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Anthony Pacino #1
Dark Transit
Lieutenant Anthony Pacino reports aboard the “project boat” USS Vermont two years after having survived the catastrophic sinking of the Piranha . Pacino quickly learns that Vermont ’s missions are all ultra-secret with the boat reporting only to the Sub Force commander, the National Security Advisor and the Vermont does the dirty deeds that need doing in deadly silence and obscurity.
After Vermont misses the mark on an easy mission, there are questions asked about her ability to conduct the next mission, one that is vital to the security of the United States and the future of the submarine force. Vermont is tasked with stealing a revolutionary submarine that the Russians are testing with an Iranian crew because it’s too risky to use Russian sailors. It’s a high-stakes gamble for all involved, with the losers vanishing if things go wrong, the winners validating a world-changing technology.
Pacino is part of the mission to steal the submarine, but the toughest obstacle is a wolf-pack of Russians coming to the defense of the Iranian submarine. Getting it back to the United States for evaluation becomes secondary to surviving an exchange of missiles and torpedoes in an underwater battle that threatens to let the final genie out of the bottle.
***
“DiMercurio has used the last decade to refine his writing and produce the best naval thriller in decades. I couldn’t put it down.” Joseph Courtemanche, author of Assault on Saint Agnes.
After Vermont misses the mark on an easy mission, there are questions asked about her ability to conduct the next mission, one that is vital to the security of the United States and the future of the submarine force. Vermont is tasked with stealing a revolutionary submarine that the Russians are testing with an Iranian crew because it’s too risky to use Russian sailors. It’s a high-stakes gamble for all involved, with the losers vanishing if things go wrong, the winners validating a world-changing technology.
Pacino is part of the mission to steal the submarine, but the toughest obstacle is a wolf-pack of Russians coming to the defense of the Iranian submarine. Getting it back to the United States for evaluation becomes secondary to surviving an exchange of missiles and torpedoes in an underwater battle that threatens to let the final genie out of the bottle.
***
“DiMercurio has used the last decade to refine his writing and produce the best naval thriller in decades. I couldn’t put it down.” Joseph Courtemanche, author of Assault on Saint Agnes.
753 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 14, 2021
137 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Michael DiMercurio
38 books87 followersMichael DiMercurio is an honors graduate of the Naval Academy at Annapolis, and has served as a paratrooper, Navy diver, and as a lieutenant and Chief Propulsion Officer aboard the U.S.S. Hammerhead.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 3, 2022
Always exciting submarine action!
I always enjoy his submarine yarns but this one stretched my credulity. The protagonist was always an instant success at everything he did, except holding hid liquor. The reality is that there's a learning curve to everything from sub quals to bedding the beauties. He came onboard and, based on one midshipman cruise, he was an instant submarine success. That's not even remotely possible. A nonqual as AOIC? Not a chance. The AOIC was dealing out maneuvering orders to the OIC. That's very bad form in the naval traditions. He can make suggestions and they can be accepted but he's not going to get away with telling a qualified senior submarine in charge what to do. He got his dolphins early, at the end of the story...at three months. That is one submarine right of passage that is never short changed, no matter how meritorious. If he doesn't know every critical system on the boat he's an air breathing nonqual puke. No one would do that. It would be unsafe and could even cause the loss of the boat. No matter his heroism, he would have to qualify, like everyone else. That particular naval tradition is never waived....Not for anyone or any reason. No one is that good, so toning down the instant expert at everything theme goes a long way towards having me onboard. I did enjoy the yarn but it was an endless stream of, "No way!" 's.
I always enjoy his submarine yarns but this one stretched my credulity. The protagonist was always an instant success at everything he did, except holding hid liquor. The reality is that there's a learning curve to everything from sub quals to bedding the beauties. He came onboard and, based on one midshipman cruise, he was an instant submarine success. That's not even remotely possible. A nonqual as AOIC? Not a chance. The AOIC was dealing out maneuvering orders to the OIC. That's very bad form in the naval traditions. He can make suggestions and they can be accepted but he's not going to get away with telling a qualified senior submarine in charge what to do. He got his dolphins early, at the end of the story...at three months. That is one submarine right of passage that is never short changed, no matter how meritorious. If he doesn't know every critical system on the boat he's an air breathing nonqual puke. No one would do that. It would be unsafe and could even cause the loss of the boat. No matter his heroism, he would have to qualify, like everyone else. That particular naval tradition is never waived....Not for anyone or any reason. No one is that good, so toning down the instant expert at everything theme goes a long way towards having me onboard. I did enjoy the yarn but it was an endless stream of, "No way!" 's.
September 30, 2021
'You are the new one on the submarine, you learn what is like to serve on a submarine and then you go to war.'
That is what this book is in one sentence. I have read other novels about submarine action, but Michael DiMercurio takes you deep into the language used in a submarine and the culture inside the vessel. The story of a Pacino on a submarine continues with the second generation. The tension comes off the page when a situation comes up with so many uncertainties and unknowns, the options and the catastrophical effects which a decision might have. In everything it is so clear that the writer has served on a submarine.
Thanks to NetGalley to receive an upfront copy to read, enjoy and review.
That is what this book is in one sentence. I have read other novels about submarine action, but Michael DiMercurio takes you deep into the language used in a submarine and the culture inside the vessel. The story of a Pacino on a submarine continues with the second generation. The tension comes off the page when a situation comes up with so many uncertainties and unknowns, the options and the catastrophical effects which a decision might have. In everything it is so clear that the writer has served on a submarine.
Thanks to NetGalley to receive an upfront copy to read, enjoy and review.
January 16, 2022
Very good, not his best
Very good book, not as good as "Voyage of the Devilfish" which I have 5+ stars when I read it years ago. Hope/expect the next book in this new series will be even better
Very good book, not as good as "Voyage of the Devilfish" which I have 5+ stars when I read it years ago. Hope/expect the next book in this new series will be even better
March 6, 2022
Another Excellent Story
Excellent book about the Sub service and it's combat weapons. Great cast of characters and very interesting plots from USA and Russian as well! Look forward to the next installment in the series!!
Excellent book about the Sub service and it's combat weapons. Great cast of characters and very interesting plots from USA and Russian as well! Look forward to the next installment in the series!!
March 7, 2022
great book cannot wait for next book in the series.
when Will thenext book be released. as this a great saga on submarine adventures and life . looking forward to the continuing saga of Anthony Patch Pacino.
when Will thenext book be released. as this a great saga on submarine adventures and life . looking forward to the continuing saga of Anthony Patch Pacino.
January 11, 2022
Pisses me off to even have to make this comparison but Michael DiMercurio is far superior than Tom Clancy! It's wonderful to see that Michael has not lost his touch... absolutely loved this!
June 16, 2023
Its a great book, i love reading about submarines. Its like mars. Someplace that I would never go. I read this author’s “Phoenix sub-zero” decades ago and it’s on my top ten list. But boy, in the meantime this author must have had some bad woman experience or gone through some horrible divorce. The women in this book were all whores, nymphomaniacs, big-busted, tiny waisted, vapid users of men even though they were employed in some significant positions. I doubt he expects many women to read this book. That being said, it is a great book about submarines, fun reading about them. You’ll have to get past the first 13% where he spends it introducing each and every character no matter how insignificant. But it will be worth it. And the beginning is great start-up.
October 25, 2023
Cancel work, cancel sleep
It's quickly observed this author has been there and done that. I have it a 4 instead of a 5 because I had to speed read and some skip ahead for TMI. I needed to get above so much of the complicated and intricate details of sub mechanics and needed to get to the clux of the matter. That said the amount of information this man has rattling around in his head, the operations and mechanics of a nuclear submarine is just off the chain! it's incredible so you have to read back a second time to start to understand the real understandings of a nuclear submarine and to the next step evaluating how we or the Russians evaluate the need for critical work that is absolutely the heart for our submarine warfare
It's quickly observed this author has been there and done that. I have it a 4 instead of a 5 because I had to speed read and some skip ahead for TMI. I needed to get above so much of the complicated and intricate details of sub mechanics and needed to get to the clux of the matter. That said the amount of information this man has rattling around in his head, the operations and mechanics of a nuclear submarine is just off the chain! it's incredible so you have to read back a second time to start to understand the real understandings of a nuclear submarine and to the next step evaluating how we or the Russians evaluate the need for critical work that is absolutely the heart for our submarine warfare
February 29, 2024
Dark Transit was the most engrossing book I’ve read in years
DiMercurio was actually there, on a submarine, and his earned knowledge oozed from every page. His descriptions painted vivid scenes of submarine life, the personal lives of submariners, and tension filled battles against a capable adversary. This book was relentless excitement from beginning to end. As a lifelong civilian taking advantage of the freedoms our military affords me, I hope some of the more terrifying scenarios were complete fantasy, but I have a feeling they’re not.
I was impressed by his well-informed storytelling, which pulled me along through the claustrophobic, and many times lonely, world of military submarines.
“It never happened, we were never there.”
DiMercurio was actually there, on a submarine, and his earned knowledge oozed from every page. His descriptions painted vivid scenes of submarine life, the personal lives of submariners, and tension filled battles against a capable adversary. This book was relentless excitement from beginning to end. As a lifelong civilian taking advantage of the freedoms our military affords me, I hope some of the more terrifying scenarios were complete fantasy, but I have a feeling they’re not.
I was impressed by his well-informed storytelling, which pulled me along through the claustrophobic, and many times lonely, world of military submarines.
“It never happened, we were never there.”
August 25, 2023
For those readers who have Naval experience - particularly submarine experience - I imagine this would be an amazing read. Incredible detail around the life of a submariner and the danger and excitement associated with submarine combat. For those of us who may be technically inclined but not submarine savvy, there is a bit too much inside baseball for my tastes. And while the story is interesting in a Cold War context, it is Tom Clancy taken to the extreme, stretching against the bounds of plausibility.
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June 13, 2025Classic DiMercurio and...even better!
Have read all his books multiple times. Great characters. No long drawn out geography lessons or talking around tables. His writing is as exciting as Cussler but instead of historical and environment based adventures he brings the reality of the military and specifically the Silent Service to the reader with plots pulled from the headlines. Thank you sir.
Have read all his books multiple times. Great characters. No long drawn out geography lessons or talking around tables. His writing is as exciting as Cussler but instead of historical and environment based adventures he brings the reality of the military and specifically the Silent Service to the reader with plots pulled from the headlines. Thank you sir.
December 20, 2021
Could not get past the very stupid opening of the book!!!!
I guess this might be a good story BUT the beginning of the book where the main charter (Pacino) comes back from the dead was just way too silly and stupid for me!!!!! I was really looking forward to this series, but just could not get past the beginning!!!!
I guess this might be a good story BUT the beginning of the book where the main charter (Pacino) comes back from the dead was just way too silly and stupid for me!!!!! I was really looking forward to this series, but just could not get past the beginning!!!!
December 8, 2023
good story moves slowly
This is a good military procedural if you like that genre and I do. I liked the story, but could guess the ending way before it ended. The sub plots with the women don’t add much to anything and at times are really dragging. This author is best when doing the military stuff and there is plenty of that.
This is a good military procedural if you like that genre and I do. I liked the story, but could guess the ending way before it ended. The sub plots with the women don’t add much to anything and at times are really dragging. This author is best when doing the military stuff and there is plenty of that.
February 28, 2024
Magnificent & Mind blowing
A saga of daring do not seen so certain the days of
Black beard & Nelson. The author brings you into the 21th century of submarine warfare and tactics. Leaves the reader with a real appreciation for those men, women ,and machines of the silent service!
A saga of daring do not seen so certain the days of
Black beard & Nelson. The author brings you into the 21th century of submarine warfare and tactics. Leaves the reader with a real appreciation for those men, women ,and machines of the silent service!
March 24, 2025
If you're looking for military fiction with lots of action and characters who are well developed, you'll love Dark Transit.
Michael DiMercurio moves the plot along without feeling rushed. He gives the story room to grow and breathe. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Michael DiMercurio moves the plot along without feeling rushed. He gives the story room to grow and breathe. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
July 25, 2022
A really good story!
Having never been in the Navy much less a submarine, the author was really exceptional at telling the tale so that I could understand it. The action was intense and nearly non stop. The characters were very real and personable. I will definitely be reading more of his stories if they’re anything like this one!
Having never been in the Navy much less a submarine, the author was really exceptional at telling the tale so that I could understand it. The action was intense and nearly non stop. The characters were very real and personable. I will definitely be reading more of his stories if they’re anything like this one!
November 9, 2025
One of the best!
Having read a number of submarine adventure, kindle books, I can honestly say this author is the best! It held my attention every single page of the book. Looking forward to reading the rest of this series!
Having read a number of submarine adventure, kindle books, I can honestly say this author is the best! It held my attention every single page of the book. Looking forward to reading the rest of this series!
January 2, 2022
One heck of a good read.
Anyone liking a good, well told, believable sea story will have a great time reading this book. Bring on #2, please.
Anyone liking a good, well told, believable sea story will have a great time reading this book. Bring on #2, please.
May 6, 2022
Love the characters , story , action . Love that young Patch is taking up whew his dad left off
May 27, 2023
Welcome back. You have been missed.
October 9, 2023
Read this book
Very good book great reading and factual. Michael is a gifted writer you won't go wrong reading g this book.
Very good book great reading and factual. Michael is a gifted writer you won't go wrong reading g this book.
August 27, 2024
As with all of the previous books I have enjoyed reading Dark Transit. In a way I'm sorry to have got to the end of the book and will definitely move onto the Peter Vornado books soon.
March 24, 2025
Excellent Read
April 2, 2025
My review
What a wonderful read. Great character development, and what great action, and suspense. Looking forward to another installment of this series.
What a wonderful read. Great character development, and what great action, and suspense. Looking forward to another installment of this series.
August 26, 2023
“It never happened. We were never there.”
If your looking for an action filled book, this one’s for you. A great book and a must read! “It never happened. We were never there.”
If your looking for an action filled book, this one’s for you. A great book and a must read! “It never happened. We were never there.”
December 13, 2023
Had to skip over multiple highly detailed chapters. The first time going through scenarios was fine. After that, it was too much and boring. Pages of detailed transmissions after the first was too much. May as well read a technical manual. I'm not crazy about massive details on lots of characters that don't add to the story especially when the Russian background individuals somewhat mirrored what had already been read with the Americans. Remove lots of filler, could have been a 4-star.
October 25, 2024
What can I say about this book other than it’s hands down the best military fiction novel I’ve ever read…or is it fiction? DiMercurio’s character development is phenomenal! Unlike many other novels of this genre, you get a personal look at the lives, struggles, and demons of the characters. While doing this, DiMercurio also teaches us what it’s like to live (and die) on a modern submarine. This is why I question how much is fiction and how much was the personal experiences of the author.
I truly felt like I was there beside Patch while he was fighting for his life. I also appreciated the fact that he see the humanity of the enemy combatants—echoing stories I’ve read from history.
If this book isn’t already in your library, it needs to be! DiMercurio personally recommended that I start with this novel in his series and it will BOTH be the last. He has also written a dummies guide on subs and while will add that to my library, you will learn a lot about the inner workings of a nuclear sub from this book alone!
I truly felt like I was there beside Patch while he was fighting for his life. I also appreciated the fact that he see the humanity of the enemy combatants—echoing stories I’ve read from history.
If this book isn’t already in your library, it needs to be! DiMercurio personally recommended that I start with this novel in his series and it will BOTH be the last. He has also written a dummies guide on subs and while will add that to my library, you will learn a lot about the inner workings of a nuclear sub from this book alone!
July 10, 2022
I loved this book. Start was a tad slow but once I got the details squared away in my head, really enjoyed. Already ordered the first book in his other series. Highly recommend.
September 14, 2021
Another great book in the series! This book is full of action and being a submariner himself, the author has the knowledge to make this a true to life novel. I could not put this one down! If you crave an action packed novel, this is it.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews