The Last Jump

A Novel of World War II

By: John E. Nevola

Narrated by: Mike Ortego

The Last Jump is a war story, a mystery, a love tale, and a tribute to the people who won World War II. Fact and fiction intermix seamlessly to unravel a secret passionately guarded by four aging soldiers. The reader is transported back in time to an imperfect America, with all is incredible virtues and vexing shortcomings struggling with racial and gender issues while fighting for its very survival. It was time when Americans stood shoulder to shoulder to free the world from tyranny. It celebrates the spirit and courage of ordinary citizens pitted against the militaristic regimes of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. It was a time when the sons of presidents and senators served, fought, suffered and died alongside average Americans and famous celebrities.

J.P. Kilroy, a middle-aged divorced journalist, regrets ignoring his mother's deathbed request. Even her last letter, which told of the existence of a mysterious family secret, did not motivate him to reconcile with the father who left them 30 years ago. When he receives an invitation from the White House to attend a Medal of Honor awards ceremony for African-Americans, he also discovers his estranged father recently passed away. Was the secret now lost forever?

Kilroy also discovers that four aging veterans, the only links to the past, not only know the secret but swore an oath never to reveal it. They are the free-spirited Sky Johnson, a rough and tumble paratrooper, Frank West, the studious company commander, Harley Tidrick, Omaha Beach veteran and cousin of his father's best wartime buddy, and Lincoln Abraham, the only living black honoree at the ceremony.

With the aid of Cynthia Powers, an alluring Army press liaison, Kilroy accepts the challenge to cajole the veterans into revealing the mystery. Their conversations take him back in time to a country in grave danger but a country as united as never before or since. But the old warriors stubbornly resist until the last one passes on and Kilroy's hopes are dashed. But one reaches from beyond the grave to identify the only other person who has the answer and Kilroy races death to reach her. And a shocking conclusion awaits him, if only he can get there in time!

©2010 John E. Nevola (P)2013 John E. Nevola

THANK YOU

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

After this book I finally realize what my father experienced and why he said the things he did .

What other book might you compare The Last Jump to and why?

My Dad was one of 5 brothers from Canada that lived in Maine who served . All but one returned . So wish I had this book as a young snot not understanding what they share as a brotherhood on the farm after the war in the early 50's .

What about Mike Ortego’s performance did you like?

What's not to like !!!!!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

All 83 chapters >> its that simple .

Any additional comments?

Only regrets >> not talking to my Dad more . He passed at 94 yrs young in 2002 and served in the Army Air Corp in the Philippines as a cargo mover ! . He said " there were just too > too > too many body bags " ! Love you Dad >> just didn't know what you experienced !!!

Thank you John E. Nevola for a great story and to Mike Ortego for an awesome journey

Fabulous read!

Great book! Takes you through parts if WWII as if you were there. If you are at all interested in the history of this war, this is the book to read.

Had me Hooked

this book had me hooked all the way to the end.
Great story! Airborne All the Way!

Incredible journey

Where does The Last Jump rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is a awesome story that has you guessing what will happen next. It is historically accurate even though it is fiction. All the major Airborne campaigns are mentioned and the writer did his research in his portrayal of airborne forces during the Second World War. I really enjoyed the plot and the reader did a wonderful job portraying the differnt characters in the story. If you like world war 2 history and enjoy a twist then you will love this book.

What other book might you compare The Last Jump to and why?

It's hard to compare to other books I have read, as I normally read non-fiction.

Which scene was your favorite?

The battle around Bastogne.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The end.

Must read for anyone who's Dad was in WWII

A diverse and detailed account of the heroism, honor and dedication of the American fighting man.