What do you think?
Rate this book
Marathon #1
The Marathon Watch
Duty with Honor…Above All Else.
The year is 1971. With Cold War tensions at their peak, the U.S.S. Farnley has been selected to take part in Operation Marathon, the brainchild of ambitious and unscrupulous one-star Admiral Eickhoff, who sees the dangerous experiment as his stepping stone to greater power and national prestige. The World War Two-era destroyer—with her outdated technology, low crew morale, and mentally unstable captain—would be an ideal component of the Admiral’s experiment due to her chief her expendability.
Failure, however, is not an option for the new Engineering Officer Lee. His enthusiastic faith in the viability of the aged vessel and his dedication to duty with honor puts him at immediate odds with soon-to-retire Chief Petty Officer Ross, while ultimately inspiring his fellow crewmen to help return the Farnley to fighting form. But their dedicated efforts are creating a powerful and unforgiving enemy—and when unexpected catastrophe befalls the Farnley, those manning the old destroyer will suddenly be forced to choose between duty and disobedience, between life and death.
Larry Laswell’s The Marathon Watch is a gripping, authentically detailed naval adventure that harkens back to the heyday of the late, great storyteller Tom Clancy. Based in part on the author’s actual military experiences, it provides a fascinating inside look at the shadowy intricacies of U.S. Navy politics wrapped around an enthralling story of honor, determination, and grave peril during the dark days of America’s Cold War. Featuring a richly developed cast of officers and crewmen, Laswell’s thrilling chronicle transports the reader aboard the aging World War Two-era destroyer, U.S.S. Farnley , into the perilous heart of an ill-conceived experiment. There the frailties of human nature, the ambitions of unscrupulous men, and the terrible vicissitudes of nature will combine to create a disaster at sea that only courage, ingenuity, and a devotion to duty can possibly overcome.
The year is 1971. With Cold War tensions at their peak, the U.S.S. Farnley has been selected to take part in Operation Marathon, the brainchild of ambitious and unscrupulous one-star Admiral Eickhoff, who sees the dangerous experiment as his stepping stone to greater power and national prestige. The World War Two-era destroyer—with her outdated technology, low crew morale, and mentally unstable captain—would be an ideal component of the Admiral’s experiment due to her chief her expendability.
Failure, however, is not an option for the new Engineering Officer Lee. His enthusiastic faith in the viability of the aged vessel and his dedication to duty with honor puts him at immediate odds with soon-to-retire Chief Petty Officer Ross, while ultimately inspiring his fellow crewmen to help return the Farnley to fighting form. But their dedicated efforts are creating a powerful and unforgiving enemy—and when unexpected catastrophe befalls the Farnley, those manning the old destroyer will suddenly be forced to choose between duty and disobedience, between life and death.
Larry Laswell’s The Marathon Watch is a gripping, authentically detailed naval adventure that harkens back to the heyday of the late, great storyteller Tom Clancy. Based in part on the author’s actual military experiences, it provides a fascinating inside look at the shadowy intricacies of U.S. Navy politics wrapped around an enthralling story of honor, determination, and grave peril during the dark days of America’s Cold War. Featuring a richly developed cast of officers and crewmen, Laswell’s thrilling chronicle transports the reader aboard the aging World War Two-era destroyer, U.S.S. Farnley , into the perilous heart of an ill-conceived experiment. There the frailties of human nature, the ambitions of unscrupulous men, and the terrible vicissitudes of nature will combine to create a disaster at sea that only courage, ingenuity, and a devotion to duty can possibly overcome.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2014
109 people are currently reading
443 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 13, 2019
A fun book to read. It captured Navy life very well. A little corny and predictable. I thought the idea of the Navy running a program that ran good ships into the ground by not supplying spare parts and having them always at sea was a bit unbelievable- but I suspended my belief and enjoyed the book anyway.
January 4, 2016
Damned adequate!
A very good story with totally believable characters. The writing style is great with a wry mixture of humor and candor. Brought me back to the old 862 where I was stationed far a while.
A very good story with totally believable characters. The writing style is great with a wry mixture of humor and candor. Brought me back to the old 862 where I was stationed far a while.
July 24, 2020
The Marathon Watch was a surprising read. At some point I had downloaded it to my Kindle and app forgot it. Looking for a different read, I opened it, and kept reading. I don't usually read military fiction, but it held my attention like a thriller. It is well-written, especially for a first novel. The author was in the Navy, so I presume the military lingo, relationships and operations of a ship are authentic. It was a slow start, perhaps as I got used the military terminology, but by the second half I was in for the ride and set aside other tasks to finish this book. I was not disappointed. The book takes place after Vietnam, when respect for military was low. Deceit, politics, bureaucratic twists and limitations, and strong characters combine for an entertaining read. Things wrapped up nicely, and I see now there are sequels. I may read one, now that I am vested in the characters. It's a bonus that my son is in the Navy, and my father was in the Navy, so I took even more interest. In summary, it's a good entertaining read.
September 11, 2020
Proud Navy Mother and Grandmother
I read this book to learn more about the Navy life of my sons (and grandson) we love to hear their Navy stories. I loved this book. It's very much in the spirit of what the Navy meant to them. It was well written and kept you on the edge of your chair about what was coming next. No one can write a story better than someone who has lived it. I tried to get the authors newsletter to keep up to date with his books, but the links didn't work. I'm sad about that as I enjoy newsletters from my favorite authors. Larry, if you read this, please fix it. I still would like to get it. I Wii follow you on Amazon. I think anyone who was in the "old navy" will enjoy it. I hope the "new navy" will teach my grandson the same values. Keep writing.
I read this book to learn more about the Navy life of my sons (and grandson) we love to hear their Navy stories. I loved this book. It's very much in the spirit of what the Navy meant to them. It was well written and kept you on the edge of your chair about what was coming next. No one can write a story better than someone who has lived it. I tried to get the authors newsletter to keep up to date with his books, but the links didn't work. I'm sad about that as I enjoy newsletters from my favorite authors. Larry, if you read this, please fix it. I still would like to get it. I Wii follow you on Amazon. I think anyone who was in the "old navy" will enjoy it. I hope the "new navy" will teach my grandson the same values. Keep writing.
March 4, 2018
Anchors away
I rarely award a five, but the last few chapters demanded no less. If you have any affinity for the U.S. Navy, you will no doubt enjoy this novel that describes the work day life of a destroyer crew in deep blue waters as they wrestle with brutal weather and other opponents. Highly recommended to anyone who has or has family serving on a destroyer.
I rarely award a five, but the last few chapters demanded no less. If you have any affinity for the U.S. Navy, you will no doubt enjoy this novel that describes the work day life of a destroyer crew in deep blue waters as they wrestle with brutal weather and other opponents. Highly recommended to anyone who has or has family serving on a destroyer.
December 14, 2020
Believable fast paced action
Great book. The authors attention to detail makes the reader feel like they are in the navy and the story keeps you on edge. I highly recommend 5his book to anyone who enjoys military fiction.
Great book. The authors attention to detail makes the reader feel like they are in the navy and the story keeps you on edge. I highly recommend 5his book to anyone who enjoys military fiction.
April 23, 2018
A interesting naval story
It fortunately or unfortunately depending on your view point portrays the good and bad actions that come about in the traditional bureaucracy.
It fortunately or unfortunately depending on your view point portrays the good and bad actions that come about in the traditional bureaucracy.
September 19, 2020
Exciting Adventure
This book gave me the feel of actually being on the Farley. Though not in the Navy, I felt like I was. I recommend this to Anyone who enjoys adventure.
This book gave me the feel of actually being on the Farley. Though not in the Navy, I felt like I was. I recommend this to Anyone who enjoys adventure.
January 8, 2022
Excellent read brought back a lot of memories really well written will follow Author
February 27, 2014
“The Marathon Watch” takes place in the early 1970s. This was during one of the most tumultuous periods in US history—not only was the nation’s involvement in the Vietnam War at its height, but the Nixon Administration was dealing with the ever-growing nuclear threat posed by the Soviet Union. Year after year the US produced and deployed more and more Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles, and so did the Soviet Union. Because neither power had any ability to defend against incoming missiles, the only plausible strategic approach that the US could come up with was that of “Mutual Assured Destruction,” known best by the apt acronym “MAD.” According to MAD, once the volley of one-hundred megaton nuclear-tipped missiles had virtually destroyed the infrastructures of both the US and the Soviet Union, along with their land-based air capabilities, all that would be left were their respective navies.
Survival following such a war would depend on sea power alone. And survival is the right word. While prior to such a catastrophic exchange of blows both powers sought supremacy; but with the magnitude of destruction wrought to both of them, it was feared that even a second or third-world nation, sensing a power vacuum, might be tempted to swoop in and take advantage. Therefore, US military strategy, developed under the umbrella of MAD turned its attention to a rapidly deployable and self-sustaining navy—one capable of picking up the pieces left after the missiles had done their damage, and to thereby ensure some sort of military, political and maritime order. That’s where Rear Admiral Eickhoff enters the story.
Admiral Eickhoff, while a brilliant military strategist, was driven as much by hubris as he was by any desire to protect US interests. It was he who came up with the Operation Marathon naval exercise. He convinced the Senate Armed Forces Committee of the merits of such an endeavor. If the exercise proved as successful as he claimed it would, it would provide the committee with all the ammunition it needed to fund the procurement process necessary for the development of a more durable navy, one that could survive for a long period without land-based support. Plus, it would propel his career to the next level.
It is with this backdrop that Laswell, in Tom Clancy fashion, develops his intricately involved narrative. I hesitate to give away any of the salient aspects of the story, as they are best left for the reader to discover on his own. But I will include in my review this humorous exchange: “Did you hear about the maple syrup?” Meyers interrupted. “Hell, that’s not maple syrup; that’s my paint.” Meyers looked at the pile of shiny, square metal tins stacked on the aft part of the fantail and asked, “What the hell were you going to do with six-hundred gallons of gray paint?” “I only ordered a hundred gallons,” Biron began, “but that was six months ago. When it didn’t come in, I reordered it the first of the next month. I’ve been doing that for six months. Now the great navy supply eagle gets diarrhea and delivers all six hundred gallons at one time, but instead of paint, I get maple syrup. The only similarity is that they both come in five-gallon containers. What the hell am I going to do with one hundred and twenty tins of maple syrup?”
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Marathon Watch.” I think that any reader who appreciates Tom Clancy’s body of work, particularly his “The Hunt for Red October,” will be able to get into this book. While the plots are quite different, the military milieu is similar, as is Laswell’s attention to detail and descriptive language. In fact, as I sit here completing my review I can still smell bearing-burnt oil from the engine room, and taste salt water on my lips.
As far as the end of the book is concerned: Without a doubt Laswell’s dramatic closing scene is one of the most powerful I have experienced in a very long time. I will not go into it because I would not want to spoil the experience for readers.
“The Marathon Watch” is a very good read. I would love to see this book make it to the big screen.
Survival following such a war would depend on sea power alone. And survival is the right word. While prior to such a catastrophic exchange of blows both powers sought supremacy; but with the magnitude of destruction wrought to both of them, it was feared that even a second or third-world nation, sensing a power vacuum, might be tempted to swoop in and take advantage. Therefore, US military strategy, developed under the umbrella of MAD turned its attention to a rapidly deployable and self-sustaining navy—one capable of picking up the pieces left after the missiles had done their damage, and to thereby ensure some sort of military, political and maritime order. That’s where Rear Admiral Eickhoff enters the story.
Admiral Eickhoff, while a brilliant military strategist, was driven as much by hubris as he was by any desire to protect US interests. It was he who came up with the Operation Marathon naval exercise. He convinced the Senate Armed Forces Committee of the merits of such an endeavor. If the exercise proved as successful as he claimed it would, it would provide the committee with all the ammunition it needed to fund the procurement process necessary for the development of a more durable navy, one that could survive for a long period without land-based support. Plus, it would propel his career to the next level.
It is with this backdrop that Laswell, in Tom Clancy fashion, develops his intricately involved narrative. I hesitate to give away any of the salient aspects of the story, as they are best left for the reader to discover on his own. But I will include in my review this humorous exchange: “Did you hear about the maple syrup?” Meyers interrupted. “Hell, that’s not maple syrup; that’s my paint.” Meyers looked at the pile of shiny, square metal tins stacked on the aft part of the fantail and asked, “What the hell were you going to do with six-hundred gallons of gray paint?” “I only ordered a hundred gallons,” Biron began, “but that was six months ago. When it didn’t come in, I reordered it the first of the next month. I’ve been doing that for six months. Now the great navy supply eagle gets diarrhea and delivers all six hundred gallons at one time, but instead of paint, I get maple syrup. The only similarity is that they both come in five-gallon containers. What the hell am I going to do with one hundred and twenty tins of maple syrup?”
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Marathon Watch.” I think that any reader who appreciates Tom Clancy’s body of work, particularly his “The Hunt for Red October,” will be able to get into this book. While the plots are quite different, the military milieu is similar, as is Laswell’s attention to detail and descriptive language. In fact, as I sit here completing my review I can still smell bearing-burnt oil from the engine room, and taste salt water on my lips.
As far as the end of the book is concerned: Without a doubt Laswell’s dramatic closing scene is one of the most powerful I have experienced in a very long time. I will not go into it because I would not want to spoil the experience for readers.
“The Marathon Watch” is a very good read. I would love to see this book make it to the big screen.
March 2, 2014
If you’re looking for a military shoot-em up, Tom Clancy style, espionage thriller with cold war intrigue and two nations on the brink of nuclear war, this book is not for you. The Marathon Watch is a different kind of military story. While I can see the Tom Clancy-esque attention to detail and research that obviously went into this story, I think the author took a unique approach. Instead of the typical military story where the focus is on the shooting and the confrontation between the adversaries, this story take the reader deeper inside the inner workings of the chain of command, from the lower ranking officers who work right alongside their charges to the senior officers who spend their time in offices.
What I liked most about this story is that I kept expecting the whole Marathon Operation to cause some kind of incident that would start a conflict, possibly a naval skirmish or something like that. But it never happened. Like I said…unique. Instead, I thought the author did a great job of portraying how the decisions made by those who are so far away have such extraordinary impact on the men who have to deal with them down the line. All in all it was a good read, particularly if you like the kind of detail that you find in Clancy novels.
I have just a few nitpicks. First, it takes a little while for the story to get moving. I felt like the first third of the book dragged a little and could have used a little more action. It was a lot of set up, which I understand considering all the characters and situations that had to be introduced. My second nitpick ties in a little with the first. I felt like there was a little too much narration, especially early on. I prefer it when these stories are told from the perspective of the characters rather than the author/narrator. When the narration is so impersonal, it drags the story down, especially when there is a lot of it.
If a lot of narration is called for, it is better to find a way to make the reader feel like they are reading a character’s thoughts or feelings. The scene early on when O’Toole is in Durnham’s office looking at the USS Constitution is a good example. I really got a sense of who O’Toole is just by reading that narration because I felt like I was reading what he was thinking…how he felt. That technique has the added benefit of developing your characters in addition to conveying the necessary information to the reader.
Since it reads as a standalone book, I was interested to see that a sequel is in the works. I’ll be looking for that next year.
What I liked most about this story is that I kept expecting the whole Marathon Operation to cause some kind of incident that would start a conflict, possibly a naval skirmish or something like that. But it never happened. Like I said…unique. Instead, I thought the author did a great job of portraying how the decisions made by those who are so far away have such extraordinary impact on the men who have to deal with them down the line. All in all it was a good read, particularly if you like the kind of detail that you find in Clancy novels.
I have just a few nitpicks. First, it takes a little while for the story to get moving. I felt like the first third of the book dragged a little and could have used a little more action. It was a lot of set up, which I understand considering all the characters and situations that had to be introduced. My second nitpick ties in a little with the first. I felt like there was a little too much narration, especially early on. I prefer it when these stories are told from the perspective of the characters rather than the author/narrator. When the narration is so impersonal, it drags the story down, especially when there is a lot of it.
If a lot of narration is called for, it is better to find a way to make the reader feel like they are reading a character’s thoughts or feelings. The scene early on when O’Toole is in Durnham’s office looking at the USS Constitution is a good example. I really got a sense of who O’Toole is just by reading that narration because I felt like I was reading what he was thinking…how he felt. That technique has the added benefit of developing your characters in addition to conveying the necessary information to the reader.
Since it reads as a standalone book, I was interested to see that a sequel is in the works. I’ll be looking for that next year.
December 26, 2014
I knew someday I would find a gripping contemporary book about the United States Navy. I’ve been searching for one on par with the plethora of Army Fiction-that is not set in the 1700’s. This book is set in the 1970’s and does a fabulous job showing the political environment the Navy was in during the Vietnam war and the real life danger and adventure sailors encounter out at sea. I am also a big fan of any book that can make me laugh out loud-and The Marathon Watch has all kinds of funny moments.
The cast of characters Laswell put together is fun and a breath of fresh air. A big departure from the stereotypical officer and enlisted characters you run across in the military fiction genre. Lieutenant Lee was my favorite officer. His character was stunning and so real. It was so refreshing to see a character I think anyone who has been in the military long enough has had the pleasure to work with. The actions he takes and doesn’t take in a remarkably difficult situation were right on target and made the outcomes believable.
Watching the leadership evolution of Master Chief Ross and his eventual epiphany was great. I think he showed how even as established leaders we still learn new things and uncover situations we could have handled better. Even in a rut, Ross was relatable, human, and always worried about his men. I think his scene at the port in Greece was one of the most hilarious parts of the book.
I also liked the layering of motivations behind the different officers in the book. Why they did the work they did. How actions by one Captain verses another displayed the qualities and abilities an officer imbued with such responsibilities is required to have. I was celebrating the successes of sailors on one ship while mourning with sailors on another.
It was great to read a book able to make the traditions and culture of the US Navy come to life and have meaning. It was relevant and fascinating to read about the capabilities of the different ships-and then watch the sailors push their limits in real world situations. An action packed book I think anyone-civilian or service member could pick up and enjoy. I envision Captain O’Toole might have praised, “Laswell did a very adequate job.” And I agree-outstanding book, I look forward to reading Laswell’s future works.
The cast of characters Laswell put together is fun and a breath of fresh air. A big departure from the stereotypical officer and enlisted characters you run across in the military fiction genre. Lieutenant Lee was my favorite officer. His character was stunning and so real. It was so refreshing to see a character I think anyone who has been in the military long enough has had the pleasure to work with. The actions he takes and doesn’t take in a remarkably difficult situation were right on target and made the outcomes believable.
Watching the leadership evolution of Master Chief Ross and his eventual epiphany was great. I think he showed how even as established leaders we still learn new things and uncover situations we could have handled better. Even in a rut, Ross was relatable, human, and always worried about his men. I think his scene at the port in Greece was one of the most hilarious parts of the book.
I also liked the layering of motivations behind the different officers in the book. Why they did the work they did. How actions by one Captain verses another displayed the qualities and abilities an officer imbued with such responsibilities is required to have. I was celebrating the successes of sailors on one ship while mourning with sailors on another.
It was great to read a book able to make the traditions and culture of the US Navy come to life and have meaning. It was relevant and fascinating to read about the capabilities of the different ships-and then watch the sailors push their limits in real world situations. An action packed book I think anyone-civilian or service member could pick up and enjoy. I envision Captain O’Toole might have praised, “Laswell did a very adequate job.” And I agree-outstanding book, I look forward to reading Laswell’s future works.
December 4, 2015
This was a great read. I learned more about the inner workings of a Naval ship during war like maneuvers, albeit a military exercise. The characters were all identified in a way that gave you a visual picture of what was happening at the time. Eickoff didn't get to be an admiral just by knowing high ranking Capitol friends. He was a brilliant strategist but let the power go to his head. He thought he was the only one who could make a better Navy. The closeness of the crew was the payoff. Lee had to convince his guys, through action, to believe in themselves and the Navy again. It seems like those who did good things the correct way were winners and those that chose the way of power and greed got what they deserved. A very entertaining book and one that was difficult to put down. I highly recommend it to all who like military fiction.
December 17, 2015
Marathon Watch is a fantastic story depicting what it was like on a naval ship back in the Cold War. The Farnley has seen it's greater days when it was first commissioned during World War II, but now it must meet the demands, with less than state-of-the-art technology, of a new war. Although I have never been in the armed services, I felt like I could completely understand what it was like to have the extra demands of being on a naval ship. For those who have been in the navy, I think this would take you back in time to those days. Larry Laswell is a fabulous author with a genuine ability to keep a reader mesmerized until the very end. This is the first book in his Marathon Series. I would highly recommend this book to all those interested in military fiction or for those who have been in the military. I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2016
Outstanding read
Laswell is an outstanding writer and this is a well developed story. Written as a fiction but I consider this a part of the creative nonfiction genre. Many of the events are real, the setting is real, and the scenes are real. The characters are fictional but many are based upon actual seamen, actual heroes!
I really enjoyed this book and found it difficult to put down. I wasn't in the navy per se but I was a U.S Marine and the Corps closely aligned with the navy and its part of the Naval Department so I found Laswell's descriptions to be spot on.
The story is riveting and an important addition to naval history, but the character development and artistry of prose are polished and well written conveying the moments as if the reader is there, part of the scene, part of the action, part of the moment.
Laswell is an outstanding writer and this is a well developed story. Written as a fiction but I consider this a part of the creative nonfiction genre. Many of the events are real, the setting is real, and the scenes are real. The characters are fictional but many are based upon actual seamen, actual heroes!
I really enjoyed this book and found it difficult to put down. I wasn't in the navy per se but I was a U.S Marine and the Corps closely aligned with the navy and its part of the Naval Department so I found Laswell's descriptions to be spot on.
The story is riveting and an important addition to naval history, but the character development and artistry of prose are polished and well written conveying the moments as if the reader is there, part of the scene, part of the action, part of the moment.
October 8, 2014
An admiral looking to earn another star at the risk of the fleet is not good for the Navy. Apparently the fact that their ship is falling apart, that they can't get supplies, and are thwarted at every turn by the Fleet Commander doesn't match the wits an ingenuity of an old salty Chief, a young Ensign fresh out of Annapolis.
The CNO is aware of the goings on and when the Captain of the old destroyer decides to take actions to atone for his failures, the Admiral get his comeuppance.
Purely fiction but really good.
The CNO is aware of the goings on and when the Captain of the old destroyer decides to take actions to atone for his failures, the Admiral get his comeuppance.
Purely fiction but really good.
November 5, 2015
Recommended...especially if you don't mind reading about a character you'd happily poke in the eye. (Or hug. I think I want to adopt O'Toole as my grandaddy.)
The only negative thing I can say to Mr. Laswell: I wish I hadn't discovered you yet. Your books both kept me reading, reading...and now I'll have to wait, wait for the next ones. Dang it. Next time I discover you, I'm waiting until book 5 or 6, so I can Marathon Read.
The only negative thing I can say to Mr. Laswell: I wish I hadn't discovered you yet. Your books both kept me reading, reading...and now I'll have to wait, wait for the next ones. Dang it. Next time I discover you, I'm waiting until book 5 or 6, so I can Marathon Read.
October 24, 2015
WOW!! I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. What a great read. It started a wee bit slow but, hot dang, it sure took off.
My kindle actually died with 100 or so pages left to go. Normally I'd plug it in and do something else till I remembered I'd been reading. Not with this book. I let it sit on the charger and watched a clock for 30 minutes.
Went right out and bought #2. Reading it now. Good stuff, I'm loving a new favorite author... Lawrence Laswell!
My kindle actually died with 100 or so pages left to go. Normally I'd plug it in and do something else till I remembered I'd been reading. Not with this book. I let it sit on the charger and watched a clock for 30 minutes.
Went right out and bought #2. Reading it now. Good stuff, I'm loving a new favorite author... Lawrence Laswell!
January 23, 2015
Outstanding sea tale !
I wasn't sure what to expect when I first read the synopsis for this book. After the first few pages , I was hooked and couldn't put it down. This is one of the best naval stories I have read in years. I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys this type of book. You won't be disappointed!
I wasn't sure what to expect when I first read the synopsis for this book. After the first few pages , I was hooked and couldn't put it down. This is one of the best naval stories I have read in years. I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys this type of book. You won't be disappointed!
November 1, 2015
Absolutely LOVED this book. At first, I wasn't sure where it was going but, as the "plot thickened", I could see how the first few chapters were relevant. Read it on an airplane trip and could not put it down. Great characters, both good and bad guys, heroic and nasty and despicable. Great plot with lots of twists.
January 7, 2016
Back to Sea
The part where Morrison is excited by his first storm at sea (just before he goes overboard) brought back memories for me. I was on an APA in the South China Sea under similar circumstances and was just as enthralled. This book really took me back. If you've ever served at sea in the Navy, you'll enjoy a nostalgic revisit.
The part where Morrison is excited by his first storm at sea (just before he goes overboard) brought back memories for me. I was on an APA in the South China Sea under similar circumstances and was just as enthralled. This book really took me back. If you've ever served at sea in the Navy, you'll enjoy a nostalgic revisit.
November 21, 2023
A superb yarn!
Fast paced. Well written. Terrific character development. Outstanding realism. Professionally precise. As a retired surface warfare officer I was enthralled! Bravo Zulu on your maiden voyage as a novelist. I enjoyed this as much as when I read Hermann Wolk. Thanks shipmate. B.R. CAPT USN (Ret.)
Fast paced. Well written. Terrific character development. Outstanding realism. Professionally precise. As a retired surface warfare officer I was enthralled! Bravo Zulu on your maiden voyage as a novelist. I enjoyed this as much as when I read Hermann Wolk. Thanks shipmate. B.R. CAPT USN (Ret.)
July 29, 2014
This is one of those books that can be classified as a military book but it is so much more. it tells of how some people take advantage of their status in the military the wrong way. But it also shows how some of the characters in the book find faith in themselves.
September 18, 2014
Previous reviews describe this book well, so I’ll just say that I enjoyed the authentic Navy setting and the diversity of characters in the story. Great job! I look forward to the next book in the series.
October 17, 2015
Great story. As an ex Navy man that had a sea detail post as Captains talker and lee Helmsman as well as great contempt for some of the sleazy politics as well as serving under a great Captain, much of this hit home for me.
November 2, 2015
There is only one way to describe the book. 'Fantastic'. Great characters, First Grade dialogs, beautiful setup, fast paced, First Grade details, and amazing finished product.
Lawrence K. Laswell: Thanks so much for this brilliant book.
Lawrence K. Laswell: Thanks so much for this brilliant book.
December 2, 2015
This was a really good book. Shows how inventive the military can be when faced with odds that seem overwhelming. Las well does a great job profiling all of the main characters and ends the book at 'break neck' speed.
December 30, 2015
Most exciting book I've ever read.
I rate this one 5 stars. My heart was pounding through the epic struggles of the seamen. When things went against them I was appalled. When they were winning I thrilled with them.
I rate this one 5 stars. My heart was pounding through the epic struggles of the seamen. When things went against them I was appalled. When they were winning I thrilled with them.
January 12, 2016
Saga of the Sea
Learn what is like while serving aboard a ship that is Captained by an incompetent officer who should never have reached rank. And find out what might happen to an officer who supported and encouraged him!
Learn what is like while serving aboard a ship that is Captained by an incompetent officer who should never have reached rank. And find out what might happen to an officer who supported and encouraged him!
April 22, 2016
Excellent Book
Enjoyed the book. Hated the villains, unfortunately have met a few similar service members. Loved the heroes, thankfully have met many similar service members and they are what it is all about.
Enjoyed the book. Hated the villains, unfortunately have met a few similar service members. Loved the heroes, thankfully have met many similar service members and they are what it is all about.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews