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Destroyermen #13
River of Bones
The crew of a WWII destroyer face their greatest challenge yet as they try to survive in a strange new world in the next thrilling book in The New York Times best-selling series.
Commander Matt Reddy and his crew are afraid it may finally be the end of the USS Walker. Ever since their ship was transported to another world, and they became embroiled in a deadly conflict between the Lemurians and the vicious Grik, the Walker has been taking a pounding. With Walker out of commission for repairs, Reddy takes command of a different ship and joins a desperate battle to block the Grik swarm.
Meanwhile, the humans and their allies face a deadly second front in the Republic to the south. All of Reddy's forces are committed, and there's no turning back. Either they'll win - or lose - everything....
Commander Matt Reddy and his crew are afraid it may finally be the end of the USS Walker. Ever since their ship was transported to another world, and they became embroiled in a deadly conflict between the Lemurians and the vicious Grik, the Walker has been taking a pounding. With Walker out of commission for repairs, Reddy takes command of a different ship and joins a desperate battle to block the Grik swarm.
Meanwhile, the humans and their allies face a deadly second front in the Republic to the south. All of Reddy's forces are committed, and there's no turning back. Either they'll win - or lose - everything....
479 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 10, 2018
221 people are currently reading
451 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
February 3, 2020
The interminable world war continues
If you have been reading this series from the beginning and have been enjoying it, then you will probably like this volume as well. In broad terms it is more of the same but with some new twists. If you thought that the Japanese were finished, well.... It seems that in this series, no enemy is ever completely finished. Mr. Anderson has now added enough new twists to keep this war and this series in business for the foreseeable future.
If you are new to the series, starting with volume 1, INTO THE STORM, is a good idea. This first volume is a sort of micro scale story of individuals against a hostile world. The later volumes are more of a macro scale story of entire peoples against each other in a world engulfing war. Individuals still appear in the stories and new characters are introduced but they interact within the context of grand scale war.
If you have been reading this series from the beginning and have been enjoying it, then you will probably like this volume as well. In broad terms it is more of the same but with some new twists. If you thought that the Japanese were finished, well.... It seems that in this series, no enemy is ever completely finished. Mr. Anderson has now added enough new twists to keep this war and this series in business for the foreseeable future.
If you are new to the series, starting with volume 1, INTO THE STORM, is a good idea. This first volume is a sort of micro scale story of individuals against a hostile world. The later volumes are more of a macro scale story of entire peoples against each other in a world engulfing war. Individuals still appear in the stories and new characters are introduced but they interact within the context of grand scale war.
November 26, 2018
Again, this series has been a solid 4 stars for me. Even though this is the 13th book in this series, I am still enjoying them. I have loved the audios. They are fun and entertaining. However, even with that said, they are beginning to slow down. There hasn't been as much character progression in the last couple of books and the only new thing is the next battle. I'll still read them because they are fun, but I hope the book coming out next year shakes things up a little bit.
May 26, 2021
Another brutal entry that sees the death of some longstanding characters, but the introduction of several new ones. I suspect the most important will be Jash, the Grik warrior who is a little *too* smart and cunning, both when it comes to battle strategy and interpersonal relationships. He’s one of those beings who usually makes the right call when everything is on the line. I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up running the whole show by the last book. And he’s only three!
The set piece in the titular River of Bones is particularly harrowing due to the limited maneuvering space and the hordes of enemies bearing down on our hapless heroes. Some real nail-biting action that goes on for chapters before reaching a crescendo that is equal parts awesome and horrifying. Let’s just say it’s hard on the scenery and on those standing in it.
With only two books left, I don’t know how Anderson is going to manage to wrap up all these loose threads of a three-pronged war being fought on four (five?) fronts. As he takes major players off the board, though, I can see how the Alliance can defeat both the Grik and Doms, but taking on the League of Tripoli is going to be next to impossible. He all but says they are a literal superpower who are unequaled on this or any Earth. Maybe if Reddy can get more of their former Japanese opponents to join their side... but even then, I dunno. The ones who split from the Jap-Grik alliance seem to be the smaller group.
I guess I’ll find out.
The set piece in the titular River of Bones is particularly harrowing due to the limited maneuvering space and the hordes of enemies bearing down on our hapless heroes. Some real nail-biting action that goes on for chapters before reaching a crescendo that is equal parts awesome and horrifying. Let’s just say it’s hard on the scenery and on those standing in it.
With only two books left, I don’t know how Anderson is going to manage to wrap up all these loose threads of a three-pronged war being fought on four (five?) fronts. As he takes major players off the board, though, I can see how the Alliance can defeat both the Grik and Doms, but taking on the League of Tripoli is going to be next to impossible. He all but says they are a literal superpower who are unequaled on this or any Earth. Maybe if Reddy can get more of their former Japanese opponents to join their side... but even then, I dunno. The ones who split from the Jap-Grik alliance seem to be the smaller group.
I guess I’ll find out.
April 8, 2021
The Grik are pressing a major offensive coming down the Zambezi River. Captain Matt Reddy and the allies have the fight of their lives to try and quell it.
An alternate history/Earth where a pair of WWII American destroyers were propelled to a world where humans are not the predominant species. Anderson has both the allied forces and their enemies advancing their war making abilities.
An alternate history/Earth where a pair of WWII American destroyers were propelled to a world where humans are not the predominant species. Anderson has both the allied forces and their enemies advancing their war making abilities.
July 16, 2018
It has been a long, hard war, fought on many fronts, in many strange lands. Some of the characters are getting tired and worn out. This is NOT to say they are getting old or stale to the reader! Taylor Anderson has done a masterful job of presenting the development of probably hundreds of characters and almost three years of continuous combat and earth-shaking societal changes, but in “River of Bones,” he has done more.
Those characters he so meticulously developed, grew, educated, and trained are drawn into another desperate battle. In a series filled with desperate battles, each one reflects the change in the thinking of the societies and species that participate, and each is subtly different. New weapons and tactics are part of it, but the effects of such a protracted struggle on intelligent beings are portrayed in exquisite, sometimes brutal and heartbreaking ways.
In “River of Bones,” a few characters do surprising things that are very different from anything else they’ve done, but upon reflection, they have always remained true to the personalities and values with which Anderson gave them shape and breath. Even when such things are foreshadowed ever so subtly, we are still surprised when they happen, and “River of Bones” has some surprises!
Anderson has painted this world and its denizens in astonishing detail. His stories have a texture – or maybe the word is “flavor” – that transcends mere fiction. He takes us there, to a trench that has been overwhelmed by artillery, and not only can we see the horror, we can smell and touch it if we care to. He shows us love, compassion, courage, and all other emotions in the spectrum in ways that are absolutely consistent and credible. Like any real war, this one fought by “real people,” with “real” lives and life stories.
It is in the level of detail, not only in the scenes and ships, and not just in the wildly various physical appearance of the characters, but in the personalities and passions of those characters that Anderson has created an alternate world that sometimes seems as real as this one – even after 13 volumes! The Destroyermen series truly is a work of stunning scope, clarity, and intensity. “River of Bones” carries the colors into the enemy’s breastworks, and the enemy doesn’t like it one bit.
Those characters he so meticulously developed, grew, educated, and trained are drawn into another desperate battle. In a series filled with desperate battles, each one reflects the change in the thinking of the societies and species that participate, and each is subtly different. New weapons and tactics are part of it, but the effects of such a protracted struggle on intelligent beings are portrayed in exquisite, sometimes brutal and heartbreaking ways.
In “River of Bones,” a few characters do surprising things that are very different from anything else they’ve done, but upon reflection, they have always remained true to the personalities and values with which Anderson gave them shape and breath. Even when such things are foreshadowed ever so subtly, we are still surprised when they happen, and “River of Bones” has some surprises!
Anderson has painted this world and its denizens in astonishing detail. His stories have a texture – or maybe the word is “flavor” – that transcends mere fiction. He takes us there, to a trench that has been overwhelmed by artillery, and not only can we see the horror, we can smell and touch it if we care to. He shows us love, compassion, courage, and all other emotions in the spectrum in ways that are absolutely consistent and credible. Like any real war, this one fought by “real people,” with “real” lives and life stories.
It is in the level of detail, not only in the scenes and ships, and not just in the wildly various physical appearance of the characters, but in the personalities and passions of those characters that Anderson has created an alternate world that sometimes seems as real as this one – even after 13 volumes! The Destroyermen series truly is a work of stunning scope, clarity, and intensity. “River of Bones” carries the colors into the enemy’s breastworks, and the enemy doesn’t like it one bit.
March 25, 2024
The Plot: (fairly minor spoilers for this book, though if you haven't caught up on the series, WATCH OUT!)
Since the reptilian Grik were driven back from Balkpaan, their leaders, with the assistance of the Japanese under the late unlamented Captain Kurokawa, have been preparing a new "Final" Swarm to defeat the Allies, an army of Grik capable of enduring defeat, setbacks, and tactical confusion, an army taught not just to advance and maul, but to maneuver, to employ machinery, to defend, and to adapt: a thinking army. Now, after years of preparations in secret, the Grik are prepared to unleash this vast and unspeakable horde upon the world, and all that stands in the way is one ship. The cruiser Santa Catalina didn't start its life as a warship, just a freighter and destroyer-tender that ended up on the wrong world, escaping death in war to meet an even grislier fate in an alien swamp. However, the Allies resurrected the Santa Catalina, armed it with teeth, weapons extracted from the corpse of the Amagi (Kurokawa's battlecruiser), armored it as much steel as its structure could hold and thanks to that transformation, it has served as a powerful, though sluggish heavy hitter when the Allies desperately needed one. Now, with the majority of the Allied fleet still licking their wounds around Zanzibar after the vicious battle to defeat Kurokawa, there's literally nothing else to send when word comes that the Grik fleet has begun moving down the Zambezi from the massive inland sea that serves as their industrial heartland. So the crew of the Santa Catalina makes the bold choice to advance upriver, in hopes of stopping up the Grik advance long enough for the Allies to relieve them, though they know it is likely to be a suicide mission.
To the south, the allied Republic of Real People prepares to renew its own assault on the Grik homeland, having learned many lessons from its near-disastrous first advance. In the north, remnants of Kurokawa's forces remain, but with their "Lord" gone, their loyalty is no longer tied to the Grik and they must make their own choices. Back home in Baalkpaan, there are rumors of discontent within the United Homes as some of the Lemurians have begun to lose interest in the distant war and the long supply lines feeding the war effort face shortages and complications, particularly delays to the Allies' most powerful new-built warship, the Cruiser U.S.S. Gray, at the worst possible time. In the east, Shinya's Army advances as fast as possible across the northwest Dominion, while dealing with a new and highly skilled Dom general, hoping to take the Pass of Fire (a naturally-formed Panama Canal) and link up with the New U.S. forces that are finally on the same page in the Caribbean and readying for their own simultaneous action. Their efforts are all the more desperate because elements of the nefarious fascist League of Tripoli (that caused so much chaos with their efforts to cause the Allies and Grik to kill each other off) have made contact with the Dominion and (in spite of its inhuman cruelty) seek a mutual defense pact. The League has the resources the Dominion needs to match the Allies' technology while Dominion control of the Pass of Fire represents the only practical way that the League can hope to regain a foot in the Pacific and Indian Oceans after the fall of Kurokawa (well, apart from a mysterious German U-Boat). On all fronts, time is not on the Allies' side, it is a moment of desperation, of balanced forces, and strategic opportunity, and it could go either way.
My Thoughts: (this is where the BIG spoilers are, read on only if you've already finished the book or don't care about spoilers)
Since the reptilian Grik were driven back from Balkpaan, their leaders, with the assistance of the Japanese under the late unlamented Captain Kurokawa, have been preparing a new "Final" Swarm to defeat the Allies, an army of Grik capable of enduring defeat, setbacks, and tactical confusion, an army taught not just to advance and maul, but to maneuver, to employ machinery, to defend, and to adapt: a thinking army. Now, after years of preparations in secret, the Grik are prepared to unleash this vast and unspeakable horde upon the world, and all that stands in the way is one ship. The cruiser Santa Catalina didn't start its life as a warship, just a freighter and destroyer-tender that ended up on the wrong world, escaping death in war to meet an even grislier fate in an alien swamp. However, the Allies resurrected the Santa Catalina, armed it with teeth, weapons extracted from the corpse of the Amagi (Kurokawa's battlecruiser), armored it as much steel as its structure could hold and thanks to that transformation, it has served as a powerful, though sluggish heavy hitter when the Allies desperately needed one. Now, with the majority of the Allied fleet still licking their wounds around Zanzibar after the vicious battle to defeat Kurokawa, there's literally nothing else to send when word comes that the Grik fleet has begun moving down the Zambezi from the massive inland sea that serves as their industrial heartland. So the crew of the Santa Catalina makes the bold choice to advance upriver, in hopes of stopping up the Grik advance long enough for the Allies to relieve them, though they know it is likely to be a suicide mission.
To the south, the allied Republic of Real People prepares to renew its own assault on the Grik homeland, having learned many lessons from its near-disastrous first advance. In the north, remnants of Kurokawa's forces remain, but with their "Lord" gone, their loyalty is no longer tied to the Grik and they must make their own choices. Back home in Baalkpaan, there are rumors of discontent within the United Homes as some of the Lemurians have begun to lose interest in the distant war and the long supply lines feeding the war effort face shortages and complications, particularly delays to the Allies' most powerful new-built warship, the Cruiser U.S.S. Gray, at the worst possible time. In the east, Shinya's Army advances as fast as possible across the northwest Dominion, while dealing with a new and highly skilled Dom general, hoping to take the Pass of Fire (a naturally-formed Panama Canal) and link up with the New U.S. forces that are finally on the same page in the Caribbean and readying for their own simultaneous action. Their efforts are all the more desperate because elements of the nefarious fascist League of Tripoli (that caused so much chaos with their efforts to cause the Allies and Grik to kill each other off) have made contact with the Dominion and (in spite of its inhuman cruelty) seek a mutual defense pact. The League has the resources the Dominion needs to match the Allies' technology while Dominion control of the Pass of Fire represents the only practical way that the League can hope to regain a foot in the Pacific and Indian Oceans after the fall of Kurokawa (well, apart from a mysterious German U-Boat). On all fronts, time is not on the Allies' side, it is a moment of desperation, of balanced forces, and strategic opportunity, and it could go either way.
My Thoughts: (this is where the BIG spoilers are, read on only if you've already finished the book or don't care about spoilers)
June 26, 2018
"River of Bones" eBook was published in 2018 (July) and was written by Taylor Anderson (http://taylorandersonauthor.com). Mr. Anderson has published thirteen novels, all in his "Destroyermen" series.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of Violence. The story is set in an alternate universe. Commander Matt Reddy and the crew of the World War II era destroyer USS Walker has somehow been transported to another Earth.
This is a more primordial Earth where the Walker ran straight into a war between the Lemurians and the Grik. The Walker has allied themselves with the Lemurians and is fighting a vicious war with the Grik. Not only must the humans contend with the Grik, but also the Holy Dominion. Some Japanese forces have found their way to this world as well and the Allies must contend with the very effective Japanese air force.
The League of Tripoli is another group of transplants who have ended up in the Mediterranean area of this world. While no open hostility exists yet between them and the Allies, clearly the League is working against them. The destroyermen and their allies must make a last-ditch stand to keep the Grik swarm from attacking Madagascar, though they face an overwhelming force.
I enjoyed the 14.5 hours I spent reading this alternate history thriller. This was a bit hard to read as a stand-alone novel. Fortunately, I had read a previous novel (#10) in the series "Straights of Hell" so I had a little background. I would strongly suggest starting at the beginning of this long series if it sounds interesting. I like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a 4 out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of Violence. The story is set in an alternate universe. Commander Matt Reddy and the crew of the World War II era destroyer USS Walker has somehow been transported to another Earth.
This is a more primordial Earth where the Walker ran straight into a war between the Lemurians and the Grik. The Walker has allied themselves with the Lemurians and is fighting a vicious war with the Grik. Not only must the humans contend with the Grik, but also the Holy Dominion. Some Japanese forces have found their way to this world as well and the Allies must contend with the very effective Japanese air force.
The League of Tripoli is another group of transplants who have ended up in the Mediterranean area of this world. While no open hostility exists yet between them and the Allies, clearly the League is working against them. The destroyermen and their allies must make a last-ditch stand to keep the Grik swarm from attacking Madagascar, though they face an overwhelming force.
I enjoyed the 14.5 hours I spent reading this alternate history thriller. This was a bit hard to read as a stand-alone novel. Fortunately, I had read a previous novel (#10) in the series "Straights of Hell" so I had a little background. I would strongly suggest starting at the beginning of this long series if it sounds interesting. I like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a 4 out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
September 6, 2018
After taking and holding Madagascar in Deadly Shores (IX) and Straits of Hell (X), and conclusively dealing with Kurokawa in Devil's Due (XII) the Alliance is preparing to finally land in Africa. It is a race against time, as Grik leader Esshk has been able to breed, train and equip his "Final Swarm" in only a few years, and is planning a breakout along the Zambezi River. If the Final Swarm reaches the ocean and manages to scatter, the rapid breeding of the Grik will eventually create an almost insurmountable numerical advantage. Unfortunately, the Allied invasion force is not quite ready. Russ Chapelle takes the USS Santa Catalina at the head of tiny task force up the river, in order to block passage until reinforcements can arrive. It is a desperate race against time.
On the American Front, the story advances only slightly, as New United States forces prepare to join the fight and the League of Tripoli makes overtures towards the Dominion.
Mr. Anderson continues to focus on one front at a time, which works to the series advantage. Most of this installment is taken up by the events in and around the Zambezi. The battles are real nail-biters, in large part because the author has managed to convey the catastrophic consequences of defeat. Even after driving the Grik back all the way from Balkpan and across a vast ocean, our heroes still find themselves with their back agains the wall.
With the still unresolved Dominion War, and the looming threat of the League of Tripoli, the Destroyermen series doesn't seem to be moving towards a conclusion any time soon. If the quality remains this high, that can only be a good thing.
http://www.books.rosboch.net/2018/07/...
On the American Front, the story advances only slightly, as New United States forces prepare to join the fight and the League of Tripoli makes overtures towards the Dominion.
Mr. Anderson continues to focus on one front at a time, which works to the series advantage. Most of this installment is taken up by the events in and around the Zambezi. The battles are real nail-biters, in large part because the author has managed to convey the catastrophic consequences of defeat. Even after driving the Grik back all the way from Balkpan and across a vast ocean, our heroes still find themselves with their back agains the wall.
With the still unresolved Dominion War, and the looming threat of the League of Tripoli, the Destroyermen series doesn't seem to be moving towards a conclusion any time soon. If the quality remains this high, that can only be a good thing.
http://www.books.rosboch.net/2018/07/...
December 12, 2019
The saga of a parallel Earth continues as the Allies win a costly battle against the Grik. The Grik start their massive swarm after they ally with hostile civilizations civilizations. Over generations the human population have crossed over from our world with the technologies of their times.
November 10, 2018
Thirteenth in the Destroyermen military science fiction series in an alternate world and revolving around the Grand Alliance inspired by an old warship from WWII. The focus is in keeping the Grik Swarm from spreading out into the world.
My Take
It's been a long war between the Grand Alliance and the Grik, and both sides have learned from the other. It's been a few years of growth for both sides. Even Shinya learns!
It's fascinating to see the changes in the Grik as Esshk changes perceptions. First training the Uul to think, to assess, and. Anderson makes good use of Jash to demonstrate the higher thought processes of an Uul who rises to be a New Warrior. But I don't think Esshk has any idea how disruptive these thought processes could become, for there's a humanity in there. Nor do I believe any Uul was ever able to determine betrayal before. As for Jash's fascination with Risa's stand, he knew none of the Race would ever do such a thing. He's learning about this "worthy prey", and I am so curious as to where this will lead.
It's a whole new way of waging war, and while I applaud the greater intelligence the Grik Uul are granted, I don't like its application! At least Esshk is having difficulty in getting out of his own way, although he does start to understand the need to keep his Grik alive. Ign also learns from Jash about preserving his men. Is it possible this could be the start of compassion?
It's a third person global subjective point-of-view with most of the Grik perspective coming from Jash, an Uul with intelligence, one who can think and improvise while the Alliance perspective is from a select cast of characters, including Matt, Silva, and Russ Chappelle.
Yeah, yeah, it's technical in its talk of the weaponry and ships, but not near as much as David Weber's Honor Harrington series, lol.
Thankfully, Anderson also includes humorous moments, one that particularly comes to mind is how Lelaa handles Gilbert's desire to be a civilian again. And I do adore Petey.
Anderson also raises questions, such as Blas' bewilderment over Sister Audry's refusal to kill. More philosophical questions arise as various core characters reflect back on their lives before the war started and how they have changed, how they see their comrades and friends, and how they see their participation in this war.
I thought our Nazis were bad, but the Dominion is so very much worse, even worse than the Inquisition. And such hypocrisy! As for their uniting with the League, oy, a match (for them) made in Heaven as both insist on telling their populace how to think, act, and believe. It will be fascinating to see how Gravois and Ciano make out, stuck in the Dominion, especially with Gravois making his seditious plans and Ciano despising the Dominion so very much.
Hmmm, Anderson keeps teasing us about the Gentaa, dribbling out bits of facts, and I'm dying to learn more. Their culture does seem very caring.
Events remain suspenseful and exciting with several treasonous plots under way.
The Story
With the war now at its most critical point, the Grand Alliance needs every bit of hope it can get, as they steam to the Zambezi River to aid Commander Russ Chappelle and the beleaguered Santy Cat in keeping the Grik trapped.
But Lieutenant Commander Matthew Reddy and his people are going into battle without the USS Walker for the first time. Up to now, it's been a talisman of fortune, for Walker has never lost a battle.
And if the Final Swarm gets out, the war is lost.
The Characters
For the full cast of characters, see the review on my website, KDDidIt.com.
The Grand Alliance consists of...
...the United States Navy, the United Homes of the Mi-Anakka, a.k.a., Lemurians or 'Cats, Maa-ni-la, Aryaal, B'mbaado, North Borno, Austraal, the Imperials, the Khonashi, the Shee-ree, the Maroons, and more. The capitol and headquarters is based at Baalkpan, Borno.
Commander (Cdr) Alan Letts is the Chairman of the United Homes and the Grand Alliance. Surgeon Commander Karen Theimer Letts is his wife, and they have three children, one human and two adopted Lemurian war orphans: Allison Verdia, Sandra, and Seetsi. Their one-armed nanny is Unaa-Saan-Maar.
Cdr Steve Riggs is Minister of Communications and Electrical Contrivances; Henry Stokes is the director of strategic intelligence; and, Cdr Rulk is the senior inspector for the Baalkpan Navy Yard.
The USS Fitzhugh Gray is undergoing her sea trials and is captained by Cdr Toru Miyata. Robert Wallace is the gunnery officer; Lieutenant Commander (Lt Cdr) Ado-Sin is XO; Lieutenant (Lt) Sainaa-Asa is the engineering officer; Lt Eno-Sab-Raan is torpedo officer; Gaat-Rinn is an ensign; and, Pepper is the chief bosun's mate.
The antagonistic Giaan-Naak, a Sular from Sa-leebs, is one of the representatives in the Grand Allliance.
The Republic of Real People is...
...South Africa and composed of humans, Lemurians, and Gentaa (a more human-like Lemurian who keep to themselves and have sewn up the heavy-labor industry) with a more Ancient Rome-type government. Doocy Meek is their ambassador to Baalkpan. Nig-Taak is its Lemurian kaiser.
The Empire of the New Britain Isles is...
...Hawaii in our world and created by several British ships who wandered through a portal. It's a monarchy with Governor-Empress Rebecca Anne McDonald. Sean Bates is Rebecca's prime factor. Letts considers Ambassador Bolton Forester a friend. Impies is a nickname the men have for its Imperial soldiers.
The Khonashi are...
...a tribe of humans and Grik-like beings from North Borno who are ruled by "King" Tony Scott, a former USS Walker shipmate.
The New United States is...
...a very tiny portion of North America, begun in 1847 when a ship of Americans came through.
The War Fronts
The Zambezi River is...
...the path to the Grik empire. Cdr Russ Chappelle is commanding the USS Santa Catalina (Santy Cat) leading a small group of ships to bottleneck the river. Lt (jg) Dean Laney is the engineering officer. Lt Mikey Monk is XO. Chief Dobson is the bosun. Cdr Kathy McCoy is in charge of the medical division. Major (Maj) Simon "Simy" Gutfeld is in charge of the Third Marine regiment (part of Gen Rolak's I Corps). Capt Flaar-Baa-Ris is Gutfeld's XO.
The Arraca , an aircraft carrier, is commanded by Commodore (Comm) Tassanna-Ay-Arracca. Naga and Felts are DDs. USS Kas-Ra-Ar and USS Ramic-Sa-Ar provide more of her screen.
Allied-occupied Zanzibar had been...
...headquarters for Kurokawa, but Lieutenant Commander Matthew Reddy, High Chief of the Amer-i-caan Clan and Commander in Chief of all Allied Forces (CINCAF) is now based there as repairs get under way. USS Walker is Reddy's ship. Lady Surgeon Commander Sandra Tucker Reddy is Matt's pregnant wife and minister of medicine. Diania is her Impie bodyguard. Cdr Brad "Spanky" McFarlane is Matt's XO. Isak Reuben (Gilbert's half-brother and one of the original Mice) and Tabby are her engineers. Lt Sonny Campeti is gunnery officer. Chief Bosun's Mate Jeek is on a repair crew. Lt Ed Palmer is signals officer, Chief Gunner's Mate Pak-Ras-Ar "Pack Rat", Chief Quartermaster Paddy Rosen is first officer, and Min-Sakir, a.k.a., Minnie", is one of the bridge talkers.
Adm Keje-Fris-Ar is Matt's oldest Lemurian friend and commander of the USNRS Salissa. Capt Atlaan-Fas is Keje's flag captain; Cdr Sandy Newman is his XO.
Mahe Island is...
...a staging area. USS Mahan arrives with Lt (jg) Tiaa-Baari and Ensigns Toos-Ay-Chi (a shipwright before the war) and acting XO, and Sonya (she's an Impie) and the acting engineering officer, which they stole from Gen Linnaa-Fas-Ra, a Sularan, who commands VI Corps in India. Based in Madras, Linnaa is kicking back, avoiding fighting while Col Enaak's 5th Manila Cavalry and Dalibor Svec's Czech Legion shadow Halik's army. Matt will also take Torpedoman First Fino-Saal who will become the chief bosun's mate in an effort at discipline.
Colonel Chack-Sab-At commands the 1st Raider Brigade (he's married to General Queen Safir Maraan of B'mbaado). Chief Gunner's Mate Dennis Silva is a loose cannon but gets the job done. He's rumored to be in a relationship with Pam Cross and Maj Risa Sab-At, Chack's sister. Petey is his pet flying lizard. Gunnery Sgt Arnold "Gunny" Horn knew Silva from the old world. Lawrence is Silva's best friend and a Sa'aaran, a Grik-like Pacific islander. Brevet MajCapt Abel Cook will command the First North Borno. They'll take USS Itaa commanded by Jarrik-Fas to head up TF Grikakka. Maj Enrico Galay and the rest will come with Clark, Saak-Fas and six more. Uda is one of the terrified Khonashi.
USS Tarakaan Island is a self-propelled dry dock. A significant capture is the League's Savoie , a French superdreadnaught. Cdr Riaar-An-Fas had been COFO until Leedom arrived. Jasper will be Leedom's backseater, drawing maps as they go. Cdr Perry Brister captains the USS James Ellis. Lt Rolando "Ronson" Rodriquez is his XO.
Grik City in Madagascar saw...
...many battles and is the home of the Maroons who are distantly related to the Impies. Col Will is the Maroon in charge of defending the city with Maroons and Shee-Ree. Hij Geerki is Rolak's pet Grik. Gen Pete Alden and Gen Muln Rolak.
Cdr Mark Leedom is commander of flight operations; Lt Araa-Faan is his XO who will be left in charge. Col Ben Mallory, Lt Niaa-Sa, and Cecil Dixon will head to the Comoros Islands where Lt Jumbo Fisher runs the Pat Squad Twenty-Two of bombers.
The Dominion has...
...well, I guess three battle fronts: The Pacific side being fought by the Impies, Lemurians, and US Navy; Gen Shinya's trek across the Pass of Fire; and, Fred, Kari, and Garrett's actions on the Atlantic side.
CINCEAST is in command of High Admiral Harvey Jenks of the Imperials. The USS Maaka-Kakja is Admiral (Adm) Lelaa-Tal-Cleraan's flag ship and is a carrier captained by "Tex" Sheider, a former submariner off S-19 who is Lelaa's flag captain and her XO. Lt Gilbert Yeager is the chief engineer (and the other one of the Mice). Adm E.B. Hibbs commands Second Fleet. Capt Rin-Faak-At commands Raan-Goon. Selass-Fris-Ar is Keje's daughter. Orrin Reddy is Matt's cousin and commander of flight operations.
General (Gen) Tomatsu Shinya commands the Second Fleet Expeditionary Force that intends to pass from the west to the east. Saan-Kakja is the high chief of All the Filpin Lands. Lt Ezekial Krish is Rebecca's aide-de-camp and leader of her protective detail.
Colonel (Col) Sister Audry, a Dutch Benedictine nun, is in command of the Vengadores de Dios who include Marine Sergeant (Sgt) Koratin who converted, giving up being an Aryaalan lord. Col Arano Garcia commands the Vengadores and is Sister Audry's XO. Capt Jasso is Garcia's co-XO along with Capt Bustos. Capt Ixtli is in charge of the Jaguar Warriors, a.k.a., the Ocelomeh.
Maj Blas-Ma-Ar commands the depleted 2nd Lemurian Marines; First Sgt Spon-Ar-Aak, a.k.a., Spook. Col Dao Iverson will attack with the Sixth Imperial Marines, the Eight Maa-ni-la, and the Third Frontier Regiment (irregular volunteers).
Another front is gearing up with Captain (Capt) Greg Garrett of the USS Donaghey who finally met up with Lt Fred Reynolds and Lt (jg) Kari-Faask who flew over the Pass of Fire to meet with the NUS. Lts Mak-Araa is Greg's XO, and Wendell "Smitty" Smith is the gunnery officer. Tribune Pol-Heena and his assistant, Lt Koor-Susk, represent the Real People.
The Matarife is a Dom prize the Donaghey took. Jenaar-Laan will be her chief bosun's mate, as Greg takes her on a stealth mission into the Dominion. Lt Jeremy Ortiz, an NUS, is acting as first officer.
Capt Willis of NUS Congress, Adm Sessions, and Comm Semmes are part of the NUS Navy meeting in Cuba. Capt Anson is the spy who had rescued Fred and Kari.
Captaine de Fregate Victor Gravois is in charge of the overseas branch of French military intelligence and has been sent to finalize an alliance with the Dominion. Capitano di Fregata Ciano is in command of the Leopardo .
South Soala, Ungee River, is...
...another front against the Grik led by Gen Marcus Kim of the Republic of Real People. Inquisitor Kon-Choon is the Republic's head spy. Gen Taal-Gaak commands all Republic cavalry. Courtney Bradford, an Australian petroleum engineer is the Alliance ambassador to the Real People.
Maj "Legate" Bekiaa Sab-At commands the 23rd Legion of the Army of the Republic and advises their general. Optio (Lt) Jack Meek is Doocy's son and essentially a spy set on Bekiaa by Choon. Perfect Bele is Bekiaa's XO.
The Enemies
The Ghaarrichk'k Empire in Africa are...
...lizard-like creatures, the Grik, whose aim in life is to slaughter anyone not them. Their nominal leader is the Celestial Mother, the Giver of Life, but the real leaders are First General and Regent Champion Esshk and The Chooser. Second Gen Ign commands the New Army. The Hij are the elite half; the Uul are nothing but cannon fodder, workers, food. Their sacred First City is Sofesshk on the Zambezi River.
Jash is the Senior First of One Hundred, a Ka'tan (captain), and one of the New Warriors. Seech is a First of One Hundred under Jash. Naxa is First of Fifty. Slasher is the name with which the ker-noll (a First of Ten Hundreds) honored Jash's galley.
The remaining Japanese have...
...fled Zanzibar to a base General of the Sky Hideki Muriname had set up in Kakag with the flying machines he could salvage. Lt Mitsuo Ando is now his XO.
The Dominion is...
...a perversion of the Catholic Church. It's all-holy leader is the Dom Pope based in El Templo de los Papas. He is advised by his Blood Cardinals, in particular, Don Hernan, the pope's chosen successor. The Army of God is now being led by the more competent Gen Mayta. El Paso del Fuego, the Pass of Fire, splits the Dominion in half and is an important strategic asset, although, I can't figure out why???
The League of Tripoli is...
...a fascist power in a warped alliance between France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and some others who came over six years ago from a 1939 that was not ours. Contrammiraglio Oriani is based on Ascension Island and well placed in the Organizations for Vigilance and Repression of Antifascism (OVRA), the League's spy division.
Oberleuitnant Walbert Fiedler is a German pilot the Alliance had held prisoner until they gave him back. He's aboard the German submarine U-112 with Oberleuitnant Kurt Hoffman.
The Cover and Title
The cover is primarily the grays of smoke-filled sky and the Santa Catalina battling the Grik on a roiling green sea. Tall cliff faces on the left and the right hem her in while a plane soars across even as Grik birds fly overhead. And a crocodile patiently watches from a rock. The series information is at the very top in black with three horizontal black lines on either side of it, framing it in. The title is immediately below it in red while the rest of the text — info blurbs and the author's name at the bottom — is in white.
The title is true, as the Alliance desperately battles to block a narrow gap in the river in hopes of preventing the Final Swarm from spreading out into the world, creating a River of Bones in the process.
My Take
It's been a long war between the Grand Alliance and the Grik, and both sides have learned from the other. It's been a few years of growth for both sides. Even Shinya learns!
It's fascinating to see the changes in the Grik as Esshk changes perceptions. First training the Uul to think, to assess, and. Anderson makes good use of Jash to demonstrate the higher thought processes of an Uul who rises to be a New Warrior. But I don't think Esshk has any idea how disruptive these thought processes could become, for there's a humanity in there. Nor do I believe any Uul was ever able to determine betrayal before. As for Jash's fascination with Risa's stand, he knew none of the Race would ever do such a thing. He's learning about this "worthy prey", and I am so curious as to where this will lead.
It's a whole new way of waging war, and while I applaud the greater intelligence the Grik Uul are granted, I don't like its application! At least Esshk is having difficulty in getting out of his own way, although he does start to understand the need to keep his Grik alive. Ign also learns from Jash about preserving his men. Is it possible this could be the start of compassion?
It's a third person global subjective point-of-view with most of the Grik perspective coming from Jash, an Uul with intelligence, one who can think and improvise while the Alliance perspective is from a select cast of characters, including Matt, Silva, and Russ Chappelle.
Yeah, yeah, it's technical in its talk of the weaponry and ships, but not near as much as David Weber's Honor Harrington series, lol.
Thankfully, Anderson also includes humorous moments, one that particularly comes to mind is how Lelaa handles Gilbert's desire to be a civilian again. And I do adore Petey.
Anderson also raises questions, such as Blas' bewilderment over Sister Audry's refusal to kill. More philosophical questions arise as various core characters reflect back on their lives before the war started and how they have changed, how they see their comrades and friends, and how they see their participation in this war.
I thought our Nazis were bad, but the Dominion is so very much worse, even worse than the Inquisition. And such hypocrisy! As for their uniting with the League, oy, a match (for them) made in Heaven as both insist on telling their populace how to think, act, and believe. It will be fascinating to see how Gravois and Ciano make out, stuck in the Dominion, especially with Gravois making his seditious plans and Ciano despising the Dominion so very much.
Hmmm, Anderson keeps teasing us about the Gentaa, dribbling out bits of facts, and I'm dying to learn more. Their culture does seem very caring.
Events remain suspenseful and exciting with several treasonous plots under way.
The Story
With the war now at its most critical point, the Grand Alliance needs every bit of hope it can get, as they steam to the Zambezi River to aid Commander Russ Chappelle and the beleaguered Santy Cat in keeping the Grik trapped.
But Lieutenant Commander Matthew Reddy and his people are going into battle without the USS Walker for the first time. Up to now, it's been a talisman of fortune, for Walker has never lost a battle.
And if the Final Swarm gets out, the war is lost.
The Characters
For the full cast of characters, see the review on my website, KDDidIt.com.
The Grand Alliance consists of...
...the United States Navy, the United Homes of the Mi-Anakka, a.k.a., Lemurians or 'Cats, Maa-ni-la, Aryaal, B'mbaado, North Borno, Austraal, the Imperials, the Khonashi, the Shee-ree, the Maroons, and more. The capitol and headquarters is based at Baalkpan, Borno.
Commander (Cdr) Alan Letts is the Chairman of the United Homes and the Grand Alliance. Surgeon Commander Karen Theimer Letts is his wife, and they have three children, one human and two adopted Lemurian war orphans: Allison Verdia, Sandra, and Seetsi. Their one-armed nanny is Unaa-Saan-Maar.
Cdr Steve Riggs is Minister of Communications and Electrical Contrivances; Henry Stokes is the director of strategic intelligence; and, Cdr Rulk is the senior inspector for the Baalkpan Navy Yard.
The USS Fitzhugh Gray is undergoing her sea trials and is captained by Cdr Toru Miyata. Robert Wallace is the gunnery officer; Lieutenant Commander (Lt Cdr) Ado-Sin is XO; Lieutenant (Lt) Sainaa-Asa is the engineering officer; Lt Eno-Sab-Raan is torpedo officer; Gaat-Rinn is an ensign; and, Pepper is the chief bosun's mate.
The antagonistic Giaan-Naak, a Sular from Sa-leebs, is one of the representatives in the Grand Allliance.
The Republic of Real People is...
...South Africa and composed of humans, Lemurians, and Gentaa (a more human-like Lemurian who keep to themselves and have sewn up the heavy-labor industry) with a more Ancient Rome-type government. Doocy Meek is their ambassador to Baalkpan. Nig-Taak is its Lemurian kaiser.
The Empire of the New Britain Isles is...
...Hawaii in our world and created by several British ships who wandered through a portal. It's a monarchy with Governor-Empress Rebecca Anne McDonald. Sean Bates is Rebecca's prime factor. Letts considers Ambassador Bolton Forester a friend. Impies is a nickname the men have for its Imperial soldiers.
The Khonashi are...
...a tribe of humans and Grik-like beings from North Borno who are ruled by "King" Tony Scott, a former USS Walker shipmate.
The New United States is...
...a very tiny portion of North America, begun in 1847 when a ship of Americans came through.
The War Fronts
The Zambezi River is...
...the path to the Grik empire. Cdr Russ Chappelle is commanding the USS Santa Catalina (Santy Cat) leading a small group of ships to bottleneck the river. Lt (jg) Dean Laney is the engineering officer. Lt Mikey Monk is XO. Chief Dobson is the bosun. Cdr Kathy McCoy is in charge of the medical division. Major (Maj) Simon "Simy" Gutfeld is in charge of the Third Marine regiment (part of Gen Rolak's I Corps). Capt Flaar-Baa-Ris is Gutfeld's XO.
The Arraca , an aircraft carrier, is commanded by Commodore (Comm) Tassanna-Ay-Arracca. Naga and Felts are DDs. USS Kas-Ra-Ar and USS Ramic-Sa-Ar provide more of her screen.
Allied-occupied Zanzibar had been...
...headquarters for Kurokawa, but Lieutenant Commander Matthew Reddy, High Chief of the Amer-i-caan Clan and Commander in Chief of all Allied Forces (CINCAF) is now based there as repairs get under way. USS Walker is Reddy's ship. Lady Surgeon Commander Sandra Tucker Reddy is Matt's pregnant wife and minister of medicine. Diania is her Impie bodyguard. Cdr Brad "Spanky" McFarlane is Matt's XO. Isak Reuben (Gilbert's half-brother and one of the original Mice) and Tabby are her engineers. Lt Sonny Campeti is gunnery officer. Chief Bosun's Mate Jeek is on a repair crew. Lt Ed Palmer is signals officer, Chief Gunner's Mate Pak-Ras-Ar "Pack Rat", Chief Quartermaster Paddy Rosen is first officer, and Min-Sakir, a.k.a., Minnie", is one of the bridge talkers.
Adm Keje-Fris-Ar is Matt's oldest Lemurian friend and commander of the USNRS Salissa. Capt Atlaan-Fas is Keje's flag captain; Cdr Sandy Newman is his XO.
Mahe Island is...
...a staging area. USS Mahan arrives with Lt (jg) Tiaa-Baari and Ensigns Toos-Ay-Chi (a shipwright before the war) and acting XO, and Sonya (she's an Impie) and the acting engineering officer, which they stole from Gen Linnaa-Fas-Ra, a Sularan, who commands VI Corps in India. Based in Madras, Linnaa is kicking back, avoiding fighting while Col Enaak's 5th Manila Cavalry and Dalibor Svec's Czech Legion shadow Halik's army. Matt will also take Torpedoman First Fino-Saal who will become the chief bosun's mate in an effort at discipline.
Colonel Chack-Sab-At commands the 1st Raider Brigade (he's married to General Queen Safir Maraan of B'mbaado). Chief Gunner's Mate Dennis Silva is a loose cannon but gets the job done. He's rumored to be in a relationship with Pam Cross and Maj Risa Sab-At, Chack's sister. Petey is his pet flying lizard. Gunnery Sgt Arnold "Gunny" Horn knew Silva from the old world. Lawrence is Silva's best friend and a Sa'aaran, a Grik-like Pacific islander. Brevet Maj
USS Tarakaan Island is a self-propelled dry dock. A significant capture is the League's Savoie , a French superdreadnaught. Cdr Riaar-An-Fas had been COFO until Leedom arrived. Jasper will be Leedom's backseater, drawing maps as they go. Cdr Perry Brister captains the USS James Ellis. Lt Rolando "Ronson" Rodriquez is his XO.
Grik City in Madagascar saw...
...many battles and is the home of the Maroons who are distantly related to the Impies. Col Will is the Maroon in charge of defending the city with Maroons and Shee-Ree. Hij Geerki is Rolak's pet Grik. Gen Pete Alden and Gen Muln Rolak.
Cdr Mark Leedom is commander of flight operations; Lt Araa-Faan is his XO who will be left in charge. Col Ben Mallory, Lt Niaa-Sa, and Cecil Dixon will head to the Comoros Islands where Lt Jumbo Fisher runs the Pat Squad Twenty-Two of bombers.
The Dominion has...
...well, I guess three battle fronts: The Pacific side being fought by the Impies, Lemurians, and US Navy; Gen Shinya's trek across the Pass of Fire; and, Fred, Kari, and Garrett's actions on the Atlantic side.
CINCEAST is in command of High Admiral Harvey Jenks of the Imperials. The USS Maaka-Kakja is Admiral (Adm) Lelaa-Tal-Cleraan's flag ship and is a carrier captained by "Tex" Sheider, a former submariner off S-19 who is Lelaa's flag captain and her XO. Lt Gilbert Yeager is the chief engineer (and the other one of the Mice). Adm E.B. Hibbs commands Second Fleet. Capt Rin-Faak-At commands Raan-Goon. Selass-Fris-Ar is Keje's daughter. Orrin Reddy is Matt's cousin and commander of flight operations.
General (Gen) Tomatsu Shinya commands the Second Fleet Expeditionary Force that intends to pass from the west to the east. Saan-Kakja is the high chief of All the Filpin Lands. Lt Ezekial Krish is Rebecca's aide-de-camp and leader of her protective detail.
Colonel (Col) Sister Audry, a Dutch Benedictine nun, is in command of the Vengadores de Dios who include Marine Sergeant (Sgt) Koratin who converted, giving up being an Aryaalan lord. Col Arano Garcia commands the Vengadores and is Sister Audry's XO. Capt Jasso is Garcia's co-XO along with Capt Bustos. Capt Ixtli is in charge of the Jaguar Warriors, a.k.a., the Ocelomeh.
Maj Blas-Ma-Ar commands the depleted 2nd Lemurian Marines; First Sgt Spon-Ar-Aak, a.k.a., Spook. Col Dao Iverson will attack with the Sixth Imperial Marines, the Eight Maa-ni-la, and the Third Frontier Regiment (irregular volunteers).
Another front is gearing up with Captain (Capt) Greg Garrett of the USS Donaghey who finally met up with Lt Fred Reynolds and Lt (jg) Kari-Faask who flew over the Pass of Fire to meet with the NUS. Lts Mak-Araa is Greg's XO, and Wendell "Smitty" Smith is the gunnery officer. Tribune Pol-Heena and his assistant, Lt Koor-Susk, represent the Real People.
The Matarife is a Dom prize the Donaghey took. Jenaar-Laan will be her chief bosun's mate, as Greg takes her on a stealth mission into the Dominion. Lt Jeremy Ortiz, an NUS, is acting as first officer.
Capt Willis of NUS Congress, Adm Sessions, and Comm Semmes are part of the NUS Navy meeting in Cuba. Capt Anson is the spy who had rescued Fred and Kari.
Captaine de Fregate Victor Gravois is in charge of the overseas branch of French military intelligence and has been sent to finalize an alliance with the Dominion. Capitano di Fregata Ciano is in command of the Leopardo .
South Soala, Ungee River, is...
...another front against the Grik led by Gen Marcus Kim of the Republic of Real People. Inquisitor Kon-Choon is the Republic's head spy. Gen Taal-Gaak commands all Republic cavalry. Courtney Bradford, an Australian petroleum engineer is the Alliance ambassador to the Real People.
Maj "Legate" Bekiaa Sab-At commands the 23rd Legion of the Army of the Republic and advises their general. Optio (Lt) Jack Meek is Doocy's son and essentially a spy set on Bekiaa by Choon. Perfect Bele is Bekiaa's XO.
The Enemies
The Ghaarrichk'k Empire in Africa are...
...lizard-like creatures, the Grik, whose aim in life is to slaughter anyone not them. Their nominal leader is the Celestial Mother, the Giver of Life, but the real leaders are First General and Regent Champion Esshk and The Chooser. Second Gen Ign commands the New Army. The Hij are the elite half; the Uul are nothing but cannon fodder, workers, food. Their sacred First City is Sofesshk on the Zambezi River.
Jash is the Senior First of One Hundred, a Ka'tan (captain), and one of the New Warriors. Seech is a First of One Hundred under Jash. Naxa is First of Fifty. Slasher is the name with which the ker-noll (a First of Ten Hundreds) honored Jash's galley.
The remaining Japanese have...
...fled Zanzibar to a base General of the Sky Hideki Muriname had set up in Kakag with the flying machines he could salvage. Lt Mitsuo Ando is now his XO.
The Dominion is...
...a perversion of the Catholic Church. It's all-holy leader is the Dom Pope based in El Templo de los Papas. He is advised by his Blood Cardinals, in particular, Don Hernan, the pope's chosen successor. The Army of God is now being led by the more competent Gen Mayta. El Paso del Fuego, the Pass of Fire, splits the Dominion in half and is an important strategic asset, although, I can't figure out why???
The League of Tripoli is...
...a fascist power in a warped alliance between France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and some others who came over six years ago from a 1939 that was not ours. Contrammiraglio Oriani is based on Ascension Island and well placed in the Organizations for Vigilance and Repression of Antifascism (OVRA), the League's spy division.
Oberleuitnant Walbert Fiedler is a German pilot the Alliance had held prisoner until they gave him back. He's aboard the German submarine U-112 with Oberleuitnant Kurt Hoffman.
The Cover and Title
The cover is primarily the grays of smoke-filled sky and the Santa Catalina battling the Grik on a roiling green sea. Tall cliff faces on the left and the right hem her in while a plane soars across even as Grik birds fly overhead. And a crocodile patiently watches from a rock. The series information is at the very top in black with three horizontal black lines on either side of it, framing it in. The title is immediately below it in red while the rest of the text — info blurbs and the author's name at the bottom — is in white.
The title is true, as the Alliance desperately battles to block a narrow gap in the river in hopes of preventing the Final Swarm from spreading out into the world, creating a River of Bones in the process.
March 21, 2021
If you've gotten this far, you're probably committed and know what you're getting into.
This book was more focused on a single battle than anything else, and its a doozie, but given we're literally on book 13 it'd be nice to start wrapping more loose ends up before throwing yet more into the mix.
That said, this series continues it's solid epic romp. It's intricate without being overwhelming. I say this with particular relief after finally (sort of) finishing the main arc of Weber's Safehold which was just a hot mess of a kabillion characters and interludes.
This book was more focused on a single battle than anything else, and its a doozie, but given we're literally on book 13 it'd be nice to start wrapping more loose ends up before throwing yet more into the mix.
That said, this series continues it's solid epic romp. It's intricate without being overwhelming. I say this with particular relief after finally (sort of) finishing the main arc of Weber's Safehold which was just a hot mess of a kabillion characters and interludes.
December 2, 2024
As usual, lots of action. Sadly, one of my favorite character dies.
August 14, 2018
Don't let my 3-star rating fool you. Taylor Andreson's Destroyermen series is epic. My reason for the 3 stars is all the filler, which really amounts to always reminding us with a page or so who the characters are. I know who the characters are and I simply skim over these asides, because what Taylor does so well is writing battle scenes and internal dilemma. I find myself sitting up and holding my breath whenever a full-scale battle is underway. The growth of a species from a murdering unthinking horde to one of contemplation and wondering why is most satisfying.
For those not familiar with the books, during an early WWII sea battle, the destroyer USS Walker trying to hide from a Japanese battle cruiser heads into a powerful storm. This storm sweeps Walker and her crew into an alternate earth. There they find a earth that is similar to their own, but slightly off. It is inhabited by monstrous sea creatures and dinosaur-like reptiles on land. They happen upon a tremendous floating island, which is under attack by a species of raptors. Their only purpose to hunt prey, and eat the spoils. The island inhabitants are a furry humanoid creature that the Destroyermen dub Lemurians due to their tales. The vicious one-sidedness of the attack compels Walker to intervene on behalf of the Lemurians. This act pulls Walker hand her crew into a global conflict, as they learn how the raptor race known as Grik have hunted Lemurians for as long as anyone can remember, even driving them from their homeland of Madagascar a millennium ago.
Of course, the Japanese battle cruiser that was attacking Walker, also finds itself in this alternate earth and of course ends up allied with the Grik, since the Grik is fighting their American enemies. The Japanese commander is a lunatic, which adds to the story. And over the course of all the books, we come to find peoples have been swept to this earth for a very long time and not always from the earth that Walker came from. Some become allies, and some are worse than the Grik.
Anyway, I really have enjoyed this series, and as always am looking forward to the next one, which I believe will be 14.
For those not familiar with the books, during an early WWII sea battle, the destroyer USS Walker trying to hide from a Japanese battle cruiser heads into a powerful storm. This storm sweeps Walker and her crew into an alternate earth. There they find a earth that is similar to their own, but slightly off. It is inhabited by monstrous sea creatures and dinosaur-like reptiles on land. They happen upon a tremendous floating island, which is under attack by a species of raptors. Their only purpose to hunt prey, and eat the spoils. The island inhabitants are a furry humanoid creature that the Destroyermen dub Lemurians due to their tales. The vicious one-sidedness of the attack compels Walker to intervene on behalf of the Lemurians. This act pulls Walker hand her crew into a global conflict, as they learn how the raptor race known as Grik have hunted Lemurians for as long as anyone can remember, even driving them from their homeland of Madagascar a millennium ago.
Of course, the Japanese battle cruiser that was attacking Walker, also finds itself in this alternate earth and of course ends up allied with the Grik, since the Grik is fighting their American enemies. The Japanese commander is a lunatic, which adds to the story. And over the course of all the books, we come to find peoples have been swept to this earth for a very long time and not always from the earth that Walker came from. Some become allies, and some are worse than the Grik.
Anyway, I really have enjoyed this series, and as always am looking forward to the next one, which I believe will be 14.
November 3, 2019
I listened to books 12, 13 and 14 all at once and am planning on posting the same review for all them. First, you may want to be aware that these books hit my sweet spot. I love them and would give them 4.8 stars if Goodreads allowed. They are not perfect but they are incredibly good.
On at least on occasion in the past the author failed to provide resolution in the book he wrote. I still gave the book 4 stars because I enjoy this series so much. Fortunately here, that is not a problem. Each of the books ends with some sort of resolution even as the larger story continues to grow. I would add that it would have been a dream to encounter these books in, I'm guessing, about 3 years since I suspect it will be that long before any of the wars the MCs are currently fighting in are resolved.
I am going to a little time on one of the short-comings of these books simply because otherwise I would have nothing more to say. The author occasionally plays a little loose with common sense to make his stories more exciting. I really became aware of this in an earlier book when a modern warship encounters a bunch of enemy sailing ships. The modern ship should have been able to just keep its distance and destroy the enemy at will but somehow that didn't happen. In the books the subject of this review this shows up in "Grik birds". The bad guys use these birds to bring down planes but since the planes should be able to fly much higher and faster than these birds they should nearly be as effective as portrayed.
Given where the last book, "Pass of Fire" ended I expect great things of the next book in the series. "Pass of Fire" was published June 11, 2019, so I'm just going to go with the guess that the next book will be out around June 2020. So, depending on your reading rate, you could start the series now and be ready for book 15 in about 8 months. That sounds fantastic to me.
Bottom line: Read them all.
On at least on occasion in the past the author failed to provide resolution in the book he wrote. I still gave the book 4 stars because I enjoy this series so much. Fortunately here, that is not a problem. Each of the books ends with some sort of resolution even as the larger story continues to grow. I would add that it would have been a dream to encounter these books in, I'm guessing, about 3 years since I suspect it will be that long before any of the wars the MCs are currently fighting in are resolved.
I am going to a little time on one of the short-comings of these books simply because otherwise I would have nothing more to say. The author occasionally plays a little loose with common sense to make his stories more exciting. I really became aware of this in an earlier book when a modern warship encounters a bunch of enemy sailing ships. The modern ship should have been able to just keep its distance and destroy the enemy at will but somehow that didn't happen. In the books the subject of this review this shows up in "Grik birds". The bad guys use these birds to bring down planes but since the planes should be able to fly much higher and faster than these birds they should nearly be as effective as portrayed.
Given where the last book, "Pass of Fire" ended I expect great things of the next book in the series. "Pass of Fire" was published June 11, 2019, so I'm just going to go with the guess that the next book will be out around June 2020. So, depending on your reading rate, you could start the series now and be ready for book 15 in about 8 months. That sounds fantastic to me.
Bottom line: Read them all.
November 5, 2018
Really enjoyed this latest Destroyermen book, as always!
Author Taylor Anderson keeps SO many balls in the air at the same time!
It feels like World War II (before my time, of course) coverage when the Point-Of-View (POV) skips between each of the MANY fronts of the Grik/Dominion/League war and catches you up on each regarding not only what the Allied forces are doing but also some of what the enemy forces are doing!
What made this book so good is that I'm rooting for ALL of the Allied forces! There are characters that I am vested in fighting in each of the many fronts of this war. This is a good thing. So, it is always interesting when the POV skips to the next front!
PLUS, the Grik enemies have evolved in the few short years since the Americans came to this world.
In the beginning, the Allies could count on Grik Rout. The Grik would attack en masse. If they met stiff enough resistance, they would usually break and individually run away as fast as they could.
Unfortunately, the Grik have had time to make "New Army" soldiers. These young Grik (now two years old approx.) have been trained from birth to think on their own and to behave much more like trained soldiers. They have learned how to form up into fighting lines where they can support one another and even retreat in an orderly fashion when they are losing the battle.
This, of course, is not good news for the Allies who had enjoyed being able to count on mindless Grik Rout! (The Allies deal with it, of course, and no longer factor Grik Rout into their battle plans.)
Highly recommended for all military sf/alternate history fans! As always with a series, you’ll get more out of this book if you had already read the preceding dozen books!
Author Taylor Anderson keeps SO many balls in the air at the same time!
It feels like World War II (before my time, of course) coverage when the Point-Of-View (POV) skips between each of the MANY fronts of the Grik/Dominion/League war and catches you up on each regarding not only what the Allied forces are doing but also some of what the enemy forces are doing!
What made this book so good is that I'm rooting for ALL of the Allied forces! There are characters that I am vested in fighting in each of the many fronts of this war. This is a good thing. So, it is always interesting when the POV skips to the next front!
PLUS, the Grik enemies have evolved in the few short years since the Americans came to this world.
In the beginning, the Allies could count on Grik Rout. The Grik would attack en masse. If they met stiff enough resistance, they would usually break and individually run away as fast as they could.
Unfortunately, the Grik have had time to make "New Army" soldiers. These young Grik (now two years old approx.) have been trained from birth to think on their own and to behave much more like trained soldiers. They have learned how to form up into fighting lines where they can support one another and even retreat in an orderly fashion when they are losing the battle.
This, of course, is not good news for the Allies who had enjoyed being able to count on mindless Grik Rout! (The Allies deal with it, of course, and no longer factor Grik Rout into their battle plans.)
Highly recommended for all military sf/alternate history fans! As always with a series, you’ll get more out of this book if you had already read the preceding dozen books!
July 2, 2020
If you are a fan of this series, you will like this novel, but it generally does not involve the USS Walker. Because of that, I call this a transitional novel. That means it moves the story along, but only to set up for the next novel in the series.
The story: defense of the Zambezi River (southeast Africa) is critical for attack on the Grik's palace at Sofesshk, but that attack is told in the next novel in the series, "Pass of Fire". The Santa Catalina must stop the Grik from coming down the river and taking all that the Allied Forces had won. If the Allies lose this one, they lose it all.
FYI, there are other story lines that move along as well, but the main issue is the battle for the Zambezi River, the River of Bones.
Any problems with this story? I was not convinced that losing the Zambezi river would mean the loss of the whole shooting match. I could see that it would mean a delay in the war and a loss of more lives simply because the Allies would eventually have to take the Palace at Sofesshk. Losing the base at Zambezi would mean having to take it all from the sea and then fighting up the river. At a minimum it would cost twice as many lives. I can see that, but losing it all? Maybe.
Any modesty issues? There is vulgar language involved. No more or less than in previous novels in the series.
I would only read this book again if I were revisiting the entire series.
The story: defense of the Zambezi River (southeast Africa) is critical for attack on the Grik's palace at Sofesshk, but that attack is told in the next novel in the series, "Pass of Fire". The Santa Catalina must stop the Grik from coming down the river and taking all that the Allied Forces had won. If the Allies lose this one, they lose it all.
FYI, there are other story lines that move along as well, but the main issue is the battle for the Zambezi River, the River of Bones.
Any problems with this story? I was not convinced that losing the Zambezi river would mean the loss of the whole shooting match. I could see that it would mean a delay in the war and a loss of more lives simply because the Allies would eventually have to take the Palace at Sofesshk. Losing the base at Zambezi would mean having to take it all from the sea and then fighting up the river. At a minimum it would cost twice as many lives. I can see that, but losing it all? Maybe.
Any modesty issues? There is vulgar language involved. No more or less than in previous novels in the series.
I would only read this book again if I were revisiting the entire series.
January 26, 2019
With the defeat and elimination of Kurokawa at Zanzibar, Grik First General and Regent Champion Eshe has decided to launch the final Swarm, which he has been building at Sofeshk. In order to break into the open sea, the Grik must first travel down the Zambezi River. The allied fleet is recuperating from Zanzibar. There are only two allied ships operating close enough to attempt any action at blocking the river with Grik derelicts; these are the Santa Catalina, basically an armed freighter, and Arraca, a home carrier. This blocking action is considered a suicide mission by all. The Grik are going through a transformation of their own. General Halik has embraced the courage, will, and tactics of the Americans and imparted these values to his troops. As a result, the Grik have become an increasingly formidable adversary. On another front, General Shinya continues to doggedly pursue the Dominion cross-country with the goal to destroy them. The slippery League of Tripoli has yet to show their full hand, continuing to duck and dodge until they feel the time is right. Additional players have appeared but I lose track of them all. Suffice to say the Destroyermen Saga has turned into one huge can of worms. Thrilling and exciting to be sure; this is one story I must follow through to the end.
August 17, 2018
I have to give this one a 5! I never give 5's. Mr. Anderson (yes I said that in Smith's voice) has done another fantastic job of making me not want to put this book down. I really enjoy the characters and frankly I find myself fighting and joking right along side them. When Risa goes down I actually had a tear in my eye! I want to be there helping them, this means Taylor has woven a gem. His battle exchange descriptions and and strategies are very good and sound. And, even though this is the 13th book I find I can't wait for the next one. In this day and age of turning book sagas into movies or Netflix series I find myself wondering if this may one day find its way there. It would make for a fantastic series and if it happens then I expect an invite from Mr. Anderson to help out or come see the product as its being built. If you have been reading along through the series then this one is a must, if you haven't but are thinking of it, pick up book #1 and get started, you won't be disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2020
I really expected it - the series that NEVER ENDS!
In my defense, I was left alone in a library in need of an audio book and they had a limited selection. For some unholy reason they seem to delight in getting later volumes in a series and failing to get the earlier ones. That isn't the books fault but it is annoying.
Anyway its boiler-plate military fiction with a slight twist that is slight and a little tired - great ship(s) taken from our world to another to fight in a different war. It suffers the usual over-emphasis on weapons and equipment (they break out the specs book and cover every aspect of the weapon, size, range, speed of fire, crew, number of grilled cheese sandwiches that can be cooked on the barrel as it fires - all that and more!).
As the 13th book in an unending series it also suffers from the repetition of previous books and people - fully half the book is reminiscing and gushing over events in previous books.
So if you have read and enjoyed others in the series or you adore military fiction you might enjoy this.
It was not my cup of tea.
In my defense, I was left alone in a library in need of an audio book and they had a limited selection. For some unholy reason they seem to delight in getting later volumes in a series and failing to get the earlier ones. That isn't the books fault but it is annoying.
Anyway its boiler-plate military fiction with a slight twist that is slight and a little tired - great ship(s) taken from our world to another to fight in a different war. It suffers the usual over-emphasis on weapons and equipment (they break out the specs book and cover every aspect of the weapon, size, range, speed of fire, crew, number of grilled cheese sandwiches that can be cooked on the barrel as it fires - all that and more!).
As the 13th book in an unending series it also suffers from the repetition of previous books and people - fully half the book is reminiscing and gushing over events in previous books.
So if you have read and enjoyed others in the series or you adore military fiction you might enjoy this.
It was not my cup of tea.
January 15, 2019
This book continues the story of the Destroyer men. There is a return to action that was missing in a few of the more recent books. However, the story focuses mainly on the beginning of the invasion of the Grik capital city and the triumphant stand of the Santa Catalina on the Zambezi River.
There is a small amount of the other battlefronts, but not enough to get a sense of how those fronts are progressing. I am expecting that some of the next titles will focus more on the battle against the Dominion and will develop the NUS.
One of the things I like most about this title was the intellectual growth among the "new Grik". We now are introduced to growing, thinking and forward looking enemies rather than the reactionary enemy of the past that succeeded more by overwhelming numbers than by strategy or technology. Captain Reddy and crew will be facing an uphill battle now that the enemy is starting on a more even level.
Can't wait for the next one.
There is a small amount of the other battlefronts, but not enough to get a sense of how those fronts are progressing. I am expecting that some of the next titles will focus more on the battle against the Dominion and will develop the NUS.
One of the things I like most about this title was the intellectual growth among the "new Grik". We now are introduced to growing, thinking and forward looking enemies rather than the reactionary enemy of the past that succeeded more by overwhelming numbers than by strategy or technology. Captain Reddy and crew will be facing an uphill battle now that the enemy is starting on a more even level.
Can't wait for the next one.
July 20, 2018
The Grik are attempting to break out, and if the Alliance can't stop them, they will be on the losing side of the struggle. This chapter in the wonderful world of the Destroyermen, follows the Alliance Grik battle on the river Zambezi in Africa, and makes a couple of quick sojourns to South America where Sister Audrey and Empress, are pursuing the vile, bloody forces of the Dominion. In breaking news the Tripartite League is speaking closely with the Dominion. Gunpowder, treason, and plot are foreshadowed.
This is another terrific read from Taylor Anderson. He writes military sci fi better than almost anyone else, and is more consistent than any other milscifi writer I know. You read the books for the action adventure, but also because you care about the characters. Highly recommended for fans of the series.
This is another terrific read from Taylor Anderson. He writes military sci fi better than almost anyone else, and is more consistent than any other milscifi writer I know. You read the books for the action adventure, but also because you care about the characters. Highly recommended for fans of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2018
13th book in the Destroymen series, which is a nice mix of sci-fi, alternate reality, and WW2. In this series, the USS Walker, a Destroyer, is swept up by a freak storm and emerges into an alternate Earth, where the lizard-like Grik and cat-like Lemurians are fighting a never-ending battle for ultimate survival.
In this entry, though there are brief updates of the war in the East, the center of action takes place in the West, on the Zambezi River, where the Grik plan their ultimate final push against the Allies. As in previous books, heroes rise and fall, and much of the actual book is filled with action. Fan-favorites Silva and Lawrence are again right in the middle of it.
I enjoy this series very much, just wish Anderson would come out with series quicker.
In this entry, though there are brief updates of the war in the East, the center of action takes place in the West, on the Zambezi River, where the Grik plan their ultimate final push against the Allies. As in previous books, heroes rise and fall, and much of the actual book is filled with action. Fan-favorites Silva and Lawrence are again right in the middle of it.
I enjoy this series very much, just wish Anderson would come out with series quicker.
January 21, 2020
Completed River of Bones last night. The thirteenth book in the Destroyermen series. The series has gone from the survival of a battered WWII destroyer flung into an alternate world, to all out world wide war. The cast of characters is immense, and the action locations are spread world wide. Somehow, Taylor Anderson has kept a smooth storyline progressing, that remains interesting and not too difficult to follow. In this latest installment, the battle scenes, taking place at the bend of a river, take up a generous portion of the book. Lots of intense action, coupled with on the water conflict, keeps the story rolling. Always enjoy a good naval type story, and this one kept me reading. Solid three stars.
July 16, 2021
Another great read in this series. Lots of military action set in a parallel universe where "people" are swept up in storms and transported to another "Earth." They've come for all sorts of time periods, and aren't all "humans". The "Earth" they now inhabit is loosely akin to our world, but lots of little differences. There are two main "intelligent" life forms, and maybe more. One is based on "dinosaurs" and the other what our characters called Lemurians as in the lemurs of Madagascar, I've just finished Number 12 in the series and am ready for the next. Luckily for me, there are several more in the series, which hopefully will continue for some time to come. If you are a fan of military type fiction, on land, sea, and air, you should give this series a try - Destroyermen,
August 27, 2018
Anderson brings us another exciting installment in the worldwide conflict that the Destroyermen are experiencing on an alternate earth. The elements of intrigue are deepening. Some enemies are defecting to the Allied cause, while others are plotting their own intrigues. The Allies are winning, but is that only temporary? The enemy is getting smarter, and their hardware is getting better. The battles are getting more desperate, if that's possible. There is an opening battle and an epic closing battle, but the war is far from over.
August 29, 2018
As this book opens, the reptilian Grik are assembling the largest swarm ever to cross the strait and retake the Grik capital on Madagascar. Unfortunately for the Alliance, nearly all of their most powerful units are out of position, and only the converted cargo ship Santa Catalina can reach the Zambezi River in time to cut them off. Santy Cat's last stand buys time for Captain Reddy and his compatriots to get in and finish the job. On the other side of the world, the Dominion makes a pact with the villainous League, promising future conflicts for the next book.
January 15, 2023
3.5 Stars, I really liked it and might read the series again
In River of Bones, action is focused almost exclusively on the African continent, and this focus between Grik and the United Homes restores excitement to the narrative.
The story revolves around the means from preventing the final swarm dispersing into the ocean where it would be difficult to stop before overwhelming Madagascar. The primary action takes place in a narrow spot on the Zambezi River, where a ship becomes a fortress and a skirmish turns into a full-scale battle by both sides bringing massive reinforcements.
In River of Bones, action is focused almost exclusively on the African continent, and this focus between Grik and the United Homes restores excitement to the narrative.
The story revolves around the means from preventing the final swarm dispersing into the ocean where it would be difficult to stop before overwhelming Madagascar. The primary action takes place in a narrow spot on the Zambezi River, where a ship becomes a fortress and a skirmish turns into a full-scale battle by both sides bringing massive reinforcements.
August 19, 2018
4.5 in all honesty. For the past 5-6 books the author has equally split the focus of the books between two theaters of war. While this has kept the readers up to date on what is happening it also slowed things down where not much is accomplished. This has been my only serious grip but the author changed it so the primary focus was on one part of the war. I'm glad he did. Definitely feels like a lot was accomplished in this book. Can't wait for the next one.
September 14, 2018
Even though there are parts of this series that are completely ridiculous, I will continue to buy each and every book as I really enjoy them. This book partially dealt with the Dominion, but was really Grik based (which I prefer). They did set things up and it looks like the next book will be a flip and focus more on the Dominion. I won't say who, but they did kill off a character which was kind of sad, but I know I saw it coming.
June 19, 2021
I won’t lie, this book scares the hell out of from time to time. Other times it broke my heart. I’m feeling the same fatigue the characters are and hope they win soon and can finally rest and live their lives, before more of them are lost.
I can’t believe it took me almost a whole year to read this book. I know I hit a bad reading slump but I hadn’t realized it was that bad until I saw when I started reading this.
I can’t wait to read the next in the series.
I can’t believe it took me almost a whole year to read this book. I know I hit a bad reading slump but I hadn’t realized it was that bad until I saw when I started reading this.
I can’t wait to read the next in the series.
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