"Betrayed Skies" is the type of German novel on World War Two that has become more or less the norm when written by a German WW-II vet: Cynical, pessimistic, dark, gross and cruel.

Other books like "The Boat" and "Iron Cross" (like this one also written by WW-II German veterans) have the same spirit.

I for one, have nothing against this style. It is a heart-felt artistic expression by the people that have actually fought and lost a horrible war. American authors have written similar cynical works about the war "we" lost in Vietnam, and we must remember that WW-II was Germany's Vietnam times ten! Mr. Braunburg writes a dark novel about the final days of the Luftwaffe, when both fuel and trained pilots are in short supply.

Most pilots are young, immature (if not too idealistic) cannon fodder with a limited life expectancy against the swarms of allied fighers. They live frantic, desperate and short lives as they are (with limited training) sent up against hordes of Allied air fleets darkening the skies over Germany.

The main protagonist, Michael Braak is a sensitive, quiet type, more prone to deep ponderings and thoughts about death and dying which make the novel all the more horrible

Also, the technical aspect of the book is very accurate. The author knows his machines (what the heck, he flew them). A near fetish is reached when dealing with each type of aircraft which the air enthuthiast might find appealing.

Pilots are killed not gloriously, but many times in stupid ways. They die in faulty planes, strafed in their cockpits, accidents...and the victims of allied guns.

Alive in the novel is the stereotype of the war-monger, the soldier who is happy in hell, which is a stereotype that often comes true in war. This sadistic, violent personality revels in destruction, and is personified in the form of Wehrmann, a bloodthirsty pilot who is always ready for a fight and mocks the death of his comrades.

All in all, I must say this is a haunting novel which takes place in a unique setting. It is definitely worth a read if you have enjoyed such books as "The Boat", "Iron Cross" or "the Forgotten Soldier"