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Sea of Crises
"That shouldn't be here."
Those are the last words uttered by Commander Bob Cartwright in September 1976, just before all communication with the crew of Apollo 18 is inexplicably lost during the astronauts' first moonwalk. Frantic attempts to re-establish communications with the astronauts are unsuccessful. Three days later, however, as NASA is scrambling to put together a rescue mission, astronomers detect a burn of the service propulsion system, and, on schedule, but still in eerie silence, the command module begins its return transit, culminating in the welcome sight of the capsule descending majestically beneath a trio of parachutes into the South Pacific.
But when the hatch is opened, the navy divers tasked with assisting the astronauts into the recovery helicopter make a gruesome discovery. The bodies of the three men inside have been burned beyond recognition, victims of a failed heat shield. And with them has died the answer to a great mystery: What was the meaning of Cartwright’s enigmatic last statement, and what happened during those three blacked out days in the Mare Crisium, or Sea of Crises?
Unfortunately, unless and until man returns to the moon, it’s a mystery that will remain forever unsolved.
Or will it?
Thirty-six years later, Cartwright’s sons make a shocking discovery: The capsule that came down in the Pacific Ocean with three charred remains was not their father’s capsule. And the body they buried all those years before was not their father. What they’ve uncovered puts the three brothers on the run, chased by a ruthless group who will stop at nothing to preserve the secret behind the fate of the Apollo 18 astronauts. The brothers will need to set aside past differences and pool their talents if they are to stay alive and unravel the mystery behind what really happened in the Sea of Crises.
Those are the last words uttered by Commander Bob Cartwright in September 1976, just before all communication with the crew of Apollo 18 is inexplicably lost during the astronauts' first moonwalk. Frantic attempts to re-establish communications with the astronauts are unsuccessful. Three days later, however, as NASA is scrambling to put together a rescue mission, astronomers detect a burn of the service propulsion system, and, on schedule, but still in eerie silence, the command module begins its return transit, culminating in the welcome sight of the capsule descending majestically beneath a trio of parachutes into the South Pacific.
But when the hatch is opened, the navy divers tasked with assisting the astronauts into the recovery helicopter make a gruesome discovery. The bodies of the three men inside have been burned beyond recognition, victims of a failed heat shield. And with them has died the answer to a great mystery: What was the meaning of Cartwright’s enigmatic last statement, and what happened during those three blacked out days in the Mare Crisium, or Sea of Crises?
Unfortunately, unless and until man returns to the moon, it’s a mystery that will remain forever unsolved.
Or will it?
Thirty-six years later, Cartwright’s sons make a shocking discovery: The capsule that came down in the Pacific Ocean with three charred remains was not their father’s capsule. And the body they buried all those years before was not their father. What they’ve uncovered puts the three brothers on the run, chased by a ruthless group who will stop at nothing to preserve the secret behind the fate of the Apollo 18 astronauts. The brothers will need to set aside past differences and pool their talents if they are to stay alive and unravel the mystery behind what really happened in the Sea of Crises.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2012
229 people are currently reading
676 people want to read
About the author
Marty Steere
2 books20 followersThe son of a career air force officer, Marty Steere grew up on or near military installations across the country and overseas before settling in Southern California, where, when he's not writing, he practices law. His first novel, Sea of Crises, was named to Kirkus Reviews' Best of 2012. His second novel, Defiant Heart, was released on April 15, 2013.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
March 4, 2013
The sons of famed astronaut, Bob Cartwright, have always questioned the circumstances surrounding their fathers death. Leading the Apollo 18 mission, Cartwright noticed something out of the ordinary upon landing on the moon. "That shouldn't be here", were Bob's final words just prior to his connection with NASA being broken. However, when it was discovered the astronauts were returning from their mission, everything was assumed to have gone smoothly. Bobbing in the ocean, the rescue team reached the capsule only to discover the three men burned to a crisp. It appeared the heat shield had failed upon reentry into the Earth’s atmosphere as the crew suffered a gruesome end.
Now, after years of unrest, Cartwright's son Peter began his investigation. Shortly after compiling research, things take a turn for the worse. Peter has made a lot of people very nervous by digging up the past and along with his brothers, Matt and Nate, they're about to come into contact with The Organization.
Marty has a style of prose that's easily digestible. Of course, that's not a knock at the writing style or the author, if anything, that's one of the big reasons why I'm such a fan of Stephen King. Sea of Crises is the kind of book that can cause you to completely lose track of time. When I initially sat down and dove in to the story, when I finally put it down for the evening, I had read the entire first half of the book.
Steere created a pretty bad ass villain in that of Raen. Given the nature of The Organization and the fact that they generally stop at nothing when tasked with a mission, the man chasing the Cartwright boys truly inhabits that stance. There's a few scenes in particular where he shines and leaves the reader anticipating his eventual face off with the brothers.
A good chunk of Sea of Crises takes place on the surface of the moon through flashbacks. Steere could easily fall back into a rhythm of throwing technical jargon and space travel filler, he keeps the style he’s established from the first of the book throughout. The action moves swiftly and the story stays rooted in the realm possibility, which is great.
The only gripe I have with the novel was the romantic/love interest side plot that develops about two thirds of the way in. I'm not sure how much it was needed but in the end, it doesn't really take all that much away. The core story is still strong enough to stand on it's own.
Overall, Sea of Crises is a well written novel which develops an intriguing mystery that only gets better as the story moves along.
****
I received a free copy of the book from the author in exchange for a fair review.
Cross posted on Every Read Thing
Now, after years of unrest, Cartwright's son Peter began his investigation. Shortly after compiling research, things take a turn for the worse. Peter has made a lot of people very nervous by digging up the past and along with his brothers, Matt and Nate, they're about to come into contact with The Organization.
Marty has a style of prose that's easily digestible. Of course, that's not a knock at the writing style or the author, if anything, that's one of the big reasons why I'm such a fan of Stephen King. Sea of Crises is the kind of book that can cause you to completely lose track of time. When I initially sat down and dove in to the story, when I finally put it down for the evening, I had read the entire first half of the book.
Steere created a pretty bad ass villain in that of Raen. Given the nature of The Organization and the fact that they generally stop at nothing when tasked with a mission, the man chasing the Cartwright boys truly inhabits that stance. There's a few scenes in particular where he shines and leaves the reader anticipating his eventual face off with the brothers.
A good chunk of Sea of Crises takes place on the surface of the moon through flashbacks. Steere could easily fall back into a rhythm of throwing technical jargon and space travel filler, he keeps the style he’s established from the first of the book throughout. The action moves swiftly and the story stays rooted in the realm possibility, which is great.
The only gripe I have with the novel was the romantic/love interest side plot that develops about two thirds of the way in. I'm not sure how much it was needed but in the end, it doesn't really take all that much away. The core story is still strong enough to stand on it's own.
Overall, Sea of Crises is a well written novel which develops an intriguing mystery that only gets better as the story moves along.
****
I received a free copy of the book from the author in exchange for a fair review.
Cross posted on Every Read Thing
April 5, 2016
I entered this as a scifi reader. It's got one of those silly fun premises. A fictional Apollo 18 mission goes wrong. One of the astronauts, down on the moon, says,"well, that's not supposed to be there" and then Houston loses all contact with the astronauts. 40 years later or so, the children of these astronauts try to unravel just what happened. This is by and large a thriller. There is a ruthless secret organization, a major character who is sort of a cross between Jason Bourne and Jack Reacher. Characters say things like this: "I want a full dossier on this man and all his living relatives. And I want it ready yesterday." And still I liked it! I found the mystery to be fascinating and Steere cleverly unravels it, so that as readers, we're still pleasantly unwrapping answers until the very last few pages.
June 4, 2014
Gripping,white knuckle read,but too unbelievable and never did understand the 'WHY' of the whole story?
This book is very well written and was intensely interesting,but after finishing I was left with the question of 'what was the whole point of this story',and I have no answer,so that leaves me unsatisfied.
It was too gruesome for my tastes several times,and there is just no way that I could believe that these super elite comandos could continually be thwarted by three regular guys,only one of whom has had any special training! They were like super-heroes!
I also did not buy how these brothers did not have contact with each other for like 26 years,yet supposedly loved each other!
It was a thrill to read and I will be watching for more by this author,I just wish I felt closure with the ending.
This book is very well written and was intensely interesting,but after finishing I was left with the question of 'what was the whole point of this story',and I have no answer,so that leaves me unsatisfied.
It was too gruesome for my tastes several times,and there is just no way that I could believe that these super elite comandos could continually be thwarted by three regular guys,only one of whom has had any special training! They were like super-heroes!
I also did not buy how these brothers did not have contact with each other for like 26 years,yet supposedly loved each other!
It was a thrill to read and I will be watching for more by this author,I just wish I felt closure with the ending.
August 12, 2012
Sea of Crises is giving me a problem. See, I want to tell you all about the novel so you’ll rush out and buy it and enjoy it as much as I did, BUT, I don’t want to give anything away! Usually I enjoy pointing out errors, slow spots, maybe the odd character development that...well, doesn’t, but I could find none. Nada. I looked – believe me! Okay, I’ll say this; for a brief second, I thought I was reading a re-make of Capricorn One – you know; the movie where they didn’t really go off into space after all and there’s this cover up going on?
Well, Marty Steere gets you past that in a hurry, and what follows is a spellbinding adventure with an ending you will not believe. Believe me.
The writing is great - spelling and punctuation is wonderful – the prose is... oh just go buy the book! You will NOT regret it.
www.daniellittle.com
Well, Marty Steere gets you past that in a hurry, and what follows is a spellbinding adventure with an ending you will not believe. Believe me.
The writing is great - spelling and punctuation is wonderful – the prose is... oh just go buy the book! You will NOT regret it.
www.daniellittle.com
January 20, 2013
This book caught my interest almost immediately, which I loved. Nate received a call from his brother, Peter, late at night asking to be picked up from the airport. He is positive he is being followed. Nate picks him up, asking why his normally calm and levelheaded brother would be so paranoid. Peter, who is a writer, tells him he is finally writing the book he has always wanted to write...the one about the Apollo 18 space mission. Their father was the commander of the mission and died during re-entry when the modules heat shield failed and the men were basically cooked to death. In doing his research, especially with the help of a Freedom of Information Act inquiry, he obtained documents and photos never seen by the public. In examining one photo (a particularly gruesome one of the inside of the module when it was opened to get the astronauts out) he realizes that the module number is wrong. The one in the photo is the one that was supposed to be used in the cancelled Apollo 19 mission, not the one sent up to the moon with his dad. Of course now he is questioning what is really going on and if the body they buried was in fact his father. His investigating triggered an entire secret government agency to try to contain him and his information. From the moment Nate and Peter got home to find what they THOUGHT was Nate's dog decapitated and hanging from a hook as a warning, it was constant action and intrigue.
I honestly loved reading this book because I love a book that can not only catch your interest, but keep it all the way to the last page. This book managed to do that in spades. The characters were all fantastic and easy to like, even the bad guys, lol. It is a very well written book, and the ending was FANTASTIC. I loved learning the true fate of the men of the Apollo 18 mission in Mr. Steere's story. It would make a great movie! Five stars and I'd definitely read more from this talented author.
I honestly loved reading this book because I love a book that can not only catch your interest, but keep it all the way to the last page. This book managed to do that in spades. The characters were all fantastic and easy to like, even the bad guys, lol. It is a very well written book, and the ending was FANTASTIC. I loved learning the true fate of the men of the Apollo 18 mission in Mr. Steere's story. It would make a great movie! Five stars and I'd definitely read more from this talented author.
January 3, 2014
Sea of Crises
By Marty Steere
Fiction
Penfield Publications
Pub. Date: Dec. 1, 2013
$15.95
314 pages
$14.36/paperback, $2.99/kindle
Nate Cartwright and his brothers all experienced a nightmare that would follow them throughout their lives. On Sept. 28, 1976, their father, the Apollo 18 Commander, was one of three astronauts who returned to Earth after a lunar mission. Unfortunately, they were all dead. Official reports suggested that the heat shield did not activate upon reentry. Bob Cartwright, Mason Gale and Steve Dayton were burned beyond recognition. Nate was nearly twelve at the time.
What was a horrid memory suddenly became a matter of survival. They had to run in order to survive. The key person keeping them alive is Nate’s brother Matt. Unknown to him and Matt’s twin, Peter, Matt was an agent of a highly classified, totally buried in the government organization. No one should have to deal with these people, particularly the innocent. Soon all the children of the astronauts of Apollo 18 are hunted down by these ruthless individuals.
Sea of Crises is intense. I took my time reading it because I’ve never read a book at this level of description and suspense. You will follow them from California to Minneapolis to Maine and every minute you’ll be wondering what will it take to stop those who want them dead. The dark theme of the story carries through to the end. What scares the hell out of you is this isn’t international terrorism, it’s homegrown. I couldn’t believe the end. That was the best part of the book.
Five lunar capsules out of five
Denise Fleischer
Author of Deadly Reservations
gottawritenetwork.wordpress.com
January 2, 2014
By Marty Steere
Fiction
Penfield Publications
Pub. Date: Dec. 1, 2013
$15.95
314 pages
$14.36/paperback, $2.99/kindle
Nate Cartwright and his brothers all experienced a nightmare that would follow them throughout their lives. On Sept. 28, 1976, their father, the Apollo 18 Commander, was one of three astronauts who returned to Earth after a lunar mission. Unfortunately, they were all dead. Official reports suggested that the heat shield did not activate upon reentry. Bob Cartwright, Mason Gale and Steve Dayton were burned beyond recognition. Nate was nearly twelve at the time.
What was a horrid memory suddenly became a matter of survival. They had to run in order to survive. The key person keeping them alive is Nate’s brother Matt. Unknown to him and Matt’s twin, Peter, Matt was an agent of a highly classified, totally buried in the government organization. No one should have to deal with these people, particularly the innocent. Soon all the children of the astronauts of Apollo 18 are hunted down by these ruthless individuals.
Sea of Crises is intense. I took my time reading it because I’ve never read a book at this level of description and suspense. You will follow them from California to Minneapolis to Maine and every minute you’ll be wondering what will it take to stop those who want them dead. The dark theme of the story carries through to the end. What scares the hell out of you is this isn’t international terrorism, it’s homegrown. I couldn’t believe the end. That was the best part of the book.
Five lunar capsules out of five
Denise Fleischer
Author of Deadly Reservations
gottawritenetwork.wordpress.com
January 2, 2014
September 8, 2013
I had such a great time reading this! I have always been creeped out by Apollo 18 stories, so finding a thriller that builds off of the mystery was pure nerd candy. This is a master class on perfect pacing, and even the sometimes outlandish leaps in logic result in delight rather than eye rolls. Definitely check out this one!
February 5, 2017
Action packed and well written
This was quite a story! For anyone who likes government conspiracy stories, you'll get a kick out of this one. There were some details that stretched the bounds of reasonability but this a work of fiction. That's permissible.
The important thing is it is good entertainment. Might make a good movie.
This was quite a story! For anyone who likes government conspiracy stories, you'll get a kick out of this one. There were some details that stretched the bounds of reasonability but this a work of fiction. That's permissible.
The important thing is it is good entertainment. Might make a good movie.
May 4, 2017
This in the top 10 of the best books I have ever read!!!!!!!!!!! Brilliant story telling. I was surprised throughout this story. Fascinating characters, I can't stop thinking of them. This would make a chilling movie.
If you love mystery and space exploration, you'll love this.
If you love mystery and space exploration, you'll love this.
June 16, 2017
Good Stuff
Although the ending was predictable to me, I enjoyed the book and the writers style. Thank you for sharing your craft with me.
Although the ending was predictable to me, I enjoyed the book and the writers style. Thank you for sharing your craft with me.
October 1, 2012
Marty Steere in his new book, “Sea of Crises” published by Penfield Publications gives us a contemporary thriller conspiracy cover-up.
From the back cover: “That shouldn’t be here.”
Those are the last words uttered by Commander Bob Cartwright in September 1976, just before all communication with the crew of Apollo 18 is inexplicably lost during the astronauts’ first moonwalk. Frantic attempts to re-establish communications with the astronauts are unsuccessful. Three days later, however, as NASA is scrambling to put together a rescue mission, astronomers detect a burn of the service propulsion system, and, on schedule, but still in eerie silence, the command module begins its return transit, culminating in the welcome sight of the capsule descending majestically beneath a trio of parachutes into the South Pacific.
But when the hatch is opened, the navy divers tasked with assisting the astronauts into the recovery helicopter make a gruesome discovery. The bodies of the three men inside have been burned beyond recognition, victims of a failed heat shield. And with them has died any chance of learning the meaning of Cartwright’s enigmatic last statement or what transpired during those three blacked out days in the Mare Crisium, or Sea of Crises.
Unfortunately, unless and until man returns to the moon, it’s a mystery that will remain forever unsolved.
Or will it?
Thirty-six years later, Cartwright’s sons make a shocking discovery: The capsule that came down in the Pacific Ocean with three charred remains was not their father’s capsule. And the body they buried all those years before was not their father. What they’ve uncovered puts the three brothers on the run, chased by a ruthless group who will stop at nothing to preserve the secret behind the fate of the Apollo 18 astronauts. The brothers will need to set aside past differences and pool their talents if they are to stay alive and unravel the mystery behind what really happened in the Sea of Crises.
I am not a conspiracy theorist however I do enjoy a good conspiracy theory and “Sea of Crises” is a conspiracy theorist’s dream. First there is the Apollo 18 mission (which in real life never happened so this is an element of Science Fiction) where Commander Cartwright utters his last words and then silence. When the Apollo 18 capsule is opened on its return flight the astronauts are dead because of a faulty heat transfer shield. Now no one will know what Cartwright was talking about on the moon because he is dead. All perfectly plausible. None of it is true. Now, thirty-six years later Cartwright’s sons learn about the cover-up and set out to find what really happened. However the powers behind the cover-up do not want them to find anything out and the hunt is on: one team looking for answers, the other looking for silence.
“Sea of Crises” is a thriller as the Cartwright brothers are in great danger as they hunt for their answers. This is an adventure suspense story as the boys are off on their search and as they begin to dig up their answers they are forced to question the motives of those around them. “Sea of Crises” is also a mystery filled with twists and turns that will make a roller coaster kneel in surrender. I think Marty Steere is an extremely talented writer who really knows how to tell a story that will grab you and keep you flipping pages until you find out what is going on. ”Sea of Crises” is a very exciting book that will keep you engrossed in the characters. I Liked this book a lot and I am glad I discovered Marty Steere. I look forward to more from this talented author and hope that Mr. Steere writes very quickly to bring us a new one.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: “That shouldn’t be here.”
Those are the last words uttered by Commander Bob Cartwright in September 1976, just before all communication with the crew of Apollo 18 is inexplicably lost during the astronauts’ first moonwalk. Frantic attempts to re-establish communications with the astronauts are unsuccessful. Three days later, however, as NASA is scrambling to put together a rescue mission, astronomers detect a burn of the service propulsion system, and, on schedule, but still in eerie silence, the command module begins its return transit, culminating in the welcome sight of the capsule descending majestically beneath a trio of parachutes into the South Pacific.
But when the hatch is opened, the navy divers tasked with assisting the astronauts into the recovery helicopter make a gruesome discovery. The bodies of the three men inside have been burned beyond recognition, victims of a failed heat shield. And with them has died any chance of learning the meaning of Cartwright’s enigmatic last statement or what transpired during those three blacked out days in the Mare Crisium, or Sea of Crises.
Unfortunately, unless and until man returns to the moon, it’s a mystery that will remain forever unsolved.
Or will it?
Thirty-six years later, Cartwright’s sons make a shocking discovery: The capsule that came down in the Pacific Ocean with three charred remains was not their father’s capsule. And the body they buried all those years before was not their father. What they’ve uncovered puts the three brothers on the run, chased by a ruthless group who will stop at nothing to preserve the secret behind the fate of the Apollo 18 astronauts. The brothers will need to set aside past differences and pool their talents if they are to stay alive and unravel the mystery behind what really happened in the Sea of Crises.
I am not a conspiracy theorist however I do enjoy a good conspiracy theory and “Sea of Crises” is a conspiracy theorist’s dream. First there is the Apollo 18 mission (which in real life never happened so this is an element of Science Fiction) where Commander Cartwright utters his last words and then silence. When the Apollo 18 capsule is opened on its return flight the astronauts are dead because of a faulty heat transfer shield. Now no one will know what Cartwright was talking about on the moon because he is dead. All perfectly plausible. None of it is true. Now, thirty-six years later Cartwright’s sons learn about the cover-up and set out to find what really happened. However the powers behind the cover-up do not want them to find anything out and the hunt is on: one team looking for answers, the other looking for silence.
“Sea of Crises” is a thriller as the Cartwright brothers are in great danger as they hunt for their answers. This is an adventure suspense story as the boys are off on their search and as they begin to dig up their answers they are forced to question the motives of those around them. “Sea of Crises” is also a mystery filled with twists and turns that will make a roller coaster kneel in surrender. I think Marty Steere is an extremely talented writer who really knows how to tell a story that will grab you and keep you flipping pages until you find out what is going on. ”Sea of Crises” is a very exciting book that will keep you engrossed in the characters. I Liked this book a lot and I am glad I discovered Marty Steere. I look forward to more from this talented author and hope that Mr. Steere writes very quickly to bring us a new one.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
April 3, 2013
I first heard about this book when I got an email from the author himself, Marty Steere. I was so ecstatic to be sought out by an author and requested to read and review his book. As this was my first author request, I took my time to read, re-read and re-re-read the book until I practically knew the plot line by heart. Conspiracy theories have always intrigued me, even the really crazy ones, and this one got me hook, line and sinker.
The story starts with Nate Cartwright, eldest son of Bob Cartwright (fallen astronaut of the Apollo 18 mission). Nate gets a call from his little brother Peter to pick him up from the airport. Peter is a paranoid reporter (rightly so), who calls his big brother for help. He thinks he's being watched and followed and he is right. Peter tells Nate his discoveries about the Apollo 18 mission that took their father and the lives of two other astronauts. After an shocking and horrendous warning from a group called the Organization, Nate and Peter search for their other brother Matt (who has his own mysterious background). The brothers set off in search for more answers and this sets off a chain of events that lead to shoot outs, fast car chases, and an even more shocking discovery.
About halfway through the book, when the brothers, plus the family of the other two astronauts, finally have enough pieces of the puzzle, there's a good chunk that tells the real story of what happened during the Apollo 18 mission. I found this portion of the book very fascinating! Marty Steere did a very good job slipping in the past in between the present. The characters were fully developed with their own complex backgrounds. The storytelling is amazing! I felt like I was there with the characters; experiencing the rush of adrenaline as bullets whizzed by and shifting the car into gear to outrun the Organization's cronies. I liked that pace of the story and the sudden turn of events that kept my interest throughout the book. I especially like the "subtle" hints of romantic possibility between Nate and Maggie, Major Dayton's daughter. The last third of the book was, in my opinion, the best cat and mouse game between the head of the Organization and a group of people who want to know the truth.
click the link to go to my blog where the author Marty Steere was kind enough to answer my questions in a mini interview.
The Consummate Reader
The story starts with Nate Cartwright, eldest son of Bob Cartwright (fallen astronaut of the Apollo 18 mission). Nate gets a call from his little brother Peter to pick him up from the airport. Peter is a paranoid reporter (rightly so), who calls his big brother for help. He thinks he's being watched and followed and he is right. Peter tells Nate his discoveries about the Apollo 18 mission that took their father and the lives of two other astronauts. After an shocking and horrendous warning from a group called the Organization, Nate and Peter search for their other brother Matt (who has his own mysterious background). The brothers set off in search for more answers and this sets off a chain of events that lead to shoot outs, fast car chases, and an even more shocking discovery.
About halfway through the book, when the brothers, plus the family of the other two astronauts, finally have enough pieces of the puzzle, there's a good chunk that tells the real story of what happened during the Apollo 18 mission. I found this portion of the book very fascinating! Marty Steere did a very good job slipping in the past in between the present. The characters were fully developed with their own complex backgrounds. The storytelling is amazing! I felt like I was there with the characters; experiencing the rush of adrenaline as bullets whizzed by and shifting the car into gear to outrun the Organization's cronies. I liked that pace of the story and the sudden turn of events that kept my interest throughout the book. I especially like the "subtle" hints of romantic possibility between Nate and Maggie, Major Dayton's daughter. The last third of the book was, in my opinion, the best cat and mouse game between the head of the Organization and a group of people who want to know the truth.
click the link to go to my blog where the author Marty Steere was kind enough to answer my questions in a mini interview.
The Consummate Reader
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2014
The plot of Sea of Crises revolves around unexplained events during a mission to moon in 1976 and the efforts of the son of one of the astronauts to solve the mystery 36 years later. However, a shadowy security agency want to keep things under wraps so the cat is set among the pigeons.
The plot, especially the part on the moon, is fascinating and made a change from the usual thriller. The present day part was more routine, with belief being temporarily suspended while events unfolded. Luckily, the good guys had a superhero to help them out every time a problem came up.
Sea of Crises is a mixture of interesting plot that offered something a bit different and reasonably exciting thriller that has been done before. It's written in a style that is easy to read (a compliment, not a criticism) and is a fast, enjoyable read.
The plot, especially the part on the moon, is fascinating and made a change from the usual thriller. The present day part was more routine, with belief being temporarily suspended while events unfolded. Luckily, the good guys had a superhero to help them out every time a problem came up.
Sea of Crises is a mixture of interesting plot that offered something a bit different and reasonably exciting thriller that has been done before. It's written in a style that is easy to read (a compliment, not a criticism) and is a fast, enjoyable read.
February 5, 2016
I feel this book is a bit misleading based on it's premise. I got the impression that the book would have more of a sci-fi feel to it based on the lunar landscape and the cliffhanger that seems to insinuate an otherworldly presence.
Despite that fact, I did find this to be a solid suspense thriller. With the three Cartwright brothers serving as the main characters, the author does a good job of showcasing the dynamic between the three and how they grow throughout the story. There are more than enough twists and turns to keep you flipping through pages to find out the fate of the father Cartwright, effectively tying the stories together at the end of the book.
Although this didn't meet the sci-fi expectation it sets, its an entertaining read that blends some military/science themes into an entertaining plot.
Despite that fact, I did find this to be a solid suspense thriller. With the three Cartwright brothers serving as the main characters, the author does a good job of showcasing the dynamic between the three and how they grow throughout the story. There are more than enough twists and turns to keep you flipping through pages to find out the fate of the father Cartwright, effectively tying the stories together at the end of the book.
Although this didn't meet the sci-fi expectation it sets, its an entertaining read that blends some military/science themes into an entertaining plot.
August 3, 2012
Dident know what to expect when I started reading this book, At first I thought it was not my type of book. But I kept on reading, and I am so glad I did. I loved this book. Couldent put this book down. Thank you so much for the oppoitiny to read Sea of Crises I enjoyed it and it is a very good read.
Thanks,
Shannon
Thanks,
Shannon
November 3, 2012
The Cartwright brothers have found out that what they were told about their Fathers death was a lie. Knowing that may get them killed. They have to put behind them the fears and resentments of their lives and learn to work together, again..
This is one of my favorite books. I'm so looking forward to more. Start writing Marty, you have a real gift.
January 24, 2017
Beware Governments
I applied to NASA when still in high school. I never made the grade but this story had me engrossed. I was almost there, almost confronted with the difficulties, so real was it. If you don't read any other thriller, read this one....ending just the way I like it.
I applied to NASA when still in high school. I never made the grade but this story had me engrossed. I was almost there, almost confronted with the difficulties, so real was it. If you don't read any other thriller, read this one....ending just the way I like it.
February 10, 2015
Great space thriller, political and bad guy intrigue. Lots of twists and turns. The characters grew on me, and were pretty consistent in their roles. Required some suspension of belief at times, that certain things could happen, but it caused me no problems. Quick and exciting read for me.
June 21, 2014
Cliche.
February 10, 2015
Interesting story regarding Apollo 18 and a gigantic cover up by the government. The story dragged a little at times, but was interesting enough to keep me reading.
September 10, 2017
Fun read although the details are a bit implausible and unrealistic. Pretty good for a first book, nevertheless.
January 24, 2018
..an entertaining quick read..decent characters and plot line.
January 22, 2018
Step Carefully, Quicksand
By Bob Gelms
I was talking to a friend in Davenport.
“Are you reading anything interesting?”
“Yes. It’s a book by Marty Steele called Sea of Crises. It’s so good I think I’m going to review it.”
“What’s it about?” he said
“It’s about the Apollo 18 mission, which they say was the last one. Apollo ended with that one because there was a big mystery surrounding the flight. But really, I can’t do this to you. Actually, there was no Apollo 18. The last Apollo flight was in December of 1972. That was Apollo 17.”
“So what’s the deal with this book? Is it about the Apollo 11 hoax?”
“What hoax is that?”
“Bob, do you really believe we landed on the moon?”
“Of course I do.”
“It wasn’t faked on a Hollywood sound stage?”
“Absolutely not! There are a lot of conspiracy theories floating around and I hope you don’t buy into that baloney. Do you actually think the moon landing was faked?”
My friend said, “I’m not sure.”
On July 20, 1969, I was at a picnic in Dan Ryan’s Woods on the South Side of Chicago. We were all jazzed up about the moon landing. My Uncle Ed brought a battery powered television set, which I was almost as excited to see as the moon landing. I was sitting next to my Grandmother who was born and raised in Mayo Abbey, a tiny village in County Mayo Ireland. She was telling me that as a little girl she was aware of the Wright Brothers in the USA flying an airplane for the first time. She pointed her chin at the spectacle playing out on the TV and asked me, “Do you think that’s really happening?”
My point in sharing these two stories is that there has been something of a cottage industry steeped in conspiracy theories in all aspects of popular life in America. The big ones are UFO’s/Aliens visiting Earth, the Kennedy Assassination and NASA’s Apollo Program, especially Apollo 11.
Here is a heads-up: our book is about the Apollo 18 mission. At times, it reads like a piece of reportage even though there was no Apollo 18 mission. The last Apollo operation was Apollo 17 in December of 1972. Apollo 18 is fiction. It’s so well done it almost seems real.
Apollo 18 lands on the moon. On their first excursion outside the capsule, Commander Bob Cartwright sees something astonishing. “That shouldn’t be here.” Then, all communication is lost.
There is nothing but silence for three days. Subsequently, precisely on schedule, the lunar module takes off from the moon, meets up with the command module and they head for home, all in silence.
Right on time and right where they should be, three huge parachutes deploy and the module splashes down. Navy divers crack the hatch and find a horror story. The three astronauts are burned beyond recognition, victims, it seems, of a faulty heat shield. It’s a national tragedy.
Fast-forward 34 years. One of Commander Cartwright’s sons smells a rat at NASA and has been quietly investigating the incident. When he discovers that the serial numbers of his dad's capsule don’t match the serial numbers of the capsule that splashed down with three burned bodies in it AND the body in his dad's grave is not his dad, he grabs his two brothers and the game’s afoot.
What they uncover is confusing and dreadfully disturbing. Soon they are being followed by men with evil intent. The brothers are visiting anybody who is still alive from the time of the Apollo program and are starting to piece together a solution to the mystery. The harder these malevolent men try to kill them the more the boys get the feeling somebody is trying monumentally hard to keep them from discovering a secret so big that a few dead people are just collateral damage.
That’s as far as I’m going to go but the secret is mammoth. Now, suspension of disbelief is very important in Sea of Crises. Characters are acting way out of the ordinary. Some of the science, while not confounding, is a little suspect. I can totally believe that NASA could move Dante’s 9 Circles of Hell to a new zip code to cover up the most explosive secret in their history. They try something like that. You’ll read what I mean.
Sea of Crises is more of a mystery/thriller than science fiction. It is a page turner for sure. It kept me awake reading it. Marty Steele is a seasoned writer and he, apparently, worked extra hard on this book. Well, Mr. Steele, it shows. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s an exciting read. I was driven to find out who did what to whom. When I did find out, I found my guess was completely wrong. Mr. Steele’s solution was a great deal better than mine.
By Bob Gelms
I was talking to a friend in Davenport.
“Are you reading anything interesting?”
“Yes. It’s a book by Marty Steele called Sea of Crises. It’s so good I think I’m going to review it.”
“What’s it about?” he said
“It’s about the Apollo 18 mission, which they say was the last one. Apollo ended with that one because there was a big mystery surrounding the flight. But really, I can’t do this to you. Actually, there was no Apollo 18. The last Apollo flight was in December of 1972. That was Apollo 17.”
“So what’s the deal with this book? Is it about the Apollo 11 hoax?”
“What hoax is that?”
“Bob, do you really believe we landed on the moon?”
“Of course I do.”
“It wasn’t faked on a Hollywood sound stage?”
“Absolutely not! There are a lot of conspiracy theories floating around and I hope you don’t buy into that baloney. Do you actually think the moon landing was faked?”
My friend said, “I’m not sure.”
On July 20, 1969, I was at a picnic in Dan Ryan’s Woods on the South Side of Chicago. We were all jazzed up about the moon landing. My Uncle Ed brought a battery powered television set, which I was almost as excited to see as the moon landing. I was sitting next to my Grandmother who was born and raised in Mayo Abbey, a tiny village in County Mayo Ireland. She was telling me that as a little girl she was aware of the Wright Brothers in the USA flying an airplane for the first time. She pointed her chin at the spectacle playing out on the TV and asked me, “Do you think that’s really happening?”
My point in sharing these two stories is that there has been something of a cottage industry steeped in conspiracy theories in all aspects of popular life in America. The big ones are UFO’s/Aliens visiting Earth, the Kennedy Assassination and NASA’s Apollo Program, especially Apollo 11.
Here is a heads-up: our book is about the Apollo 18 mission. At times, it reads like a piece of reportage even though there was no Apollo 18 mission. The last Apollo operation was Apollo 17 in December of 1972. Apollo 18 is fiction. It’s so well done it almost seems real.
Apollo 18 lands on the moon. On their first excursion outside the capsule, Commander Bob Cartwright sees something astonishing. “That shouldn’t be here.” Then, all communication is lost.
There is nothing but silence for three days. Subsequently, precisely on schedule, the lunar module takes off from the moon, meets up with the command module and they head for home, all in silence.
Right on time and right where they should be, three huge parachutes deploy and the module splashes down. Navy divers crack the hatch and find a horror story. The three astronauts are burned beyond recognition, victims, it seems, of a faulty heat shield. It’s a national tragedy.
Fast-forward 34 years. One of Commander Cartwright’s sons smells a rat at NASA and has been quietly investigating the incident. When he discovers that the serial numbers of his dad's capsule don’t match the serial numbers of the capsule that splashed down with three burned bodies in it AND the body in his dad's grave is not his dad, he grabs his two brothers and the game’s afoot.
What they uncover is confusing and dreadfully disturbing. Soon they are being followed by men with evil intent. The brothers are visiting anybody who is still alive from the time of the Apollo program and are starting to piece together a solution to the mystery. The harder these malevolent men try to kill them the more the boys get the feeling somebody is trying monumentally hard to keep them from discovering a secret so big that a few dead people are just collateral damage.
That’s as far as I’m going to go but the secret is mammoth. Now, suspension of disbelief is very important in Sea of Crises. Characters are acting way out of the ordinary. Some of the science, while not confounding, is a little suspect. I can totally believe that NASA could move Dante’s 9 Circles of Hell to a new zip code to cover up the most explosive secret in their history. They try something like that. You’ll read what I mean.
Sea of Crises is more of a mystery/thriller than science fiction. It is a page turner for sure. It kept me awake reading it. Marty Steele is a seasoned writer and he, apparently, worked extra hard on this book. Well, Mr. Steele, it shows. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s an exciting read. I was driven to find out who did what to whom. When I did find out, I found my guess was completely wrong. Mr. Steele’s solution was a great deal better than mine.
June 16, 2021
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 3.5 of 5
1976. Communication is lost with the astronauts of Apollo 18 after a moonwalk and commander Bob Cartwright utters the words, "That shouldn't be here." A few days later a rescue mission is in place when Mission Control recognizing the unmistakable reentry burn of a capsule. Communication is still out. But when rescuers arrive to the capsule in the ocean, they discover three bodies, burned beyond recognition from the heat of reentry due to a failed heat shield. The mystery, then, of Cartwright's last words will remain a mystery unless, or until, another mission is sent to the moon.
But 36 years later, the sons of Bob Cartwright learn that the bodies in the capsule ... the body they buried ... didn't actually belong to their father or the other astronauts on the Apollo 18 mission. But this new information was never meant to be uncovered and now the Cartwright boys are on the run, looking to protect themselves while searching for answers.
Despite the space/NASA elements of the book, this is primarily an action/mystery/thriller.
I did find the story quite easy and exciting to read. I really liked the setting. The concept of a NASA Apollo mission - the last one (for those who don't know, Apollo 17 was the last mission to the moon) - made this quite intriguing for me and the whole cover-up and uncovering the cover-up was quite spot on.
But what I missed here was a purpose. I never really got a sense of why we were in this thriller. We don't know why this happened, or why it's still so important enough to kill, three and a half decades later. And with the ending in mind (I don't want to reveal it), how has this been going on for this long?!
I liked author Marty Steere's writing and would look forward to another thriller.
Looking for a good book? Marty Steere's Sea of Crises is an exciting thriller surrounding NASA and the Apollo missions.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.
1976. Communication is lost with the astronauts of Apollo 18 after a moonwalk and commander Bob Cartwright utters the words, "That shouldn't be here." A few days later a rescue mission is in place when Mission Control recognizing the unmistakable reentry burn of a capsule. Communication is still out. But when rescuers arrive to the capsule in the ocean, they discover three bodies, burned beyond recognition from the heat of reentry due to a failed heat shield. The mystery, then, of Cartwright's last words will remain a mystery unless, or until, another mission is sent to the moon.
But 36 years later, the sons of Bob Cartwright learn that the bodies in the capsule ... the body they buried ... didn't actually belong to their father or the other astronauts on the Apollo 18 mission. But this new information was never meant to be uncovered and now the Cartwright boys are on the run, looking to protect themselves while searching for answers.
Despite the space/NASA elements of the book, this is primarily an action/mystery/thriller.
I did find the story quite easy and exciting to read. I really liked the setting. The concept of a NASA Apollo mission - the last one (for those who don't know, Apollo 17 was the last mission to the moon) - made this quite intriguing for me and the whole cover-up and uncovering the cover-up was quite spot on.
But what I missed here was a purpose. I never really got a sense of why we were in this thriller. We don't know why this happened, or why it's still so important enough to kill, three and a half decades later. And with the ending in mind (I don't want to reveal it), how has this been going on for this long?!
I liked author Marty Steere's writing and would look forward to another thriller.
Looking for a good book? Marty Steere's Sea of Crises is an exciting thriller surrounding NASA and the Apollo missions.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2021
TW: harming of animals.
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. This could have been a solid 4-star story, if not for some serious blunders.
In 1976, Apollo 18 launches for the moon with a standard 3-man crew. Two men will touch down on the lunar surface, while the third maintains orbit.
Fast forward to present day, when Something Has Gone Wrong, causing a scenario of spy-vs-spy. In the Bad Guys corner, Raen is one of the top secret agents in the field. He's awesome. In the Good Guys corner, Marek is best secret agent in the history of history. His hallmark is remaining invisible, 100%, which no other spy has been able to do. No one is his equal!
Raen's job is to track down and eliminate Marek.
They clash at the residence of the first Apollo 18 astronaut. It's a draw.
They clash at the residence of the second Apollo 18 astronaut. Still, no final showdown.
Then Marek disappears. For days, Raen cannot figure out where his opponent could possibly be. Finally it dawns on him: the residence of the third Apollo 18 astronaut! Wow! Yeah that Raen. He's awesome.
Meanwhile, Marek the Magnificent enlists the help of the third astronaut's family. They all go to the family's hideaway cabin. The first thing they do is hoist the family flag, to show they are in residence. Marek (renowned for his ability to remain invisible) voices no objections.
Heavy sigh.
Despite the above, there is some really cool stuff in this story. Marek does do a few cool things. And IMHO, the stuff that happens on the moon is great. A few people get what they deserve. The fate of the astronauts is — well I don't want to spoil that. And the penultimate moment made me sniffle.
On a Sunday afternoon, you can watch an old B- monster movie, or read this book. I recommend the latter.
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. This could have been a solid 4-star story, if not for some serious blunders.
In 1976, Apollo 18 launches for the moon with a standard 3-man crew. Two men will touch down on the lunar surface, while the third maintains orbit.
Fast forward to present day, when Something Has Gone Wrong, causing a scenario of spy-vs-spy. In the Bad Guys corner, Raen is one of the top secret agents in the field. He's awesome. In the Good Guys corner, Marek is best secret agent in the history of history. His hallmark is remaining invisible, 100%, which no other spy has been able to do. No one is his equal!
Raen's job is to track down and eliminate Marek.
They clash at the residence of the first Apollo 18 astronaut. It's a draw.
They clash at the residence of the second Apollo 18 astronaut. Still, no final showdown.
Then Marek disappears. For days, Raen cannot figure out where his opponent could possibly be. Finally it dawns on him: the residence of the third Apollo 18 astronaut! Wow! Yeah that Raen. He's awesome.
Meanwhile, Marek the Magnificent enlists the help of the third astronaut's family. They all go to the family's hideaway cabin. The first thing they do is hoist the family flag, to show they are in residence. Marek (renowned for his ability to remain invisible) voices no objections.
Heavy sigh.
Despite the above, there is some really cool stuff in this story. Marek does do a few cool things. And IMHO, the stuff that happens on the moon is great. A few people get what they deserve. The fate of the astronauts is — well I don't want to spoil that. And the penultimate moment made me sniffle.
On a Sunday afternoon, you can watch an old B- monster movie, or read this book. I recommend the latter.
November 10, 2017
Steere's premiere novel is a gem. Sea of Crises is fast-paced, taught, imaginative, and fun. In the world of the novel, the Apollo moon missions are extended and the eighteenth mission is led by Commander Bob Cartwright in 1976. There the fun begins as Cartwright's last words from the Sea of Crises were "That shouldn't be here." Days later, the astronauts were declared dead as their capsule splashed down in the Pacific and the bodies inside burned beyond recognition.
Fast forward to modern day where Cartwright's sons, one an investigative reporter, and the other two his younger twin brothers, discover the story might not be exactly as described on TV. There are bad guys, lots of bad guys, who want to keep those secrets hidden. The brothers, and the others wrapped up in this nightmare will need to use all their wits and resources to just stay alive.
Steere's writing is crisp, polished, and informed. His characters have depth, emotion, history, and drive. In a story that is absolutely fanciful, and yet the characters are believable and the plot twists fun. I don't know what his next book will be, but I'm buying it. If you like a good romp with lots of bad guys getting what they deserve, start with the Sea of Crises.
Fast forward to modern day where Cartwright's sons, one an investigative reporter, and the other two his younger twin brothers, discover the story might not be exactly as described on TV. There are bad guys, lots of bad guys, who want to keep those secrets hidden. The brothers, and the others wrapped up in this nightmare will need to use all their wits and resources to just stay alive.
Steere's writing is crisp, polished, and informed. His characters have depth, emotion, history, and drive. In a story that is absolutely fanciful, and yet the characters are believable and the plot twists fun. I don't know what his next book will be, but I'm buying it. If you like a good romp with lots of bad guys getting what they deserve, start with the Sea of Crises.
October 4, 2021
First, I had to add a new shelf to categorize this one, because it wasn't just adventure and it wasn't really a scifi story. Sort of an "Alternate history/action/adventure/mystery/para-military" story that involves "could have happened" space travel. :-)
Second, this story was riveting from the beginning, and I think I finished it in 2 days of reading in between normal life activities. As I've seen some people mention in reviews about various books, you might want to start this one early in the day because you won't want to put it down till you're done. It definitely had some unexpected plot twists that, even though I had a few guesses as to what happened in the past or what might happen next, the suspense was gripping and there are plenty of surprises.
I don't remember when I added this book to my Kindle library 1-1/2 years ago, what it was that attracted me but it sounded good. My advice is, get this book and read it, don't sit on it for a year and a half like I did. Glad I finally got around to it. Marty, if you have any more stories like this in you, please write them!
Second, this story was riveting from the beginning, and I think I finished it in 2 days of reading in between normal life activities. As I've seen some people mention in reviews about various books, you might want to start this one early in the day because you won't want to put it down till you're done. It definitely had some unexpected plot twists that, even though I had a few guesses as to what happened in the past or what might happen next, the suspense was gripping and there are plenty of surprises.
I don't remember when I added this book to my Kindle library 1-1/2 years ago, what it was that attracted me but it sounded good. My advice is, get this book and read it, don't sit on it for a year and a half like I did. Glad I finally got around to it. Marty, if you have any more stories like this in you, please write them!
December 8, 2018
Amazingly good for an author's first book! Everything is here: Action, suspense, intrigue, tactics, technology, secrecy, alternate history, a touch of romance, even a dog. High entertainment from first page to last. A bit of a mash-up of "Capricorn One" and an early Tom Clancy conspiracy novel. Almost all books in this genre require significant suspension of disbelief. I'd say this one requires a huge amount. The conspiracy and secret is so big and lasts so long as to be preposterous. A gigantic secret & conspiracy pulled off by only a few people, and nothing leaks for over three decades? There are a lot of gaps in logic. Why are key witnesses allowed to survive for many years by an organization that easily kills to protect secrets or obtain desired results? But if you can ignore plausibility and just enjoy the thrill ride, you may enjoy this book a lot. I certainly did.
May 27, 2020
Crises met ... and handled!
A fast-moving story, both on Earth and above it! ... Author Marty Steere has written a wonderful story, centered around an astronaut's crisis, and his families search for answers related to that crisis. The plot, itself, is satisfyingly unique; the characters are real and memorable; and the story moves, quickly but flawlessly along a course that is fraught with, both, action and suspense.
Too, the reader is privy to a fair amount of knowledge regarding space-flight, a bonus, in my opinion, in addition to being necessary to, both, move the story along, and to inform the reader as to how/why a specific action is taking/can take place.
... in conclusion, it's an easy 5-Star rating, from this reader, a reader who would love to see another equally -as-exciting book come along from this very talented author.
A fast-moving story, both on Earth and above it! ... Author Marty Steere has written a wonderful story, centered around an astronaut's crisis, and his families search for answers related to that crisis. The plot, itself, is satisfyingly unique; the characters are real and memorable; and the story moves, quickly but flawlessly along a course that is fraught with, both, action and suspense.
Too, the reader is privy to a fair amount of knowledge regarding space-flight, a bonus, in my opinion, in addition to being necessary to, both, move the story along, and to inform the reader as to how/why a specific action is taking/can take place.
... in conclusion, it's an easy 5-Star rating, from this reader, a reader who would love to see another equally -as-exciting book come along from this very talented author.
December 27, 2017
An Excellent Novel
I found this book to be so enjoyable! It’s a terrifically well-written story that kept my attention throughout. For those of you who, like me, have always been intrigued by the space exploits of the United States, the overall plot was intriguing from the very start. And it led to a story that deep down I believe could have actually occurred. The plot revolves around the actions of a corrupt, power hungry government leader (nothing new there) and the efforts of three brothers to understand what really happened to their father, a famous astronaut. As the story plays out, you’ll walk away agreeing with the author that “life is about the good stuff”! Read this book - you won’t be disappointed.
I found this book to be so enjoyable! It’s a terrifically well-written story that kept my attention throughout. For those of you who, like me, have always been intrigued by the space exploits of the United States, the overall plot was intriguing from the very start. And it led to a story that deep down I believe could have actually occurred. The plot revolves around the actions of a corrupt, power hungry government leader (nothing new there) and the efforts of three brothers to understand what really happened to their father, a famous astronaut. As the story plays out, you’ll walk away agreeing with the author that “life is about the good stuff”! Read this book - you won’t be disappointed.
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