Mission Telemark - Amanda Mitchison

Based on actual events in World War Two Mission Telemark is set in December of 1942 when four teens, who have Special Ops training, are chosen. Their mission to head into Nazi occupied Norway to blow up a water facility, otherwise the Nazis would overtake Europe. Ase, Freddie, and Jakob, arrive at Drumincraig House and are greeted by Colonel Armstrong. Their training begins almost immediately with the three of them hunting for their own food for dinner that night. Their training continues in explosives, climbing, combat, first aid, and extreme conditions. The fourth member of their group Lars, arrives a few days later. They are subjected to a mock interrogation, which they think is real. All four of them train in a replica of the water facility they are going to blow up. After a week and a half of training they are dropped off in Norway, and start to make their way to the water facility. Their journey is not a safe one. They loose most of the food when Jakob falls through the ice, and they get trapped in a hut by snow storm for several days. When all hope seems lost they find reindeer to kill for food, and they forge on to the water facility to complete their mission.

I really enjoyed this book. I liked the journal format of the book. It gives insight into the minds of the characters, and how they see each other. The action kept the plot moving along, and I felt like I was right there with them. I enjoyed the ending as well. I won't give it away, but it reminded me that no matter what you go through in life, or what you think you know, there are still lessons to be learned.

T.B. 1/26/10