On Wings of Eagles
📘 About This Book
The story of a group of executives who were recruited to rescue two other executives from their imprisonment in Tehran.
📖 Summary
On Wings of Eagles by Ken Follett tells the gripping true story of a daring rescue mission set against the backdrop of the Iranian Revolution. Published in 1984 across 436 pages, this work of creative nonfiction or narrative fiction focuses on a group of corporate executives who are unexpectedly thrust into a high-stakes international crisis. When two of their colleagues are imprisoned in Tehran during a time of extreme political upheaval and danger, normal diplomatic channels prove insufficient. Faced with bureaucracy and the imminent threat of violence, the company decides to take matters into its own hands. Led by a fiercely determined retired military leader recruited for the specific purpose, an unconventional team of business professionals transforms into a rescue unit. The narrative details the meticulous planning, psychological strain, and logistical nightmares involved in infiltrating a hostile foreign capital to extract the imprisoned men. As the team navigates the chaotic streets of Tehran, they must rely on cunning, disguise, and sheer willpower to evade local authorities and revolutionary guards. The book explores themes of loyalty, corporate responsibility, courage, and the extraordinary lengths to which people will go to protect their own. Follett applies his signature pacing and storytelling prowess to real-world events, resulting in a tense, fast-moving account that blurs the line between traditional fiction and historical drama. Readers are taken on an emotional and suspenseful journey that highlights how ordinary individuals can rise to extraordinary challenges when faced with impossible odds, ultimately delivering a classic tale of survival, ingenuity, and camaraderie.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Engaging and fast-paced storytelling style
High-tension narrative keeps readers hooked from start to finish
Fascinating look at corporate loyalty and crisis management
Strong character dynamics among the rescue team members
⚠️ Cons
Some readers may find the pacing uneven during the planning phases
May require patience with the complex geopolitical backdrop
✍️ About the Author
Ken Follett (b. 1949) is a Welsh author known for sweeping historical fiction, including 'The Pillars of the Earth' and numerous bestselling thrillers.
View all books →❓ FAQ
Who wrote On Wings of Eagles? +
The book was written by Ken Follett.
When was the book published? +
It was published in 1984.
How many pages are in the book? +
The book contains 436 pages.
What is the primary plot of the book? +
It follows corporate executives recruited to rescue two imprisoned colleagues from Tehran.
What genre does this book belong to? +
It falls under the fiction genre.













