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12 Strong: The Declassified True Story of the Horse Soldiers Paperback – December 19, 2017

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,042 ratings

Now a major motion picture from Jerry Bruckheimer and Lionsgate!

The
New York Times bestselling “spellbinding true-life story” (USA TODAY) of a United States Special Forces team deployed to the war-ravaged Afghanistan mountains in the weeks immediately following 9/11, overcoming great odds to become heroes of our era.

In the weeks following the attacks of September 11, a small band of Special Forces soldiers secretly entered Afghanistan. Riding on horseback, they pursued the Taliban over the stark and mountainous Afghanistan terrain. After a series of intense battles, they captured the strategically essential city of Mazar-i-Sharif.

The bone-weary American soldiers were welcomed as liberators as they rode into the city, and the streets thronged with Afghans overjoyed that the Taliban regime had been overthrown. Then the action took a wholly unexpected turn. During a surrender of six hundred Taliban troops, the Horse Soldiers were ambushed by the would-be POWs. Dangerously overpowered, they fought for their lives in the city’s immense fortress, Qala-i-Jangi, or the House of War. At risk were the military gains of the entire campaign: if the soldiers perished or were captured, the entire effort to outmaneuver the Taliban was likely doomed.

Previously published as
Horse Soldiers, 12 Strong “is not just a battle story—it’s also about the home front. An important book” (the TODAY show). A thrilling, inspiring tale of a group of men on horses who did the impossible and an incredible account of real life bravery and heroism in the face of insurmountable odds.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Doug Stanton is the author of the New York Times bestsellers In Harm’s Way: The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis and the Extraordinary Story of Its Survivors and Horse Soldiers: The Extraordinary Story of a Band of US Soldiers Who Rode to Victory in Afghanistan, which is the basis for a Jerry Bruckheimer–produced movie by the same name, starring Chris Hemsworth and Michael Shannon, to be released by Warner Bros. in 2018. He attended Hampshire College and the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, The New York Times Book Review, Time, The Washington Post, Men’s Journal, The Daily Beast, Newsweek, Esquire, and Outside, where he has been a contributing editor. Stanton is a founder of the National Writers Series, a year-round book festival, and lives in his hometown of Traverse City, Michigan, with his wife, Anne Stanton, and their three children, John, Katherine, and Will.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pocket Books; Media Tie-In edition (December 19, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 576 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1501179950
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1501179952
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4 x 1.25 x 7.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,042 ratings

About the author

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Doug Stanton
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Doug Stanton is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, lecturer, screenwriter. His books include The Odyssey of Echo Company, In Harm’s Way, and Horse Soldiers. Horse Soldiers is the basis for the Jerry Bruckheimer-produced movie titled 12 Strong, starring Chris Hemsworth and Michael Shannon, released by Warner Bros. in 2018. Horse Soldiers is required reading by US Army Special Forces at the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School.

In Harm’s Way, the definitive account of the sinking, rescue, and valor of the USS Indianapolis crew, spent more than six months on the New York Times bestseller list and became required reading on the U.S. Navy's reading list for officers. The unabridged audiobook edition of In Harm’s Way is the winner of the 2017 Audie Award in the History category. Horse Soldiers was featured on the front page of the Sunday New York Times Book Review, and is also a New York Times bestselling ebook and audiobook.

The Odyssey of Echo Company is a Military Times Best Book Of The Year and recipient of the The Society of Midlands Authors Best NonFiction Book Award. He has lectured at libraries, civic and corporate groups, bookstores, universities, including the US Department of State and The Center for Strategic International Studies. He recently appeared, with Lynn Novick, co-producer of PBS’s "The Vietnam War,” on CSPAN’s "American History” to discuss the Vietnam War.

Stanton has appeared on numerous TV and radio outlets, including NBC’s “Today,” CNN, Imus In The Morning, Discovery, A&E, Fox News, NPR, MSNBC’s Morning Joe, and NBC’s Nightly News, and has been covered extensively in prominent publications, including the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, New York Times. Drawing on his experiences working in the U.S. and overseas, and with contacts in various branches of the U.S. military and government, Stanton lectures nationally to corporate and civic groups, libraries, writing & book clubs, and universities about current events, international affairs, politics, and writing.

Stanton says that he writes and talks about “existential moments when ordinary men and women are forced to adapt and make extraordinary decisions at the least likely moment. That’s when change happens, whether we like it or not.” He has written on travel, sport, entertainment, and history, and his writing has appeared in Esquire, Outside Magazine, Smart, Men’s Journal, the New York Times, TIME, Newsweek, and the Washington Post.

Stanton’s Horse Soldiers was also a best-seller on lists in USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Entertainment Weekly, Publisher’s Weekly, and IndieBound. Horse Soldiers was named a “Notable Book” by the New York Times, and it was chosen as a “Best Book” by Publishers Weekly, The Christian Science Monitor, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.com.

Stanton attended Interlochen Arts Academy, Hampshire College, and received an MFA from the Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa, where he graduated with coursework in both fiction and poetry workshops.

He lives in Michigan with his wife, Anne Stanton, and their three children. Visit www.dougstanton.com and www.nationalwritersseries.org. Follow Doug on Twitter @dougstantonbook and Instagram dougstantonwriter

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
1,042 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the story amazing, with plenty of action. They describe the book as a real page-turner that depicts great acts of courage and bravery by both the American troops and the author.

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81 customers mention "Story quality"74 positive7 negative

Customers find the story amazing, with plenty of action. They say it's a real page-turner and well-written.

"Exciting true story of our military doing what they do best. These young men put their lives on the line and suffered for it. Some died...." Read more

"...War is never comfortable I guess. Good book." Read more

"Well written that draws on interviews with real people...." Read more

"One of the best books I have read! The author put me right there among the characters and places...." Read more

7 customers mention "Pacing"5 positive2 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book great. They say it depicts great acts of courage and bravery by both American troops and civilians.

"...The book (and the movie) depicts great acts of courage and bravery by both the American troops and the Afghan people that they teamed up with." Read more

"...True American heroes!" Read more

"...in the beginning of a book but this book just keeps bombarding you with new characters on almost every page...." Read more

"...What a story of audaciousness and courage told by an outstanding author" Read more

5 customers mention "Detail"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book descriptive and well-written. They say it draws on interviews with real people.

"Well written that draws on interviews with real people...." Read more

"...'s writing style; it grabs you from the very beginning with great detail and interest." Read more

"The audio book has so much more detail and granularity than the Hollywood movie" Read more

"Phenomenal book, great detail and leaves you amazed" Read more

12 Strong
5 out of 5 stars
12 Strong
I purchased this book from Amazon for my husband to read. (Which is a challenge in itself.) But after it was sitting on the shelf and I read the blurb I decided to read it. All opinions are my own. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 12 Strong by Doug Stanton (previously published as Horse Soldiers). I knew this was a true story going into it but I still could not believe 12 special forces military personnel rode into Afghanistan on horseback......yes! Horses in the desert in a military operation.....I had no idea THIS still happens in modern day war. 12 men, 12 horses, and all their gear made a difference in the world like no other. They were outnumbered 40 to 1 and pursued the enemy to capture the city of Mazar-i-Sharif. But during the surrender the Horse Soldiers were ambushed and every thing takes a very wrong turn. Being captured was not an option and many lives were at stake or lost in order to disband the Taliban. Whatever you think you know about the wars that followed 9/11 I promise you, you really have no clue unless you lived it.
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2024
Exciting true story of our military doing what they do best. These young men put their lives on the line and suffered for it. Some died. I recommend this book to anyone who appreciates valor and loves this country.
Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2018
An ole Navy buddy of mine with whom I share some NGFS experience as members of The Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club, observed that when he compared the bombing history of Vietnam to JDAM's in Afghanistan, he knew we'd never lose again.

Perhaps so, tho Mogadishu would throw a wrinkle in that belief.

However, BOTH experiences (V & M) illustrate the VITAL ROLE that proverbial "boots on the ground" play.

Movies like this (ergo, American Sniper & Lone Survivor) bring tears to me eyes as I am constantly reminded of a warrior's hopeful ponder: where on earth do we get men like these?

FORTUNATELY, America's technology will continue to help us "shorten the kill chain" and reduce the carnage: 58,000 in Vietnam, nearly 90% less for A&I.

This is now the 2nd movie about Afghanistan, Lone Survivor was the first, that gave me HOPE for the Afghan people.

Biloxi is now home to some wonderful survivors, known as "Vietnam's Boat People." I was even fortunate enough to design and build Navy warships with the daughter of a family who sought refuge by boat.

THIS movie is precisely WHY I prefer to wait and buy the DVD, Bluray (and now 4K) movie so that I can watch the "extra" features that tell some of the back story. Plus, DVDs provide the HUGE ADVANTAGE of not having to sit in a theater with the inevitable "obnoxious patron" (more often than not, teens) AND one can pause the movie, utilize subtitles (when increased vol does NOT result in more voice clarity, ok ok, gunfire did take its tool on hearing.

And did I mention that popcorn & beverages are MUCH CHEAPER at home than at a theater?

The only disadvantage (and THIS IS NOT TRIVIAL): how do I catalog and store 3700, and counting, DVD copies of movies I have collected? THAT is a LOT of space not counting all the GREAT books I buy as well!
9 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2019
I purchased this book from Amazon for my husband to read. (Which is a challenge in itself.) But after it was sitting on the shelf and I read the blurb I decided to read it. All opinions are my own. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 12 Strong by Doug Stanton (previously published as Horse Soldiers). I knew this was a true story going into it but I still could not believe 12 special forces military personnel rode into Afghanistan on horseback......yes! Horses in the desert in a military operation.....I had no idea THIS still happens in modern day war. 12 men, 12 horses, and all their gear made a difference in the world like no other. They were outnumbered 40 to 1 and pursued the enemy to capture the city of Mazar-i-Sharif. But during the surrender the Horse Soldiers were ambushed and every thing takes a very wrong turn. Being captured was not an option and many lives were at stake or lost in order to disband the Taliban. Whatever you think you know about the wars that followed 9/11 I promise you, you really have no clue unless you lived it.
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5.0 out of 5 stars 12 Strong
Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2019
I purchased this book from Amazon for my husband to read. (Which is a challenge in itself.) But after it was sitting on the shelf and I read the blurb I decided to read it. All opinions are my own. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 12 Strong by Doug Stanton (previously published as Horse Soldiers). I knew this was a true story going into it but I still could not believe 12 special forces military personnel rode into Afghanistan on horseback......yes! Horses in the desert in a military operation.....I had no idea THIS still happens in modern day war. 12 men, 12 horses, and all their gear made a difference in the world like no other. They were outnumbered 40 to 1 and pursued the enemy to capture the city of Mazar-i-Sharif. But during the surrender the Horse Soldiers were ambushed and every thing takes a very wrong turn. Being captured was not an option and many lives were at stake or lost in order to disband the Taliban. Whatever you think you know about the wars that followed 9/11 I promise you, you really have no clue unless you lived it.
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9 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2022
As a VN Vet I found it facinating how these guys skept in caves and battled on horseback, in this day and age! War is never comfortable I guess. Good book.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2018
I ordered the paperback edition since I want to have it on my shelf, because I want to be able to pick it up at my convenience. I'll also probably read it often. I am very familiar with this story and wondered if it would ever become a movie. I'll probably order the DVD when it becomes available. I love this story because it demonstrates how our forces can show-up and join forces with the local tribes to fight the bad guys. This is a crazy mash-up of a horse western and modern weaponry that shows what can happen and can defeat the enemy in a more lasting and conventional way. The conditions in Afghanistan are historical and the same ones that defeated Alexander the Great.
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2018
Well written that draws on interviews with real people. Very helpful in understanding the problem of Americans trying to understand the culture of Muslims, especially the extremists. Makes a positively statement as to the effectiveness of our intervention but in looking at the situation now, it is apparent that very little accomplished in the final analysis.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2018
One of the best books I have read! The author put me right there among the characters and places. I have also watched the movie, but due to time constraints, so much of the book was left out. What these guys were able to accomplish was amazing! Great book!
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2018
The book is written in such a way to show you what these brave men went through and what their family’s face at home. I would recomand this book to anyone after all 2001 was not that far back and we need to remember what so many gave so we could have freedom.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Amitabha Sanyal
4.0 out of 5 stars The book
Reviewed in India on February 26, 2023
Nice
Brian Johnston
5.0 out of 5 stars Watched the movie, now I can listen to the disks
Reviewed in Canada on June 26, 2020
Thank you for the quick shipment of these disks. I really want to hear the story of the brave soldiers in this account. Doug Stanton is a good author
Mackinacisland
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
Reviewed in Germany on February 1, 2019
A great and true story about brave Anericans joining the Northern Alliance to help them fighting for freedom. A must read !
Neil
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating and eye opening read.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 6, 2018
I saw the film first which despite certain Hollywood inaccuracies, I enjoyed which made me want to read the book the film had been based on. This is not the book of the film, but an account of those who were there. An enjoyable read that shows the bravery of those involved, and gives insights into the war in Afghanistan after the twin towers atrocity.

I have not gone into details for that you are going to have to read the book ; )
Grant Papps
5.0 out of 5 stars SPELL BINDING
Reviewed in Canada on February 17, 2018
I was spell bound from start to finish