Castles in the Sky

A Novel of the Black Monday B-17 Bombing Raid Against Berlin

By: Craig DiLouie

Narrated by: Garrett Michael Brown

From every corner of America, they crossed the Atlantic to destroy the Nazi war machine on its own turf: the B-17 bomber crews flying bloody bombing missions over northern Europe. On March 6, 1944, General Doolittle launched a massive operation he believed would change the air war. The largest air armada the Eighth Army Air Force had ever launched. The first full-scale daylight bombing of Berlin, capital of the Third Reich.

This horrifying battle would become known by the men who survived it as Black Monday.

From Craig DiLouie, the creator of Hell’s Eden, Strike!, and the bestselling Crash Dive and Armor series, Castles in The Sky tells the story of one such Flying Fortress crew. It’s a story of courage and grit in the face of impossible odds and the search for meaning in the madness of war. The 250th mission of the Eighth Army Air Force and the last for Pop’s Flying Circus.

©2025 Craig DiLouie (P)2025 Craig DiLouie

Honest Storytelling

What truly sets his work apart is his commitment to portraying the bravery and gritty honesty of his characters. He doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of war, allowing the difficult decisions and profound sacrifices made by those living through it to shine through. This creates a powerful and authentic experience, making his characters feel incredibly real and relatable. You get a sense of their true courage, not just in grand gestures, but in their resilience and determination in the face of immense adversity.

The story and narration were excellent

I didn’t want the story to end. But. I get it. What a great synopsis of one mission and phenomenal story line (as usual in his World War II books)