Cry Havoc

If you ever wanted an inside look at how governments and corporations manipulate world affairs for profit, this is the book for you.

I recommend checking out Simon's interview on London Real and reading this book. It gives a fascinating perspective on geo-politics in Africa

Read about Executive Outcomes beforehand to really understand the dynamics and key players. Great read !!

This is how things work. People have no idea how easy it is to take control of a poor illiterate 3rd world country. Not many people out there truly appreciate how things really get done and how small the world and people in it are. Invariably you end up knowing some of the same players in a political take down. Brings back old stories and adventures. The only way to survive is to have a great sense of humor and personal destiny when great plans go south.

Entertaining. Well written and fun to read.

I was in the '97 Peking to Paris rally with Mann and his friend. We concluded he was some sort of hired gun, but I had no idea. I don't know how accurate his version is, but it is a gripping story. For what it is worth, he drove an Aston DB4 in the Rally. We couldn't imagine how such a car could survive the brutal roads, but Simon, his friend and the car did so.

Very well done!!! I hope the author writes more!

Many other reviewers will point out the poor use of grammar and language. Some editing would have done wonders for the book! And let's be honest - the book contains several instances of inappropriate phrasing and repetition, grammar mistakes, sometimes just a clumsy feel to the choice of words and rhythm.....BUT - for me, at least, after reading a couple of chapters I came to realize that the poor writing actually enhances the authenticity of the reading experience. The book was written by a soldier, not a professional writer. And many of the pages were (ostensibly) secretly written during imprisonment, under circumstances certainly not conducive to writing. In a way, the writing style actually drew me into the story just a little bit more.I can't comment on the factual reality of the book - this is certainly (by its very nature) an extremely subjective version of all the events covered in the book. I'm sure most historians or participants in these events would find plenty reason to disagree with Mann's version of the story. But, taking it for what it is, I can definitely recommend the book. Let's face it - opinions are just so much more enjoyable than facts. A sole "objective and true version" of the accounts being described in this book will probably never exist. This is Africa. Opinions may be all we'll ever have!This is a fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable (albeit subjective and poorly written) account of the state of affairs in the deepest darkest corners of Africa. I recommend the book without hesitation.

This is much better written than the usual gung-ho ex ''insert special forces here'' novel. As much as I enjoy reading McNab et al, I often find myself gnashing my teeth at the lazy writing and repetitive descriptive terms.I think Simon Mann writes as he speaks. Brash, forthright and straight to the point. Precise information interlaced with his dry, often self-deprecating humour. This book could use more f**ks, not less.I use Kindle unlimited now, so seldom buy a book. After watching Simon, on Dankula's 'Madlads' I was intrigued enough to go and buy his book and I'm bloody glad I did. I shall look forward to reading all his work.A fast pace and the truth is often stranger than fiction. Highly recommended. 5*

It was an interesting story at times but I came away thinking it was no wonder the coup failed when everyone in the known world had been asked about it first? Frankly it would have been better to beg forgiveness than ask permission? The rest isn't that great either, he never actually seems to see any action, letting others do his fighting for him. We hear almost nothing about his time in the Scots Guards or SAS, his tours in Northern Ireland etc We do get endless name dropping and stories about the old boy network. He also lays it on a bit thick about wanting to save African democracy when it seems obvious this was a money making scheme, he's less Rafer Janders and more Allen Faulkner. I know a lot of people considered this op the end of mercenaries in Africa but as we later saw in Nigeria that isn't true, it's more a question of the end of 'freelancers' such as Mann.

Pacey and engaging. I was recommended by a friend who said it was as good as any fiction ever written; the fact it is true makes it even better. It is not a genre I usually chase but the world that you get propelled into makes the book un-put-downable. Even with no prior knowledge the terrms and acronyms are easy to follow. Hugely enjoyable armchair reading.

I found the first part of Simon Mann's book a tricky read, as the time-frames jump around. His terse style sets the background well. However, for me the story became more compelling after his arrest and imprisonment. The description of prison life, and his strategies for survival are the best part of the book.

Story is great, insightful on a world that I guess most people would be unfamiliar with. Style of writing is substandard though, annoying at times. Get past this and it is an enjoyable read.

Sorry, badly written, not a page turner. Extraordinary man though.

As one who had followed the newspaper reports of Simon Mann`s incarceration in an African Jail. I found it fascinating to read the international background and skullduggery involved withthe aborted mission. A must for all potential soldiers`s of fortune to read.

Good book, bought after watching program on TV, well written, keeps you interested all the time, based on true events and stories, worth reading and having

This read together with My Friend the Mercenary started to provide an insight towards what really happened with regadrs rto the attempted coup in Equatorial Guinea

Cry Havoc was a good story made better by the fact it is true. Poorly written but nail biting stuff that could have been superb. Would make a good movie.

Not what I was expecting from this book. Had I known the what it was about in more depth, I would not have purchased it.

Simply Brilliant. I do not normally read bio's but I am glad I have read Simon Mann's account. How he came through what he did is truly amazing.

If you belive this you get an insight into mercenaries and politiceMark Thatcher, it will surely all come out to haunt you in the future.

Riveting book by a top bloke. Time to chill Simon !. Best wishes for the future

Good book, if not terribly exciting, bear in mind the planned coup never took place.