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A Date with Infamy: Book 1 of The American War
December 1941. The Japanese strike force is already at sea.
But this time, America is ready.
When a brilliant young codebreaker at Station HYPO picks up a chilling pattern in Japan’s radio silence, his discovery reaches the Oval Office. President Roosevelt, haunted by a lifetime of political instinct, makes a fateful fortify Hawaii, alert the Pacific Fleet, and prepare to intercept the most devastating surprise attack in history before it begins.
As Admiral Yamamoto’s six carriers steam toward Pearl Harbor, a secret American buildup transforms Oahu into a fortress. Battleship Row bristles with upgraded anti-aircraft guns. P-40 fighters crowd the airfields. The carrier USS Ranger races from Norfolk. And in the basement of the 14th Naval District, Ensign Michael "Mikey" Voss and Commander Joseph Rochefort work around the clock, piecing together fragments of Japan’s plan from the static of intercepted transmissions.
From the bridge of the flagship Akagi to the Map Room of the White House, from Corregidor’s humid bunkers to the wind-swept decks of American destroyers, A Date with Infamy reimagines the opening days of World War II through the eyes of the commanders, codebreakers, and ordinary sailors who shaped history’s most consequential hours.
What if America saw the punch coming?
A Date with Infamy is Book 1 of The American War, a meticulously researched alternate history series. Perfect for fans of Jeff Shaara, Newt Gingrich & William R. Forstchen, and Harry Turtledove.
But this time, America is ready.
When a brilliant young codebreaker at Station HYPO picks up a chilling pattern in Japan’s radio silence, his discovery reaches the Oval Office. President Roosevelt, haunted by a lifetime of political instinct, makes a fateful fortify Hawaii, alert the Pacific Fleet, and prepare to intercept the most devastating surprise attack in history before it begins.
As Admiral Yamamoto’s six carriers steam toward Pearl Harbor, a secret American buildup transforms Oahu into a fortress. Battleship Row bristles with upgraded anti-aircraft guns. P-40 fighters crowd the airfields. The carrier USS Ranger races from Norfolk. And in the basement of the 14th Naval District, Ensign Michael "Mikey" Voss and Commander Joseph Rochefort work around the clock, piecing together fragments of Japan’s plan from the static of intercepted transmissions.
From the bridge of the flagship Akagi to the Map Room of the White House, from Corregidor’s humid bunkers to the wind-swept decks of American destroyers, A Date with Infamy reimagines the opening days of World War II through the eyes of the commanders, codebreakers, and ordinary sailors who shaped history’s most consequential hours.
What if America saw the punch coming?
A Date with Infamy is Book 1 of The American War, a meticulously researched alternate history series. Perfect for fans of Jeff Shaara, Newt Gingrich & William R. Forstchen, and Harry Turtledove.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 8, 2026
A fantastic story, a great start to a new series
May 24, 2026
A very Good Read
Unlike so much of alternate history this effort is not full of completely ridiculous changes. I think the p-38 deployment was a little too much but it didn't take the story to fantasy. The Americans got almost all the breaks, but in our timeline the Japanese got almost all.
Worth the read.
Unlike so much of alternate history this effort is not full of completely ridiculous changes. I think the p-38 deployment was a little too much but it didn't take the story to fantasy. The Americans got almost all the breaks, but in our timeline the Japanese got almost all.
Worth the read.
March 30, 2026
So much potential - not quit lived up to. Still an good and entertaining story.
Details matter: 1. There was no "Pacific Star" freighter carrying lend lease to Russia for the sub to find. 2. The code breakers clues were actually more extensive than reported in the book. Historically Roosevelt and Hull ignored them. Hull actually stating "gentlemen don't read each others mail". Though this change in mind set is acceptable as the premise of the novel. 3. there are several instances when capitol ship fleet movements are reported as 28 knots however the fleet oilers accompanying them were physically incapable of that speed. 4. "skip bombing" was not developed until 1942. 5. the decoy ships lost on battleship row would have been reported by name as "lost". 5. Roosevelts radio address to the nation should have pointed out that the Japanese did in fact attack first. By the novels own narrative ordinance was falling on Pearl Harbor a good 15-30 min before the first attack on the Japanese carriers. 6. Why was the carrier Yorktown not present? If the CV Ranger could have been brought over from the Atlantic so could she.
Details matter: 1. There was no "Pacific Star" freighter carrying lend lease to Russia for the sub to find. 2. The code breakers clues were actually more extensive than reported in the book. Historically Roosevelt and Hull ignored them. Hull actually stating "gentlemen don't read each others mail". Though this change in mind set is acceptable as the premise of the novel. 3. there are several instances when capitol ship fleet movements are reported as 28 knots however the fleet oilers accompanying them were physically incapable of that speed. 4. "skip bombing" was not developed until 1942. 5. the decoy ships lost on battleship row would have been reported by name as "lost". 5. Roosevelts radio address to the nation should have pointed out that the Japanese did in fact attack first. By the novels own narrative ordinance was falling on Pearl Harbor a good 15-30 min before the first attack on the Japanese carriers. 6. Why was the carrier Yorktown not present? If the CV Ranger could have been brought over from the Atlantic so could she.
July 21, 2026
Un BEL libro di storia alternativa.
Che sarebbe successo se gli USA fossero stati pronti a dare il benvenuto più letale possibile alla flotta giapponese che avrebbe dovuto colpire Pearl Harbor ed azzoppare la presenza americana nel Pacifico?
Incipit semplice, sviluppo adrenalinico, tecnico, ricercato, e con delle sequenze di combattimento aereo cinematiche da paura!
Niente voto pieno perché l'autore tende troppo ad innamorarsi delle reiterazioni. Togliendo quelle, un centinaietto di pagine se ne va senza inficiare la storia -eppure, nonostante questo difetto, la narrazione procede bene, creando un mondo parallelo così simile e così diverso, in cui gli attori si muovono sulla scena come facce note, presenze più che familiari anche quando magari un sacco di nomi ti sfuggono -sì, il gran pregio di questo libro è di immergerti così a fondo che credi di stare vedendo un documentario!
E siamo solo all'inizio!
Che sarebbe successo se gli USA fossero stati pronti a dare il benvenuto più letale possibile alla flotta giapponese che avrebbe dovuto colpire Pearl Harbor ed azzoppare la presenza americana nel Pacifico?
Incipit semplice, sviluppo adrenalinico, tecnico, ricercato, e con delle sequenze di combattimento aereo cinematiche da paura!
Niente voto pieno perché l'autore tende troppo ad innamorarsi delle reiterazioni. Togliendo quelle, un centinaietto di pagine se ne va senza inficiare la storia -eppure, nonostante questo difetto, la narrazione procede bene, creando un mondo parallelo così simile e così diverso, in cui gli attori si muovono sulla scena come facce note, presenze più che familiari anche quando magari un sacco di nomi ti sfuggono -sì, il gran pregio di questo libro è di immergerti così a fondo che credi di stare vedendo un documentario!
E siamo solo all'inizio!
May 26, 2026
Interesting
This is a scenario I have played out many times. While it is fairly well researched there is no explanation for what happened to replace the two score P-36 and additional score of old P-26 fighters with brand new three score P-39 fighters. The fighter tactics described are real but took months of combat to develop in real history, in this novel they are described as already being well know ways of beating Japanese fighters.
Still it was a fun read and if you don’t know these kind of details it comes off as realistic.
This is a scenario I have played out many times. While it is fairly well researched there is no explanation for what happened to replace the two score P-36 and additional score of old P-26 fighters with brand new three score P-39 fighters. The fighter tactics described are real but took months of combat to develop in real history, in this novel they are described as already being well know ways of beating Japanese fighters.
Still it was a fun read and if you don’t know these kind of details it comes off as realistic.
May 27, 2026
WOW!
As someone who was born on the day the German army crossed the Polish border, who's father was a radioman aboard the Honolulu cruiser on December 7 (also his birthday!), and who was stationed on Clark AFB, I love this book! What a huge amount of research went into it! What an amazing imagination Brian has! Mr. Thompson, you are an outstanding author, sir, and I can't wait to read more books from your pen! I have not enjoyed a military novel so much since I read Churchill's Paladin decades ago. If only it had happened this way....
As someone who was born on the day the German army crossed the Polish border, who's father was a radioman aboard the Honolulu cruiser on December 7 (also his birthday!), and who was stationed on Clark AFB, I love this book! What a huge amount of research went into it! What an amazing imagination Brian has! Mr. Thompson, you are an outstanding author, sir, and I can't wait to read more books from your pen! I have not enjoyed a military novel so much since I read Churchill's Paladin decades ago. If only it had happened this way....
June 29, 2026
unrealistic depiction of what really happened during 12/7/49.
As I read this total fabrication of 12/7/1941, I was so enthralled with your
Almost realism of this happening! I kept wondering if you were going to admit that the Arizona sinking never happened! Such a let down realizing that your words were nothing but fiction! Also, your fantasies about every type of plane was overwhelming and purely fictional as well, in your mind! Too long a book to find out I didn’t know what to believe!!
As I read this total fabrication of 12/7/1941, I was so enthralled with your
Almost realism of this happening! I kept wondering if you were going to admit that the Arizona sinking never happened! Such a let down realizing that your words were nothing but fiction! Also, your fantasies about every type of plane was overwhelming and purely fictional as well, in your mind! Too long a book to find out I didn’t know what to believe!!
May 15, 2026
Decent story but could use a better editor. I was more than a little confused as I was reading to find that the second Japanese wave at Pearl Harbor was recalled after just reading how it had destroyed while attacking Pearl Harbor. At the end of the book, Gibbs is holding a letter that he had posted earlier in the story. Some minor things, others a little bit more substantial but they do take away from an imaginative and gripping story.
August 20, 2026
Cracking good read
The alternative history of WII I always wanted but never had been written. Kudos to the author and the great editing of this book. The fictional characters pop out under the guidance of the author and stick with you throughout the book. I am reading book 2 now and will read both the American War and the European War series as well. I know both series will live up to the quality of this book.
The alternative history of WII I always wanted but never had been written. Kudos to the author and the great editing of this book. The fictional characters pop out under the guidance of the author and stick with you throughout the book. I am reading book 2 now and will read both the American War and the European War series as well. I know both series will live up to the quality of this book.
August 26, 2026
This book surprised me
Yeah, I know, pretty basic concept and an Amazon unlimited read as well. But I thought 'why not' and got the book. I am very glad I did. While this is historical fiction it is very well researched and very well written. I found myself wanting to get back to the book when I was away and reading more and more while I had it. I am starting book two in the series right now.
Yeah, I know, pretty basic concept and an Amazon unlimited read as well. But I thought 'why not' and got the book. I am very glad I did. While this is historical fiction it is very well researched and very well written. I found myself wanting to get back to the book when I was away and reading more and more while I had it. I am starting book two in the series right now.
April 14, 2026
Best alternate history of WW2 i have read. And I've read a lot. Almost poetic at times.
Characters are developed enough that you are invested in them without it being over done. Perspective of various characters from both the American and Japanese viewpoint is interesting. Highly recommend. Looking forward to next installment.
Characters are developed enough that you are invested in them without it being over done. Perspective of various characters from both the American and Japanese viewpoint is interesting. Highly recommend. Looking forward to next installment.
May 5, 2026
Sounds Like Reality
This book takes something that we all know happened, the Pearl Harbor attack on December Seventh, and changes it into an American victory. Improbable as that sounds. The characters hold your attention. Story is realistic. The characteristics of the aircraft, the people's personalities, revealed later in the war, all come through. A really good read!
This book takes something that we all know happened, the Pearl Harbor attack on December Seventh, and changes it into an American victory. Improbable as that sounds. The characters hold your attention. Story is realistic. The characteristics of the aircraft, the people's personalities, revealed later in the war, all come through. A really good read!
May 20, 2026
Good alternate history!
I liked that the "facts" were correct, that everything was believable. This alternate history could be read by anyone interested in WWII. The rating was because the story kept me captivated all the way thru and I want more of it. When, where is the next one?
I liked that the "facts" were correct, that everything was believable. This alternate history could be read by anyone interested in WWII. The rating was because the story kept me captivated all the way thru and I want more of it. When, where is the next one?
May 28, 2026
Fantastic
I stumbled upon this series and I’m glad I did. Well written and fast paced. The alternate history is well thought out and leaves you thinking how it could have happened this way. A few decisions either way and this may be historical instead of an alternate history. I look forward to the next book.
I stumbled upon this series and I’m glad I did. Well written and fast paced. The alternate history is well thought out and leaves you thinking how it could have happened this way. A few decisions either way and this may be historical instead of an alternate history. I look forward to the next book.
June 17, 2026
Firstly I have to applaud your willingness to stretch the capacity for people to grip their sense of imaging to see a part of actual history in such a way! Once I was able to adjust. I have been enraptured and just spent the full night listening to it thru text to speech. And it was such a great opening to your series. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟❗
June 28, 2026
Interesting Delivery of Alternative WWII
The author writes a complex story with enough factual details to say the alternative version could have happened.
Regardless of story line the facts of lives lost or horrible actions by combatants on all sides makes one hope the world has learned something.
The author writes a complex story with enough factual details to say the alternative version could have happened.
Regardless of story line the facts of lives lost or horrible actions by combatants on all sides makes one hope the world has learned something.
July 13, 2026
Excellent story of what could have happened
As a fan of historical warfare stories, this was well written as if it could have happened. As my father, uncles and aunts participated in WII and brothers and served in Vietnam, Korea and sons and nephews serving in the Middle East service for our country is continuing today. Thank you for all your service. Keep it up. 😁🇺🇸
As a fan of historical warfare stories, this was well written as if it could have happened. As my father, uncles and aunts participated in WII and brothers and served in Vietnam, Korea and sons and nephews serving in the Middle East service for our country is continuing today. Thank you for all your service. Keep it up. 😁🇺🇸
April 9, 2026
Thank you
For once an author didn't make the Americans out to be bumbling idiots at war. Very cool scenes and first and secondary characters were believable. Yes Patton is still a jerk but not as bad as some other generals. Cryptic reference? You. Will have to read it now!
For once an author didn't make the Americans out to be bumbling idiots at war. Very cool scenes and first and secondary characters were believable. Yes Patton is still a jerk but not as bad as some other generals. Cryptic reference? You. Will have to read it now!
April 20, 2026
Well written and an exciting read
I'm not exaggerating when I say this alternative history of the attack on Pearl Harbor was a thrilling read. It's well written and I think well researched. I look forward to reading the next installment. Well done!
I'm not exaggerating when I say this alternative history of the attack on Pearl Harbor was a thrilling read. It's well written and I think well researched. I look forward to reading the next installment. Well done!
May 19, 2026
An alternate timeline that is actually better.
Good characters, tight plotting, A lot of history!
Good explanations of aerial combat.
Author made it truly seem like it could have happened that way.
I really appreciated the hours that this book took away from my doomscrolling.
Good characters, tight plotting, A lot of history!
Good explanations of aerial combat.
Author made it truly seem like it could have happened that way.
I really appreciated the hours that this book took away from my doomscrolling.
May 28, 2026
Thoughtful “what if” and good story
This book asks a fun question about what if the US had been prepared, which I enjoyed. But I really appreciated the extensive research and technical descriptions that helped me enjoy the book.
This book asks a fun question about what if the US had been prepared, which I enjoyed. But I really appreciated the extensive research and technical descriptions that helped me enjoy the book.
June 28, 2026
could not put it down
A novel with an alternative story , uplifting and entertaining. Not so very out of the question using technology that was available.
Characters real and invented have flesh.
Looking forward to a second book.
A novel with an alternative story , uplifting and entertaining. Not so very out of the question using technology that was available.
Characters real and invented have flesh.
Looking forward to a second book.
July 2, 2026
good alternative history
Enjoyable book …great character development, intriguing story…..as a history buff it intentionally points out how naive our political leaders were and the tragedy of Pearl Harbor
Enjoyable book …great character development, intriguing story…..as a history buff it intentionally points out how naive our political leaders were and the tragedy of Pearl Harbor
July 20, 2026
Excellent read
Did an excellent job of getting the details correct. He correctly lays out both the performance and tactics of both the American and Japanese aircraft and ships. Decent character development
Did an excellent job of getting the details correct. He correctly lays out both the performance and tactics of both the American and Japanese aircraft and ships. Decent character development
July 29, 2026
A Great Start
Historical alternate fiction is one of my favorite genres. Mr. Thompson provides that in spades. The Battle for Hawaii is complete. The rest of the Pacific War and Europe awaits.
Historical alternate fiction is one of my favorite genres. Mr. Thompson provides that in spades. The Battle for Hawaii is complete. The rest of the Pacific War and Europe awaits.
September 7, 2026
outstanding read
I don’t often write a review but this alternative bit of history around December 7th was an outstanding read. I couldn’t put it down and now that I am done cannot wait for the next book in the series.
I don’t often write a review but this alternative bit of history around December 7th was an outstanding read. I couldn’t put it down and now that I am done cannot wait for the next book in the series.
May 3, 2026
Interesting take on WW2
This was a fun read for me. I enjoy this type of alternative history. There are a couple more books in this series I plan to read.
This was a fun read for me. I enjoy this type of alternative history. There are a couple more books in this series I plan to read.
May 6, 2026
Ah. To good men doing the right thing
May 24, 2026
Great story, and it was meticulously researched. The only gripe I have is the way the Battle of Pearl is told over and over from different perspectives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2026
Exceptional alternative history narrative that keeps you engaged...very well written...already started the second novel...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews