No Greater Duty

by Robert Stewart

Fans of A Few Good Men and Saving Private Ryan will be drawn to this powerful story of moral courage, integrity, and valor in uniform, revealed in war and in peacetime.

Alex Kramer, a prior-enlisted Marine and a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy, saved three gravely-wounded brothers during combat and was decorated for extraordinary valor. Now conflict confronts him after he takes unauthorized leave to prevent a suicide by a Marine whose life he had rescued under fire. Navy Lieutenant Tara Marcellus, an Academy graduate and submarine junior officer, has returned to Annapolis as a company officer. She meets the fearless midshipman who petitions Tara's sense of moral courage when senior officers recommend punishing Alex with the harshest sanction: separation.

Alex's case triggers heated arguments at the Naval Academy's highest levels. He fiercely defends the code of honor he swore, and bled, to uphold; never leave a Sailor or Marine behind. Tara deals with a major test of character: either take Alex's side with risks to her role, or do nothing and regret her silence. Together, the two young service members will stand up for a greater duty—for integrity—because it is honorable, despite any consequences that lie ahead for them.

Genres: Fiction, Military Fiction

366 pages, Paperback

Published June 7, 2022

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story of military integrity and moral courage

Alex Kramer went against his father's wishes and enlisted in the Marines right out of high school. His father had gone to the Naval Academy and wanted Alex to follow in his footsteps. Instead, Alex proves himself in the Marines on the battlefield by saving three injured fellow Marines, being injured himself, and being decorated for valor.

He ends up going to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis later so he can advance in his military career but finds himself confronted with a challenge that threatens to get him kicked out of the Academy.

I really enjoyed this story of not only Alex Kramer but of a female Naval Lieutenant that had also attended the Academy and defends the decision that Alex made.

My oldest son graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point so this story hit close to home in many ways. I highly recommend this story if you enjoy military tales, tales of courage, of integrity, or just a well written book.

I received this book from BQB Publishing through Edelweiss in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

"No Greater Duty" tells a compelling story AND provides a glimpse into the challenges, opportunities, and lived experience of those in the military, as well as how Marine and Naval culture have changed (and not) over time. Though I am a civilian, I find myself eager to pick up the book to read what happens next. The protagonist, Alex Kramer, is both an admirable and relatable character. We hear him wrestle with relationships and parental expectations, re-live conflict from active duty, and see how his Corps life and ties shape his experience and fate at the Naval Academy. Military readers will likely appreciate the realistic descriptions of active duty and midshipman life at the Academy, as well as the perspectives and actions from main characters Alex and Tara. Both entertaining and informative, it's a good read for all.

[Lawrence Colby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This insightful book, "No Greater Duty," offers valuable guidance on navigating life's challenges, especially when faced with opposition in professional and personal decisions. The author, Robert Stewart, skillfully explores the complexities of relationships within the U.S. Naval Academy, Navy, and Marine Corps, portraying real-life characters with convincing leadership struggles. The narrative encourages a young Midshipman seeking advice for a life-changing decision, even though it may not be feasible in a real-time situation. The story emphasizes the importance leadership, acknowledging external influences, and drawing on positive traits in ourselves and others. Highly recommended for its meaningful and enjoyable exploration of human interactions. This is a great book!

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciated the fast pace of the book and found that once I began I could not put it down. The characters were relatable and the reality of military situations and duty was clearly and masterfully brought to bear. The realistic view of women in the military gave a glimpse of some of the barriers that at times must be overcome by women in the military. I found the ties to the Naval Academy and submarines fascinating and very realistic. The insight into what enlisted may encounter by starting over as a Midshipman was eye opening and ultimately, the characters' dedication to duty, camaraderie, and loyalty is admirable and I think make the story a great read!

[Katie Matwiejow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will admit I had a bit of difficulty getting into this book at first. Military jargon is not my strong suit but realized that this story had so much more to offer. The story of Alex Kramer, Marine, who gave all in battle, including risking his own life to save his fellow Marines. Faced with a difficult choice to go back for a fellow Marine struggling after combat left him debilitated and hopeless, the choice seemed to not be a difficult one for honorable Alex Kramer. However that choice left his career in possible jeopardy. I enjoyed having the perspective of Tara Marcellus of the Navy and her battle to do right by her team. When she failed to stand by her fellow officers in previous incident, she utilized Alex Kramer’s predicament to prove she could stand by her men at all costs and she did. Overall this was a great story about our service men and women who give all and stand up for what is right.

[Julie Pint · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex joins the Marines as an enlisted man after graduating college, much to the chagrin of his Admiral father that had hoped he’d head to Annapolis to follow in his footsteps. Alex leads a group of Marines into a battle where he ends up with the third highest military award -the Silver Star. Later, Alex enrolls in Annapolis to become an officer. The story has a few twists and turns from there. It’s a story of duty, honor, and loyalty.

[Doug Yonce · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding book that encompasses so much about the military: its institutions, its rules (written and unwritten), and its personnel (good and bad). When a marine grunt decides to enter the Naval Academy, he finds that a lot of what he had learned in the marines couldn’t be (or wasn’t) taught in the classroom. Standing by his strong moral compass puts him at odds with Academy regulations and puts him at risk. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, compelling read. As the parent of a prior enlisted Marine who then received a commission to the USNA the story was very relatable to me. The places and events described were authentic and fit the story quite well. It is good to read a story of moral courage and sense of duty in the current timeset. Refreshing in light of signs of moral decay we witness everyday in society.
Well done Mr. Stewart.

[Paul Beaks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow...what a great book! I loved living the lives of all the characters in the book and their struggles with deciding 'what is the right (and/or best) thing to do.' The author does an excellent job of taking us into the complexities of military world and the minds and actions of the women and men who serve us all. Choices we all make in life are explored -- for example, listening and seeking advice from others vs. using advice, supporting our colleagues/friends in the face of opposition at our own possible expense, and many more. I highly recommend this book.

[Betsy Sherwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book. Incredible details about the military world and its unique rules .
Great portrayal of an ethical dilemma and resulting conflicts between common sense values and seemingly antiquated military rules. Great characters and relationships.
Robert Stewart is a very talented author and I look forward to his next novel.

Dr. William Sherwood

[Tanya S · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m sorry but this book was nothing like I thought it would be. There was way too much military vocabulary and lingo for me to follow. However, this book would be great for someone else who understands that sort of thing.

[Stew Reuter · Rating 5 out of 5]

USNA story

Good academy story. Ethical concepts explored within military system. Good use of terminology. Showing problem of some poorly developed officers.

[Fran Germinaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of two dedicated military veterans who have suffered the difficulty of serving under officers who have forgotten proper leadership. Two separate lives that come together in a great ending.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meticulous attention to military action and legality ….” A Few Good Men “ , the movie comes to mind .

[Lorraine Parrish · Rating 4 out of 5]

No Greater Duty is an engaging read, rich in detail about the Naval Academy, the psyche affected by combat, and the deep bonds of those who serve together.