Uncommon Enemy — John Reynolds

In this exciting alternative history novel Nazi Germany is the 1941 victor of World War II and, together with all her enemies occupies the democratic nation of New Zealand. The Occupation forces attempt to win the support of the population with a range of social measures but it quickly becomes clear that collaborate or resist is the stark choice facing each citizen.

Stuart Johnson, a university student, encounters the beautiful Carol Peterson on the cross-harbour ferry. She is accompanied by Hamish Beavis who quickly takes exception to Stuart's obvious interest in Carol. The attraction between Stuart and Carol rapidly develops but Stuart, unaware of the dark secret that she carries, is puzzled by the hold that Hamish appears to have over her. As pressure on the occupied population increases, Carol faces her own pressure from her family that eventually forces her into becoming engaged to Hamish. However, when he decides to join the local Nazi Party she is appalled.

The government crackdown on university freedoms triggers a student protest rally that is brutally suppressed. Stuart, now a wanted man, is forced to flee, accompanied by Carol, who has rejected Hamish. After several narrow escapes they make contact with a resistance group â€" part of a growing resistance network. The totalitarian regime uses its military dominance and local collaborators to confront the increasing resistance from all sections of the population. The thwarted Hamish uses his new position on the local Nazi party to seek revenge on Stuart and to regain control over Carol. Thus begins a series of confrontations, betrayals, twists and turns that provide a thrilling background that tests Carol and Stuart's love for each other.

Uncommon Enemy is a significant addition to the 'what if' genre, providing a credible and chilling picture of what might have been, and poses the question: Given the same situation what would you have done?