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USAF Pararescue #1
The Devil's Waters
A giant freighter in the Gulf of Aden holds secret cargo that could bring down the governments of four nations. When Somali pirates grab the ship, the order comes down: get the freighter back, at all costs.
Only one combat group is close enough to respond before the hijacked freighter reaches Somali waters: the elite US Air Force pararescue unit—the PJs—stationed in Djibouti. Though their mission is to save lives, and their oath is “That Others May Live,” the PJs are battle-tested. The team doesn’t hesitate because one of their own, Sgt. LB DiNardo, is already onboard the hijacked ship.
LB has three tasks: provide intel on the pirates, stay alive until the team arrives, and withstand the humiliation of breaking the PJs’ cardinal rule: Never be the one who needs rescuing.
At the head of the pirates is the shrewd and ruthless Yusuf Raage, a clan leader who will sacrifice anything and anyone to keep his captured ship. The PJs have a mere hour to take down the ship before the Air Force blows it up. Even if they survive the wrath of Yusuf Raage, more secrets and danger await them.
452 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2012
316 people are currently reading
747 people want to read
About the author
David L. Robbins
40 books141 followersDavid L. Robbins was born in Richmond, Virginia, on March 10, 1954. He grew up in Sandston, a small town east of Richmond out by the airport; his father was among the first to sit behind the new radar scope in the air traffic control tower. Both his parents, Sam and Carol, were veterans of WWII. Sam saw action in the Pacific, especially at Pearl Harbor.
In 1976, David graduated with a B.A. in Theater and Speech from the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Having little actual theatrical talent, he didn't know what to do for a living. David decided to attend what he calls the “great catch-basin of unfocused over-achievers”: law school. He received his Juris Doctorate at William and Mary in 1980, then practiced environmental law in Columbia, S.C. for precisely a year (his father demanded back the money for law school if David practiced for less than one year – he quit two weeks before the anniversary but got Sam to agree that the two weeks' vacation David had accumulated could be included). David decided to attend Psychology school, having an affinity for people's stories and a fascination with woe. However, while waiting for admisison in 1981, he began a successful freelance writing career. He began writing fiction in 1997, and has since published twelve novels. He's currently working on the thirteenth, the third in his U.S. Air Force Pararescuemen series, as well as several scripts for the stage and screen. He has won awards for his essays and screenplays, and has had three stage plays produced.
David is an accomplished guitarist, studying the works of James Taylor and Latin classical. At six feet six inches tall, he stays active with his sailboat, shooting sporting clays, weightlifting, traveling to research his novels. He is the founder of the James River Writers (Jamesriverwriters.org) a non-profit group in his hometown of Richmond that helps aspiring writers and students work and learn together as a writing community. He also co-founded The Podium Foundation (thepodiumfoundation.org), a non-profit which brings writing and critical reasoning programs to the students of Richmond’s city high schools, as well as support programs for city educators. He also teaches advanced creative writing as a visiting professor at Virginia Commonwealth University's Honors College. David resides in Richmond, near the James River.
In 1976, David graduated with a B.A. in Theater and Speech from the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Having little actual theatrical talent, he didn't know what to do for a living. David decided to attend what he calls the “great catch-basin of unfocused over-achievers”: law school. He received his Juris Doctorate at William and Mary in 1980, then practiced environmental law in Columbia, S.C. for precisely a year (his father demanded back the money for law school if David practiced for less than one year – he quit two weeks before the anniversary but got Sam to agree that the two weeks' vacation David had accumulated could be included). David decided to attend Psychology school, having an affinity for people's stories and a fascination with woe. However, while waiting for admisison in 1981, he began a successful freelance writing career. He began writing fiction in 1997, and has since published twelve novels. He's currently working on the thirteenth, the third in his U.S. Air Force Pararescuemen series, as well as several scripts for the stage and screen. He has won awards for his essays and screenplays, and has had three stage plays produced.
David is an accomplished guitarist, studying the works of James Taylor and Latin classical. At six feet six inches tall, he stays active with his sailboat, shooting sporting clays, weightlifting, traveling to research his novels. He is the founder of the James River Writers (Jamesriverwriters.org) a non-profit group in his hometown of Richmond that helps aspiring writers and students work and learn together as a writing community. He also co-founded The Podium Foundation (thepodiumfoundation.org), a non-profit which brings writing and critical reasoning programs to the students of Richmond’s city high schools, as well as support programs for city educators. He also teaches advanced creative writing as a visiting professor at Virginia Commonwealth University's Honors College. David resides in Richmond, near the James River.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 112 reviews
May 4, 2016
I'm a big fan of PJs and think that they are the unsung heroes of the special forces community. I was thrilled to find this book and read it in one sitting. I'm looking forward to seeing the next one in the series. While some of it was more hollywood than real life, I didn't read it for operational knowledge. I read it to enjoy the willing suspension of disbelief. Mr. Rollins accomplishes this very well. He creates characters that you care about and goes into detail of their pasts.
One person who reviewed this book couldn't understand how an Army Captain could do a service change and agree to lose his commission to do a different job. Personally, to go from a primarily life taking MOS to a lifesaving MOS is believable. If you read the full book, Robbins not only answers that question good enough for me, but I find his answer extremely plausible. It may not be a daily occurance, but it does happen. I was happy with the character development.
On the whole, this book rocks. It's good fiction, plausible enough to be good, out there enough to be a good rocking one sit read--if you have the time.
One person who reviewed this book couldn't understand how an Army Captain could do a service change and agree to lose his commission to do a different job. Personally, to go from a primarily life taking MOS to a lifesaving MOS is believable. If you read the full book, Robbins not only answers that question good enough for me, but I find his answer extremely plausible. It may not be a daily occurance, but it does happen. I was happy with the character development.
On the whole, this book rocks. It's good fiction, plausible enough to be good, out there enough to be a good rocking one sit read--if you have the time.
February 6, 2019
Неплохой милитари боевичок. На этот раз (внезапно) не про SEALs и не про Delta, а про военных парашютистов-спасателей, которые специализируются на эвакуации раненых из горячих точек, а под ведение боевых действий не заточены. И когда на аварийное судно, с которого они вывозят пострадавших моряков, нападают сомалийские пираты, парням приходится непросто.
Написано довольно коряво, с кучей никак не объясненных военных аббревиатур, но сюжет вполне лихой и увлекательный, что-то типа Die Hard посреди Аденского залива, с гигантским контейнеровозом вместо небоскреба. Непритязательно, но развлекает.
P.S. Экипаж на судне в основном русский, все носят имена типа "Гриша Михайлович" или "Ирина Шерлина" и используют традиционные русские ругательства, например, IDI NYUKHAI PLAVKI, что сразу добавляет +20 очков к атмосфере B-movie.
Написано довольно коряво, с кучей никак не объясненных военных аббревиатур, но сюжет вполне лихой и увлекательный, что-то типа Die Hard посреди Аденского залива, с гигантским контейнеровозом вместо небоскреба. Непритязательно, но развлекает.
P.S. Экипаж на судне в основном русский, все носят имена типа "Гриша Михайлович" или "Ирина Шерлина" и используют традиционные русские ругательства, например, IDI NYUKHAI PLAVKI, что сразу добавляет +20 очков к атмосфере B-movie.
November 23, 2012
For those who love a good military action novel, David L. Robbins' new book THE DEVIL'S WATERS is Christmas come early. A group of paratroopers take on Somali pirates, and as much as you'll want to see the "good guys" win, you'll be hard-pressed not to pull for the pirates, too.
It's only fair I admit at the outset that I'm a friend of the writer, but I can recommend this book with a clean conscience. David ranks among the best writers I know, and he's upped his game with this book. He's bid adieu to his historical war novels, and as much as I've enjoyed those books, he's put together something really awesome with THE DEVIL'S WATERS.
The main character is First Sergeant DiNardo whose call sign is "LB," and the explanation for his nickname sets up a great punchline at the end of the first chapter. It's tough not to like LB. This is the first in a series of novels David will focus on the PJs, and it's clear he's chosen a main character he loves a lot. LB plays perfectly to David's voice, with a blend of humor and intensity that's sure to keep you reading.
On the opposite side is pirate Yusaf Raage. As villains go, he's a brutal and intelligent foe and exactly what I've come to expect from David. I know David never subscribes to making a character evil for the sake of being evil, and as much as readers will love the PJs, they'll want to cheer for Yusaf, too. Everything he does makes perfect sense, and in many ways, he is less of a villain and more of a man drawn into a conspiracy beyond his ability to control when he is tasked with capturing the freighter Valnea and its top secret cargo.
What works in this novel? David displays his skills as a storyteller, easily dropping in all the jargon of the paratrooper's trade in a manner which never confuses the reader. Where something isn't outright explained, the circumstances make it clear enough for the reader to infer what's being said. David also keeps the tension mounting from the very start, as he builds to the pirates' capture of the Valnea (which makes for one of most exciting sections of the novel) and then moves into the showdown between the pirates and the PJs. That it's all built around a conspiracy with global consequences is gravy.
What doesn't work? I will admit that during the big showdown, I sometimes had a hard time tracking some of the PJs. By virtue of what they do, they aren't all that different from one another, and that can make for a bit of confusion. I would sometimes forget which individual plot threads applied to each PJ. David takes several steps to help the reader with this, but he's working with a lot of players on both sides of the conflict.
Perhaps one of the best touches in this book comes midway through when LB discusses his past, that he's killed people and why he became a paratrooper. It's a nice moment that really gives death its due, and in a book with a high body count, that's an important touch to give weight to what the PJs are being asked to do: kill the pirates. That sacrifice becomes even more important in the end when David puts all of the underlying conspiracy's cards on the table.
If you enjoy your action with a heavy dose of testosterone or know someone who does, then this is the book to get this Christmas. I'm already planning to buy a copy for my dad (hopefully, he won't read this review ahead time!).
It's only fair I admit at the outset that I'm a friend of the writer, but I can recommend this book with a clean conscience. David ranks among the best writers I know, and he's upped his game with this book. He's bid adieu to his historical war novels, and as much as I've enjoyed those books, he's put together something really awesome with THE DEVIL'S WATERS.
The main character is First Sergeant DiNardo whose call sign is "LB," and the explanation for his nickname sets up a great punchline at the end of the first chapter. It's tough not to like LB. This is the first in a series of novels David will focus on the PJs, and it's clear he's chosen a main character he loves a lot. LB plays perfectly to David's voice, with a blend of humor and intensity that's sure to keep you reading.
On the opposite side is pirate Yusaf Raage. As villains go, he's a brutal and intelligent foe and exactly what I've come to expect from David. I know David never subscribes to making a character evil for the sake of being evil, and as much as readers will love the PJs, they'll want to cheer for Yusaf, too. Everything he does makes perfect sense, and in many ways, he is less of a villain and more of a man drawn into a conspiracy beyond his ability to control when he is tasked with capturing the freighter Valnea and its top secret cargo.
What works in this novel? David displays his skills as a storyteller, easily dropping in all the jargon of the paratrooper's trade in a manner which never confuses the reader. Where something isn't outright explained, the circumstances make it clear enough for the reader to infer what's being said. David also keeps the tension mounting from the very start, as he builds to the pirates' capture of the Valnea (which makes for one of most exciting sections of the novel) and then moves into the showdown between the pirates and the PJs. That it's all built around a conspiracy with global consequences is gravy.
What doesn't work? I will admit that during the big showdown, I sometimes had a hard time tracking some of the PJs. By virtue of what they do, they aren't all that different from one another, and that can make for a bit of confusion. I would sometimes forget which individual plot threads applied to each PJ. David takes several steps to help the reader with this, but he's working with a lot of players on both sides of the conflict.
Perhaps one of the best touches in this book comes midway through when LB discusses his past, that he's killed people and why he became a paratrooper. It's a nice moment that really gives death its due, and in a book with a high body count, that's an important touch to give weight to what the PJs are being asked to do: kill the pirates. That sacrifice becomes even more important in the end when David puts all of the underlying conspiracy's cards on the table.
If you enjoy your action with a heavy dose of testosterone or know someone who does, then this is the book to get this Christmas. I'm already planning to buy a copy for my dad (hopefully, he won't read this review ahead time!).
March 30, 2015
I enjoyed both The Assassins Gallery and The Betrayal Game by Robbins. Fun mixes of historical fiction and spy thriller, both featuring lovable crusty professor turned protagonist Mikhal Lammeck. In the mood for a light read, I was hoping this story featuring a US Air Force Pararescue jump team would fit the bill.
I didn't have my hopes set too high and was disappointed nonetheless. It falls short from start to finish, in most every way. A plot with scant connection to reality; a special forces team made up of guys with names like Doc, Mouse, and Quincy who speak in a steady diet of tough guy "I-can't-express-my-feelings-except-through-insipid-attempts-at-humor/insubordination-but-I'd-lay-down-my-life-for-you" chatter; and a denouement via a laughable mano-a-mano, laying it all out on the table discussion, involving a two-star general and a sergeant.
Mirroring the poor construction is very poor writing, which I don't recognize from Robbins' other work. I almost quit this book twice but was hoping something would improve. It didn't:
It beggars belief that a decent author and his editor would publish crap like this.
I didn't have my hopes set too high and was disappointed nonetheless. It falls short from start to finish, in most every way. A plot with scant connection to reality; a special forces team made up of guys with names like Doc, Mouse, and Quincy who speak in a steady diet of tough guy "I-can't-express-my-feelings-except-through-insipid-attempts-at-humor/insubordination-but-I'd-lay-down-my-life-for-you" chatter; and a denouement via a laughable mano-a-mano, laying it all out on the table discussion, involving a two-star general and a sergeant.
Mirroring the poor construction is very poor writing, which I don't recognize from Robbins' other work. I almost quit this book twice but was hoping something would improve. It didn't:
"I can't tell you anything. It's all classified"
LB firmed his tone. "Lady, do you understand what I do for a living? Everything I do is classified. I shit classified."
LB rapped his fist on Jamie's shoulder to seal his words, and to tell the boy he was a damn fine man.
The man hiked up his pants leg to slide a blade from a hidden sheath. He twisted the knife in the little light, in the fashion of a man who knew how to use one.
It beggars belief that a decent author and his editor would publish crap like this.
July 19, 2014
"Hoorah! A High Action Military Operation Thriller"
This is an amazing, well described military action novel finely edited, easy to read. On a mission into the Afghanistan Mountains, First Sgt 'LB' DiNardo and his crew are on board an HH-60 Helicopter facing poor visibility as a storm moves along with them. DiNardo has been a para-rescue-man for 12 years and has seen it all. They are on a mission to rescue a village boy who has stepped on a land mine, blowing half his foot off. The marines had put in a rescue call for air evacuation of the 8-year old boy to a medical facility. The storm is bad, but the team signals the pilot to stay on course. 'Doc' is a former marine, second oldest to PJ at 36 years. PJ is four years older, with a previous history as an officer in the Rangers. Quincy was once a SEAL, and Jamie is the youngest team member with this being only his second mission. The leader of this team is Captain Walley Bloom, who has known and worked with PJ for years. They are well bonded as well as dedicated to the mission as a well connected team. Their oath is "That Others May Live." They had planned to bring back two villagers, but instead bring back five including not only the boy who has been stabilized, but also a pregnant woman, a teacher, and mother and father. Their next priority mission is Top Secret, as an search/destroy mission only because other operational teams were not near enough to complete the action. They are to take over the hijacked freighter 'Valnea' which has secret cargo. If the knowledge of this cargo and it's destination is revealed, four world nations will be harshly impacted. This is anything but a humanitarian mission as was their calling. This is awesome story, well written, and the author is considerate enough to include a glossary of abbreviated military terms/jargon to help the reader move right along...even a woman reader such as myself. This novel and the reality of the story and events really enthralled me.
This is an amazing, well described military action novel finely edited, easy to read. On a mission into the Afghanistan Mountains, First Sgt 'LB' DiNardo and his crew are on board an HH-60 Helicopter facing poor visibility as a storm moves along with them. DiNardo has been a para-rescue-man for 12 years and has seen it all. They are on a mission to rescue a village boy who has stepped on a land mine, blowing half his foot off. The marines had put in a rescue call for air evacuation of the 8-year old boy to a medical facility. The storm is bad, but the team signals the pilot to stay on course. 'Doc' is a former marine, second oldest to PJ at 36 years. PJ is four years older, with a previous history as an officer in the Rangers. Quincy was once a SEAL, and Jamie is the youngest team member with this being only his second mission. The leader of this team is Captain Walley Bloom, who has known and worked with PJ for years. They are well bonded as well as dedicated to the mission as a well connected team. Their oath is "That Others May Live." They had planned to bring back two villagers, but instead bring back five including not only the boy who has been stabilized, but also a pregnant woman, a teacher, and mother and father. Their next priority mission is Top Secret, as an search/destroy mission only because other operational teams were not near enough to complete the action. They are to take over the hijacked freighter 'Valnea' which has secret cargo. If the knowledge of this cargo and it's destination is revealed, four world nations will be harshly impacted. This is anything but a humanitarian mission as was their calling. This is awesome story, well written, and the author is considerate enough to include a glossary of abbreviated military terms/jargon to help the reader move right along...even a woman reader such as myself. This novel and the reality of the story and events really enthralled me.
March 18, 2013
I’ve had to go 80 or 90 pages into some books I’ve read – notably literary fiction – before I really felt like the writer wanted me in there in the first place. But in the case of David Robbins’ The Devil’s Waters, which I just completed, it took about a eight or nine words. In a book signing several months ago, I think David called his TDW writing “locomotive style.” And in parts, I’d call it “flashbang style.”
As always deeply researched, Robins’ book is also the product of extensive personal interviews and base visits in several parts of the world – and I’m sure some of them were “black;” that is, they did not exist on any government TO&E -- to yield the story of The Devil’s Waters. It’s a riveting story that tracks real-time developments pretty closely, I’d guess. The focus is on the U.S. Air Force’s “Guardian Angels,” the renowned PJs, or “Pararescue Jumpers,” components of Combat Search and Rescue operations and an integral part of our nation’s participation in protecting shipping from Somali Pirates on the high seas.
But don’t be fooled. It’s about way more than just that. It’s about doomsday, and involves the U.S., Russia, Israel and Iran plus a bad-ass contingent of real Somali pirates. The tension is palpable throughout. The writing style is deeply descriptive, with characters developed so closely that you may see them in the your dreams … and more than a few in your nightmares.
Do the good guys win? Yes, but not in a classic Tom Clancy fashion. Or maybe we win just at a certain level. That’s your call. Regardless, the price is very high. The stakes even higher. … and there is enough left hanging for the sequel that has got to be in the works. Can’t wait. Read TDW and see for yourself.
As always deeply researched, Robins’ book is also the product of extensive personal interviews and base visits in several parts of the world – and I’m sure some of them were “black;” that is, they did not exist on any government TO&E -- to yield the story of The Devil’s Waters. It’s a riveting story that tracks real-time developments pretty closely, I’d guess. The focus is on the U.S. Air Force’s “Guardian Angels,” the renowned PJs, or “Pararescue Jumpers,” components of Combat Search and Rescue operations and an integral part of our nation’s participation in protecting shipping from Somali Pirates on the high seas.
But don’t be fooled. It’s about way more than just that. It’s about doomsday, and involves the U.S., Russia, Israel and Iran plus a bad-ass contingent of real Somali pirates. The tension is palpable throughout. The writing style is deeply descriptive, with characters developed so closely that you may see them in the your dreams … and more than a few in your nightmares.
Do the good guys win? Yes, but not in a classic Tom Clancy fashion. Or maybe we win just at a certain level. That’s your call. Regardless, the price is very high. The stakes even higher. … and there is enough left hanging for the sequel that has got to be in the works. Can’t wait. Read TDW and see for yourself.
January 16, 2013
So…a bunch of Somali pirates hijack a ship that contains something that cannot be allowed to fall into the wrong hands. The only US forces near enough are an elite parachute rescue team…
This could have easily been yet another Somali pirate throwaway thriller, but actually it’s not. I have no idea if the organisation actually exists as depicted here although I am aware there is a Rescue Squadron that has many of the same skill sets. It would have been nice to have understood how ‘real’ the team depicted were.
But I did enjoy this, far more than I thought I would. Much of this is because the clichés are avoided and the realistic characters we meet. The Somali pirate leader has a personality, an ethos and is not a weed chewing nut job, the Parachute Jumpers (PJs) are guys who normally want to do good thrown into an environment where they will have to put aside what they believe in. The lead PJ is known by his nickname, LB and when he is thrown into a ‘die hard’ type environment the author does not make him into a super-soldier, he lets him behave logically and in a way you can absolutely buy into. Perhaps the weakest character is a female scientist but that can be forgiven since the rest are so well rounded.
So, good stuff. If this is the first in a series, I’ll be there in the queue for the next one.
This could have easily been yet another Somali pirate throwaway thriller, but actually it’s not. I have no idea if the organisation actually exists as depicted here although I am aware there is a Rescue Squadron that has many of the same skill sets. It would have been nice to have understood how ‘real’ the team depicted were.
But I did enjoy this, far more than I thought I would. Much of this is because the clichés are avoided and the realistic characters we meet. The Somali pirate leader has a personality, an ethos and is not a weed chewing nut job, the Parachute Jumpers (PJs) are guys who normally want to do good thrown into an environment where they will have to put aside what they believe in. The lead PJ is known by his nickname, LB and when he is thrown into a ‘die hard’ type environment the author does not make him into a super-soldier, he lets him behave logically and in a way you can absolutely buy into. Perhaps the weakest character is a female scientist but that can be forgiven since the rest are so well rounded.
So, good stuff. If this is the first in a series, I’ll be there in the queue for the next one.
July 13, 2013
This book was riveting! I learned so much about pararescue (thankful for the Glossary of terms at the end of the book!) and the intensity our military experiences when faced with a rescue mission. Robbins weaves a story that is vividly written and heart poundingly real. The fight scenes between the Somali pirates and the PJs felt as real as it gets, and all the while you know that these parajumpers want only to rescue, not to kill, yet they are faced with a kill mission they cannot avoid. Weaving politics, humanity and a psychological component into the story made it even better. There are some loose ends that could tie up in a continuation of this story... I'd love to see that. Highly recommend this book!
August 1, 2014
Interesting but far fetched. A way to spend a rainy afternoon.
Interesting but far fetched. A way to spend a rainy afternoon.
I did like the fact that the USAF was used so that no pilots were involved. After all there other people in the AF .
Interesting but far fetched. A way to spend a rainy afternoon.
I did like the fact that the USAF was used so that no pilots were involved. After all there other people in the AF .
November 10, 2012
David L. Robbins is known for writing taut, well conceived military thrillers for good reason. This author really knows his craft, but TDW is more than that. This novel opens a broad stream of thinking about subjects as diverse as the long-term effects of colonialism in the Horn of Africa, the motivations behind the scenes in international alliances, and the politics that sends soldiers into harm's way with little or no intelligent thinking ahead of the orders.
Specifically, this is the tale of the rescue of a container ship with no cargo, from Somali pirates. Why a military strike performed by life-saving para-rescue jumpers would be called for a ship with no cargo or passengers is one question. Nothing else is as it seems either, and the ending, while tying up the loose ends, still leaves lots of room for further thinking, which I like.
Another thing I really enjoyed in this book, was how well the author worked the definitions of the military acronyms and jargon, right in to the storyline. He provided a glossary in the back, but the writing was so well conceived, I didn't really need it. The story flowed smoothly all the way through with no distraction or jarring annoyances to slow it down. My only issues had to do with the info-dumping in the first chapter which actually served as a prologue, but it wasn't really much of an issue at all. The characters were fully fleshed out as the story began to take over anyway.
The story was researched in a scholarly, hands-on manner, which the author details at the end of the book. I learned a lot about container shipping, Somalia, rescue ops and so much more.
For readers who enjoy this kind of fast-paced thriller, The Devil's Waters will be a sure hit, but I would also recommend it to anyone who enjoys a solid tale, well told. Especially if they have any interest in the hazards of shipping through the Gulf of Aden and dodging pirates along the way.
Specifically, this is the tale of the rescue of a container ship with no cargo, from Somali pirates. Why a military strike performed by life-saving para-rescue jumpers would be called for a ship with no cargo or passengers is one question. Nothing else is as it seems either, and the ending, while tying up the loose ends, still leaves lots of room for further thinking, which I like.
Another thing I really enjoyed in this book, was how well the author worked the definitions of the military acronyms and jargon, right in to the storyline. He provided a glossary in the back, but the writing was so well conceived, I didn't really need it. The story flowed smoothly all the way through with no distraction or jarring annoyances to slow it down. My only issues had to do with the info-dumping in the first chapter which actually served as a prologue, but it wasn't really much of an issue at all. The characters were fully fleshed out as the story began to take over anyway.
The story was researched in a scholarly, hands-on manner, which the author details at the end of the book. I learned a lot about container shipping, Somalia, rescue ops and so much more.
For readers who enjoy this kind of fast-paced thriller, The Devil's Waters will be a sure hit, but I would also recommend it to anyone who enjoys a solid tale, well told. Especially if they have any interest in the hazards of shipping through the Gulf of Aden and dodging pirates along the way.
January 9, 2013
The mark of a good thriller is whether it keeps me engaged and turning pages. THE DEVIL'S WATERS did exactly that. It gets five stars.
David L. Robbins has taken his considerable skills as a novelist and shifted them from dramas set primarily against WWII (e.g., WAR OF THE RATS, THE END OF WAR, LAST CITADEL and moved them to a 21st century backdrop.
THE DEVIL'S WATERS is an imaginative adventure involving Air Force Pararescue Jumpers (PJs) and Somali pirates. It’s high adventure with undertones of the War Against Terror and the old Cold War. The PJs, whose job is to save people, become reluctant combatants in an effort to retake a pirated container ship in the Gulf of Aden.
The ship, as we learn, harbors a warren of secrets; secrets so deep that the U.S. government is willing to destroy the vessel, PJs and all, unless the PJs can secure it.
The novel is a tale written from the viewpoints of a couple of the PJs and a Somali pirate. Thus, although I never found myself rooting for the Somali raiders, I certainly understood their motivation. Robbins fleshes them out quite nicely.
I suppose one could snipe about wanting a little more character development for the key PJs or about the (perhaps) over-the-top ending, but I won’t quibble about those. As I said in the first paragraph, THE DEVILS WATERS is an engaging page turner.
If you’re a fan of military thrillers chocked with suspense and action, I highly recommend THE DEVIL'S WATERS.
David L. Robbins has taken his considerable skills as a novelist and shifted them from dramas set primarily against WWII (e.g., WAR OF THE RATS, THE END OF WAR, LAST CITADEL and moved them to a 21st century backdrop.
THE DEVIL'S WATERS is an imaginative adventure involving Air Force Pararescue Jumpers (PJs) and Somali pirates. It’s high adventure with undertones of the War Against Terror and the old Cold War. The PJs, whose job is to save people, become reluctant combatants in an effort to retake a pirated container ship in the Gulf of Aden.
The ship, as we learn, harbors a warren of secrets; secrets so deep that the U.S. government is willing to destroy the vessel, PJs and all, unless the PJs can secure it.
The novel is a tale written from the viewpoints of a couple of the PJs and a Somali pirate. Thus, although I never found myself rooting for the Somali raiders, I certainly understood their motivation. Robbins fleshes them out quite nicely.
I suppose one could snipe about wanting a little more character development for the key PJs or about the (perhaps) over-the-top ending, but I won’t quibble about those. As I said in the first paragraph, THE DEVILS WATERS is an engaging page turner.
If you’re a fan of military thrillers chocked with suspense and action, I highly recommend THE DEVIL'S WATERS.
November 29, 2014
I don't often read military fiction because my experience with the real stuff often makes the fiction grating. I have to say, I thought Robbins did a fair job capturing the PJ's and their role within the larger military system. The exception being, of course, that I'm pretty sure the military would go to great lengths NOT to use a PJ unit as the primary means of combat force. Robbins understandably had to use some pretty intense literary gymnastics to make that seem plausible and even then...
According to his acknowledgments section this book is well researched and it certainly shows. Sure there were places where I had to suspend disbelief but I suppose that's what fiction is supposed to make us do. I struggled with the PJ characters a little bit. They just seemed like caricatures at points, especially in their dialogue.
Overall, I most enjoyed the equal weight given to all perspectives and particularly, the portions told from the point of view of the pirates. If the PJs seemed like the stock, gung-ho patriots, Robbins' pirates had a depth and complexity not usually seen in the "villains" of your typical thrillers.
According to his acknowledgments section this book is well researched and it certainly shows. Sure there were places where I had to suspend disbelief but I suppose that's what fiction is supposed to make us do. I struggled with the PJ characters a little bit. They just seemed like caricatures at points, especially in their dialogue.
Overall, I most enjoyed the equal weight given to all perspectives and particularly, the portions told from the point of view of the pirates. If the PJs seemed like the stock, gung-ho patriots, Robbins' pirates had a depth and complexity not usually seen in the "villains" of your typical thrillers.
August 19, 2014
I'll not rehash the plot here as there are many others who have done thoroughly. What I want to do is applaud the David Robbins for an excellent story that is exceedingly well written. The story is told primarily through the eyes of two of the PJs and the pirate. While you don't find yourself "rooting" for the pirate, you really see the world from his point of view. Wally and LB, the PJ captain and Master Sargent, are fleshed out well especially in that while they are very close, they are also frequently not of the same mind and occasionally operate in conflict with each other.
I readily admit I enjoy a good techno thriller from time to time and the author has done exceedingly thorough research into the military, the equipment and weapons, they employ, and in this case tribal culture in Somalia and the workings and environment of a huge container ship. He made it real for me and being from a Marine Corps family, I appreciate the authenticity he brings to this story. Well done. I guarantee you will enjoy this story.
I readily admit I enjoy a good techno thriller from time to time and the author has done exceedingly thorough research into the military, the equipment and weapons, they employ, and in this case tribal culture in Somalia and the workings and environment of a huge container ship. He made it real for me and being from a Marine Corps family, I appreciate the authenticity he brings to this story. Well done. I guarantee you will enjoy this story.
July 18, 2014
Absolutely terrific!
Absolutely terrific!
I enjoy military action stories, and this one doesn't disappoint. The dynamics of a tight knit group who never give up, never give in and will give their utmost for the mission, is so compelling you just don't want to stop reading. Of course where would any good military action story be without some clandestine ops cross and double-cross activities? Yep, it's there. If you like stories of good vs. evil, black and white bleeding into gray, and a team where everyone always has everyone else's back, this is a good match for you. Thanks, David Robbins, for thrilling me again!
Absolutely terrific!
I enjoy military action stories, and this one doesn't disappoint. The dynamics of a tight knit group who never give up, never give in and will give their utmost for the mission, is so compelling you just don't want to stop reading. Of course where would any good military action story be without some clandestine ops cross and double-cross activities? Yep, it's there. If you like stories of good vs. evil, black and white bleeding into gray, and a team where everyone always has everyone else's back, this is a good match for you. Thanks, David Robbins, for thrilling me again!
July 10, 2016
The devil's waters by David L Robbins is a mystery and thriller. And is available to purchase now. At giant freighter in the gulf of aden holds a secret cargo that could bring down the governments of four nations. When somali pirates grabs the ship, the order comes down, get the freighter back at all costs. Fantastic read. Devoured in less than 24 hours. What an enjoyable read. Simply unputdownable. There was nothing I disliked about this book. Highly recommended. 5* from me. Thanks to netgalley for the arc.
September 9, 2025
3.5 stars with the caveat that the first 75 pages or so didn’t grab me and I was certain I was going to give up at the hundred page mark. So more like 2 for the first 20% and 3.5 for the balance. It would have been at least a half star higher had I been remotely competent in maritime or military terminology. On top of that was the presence of random words in a variety of languages; mostly spoken by Somali and Russian characters. For the most part it was just one more reminder that I was in over my head. They were all small, but added together, took me out of the story frequently.
So the story itself was a solid 4, maybe even a 4.5 if I ignore the first fifth of the book and my lack of background knowledge. But that’s really more of an issue that is to be blamed on me than the author.
If the idea of a pararescue team infiltrating a hijacked cargo ship interests you, go for it.
So the story itself was a solid 4, maybe even a 4.5 if I ignore the first fifth of the book and my lack of background knowledge. But that’s really more of an issue that is to be blamed on me than the author.
If the idea of a pararescue team infiltrating a hijacked cargo ship interests you, go for it.
July 15, 2017
This was a really fun read and the PJ angle was unique from the many other military reads.
The characters and plot were pretty cliche, but again - fun - so I went with it all. What lost me, and had me sighing in exasperation, was the climactic, drawn out, showdown scene on the boat. It was the typical head-bad-guy-who-won't-go-down scenario. You know the one: no matter how many bullets and explosions go off around the lead bad guy, he somehow escapes and evades. And in this case, repeatedly.
While I enjoyed the story I don't see myself continuing the series.
The characters and plot were pretty cliche, but again - fun - so I went with it all. What lost me, and had me sighing in exasperation, was the climactic, drawn out, showdown scene on the boat. It was the typical head-bad-guy-who-won't-go-down scenario. You know the one: no matter how many bullets and explosions go off around the lead bad guy, he somehow escapes and evades. And in this case, repeatedly.
While I enjoyed the story I don't see myself continuing the series.
December 3, 2016
Great story about daring, brave, and selfless men who risks their lives "So Others May Live." Even if this is fiction, I believe that some of it was written based upon facts, especially when describing their abilities. The story is exciting and thrilling, even if at times it makes you mad based upon some of the decisions some of the characters make. But I enjoyed the enthusiasm of the narrator who did a great job maintaining different voices for different characters.
September 17, 2017
Good read but a but the characters are a bit stereotypical (The trusty crusty first sergeant, the green horn lieutenant, the brave captain, and a guy named "doc". Otherwise a thriller start to end.
I give it four stars because it is a fast paced interesting story that keeps the reader interested. Good plot line and recommendations d it for anybody who enjoys military thrillers.
I give it four stars because it is a fast paced interesting story that keeps the reader interested. Good plot line and recommendations d it for anybody who enjoys military thrillers.
July 11, 2021
An excellent read about the abilities of Pararescue
I have always admired the capabilities and responsibilities of the men who service as pararescue. This book has an excellent story line and provides some great insights into the world of this elite team of warriors. I didn't see the ending till the end, but I could see this type of novel being reality.
I have always admired the capabilities and responsibilities of the men who service as pararescue. This book has an excellent story line and provides some great insights into the world of this elite team of warriors. I didn't see the ending till the end, but I could see this type of novel being reality.
August 27, 2017
Great read
I wasn't expecting to like this book .. How wrong I was! I could barely put it down and neglected errands and chores .. Now to go get the next one! I expect to see this on the big screen before long!
I wasn't expecting to like this book .. How wrong I was! I could barely put it down and neglected errands and chores .. Now to go get the next one! I expect to see this on the big screen before long!
September 12, 2017
Seat of your pants action/suspense
I thought the book was well thought out and gripping. I was pleased that both sides characters were developed so that the reader had a full view of the drama unfolding. I was very impressed as I normally don't read this type genre.
I thought the book was well thought out and gripping. I was pleased that both sides characters were developed so that the reader had a full view of the drama unfolding. I was very impressed as I normally don't read this type genre.
September 18, 2017
Very Intriguing storyline
Great story with an interesting and twisting plot. I found the story and writing to be very enlightening and educational about a little known US Military specialty. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
Great story with an interesting and twisting plot. I found the story and writing to be very enlightening and educational about a little known US Military specialty. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
September 30, 2017
A real thriller
I couldn't stop reading! Listening to it enhanced the thrill. A real page turner! This is a new genre for me and I must say that I am now hooked on military suspense novels
I couldn't stop reading! Listening to it enhanced the thrill. A real page turner! This is a new genre for me and I must say that I am now hooked on military suspense novels
December 23, 2018
Reader Comments
Filled with unrealistic scenes and extremely awkward moments this book was terrible. At times the book made the PJs look weak. Not a good way to depict the military.
Filled with unrealistic scenes and extremely awkward moments this book was terrible. At times the book made the PJs look weak. Not a good way to depict the military.
November 13, 2022
PJs and the Pirates
I don't know much about the PJs and while I do know a bit about the Somali pirates this was a really good military thriller. Kept me up late a couple of nights reading into the next morning.
I don't know much about the PJs and while I do know a bit about the Somali pirates this was a really good military thriller. Kept me up late a couple of nights reading into the next morning.
June 13, 2017
Slow start
Slow start. Subject matter enough to pique my interest on modern pirates. Probably better read on a beach than a subway car.
Slow start. Subject matter enough to pique my interest on modern pirates. Probably better read on a beach than a subway car.
June 18, 2017
A great read
This was a very entertaining book. I could hardly put it down once I got started. I'll probably read the 3rd in this series next since I read the second one first.
This was a very entertaining book. I could hardly put it down once I got started. I'll probably read the 3rd in this series next since I read the second one first.
July 16, 2017
Excellent book- well written and well formed characters LB and Yusuf the Good and bad guys-I want to read more David L. Robbins !
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