What do you think?
Rate this book
Amanda Garrett #5
Phantom Force
A violent insurrection erupts in Indonesia as sinister forces plot to take over the country…
Indonesia’s sea lanes are vital to international cargo carriers and naval power. To see them under the control of the West’s enemies would be disastrous.
One man could be the key to Indonesia’s fate. But he is hiding somewhere among the country’s 17,000 islands – and nobody knows where.
The US Navy despatches Captain Amanda Garrett. Her orders – to find the man and prevent a catastrophe…
Indonesia’s sea lanes are vital to international cargo carriers and naval power. To see them under the control of the West’s enemies would be disastrous.
One man could be the key to Indonesia’s fate. But he is hiding somewhere among the country’s 17,000 islands – and nobody knows where.
The US Navy despatches Captain Amanda Garrett. Her orders – to find the man and prevent a catastrophe…
532 pages, Paperback
First published May 18, 2005
404 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 2, 2022
This is the fifth and last book in the series. The author passed away, so unless there is a franchisee in place, its highly unlikely that any more books in the series will come.
Unlike the previous book, this is a much better storyline - although, I would say that the first book in the series was the best one. If you do not read any more books, you won't miss anything.
This book continues the story from the previous book and the adventure continues in the Indonesian waters. Reading the previous book will help readers but it's not an absolute must as there is enough context provided. The initial 50% or so of the book deals with diplomacy, planning, and contingency planning and also covers the coup breaking out in Indonesia. After that, it's quite good naval and ground action. The US Embassy rescue portion of the book reminded me of the attack on the US embassy in Libya.
There are several open items left at the end of the book, so if the author would have been alive, there could have been more book in the series.
Overall a decent series, but Choosers of the Slain was the best.
Unlike the previous book, this is a much better storyline - although, I would say that the first book in the series was the best one. If you do not read any more books, you won't miss anything.
This book continues the story from the previous book and the adventure continues in the Indonesian waters. Reading the previous book will help readers but it's not an absolute must as there is enough context provided. The initial 50% or so of the book deals with diplomacy, planning, and contingency planning and also covers the coup breaking out in Indonesia. After that, it's quite good naval and ground action. The US Embassy rescue portion of the book reminded me of the attack on the US embassy in Libya.
There are several open items left at the end of the book, so if the author would have been alive, there could have been more book in the series.
Overall a decent series, but Choosers of the Slain was the best.
March 27, 2022
Capstone for a GREAT Series
1st I would recommend not only this book but the entire series to anyone who is a fan of tom Clancy. There are a few Technical slip ups but then again nobody is perfect . I must admit, after finishing The 4th book in this series It could have been an ending of the series, But there was a distinct feeling of being left hanging. If the estate of Mr. Cobb Has Any Future plans for this series they would be welcome in deed. This book was an early Christmas present Or someone who would likes to read My best regards and respect to Mr. Cobb's family and estate Bill Hodges Thank you
1st I would recommend not only this book but the entire series to anyone who is a fan of tom Clancy. There are a few Technical slip ups but then again nobody is perfect . I must admit, after finishing The 4th book in this series It could have been an ending of the series, But there was a distinct feeling of being left hanging. If the estate of Mr. Cobb Has Any Future plans for this series they would be welcome in deed. This book was an early Christmas present Or someone who would likes to read My best regards and respect to Mr. Cobb's family and estate Bill Hodges Thank you
September 16, 2022
Gripping finale
Another situation that needed to be dealt with to bring peace to warring factions,and only Amanda Garrett and her closest friends who she trusted with her life could fix the problem.
Put in charge of a very new and powerful naval ship that she had the privilege of commanding and also was initially her idea to build,would be the difference of success or failure to bring peace to the region of Indonesia.
Although there was inevitably loss of life she and her friends succeeded in their mission.
Another situation that needed to be dealt with to bring peace to warring factions,and only Amanda Garrett and her closest friends who she trusted with her life could fix the problem.
Put in charge of a very new and powerful naval ship that she had the privilege of commanding and also was initially her idea to build,would be the difference of success or failure to bring peace to the region of Indonesia.
Although there was inevitably loss of life she and her friends succeeded in their mission.
April 29, 2022
This novel could have easily melded with the previous one and come out as a great read overall. There just was not enough volume or storyline to carry two whole novels. The characters you met in book four are just the same you meet in book five. The only real difference is the adversary has changed and the military equipment being used. Now upgrades on current weapons and their use were very entertaining. Overall not a bad read.
June 4, 2022
Of the entire Amanda Garrett quintet, I felt this plot was the weakest. The naval stealth action took second stage to pages of monotonous religious infighting. This usually happens when an author is running out of ideas or his characters are out if steam and need a face lift? But overall, I enjoyed the series immensely. Too bad this author passed in 2014. There are few good, modern naval fiction writers these days...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2022
Keep it going!!!
This book carried on the tradition of the last books. The names were different of the Indonesian people\places, got confused a time or two. But reread and enjoyed the story. I think that Harconan should be kept alive and reappear at some future time. Next book, Phantom Force in the Aegean Sea fighting the Greeks and Turks...
This book carried on the tradition of the last books. The names were different of the Indonesian people\places, got confused a time or two. But reread and enjoyed the story. I think that Harconan should be kept alive and reappear at some future time. Next book, Phantom Force in the Aegean Sea fighting the Greeks and Turks...
May 1, 2022
Women rule!
This series,(The USS Cunningham quintet) is a superior work combining military technology and strategy. The major characters are intriguing reflect modern day passions and relationships. I enjoyed reading the series uninterrupted. I would enjoy the series being continued.
This series,(The USS Cunningham quintet) is a superior work combining military technology and strategy. The major characters are intriguing reflect modern day passions and relationships. I enjoyed reading the series uninterrupted. I would enjoy the series being continued.
June 16, 2022
Listings say this is the fifth book in a five book series I CERTAINLY HOPE NOT. A complex naval thriller wit great characters. The plot draws from the past, today and the future. As a naval historian, I find many elements worthy of thought in today’s complex world. Note to the author: go get involved in the Greece and Turkey conflict
April 1, 2022
She's Back
Glad to see Amanda Garrett back, I have missed her adventures and look forward to the next, if you please Mr Cobb
A good read in my opinion. In fact, so good, I sat and read it from start to finish in one day
Glad to see Amanda Garrett back, I have missed her adventures and look forward to the next, if you please Mr Cobb
A good read in my opinion. In fact, so good, I sat and read it from start to finish in one day
May 9, 2022
When is the best book yet
Just a really good sea novel With lots of really cool naval Battles in a really good plot I recommend you give it a try it probably the best of all the series I've read so far but it's a hard choice there's about 3 of them are pretty good.
Just a really good sea novel With lots of really cool naval Battles in a really good plot I recommend you give it a try it probably the best of all the series I've read so far but it's a hard choice there's about 3 of them are pretty good.
May 24, 2022
Phantom of ghost
Not enough action from the combined forces. Too .ugh wasted reading about other things than I the actual force it se!f. Not as good a story as previous novel s by this author.
Not enough action from the combined forces. Too .ugh wasted reading about other things than I the actual force it se!f. Not as good a story as previous novel s by this author.
June 17, 2022
Modern Military at it's best
This series takes a fictional glance into that might be.
I felt like I was with Amanda and her crew all the way thru this series. All the characters are well developed. This becomes a multi service adventure, with a navy captain in command
This series takes a fictional glance into that might be.
I felt like I was with Amanda and her crew all the way thru this series. All the characters are well developed. This becomes a multi service adventure, with a navy captain in command
April 19, 2023
This review will serve as my review for all 5 of the Amanda Garrett books. Bangers the lot, can't go wrong with a Mary Sue with the powers of the US military behind her. Some slightly dubious moments of orientalism that I cringed at from time to time but the compelling action soothed those issues well. Found the old guy boyfriend a bit creepy by the end of it all but the strength of the earlier books makes that less of a problem. Like with many American written pieces of military fiction it does suffer from the 'China is 30 minutes away from collapsing' syndrome but its excusable because the books are fun to read. Would recommend for a good, if silly read.
September 15, 2023
Pirates
Another fast paced novel with lots of great characters and action. James Cobb writes in a manner to make the reader feel like a crew member. The military action is real and those involved believable. Another great chapter in the series.
Another fast paced novel with lots of great characters and action. James Cobb writes in a manner to make the reader feel like a crew member. The military action is real and those involved believable. Another great chapter in the series.
February 11, 2024
Phantom force
Take Amanda plus Admiral Mac and a Pirate a Q ship you have a fast paced thriller against the backdrop of the South Pacific I kept getting songs from the musical "South Pacific" going through my head will she " Wash that man right out of her head" on "Bali High"
Take Amanda plus Admiral Mac and a Pirate a Q ship you have a fast paced thriller against the backdrop of the South Pacific I kept getting songs from the musical "South Pacific" going through my head will she " Wash that man right out of her head" on "Bali High"
February 18, 2024
Another Page Turner! Great Read!
Total immersive experience! The creativity of the authored is only matched his ability to draw the reader in. There are NO dull moments. For students of Naval History “Phantom Force” beckons reminders of WWI and WWII.
Total immersive experience! The creativity of the authored is only matched his ability to draw the reader in. There are NO dull moments. For students of Naval History “Phantom Force” beckons reminders of WWI and WWII.
February 19, 2024
Great tie up to the series
The book was great in its detail without be tedious. Characters were completed along with the military portion, allowing for a spin off series. Cobb did himself proud.
The book was great in its detail without be tedious. Characters were completed along with the military portion, allowing for a spin off series. Cobb did himself proud.
March 29, 2022
Engaging
At first it looked like just another one like the last one but the already superbly developed personalities from the series shined with new energy. Great read!
At first it looked like just another one like the last one but the already superbly developed personalities from the series shined with new energy. Great read!
April 2, 2022
Ghost Ship
It's there and it is nowhere being something else. Very riveting series with fantastical stories within stories! What lies ahead?
It's there and it is nowhere being something else. Very riveting series with fantastical stories within stories! What lies ahead?
April 4, 2022
A great read
Well, James Cobb has out done himself once again. The entire series was excellent and I can't wait to read his next book
Well, James Cobb has out done himself once again. The entire series was excellent and I can't wait to read his next book
April 5, 2022
About as good as Target Lock, although I think that the earlier books were better. A good enough book although perhaps less technical which was an aspect of the earlier books that I very much enjoyed
April 5, 2022
Excellent
One of the best military storytellers I have ever read. Looking forward to his next adventure. Great character development. Really enjoy.
One of the best military storytellers I have ever read. Looking forward to his next adventure. Great character development. Really enjoy.
April 10, 2022
Great series!
I really enjoyed this series! I hope there are more to come in this adventure!! Well done Mr. Cobb! Looking forward to more of your books!
I really enjoyed this series! I hope there are more to come in this adventure!! Well done Mr. Cobb! Looking forward to more of your books!
April 26, 2022
great ending! RIP JC!
Happy to see this installment, sad because there might not be another, just hope anyone who reads the series will enjoy it and recommend it! Read it!
Happy to see this installment, sad because there might not be another, just hope anyone who reads the series will enjoy it and recommend it! Read it!
May 2, 2022
phantom force
Having read all the previous Cunningham books, I was excited to read this last one.
James H Cobb did a wonderful job of continuing the non stop action, while winding up the side stories of Amanda and Arcady, Harconan and Elliot.
This series was a gift to any reader.
Having read all the previous Cunningham books, I was excited to read this last one.
James H Cobb did a wonderful job of continuing the non stop action, while winding up the side stories of Amanda and Arcady, Harconan and Elliot.
This series was a gift to any reader.
May 13, 2022
Excellent series.
Captain Garret is one adventurous lady, fighting her ships against sometimes overwhelming odds. Great stories of nautical warfare in the modern age.
Captain Garret is one adventurous lady, fighting her ships against sometimes overwhelming odds. Great stories of nautical warfare in the modern age.
May 19, 2022
Naval q ship
I think this tale is well told. Several characters grow and make interesting conclusions. Well told and well done author.
I think this tale is well told. Several characters grow and make interesting conclusions. Well told and well done author.
June 9, 2022
Final installment of both the USS Cunnigham/Amanda Garrett series and the indonesian story arc inside of the series. Great read, too.
July 18, 2022
great
Book Five in the Cunningham series. A continuation from book four finds our
Title group dealing with civil war and overthrowing of a government. Excellent
Book Five in the Cunningham series. A continuation from book four finds our
Title group dealing with civil war and overthrowing of a government. Excellent
August 15, 2022
Read this Series
Outstanding full speed ahead, guns up, but kicking and very interesting too, navel novel bottell on and on and on
Outstanding full speed ahead, guns up, but kicking and very interesting too, navel novel bottell on and on and on
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews