Argentia Station

by George Wallace, Don Keith

On the eve of WWII, a group of submariners brace against the tides of the gathering storm.

In the spring of 1939, four young, untested Ensigns emerge from the unforgiving halls of Annapolis and the US Navy’s Submarine School, ready to enter the Silent Service. Alistair, the privileged son and playboy; Fred, the underestimated athlete; Stan, the farm boy with big dreams; and Brad, the admiral’s wayward child. Drawn from vastly different worlds, they forge a bond stronger than steel as they prepare for the dangerous battles ahead.

Stationed in the cold, unforgiving waters of the North Atlantic at the secret Argentia base in Newfoundland, Canada, the men are tasked with a pre-war mission few will ever supporting Britain’s struggle against the German U-boats. With outdated equipment, overly cautious commanders, and whispers of sabotage, they navigate the treacherous ocean and freezing conditions to hunt an enemy beneath the waves.

And as the shadow of war stretches closer, and a German plot to dramatically disrupt the course of the approaching conflict comes to light, they begin to suspect that their mission is far more risky—and much more pivotal—than any of them could ever have imagined.

Plunging readers into the untold stories of the Atlantic theater, George Wallace and Don Keith’s Argentia Station is a sweeping tale of bravery, brotherhood, and sacrifice. Great for readers of Tom Clancy and Lee Jackson.

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Praise for Argentia Station and the

“A page-turning tale of young naval officers and over-the-hill subs in the very early days of WWII.”—H.W. “Buzz” Bernard, author of When Heroes Flew

“Readers will definitely be up until four in the morning to see how it turned out.” —John J. Gobbell, author of The Todd Ingram Series

"This team spins a great tale." —W.E.B. Griffin

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What readers are

★★★★★ “Riveting!”
★★★★★ “...fast-paced action...”
★★★★★ “...fascinating and compelling...”
★★★★★ “...submarine warfare and bravery...”
★★★★★ “Great combination of WWII history and fictional characters.”

Genres: War, Historical Fiction, Thriller

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2025

About the author

Born and raised in Eastern Ohio, Commander Wallace received his commission in the US Navy and a degree in engineering from The Ohio State University. After the obligatory and memorable interview with Admiral Rickover, he was accepted into the nuclear power and submarine communities. He served on two of Admiral Rickover’s famous “Forty One for Freedom”, the USS John Adams SSBN 620 and the USS Woodrow Wilson SSBN 624, during which time he made nine one-hundred-day deterrent patrols through the height of the Cold War.

Commander Wallace served as Executive Officer on the Sturgeon class nuclear attack submarine Spadefish. Spadefish and all her sisters were decommissioned during the downsizing that occurred in the 1990′s. The passing of that great ship served as the inspiration for “Final Bearing.”

Commander Wallace then commanded the Los Angeles class nuclear attack submarine USS Houston SSN 713 from February 1990 to August 1992. During this tour of duty he worked extensively with the SEAL community developing SEAL/submarine tactics. Under his command, the Houston was awarded the CIA Meritorious Unit Citation.

Commander George Wallace retired to the civilian business world in 1995, after twenty-two years of service on nuclear submarines.

Commander Wallace lives with his wife, Penny, in Alexandria, Virginia.

Reviews

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Argentia Station (The Tides of War Book 1), my sixth read from author George Wallace, co-written with author Don Keith. Set in pre-World Warr II, another well-developed, well-written book. “I received a complementary Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author with Fast Attack (The Hunter Killer Series Book 4) high on my TBR list and Darkest Before Dawn (The Tides of War Book 2) due out in May of 2026. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Jim Flagg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book for my honest review. This is the first book in a new series from these authors. This book is about young Navy Officers who join the submarine service before World War II. The story of these young men weave around a bit but, there is plenty of action. The characters are all well developed and very believable. I look forward to the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book as well as other books from these authors.

[William McLoughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5. The authors recently finished their series of novels about modern international intrigue and naval operations. This is the first of a new series. Set prior to the U.S. entry into World War II, it deals with four recent graduates of the Naval Academy as they enter the submarine service and serve on the old S-series boats built in the 1920s. This very readable and enjoyable book feels like you have stepped into 1939, 1940, and 1941. Looking forward to reading the next volume.

[Ronaele Whittington, D.S.W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Realities of pre WWII submarine patrols

I felt physically cold as I read about submariners commuting to Greenland and Iceland. When did those men ever feel physical comfort?
Rigorous education and training of officers only hinted at realities of underwater teamwork. Experience trained sailors for political and social influence.
I ordered the next book in this series. That will take USA submariners straight to battle after Japan attacks Pearl Harbor.

[Mike Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

While not outright stating it, this is the start of a prequel series to the Fighting Wards... and I couldn't be happier about it. Wallace and Keith are masters of not only submarine/naval warfare, but also of the political nature of the organizations and the times at hand. The deep character development has you engaged in the story as much as the battles and operations required to support them. I am excited for this series to continue and have thoroughly enjoyed the start to the series!

[Herbert Scott Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Newfoundland Seas

I had a difficult time getting "into" the book in the beginning, disjointed. When I was able to understand the young officers/Naval Academy recent grads and entering the military service before WWII click, click. Then I had a difficult time setting the book down. As an inexperienced and naive "butter bar" I could relate to their questions. Many believable plots. Good read, I am looking forward to reading book two.



FC q

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The authors combined talents have yielded great novels. This like many of the others are jewels in their crown. A thrilling adventure with memorable characters and a great plot. I confess that I had a great disappointment- the book ran out of pages. I would have loved to have another 200 or so pages. I am in great anticipation of the next installment as I promise you will after reading

[Tom Boyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a bit soapy but a fun read. I'm an old (operative word) diesel submarine sailor and related to many of the discriptions of the diesel engines and torpedos and standing look out watches. That part was reflective and real. The love stuff was the soapy part. But a good read. I'd recommend it for recreational reading.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time reading a novel by authors George Wallace and Don Keith. I now include them on my list of favorite authors. Argentia Station was terrific. I loved the authors' descriptive writing style. I felt like I was watching a movie. This story doesn't have just one hero - it revolves around a number of characters developed nicely by the authors. The setting is WWII before Pearl Harbor. The USA is helping the Brits as best they can without declaring war. Excitement comes from submarine activity with some intelligence/espionage thrown in. I definitely plan to read more from the authors.

[Gerry S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first with these authors and enjoyed the ride. Looking forward to book two of the series but May, now February, is a long time to wait. Sort of a disjointed start and slow to develope but worth the patience to get to the heart of the story, a pre ww2 meeting of FDR and Winston Churchill. Good character development. Will be interesting to see how they handle battles after December 7.

[Daniel Fedko · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book

I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment  I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.

[John D. Taylor, Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Book!

I couldn’t put this book down!
It brings many parts of the pre-war of WWII to light that I had not ever heard before. Extremely interesting, and they explain a lot that I couldn’t figure out.
I highly recommend this book!😀

[David A. Rosow · Rating 5 out of 5]

As good as their first book

Refreshing novel from two authors who I’ve followed and read. At last we are surrounded by SEALs (although I love them, do they have to be in every novel?). I can’t wait to read the second in this series.

[thomas winters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reading

I liked the way the chapters tied together without losing the story line. I was stationed on the Thames and when I who my first Cutter we made patrol brakes in Argentia.

[Karl V. Winton · Rating 5 out of 5]

jolly good show ole chap

I wasn’t sure I was going to like the book. That changed after the first chapter. Loved the 4 characters and the development of the three. Can’t wait to read book two and the last character development. Over a good read.

[Morris D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable

Lots of characters in the book and multiple story arcs. Yet, the author use small talk so that you know is who if many pages have past since the character last appeared.

Very enjoyable read!
WELL DONE!

[Greg Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Historical Fiction

Great book! The characters were believable and the book was technically accurate. If you enjoy intrigue, submarines, and WWII this is a book you should read.

[richard hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

a must read

This was difficult to put down……. Having read the other books in the series it was fascinating to read of the back story of the characters.
As usual a very well written book with characters in depth.
Looking forward to reading more.

[Jim Rickard · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a great book. I couldn't put it down. Great plot and introducing main characters in this series. It connected really well with the previous series which took place later history

[Michael Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waiting impatiently for book 2

Fantastic characters, realistic submarine dialogue , fantastic story. The characters are authentic and easily visualized. Thank you and great job!

[Larry J. Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Argentina Station

Great read, loved getting the background of characters from past books in a previous series and thought the action was very interesting and realistic.

[Mike Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

OOOO-Gah OOOO-GAH

Great read, obviously written by a submariner. 5 Stars. Downloading the next book right now. Thank you! Last man down! Hatch secured!

[Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read most of the author's Hunter Killer series, I was confident that this book and any sequels would be equally enjoyable, more so due to the resemblance of the boats I rode to the submarines depicted in this story. I was not mistaken and eagerly anticipate the next books release.

[martin bullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story page turned riveting

Wallace and Keith know their stuff great book edge of seat stuff keeps you gripped and page turning right to the end

[Richard Henning · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

Enjoyed the story, aged subs, characters and setting. Well done! Looking forward to the next book and the pacific theater.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

WWII action packed

A great start for the story of how Admiral Jon Ward came to be. Plenty of WWII action to keep you reading.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun historical fiction, loved the characters and seems like it’s setting up a good WW2 sub series! Can’t wait for the next book, why is May so far away…..

[J W Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

An interesting way to describe the process of the United States prepping for WWll. Really looking forward to reading Book two.

[Harper Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

good read

Enjoyed this book. Can’t wait to read second in this series. I have always enjoyed submarine books even though my service was in the Air Force.

[MR R MEALOR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Argentina station

One of the best books I have read on the second world war thoroughly enjoyed it these two authors are great I've enjoyed all there books.