From the Publisher
For kids who enjoy reading about war, this is catnip.
—Booklist
This engaging, well-written text flows smoothly with good transitions among ideas...this is a dependable, interesting title that would be a useful addition for middle school libraries, or for high school libraries with large populations of low-level or struggling readers.
—VOYA
The intent here...is to offer fascinating case studies in the way deceptive strategy augments (or even supplants) fire power, and Janeczko carries the day.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
A top selection for those serious about military studies.
—School Library Journal
School Library Journal
03/01/2017
Gr 7 Up—One cannot always believe one's eyes or ears, especially if one is engaged in war. Janeczko opens with the story of the Trojan horse and explains that though it may have been based in mythology, it is still a solid example of a tactic referred to as a "feint." Janeczko then describes Gideon's biblical victory over the Midianites in the Old Testament. Readers who are familiar with the major operations of World War I and World War II will learn how an enormous number of military deceptions were planned and executed (e.g., the escape of thousands of Allied troops from Gallipoli while under the eyes of Turkish forces in the First World War). The author touches briefly on U.S. wars in Korea and Vietnam, where many of these techniques were considered to be outdated or somewhat dishonest. The last section describes how deceptions and GPS were successfully used against Saddam Hussein in the Gulf War. However, the work ends rather abruptly, with no real conclusion. VERDICT A top selection for those serious about military studies. Otherwise, a secondary purchase.—Eldon Younce, Anthony Public Library, KS
Kirkus Reviews
2017-01-17
In this companion to Top Secret (2006) and The Dark Game (2010), his books on secret codes and spying, respectively, Janeczko examines how subterfuge has been used in warfare for thousands of years.In an engaging, informative narrative, Janeczko chronicles how such deceptive techniques as concealment, camouflage, planted false information, double bluff, ruse, and more have been used to great success in battles and campaigns in the Civil War, world wars I and II, and the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf wars. Carefully defining these terms of military art and beginning with the biblical account of Gideon, Janeczko explains how "demonstration" (false military preparations) and "feint" (distraction) were used to defeat the Midianites. A feigned retreat led to William the Conqueror's victory in the Battle of Hastings. Confederate Gen. "Stonewall" Jackson's masterful use of deceptive strategies made him one of the most successful Civil War commanders. The invasion of Normandy is the quintessential example of deception in extent and overwhelming success. Janeczko explains that, although principles of deception in warfare have changed little over time, the technology behind fooling the enemy has evolved dramatically. He also examines evolving attitudes about the use and effectiveness of duplicitous strategies. The narrative ends abruptly, with discussion of Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf's use of deception techniques in Operation Desert Storm. A fascinating chronicle of the longtime role of trickery in warfare. (maps, photos, source notes, bibliography) (Nonfiction. 10-14)
