of action and great characters.
- Stephen AinleyReviewed in Australia on July 31, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended
This is a very exciting, moving and well written book about war in Afghanistan. Although I didn’t serve there, as an ex Airborne Engineer and veteran of many IED search teams, I especially appreciated the amount of research that went into making the story as true to life as possible. Would highly recommend this excellent book.
- DiogenesReviewed in the United Kingdom on October 28, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Well-researched and gripping
This is an excellently-researched novel about the battle against the Taliban in Afghanistan. I am in awe. The gritty narrative is compelling: I couldn’t stop turning the pages, and consumed it in three sittings. Everything about it feels real – the landscape, the events and the characters. For sure, this is one of the best books I have read this year (and I have read a lot). Anyone interested in the history of the turbulent country of Afghanistan will find much to absorb and learn from ‘Silent Heroes’. I can recommend it to lovers of historical fiction, and those who appreciate a fine thriller/action novel. It’s an important piece of work, and it will tug at you.
“The real battle is not here, in the open air… but inside, between blindfolded hearts and caged minds.”
- Stuart AkenReviewed in the United Kingdom on June 7, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars A Tale of Remarkable Courage and Hope Against the Odds.
What do you know about the war(s) in Afghanistan? This remarkable story of courage, extremism, intolerance, loyalty, betrayal and love will tell you so much.
The ‘silent’ heroes of the title are the sniffer dogs employed by American Marines in their hunt for IEDs (improvised explosive devices, if you didn’t know). But this story is about much more than these extraordinary canines.
Patricia Furstenberg has clearly done extensive research on the history of Afghanistan, it’s multiple wars, both internal and with invaders from various countries. This is presented through the voices of characters in the story, in several sections. She has also made herself fully conversant with operating methods used by the Marines and the Taliban, their philosophies, and their deeply contrasting views of the value of life.
There is much sadness here, understandably. But there is also great bravery, action, and, against all the odds, hope.
As a reader who sees books through the eyes of a writer, I found some aspects of the book a little irritating: changes in tense, occasional malapropisms. But these in no way detracted from a story that gripped me throughout.
There are passages describing events and locations from points of view that required the author to enter the minds of people she could only imagine. And she does this with quite remarkable success. In particular, an event is described through the eyes of a nine-year-old Afghan boy; the strangeness, unfamiliarity, occasional incomprehension he finds in his temporary environment is pictured with astounding clarity and credibility.
Dog lovers will enjoy the passages that describe the work, relationships and dangers faced by the sniffer dogs and their handlers; though, beware, you may need tissues handy.
There is shocking material here, violence; the appalling catalogue of cruelty practiced by insanely criminal extremists in the pursuit of power under their distorted interpretation of the Qur’an. It is difficult to imagine anyone reading this book without feeling real empathy for the people of Afghanistan as they attempt to lead ordinary lives surrounded by dreadful cruelty, indiscriminate danger from exploding devices and armed gangsters.
The story contains further evidence, if it were needed, that the war on drugs has utterly failed. The only result of such mistaken official policy being the financial reward of terrorists who use the heroin trade to fund their killing sprees.
This is sometimes a hard book to read, but it is also a story that uplifts with its portrayal of people who continue to care for others despite the dangers they face every day. A great read.
- Mandie GriffithsReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 28, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars A book not to be missed
I have been a fan of Patricia’s books for quite some time. The majority of what I have read has been children’s books very much focused around animals. She has a great way of capturing their personalities and characteristics that engages the reader no matter what their age. Silent Heroes is another one of those books… this time they are service dogs based in Afghanistan, but they are not necessarily the main focus.
As soon as I saw this book and what it was about, I knew that I wanted to read it as the subject is quite close to me for various reasons. Patricia takes us to a base camp for the American forces and tells the story of a group of soldiers that have service dogs as part of their ranks as they complete several missions including clearing mines and rescuing captured civilians and military personnel. Despite the topic there are some lighter moments that will bring a smile to balance those moments that bring to the front the harsh reality of dealing with the Taliban.
I guess we always hear about what happens to the serving members of the forces but not always about the dogs that also risk their lives sniffing out IED’s. It never crosses our minds that they too can suffer from a canine version of PTSD. This book brings that to the forefront of your mind though. After all they witness the explosions and the devastating aftermath that occurs. They too lose loved ones (their handlers). The dogs are an extension of the handler’s family and often bring comfort in harrowing times. What I loved was the fact that the dogs hold a higher rank than their handlers. This just shows how valued they are.
Although this is a work of fiction there are truths to it that will tug at your heart. For anyone who has not read one of Patricia’s books then I would recommend this one.