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Hunter Killer #2
Dangerous Grounds
The most deadly waters in the world. More rocks, shoals and uncharted reefs than can be counted. Thousands of wrecks litter the bottom, their bones bleached white on the reefs. And, if reefs, shoals and massive typhoons aren’t enough, pirates lurk to take the unwary.
They lie directly across some of the most congested shipping lanes in the world and in the heart of a cauldron where politics, religion, drugs, and greed boils over. A young Naval Academy midshipman, a few SEALs, and the crew of a stolen submarine are the only people in a position to stop terrorists bent on bringing down a nuclear Armageddon, unleashing a holy war on mankind. Ripped directly from today’s headlines, it all starts in a part of the world that has for centuries been designated on navigational charts as The Dangerous Grounds.
486 pages, Paperback
First published October 23, 2015
About the author
George Wallace
19 books97 followersBorn and raised in Eastern Ohio, Commander Wallace received his commission in the US Navy and a degree in engineering from The Ohio State University. After the obligatory and memorable interview with Admiral Rickover, he was accepted into the nuclear power and submarine communities. He served on two of Admiral Rickover’s famous “Forty One for Freedom”, the USS John Adams SSBN 620 and the USS Woodrow Wilson SSBN 624, during which time he made nine one-hundred-day deterrent patrols through the height of the Cold War.
Commander Wallace served as Executive Officer on the Sturgeon class nuclear attack submarine Spadefish. Spadefish and all her sisters were decommissioned during the downsizing that occurred in the 1990′s. The passing of that great ship served as the inspiration for “Final Bearing.”
Commander Wallace then commanded the Los Angeles class nuclear attack submarine USS Houston SSN 713 from February 1990 to August 1992. During this tour of duty he worked extensively with the SEAL community developing SEAL/submarine tactics. Under his command, the Houston was awarded the CIA Meritorious Unit Citation.
Commander George Wallace retired to the civilian business world in 1995, after twenty-two years of service on nuclear submarines.
Commander Wallace lives with his wife, Penny, in Alexandria, Virginia.
Commander Wallace served as Executive Officer on the Sturgeon class nuclear attack submarine Spadefish. Spadefish and all her sisters were decommissioned during the downsizing that occurred in the 1990′s. The passing of that great ship served as the inspiration for “Final Bearing.”
Commander Wallace then commanded the Los Angeles class nuclear attack submarine USS Houston SSN 713 from February 1990 to August 1992. During this tour of duty he worked extensively with the SEAL community developing SEAL/submarine tactics. Under his command, the Houston was awarded the CIA Meritorious Unit Citation.
Commander George Wallace retired to the civilian business world in 1995, after twenty-two years of service on nuclear submarines.
Commander Wallace lives with his wife, Penny, in Alexandria, Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 13, 2025
Overall it was a great book. Just like the book prior, it had multiple plots, however I found this book easier to follow. There was one particular event in this book that I think was a little far fetched, but other than that it was entertaining and informative per usual.
December 5, 2024
Enjoyable book to read, a bit light on the plot, a bit light on technical content but not difficult to get through in any way. Onto the next in the series Cuban Deep
June 13, 2020
Coming off my enjoyment of final bearing I was almost nervous to read this because I didn’t want to be let down. Thankfully this wasn’t the case. My single gripe is that I am not overly convinced that one particular aspect of this plot was plausible (that being said for all I know none of it is!) but that aside it made for great entertainment. Like final bearing it involved multiple plot points that intertwined to give a thrilling read.
August 27, 2019
Started out OK, but HORRIBLE + Abbreviated/Shortened Ending
Most of the first 7/8 of this book was OK; there were too many different plot angles being written and jumped into this way and that, but it was mostly a good story line. However, something went very, very wrong at the end — it’s like the story is flowing at a good rate — THEN the authors just severed the book in order to give it a quick ending. What happened? Did they run out of pages? Did the editors just scream at them and demand it be submitted? Many, many things are missing from the tail-end of this book, and the readers deserved more and better.
There’s also some poor writing, for instance — 2 prime characters get into a fight and they each get shot and killed during the struggle — but, HOW? One guy’s head gets blown off, and the other dies from being shot through-and-through ... how could they both kill each other during such a struggle?
Another example is it’s UNBELIEVABLE how poorly one sub crew is portrayed ... totally hard-headed, independent crew members are changed into submissive jerks ... this just doesn’t make sense.
And, it’s the things that happen AFTER this, that are dropped from the story, and glossed over at a high level, in order to just wrap up the book. Boo!
Most of the first 7/8 of this book was OK; there were too many different plot angles being written and jumped into this way and that, but it was mostly a good story line. However, something went very, very wrong at the end — it’s like the story is flowing at a good rate — THEN the authors just severed the book in order to give it a quick ending. What happened? Did they run out of pages? Did the editors just scream at them and demand it be submitted? Many, many things are missing from the tail-end of this book, and the readers deserved more and better.
There’s also some poor writing, for instance — 2 prime characters get into a fight and they each get shot and killed during the struggle — but, HOW? One guy’s head gets blown off, and the other dies from being shot through-and-through ... how could they both kill each other during such a struggle?
Another example is it’s UNBELIEVABLE how poorly one sub crew is portrayed ... totally hard-headed, independent crew members are changed into submissive jerks ... this just doesn’t make sense.
And, it’s the things that happen AFTER this, that are dropped from the story, and glossed over at a high level, in order to just wrap up the book. Boo!
September 12, 2020
Disappointing
The book started with promise then just got more and more stupid. There are so many different plots all somehow coming together. Highly trained SEALs are just ineffective and all that technology useless, well its just not real. It’s supposed to be a book about submarine ops, but you spend more time out of the sub with pirates, terrorists, drug lords, SEALs, drug agents, CIA, etc than in subs. Let’s get real, how plausible is it that a state of the art US nuclear sub would get taken over by a bunch of rag tag pirates to launch a nuclear torpedo? I would trust that it’s virtually impossible. I wondered if the author somehow has a gripe against US Navy and SEALs?
The book started with promise then just got more and more stupid. There are so many different plots all somehow coming together. Highly trained SEALs are just ineffective and all that technology useless, well its just not real. It’s supposed to be a book about submarine ops, but you spend more time out of the sub with pirates, terrorists, drug lords, SEALs, drug agents, CIA, etc than in subs. Let’s get real, how plausible is it that a state of the art US nuclear sub would get taken over by a bunch of rag tag pirates to launch a nuclear torpedo? I would trust that it’s virtually impossible. I wondered if the author somehow has a gripe against US Navy and SEALs?
May 11, 2021
The story line was a little too spread out and convoluted, with too many lead outs. It was easy to follow but some of the plot lines could have been skipped over or just cut out. And I find it very hard to believe that a couple boats full of terrorists could sneak up on a surfaced submarine, especially with radar and watch standers. The ending felt a bit rushed and left a couple story lines fairly open-ended. And not so much for the next novel either. The character story lines move into the next novel easily enough, but not the open-ended plot story lines are not even mentioned in the next novel.
February 22, 2026
I must tell you that Dangerous Grounds was a heck of an exciting story. I don't need to tell you that it involves a submarine (and more than that). But I will tell you that the detailed explanations of how to run a submarine were amazing. The authors do an excellent job of switching amongst different settings and different people (some of whom carry over from book #1) who all tie together for a great story. Particularly towards the end, I just couldn't put the book down as the excitement just kept building. I had been running out of naval stories from my usual authors and am so glad that I found the series of books by Wallace & Keith.
April 10, 2024
Book was ok. Some of the stuff about the Navy is off. No body calls a Master Chief just Chief. Ever. Chiefs are Chiefs. Senior Chiefs are Senior or Senior Chief. Master Chief is always Master Chief. Also, at the end, silver dolphins? Kid is a Middie. Officers wear gold dolphins. I wasn't a bubblehead but I doubt Middies can earn their dolphins on summer cruise. There is more to it than just shipboard quals. And the idea of an LA class sub on the surface anywhere let alone in pirate infested waters is just crazy. Overall, I enjoted the book but some parts were a let down.
May 23, 2024
Dangerous Grounds (The Hunter Killer Series Book 2), my second read from authors George Wallace & Don Keith. Reminiscent of the best works of Tom Clancy and Andrew Watts, an incredibly ,well-developed, well-written book. A captivating, page-turning, well-written read. “I received a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author. Cuban Deep (The Hunter Killer Series Book 3) is next on my TBR list. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
March 31, 2019
Good book
Nail biter. Refreshing in that the submarine terms and actions are real. Too many attempt to write or make submarine stories that don't know a submarine from an Orca. I do have one question, when did they stop calling submarines, "Boats?" I predate the commander by many years having been discharged in 69. Much has changed since then. Noticed that
The Goat Locker still exists. Good story in any event.
Nail biter. Refreshing in that the submarine terms and actions are real. Too many attempt to write or make submarine stories that don't know a submarine from an Orca. I do have one question, when did they stop calling submarines, "Boats?" I predate the commander by many years having been discharged in 69. Much has changed since then. Noticed that
The Goat Locker still exists. Good story in any event.
April 25, 2019
Dangerous Grounds
This novel was very similar to the last novel in character description in that the main bad guy had unlimited energy and his next in line even though younger had trouble keeping up. Also one of the terrorist was killed by a U.S. Missile form a helicopter and showed up later in the story. At one point when talking about the Father the sons name was used instead of his. Editors missed these points . But I will read the next book hoping for improvements.
This novel was very similar to the last novel in character description in that the main bad guy had unlimited energy and his next in line even though younger had trouble keeping up. Also one of the terrorist was killed by a U.S. Missile form a helicopter and showed up later in the story. At one point when talking about the Father the sons name was used instead of his. Editors missed these points . But I will read the next book hoping for improvements.
June 21, 2020
Heart-pounding!
The Ward men rise to the fore. Even the captain’s wife. I’m a destroyerman of 20 years service. These two guys write as authentic a Navy tale as any I’ve ever read. So comforting to read their prose that reflect their having been in the crucible. Glad there are several more to enjoy!!
The Ward men rise to the fore. Even the captain’s wife. I’m a destroyerman of 20 years service. These two guys write as authentic a Navy tale as any I’ve ever read. So comforting to read their prose that reflect their having been in the crucible. Glad there are several more to enjoy!!
June 26, 2020
The worst book I have read this year by a long shot. Is the author serious in writing some of those bullshit paragraphs? So much factual stuff wrong in this book. The number of typo's is disgusting, there are heaps and heaps of them. Who proof read this crap?
I definitely will not recommend this unrealistic book to you, please look elsewhere for a good read.
I definitely will not recommend this unrealistic book to you, please look elsewhere for a good read.
January 15, 2021
Great Action/Thriller!
Best Action/Thriller I’ve read in a long time. Multiple plot threads are well crafted and keeps the reader on the edge. Having three family members involved is perhaps too far fetched but didn’t lesson the enjoyment of the read. I enjoyed the Submarine Tech as well. Highly recommend.
Best Action/Thriller I’ve read in a long time. Multiple plot threads are well crafted and keeps the reader on the edge. Having three family members involved is perhaps too far fetched but didn’t lesson the enjoyment of the read. I enjoyed the Submarine Tech as well. Highly recommend.
October 4, 2023
Escape the scary real life news
The action in Dangerous Grounds keeps the pages turning. Anyone interested in American warfare technology and practice will find the complexity of submarine operation fascinating. The key elements of the plot meander and stretch credulity a bit more than necessary, but nothing in the events of 9/11 would have seemed believable either before they occurred. I’ll keep authors Wallace and Keith on my hunt list.
The action in Dangerous Grounds keeps the pages turning. Anyone interested in American warfare technology and practice will find the complexity of submarine operation fascinating. The key elements of the plot meander and stretch credulity a bit more than necessary, but nothing in the events of 9/11 would have seemed believable either before they occurred. I’ll keep authors Wallace and Keith on my hunt list.
July 30, 2019
A stretch of the imagination
The storyline was just slightly above reality. The submarine orders and actions seem th correct, however some of the drug and terrorist activities leave me wondering.
The storyline was just slightly above reality. The submarine orders and actions seem th correct, however some of the drug and terrorist activities leave me wondering.
December 7, 2019
Dangerous grounds
Surprisingly detailed sub book with multiple tales proceeding simultaneously to full blown ending. Possibility of future adventure was left in the ending and would seem worth reading.
Surprisingly detailed sub book with multiple tales proceeding simultaneously to full blown ending. Possibility of future adventure was left in the ending and would seem worth reading.
April 24, 2020
Very good story!
High end action well written and just an enjoyable read. Looking forward to reading book 3 in this series. And do they really still have bug juice on Navy Subs and Ships?
High end action well written and just an enjoyable read. Looking forward to reading book 3 in this series. And do they really still have bug juice on Navy Subs and Ships?
May 19, 2020
A great completely plausible plot.
I very much enjoyed this book. The main players are all very visible in international affairs at the moment, North Korea, U.S, drug lords and special forces. Obviously well researched.
I very much enjoyed this book. The main players are all very visible in international affairs at the moment, North Korea, U.S, drug lords and special forces. Obviously well researched.
June 26, 2020
4/5. A decent follow-up to the first novel in the series. Not as good as the first book due to a few improbable occurrences and coincidences. The author is an experienced submariner and his intimate familiarity with equipment and tactics enhance his storytelling. On to book #3.
March 20, 2021
An exciting read combining terrorists, US military operations and personal feelings and emotions. As a 76 year old man and an avid reader, I have to admit I had tears in my eyes reading the last 10 pages of the book.
July 3, 2021
Great Second Book
Scary on many levels. Terrorists with nuclear weapons. A rogue General planning nuclear attacks to cause widespread war. Submarines, SEALS and drug agencies combining forces to stop the threat.
Scary on many levels. Terrorists with nuclear weapons. A rogue General planning nuclear attacks to cause widespread war. Submarines, SEALS and drug agencies combining forces to stop the threat.
January 19, 2023
Verbose
Far too often the authors excessive descriptions tend to cause the reader to skip ahead to get back to story progression. Very accurate description of submarine life. Looking forward to the next book.
Far too often the authors excessive descriptions tend to cause the reader to skip ahead to get back to story progression. Very accurate description of submarine life. Looking forward to the next book.
September 26, 2024
One of the worst books I’ve read
Poorly written. Ridiculous plot. Every military description inaccurate and absurd. Racist characterizations of many nationalities. Misogynistic description of women. Huge number of misspellings. Bad grammar. A piece of trash.
Poorly written. Ridiculous plot. Every military description inaccurate and absurd. Racist characterizations of many nationalities. Misogynistic description of women. Huge number of misspellings. Bad grammar. A piece of trash.
February 23, 2025
I cannot believe this series!
I seldom read anything other than military science fiction. My tastes for contemporary fiction almost does not exist. However, for some reason, this series has turned into a favorite.
I seldom read anything other than military science fiction. My tastes for contemporary fiction almost does not exist. However, for some reason, this series has turned into a favorite.
May 8, 2025
Wild ride
Terrific submarine thriller with strong characters, amazing detail, and believable plot. I have read this twice now and will definitely read it again! Highly recommend this Hunter Killer Series.
Terrific submarine thriller with strong characters, amazing detail, and believable plot. I have read this twice now and will definitely read it again! Highly recommend this Hunter Killer Series.
September 30, 2025
Enjoyable
This series isn’t going to win a Pulitzer Prize for literature, but to me, an ex military guy, the books are a fun read with almost believable plots and likable characters.
This series isn’t going to win a Pulitzer Prize for literature, but to me, an ex military guy, the books are a fun read with almost believable plots and likable characters.
September 5, 2018
Good read
Enjoyed the multi story lines coming together.
Detail was well done. Grateful for those that really live like this so we can enjoy freedom
Enjoyed the multi story lines coming together.
Detail was well done. Grateful for those that really live like this so we can enjoy freedom
July 18, 2019
Excellent! Can't wait to read the third book in this series!
September 9, 2019
Wow
What an amazing story. Seemed to start out a little slow but I read on, he kept getting better and better. The ending was amazing.
What an amazing story. Seemed to start out a little slow but I read on, he kept getting better and better. The ending was amazing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews