For Journalists & Reviewers

“A riveting, beautifully crafted novel that captures both the drama and the moral ambiguity of one of history's most extraordinary moments. With vivid characters, meticulous research, and exceptional storytelling, Dan Williams brings Operation Paperclip and the race for Germany's rocket scientists to life in a way that is both gripping and profoundly thought-provoking. Always the Stars, Never the Ashes is an outstanding work of historical fiction that illuminates not only the origins of the Space Age, but also the enduring tension between scientific achievement, national security, and moral responsibility.”

“To write a book about Operation Paperclip, the famous program that brought German rocket scientists to the United States after World War II, is a daunting task and one that in my opinion has never truly succeeded. The tendency of past authors has been to write either a condemnation of all concerned or an apologia for one of the first acts of the Cold War. Brilliantly, Dan Williams has done neither but instead has written a novel of historical fiction that is probably closer to the truth than anything I've ever read. The characters within his story, while real historical figures, come alive with all the virtues, sins, ambition, and intelligence that defined them within the context of the crushing realities of total war. Highly recommended.”