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My Friend the Mercenary  By  cover art

My Friend the Mercenary

By: James Brabazon
Narrated by: James Brabazon
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Publisher's summary

James Brabazon is narrating this story of war, violence, and political intrigue. He wanted a war. And, for his sins, he got one. James Brabazon was an ambitious young war reporter when he entered the chaos of the Liberian Civil War in 2002. Running with the infamous LURD rebels, he survived numerous deadly ambushes, the privations of dysentery and a dramatic hundred-mile escape from Government troops through dense equatorial jungle. He even had a bounty put on his head.

Surrounded largely by child soldiers high on drugs, Brabazon was accompanied by Nick du Toit, a South African mercenary with a dark past. They quickly became best friends. Before long, Nick promised James the scoop of his life: a front seat, beside Simon Mann, in an audacious coup attempt in Equatorial Guinea. And the offer was too good to refuse.…

©2010 James Brabazon (P)2011 Audible Ltd

Critic reviews

“An outstanding memoir about the power of friendship in the morally complex theatre of war. James Brabazon is a fearless reporter and a brutally honest narrator. I couldn't put this book down.” (Andy McNab)

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What listeners say about My Friend the Mercenary

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Gripping

This is a truly fantastic book. I was totally bowled over by the story and couldn't stop listening. There's not much more to say, really, except that I recommend this book very, very highly.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The best book I have aborbed in years

What made the experience of listening to My Friend the Mercenary the most enjoyable?

The best part about this audiobook, in my opinion, is that James Brabazon reads it himself. You feel so much closer to the experience with the author reading it. He is telling his story. I loved that approach. More authors should read their own work for audible.com.

What did you like best about this story?

That a strong relationship forms between a young journalist who never really had a father an older mercenary who has a son but was never really was there for him growing up. James Brabazon and Nick du Toit take the place of the opposite's absent father and son. Nick, the father, the protector, the experienced one. James, the son, the motivator, the curious one. Very strong subtext in this story.

Which scene was your favorite?

All the adventures they experience in the jungles of Liberia. Also when 30 year old Brigadier-General Deku says goodbye to James. "We are ready. And we're prepared." A very powerful scene.

If you could give My Friend the Mercenary a new subtitle, what would it be?

By any means necessary.

Any additional comments?

Looking forward to listening to more book written and read by Mr James Brabazon. Bravo James, this book was phenomenal! Thank you!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

a big "but..."

this book is entertaining enough that you will likely finish it. however, it is a tale of greed and moral corruption, including the authors. brabazon is not really a journalist, at least not in the sense that he is an objective reporter of the truth. instead, he is a journalist only in that he carried a camera and filmed some war footage. brabazon is really a thrill seeker easily influenced by those around him. this book is essentially his justification for agreeing to participate in a coup d' etat motivated solely by greed.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Cool

Loved this book. The performance was not my favorite, but good enough. Highly recommend!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

amazingly researched and told

so well written and gripping disregarded parts of my life to finish. loved how it told the story of west Africa.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Awesome

Very well done , I always wanted to know the story about Nick and now I know. Thanks for penning this important journey.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant

One of the most interesting and well written story I have listened to ever. A must listen.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Couldn't stop listening

Loved this book and all the detail, the narration is perfect. I would recommend this to anyone.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A great adventure

I loved this book, to be honest,, it's taken me a while to finish it. it's a slow read in the beginning bit things pick up and its a lot more complex then I thought it would be. James has a hell of story to tell.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

In-depth and heavily involved story of the mercenary world and governments.

The book is a master piece that will keep you listening for more. This book opens up your eyes to the what is really happening in the world with regards to the secret dealings and f governments and the grip they have on Africa’s commodities and the lengths governments will go to, to overthrow opposing governments.

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