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Sea of Red
Winner - Award Finalist - American Fiction Awards
Sea of Red is an action-packed Military Thriller of a bloody war between the U.S. and China's attempt to reunify Taiwan by force.
With Chinese hypersonic cruise missiles thundering toward the aircraft carrier USS Reagan, Captain Roberts had only minutes to decide how to save his crew of 5,000, or they could all end up at the bottom of the South China Sea.
The battle rages. Under the sea, U.S. fast attack submarines silently maneuver against the PLA Navy while jet fighters battle for air superiority. On the ground, Marines fight for control of Chinese-held Woody Island. A Taiwanese tank squadron confronts a superior attacking force on Kinman Island in a courageous attempt to halt Chinese forces.
In the White House, President Mark Taylor strategizes with his National Security Council on overcoming China's superiority in ballistic missiles and ships. His counterpart, President Zhang Wei, develops a daring plan to destroy America's fleet of eleven aircraft carriers.
Sea of Red is a must-read, powerful new Techno-Thriller novel in the vein of Tom Clancy. Be warned; it may turn you into a binge reader, turning pages quickly as you can't wait to see what happens next.
Sea of Red is an action-packed Military Thriller of a bloody war between the U.S. and China's attempt to reunify Taiwan by force.
With Chinese hypersonic cruise missiles thundering toward the aircraft carrier USS Reagan, Captain Roberts had only minutes to decide how to save his crew of 5,000, or they could all end up at the bottom of the South China Sea.
The battle rages. Under the sea, U.S. fast attack submarines silently maneuver against the PLA Navy while jet fighters battle for air superiority. On the ground, Marines fight for control of Chinese-held Woody Island. A Taiwanese tank squadron confronts a superior attacking force on Kinman Island in a courageous attempt to halt Chinese forces.
In the White House, President Mark Taylor strategizes with his National Security Council on overcoming China's superiority in ballistic missiles and ships. His counterpart, President Zhang Wei, develops a daring plan to destroy America's fleet of eleven aircraft carriers.
Sea of Red is a must-read, powerful new Techno-Thriller novel in the vein of Tom Clancy. Be warned; it may turn you into a binge reader, turning pages quickly as you can't wait to see what happens next.
424 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2023
646 people are currently reading
1582 people want to read
About the author
James A. Bultema
9 books71 followersJames Bultema is a military combat veteran and a retired LAPD officer with over twenty-five years of experience on the streets of Los Angeles. His debut novel, Sea of Red, became a bestseller, earning six prestigious awards and recognition as one of the top military thrillers of 2023. Red Lines became a #1 Amazon Bestseller on its release. With a degree in history and a passion for thorough research, Bultema ensures his depictions of modern warfare and cutting-edge weaponry are as accurate as they are compelling. His riveting stories, full of unforgettable characters, resonate long after turning the final page. Bultema is working hard on his next book, Red Horizons, due in the Spring of 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 12, 2024
This was an excellent techno-thriller amongst the same genre of a Tom Clancy novel that I had come across thanks to a Facebook group that I had joined almost two and a half years ago (Military Thriller Book Group).
Sea of Red is an action-packed Military Thriller of a bloody war between the U.S. and China's attempt to reunify Taiwan by force. This book took off at a fast pace that didn't stop. It kept you engaged throughout. The dynamics of war games and strategic planning were very interesting. It's pretty scary to think these kinds of maneuvers are probably happening in real time.
Sea of Red is a fast paced, fictional novel that gives us a very interesting account of a possible war with China. This book gets right to the point and had my attention from the very beginning. The author uses China's well-known goal of bringing Taiwan under Chinese rule as the catalyst for the war.
On my scale of five stars, this is one of those that I would have to give a solid five stars as the scenario as set out by the author is believable, and the strategies used by both China and the United States are realistic. The book is filled with numerous offensive and defensive combat situations that the author describes in detail. The results are not one-sided and had me wondering how he would bring his book to a satisfactory conclusion. I recommend this book to any aficionado of the military genre or who enjoys a good geo-political thriller.
As with all my literary ramblings, these are just my five cents worth
Sea of Red is an action-packed Military Thriller of a bloody war between the U.S. and China's attempt to reunify Taiwan by force. This book took off at a fast pace that didn't stop. It kept you engaged throughout. The dynamics of war games and strategic planning were very interesting. It's pretty scary to think these kinds of maneuvers are probably happening in real time.
Sea of Red is a fast paced, fictional novel that gives us a very interesting account of a possible war with China. This book gets right to the point and had my attention from the very beginning. The author uses China's well-known goal of bringing Taiwan under Chinese rule as the catalyst for the war.
On my scale of five stars, this is one of those that I would have to give a solid five stars as the scenario as set out by the author is believable, and the strategies used by both China and the United States are realistic. The book is filled with numerous offensive and defensive combat situations that the author describes in detail. The results are not one-sided and had me wondering how he would bring his book to a satisfactory conclusion. I recommend this book to any aficionado of the military genre or who enjoys a good geo-political thriller.
As with all my literary ramblings, these are just my five cents worth
October 10, 2023
This book took off at a fast pace that didn't stop. It kept you engaged throughout
The dynamics of war games and strategic planning were very interesting. It's pretty scary to think these kinds of maneuvers are probably happening in real time. It was very helpful to have the glossary of acronyms and principal characters, for someone like me who isn't military. All the characters came to life as the story progressed.
Great book!
Looking forward to reading Mr. Bultema's next book.
Angela M.
The dynamics of war games and strategic planning were very interesting. It's pretty scary to think these kinds of maneuvers are probably happening in real time. It was very helpful to have the glossary of acronyms and principal characters, for someone like me who isn't military. All the characters came to life as the story progressed.
Great book!
Looking forward to reading Mr. Bultema's next book.
Angela M.
October 24, 2023
This book kept my interest from page 1. The characters were described well, the story seemed well written. The indepth info that the writer shared about the types of planes, air craft carriers, and other military vessels showed his knowledge but it wasnt written in such a way that would be too technical for non military people like me to enjoy.
November 25, 2024
This work of fiction is an imagining of a war between the USA and The Peoples Republic of China (Communist China). The book was written in 2023 and the motive behind this fictional war was taken right out of the headlines. That is, China’s attempt at forced reunification with the island republic on Tiawan. In this novel, the USA first makes clear that they will become military allies with Tiawan if China makes an effort to conquer Tiawan. This prompts China to make a first strike on the USA to degrade America’s ability to assist Tiawan before they actually engage in combat with Tiawan. It is a very exciting and interesting thriller as the reader will encounter much technical detail about how modern-day nations conduct war against one another. Electronic and computer control over weapon systems dominate the narrative. The author provides an extensive glossary of acronyms so the reader can attempt to stay informed about the various scenarios that play out. In that regard, this story unfolds with multiple characters and multiple settings from the very top decision makers in the USA and China to the pilots, naval officers and ground forces directly involved in war making. So, there is no main character to follow as the story progresses, but rather several characters as the scene of action changes. In that regard this story plays out in similar fashion to Tom Clancy’s novel Red Storm Rising if you are familiar with that novel. As I was reading this novel, I was mentally scoring it with 5 stars due to the thrilling action and detail provided about modern day weapon systems. But then the ending of the novel fell flat for me and that is why I have rated it with 4 stars instead of 5.
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February 17, 2024Told myself I would stop wasting time on books that I have no interest in. I typically like military thrillers, but this one has so much jargon that I can't get into it. Every time I start to enjoy I come to another sentence with just numbers and letters, and I swear I lose all focus and have zero investment in the plot, characters, or the darn missiles they are playing with.
Example: In the bellies of their fifth-generation fighters were PL-15 beyond visual range air-to-air missiles, called BVRAAMs, and PL-10 short-range air-to-air missiles, or SRAAMs for short. The PL-15 was equipped with an AESA-seeker, satellite-enabled inertial guidance system, and a dual pulse motor capable of 200 kilometers or 124-mile combat range.
I understand valuing accuracy, but it wouldn't kill me if they maybe left out a little detail and got to the actual story, which for me was slow moving and more typical of a history book.
DNF.
Example: In the bellies of their fifth-generation fighters were PL-15 beyond visual range air-to-air missiles, called BVRAAMs, and PL-10 short-range air-to-air missiles, or SRAAMs for short. The PL-15 was equipped with an AESA-seeker, satellite-enabled inertial guidance system, and a dual pulse motor capable of 200 kilometers or 124-mile combat range.
I understand valuing accuracy, but it wouldn't kill me if they maybe left out a little detail and got to the actual story, which for me was slow moving and more typical of a history book.
DNF.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2024
In this book America wins, but I did not find the way it did very convincing. It felt like the author bit off a plot too big for the size of his novel and when the time came to end it inserted a cliche ending. In the book the author diminishes the tactical advantages the Chinese have to make sure the American audience for his book does not get too alarmed by the prospect of a potential Chinese victory. It was entertaining but unrealistic especially with the fact that we have admitted into this country in the last couple of years a division size number of single male military aged Chinese nationals as undocumented/illegal aliens. He does not deal with the reality of the missile threat the Chinese pose to our defense of Taiwan. He just hamstrings their capabilities. I find it unlikely that China would allow the United States to operate uncontested out of Korea, and that North Korea would stay silent.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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April 3, 2024MWSA Review
Author James Bultema's new book, Sea of Red, is a fast paced, fictional novel that gives us a very interesting account of a possible war with China. This book gets right to the point and had my attention from the very beginning. The author uses China's well-known goal of bringing Taiwan under Chinese rule as the catalyst for the war. From there, the scenario as set out by Bultema is believable, and the strategies used by both China and the United States are realistic. The book is filled with numerous offensive and defensive combat situations that the author describes in detail. The results are not one-sided and had me wondering how he would bring his book to a satisfactory conclusion. Although a longish book, I would have read more. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good thriller.
Review by Bob Doerr (March 2024)
Author James Bultema's new book, Sea of Red, is a fast paced, fictional novel that gives us a very interesting account of a possible war with China. This book gets right to the point and had my attention from the very beginning. The author uses China's well-known goal of bringing Taiwan under Chinese rule as the catalyst for the war. From there, the scenario as set out by Bultema is believable, and the strategies used by both China and the United States are realistic. The book is filled with numerous offensive and defensive combat situations that the author describes in detail. The results are not one-sided and had me wondering how he would bring his book to a satisfactory conclusion. Although a longish book, I would have read more. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good thriller.
Review by Bob Doerr (March 2024)
February 23, 2025
Page turner, lots of action in a plausible current events scenario
Really enjoyed this book because of the nonstop action and an entirely believable scenario based on the current state of affairs between the U.S. and China. The story quickly takes the reader from scene to scene, and it is clear that the author has a good grasp of each respective nation's military hardware. Gave it 4 stars because in spite of the above, some of the military jargon, specifically the extensive use of equipment designations (e.g. AN/XYZ-546, not a valid example used in the book, but just making a point here) distracted from the reading. Additionally, little to no character development disconnects the reader from the characters. But these items weren't enough for me to put the book down, as I still thoroughly enjoyed it.
Really enjoyed this book because of the nonstop action and an entirely believable scenario based on the current state of affairs between the U.S. and China. The story quickly takes the reader from scene to scene, and it is clear that the author has a good grasp of each respective nation's military hardware. Gave it 4 stars because in spite of the above, some of the military jargon, specifically the extensive use of equipment designations (e.g. AN/XYZ-546, not a valid example used in the book, but just making a point here) distracted from the reading. Additionally, little to no character development disconnects the reader from the characters. But these items weren't enough for me to put the book down, as I still thoroughly enjoyed it.
April 20, 2024
China goes to war with Taiwan and the United States. As you'd expect with an all out war, all types of ships, planes, missiles, drones and more are involved. But primarily, missiles are involved on both sides to attack ships, planes, helicopters and buildings and also to defend them. The details that the author provides in how the different missiles home in on their targets is amazing. I usually read in the afternoon but found myself bringing this book (Kindle) to bed because I couldn't wait to see what happens next. While the final conflict was jam packed with action, I preferred the earlier parts of the story where we first learn how China and the United States attack and defend themselves. First time reading this author. Good job James A. Bultema!
January 11, 2024
Potentially good, but lacking
Not bad but there are several “rookie” mistakes that a writer should not have made, let alone a “combat vet”. SEALs would not use “Seal” as a call sign on a video game let alone in combat. For the flight of F-22’s call sign It’s spelled Mai Tai, not “Mytai”. The familiar talk on the air and on comms…no sir. Even on encrypted comms they wouldn’t use names and locations it would compromise opsec. There are alot more…Fighters don’t shoot SM2’s that is a ship launched Standard Missle 2. Not fired from a F-35 or any other aircraft. This is mostly editing issues, but c’mon, bro!
Not bad but there are several “rookie” mistakes that a writer should not have made, let alone a “combat vet”. SEALs would not use “Seal” as a call sign on a video game let alone in combat. For the flight of F-22’s call sign It’s spelled Mai Tai, not “Mytai”. The familiar talk on the air and on comms…no sir. Even on encrypted comms they wouldn’t use names and locations it would compromise opsec. There are alot more…Fighters don’t shoot SM2’s that is a ship launched Standard Missle 2. Not fired from a F-35 or any other aircraft. This is mostly editing issues, but c’mon, bro!
January 14, 2024
Ranks With Clancy and Bond
Like the title says. Great attention to technical and Geographical detail Excellent changes of pace from immediate tactical situations to Strategic overlooks . There seemed to be a little too much techno-babble in the form of APN,SPY, etc. A target acquisition radar is a target acquisition radar . Once is enough for each item. Besides in this day and age given the consequences of failure, you aren’t going to send your people out with 2nd line equipment. This novel encapsulates a prediction I have given my grand children. Within 20 years we may see a replay of this novel in real time—- I sincerely hope that I am wrong.
Bill Hodhes
Like the title says. Great attention to technical and Geographical detail Excellent changes of pace from immediate tactical situations to Strategic overlooks . There seemed to be a little too much techno-babble in the form of APN,SPY, etc. A target acquisition radar is a target acquisition radar . Once is enough for each item. Besides in this day and age given the consequences of failure, you aren’t going to send your people out with 2nd line equipment. This novel encapsulates a prediction I have given my grand children. Within 20 years we may see a replay of this novel in real time—- I sincerely hope that I am wrong.
Bill Hodhes
December 9, 2024
Good story pretty well told.
Hmmm - this story started with a ‘plan’ to hobble the US Navy in a way that the start of the 2nd world war could not.
This storyline went on to detail a conflict where the ‘underdog’ ‘got moving’ quickly and efficiently while the protagonist stumbled from one ‘speed hump’ to another. Now as a ‘feel good’ story about the innate strength of the US this a pretty good read - but - I think others have done it (much) better. Still not a bad read really
Hmmm - this story started with a ‘plan’ to hobble the US Navy in a way that the start of the 2nd world war could not.
This storyline went on to detail a conflict where the ‘underdog’ ‘got moving’ quickly and efficiently while the protagonist stumbled from one ‘speed hump’ to another. Now as a ‘feel good’ story about the innate strength of the US this a pretty good read - but - I think others have done it (much) better. Still not a bad read really
February 9, 2024
Sea of Red by James A Bultema is a military thriller about a near future conflict with China. It is an interesting read and unfortunately a very plausible storyline. The action is steady and it is an easy read. The characters are easy to follow. My only concern was the ending happened to soon.
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway but I was about to purchase it when I won a copy. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway but I was about to purchase it when I won a copy. I look forward to reading more from this author.
June 6, 2025
Exciting book!
An exciting book about China starting a war with the US and Taiwan so that they can ultimately reaquire the territory of Taiwan.
While exciting, the author appears to go to extreme measures to describe all the various military equipment used by all sides in the war. And every time a weapon is described, he continues to use the full, exacting name of each weapon. This is tedious and unnecessarily bogs down the story.
An exciting book about China starting a war with the US and Taiwan so that they can ultimately reaquire the territory of Taiwan.
While exciting, the author appears to go to extreme measures to describe all the various military equipment used by all sides in the war. And every time a weapon is described, he continues to use the full, exacting name of each weapon. This is tedious and unnecessarily bogs down the story.
November 26, 2023
Red SOTORM RISING IN THE EAST!
Many years ago I was stuck in Newark airport and survived by reading Read Storm Rising in one go. I just finished Sea of Red, reading it over the past two days. While not quite as good as Red Storm, this book comes as close as anything I have read in the interim. WELL DONE!
Many years ago I was stuck in Newark airport and survived by reading Read Storm Rising in one go. I just finished Sea of Red, reading it over the past two days. While not quite as good as Red Storm, this book comes as close as anything I have read in the interim. WELL DONE!
November 30, 2023
What a thiller
This is the most exciting and interesting books that I have ever read. I hope that the woepons used in this novel actually exist. The military action in this novel is beyond my power of discription. Any who served in the Armed Forces would appreciate the Author's knowledge of modern warfare.
This is the most exciting and interesting books that I have ever read. I hope that the woepons used in this novel actually exist. The military action in this novel is beyond my power of discription. Any who served in the Armed Forces would appreciate the Author's knowledge of modern warfare.
February 10, 2024
Intriguing
Won on Goodreads. Started slow but gained speed quickly. Good character development, balanced coverage between the nations (not western-centric). Have your Jane's Combat vehicles, aircraft and ships on hand for quick reference so you can see the equipment. Will keep you up at night to finish - don't start a chapter of you are on hard sleep deadline.
Won on Goodreads. Started slow but gained speed quickly. Good character development, balanced coverage between the nations (not western-centric). Have your Jane's Combat vehicles, aircraft and ships on hand for quick reference so you can see the equipment. Will keep you up at night to finish - don't start a chapter of you are on hard sleep deadline.
February 19, 2024
Sea of Red is a Page Turner!
I loved every minute reading this book! With enough detail of current systems to keep you engaged but not so detailed to slow down the pace, James Bultema does an amazing job of making this a fast paced story of what could be tomorrow’s headlines. Well done! #GoodreadsGiveaway
I loved every minute reading this book! With enough detail of current systems to keep you engaged but not so detailed to slow down the pace, James Bultema does an amazing job of making this a fast paced story of what could be tomorrow’s headlines. Well done! #GoodreadsGiveaway
July 23, 2024
4/5. China decides to force Taiwan into the One China fold. It also flexes its muscles around the disputed Spratly Islands and Paracel Islands. The US responds by sending a Task Force of three Carrier Battle Groups, Air Force elements, and Marine ground troops. Fighting ensues on, in, and above the South China Sea and clandestine in-fighting goes on inside the highest levels of the Chinese government.
May 26, 2025
Reading this book over the Memorial Day Weekend made clear the necessity of maintaining peace between the two greatest nuclear powers of our time. The wakeup call was noted, and I sincerely hope both governments will make every effort to promote and maintain peace. The reality of events in this story are not for the faint of heart!
October 4, 2025
A Good Story
You could make the argument that you cannot tell the story of the US and China at war without the details of name and number of every single weapon being used, but eventually I got tired of it. And I want our side to win. But we were too smart, too well-prepared and too lucky. Still a good story and I like it.
You could make the argument that you cannot tell the story of the US and China at war without the details of name and number of every single weapon being used, but eventually I got tired of it. And I want our side to win. But we were too smart, too well-prepared and too lucky. Still a good story and I like it.
October 24, 2023
If you enjoy military thrillers with a great attention to detail this book is for you. The author takes the time to immerse you into a world at war with characters and action that will keep you wanting more. Highly recommend
January 2, 2024
It was a pretty good story
This was a tale which had a great deal of battles which were great. The only issue was that there a bit less of suspense than I liked. That is why I rated it 4, instead of a 5. You, as the potential reader, will need to decide. Good luck.
This was a tale which had a great deal of battles which were great. The only issue was that there a bit less of suspense than I liked. That is why I rated it 4, instead of a 5. You, as the potential reader, will need to decide. Good luck.
February 4, 2024
Missed Opportunity
The author crafted a plot that simply was not very plausible. Description of actual fighting was generally well done, good understanding of weapon systems but he ignored important timeline and distance challenges throughout the novel.
The author crafted a plot that simply was not very plausible. Description of actual fighting was generally well done, good understanding of weapon systems but he ignored important timeline and distance challenges throughout the novel.
March 21, 2024
Great rendition of a much used storyline
Well paced action with a believable. Storyline written with a knowledge of today's technology and strategy. I hope this is not a one of from the author
Well paced action with a believable. Storyline written with a knowledge of today's technology and strategy. I hope this is not a one of from the author
March 27, 2024
I have only one question about the premise of this book, which is a good and fast read, is can such a non nuclear massive strike by China be made? How prepared are we for eventualities like the one premised here.
November 3, 2024
Plausible and interesting. In the event we do go to war let's hope and pray there is a "traitor" in the Chinese high command like was presented here. Otherwise, the war would probably mimic WW II where we'd be demolished initially and take years to recover. And then there's the nuke question...
November 5, 2024
Very Entertaining Read
Sea of Red is a technical war novel that will keep you engrossed from start to finish! It reads like Red Storm Rising with its detail to modern weapons and warfare tactics. If you are a fan of Tom Clancy, pick Sea of Red up and be prepared for a good ride!
Sea of Red is a technical war novel that will keep you engrossed from start to finish! It reads like Red Storm Rising with its detail to modern weapons and warfare tactics. If you are a fan of Tom Clancy, pick Sea of Red up and be prepared for a good ride!
November 14, 2024
Excellent read. Very hard to put down. Lots of detail as the book goes from macro to micro. One mistake was a reference to Hickman Air Base in Hawaii which is actually Hickam Air Base. Just about to start the second book in the series.
December 29, 2023
Very enjoyable
I thought the action parts of the book were well done and the actions of the characters realistic. I highly recommend this
I thought the action parts of the book were well done and the actions of the characters realistic. I highly recommend this
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews