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The Sun Sets Westward: Thrilling Action in the Pacific
Come aboard a racing American destroyer and experience the “island-hopping” campaign across the Pacific and to the doorstep of Japan itself. From the deck of USS Woodside you'll dodge kamikaze planes, menacing submarines, and fight off enemy surface ships that are determined to sink you.
USS Woodside, a brand-new Fletcher-class destroyer, is headed for a new kind of war. Her predecessor was very successful in the Atlantic battles of WWII, even becoming known as “The U-boat Killer”, but the effort wore her out, so now this new ship, fresh from the builders, heads to war—but a very different kind of war.
The Japanese Navy had achieved astounding successes in the early months of WW II and now controlled much of the western Pacific. Woodside, and the growing might of the Pacific Fleet, would embark on the violent and deadly effort to push the invaders back to their homeland.
Also experience through the eyes of a Japanese destroyer captain, the drama and frustrations as the early gains are lost and success turns to failure.
Readers of the earlier ‘Long Gray Target’ series of novels will feel right at home with the crew they have come to know so well. Surprises abound, too, as other familiar figures make their direct contributions to winning the war.
As always--the story is fiction, but the history is real!
Join the action as “The Sun Sets Westward”!
USS Woodside, a brand-new Fletcher-class destroyer, is headed for a new kind of war. Her predecessor was very successful in the Atlantic battles of WWII, even becoming known as “The U-boat Killer”, but the effort wore her out, so now this new ship, fresh from the builders, heads to war—but a very different kind of war.
The Japanese Navy had achieved astounding successes in the early months of WW II and now controlled much of the western Pacific. Woodside, and the growing might of the Pacific Fleet, would embark on the violent and deadly effort to push the invaders back to their homeland.
Also experience through the eyes of a Japanese destroyer captain, the drama and frustrations as the early gains are lost and success turns to failure.
Readers of the earlier ‘Long Gray Target’ series of novels will feel right at home with the crew they have come to know so well. Surprises abound, too, as other familiar figures make their direct contributions to winning the war.
As always--the story is fiction, but the history is real!
Join the action as “The Sun Sets Westward”!
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2021
378 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 9, 2022
This book follows our characters from the other books in the series as they move to a new Fletcher class destroyer being completed at Bath Iron Works, Maine, and sail her through the Panama Canal into the Pacific to join the operations against Japan. While in the history of World War II, the Battle of the Atlantic was certainly of great importance in facilitating an Allied victory in Europe, the war in the Pacific was more obviously a naval war and the point of view of a ship's crew is in a rhetorical sense at the very center of the Pacific campaign.
The author has created a sweeping narrative of the Pacific war, rich with detail, in which to involve his characters. This is both a strength and a weakness. The strength is that the tale hews closely to actual events and it's possible to learn the history from this book (something I've written about unfavorably before but here, I'd say it's safe). Reading this book is a lot easier and more entertaining than Morison's "Two-Ocean War." But, it's a weakness because as a novel, the reader seems to have lost the characters in a larger web of events that they are swept up in but have little influence over. Of course, it's possible the author is doing this on purpose and certainly, people involved in such huge events, covering thousands of miles of distance, will feel small and unimportant even to each other. Both officers and enlisted men develop romances through letters and phone calls while at sea and that's certainly how things had to happen in days with limited air travel and sea travel menaced by enemy submarines. But the story is dominated by the famous battles whose names should be familiar, like Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Given the point of view of the second USS Woodside, these events are told exactly as they happened (with one minor exception, I think the destroyers participating in the Battle of Surigao Strait suffered damage from Japanese gunfire during their torpedo attacks, while Woodside escapes unscathed).
This is not a book you can read at one sitting, the "plot" is too complex. But, that's also part of the approach of following the history so closely. Given that, it moves along briskly and keeps the reader engaged. Having a destroyer captain on the Japanese side also be a character, similar to the U-boat captain in the earlier books of the series, seems to work well although I was skeptical early on in the book.
So, I give this book 5 stars. It's a serious contender among World War II novels, and that's high praise for something written in recent years by, and for, people too young to remember the war. It has high standards to compete with. It doesn't have the depth of The Cruel Sea, but it's a much faster, easier read, and for people who weren't alive in those times (maybe they didn't even have fathers or uncles who served), it gives readers a good grounding in the war's events. The author's style is plain and matter of fact, very easy to follow.
The author has created a sweeping narrative of the Pacific war, rich with detail, in which to involve his characters. This is both a strength and a weakness. The strength is that the tale hews closely to actual events and it's possible to learn the history from this book (something I've written about unfavorably before but here, I'd say it's safe). Reading this book is a lot easier and more entertaining than Morison's "Two-Ocean War." But, it's a weakness because as a novel, the reader seems to have lost the characters in a larger web of events that they are swept up in but have little influence over. Of course, it's possible the author is doing this on purpose and certainly, people involved in such huge events, covering thousands of miles of distance, will feel small and unimportant even to each other. Both officers and enlisted men develop romances through letters and phone calls while at sea and that's certainly how things had to happen in days with limited air travel and sea travel menaced by enemy submarines. But the story is dominated by the famous battles whose names should be familiar, like Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Given the point of view of the second USS Woodside, these events are told exactly as they happened (with one minor exception, I think the destroyers participating in the Battle of Surigao Strait suffered damage from Japanese gunfire during their torpedo attacks, while Woodside escapes unscathed).
This is not a book you can read at one sitting, the "plot" is too complex. But, that's also part of the approach of following the history so closely. Given that, it moves along briskly and keeps the reader engaged. Having a destroyer captain on the Japanese side also be a character, similar to the U-boat captain in the earlier books of the series, seems to work well although I was skeptical early on in the book.
So, I give this book 5 stars. It's a serious contender among World War II novels, and that's high praise for something written in recent years by, and for, people too young to remember the war. It has high standards to compete with. It doesn't have the depth of The Cruel Sea, but it's a much faster, easier read, and for people who weren't alive in those times (maybe they didn't even have fathers or uncles who served), it gives readers a good grounding in the war's events. The author's style is plain and matter of fact, very easy to follow.
April 20, 2022
Been There !
As a former DE crew member, who spent several years sailing the many South Pacific areas mentioned
in this book, it was an exciting read, visiting many of the numerous places I had seen or visited,
just a short 12 years after the war.
If you enjoy reading naval war novels, be assured you will enjoy this factual and exciting story, and
even more so, if you have served on a US Man of War. The characters portrayed could have been
real, and the author made them come alive.
As a former DE crew member, who spent several years sailing the many South Pacific areas mentioned
in this book, it was an exciting read, visiting many of the numerous places I had seen or visited,
just a short 12 years after the war.
If you enjoy reading naval war novels, be assured you will enjoy this factual and exciting story, and
even more so, if you have served on a US Man of War. The characters portrayed could have been
real, and the author made them come alive.
July 31, 2022
I enjoy the genre of historical fiction - fitting a narrative within the context of a true historical event. In some ways it limits the 'creativity' of the author by restraining his imagination, but at the same time the history provides a structure to hang the narrative on.
Maxim does a good job of creating characters that the reader can relate to; blending their personal and professional lives.
All in, a good easy read and ya MIGHT even learn some history!
Maxim does a good job of creating characters that the reader can relate to; blending their personal and professional lives.
All in, a good easy read and ya MIGHT even learn some history!
December 7, 2022
Another EXCELLENT story of WWII
This book is quite factual and yet the factual information is woven into a fine fabric of fiction. Roger Maxim is one hell of an author!!! A definite must read in his series of “The Long Gray Target” ! Thanks for the entertainment and the history lessons Roger !
This book is quite factual and yet the factual information is woven into a fine fabric of fiction. Roger Maxim is one hell of an author!!! A definite must read in his series of “The Long Gray Target” ! Thanks for the entertainment and the history lessons Roger !
December 31, 2022
very good historical fiction
Great story even knowing the end. That truly was the greatest generation. The last necessary war with a defined end that was achieved on both east and west. Only the USA could successfully fight and win a two front war against two completely different enemies.
Great story even knowing the end. That truly was the greatest generation. The last necessary war with a defined end that was achieved on both east and west. Only the USA could successfully fight and win a two front war against two completely different enemies.
January 14, 2022
Juvenile writing
Unrealistic dialogue, glossing over events, no build up in drama, and a very annoying overuse of exclamation marks. On average., two per paragraph, that completely takes away from the story
Unrealistic dialogue, glossing over events, no build up in drama, and a very annoying overuse of exclamation marks. On average., two per paragraph, that completely takes away from the story
January 15, 2022
Finally, we leave DC and get back to fighting the war
Leaves the Atlantic battles, which were mostly anti-sub, and takes us to the Pacific, where the big battles were naval armadas clashing.
Leaves the Atlantic battles, which were mostly anti-sub, and takes us to the Pacific, where the big battles were naval armadas clashing.
January 19, 2022
Finally the War Ends
A truly great series kept going by wonderful characters and filled with facts about the Naval Service in the Pacific and against German U-Boats. A great read and series.
A truly great series kept going by wonderful characters and filled with facts about the Naval Service in the Pacific and against German U-Boats. A great read and series.
January 27, 2022
Gripping,informative account of Pacific theater.
Have a sailors eye view of the war,filled with facts and events not even mentioned in my grandkids history"summaries".should be at least suggested additional reading in schools.
Have a sailors eye view of the war,filled with facts and events not even mentioned in my grandkids history"summaries".should be at least suggested additional reading in schools.
February 8, 2022
Great story
This book really surprised me with the detail about the ships and the action.I think that you will agree once you get into reading it.
The author does a great job telling the action.
This book really surprised me with the detail about the ships and the action.I think that you will agree once you get into reading it.
The author does a great job telling the action.
February 22, 2022
WW2 Pacific Theater¡
Roger Maxim is a fantastic writer of WW2 historical novels. The books he writes are easy to read as the story flows so easily yet is filled with action plus interactions among the crew.
Roger Maxim is a fantastic writer of WW2 historical novels. The books he writes are easy to read as the story flows so easily yet is filled with action plus interactions among the crew.
March 21, 2022
Great dstiry
I lived this novel. It was so real and of course well written. I hope to read more from thus author. Some of us are fortunate to have avoided fighting in a war but also fortunate to be able to live through a war experience vicariously as a result of the written word.
I lived this novel. It was so real and of course well written. I hope to read more from thus author. Some of us are fortunate to have avoided fighting in a war but also fortunate to be able to live through a war experience vicariously as a result of the written word.
Read
June 17, 2022War stories personalized
From the start you feel the first hand experience of war and what it does to the individuals who are there to put their lives on the line with concern for their fellow warriors. Personal lives are put on hold.
From the start you feel the first hand experience of war and what it does to the individuals who are there to put their lives on the line with concern for their fellow warriors. Personal lives are put on hold.
September 18, 2022
A very good and enjoyable story of the naval war in the Pacific.
The author has written a very intriguing and action packed story of what the US Navy went through as they fought the Japanese Navy and helped end the war in the Pacific. Full of action and intriguing.
The author has written a very intriguing and action packed story of what the US Navy went through as they fought the Japanese Navy and helped end the war in the Pacific. Full of action and intriguing.
May 1, 2023
Another MAXIM-um Effort! Good Read!
Another straightforward work of WWII in historical novel format. Again, as wit Maxim's prior novels in the series, I appreciate the absence of gratuitous sex, obscene language, and gore.
Another straightforward work of WWII in historical novel format. Again, as wit Maxim's prior novels in the series, I appreciate the absence of gratuitous sex, obscene language, and gore.
June 6, 2023
interesting Naval tale.
After 4 books - following the path of several crew - I am almost surprised tha5 we haven’t lost any although all have be3n injured. I think unfortunately that wo7ld have made this saga more realistic.
After 4 books - following the path of several crew - I am almost surprised tha5 we haven’t lost any although all have be3n injured. I think unfortunately that wo7ld have made this saga more realistic.
February 22, 2024
The best book I've read in the past
I think it's just me and it doesn't seem so bad. I am a sailor and a destroyer man to boot. I knew a few people who were there at that time. Good book
I think it's just me and it doesn't seem so bad. I am a sailor and a destroyer man to boot. I knew a few people who were there at that time. Good book
August 3, 2025
I could not put the book down.
A fantastic story from beginning to end, reading about the Pacific war within this book, makes you realise that the WW2 generation on both sides of the pond, were very special.
A fantastic story from beginning to end, reading about the Pacific war within this book, makes you realise that the WW2 generation on both sides of the pond, were very special.
January 9, 2022
Great read
Very fun to read hooked on the series cant wait for the next book to come out will read it right away as well when available great job much fun to read
Very fun to read hooked on the series cant wait for the next book to come out will read it right away as well when available great job much fun to read
January 29, 2022
Best Naval WW 11 book.
As a retired Navy guy, I read many books about the Navy in The Pacific in W W 11. The story and realistic telling of events are both wonderfully done.
As a retired Navy guy, I read many books about the Navy in The Pacific in W W 11. The story and realistic telling of events are both wonderfully done.
January 29, 2022
juvenile dialogue
Basically a recitation of the war in the pacific with some thin characters and juvenile dialogue. Not worth your time
Basically a recitation of the war in the pacific with some thin characters and juvenile dialogue. Not worth your time
February 13, 2022
Victory
Superb account of the Greatest Generation s war. I enjoyed every bit of it. Can't wait for more. What happened after?
Superb account of the Greatest Generation s war. I enjoyed every bit of it. Can't wait for more. What happened after?
February 19, 2022
A1 book
A very good read lots of personal material on staff . Best book I have read this month.. good description by of ships
A very good read lots of personal material on staff . Best book I have read this month.. good description by of ships
March 3, 2022
Thrilling
Action packed and flows with a accurate story line. Character storyline sucks the reader in. Read tbe series in a weekend.
Action packed and flows with a accurate story line. Character storyline sucks the reader in. Read tbe series in a weekend.
July 6, 2022
Great story while staying true to the facts
January 14, 2023
Kind corner
Having lived through ww2, people did not talk, or thinkas is often in this, but it is historically kinda correct, putting wood side, ft worth etc, I other ships place?
Having lived through ww2, people did not talk, or thinkas is often in this, but it is historically kinda correct, putting wood side, ft worth etc, I other ships place?
February 9, 2023
Amazing
This is wonderful, sometimes sad account of our Navy in WWII. Thank you Mr Maxin! Looking forward to the last book.
This is wonderful, sometimes sad account of our Navy in WWII. Thank you Mr Maxin! Looking forward to the last book.
July 2, 2023
The Suvivors
Excellent presentation of both sides of the struggles of the combatants involved in the greatest war of the twentieth century.
Excellent presentation of both sides of the struggles of the combatants involved in the greatest war of the twentieth century.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews