What do you think?
Rate this book
Dark Seas
As captain of a destroyer in the US Navy, Merrill Kendrick plays a crucial and dangerous role in protecting the convoys that are essential to Britain’s survival in the Second World War. Despite pressure from his father to join the family company, a supplier of military radios, Kendrick chose to fight on the front lines of the war, a decision he’s never regretted. But when technical issues with his family’s Gatekeeper radios lead to devastating consequences in combat in the Atlantic, Kendrick needs answers.
Joe Horiuchi, a second-generation Japanese American, gave up a prestigious future to fight in the merchant marine on behalf of the United States. Though he is faced with harsh discrimination, his brilliance with electronics proves invaluable. When his expertise is most needed, Horiuchi does not flinch in the face of danger—and he suffers the devastating consequences.
Kendrick is a seasoned veteran when it comes to battle—but facing off with U-boats is nothing like facing off with his own father, who may be guilty of treachery. With the help of Horiuchi and his radio communications expertise, Kendrick must uncover the truth of his family business before more lives are lost.
Joe Horiuchi, a second-generation Japanese American, gave up a prestigious future to fight in the merchant marine on behalf of the United States. Though he is faced with harsh discrimination, his brilliance with electronics proves invaluable. When his expertise is most needed, Horiuchi does not flinch in the face of danger—and he suffers the devastating consequences.
Kendrick is a seasoned veteran when it comes to battle—but facing off with U-boats is nothing like facing off with his own father, who may be guilty of treachery. With the help of Horiuchi and his radio communications expertise, Kendrick must uncover the truth of his family business before more lives are lost.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2022
About the author
Jerry Borrowman
38 books153 followersJerry Borrowman is an award-winning author of 21 commercially published books including military fiction, non-fiction, and co-authored biography. Jerry is a two-time recipient of the prestigious George Washington National Medal from the Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge "for his contribution to the cause of freedom through his writing." Compassionate Soldier was the 2019 Gold Award Winner from Foreword Reviews in the War and Military category, and Invisible Heroes of World War II was the 2022 Silver Winner.
Jerry is known for his meticulous attention to historical detail, including the technology that is unique to each story.
Jerry is known for his meticulous attention to historical detail, including the technology that is unique to each story.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 16, 2022
A well written book on the conflict of war in the Atlantic. What it might have been like for those who were in convoys, watching for submarines.
My dad fought in WWII in the South Pacific and was part of a convoy crew. I've heard many of his stories when he was out at sea.
My dad fought in WWII in the South Pacific and was part of a convoy crew. I've heard many of his stories when he was out at sea.
June 22, 2024
I really enjoyed this in-depth look at what it was like serving on a destroyer and in the Merchant Marines during WWII. The Normandy landings and the firing pattern were epic.
This is a different sort of book/plot than many other historical fictions out there and I enjoyed it a lot.
This is a different sort of book/plot than many other historical fictions out there and I enjoyed it a lot.
April 30, 2022
Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
Germany’s U-boats and E-boats were a constant harassment in the North Atlantic Ocean. The German submarines were everywhere in the waters off the eastern coast of the United States. If a ship is not sunk immediately, an SOS and ship's position are sent along with the coordinates. This would give the rest of the convoy the chance to avoid the area.
A major defense contractor was cutting corners on preparing vital radio equipment for the military and many of the communications equipment was poorly manufactured.
Captain Birdsall and his radioman Joe Horiuchi are working on creating a satisfactory radio from three “junk radios.” They were able to get the distress signal out before abandoning their ship.
This book is an excellent memorial to the many men who fought and died freeing Europe from the Third Reich. The description of weapons used and tactics employed were quite illuminating. Catching companies who were cutting corners and seeking profits while endangering our troops was fascinating and illuminating. I recommend the book to anyone who enjoys history and the saga of WWII. 5 stars - C. E. Williams
Much appreciation to the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary review copy of this book that in no way influenced this review. These are his honest opinions.
Germany’s U-boats and E-boats were a constant harassment in the North Atlantic Ocean. The German submarines were everywhere in the waters off the eastern coast of the United States. If a ship is not sunk immediately, an SOS and ship's position are sent along with the coordinates. This would give the rest of the convoy the chance to avoid the area.
A major defense contractor was cutting corners on preparing vital radio equipment for the military and many of the communications equipment was poorly manufactured.
Captain Birdsall and his radioman Joe Horiuchi are working on creating a satisfactory radio from three “junk radios.” They were able to get the distress signal out before abandoning their ship.
This book is an excellent memorial to the many men who fought and died freeing Europe from the Third Reich. The description of weapons used and tactics employed were quite illuminating. Catching companies who were cutting corners and seeking profits while endangering our troops was fascinating and illuminating. I recommend the book to anyone who enjoys history and the saga of WWII. 5 stars - C. E. Williams
Much appreciation to the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary review copy of this book that in no way influenced this review. These are his honest opinions.
February 24, 2022
A deeply moving story of the impact from battle
Such a moving and compelling story of the conflicts of war and the personal feelings that are associated with the choices people need to make in battle. It shows the feelings of those that are of Japanese descent involved in the war and the discrimination they had to bear; as well as those that interact with them. The plot moves fast and you never lose interest in the characters and what will happen next. It reveals the huge impact that the destroyer class ships and their crews had on the outcome of World War II. There are heroic acts and ingenious ideas that save lives as they guard the transport of food, war materials and troops from the US to England. I found myself cheering for both the captain and the radio operator of the merchant marine ship as well as the captain and crew of the Warburton destroyer. It really gives the reader insight into the feelings and thoughts of the people who fought and their motivations in what they had to bear. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.
Such a moving and compelling story of the conflicts of war and the personal feelings that are associated with the choices people need to make in battle. It shows the feelings of those that are of Japanese descent involved in the war and the discrimination they had to bear; as well as those that interact with them. The plot moves fast and you never lose interest in the characters and what will happen next. It reveals the huge impact that the destroyer class ships and their crews had on the outcome of World War II. There are heroic acts and ingenious ideas that save lives as they guard the transport of food, war materials and troops from the US to England. I found myself cheering for both the captain and the radio operator of the merchant marine ship as well as the captain and crew of the Warburton destroyer. It really gives the reader insight into the feelings and thoughts of the people who fought and their motivations in what they had to bear. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.
March 21, 2025
This is an awesome book that takes place during World War II. It follows the story of Joe Horiuchi, a Japanese-American who becomes a navy crewmember, and Merrill Kendrick, a navy destroyer ship captain as they overcome societal battles, family battles, and very real battles in the sea. I loved the character development of each main character. The author did a great job adding depth to each character and their relationships, which help the book to be very relatable and entertaining. There are also many plot twists that fit smoothly into the plot, but keep the reader guessing about what could happen next. Overall, it was definitely worth the read because I learned a lot about the struggles of a WWII navy destroyer, and got a much needed break from social media (where I usually turn to when I have free time).
February 23, 2022
Merrill Kendrick is a destroyer captain in the Atlantic. His grandfather founded Gatekeepers Electrics, and now his father is doing a bad job of running the company. His style of leadership aboard ship is remaining calm and cool, although that leaves him isolated.
Joe Horiuchi is a Japanese-American radio specialist in the Merchant Marine. He feels the sting of discrimination because his ancestral home is the enemy. His radio malfunctions at a critical time as a U-boat stalks his ship and a warning is missed.
This is a fast-paced short novel that keeps you interested in the characters and the situations they face.
Joe Horiuchi is a Japanese-American radio specialist in the Merchant Marine. He feels the sting of discrimination because his ancestral home is the enemy. His radio malfunctions at a critical time as a U-boat stalks his ship and a warning is missed.
This is a fast-paced short novel that keeps you interested in the characters and the situations they face.
January 1, 2025
This is the first of Jerry Borrowman's books and I found it to be exciting and a very good read. I had a Dad who serve in WW 2, but he never talked of his time serving in several areas. This book has helped me to better understand how hard it was and is for our soldiers during war.
This story takes place during the years of 1944 and 1945 just as the war was ramping up in the Atlantic and England. Also it dealt with greed on the part of some war equipment suppliers to the Military. This was a fast read and very good, have fun.
This story takes place during the years of 1944 and 1945 just as the war was ramping up in the Atlantic and England. Also it dealt with greed on the part of some war equipment suppliers to the Military. This was a fast read and very good, have fun.
May 15, 2022
Jerry Borrowman brought to light many aspects of WWII that I did not previously know about. There is no ounce of romance in this story, but I was fully engaged in the story. He had me biting my nails wondering how the battle at sea was going to play out and how the work in the home front was just as important as those fighting overseas.
If you love WWII history than I fully recommend this book.
If you love WWII history than I fully recommend this book.
June 22, 2022
Well written and informative. Not only does the author provide a great deal of information concerning the buildup to Normandy and the invasion of Europe by the Allies during World War II, but it shows the bigotry and exclusion directed toward Asians at that time. It also demonstrates the dishonesty and profiteering that always seems to accompany war.
March 2, 2022
A good naval action book set in WW2. The story is fast paced and will hold your interest. The characters and plot are well developed and makes this book a fun read!
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.
May 21, 2023
Based on a true story. Too much explanation of terms and ideas that really don’t need that kind of thing. Also, since it’s based on reality, it was rather interesting, but it doesn’t make a very good story
June 10, 2022
Great look at the complexity of ocean warfare in WWII.
June 27, 2022
It was over too soon! I was totally sucked in and then it ended. 😞 I hope there is a sequel.
September 5, 2022
Dnf. Want to remember not to try this again in the future. Just not interested... but I'm sure it's good subject matter for others
December 1, 2022
Magnificent book, it makes you feel like your on a navy destroyer and give you the whole experience of what it would be like in war.
December 15, 2022
Full of information but it seemed a bit rushed. I wanted more to the story. It seemed that Borrowman only scratched the surface with this one.
November 6, 2023
I learned a lot from this book and was fascinated and grateful for this who fought.
April 17, 2024
Started out strong but lost steam half way. Try “The Good Shepherd” by C. S. Forester.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews