Picture a Welsh warrior-turned-storyteller who swaps battlefields for bookshelves—meet Geraint Jones! This combat veteran transforms his raw experiences from Iraq and Afghanistan into gripping tales that pulse with authenticity. From the blood-soaked forests of ancient Rome in his Blood Forest series to the unflinching memoir Brothers in Arms, Jones crafts stories that explore loyalty, survival, and the human cost of conflict with a thrilling, no-holds-barred style.
Jones’s work isn’t just about war; it’s about the people who endure it. His unique lens as a soldier-turned-author brings a gritty realism to both historical fiction and modern non-fiction, making him a standout voice in literature. Ready to dive into his world? Let’s explore the man behind the stories.
The Making of Geraint Jones
Born in Wales, Geraint Jones didn’t start as a writer—he was a soldier. Serving in the British Army, he deployed three times to Iraq and Afghanistan, earning the General Officer Commanding’s Award for Gallantry in Basra. His time in the Reconnaissance Platoon, an elite unit, honed his resilience and perspective. After leaving the military, Jones protected commercial shipping from Somali and Nigerian pirates, a job as intense as it sounds. These high-stakes experiences shaped his storytelling, infusing his work with a visceral edge few authors can match.
Writing became Jones’s way to process the chaos of war. Inspired by the bonds of comradeship and the moral complexities of conflict, he began crafting stories that resonate with veterans and readers alike. His transition from soldier to author wasn’t just a career shift; it was a mission to share truths about war’s lasting impact.
Geraint Jones’s Unforgettable Stories
Jones’s Blood Forest series (originally titled Ambush) thrusts readers into the heart of Roman warfare. Set in AD 9, Blood Forest follows Felix, a legionary facing betrayal and brutal combat in Germania’s dense forests. Its sequel, Siege, ramps up the stakes with relentless action. These novels blend historical accuracy with Jones’s soldier’s-eye view, exposing the sweat, blood, and camaraderie of ancient battles.
The Raven and the Eagle series continues this gritty saga. Legion introduces Corvus, a legionary caught in a rebel uprising, while Traitor and Rebel deepen the exploration of loyalty and identity. Jones’s historical fiction doesn’t glorify war; it dissects it, revealing the moral ambiguity of empire and the resilience of those who fight.
In non-fiction, Brothers in Arms is a raw memoir of Jones’s 2009 Afghanistan tour with ‘The Firm,’ his close-knit squad. Darkly funny yet heartbreaking, it captures the bonds of friendship amid war’s horrors. His latest, D-Day: The Unheard Tapes, a Sunday Times bestseller, pairs with a BBC2 series to bring World War II voices to life. Co-authored works, like Escape from Kabul with Levison Wood, showcase his versatility. Jones’s style—bold, introspective, and unflinchingly honest—makes every page a gut punch.
Why Geraint Jones Matters
Geraint Jones bridges ancient and modern warfare, showing how the human experience of conflict remains timeless. His work resonates with veterans, history buffs, and anyone drawn to stories of survival and sacrifice. By drawing on his own battles, including his struggle with PTSD, Jones offers a rare, authentic perspective that challenges romanticized views of war. His books don’t just entertain—they provoke thought, sparking conversations about loyalty, identity, and the costs of violence.
Jones’s impact extends beyond literature. His advocacy for veterans and his candid discussions about mental health inspire readers to confront tough realities. As a veteran-author, he’s a vital voice in historical fiction and military memoir, proving that stories can heal and connect us across centuries.
- Key Works: Blood Forest, Brothers in Arms, D-Day: The Unheard Tapes
- Awards: General Officer Commanding’s Award for Gallantry
- Fun Fact: Jones is also a passionate DJ, a creative outlet since his teens!
Snag Brothers in Arms or Blood Forest and dive into Geraint Jones’s thrilling, heart-wrenching world! You won’t just read his stories—you’ll feel them.