Phoenix Sub Zero by Michael DiMercurio

Michael Pacino #3

by Michael DiMercurio

The Hegira is the finest super-sub that Arab oil money can buy. But the U.S. Navy is only now learning just how good this undersea sword of Islam is. Already one American sub has been destroyed, and another crippled, as the Hegira breaks out of the Mediterranean and heads toward America to deliver its lethal payload. Now it’s up to Captain Michael Pacino and the USS Seawolf to find the enemy sub and destroy it—in the ultimate battle between the most advanced weapons technology on the planet…and the sheer force of human courage.

Genres: Fiction, Thriller, Military Fiction, Military Thriller

Mass Market Paperback

Published January 1, 1817

About the author

Michael DiMercurio is an honors graduate of the Naval Academy at Annapolis, and has served as a paratrooper, Navy diver, and as a lieutenant and Chief Propulsion Officer aboard the U.S.S. Hammerhead.

Reviews

[Nadienne Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Mr. DiMercurio really, really likes Tom Clancy and Michael Pacino is somehow an homage to Jack Ryan and/or really, really dislikes him and seeks to "one up" him with Michael Pacino being a "better" Jack Ryan. I say that because "Voyage of the Devilfish" is to "Hunt for Red October" as "Phoenix Sub Zero" is to "Executive Orders" - and as I've already started reading the next book "Barracuda Final Bearing" let's just say that it has striking similarities to "Debt of Honor"...

Anyway, as I said before with "Voyage of the Devilfish," the author is adequately competent in crafting a narrative and telling a story...although, he lacks the ability to develop a character beyond surface level affectations, like one person always chewing on and/or smoking Cuban cigars - even when he's in No Smoking areas (*gasp*)...but, otherwise, motivations are lacking, as are emotions, thoughts, concerns, random ideas, friendly banter and/or conversations, etc. (you know, the things that make us Humans and not robots - hell, there's an actual robot in this story and I feel that it has more emotional development than the people). If any of these brave, tough, stoic, patriotic Americans and/or [insert enemy nation] characters ever have a moment where they tell each other a joke or ask how their feeling or indicate that they may like tacos instead of hamburgers or are just feeling a little sad and/or happy today, I think the "Masculinity Police" are going to bust out of the page and confiscate everyone's "Man Cards" for daring to feel anything about anything.

Now, on to the story. It states that this is roughly five years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and in that time, a General from Turkmenistan (so, I'm assuming he was a high-ranking Soviet officer, too - but we never get in to that - who needs character backstory?), has united the ENTIRE ISLAMIC WORLD (not a joke) into a 30-nation alliance, which promptly goes to war with the rest of the world. Well, it states that after uniting, they conquered Chad and Ethiopia, and then invaded India - which then caused the rest of the world, or rather the "Western Coalition" to come to India's defense - although the Western Coalition sounds a lot like NATO, but is presented as just the United States of America. Mr. DiMercurio seems to have an infantile grasp of the Islamic world, as the idea that every "Muslim Nation" would just join one man into a "glorious crusade" is ridiculous - let alone a Turk. If you understand the animosity Arabs feels towards Turks, you're already one step ahead of this author. Also, if you understand that there are Shia and Sunni Muslims, you are about ten steps ahead of this author. And, if you understand that, oh let's just choose a random member of this new Muslim Empire, how about Sudan, is not monolithically Islamic, you are a Rhodes Scholar in comparison to this author.

Oddly enough, there's a quick reference to the "Coast of Israel" at one point, and I'm confused as to why a Muslim Empire would just sit idly by with an Israel right there when they are already at war with everyone...no mention of an Israeli front...no mention of a conquered Israel...no nothing. Seems like an odd decision. Yah, let's invade India! Although, there's a small reference to the fact that the leader guy, General Sihoud, didn't want to invade India - he was forced into it by the actions of his Generals or vice leaders or something, but we won't develop that because backstory...??

So, after the USA tries to assassinate him by blowing up his entire headquarters with half a dozen cruise missiles, General Sihoud survives and escapes on board one of the only modern submarines possessed by the UIF (United Islamic Front). A brand-new, super-modern awesome submarine they bought from Japan but immediately regretted and let them languish in port...which, wait, what?!? Apparently, in Mr. DiMercurio's world, the Japanese are arms dealers...even though, in the real world, the Japanese are (or were up until the mid-2010's) actively opposed to such things...and have even created a submarine which is partially controlled by an AI and armed with high-tech weapons, such as the Hiroshima Missile and the Nagasaki torpedo...and are you fucking kidding me? Are you telling me that the Japanese would seriously name weapons after these tragedies? That sounds entirely too American and even we have more sense than naming something a Pearl Harbor-class torpedo...or a World Trade Center-class missile...

I'm also at a loss to explain how apparently there are no other navies anywhere. This super-Islamic submarine goes from the coast of Egypt to the east coast of Canada with only three American submarines assigned to hunt it. So, no naval forces from Italy or France or the UK are involved? I mean, the Mediterranean is sort of like right there? And, we're in a full-blown war with this UIF, and we only have two submarines in the entire Med? And NOTHING in the entire Atlantic Ocean?!?

Also, our "hero", Captain Pacino, demands his submarine to be released early from drydock - the Captain there tells him "Tuesday" - Pacino says "Sunday"...so, of course, he gets his way, and the unpainted submarine with incomplete welds, heads out on Sunday - and when they can't go deep because the welds don't hold, of course he blames the dockworkers...but, the best part, is that he then spends a week on patrol waiting for the spooky super-Japanese/Muslim sub. So, Tuesday was completely reasonable...but, man must be tough and stoic and tough...and stuff...

And, in usual DiMercurio fashion - just about everyone dies in the end to "Save the World" - with only a handful of people knowing why they are risking their lives and making the ultimate sacrifice.

DiMercurio also has started putting in massive tech info-dumps, such as how reactors operate, or missiles, or the AI in the submarine...pages and pages of tech exposition. I don't necessarily hate it, I normally like expository information, particularly when it's backstory stuff...but he drones on and on about it...and, ironically, assigns seemingly more emotion to his AI than his actual characters.

[Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I did feel the ending was fairly predictable, in general (there were a couple of "parts" I guessed wrongly about). The character development was decent. The moments of action were pretty intense, but they were also spread out throughout the book. It did get a bit long, in parts, and there was a lot of explanatory data-dumps; I was ambivalent on if they broke up the pacing of the story or not - a time or two it seemed like it. Other times, it felt necessary to know why somebody was doing what they were doing.

This book was written during the "heyday" of Japanese superiority in all things technical, and fiction written during this time was based upon that superiority. Ironically, up until 2014/2015, the Japanese refused to export any of their military equipment to other nations. It has only been recently that they have begun looking into selling certain pieces of military equipment to other nations. Even though the Japanese were not necessarily seeking to expand their influence in a militarily-aggressive form in the fictional stories, their advanced weaponry was constantly sought out by every other "villainous world-power" that sought to do wrong in the world, and it was "usually always better" than American tech. We see the same thing, here, with this Arab coalition having purchased a Japanese "super-sub" and its accompanying "super tech" (among other Japanese military hardware) that far exceeds anything the Americans have in their arsenal. This Japanese "super-sub" is so advanced it is actually able to captain itself while the crew is unconscious after an attack by a second American Los Angeles-class attack sub. It was pretty crazy how "smart" this Japanese IA was (it actually being more "self-conscious" and "self-aware" than its creators dreamed possible; it was able to "feel pain" and "experience various emotions" while it piloted the craft by itself. It was able to take initiative in different situations as well as show creativity in solving some dilemmas it was facing). I actually enjoyed the portion involving the Japanese AI; I thought the author was creative in describing how it worked and “thought”; the “arguments” between the “more aggressive attack AI” of the sub and the Second Captain command program were humorous and had me chuckling.

In some ways, the Japanese tech in this book reminded me of the tech Ralph Peters described in his War in 2020 written around the same time period.

I did have some questions while reading, though. I had the impression the Phoenix crashed to the ocean's bottom in the Med and not the Atlantic; I guess it was at the entrance to the Med. That being the case, how as it that the Hegira was heading "northward" away from the sunken submarine only to end up practically right next to the stricken American sub after the American sub managed to extricate itself from the ocean's bottom?

How many members of both American crews survived? Especially from the Seawolf? They never say how many survived by the last page of the novel, and that is one thing that I would have liked to have known.

Also, how much time elapsed between the second book and this one? This one starts out with a third “world war” being fought after a "thirty-one nation alliance" made up of all the Muslim nations of the world forming "one body" that stretched from Northern Africa eastward nearly all the way across Asia (and what about Indonesia?). How did this happen? I could not decide if it was irony or not, but the author briefly describes how this new giant of a nation quickly gobbles up Chad and some other African nation with nary a response from the rest of the world (reminding me of Hitler invading smaller European countries before his invasion of Poland). It is only when India is invaded that the rest of the world responds (and even then, it is only the “Western nations” consisting of the US, UK, and Germany, which also struck me as funny because I doubt these three nations could hold off 31 nations on three major fronts scattered around the globe. I’m pretty sure more nations would need to be involved; maybe those three were “the Big Three behind the “Allied” forces opposing the Muslim expansion?). Despite this “global war” (which is taking place exclusively in Africa and Asia), no real mention of this war is made after the brief introduction to the world's situation. Yet, it is up to the submarines to resolve a conflict said to be “waging across three continents”? Pretty funny, if you ask me (granted, the dirty bomb does put a different perspective on things).

With the three Muslim armies surrendering (off-page) at the end of the book with the destruction of the Hegira and loss of their beloved General al-Sihoud, is this giant “nation” going to be forced to split back apart into its former individual neighbors? I cannot imagine any nation being comfortable with this “giant nation-block” being “left as is” and sitting astride a good chunk of the world. It will be interesting to see if the next book or two details the breaking up of this “super-nation”, if the other nations of the world force it upon the “super-block” or if it falls apart on its own after the death of their charismatic leader.

It was funny to me that Pacino was denigrating and cursing the shipyard crew for "bad repairs/welds" when it was his decision to "force the issue" and have the Seawolf leave the dock before the repairs were completed and checked. Perhaps the curses had to do with the ship being torn apart like it was, anyway? In any case, the heaping plate of foreboding mixed in with some comments "later" in the book informed the reader that the "much-despised, plague-ridden" Vortex tech was going to have to be used "to save the day" in the end. No surprise there.

I also thought it was funny how Pacino’s XO chewed him out for contemplating suicide after the survivors escaped to the ocean’s surface toward the end of the book. Serves Pacino right, for wanting “to take the coward’s way out!” That was probably one of the better parts of the book, in some respects, the XO chastising his captain like he did, followed by the author’s describing the escape and “deep-water ascent to the surface” of the surviving crewmembers of the Seawolf and how the Phoenix saved them. The various reactions of the Phoenix crew throughout the ascent were funny as well (well, “corny-funny,” I guess).

I already knew the author was going to have Pacino and Crew “save the day” when I started reading the book. It was a given, especially with the stakes so high. I would have been shocked if he had “turned things upside-down” on me and had Pacino and Crew fail; now that would have been a surprise! So, he has to make the story “believable” between the start and finish, which I felt he did, for the most part. Some authors create situations where it feels like things fall into place a little too conveniently to be believable; I felt this author created a believable scenario (although this Japanese “super-sub” did stretch my suspending reality a bit more than I expected, hahahah!). It was “weird” reading a book that had a sense of “tension” to it despite “knowing” how it was going to end up. Perhaps if the target (or targets) were not “major cities”? I don’t know; I just know that the stakes were “too high” in some respects for the heroes to fail, which took away from some of the “tension” while reading it.

I did think the author did a good job the majority of the various characters inhabiting the book. I felt he described the different cast members well enough for me to get a mental image of them in my mind that stuck with me throughout the book. I felt that was well-done.

It was a fairly fast read for me. I did have a hard time putting it down. I am glad I took a chance and (finally) read it. On to the next book!

[Thomas J · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Seawolf against Doomsday

The book begins with a test of a new Doomsday weapon. Essentially a bomb that make its target unhabitable with glue laced with plutonium. This weapon is the hands of tyrant of United Islamic Front plans to use it on Washington DC for the world stopping their invasion of India.

This is the start of a trilogy of the USA vs Japan, this was at the time that people believed that Japan would become a rival in world affairs. The Destiny submarines that Michael Pacino has to battle. Though the weapons are called Harashimo torpedos and Nagasaki missiles. Somehow I don't think the Japanese would name their weapons like this, it would be like the US Navy naming a carrier Little Big Horn.

The story follows the battle to sink this sub, the battles are exciting and fast pace. The novel moves and characters are well done.

[Steve Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another sleepless night!!!

Yet again, I was up reading until 2am finishing yet another Michael Pacino thriller... A well considered storyline with great familiarisation with the characters, with the usual twist and turns this author gives. There was enough technical detail to ensure the reader is up to speed with the relevant technology as well as the potential issues in the modern navy...

[Raymond Anthony Meece · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read and found mostly enjoyable

Very good read. However, it was outlandish to think some third rate jihad or Japanese sub company could build anything remotely close to what the USA has built in the past 50 year is a laugh,(maybe I'm biased) ,how ever I enjoyed the story of patch and his crew. Fair winds and following seas. God bless our men and women in the silent service of this nation and bless the USA 🇺🇸

[Randy Huffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deserves more than five stars.

This story is not above the realm of possibility. It shows just how far terrorists are willing to go. It shows how important the sacrifices our men and women are willing to go to protect our freedoms and way of life. Such a great write that I think every person who treasures the right to live free and in a peaceful world should read!

[Ian Birtwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good one from Michael DiMercurio. He manages to convey the atmosphere (Physical as well as emotional) in a factual way along with the actions of the crew and their thoughts. The story and the descriptions in this book were good and I enjoyed reading it. Onto the next in the series - Barracuda, Final Bearing

[John Arrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspenseful Read

Excellent book encompassing multiple descriptions of submarines in combat with futuristic weapon systems. Good focus on the officers and men and life under trying conditions. A little too much technical detail.

[Corey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this author and his books....I really do.....and I was really into this book until close to the end when I felt like it became too "unreal" to be entertaining. I always admit it could be me and it wouldn't dissuade me from recommending the book....I just had higher expectations.

[Pam · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too much to read, I was not looking to learn all the particulars about submarine engineering and mechanics.

[Bud Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book along the lines of Tom Clancy.

[Mark Cheviron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. I couldn’t put it down

[Lynnwood Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best yet

What a harrowing and even frightening story. For this of us who are submarines is resonates with intensity and realism. Also a harbinger of technology to come. Bravo.

[William F Kimpflein · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review

Another great read, from an excellent author. I am thoroughly enjoying this series. I love the development, and authenticity of the characters.

[Barrie Eliasson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absoluely gripping! I really enjoyed and look forward to reading all of the series. Keep 'em coming!

[Roy Szweda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revisited this purchase from a US trip decades ago... thought I would give it a few chapters and see. Before I know it I was halfway through still enjoying it tho worried about those 440 pages... yes, it is a bit long like his other books. My step-dad will get this now I have read it, he was a wannabee submariner way back but had to settle for surface ships... mad. I have ventured inside museum machines but could never brave the deeps, reading this book has done little to change my mind!
It will not strike a chord with everyone not least for the lengthy expositions of nitty gritty "tech", well, it is a "technothriller" but that I feel does not impede the adventure in the story....
Some cute ideas in here too. One might suggest parallel with 2001 making PSZ as an SF flavour at times, a story set just a year ahead but might be a stretch as foretelling the future. The "Second Captain" was interesting, maybe more so than the real crew of pirates in their Japanese made sub toting missiles called "Nagasaki" etc. Is this the author's sense of humour at work? It needed some humour... the subject matter is frightening... tech of this level in the hands of the "wrong" people... but then as real life has shown us they perhaps do not need the type of max tech in this novel when they can turn our own technology against us right under our noses.

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 4th DiMercurio book that I've read and by now the formula is becoming pretty clear. I don't blame him, there is only so much that can happen in a submarine - but it does seem like a lot of the same stuff happens in all of his books.

Nevertheless, the books are simply entertaining, even though they're predictable.

Captain Pacino, the protagonist of DiMercurio's first three books, returns again and unleashes ludicrous firepower against impossible odds that once again results in the complete loss of his ship and the death of hundreds of crew members - yet he somehow survives and keeps getting promoted - LOL? I don't know how it works in the real Navy, but I would imagine that if a submarine commander lost two multi-billion dollar ships and a few hundred men in the past couple years he wouldn't keep getting promoted.

Overall, this book wasn't as good as the prior book Attack of the Seawolf and it was poorly edited. It even included a phantom chapter that was completely unrelated to anything in the plot about a SEAL team going into a warehouse and abducting someone. DiMercurio never returned to this plotline and it was never explained. So I have no idea what that was about - just lazy editing and poor storytelling in my opinion.

[Lis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soliti ingredienti (super cattivo russo-islamico, impavidi comandanti americani, bene contro male, ecc, ecc) ma tutto ben amalgamato, un bel ritmo e ben riuscito.
Peccato solo per quel sottomarino troppo "intelligente", al limite della fantascienza...

[Lindasueanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit dry in some spots...way too many details on how sub machinery operates, but the story was great and had me on the edge of my seat many times!

[Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[Stefan Vucak · Rating 5 out of 5]

DiMercurio continues with his superb stories of modern submarine warfare.

[Paolo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mosca cieca

[John P. Henry]

Did not care for it. The books are all starting to read the same.