Crush Depth

Jeffrey Fuller #3

by Joe Buff

In 2012, the world is a far different place. The Axis and Allied powers are recovering from a violent encounter between a German nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine and the USS Challenger, commanded by Captain Jeffrey Fuller. But the war has only begun . . . Reactionary enemy regimes have brutally taken command in South Africa and Germany. U.S. and European shipping lanes are suddenly under attack. World War is at hand -- and for the ruthless Berlin–Boer Axis, the devastating weapons of choice will be tactical nukes used at sea. The Voortrekker, a deep-diving state-of-the-art German submarine, is on the prowl, carrying more onboard firepower than many of the world's nations possess -- and the crippled sub USS Challenger is the only weapon in America's arsenal that can match up with the silent killer. But the nation's last hope is in dry dock -- and Captain Jeffrey Fuller, Challenger's brilliant, driven skipper, must get his damaged boat back in action weeks before it is battle-ready. Fuller has faced Voortrekker in the past and, unlike so many others, he survived. This time, however, the fight will take place in waters far too deep for a normal sub to withstand. And this time the prize will be America.

Genres: Fiction, Thriller, Military Fiction, War, Military Thriller, Action

512 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 1, 2002

Reviews

[Flabberdacks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book when I was younger and revisiting it, I can see why. A memorable combat sequence around a sea mount really stuck with me. People who enjoy watching any sort of submarine movie because they're cool as hell will likely enjoy this book.

However.

While overall I enjoyed Crush Depth, it was a bit frustrating in parts. Most of the strategic narrative of the book is enemy captain Jan ter Horst playing 7D mind chess on a truly global scale, while Our Hero Jeffrey Fuller is so distracted by the celebrity of his opponent, relationship drama and a comically hardarse commanding officer that he behaves like an absolute trainee in critical moments. A crucial part of the endgame battle basically amounts to: Sonar: "Captain it's submarine" Fuller: "Go toward it immediately"... and yet guess who comes out on top. You will not be surprised. Insert a picture of an American flag here. I recognise there is an attempt to show Fuller developing as a commanding officer but honestly he deserved several torpedoes up the backside at multiple points in the book.

Fuller also absent-mindedly treats his girlfriend like garbage then whines when she dumps him, and I couldn't figure out if the author was conscious of it or not. As is unfortunately typical, men are judged on their ability, and women are judged on their looks - any ability they have is totally secondary. A shame.

Overall I would recommend Crush Depth as an easy read, especially if you're like me and haven't read any fiction in quite a long time and are trying to get back into the swing of it.

[David Linzee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most technothriller writers have their heroes plying super-weaponry in real-life conflicts, US vs. Soviet Union or Israel vs. Iran. But Buff has invented an entire war. You have to applaud his imaginative effort, even if the war does bear a passing resemblance to WW2, "the big one," as Archie Bunker used to say. It's the US and UK vs. the Germans and South Africa. This episode of the series kicks off with a missile attack on Manhattan, which hero Jeff Fuller views from the Empire State Building. Fuller then returns as Captain to the attack submarine Challenger, and a rematch with his arch enemy in the submarine Voortrekker. I like Fuller, who's more conscientious than your average technothriller hero. He worries about the environmental consequences when he unleashes his nuclear torpedoes.

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent thriller - part of a series.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have read before, great book highly recommended

[George Sengstock · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like Tom Clancy submarine warfare, this one ups the genre with nukes.

[James Elandt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow start, explosive finish (pun intended)

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

The future: Another war... another frightening aspect of man's desire to dominate other men. A coordinated coup in South Africa and Germany catches America off guard and redefines a new Axis movement. With lightning speed these new enemies attack US and European shipping lanes, setting off a deadly escalating global crisis. The Berlin-Boer Axis weapons of choice: tactical nukes. The Axis state-of-the-art submarine that reeks havoc on Allied shipping is the Voortrekker, a prowling lethal under water weapon captained by the brash Jan ter Horst. Captain Jeffrey Fuller and the crew of the USS Challenger are sent to stopp ter Horst before his deadly ship can destroy the entire Pacific Fleet. Crush Depth is a well written thriller in the vein of Tom Clancy. Excellent is adventure and naval shoot outs. If you like Clancy, you'll like Joe Buff's Crush Depth for sure.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am rapidly becoming a fan of the Joe Buff Challenger series. He write an excellent action filled military novel and you really get to know the main characters. I would reccomend reading them in order though

[Pete · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a reasonably good novel. The story is fast paced with plenty of action and engagements between the adversaries. The relationship between Fuller and his father was interesting and more character development of that sort would have earned this an even higher rating.

[Andrew Niemann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story filled with action, suspense, and even that touch of romance. Great character development and interactions keep the reader invested in following the story and rooting for the key players and booing the "bad guys."

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like The Hunt For Red October, you will love this.

[Moethedog · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful author whom I heartily suggest.

[Roland · Rating 2 out of 5]

too long

[Mike Jones]

**** Great Author