Otto Skorzeny

The Devil’s Disciple

By: Stuart Smith

Narrated by: Julian Elfer

SS-Obersturmbannführer Otto Skorzeny became a legend in his own time. "Hitler's favorite commando" acquired a reputation as a man of daring, renowned for his audacious 1943 mission to extricate Mussolini from a mountain-top prison. He could be brave and resourceful, but was also a notorious egoist and an unrepentant Nazi until the end of his life.

Stuart Smith draws on years of in-depth research to uncover the truth about Skorzeny's career and complex personality. From his background as a student radical in Vienna to his bloody service with the Waffen-SS on the Eastern Front, and from his surprise rebirth as a commando to his intriguing post-war career and mysterious fortune, this book tells Otto Skorzeny's story in full-warts and all-for the first time.

©2018 Stuart Smith (P)2018 Tantor

Hero is a hero

Although Otto was a Nazi, he was a terrific marketing and military strategist. He managed to get all of the attention from Hitler while superiors had to take a back seat. I loved the story, and not many stories tell of heroic events of the axis powers. If you like WW II books and can't get enough then this is a great read for you. Love a winner even in a losing cause.

Good balanced bio, reads well

Skorzeny is a fascinating character, and this is a much-awaited biography that reads almost like a war novel. A recommended reading to all interested in WWW II and/or national-socialism.

Good balance of information both Good & Bad on a legend of the Special Warfare Realm

I liked how the author presented the facts and seemed to leave it up to the reader to make his own assumptions. A lot of information as well about German Command & Control of the higher echelons and the politics of the operation of the SS. Good and well written story with good narration.

A one dimensional Otto

Plenty of facts but something important was missing. It felt like one never really was able to step into Otto's shoes so to speak. Maybe a lack of personal letters and close friends were his legacy. I thought for years he was inspirational, I was wrong.

Good history lesson

If you like reading history books this is a 5 star book. The narrator is top notch and German pronunciations are excellent. The book is overflowing with useful information about the German Army and Skorzeny's life but is not a thriller. Good historical read!