Reviews
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Publishers Weekly, "Starred" Review
"Ardolino (associate editor of the Long War Journal) delivers a brilliant, detailed description of events in 2007, when Marines, tribal leaders, and local Iraqis worked together to again eject the insurgents--hopefully, this time, permanently. Combining eye-witness accounts of political frustrations,...
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Middle East Media and Book Reviews Online
"I strongly recommend this book. Ardolino has managed to write two important stories of the Iraq war in one book.... This book is a valuable addition to the literature on Iraq, the Middle East and naturally, terrorism/counter-terrorism. Ardolino tells the...
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Marine Corps Gazette
"...A compelling account... an eminently readable book that describes tactical action clearly. The discussion of firefights are accompanied by simple map diagrams which help to explain the action in terms that are uncomplicated but not condescending to military readers...Fallujah Awakens...
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Australian Defence Journal
"The accounts of events--usefully shaped by research and interviews with Iraqi and American individuals--illuminates the work of the Marines and grants readers a window into the incredibly delicate decisions made by the involved parties. Much like the work of T.E...
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Defense Media Network
"Arguably the book's most important contribution is the wealth of material telling the Iraqi side of the story. It provides a powerful counterpoint and, in some cases, mirror image of the Marine experience there. Ardolino cogently explains with rare and...
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Leatherneck: Superb book... A fine writer...
"...Superb book... A fine writer... One of the better books on Marine COIN published to date. It's the book to read to understand how to work with the locals and having them 'choose us.'" -- Leatherneck, the Magazine of the...
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Capt. Alexander S. Martin, USMCR, former infantry, recon and force recon platoon commander
"A powerful account of courageous decisions and bold actions made by Americans and Iraqis alike in Anbar's darkest city at the most uncertain and critical time in the entire campaign. His writing took me back to the nervous emotions experienced...
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Carmen Gentile, conflict correspondent for USA Today
"Bill Ardolino masterfully crafts a narrative that illustrates the challenges faced by U.S. Marines during one of the most dangerous battles in the Iraq War. Fallujah Awakens captures their struggle to be both warriors, and sometimes social workers, while combating...
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Thomas H. Henriksen, Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution and the U.S. Joint Special Operations University
"Bill Ardolino goes beyond where others have left off after the first and second battles to subdue the 'City of Mosques' and examines the crucial role played by Fallujah in the fight against al Qaeda. His vivid account fills a...
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JD Johannes, Outsidethewire.com
"...A well reported, fast paced narrative of how Major Dan Whisnant's US Marine Infantry Company and Sheikh Aifan Sadoun Aifan al-Issawi, who called himself "Dark", teamed up to fight Al Qaeda in what would become the Third Battle of Fallujah....
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