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From the Plains to the Sea

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A harrowing tribute to the men who served aboard the USS Boyd in the Pacific during World War II.

Based on true events as seen through the eyes of a fictitious sailor who grew up in the high plains of Colorado. It's a tale of bravery and the desire to avenge the most dastardly attack against America. The ship and its crew face many hardships along the way. In the end they are there for each other.

The book chronicles the sailor's journey from the aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor to the climactic end of the war. It tells of his challenges to reintegrate himself back home. It's an all too common story of what many young men and women faced growing up during the Great Depression and surviving the horrors of war.

95 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 21, 2023

16 people are currently reading
6 people want to read

About the author

Danny J. Bradbury

10 books12 followers
I have been writing historical fiction novels since I retired from the Insurance industry. I have a lifelong love of history and enjoy sharing my accumulated knowledge. I was born and raised in Colorado and Wyoming. I served in the US Navy. My wife and I have three grown daughters and two grandsons. I have published 6 novels. My most recent is a Western Mystery, Railway to Murder.

Get a copy of my books at:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Danny-J...

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5 stars
18 (54%)
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9 (27%)
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6 (18%)
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Profile Image for S.S. Saywack.
Author 9 books36 followers
January 8, 2024
This is a short but highly delightful book to read about an individual’s experience in the Navy during WW2 (pacific campaigns). There are lots I liked here, not least is there’s no romanticising the story, no dearing-do heroism, just quite an ordinary story about someone who found the navy (and war, for that matter) afforded him a chance to better himself and find new courage. His war isn’t all action, he misses much of it due to his assigned duty, and much of it comes second-hand through those serving in other parts of the ship. I think, what I liked, was the suggestion that in many ways the war was the experience of ordinary people. It’s well told.
Profile Image for Steve Rufle.
198 reviews9 followers
December 10, 2025
Really enjoyed this book. From start to finish and excellent read.

it was tough to remember this was a fictional story blended with real history. the author did a great job in writing.
Profile Image for James Murray.
Author 17 books61 followers
January 14, 2024
This novel is primarily about the defeats and wins of the brave sailors fighting in the Pacific during WWII against the Japanese. Although this is historical fiction, the book is written so realistically and the main character Dylan so well-developed that it read like an autobiography.
The story starts with Dylan growing up in the Great Depression and evolves to his courageous time as a sailor on the USS Boyd during the war.
The novel is not long and can be read in one sitting, but the book will leave you with a lasting impression of the physical and emotional struggles of being a sailor during the war to win back control of the Pacific and the defeat of the Japanese empire.
1 highly recommend this read, even if you are not a history buff. The story is engaging and well worth the time.
This is the third novel I've read by Danny J. Bradbury. The others: The Sins of Man and A Common Man. All of this author's novels are historical fiction but the characters and settings seem so real and captivating. I'm a Danny Bradbury fan!
Profile Image for Rachel Jamerson.
30 reviews
September 28, 2023
Reviewed 9/27 by
Rachel Jamerson/author
From the Plains to the Sea, by Danny Bradbury is an awesome read! I, like most females, do not usually read much about war. This book turned out to be well worth the time invested.
The author tells this story as if he was actually the young man from Colorado who lived during the Depression and II World War. His depiction of events is realistic, exciting, and extremely entertaining.
Major events in the story include a difficult upbringing, living during the Depression, and three years spent on a Navy vessel in the heat of the conflict. He speaks of the conflict in Iwo Jima and Okinawa as well as many others. The main character also survived a major attack against his ship which left both physical and emotional scars.
This young man made it through the war, came back to finish high school and college, and obtained a degree in engineering. Great story!
Profile Image for Louise.
151 reviews3 followers
September 5, 2023
This book pays tribute to the brave people on the USS Boyd during World War II in the Pacific Ocean. It tells the story through a made-up sailor from Colorado. The book follows one of the crew members from the confusion at Pearl Harbor to the happy end of the war. Along the way, it shows how young people struggled during the Great Depression.

In the story, you'll see how the crew stuck together through thick and thin. It's an interesting tale that brings to life a part of history where bravery and the search for fairness shine during tough times. Whether you're a history buff or just want to read an inspiring story about not giving up, this book is a good choice. It reminds us of the incredible spirit that helped these men during one of America's hardest times.
Profile Image for Vicky Whedbee.
Author 3 books102 followers
August 31, 2023
A great story!

This was a well written interesting story! After a few chapters I began to wonder if it was actually a true story as it was such a realistic accounting of the war, then I realized the author appeared to be much too young for that to be the cass!

It's a quick read and will easily hold your attention throughout! I read it overnight while going through a hurricane without power, and because a fear of possible tornados kept me from going to bed, I was very pleased that the book held my interest in spite of the howling winds going on outside my home. That's quite a testament!
Profile Image for Jacqueline Diamond.
Author 248 books172 followers
November 19, 2023
Historical fiction thought it may be, this tale of a young man who serves on the USS Boyd in the Pacific feels very authentic as well as suspenseful. The author creates a fully developed hero and takes the reader on an unforgettable voyage. Those in search of old-fashioned adventure with relatable characters won’t want to miss this one!
187 reviews2 followers
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November 29, 2023
Wonderful story of a young sailor's life from WWII and beyond
48 reviews2 followers
December 8, 2023
Intersting read. I thought it was an autobiography. The book needed a proof reader for grammar. Good rendition of living on a destroyer during WWII and growing up in a rural community in the 1940's.
6 reviews
February 18, 2025
I found this book a very enjoyable book to read, it flowed very well and kept my interest as I read along.I look forward to reading some of his other books. Well done Danny.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews

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