War Eagles: Inspired by the Original Story by Merian C. Cooper, Creator of King Kong Paperback – July 1, 2008

This here is no ordinary book. How so? Well, it was originally meant to be a film, a strange yet exciting adventure conceived by none other than Merian C. Cooper, producer and director of OG “King Kong”. He planned to make this film bigger than his famed ape, having lots of concept art and effects master Willis O’Brien at the ready. But, when WW2 came, Cooper went to fight rather than bring his dream project to life; unfortunate for the film, admirable for the man. Years later, however, writer Carl Macek took the reins, creating a novelization of the original script. The idea and its historical background were enough to entice me. Disgraced army pilot J.P. Brandt was testing a prototype plane when he is attacked by a huge bird over the Arctic circle. Upon crashing, he finds himself on a prehistoric island where Norsemen ride giant eagles. He becomes a part of their society, falls in love, and even tames the same wild white eagle that attacked him earlier. Upon learning of a Nazi plot to attack America with a new weapon, Brandt and his new friends rush to the rescue.The book gets you into the era from descriptions of the old tech, figures like Roosevelt, and the way people speak. Likewise, the eagle riders’ lush land contrasts this, full of danger and wonder. The culture has classic Viking elements, the bonds with the winged steeds (“erns”) standing out. Brandt is a fun hero as while he is flawed (in a good way), he’s always willing to do right and try new things even if it means taking big risks. Despite being a fish out of water, he earns the Norsemen’s respect and adapts to their lifestyle. The side characters are likable and offer something of value to the story and Brandt from companions Will and Kolinsky to love interest Naru. Even the white eagle, dubbed Lindy, has quite a personality. There is great high-flying action full of gripping tension, brutal violence that is at times graphic, and high stakes, especially the climactic battle against the Nazis that pits old-fashioned beast power against deadly new tech. Minor complaints are as follows: (1) Though there are dinosaurs, few species are seen and aren’t a big deal in the story, (2) The book could use an epilogue to give the whole cast a full sense of closure as the actual story ends just as the climax does.“War Eagles” is a bizarre, adventurous tale that can easily fit right in on the big screen. I can imagine people like Peter Jackson and Joe Johnston directing this. The book features a foreward by Ray Harryhausen, who learned of this when he first got into the film business, a bonus for fans of these old classics. Overall, this a book Hollywood should consider adapting because it is worth it.

Okay, in the interests of honesty, I am a friend of the author. That being said, I wasn't aware of this book until I saw at the Honolulu Airport. I have NEVER had a plane trip go by so quickly-Carl has taken a planned film by Cooper and turned into something that would have put the latest Indiana Jones film to shame. This was a roller coaster ride of a novel and my regret is that the film was never produced. What a follow-up to King Kong! Nicely done, Swede and I hope this is the first of many novels in the future.

A GLIMPSE INTO WHAT MAY HAVE BEEN!!!Merian C. Cooper's Legendary War Eagles has been released in Novel form. And I absolutely love the concept and setting. The characters were a little bland but that's what you should expect from a Pulp adventure. My biggest problem has to do with the Nazi plot. It just felt kinda last minute. Would've loved it more if the heroes interacted more with them earlier in the story. Overall a fun adventure. Not to be missed, especially if you are a fan of old school Pulp like me.

Author is worth reading. Very interesting story that keeps you entertained. Both my grandsons enjoyed this book. They are ages 23 and 21.

Was good to have another work by carl macek

I loved WAR EAGLES. It is right up my alley. An forgotten adventure story by the creator of KING KONG brought back to life by two dedicated writers. The cover of the book states: "A Novel inspired by an original concept by Merian C. Cooper". That is enough right there to get any film buff's heart racing. I mean, you have a wonderful (and basically unknown) original story by the great Merian C. Cooper (KING KONG) and modern authors Carl Macek and Debbie Bishop bring it to life, raising it from the dead, so to speak. In addition to that, there is a wonderful forward by stop-animation legend Ray Harryhausen.For me, it was a real page turner. If you love adventure stories set in the distant past and have a soft spot in your heart for great beasts like KING KONG, this is for you!If you have children, check out Debbie Bishop's "The Faries Of Bladderwhack Pond" and the just published "Shadow Boys". Two really wonderful books.

Having been a long-time fan of King Kong, Merian C Cooper, Willis H O'Brien and Ray Harryhausen I just had to get a copy of War Eagles after reading about this 'lost' epic from 1938-39.Ray Harryhausen first met 'Obie' in the War Eagles production office, and was amazed at the pre-production work alrerady done. Sadly the project was never completed... WW2 broke out shortly after and Cooper joined the Flying Tigers based in China. The project was put on hold but never ressurected after 1945...Harryhausen tried to film War Eagles himself, but was unable to gain any studio interest.Carl Macek's novel is just awesome... it has used Cooper's original script as a basis for the story, but has fleshed out character and plot for a real page turner,up-dating where necessary but still harking back to the days of the old pulp novels and Universal/Republic serials that were churned out during the 30's and 40's.This novel had a feel of 'The Rocketeer' and 'Sky Captain' about it, a kind of alternative 1930's complete with adventure, Dinosaurs, Giant Eagles, a lost tribe, intrepid heros and evil Nazis...Much of Cooper's adventurous spirit can be detected with these pages, and there is even a reference to King Kong!This novel is an old fashioned, rip-roaring adventure that cries out to be made into a movie... maybe one day if Harryhausen gets his wish...This novel is the first in a series entitled 'Ray Harryhausen Presents'. If they are going to novelise unused Cooper/O'Brien/Harryhausen scripts then I'm sure this will be a great adventure/sci-fi series for all serious movie fans as well as those who just enjoy a good read... I hope in time to see a novelisation of O'Brien's pre-Kong concept 'Creation'.All in all a fascinating and enjoyable action adventure sci-fi from a golden age...