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Crash Dive #5
Hara-Kiri: a novel of the Pacific War
The fifth book in the popular Crash Dive series!
Charlie Harrison finally achieves his dream of commanding the Sandtiger, leading her able crew on a war patrol to the Philippines in September 1944. Along the way, he faces the challenges of command, a malfunctioning boat, and a patrol area that appears devoid of enemy ships.
When a massive fleet materializes on the horizon, he identifies it as Admiral Halsey's Third Fleet. America is invading the Philippines to cut off Japan from its colonial resources. The Japanese Combined Fleet responds, culminating in the largest naval battle in history and Charlie facing the ultimate test.
Charlie Harrison finally achieves his dream of commanding the Sandtiger, leading her able crew on a war patrol to the Philippines in September 1944. Along the way, he faces the challenges of command, a malfunctioning boat, and a patrol area that appears devoid of enemy ships.
When a massive fleet materializes on the horizon, he identifies it as Admiral Halsey's Third Fleet. America is invading the Philippines to cut off Japan from its colonial resources. The Japanese Combined Fleet responds, culminating in the largest naval battle in history and Charlie facing the ultimate test.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 9, 2018
About the author
Craig DiLouie
65 books1,696 followersCraig DiLouie is an author of popular thriller, apocalyptic/horror, and sci-fi/fantasy fiction.
In hundreds of reviews, Craig’s novels have been praised for their strong characters, action, and gritty realism. Each book promises an exciting experience with people you’ll care about in a world that feels real.
These works have been nominated for major literary awards such as the Bram Stoker Award and Audie Award, translated into multiple languages, and optioned for film. He is a member of the HWA, International Thriller Writers, and IFWA.
In hundreds of reviews, Craig’s novels have been praised for their strong characters, action, and gritty realism. Each book promises an exciting experience with people you’ll care about in a world that feels real.
These works have been nominated for major literary awards such as the Bram Stoker Award and Audie Award, translated into multiple languages, and optioned for film. He is a member of the HWA, International Thriller Writers, and IFWA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 13, 2018
In book five of the Crash Dive Series, Lt. Commander Charles Harrison takes command of the USS Sandtiger. In this story the action takes place in the battle of the Philippines in September of 1944.
The book is well written and researched. There is lots of action and suspense, but unlike the other four books in the series, this book reveals more crew interaction. I particularly enjoy the fact the books are only approximately five hours.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is four hours and twenty-three minutes. R. C. Bray does an excellent job narrating the book. Bray is an actor and multi-award-winning narrator.
The book is well written and researched. There is lots of action and suspense, but unlike the other four books in the series, this book reveals more crew interaction. I particularly enjoy the fact the books are only approximately five hours.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is four hours and twenty-three minutes. R. C. Bray does an excellent job narrating the book. Bray is an actor and multi-award-winning narrator.
June 2, 2018
WWII Navy submarine involved in the pacific war. A navy tale only old salts would enjoy.
July 22, 2018
Great Read!
I am a navy veteran and I am constantly reading books about WW II as I am fascinated by the war and the heroes of "The Greatest Generation" of which my father was one. He was a marine, and his war ended on a ridge on Guadalcanal when his unit was overrun by the Naps and he was bayonetted and left for dead by the Naps, only to spend the next 9 months in a hospital and eventually shipped home. To his dying day, he refused to speak of the war, and me being curious, have read every book on the war that I could get my hands on. My own war on a swift boat in the Mekong Delta gave me the understanding of my father's silence on the subject. I spent three months in the hospital because of Vietnam's delta, and I, too, will not speak of what a 23 year old kid shouldn't have to see.
I am a navy veteran and I am constantly reading books about WW II as I am fascinated by the war and the heroes of "The Greatest Generation" of which my father was one. He was a marine, and his war ended on a ridge on Guadalcanal when his unit was overrun by the Naps and he was bayonetted and left for dead by the Naps, only to spend the next 9 months in a hospital and eventually shipped home. To his dying day, he refused to speak of the war, and me being curious, have read every book on the war that I could get my hands on. My own war on a swift boat in the Mekong Delta gave me the understanding of my father's silence on the subject. I spent three months in the hospital because of Vietnam's delta, and I, too, will not speak of what a 23 year old kid shouldn't have to see.
December 18, 2019
What can be said that hasn't already been said about every entry in this series? Wow, just wow. I am utterly amazed at the depth and diversity of realistic scenarios that Mr. DiLouie throws into his stories. The dynamic and challenges faced by military service members across all branches are thrown together in this series in a way that I have not previously encountered. To say that I want more would be an understatement. Bray's performance adds even more tension to the story and really helps drive home some of the more impactful moments in the story.
That ending though...as much as I hate cliffhangers, I can honestly say I couldn't imagine a better way to leave this entry in the series. Now to move on to the final book as I eagerly await the resolution of some critical plot points. 5/5
That ending though...as much as I hate cliffhangers, I can honestly say I couldn't imagine a better way to leave this entry in the series. Now to move on to the final book as I eagerly await the resolution of some critical plot points. 5/5
January 1, 2021
This, the fifth book in the series, is a bit repetitive of previous novels and somewhat lackluster, but the exciting ending makes up for a great deal.
We learn more of the hero, Lt.Cmdr. Charles Harrison, who is beginning to have divided feelings. On the one hand, he wants to take his new command out for a battle cruise, on the other hand, he has a sense of foreboding with nightmares of a watery death.“Hara-Kiri”besides the title is also Harrison’s nickname, given to him by members of his crew resulting from his lust to sail into the jaws of the
enemy.
The ending is a cliffhanger. More exactly, the fifth book blends right into the sixth as if they formed one longer novel. Still this is a good series, enjoyable well- written and generally with plenty of taut submarine action.
We learn more of the hero, Lt.Cmdr. Charles Harrison, who is beginning to have divided feelings. On the one hand, he wants to take his new command out for a battle cruise, on the other hand, he has a sense of foreboding with nightmares of a watery death.“Hara-Kiri”besides the title is also Harrison’s nickname, given to him by members of his crew resulting from his lust to sail into the jaws of the
enemy.
The ending is a cliffhanger. More exactly, the fifth book blends right into the sixth as if they formed one longer novel. Still this is a good series, enjoyable well- written and generally with plenty of taut submarine action.
July 26, 2026
Is it stolen valor to put your main character in a battle that was in the clear light of history? To have that character mimic a valiant Medal of Honor recipient (2 actually, but we'll get to that later) and to have that character take part in an event where real heroes fought and died?
I'm not totally sure. DiLouie's work is well-researched and enjoyable to read, but it does sometimes seem slightly distasteful to have his lovingly crafted fictional men stand alongside real-life heroes, even in the most casual of ways.
Having said that, the adventure for its own sake is riveting and I'm glad I got into this.
I'm not totally sure. DiLouie's work is well-researched and enjoyable to read, but it does sometimes seem slightly distasteful to have his lovingly crafted fictional men stand alongside real-life heroes, even in the most casual of ways.
Having said that, the adventure for its own sake is riveting and I'm glad I got into this.
May 14, 2018
DiLouie has become the new master of the WWII submarine drama. This is the 5th book in a series and maintains the action well, unexpectedly delivering the crew we have grown so fond of into the middle of the largest sea battle in WWII. Fine character development, great pacing, and a perfect choice for the denouement.
July 19, 2018
Captain Charlie Harrison realizes his dream although Murphy’s Law still applies. Charlie’s third tour starts out on the wrong foot with a series of mishaps and simple bad luck. The boys are off to the Philippines for perhaps one of the largest naval battles in history. The action and suspense continues as with the previous volumes. This is a very good series and a wonderful study of Captain Harrison as he confronts his own fears, discovers an understanding of love, and realizes his full potential as a leader. R.C. Bray excels as usual and improves an already great story. The series is a must read for WWII submarine fans.
December 31, 2018
The saga continues
Another classic book in this series, the 5th. I liked it but I read it on the heels of the 4th, and perhaps that affected my appreciation for Hara-kiri. A very good story and appropriate ending consistent with history. As much as I like this author I don't feel the desire to read the next book in the series.
Another classic book in this series, the 5th. I liked it but I read it on the heels of the 4th, and perhaps that affected my appreciation for Hara-kiri. A very good story and appropriate ending consistent with history. As much as I like this author I don't feel the desire to read the next book in the series.
April 4, 2022
By far his worst book...
So, Charlie finally gets his command, and what happens? Dilouie bores us to death with back and forth banter until Harrison gets his sub sunk!!! Really expected this to be the best book so far, but was VERY disappointed. Dilouie will have to write a killer book as the follow up to regain MY trust!!!!!
- R. Craver.....
So, Charlie finally gets his command, and what happens? Dilouie bores us to death with back and forth banter until Harrison gets his sub sunk!!! Really expected this to be the best book so far, but was VERY disappointed. Dilouie will have to write a killer book as the follow up to regain MY trust!!!!!
- R. Craver.....
May 21, 2018
The author has created an eminently readable, edge of your seat, action/adventure series with many twists and turns. The characters are well developed and developing as well. The historicity is a tad loose, but believable nevertheless. Highly recommend the whole series read in order.
July 30, 2019
Really enjoyable
If like me you have read the previous books in this series you will be familiar with the Captain and crew of this submarine which Charlie now commands, this book follows the same trend that has made themselves so enjoyable.
If like me you have read the previous books in this series you will be familiar with the Captain and crew of this submarine which Charlie now commands, this book follows the same trend that has made themselves so enjoyable.
November 11, 2019
Great
I recommend this book to all. To the former bubble heads just grit your teeth at the "Fire" and enjoy the story. Their aren't many left with Submarine Combat Patrol Pins. I only met one, our COB. Chief Zang.
I recommend this book to all. To the former bubble heads just grit your teeth at the "Fire" and enjoy the story. Their aren't many left with Submarine Combat Patrol Pins. I only met one, our COB. Chief Zang.
December 23, 2021
Hara-Kiri delivers. This is a fast story, with lots of action. The audible version is narrated by the great RC Bray who brings the story to life. The ending is a cliff hanger.
Definately worth the read!
Definately worth the read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2022
Outstanding
An Outstanding Book in the Crash Dive Series. I have already downloaded Book # 6 Over the Hill. This was Avery hard Book to put down.it was easy to follow the store line.
An Outstanding Book in the Crash Dive Series. I have already downloaded Book # 6 Over the Hill. This was Avery hard Book to put down.it was easy to follow the store line.
Read
May 17, 2023masterpiece that brilliantly showcases the author's knack for creating tension and suspense. The vivid descriptions of naval warfare will leave you on the edge of your seat, desperately flipping pages
May 12, 2018
Not as good as previous in the series
A bit short and lacks the interpersonal tension of the previous books in the series. More like a long chapter than a real book.
A bit short and lacks the interpersonal tension of the previous books in the series. More like a long chapter than a real book.
May 20, 2018
Another great read
Such a great series. I've loved every book in it. This one was a tough ending. I immediately preordered the next book.
Such a great series. I've loved every book in it. This one was a tough ending. I immediately preordered the next book.
June 1, 2018
Another gripper
It had all the suspense that one would expect from this author and as usual very will written and perpetrated
It had all the suspense that one would expect from this author and as usual very will written and perpetrated
July 10, 2018
Hope he does a book 6.
May 14, 2019
Hara-Kiri
I am officially addicted to the Crash Dive series. Charlie becomes the Captain of the Sandtiger. Be careful what you wish for Charlie!
I am officially addicted to the Crash Dive series. Charlie becomes the Captain of the Sandtiger. Be careful what you wish for Charlie!
October 2, 2019
Slow to start
But once the action started it was fast paced and intense. You almost felt like part of the crew. Most have been a terrifying experience to go through.
But once the action started it was fast paced and intense. You almost felt like part of the crew. Most have been a terrifying experience to go through.
February 24, 2020
Only two stars for this one. Cliffhangers are bad for ratings.
November 25, 2020
Oh it was a terrible book that I enjoyed reading
A little far fetched but being Hara-Kiri it could've good ending
I really like the ending to know how they fared out of the war
A little far fetched but being Hara-Kiri it could've good ending
I really like the ending to know how they fared out of the war
December 11, 2020
War is hell.
June 14, 2022
Wow, talk about a cliff hanger! Great book and such a great way to continue the story. I'm a little sad to know there is only one more volume in this series.
July 13, 2018
Good read. Well done
July 20, 2020
Great action. Well paced and very enjoyable
December 7, 2021
Ended in a cliff hanger not my favorite but a good book despite the ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews