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Destroyermen #10
Straits of Hell
New York Times bestselling author Taylor Anderson’s phenomenal alternate history Destroyermen series continues as a game-changing conspiracy throws the hope of honor, trust, and survival into chaos....
Matt Reddy’s old Asiatic Fleet destroyer USS Walker has been mysteriously transported to an alternate version of earth. Here WWII is no longer raging, and Reddy and his crew have been trying to find a new place for themselves in this strange new world.
Now, along with the felinoid Lemurians and Imperial allies, they fight to keep the reptilian Grik, a race growing in supremacy, from reconquering the Lemurians’ ancestral home on Madagascar. Reddy and his crew are exhausted, far from reinforcements, and wildly outnumbered, so the odds seem greater than ever before. As for the fate of the Americas, Don Hernan and the evil Dominion have gathered to annihilate the forces behind the walls of Fort Defiance as a shadowy power with an agenda all its own rises with chilling resolve.
As the war teeters on a knife-edge, a tipping point may have been reached at last—and cold steel and hot-blooded valor will remain the ultimate weapons.
Matt Reddy’s old Asiatic Fleet destroyer USS Walker has been mysteriously transported to an alternate version of earth. Here WWII is no longer raging, and Reddy and his crew have been trying to find a new place for themselves in this strange new world.
Now, along with the felinoid Lemurians and Imperial allies, they fight to keep the reptilian Grik, a race growing in supremacy, from reconquering the Lemurians’ ancestral home on Madagascar. Reddy and his crew are exhausted, far from reinforcements, and wildly outnumbered, so the odds seem greater than ever before. As for the fate of the Americas, Don Hernan and the evil Dominion have gathered to annihilate the forces behind the walls of Fort Defiance as a shadowy power with an agenda all its own rises with chilling resolve.
As the war teeters on a knife-edge, a tipping point may have been reached at last—and cold steel and hot-blooded valor will remain the ultimate weapons.
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First published May 5, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
January 27, 2020
Grik die! Doms die! Danger lurks!
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Straits of Hell (Destroyermen Book 10) (Kindle Edition)
In this volume, the fighting in the West is a throw back to the old, almost mindless Grik mass assaults. Unknowingly our heroes may have worsened their prospects by killing the commanders of the old style Grik army. The fighting in the East is edge of your chair suspenseful. Even though the bulk of STRAITS OF HELL concerns battles, the world Geo-political situation continues to develop with lurking danger for the new Union and its allies.
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Straits of Hell (Destroyermen Book 10) (Kindle Edition)
In this volume, the fighting in the West is a throw back to the old, almost mindless Grik mass assaults. Unknowingly our heroes may have worsened their prospects by killing the commanders of the old style Grik army. The fighting in the East is edge of your chair suspenseful. Even though the bulk of STRAITS OF HELL concerns battles, the world Geo-political situation continues to develop with lurking danger for the new Union and its allies.
May 5, 2015
Published at Fantasy Literature: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
My reviews for Taylor Anderson’s DESTROYERMEN series are getting shorter and shorter. That’s because, with each book, I have less to say.
Here’s the bottom line: Taylor Anderson has created a wonderful world full of loveable characters. It’s fun just to hang out with them. However, at this point, it feels like that’s all what we’re doing: just hanging out. Sure, there are battles and a bit of personal drama, but it’s all stuff we’ve seen before. In Straits of Hell, book 10, Matthew Reddy and his crew and their allies are once again fighting Don Hernan’s Dominion on one side while they fight the second battle for Grik City on the other. Meanwhile, enemies — including the Japanese — continue to plot and shift alliances. Also, a mysterious new power enters the field. We got a glimpse of them at the end of the last book. Will they be friend or foe?
Long ago I likened the DESTROYERMEN series to Robert Jordan’s WHEEL OF TIME and, as it goes on, the two series become even more similar. By the analogous point in Jordan’s series (book 10, Crossroads of Twilight), the plot had come to a near stand-still. I hate to say this, because I love Taylor’s world and characters, but Straits of Hell is a lot like Crossroads of Twilight, just with ships instead of horses. I want to know what happens to the Destroyermen in the end, but I’m growing weary and thinking about just skipping ahead to the eventual last book.
William Dufris, again, does a fabulous job with the narration in Tantor Audio’s version of Straits of Hell. If it weren’t for his delightful performances, I probably would have already given up on this series. I especially love his interpretations of Silva and Petey. If you’re planning to read DESTROYERMEN, I definitely recommend the audio versions.
My reviews for Taylor Anderson’s DESTROYERMEN series are getting shorter and shorter. That’s because, with each book, I have less to say.
Here’s the bottom line: Taylor Anderson has created a wonderful world full of loveable characters. It’s fun just to hang out with them. However, at this point, it feels like that’s all what we’re doing: just hanging out. Sure, there are battles and a bit of personal drama, but it’s all stuff we’ve seen before. In Straits of Hell, book 10, Matthew Reddy and his crew and their allies are once again fighting Don Hernan’s Dominion on one side while they fight the second battle for Grik City on the other. Meanwhile, enemies — including the Japanese — continue to plot and shift alliances. Also, a mysterious new power enters the field. We got a glimpse of them at the end of the last book. Will they be friend or foe?
Long ago I likened the DESTROYERMEN series to Robert Jordan’s WHEEL OF TIME and, as it goes on, the two series become even more similar. By the analogous point in Jordan’s series (book 10, Crossroads of Twilight), the plot had come to a near stand-still. I hate to say this, because I love Taylor’s world and characters, but Straits of Hell is a lot like Crossroads of Twilight, just with ships instead of horses. I want to know what happens to the Destroyermen in the end, but I’m growing weary and thinking about just skipping ahead to the eventual last book.
William Dufris, again, does a fabulous job with the narration in Tantor Audio’s version of Straits of Hell. If it weren’t for his delightful performances, I probably would have already given up on this series. I especially love his interpretations of Silva and Petey. If you’re planning to read DESTROYERMEN, I definitely recommend the audio versions.
November 14, 2017
This is the 10th book in the Destroyermen series by Taylor Anderson. The entire series has been a solid and consistent 4 stars.....this one however, not so much. This one fell between 2 and 3 stars. I feel bad for giving it 3 stars. This book is the first time this series felt long. I've enjoyed the characters and their culture shock, war dilemmas, and the relationships with each other and the new life they are encountering. This one lacked a good portion of that. It was singular in focus. It was all about the war and nothing about the characters. I have the next one in the series, but I think I'll wait until the new year to get around to that one.
May 17, 2015
I liked it, great battle scenes but as other reviewers have said the sort does not move forward very much, no end in sight for the war and only glimpses of the new groups that have been mentioned before.
June 3, 2015
Another very enjoyable installment from Taylor Anderson. I thought he became bogged down about 7 or 8 in the series, but I am glad I held on. The 9th book in the series corrected the mild slide (still all 10 very good reads) but this one recaptured those things I liked so much about book 3.
Shortcomings here?
If you want to call them that. I still think it's a little light on content (not quantity) on the war in the Americas. Wonderful battle scenes and I loved the Lemurian Sargents, but there seems to have been some more intricate semi-politics-of-humanity issues between cats and Humans that we did not get to see. The war in Africa, India and the Middle East is still lots of fun.
I don't know how much more blood and guts will be enjoyable as we go from battle scene to battle scene with bits of character building moments inbetween these books will be but I'm still looking foreward to the next one.
I'd lump this in with the 1632, Second Edition (Ring of Fire) series by Eric Flint and David Weber (Though Weber came in on the third book and others have come in to help Flint here as well). Of course the crazy cousin nobody claims in this sub-genre is Rally Cry by William R. Forstchen and any number of alternate history books written by Harry Turtledove.
For some reason, I've enjoyed this series slightly more than the the others but all are good. (The Ring of fire series is a close second.)
Overall, five stars because I think Anderson "shored up" those things where I think they needed shoring when I gave the last one 4 stars.
Either way, these are good reads. I know that the plot needs to grow in complexity to fit the spread of well worked out characters in the next couple of books to keep me going, but, that's in the next couple of books that haven't been written yet.
It might serve to wrap this up and open a second series after a few years of peace has allowed the new things to develop.
Nuff said.... it's still damned fun to read.
Shortcomings here?
If you want to call them that. I still think it's a little light on content (not quantity) on the war in the Americas. Wonderful battle scenes and I loved the Lemurian Sargents, but there seems to have been some more intricate semi-politics-of-humanity issues between cats and Humans that we did not get to see. The war in Africa, India and the Middle East is still lots of fun.
I don't know how much more blood and guts will be enjoyable as we go from battle scene to battle scene with bits of character building moments inbetween these books will be but I'm still looking foreward to the next one.
I'd lump this in with the 1632, Second Edition (Ring of Fire) series by Eric Flint and David Weber (Though Weber came in on the third book and others have come in to help Flint here as well). Of course the crazy cousin nobody claims in this sub-genre is Rally Cry by William R. Forstchen and any number of alternate history books written by Harry Turtledove.
For some reason, I've enjoyed this series slightly more than the the others but all are good. (The Ring of fire series is a close second.)
Overall, five stars because I think Anderson "shored up" those things where I think they needed shoring when I gave the last one 4 stars.
Either way, these are good reads. I know that the plot needs to grow in complexity to fit the spread of well worked out characters in the next couple of books to keep me going, but, that's in the next couple of books that haven't been written yet.
It might serve to wrap this up and open a second series after a few years of peace has allowed the new things to develop.
Nuff said.... it's still damned fun to read.
May 18, 2015
Taylor Anderson’s DESTROYERMEN series is getting boring. That’s because, with each book, it's more like "Ground Hog Day"...same stuff different day. Some fighting, some politics, some enemies, some friends. The characters are all interesting and it's fun to see their next adventure...but, this adventure is just like the last adventure...but it’s all stuff we’ve seen before. The book does not advance the plot, much, except there are a couple of memorable battles--we've seen those before. Don't try to read this one without the first nine. I've read every book and I'm tired of them. Please, can we just end this? Next time, I'll just read the summary and be shed of Taylor Anderson.
March 5, 2024
An enjoyable but frustrating addition to the Destroyermen series. Straits of Hell is enjoyable for the same reason its predecessors are; fascinating world building, thrilling action, and likeable protagonists. Unfortunately, it's also a rather frustrating book. Partly this is because the story is at a tipping point, the Allies have pushed their primary enemies (the Dominion and the Grik) back to their respective homelands and even established footholds in those lands; however, the battle is now an ocean away from the Alliance's heartland and supplies are getting tight even as the bad guys start to roll out new weaponry and tactics so the initiative is largely in the Doms/Griks court in this book and any hope of seeing cool new Allied weapons (better machine-gun armed Fleashooters and new 4-stacker destroyers? Yes, please!) will have to wait til the next book as both fleets are basically cut off and surrounded for the majority of this one. Perhaps the most frustrating thing is that Anderson introduces yet another hostile power (the League of Tripoli, made up of French, Italian, Spanish, and German fascists drawn from yet another alternate Earth in '39) while the Alliance's new allies are rendered powerless (the south African Republic of Real People, blockaded by a French battleship) or absent (the "other" Americans, who I'm going to go out on a limb and guess are fighting the League in the North Atlantic hence their lack of response to the Dominion's recent defeats) and its old enemies manage to not only stick in the fight but continue to catch up (and potentially surpass) the Alliance. Even more frustrating is that we spend a lot of this book catching up on what each of these factions are doing and, apart from the Grik and Dominion, most of it is set-up for the next book with them laying scheme upon scheme for the defeat of our heroes. I gave this book four stars because I'm hoping that all this frustration is just Anderson gearing up for a major redirection of the series (putting down the Grik in the Indian Ocean and the Doms in the Pacific and switching to fighting the League in the Atlantic). I can certainly see endgames starting to shape up on multiple fronts and I think it's vital that he actually close out some of these plot lines before making the League a bigger threat. Regardless, I'll certainly be grabbing the next volume as as soon as it comes out (not soon enough).
Oh, and a plea to Mr. Anderson:
Oh, and a plea to Mr. Anderson:
June 30, 2018
What can I say? I'm committed to the damn series.
More fightin' and politickin', and fully introduces yet another empire. I love the complex universe, but the focus on major battle descriptions along with the ever increasing number of players makes it hard for the plot to move at much of a pace.
Ah well, still going to keep reading them!
More fightin' and politickin', and fully introduces yet another empire. I love the complex universe, but the focus on major battle descriptions along with the ever increasing number of players makes it hard for the plot to move at much of a pace.
Ah well, still going to keep reading them!
July 13, 2015
Tenth in the Destroyermen science fiction-military alternate history series and generally revolving around Captain Reddy and the USS Walker. The primary focus in Straits of Hell is on keeping Grik City and beating the Dominion.
MY TAKE
Straits of Hell is composed of more battles, and the primary reason it took me four weeks to read. I kept picking it up and reading a few chapters before I put it down again for days. It was fearsome to read as I kept worrying about the outcomes of the different battles and who would die next. The story touches on the new groups that have been introduced in past stories, and we do learn more about the group behind the sinking of the Allies' sub. It is not promising for our side.
The League are a terrifying group who want to become friendly with the Japanese. They want to take over the world — with the right kind of people — and are concerned about the Allies winning any of their battles, hence the sinking of USS Respite Island in Deadly Shores , 9. They seem to have a powerful technology (for their time) and have been listening in on everyone!
Having abandoned Esshk, Kurokawa must rein in his own tempers having realized that he needs to keep his few surviving officers on his side. It's a treat to read, especially when he goes groveling to Esshk.
I guess I should have known how the next Celestial Mother would be chosen. Jesus. You'll laugh at Esshk's maneuverings that push Ragak into his boastful fate, although I was surprised at how well his army did.
I do like Choon! The situation in Alexandria is too frustrating for words, and Garrett and Choon both hound the emperor for his lack of decision.
Circumstances will teach Rebecca, Nig-Taak, Matt, and others to allow for their emotions and not to take past encounters as set in stone. Circumstances will also, lol, teach Shinya's forces that he doesn't tolerate incompetence. Nerino has also learned that war is not beautiful, although Don Hernan wallows in the blood and suffering as "cleansing". I suspect the Allies will be able to convert the Doms simply by how the Allies care for their wounded.
There's a thoughtful piece when Matt discusses with Bernie what he thought Gray, what all of them, are fighting for, and it may start with one's immediate ship and shipmates, but it truly is for the grand scheme.
Geerki has grown quite a bit since he first joined with Rolak. He's almost a person, as he says, and he's quite firm in his dealings with the civilian Grik, quite sneaky in fact.
It's a combination of battle, weapon upgrades, better tactics on the part of the Grik and the Doms, the terrifying way in which the Allies learn them, and Walker keeps falling apart.
THE STORY
Along with the Lemurians and Imperial allies, Matt Reddy's old Asiatic Fleet destroyer USS Walker and his crew fight to keep the reptilian Grik, a race growing in supremacy, from reconquering the Lemurians' ancestral home on Madagascar. Reddy and his crew are exhausted, far from reinforcements, and wildly outnumbered, so the odds seem greater than ever before.
As for the fate of the Americas, Don Hernan and the evil Dominion have gathered to annihilate the forces behind the walls of Fort Defiance while a shadowy power with an agenda all its own rises with chilling resolve.
As the war teeters on a knife-edge, a tipping point may have been reached at last — and cold steel and hot-blooded valor will remain the ultimate weapons.
THE CHARACTERS
The complete character list is too long for Goodreads, so you'll have to visit the review for Straits of Hell on my website if you want to see it (it won't post until July 19, 2015.
The Grand Alliance is forming up as a United States of the allies. Adar is its Chairman, High Sky Priest for Salissa and Baalkpan, and High Chief of Baalkpan. Commander Alan Letts is helping Adar set up the new constitution in Baalkpan Bay.
Grik City, Madagascar is…
…the Lemurians' ancient homeland that had been occupied by the Grik. It's where the Celestial Palace, dubbed the "Cowflop", is located and was taken by the Allies in Deadly Shores . And where the Celestial Mother was killed.
First Fleet South is…
…led by USS Walker, a destroyer that fell through a hole in the universe while fleeing an overwhelming Japanese task force. Lieutenant Commander (Captain) Matthew Reddy commands the Walker then and now. He's also the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in this world. Nurse Lieutenant Sandra Tucker Reddy is Matt's wife and the Alliance's Minister of Medicine. And pregnant.
Fort Defiance is…
…part of the Eastern front fighting the Doms off Central America. General Tomatsu Shinya is commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force. Colonel James Blair is one of the Imperials.
Second Fleet Task Force 11 is…
…off the coast of Costa Rica, conducting a probe of the Dom fleet. It's led by Admiral E.B. Hibbs on his flagship, HIMS Mars. Midshipman Varley is part of the Mars. Lieutenant Ruik-Sor-Ra captains the USS Simms. Lieutenant Gaal-Etkaa is his exec.The HMIS Icarus, a square rig steamer, is captained by Lieutenant Parr. Other ships include Finir-Pel , Mertz , Tindal , and Captain Grimsley commands the Achilles .
Second Fleet will be led by…
…High Admiral Harvey Jenks, and Rebecca insists on coming along. The Mithra will become his flagship. Surgeon Commander Selaas-Fris-Ar is Keje's daughter and chief medical officer for all Second Fleet.
Alexandra, Republic of Real People is…
…in southern Africa and sounds like our Cape Town. The kaiser, their ruler, is Nig-Taak. The Gentaa are a human-Lemurian hybrid who keep themselves apart and have set themselves up as an exclusive labor class. Inquisitor Kon-Choon is chief of intelligence for the Republic and a passenger on Donaghey. Corporal Meek is Doocy's son. General Marcus Kim is commander of the land forces of the Republic.
The Enemy
The Grik homeland is…
…Sofesshk in East Africa and is ruled by Regent Consort Ragak. The Hij are the ruling class. The Uul are warriors and can follow basic commands. First General Esshk has power struggles with Ragak, who will lead his own army to recover the Celestial City. The Chooser has proclaimed Esshk Regent Champion until a new Giver of Life can be chosen from the candidates Esshk managed to rescue from Madagascar. General Ign is the commander of the "new" warriors.
The Holy Dominion are…
…ruled by a bloodthirsty religion. Don Hernan de Devina Dicha is a Blood Cardinal, second only to this Supreme Holiness, and totally whacked. He "boosts" morale by threatening unholy torture unto death if any man fails him. General Ghanan Nerino is the former commander of His Supreme Holiness' Army of the South, the Army of God, who will be given a second chance. His Supreme Holiness, a.k.a., the Messiah of Mexico, Emperor of the World, is their ruler.
Zanzibar is…
…the headquarters for General of the Sea Hisashi Kurokawa who has too much in common with the Grik. General of the Sky Hideki Muriname, the last surviving pilot from Amagi, finally believes that Kurokawa is mad. Lieutenant Iguri is Muriname's executive officer. Commander Riku is the head of Ordnance. Signal Lieutenant Fukui handles communications. Tatsuma was Kurokawa's personal yacht and is an insult to Kurokawa when it arrives in Zanzibar.
The League of Tripoli is…
…an alliance of European countries with the French, Italians, and Spanish the powerful ones and the Germans a secondary ally. They control the Mediterranean, a chunk of North Africa, and have a toehold in Italy, France, and Spain.
Lemurians, a.k.a., 'Cats, are native to this new world, and while of a pacifist nature, have readily turned war-like to protect their people from the Grik. Homes are the great ocean-going ships each clan lived on. The Grik are a lizard-like people who eat each other and any prisoners they take. They revel in war and conquest. This war with the Allies is forcing them to re-think some aspects of their culture.
THE COVER and TITLE
The cover is fiery with deep reds and oranges in the night sky and the reflected yellows of weapon bursts on the churning waves with a collage of the ships that take part in the battles: a destroyer, brigs, a dirigible, and planes.
The title is the ferocity of the last battle. It's the Straits of Hell where the fate of Grik City will be decided.
MY TAKE
Straits of Hell is composed of more battles, and the primary reason it took me four weeks to read. I kept picking it up and reading a few chapters before I put it down again for days. It was fearsome to read as I kept worrying about the outcomes of the different battles and who would die next. The story touches on the new groups that have been introduced in past stories, and we do learn more about the group behind the sinking of the Allies' sub. It is not promising for our side.
The League are a terrifying group who want to become friendly with the Japanese. They want to take over the world — with the right kind of people — and are concerned about the Allies winning any of their battles, hence the sinking of USS Respite Island in Deadly Shores , 9. They seem to have a powerful technology (for their time) and have been listening in on everyone!
"…Gravois and his superiors have their own plans, always, that are rarely respectful of those they consider to be in their power."Their behavior in Africa is reprehensible. They treat the Republic as if it were a child needing their tyrannical guiding hand.
Having abandoned Esshk, Kurokawa must rein in his own tempers having realized that he needs to keep his few surviving officers on his side. It's a treat to read, especially when he goes groveling to Esshk.
I guess I should have known how the next Celestial Mother would be chosen. Jesus. You'll laugh at Esshk's maneuverings that push Ragak into his boastful fate, although I was surprised at how well his army did.
I do like Choon! The situation in Alexandria is too frustrating for words, and Garrett and Choon both hound the emperor for his lack of decision.
Circumstances will teach Rebecca, Nig-Taak, Matt, and others to allow for their emotions and not to take past encounters as set in stone. Circumstances will also, lol, teach Shinya's forces that he doesn't tolerate incompetence. Nerino has also learned that war is not beautiful, although Don Hernan wallows in the blood and suffering as "cleansing". I suspect the Allies will be able to convert the Doms simply by how the Allies care for their wounded.
There's a thoughtful piece when Matt discusses with Bernie what he thought Gray, what all of them, are fighting for, and it may start with one's immediate ship and shipmates, but it truly is for the grand scheme.
Geerki has grown quite a bit since he first joined with Rolak. He's almost a person, as he says, and he's quite firm in his dealings with the civilian Grik, quite sneaky in fact.
It's a combination of battle, weapon upgrades, better tactics on the part of the Grik and the Doms, the terrifying way in which the Allies learn them, and Walker keeps falling apart.
THE STORY
Along with the Lemurians and Imperial allies, Matt Reddy's old Asiatic Fleet destroyer USS Walker and his crew fight to keep the reptilian Grik, a race growing in supremacy, from reconquering the Lemurians' ancestral home on Madagascar. Reddy and his crew are exhausted, far from reinforcements, and wildly outnumbered, so the odds seem greater than ever before.
As for the fate of the Americas, Don Hernan and the evil Dominion have gathered to annihilate the forces behind the walls of Fort Defiance while a shadowy power with an agenda all its own rises with chilling resolve.
As the war teeters on a knife-edge, a tipping point may have been reached at last — and cold steel and hot-blooded valor will remain the ultimate weapons.
THE CHARACTERS
The complete character list is too long for Goodreads, so you'll have to visit the review for Straits of Hell on my website if you want to see it (it won't post until July 19, 2015.
The Grand Alliance is forming up as a United States of the allies. Adar is its Chairman, High Sky Priest for Salissa and Baalkpan, and High Chief of Baalkpan. Commander Alan Letts is helping Adar set up the new constitution in Baalkpan Bay.
Grik City, Madagascar is…
…the Lemurians' ancient homeland that had been occupied by the Grik. It's where the Celestial Palace, dubbed the "Cowflop", is located and was taken by the Allies in Deadly Shores . And where the Celestial Mother was killed.
First Fleet South is…
…led by USS Walker, a destroyer that fell through a hole in the universe while fleeing an overwhelming Japanese task force. Lieutenant Commander (Captain) Matthew Reddy commands the Walker then and now. He's also the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in this world. Nurse Lieutenant Sandra Tucker Reddy is Matt's wife and the Alliance's Minister of Medicine. And pregnant.
Fort Defiance is…
…part of the Eastern front fighting the Doms off Central America. General Tomatsu Shinya is commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force. Colonel James Blair is one of the Imperials.
Second Fleet Task Force 11 is…
…off the coast of Costa Rica, conducting a probe of the Dom fleet. It's led by Admiral E.B. Hibbs on his flagship, HIMS Mars. Midshipman Varley is part of the Mars. Lieutenant Ruik-Sor-Ra captains the USS Simms. Lieutenant Gaal-Etkaa is his exec.The HMIS Icarus, a square rig steamer, is captained by Lieutenant Parr. Other ships include Finir-Pel , Mertz , Tindal , and Captain Grimsley commands the Achilles .
Second Fleet will be led by…
…High Admiral Harvey Jenks, and Rebecca insists on coming along. The Mithra will become his flagship. Surgeon Commander Selaas-Fris-Ar is Keje's daughter and chief medical officer for all Second Fleet.
Alexandra, Republic of Real People is…
…in southern Africa and sounds like our Cape Town. The kaiser, their ruler, is Nig-Taak. The Gentaa are a human-Lemurian hybrid who keep themselves apart and have set themselves up as an exclusive labor class. Inquisitor Kon-Choon is chief of intelligence for the Republic and a passenger on Donaghey. Corporal Meek is Doocy's son. General Marcus Kim is commander of the land forces of the Republic.
The Enemy
The Grik homeland is…
…Sofesshk in East Africa and is ruled by Regent Consort Ragak. The Hij are the ruling class. The Uul are warriors and can follow basic commands. First General Esshk has power struggles with Ragak, who will lead his own army to recover the Celestial City. The Chooser has proclaimed Esshk Regent Champion until a new Giver of Life can be chosen from the candidates Esshk managed to rescue from Madagascar. General Ign is the commander of the "new" warriors.
The Holy Dominion are…
…ruled by a bloodthirsty religion. Don Hernan de Devina Dicha is a Blood Cardinal, second only to this Supreme Holiness, and totally whacked. He "boosts" morale by threatening unholy torture unto death if any man fails him. General Ghanan Nerino is the former commander of His Supreme Holiness' Army of the South, the Army of God, who will be given a second chance. His Supreme Holiness, a.k.a., the Messiah of Mexico, Emperor of the World, is their ruler.
Zanzibar is…
…the headquarters for General of the Sea Hisashi Kurokawa who has too much in common with the Grik. General of the Sky Hideki Muriname, the last surviving pilot from Amagi, finally believes that Kurokawa is mad. Lieutenant Iguri is Muriname's executive officer. Commander Riku is the head of Ordnance. Signal Lieutenant Fukui handles communications. Tatsuma was Kurokawa's personal yacht and is an insult to Kurokawa when it arrives in Zanzibar.
The League of Tripoli is…
…an alliance of European countries with the French, Italians, and Spanish the powerful ones and the Germans a secondary ally. They control the Mediterranean, a chunk of North Africa, and have a toehold in Italy, France, and Spain.
Lemurians, a.k.a., 'Cats, are native to this new world, and while of a pacifist nature, have readily turned war-like to protect their people from the Grik. Homes are the great ocean-going ships each clan lived on. The Grik are a lizard-like people who eat each other and any prisoners they take. They revel in war and conquest. This war with the Allies is forcing them to re-think some aspects of their culture.
THE COVER and TITLE
The cover is fiery with deep reds and oranges in the night sky and the reflected yellows of weapon bursts on the churning waves with a collage of the ships that take part in the battles: a destroyer, brigs, a dirigible, and planes.
The title is the ferocity of the last battle. It's the Straits of Hell where the fate of Grik City will be decided.
August 30, 2022
[2.3 stars, it was ok... will finish the series, but cannot promise more]
The problem with complex worlds is that the middle is often full of mush. As the scope of the conflict expands globally, the author struggles to maintain freshness to the series: themes are repeated and characters reprise roles seen previously. I like the characters, I like the action, but an injection of novelty would be appreciated. In this, it is to some extent a reflection of reality. Wars often grind on past the enthusiasm for which they were begun.
The problem with complex worlds is that the middle is often full of mush. As the scope of the conflict expands globally, the author struggles to maintain freshness to the series: themes are repeated and characters reprise roles seen previously. I like the characters, I like the action, but an injection of novelty would be appreciated. In this, it is to some extent a reflection of reality. Wars often grind on past the enthusiasm for which they were begun.
October 28, 2018
This series keeps getting better.
This tenth book included 2 great battles on opposite sides of the globe, and despite different nature of battles, and so many different characters involved, it managed to keep things together while allowing reader to enjoy the tension in both of them.
It helps that the author stopped giving too much detail on items which break the flow. He kept moving the story fast, using all the built-up from the previous books, and developing the characters further. In fact, you start seeing some doubt in the minds of main players which is one of the good development, and adds to the dimensions of the story.
Also, with all the extra hints about Lemurians and Grik scattered throughout this book and the previous one, I have an inling of where this is going, and what we are going to discover about the ancient history where Lemurians sailed away from Grik. Fun times.
This tenth book included 2 great battles on opposite sides of the globe, and despite different nature of battles, and so many different characters involved, it managed to keep things together while allowing reader to enjoy the tension in both of them.
It helps that the author stopped giving too much detail on items which break the flow. He kept moving the story fast, using all the built-up from the previous books, and developing the characters further. In fact, you start seeing some doubt in the minds of main players which is one of the good development, and adds to the dimensions of the story.
Also, with all the extra hints about Lemurians and Grik scattered throughout this book and the previous one, I have an inling of where this is going, and what we are going to discover about the ancient history where Lemurians sailed away from Grik. Fun times.
December 7, 2015
I love this alternate history/reality series, although I feel that the web of new mysterious players and participants is diluting the existing threads. I want to know how these threads will form the final fabric of this complex and interesting story.
Anderson has a masterful grasp of the details of his war equipment and settings, and expert help to keep it straight and authentic sounding. I'm not as sure I'm weaving the many parts of this story in my mind as well as he expects. If this were my only series I read, it might be easier, but this one is always adding more complexities, new mystery players, to match the world war on our version of Earth that it reflects, and to keep them largely unknown until they need to enter the main plot.
I hope the author starts to combine the story threads, instead of adding new tapestry to make following the many existing story lines a chore.
Anderson has a masterful grasp of the details of his war equipment and settings, and expert help to keep it straight and authentic sounding. I'm not as sure I'm weaving the many parts of this story in my mind as well as he expects. If this were my only series I read, it might be easier, but this one is always adding more complexities, new mystery players, to match the world war on our version of Earth that it reflects, and to keep them largely unknown until they need to enter the main plot.
I hope the author starts to combine the story threads, instead of adding new tapestry to make following the many existing story lines a chore.
May 15, 2015
A bit formulaic. The author hits the same beats the same way. The world has expanded a bit and we learn of a new threat. But very little else happens that didn't happen in the last book. The western fleet are still in Madagascar and the Eastern Fleet are still in the same area in South America. I almost feel as if the author should have written one book on the western front and the other on the eastern one rather than cut them in half and put them in two different books. I really hope more happens in the next one.
May 9, 2015
Great book
Another great chapter of the destroyermen. Mr Anderson continues to entertain. Good development of characters and story. Great transfer between the different battle fronts. I look forward to the next installment. Many thanks to the author
Another great chapter of the destroyermen. Mr Anderson continues to entertain. Good development of characters and story. Great transfer between the different battle fronts. I look forward to the next installment. Many thanks to the author
May 8, 2015
Superb
I have read every book in the series and never tire of them.
CHaracters you live and breathe and fight alongside. You must read them all.
I have read every book in the series and never tire of them.
CHaracters you live and breathe and fight alongside. You must read them all.
July 19, 2021
Read this review (and others) at: https://literatureislife.com/2021/07/...
So, Straits of Hell starts us in on the endgame sequence. The Alliance is heading towards the Grik’s front door before their enemies can regroup. They know full well that if the Grik manage to regroup, the war is lost. With how quickly the Grik breed and how fast they’re catching up to modern military technology, the Alliance will be both outmanned and outgunned if the Grik are given time. All they have to do is reach the Grik capital and finish the fight. On the other hand, there’s the river to consider.
Now, rivers are incredibly important in military history. A river can be a limited natural barrier against infantry and vehicles; whoever controls the bridges controls that barrier. Where watercraft are involved, the river provides a convenient means of transportation for equipment, supplies, weapons, and troops. The river in Straits of Hell is also critical because it controls the Grik capital’s access to the ocean. And Taylor Anderson handles this masterfully. Both sides know that the river is a choke point. This war that has spanned an entire ocean is now down to whoever controls this river having the upper edge.
And Taylor Anderson depicts this masterfully. It’s a slow crawl up the river, fighting past enemy defenses on the water and shores alike. Not to mention going in with limited resources in the first wave while the rest of the fleet rallies. There is a lot of action here, even for this series. And the Grik are fighting better while this is going on. Most of the old Grik relying on zerg rush tactics have been killed. The living officers are fighting smart and using real tactics.
Another solid entry in the Destroyerman series. The Grik storyline is coming to a close, leaving more room in future novels to deal with the Alliance’s other enemies.
So, Straits of Hell starts us in on the endgame sequence. The Alliance is heading towards the Grik’s front door before their enemies can regroup. They know full well that if the Grik manage to regroup, the war is lost. With how quickly the Grik breed and how fast they’re catching up to modern military technology, the Alliance will be both outmanned and outgunned if the Grik are given time. All they have to do is reach the Grik capital and finish the fight. On the other hand, there’s the river to consider.
Now, rivers are incredibly important in military history. A river can be a limited natural barrier against infantry and vehicles; whoever controls the bridges controls that barrier. Where watercraft are involved, the river provides a convenient means of transportation for equipment, supplies, weapons, and troops. The river in Straits of Hell is also critical because it controls the Grik capital’s access to the ocean. And Taylor Anderson handles this masterfully. Both sides know that the river is a choke point. This war that has spanned an entire ocean is now down to whoever controls this river having the upper edge.
And Taylor Anderson depicts this masterfully. It’s a slow crawl up the river, fighting past enemy defenses on the water and shores alike. Not to mention going in with limited resources in the first wave while the rest of the fleet rallies. There is a lot of action here, even for this series. And the Grik are fighting better while this is going on. Most of the old Grik relying on zerg rush tactics have been killed. The living officers are fighting smart and using real tactics.
Another solid entry in the Destroyerman series. The Grik storyline is coming to a close, leaving more room in future novels to deal with the Alliance’s other enemies.
July 19, 2020
Stand-alone books in genres such as westerns, mysteries, science fiction and fantasy are rare birds. Series dominate, and have for some time now. A series author can take one of two main approaches. The main character may reappear but in a new adventure with each book, and while not a stand-alone, each book can be somewhat independent of the others. Or the author creates a long running serial (the old standard trilogy is almost a thing of the past itself), with each book picking up where the last one left off. That is the route that Anderson has taken with his "Destroyermen" series in which a Battered American naval destroyer is transported to an alternate world and dropped from one world war into another of a very different sort. The premise was creative in the details that I am not going into here and you root for the good guys even as each book complicates their situation, introducing new enemies and new allies.
But this is Book 10. Wrap it up, will ya! I understand that an end is in sight, and as much as I enjoyed these characters and will read to the end to see how it all works out, I think that Anderson has milked this one just a bit too long. He's not alone. These long series are becoming the norm. Hard core fans love them, but at some point, the author has to know when to say "Enough."
But this is Book 10. Wrap it up, will ya! I understand that an end is in sight, and as much as I enjoyed these characters and will read to the end to see how it all works out, I think that Anderson has milked this one just a bit too long. He's not alone. These long series are becoming the norm. Hard core fans love them, but at some point, the author has to know when to say "Enough."
March 27, 2017
Up to this point I have mostly enjoyed the storyline and felt that it was plausible. In this installment of Destroyermen I think the author has begun to abuse my credulity with a succession of battles where the good guys are almost defeated but then, somehow, pull victory from the jaws of defeat.
I am also perplexed how the Japanese villain and his cohorts, though small in number, somehow manage to maintain the pace of creating and then building new weapons and other capabilities while the good guys, with a whole culture representing thousands and an already established and rapidly expanding industrial base can barely stay ahead. Yes, I know the villains have the lizards to help.
Oh, and we have female teenaged heads of state giving orders regarding the deployment of ships and men whose directions are accepted because..... well, I am not sure. Will continue to read, at least one more book, if for no other reason to see how my favorite characters fare.
I am also perplexed how the Japanese villain and his cohorts, though small in number, somehow manage to maintain the pace of creating and then building new weapons and other capabilities while the good guys, with a whole culture representing thousands and an already established and rapidly expanding industrial base can barely stay ahead. Yes, I know the villains have the lizards to help.
Oh, and we have female teenaged heads of state giving orders regarding the deployment of ships and men whose directions are accepted because..... well, I am not sure. Will continue to read, at least one more book, if for no other reason to see how my favorite characters fare.
July 22, 2019
Not a bad book. Things kind of slowed down a bit. There were a few intense moments but after the last book I feel the author both let things calm back down and set up some stories for the next book to cover. I really enjoyed the pacing. Things are getting stretched out a bit and it’s even mentioned in the book by several characters so I have to feel that it’s intentional by the author. He wants you to really feel what it’s like for these soldiers to be in such strung out shape. I really wanna know what happen to the two DD Destroyers that were being built in Ba’alkpan. I know they mentioned something about their crews had to surrender it to another group and that they were a bit mad about that, but that was all. Hopefully they show up in a desperate situation and save the day. Who knows what recently introduced parties will do and what’s lurking in the dam jungle!?! Hopefully we don’t end up with Cats having to fight Cats that would be horrible!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2017
In a way, it is a shame that one can't just pick up any book in the Destroyermen series and just read it, as a one off. You really do have to be a dedicated follower, partaker, imbiber. Each book follows on from the last just like "The Perils of Pauline" and its characters and scenarios just grow and grow. It would be tempting to see this as melodramatic yet, when you begin to think of the vast theatre upon which the drama takes place and how, as the series has developed, more and more of this vicious world becomes revealed to us and, in the process, takes on the dimensions of a real alternative Earth, it's actually quite sensible.
So, once again we return to the lovable world of "friendly" yet quite-good-in-battle "Lemurs" and the evil, totally nasty, yet beginning to change and hence become more dangerous, reptilian Grik. And, of course, we accompany (most of the time) our American friends from the navy as they try to right the wrongs of this planet's past. Along the way we have lost acquaintances, just as in real wars, but also made new allies - and new enemies.
It would be crass to say that there is a formulaic quality to the stories, but there is. Personally, I don't find this a problem. It creates a comfortable world in which I can lose myself and become totally immersed. The build-up to battles and confrontations, on land and at sea, the predicable evil of the Dominion and the Grik, the down to earth solidarity of the Allies... these are reliable qualities that ground me in this universe, and Taylor Anderson has created such a complex world, woven so many strands into his tapestry, that there are enough loose ends, even forgotten strands, that he can resurrect at leisure.
So it's good, and highly readable, and very enjoyable. Ain't reading great!
So, once again we return to the lovable world of "friendly" yet quite-good-in-battle "Lemurs" and the evil, totally nasty, yet beginning to change and hence become more dangerous, reptilian Grik. And, of course, we accompany (most of the time) our American friends from the navy as they try to right the wrongs of this planet's past. Along the way we have lost acquaintances, just as in real wars, but also made new allies - and new enemies.
It would be crass to say that there is a formulaic quality to the stories, but there is. Personally, I don't find this a problem. It creates a comfortable world in which I can lose myself and become totally immersed. The build-up to battles and confrontations, on land and at sea, the predicable evil of the Dominion and the Grik, the down to earth solidarity of the Allies... these are reliable qualities that ground me in this universe, and Taylor Anderson has created such a complex world, woven so many strands into his tapestry, that there are enough loose ends, even forgotten strands, that he can resurrect at leisure.
So it's good, and highly readable, and very enjoyable. Ain't reading great!
July 8, 2017
I have been a fan of Taylor Anderson's Destroyermen since they first came up years ago and Straits of Hell doesn't disappoint. Anderson is a master at weaving in the different plots at the different battlefields of Matthew Reddy's alternate Lemurian word, from the battle at Madagascar to the Americas. Throw in a few sub-plots at the tip of the African continent and a hitherto undiscovered race of Lemurian like creatures, and what we get is a masterpiece of WWII era naval warfare and aviation, WWI era land battles, mixed in with the unique psychologies of the Grik and the Dominion.
Exciting from start to finish, Straits of Hell answers enough questions but at the same time, makes one curious and impatient for the next books to be out!
Exciting from start to finish, Straits of Hell answers enough questions but at the same time, makes one curious and impatient for the next books to be out!
February 20, 2019
There is so much to like about this series but I found this volume a bit of a chore. Maybe it's because it's the tenth I've read in short order, but they are starting to feel a bit 'samey'? It seems each volume has more enemies turn up, and the plucky old destroyer has been on its last legs so many times it is becoming a little tiresome.
Just once I'd like things to go well and for the Alliance to have a comprehensive victory, without being surprised by some new adversary and/or weapons that turn up and scupper their plans/destroy ships etc.
In saying that, the dynamics of the world are undeniably interesting, and the characters are as ever, tremendous. Maybe I'm just hankering for more Dennis Silva shooting super lizards, and less politics...
Just once I'd like things to go well and for the Alliance to have a comprehensive victory, without being surprised by some new adversary and/or weapons that turn up and scupper their plans/destroy ships etc.
In saying that, the dynamics of the world are undeniably interesting, and the characters are as ever, tremendous. Maybe I'm just hankering for more Dennis Silva shooting super lizards, and less politics...
May 23, 2021
These are very detailed, creatively written, historical science fiction. Ships from all over the many dimensions of earth, are transported to one earth where those who have come before band together in different groups to create something. I don't want to say a new world order, but there are villains and good guys, and they are trying to rule the world. The series starts with a Destroyer from WWII passing through a vicious storm and appearing somewhere - that resembles our world, but decidedly is not, I just started #11 in the series, and it continues to fascinate. Some geography is our geography, some is not. Lots of similarities. Not sure what to say about the characters - some are ordinary humans, others are not. If you are a fan of alternate universes, give this series a try.
August 19, 2018
And the wars go on. And the original cast of characters keeps getting whittled down. I firmly believe that series will end when there are no more of the original Destroyermen left. Don't get too emotionally attached to any individual. It seems to be a matter of when not if.
The good guys have some success in this book but we can't let things get too easy so we have the introduction of a new bad guy. As if there were not enough fronts and characters to keep track of. William Dufris continues to do a wonderful job with an amazing number of accents. A lot of action but the good guys keep getting knocked off.
The good guys have some success in this book but we can't let things get too easy so we have the introduction of a new bad guy. As if there were not enough fronts and characters to keep track of. William Dufris continues to do a wonderful job with an amazing number of accents. A lot of action but the good guys keep getting knocked off.
July 1, 2018
Another enjoyable installment
Another enjoyable installment in the Destroyermen series. Having battles on multiple fronts makes for an exhilarating read. The only thing keeping this from a five-star rating is that the battles and this one didn't seem to have the same sense of despair as the earlier books. Granted, after the last book that would be hard to top. Overall, I enjoyed the read and already have the next one started.
Another enjoyable installment in the Destroyermen series. Having battles on multiple fronts makes for an exhilarating read. The only thing keeping this from a five-star rating is that the battles and this one didn't seem to have the same sense of despair as the earlier books. Granted, after the last book that would be hard to top. Overall, I enjoyed the read and already have the next one started.
January 21, 2023
One of the best in the series! The villains are memorable (the Doms are nastier than ever while the Grik show signs of not solely being unthinking bloodthirsty carnivores) while the heroes on land and sea have their hands full. Plus there's bang-up sea, air, and ground combat aplenty!
The narrator, William Dufris, is at his best. He gives the characters unique voices and brings Taylor Anderson's rich world to life.
Recommended.
The narrator, William Dufris, is at his best. He gives the characters unique voices and brings Taylor Anderson's rich world to life.
Recommended.
July 31, 2018
This may be the best book in the series. The author seems to have struck just the right balance between battles and dialogue (about 80/20), which is terrific, since his battle descriptions are quite good, while the dialogue is stilted. Though I am beginning to wonder if he is running out of real estate, unless he dreams up some adversaries based at the South Pole...
June 28, 2024
A good entry into the saga of the WW-II US-destroyer lost on an alternative Earth. The battle scenes are very well written and most of the characters feel very familiar after so many episodes. Not all of them survive, which adds to the emotional depth of this series. I am looking forward for the next episode.
February 6, 2017
This book was good. Unlike the other books in the series, this one had most of the action in the middle of the book, and then towards the end began to ramp up to the next climax. It does have some nasty moments, but otherwise it's PG 13.
August 4, 2017
This is a filler book without many of the interesting characters or interactions of others.
Still, it advances the plot.
Still, it advances the plot.
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