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Pacific Blood: A WWII Military Fiction Novel
September 1942 — Guadalcanal.
The fight for Henderson Field is on the verge of collapse. Cut off from supplies, ravaged by disease, and surrounded by a relentless enemy, the United States Marines cling to a narrow foothold in the jungle.
Major Al Decker has already seen the worst of the Pacific war. One of only two Marines to escape the devastating fall of Wake Island, he has fought the Japanese from the first brutal hours of the conflict. Now he leads an elite Marine Raider unit trained for the most dangerous missions behind enemy lines.
When decorated Marine fighter pilots Marion Karl and Richard Amerine are shot down deep inside Japanese-held territory, Decker and his Raiders are ordered to bring them home.
But the jungle is alive with danger.
As the Raiders push through suffocating heat, relentless insects, and an enemy that seems to be everywhere at once, they uncover evidence of a massive Japanese buildup preparing to crush Henderson Field.
Cut off from support and hunted by superior forces, Decker and his men must locate the missing pilots and fight their way back through miles of hostile jungle.
If they fail, thousands of Marines may be overrun and slaughtered before they even know the attack is coming.
From the bestselling author of the USS Bull Shark series comes a gripping World War II thriller of courage, endurance, and survival in the deadly jungles of Guadalcanal.
The fight for Henderson Field is on the verge of collapse. Cut off from supplies, ravaged by disease, and surrounded by a relentless enemy, the United States Marines cling to a narrow foothold in the jungle.
Major Al Decker has already seen the worst of the Pacific war. One of only two Marines to escape the devastating fall of Wake Island, he has fought the Japanese from the first brutal hours of the conflict. Now he leads an elite Marine Raider unit trained for the most dangerous missions behind enemy lines.
When decorated Marine fighter pilots Marion Karl and Richard Amerine are shot down deep inside Japanese-held territory, Decker and his Raiders are ordered to bring them home.
But the jungle is alive with danger.
As the Raiders push through suffocating heat, relentless insects, and an enemy that seems to be everywhere at once, they uncover evidence of a massive Japanese buildup preparing to crush Henderson Field.
Cut off from support and hunted by superior forces, Decker and his men must locate the missing pilots and fight their way back through miles of hostile jungle.
If they fail, thousands of Marines may be overrun and slaughtered before they even know the attack is coming.
From the bestselling author of the USS Bull Shark series comes a gripping World War II thriller of courage, endurance, and survival in the deadly jungles of Guadalcanal.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 8, 2022
About the author
Scott W. Cook
49 books56 followersA full-time author who lives in Florida's sunshine, Scott W. Cook is and has always been a lover of good stories. When he's not hard at work composing new tales, Scott loves the Florida lifestyle - sailing, surfing, kayaking, fishing and if you can throw in a great waterside bar and grill and good tunes, you'll find a happy man!
As a voracious reader, Scott loves an engaging story… and as a voracious writer, his passion is capturing your interest and keeping a satisfied smile on your face!
Scott has a wide variety of writing passions and there’s something for everyone. His Florida private detective series is loaded action, suspense and will put a smile on your face, too. His multiple WWII series take you back to one of the most extraordinary times in history and brings it to life through vibrant scenes and entertaining characters.
And if you, like Scott, have a sweet tooth for horror… then you’ll love his short story collections, his Immortal Dracula series as well as other goodies to tantalize and raise the gooseflesh! And that’s just the beginning.
To learn more visit Scott at his website. Peruse his catalogue and grab a free sample when you join the crew:
www.scottwcook.com
As a voracious reader, Scott loves an engaging story… and as a voracious writer, his passion is capturing your interest and keeping a satisfied smile on your face!
Scott has a wide variety of writing passions and there’s something for everyone. His Florida private detective series is loaded action, suspense and will put a smile on your face, too. His multiple WWII series take you back to one of the most extraordinary times in history and brings it to life through vibrant scenes and entertaining characters.
And if you, like Scott, have a sweet tooth for horror… then you’ll love his short story collections, his Immortal Dracula series as well as other goodies to tantalize and raise the gooseflesh! And that’s just the beginning.
To learn more visit Scott at his website. Peruse his catalogue and grab a free sample when you join the crew:
www.scottwcook.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
September 26, 2024
Looked good, looked like my type of book, wanted to change the pace of my last few books, which where true story dog books.
This book was slower paced, quite boring, quite confusing with so many fiction names, story not very clear.
Not my type of book, only just managed to finish the book. Just
One star
This book was slower paced, quite boring, quite confusing with so many fiction names, story not very clear.
Not my type of book, only just managed to finish the book. Just
One star
October 10, 2024
Historical fraud
When you write a book set in the past, as WWII books are now, please don't use modern words.
Example: One Marine tells another in the jungle, when they are worried about crocodiles, no "gaslighting".
"Gaslighting" has its origins in a 1938 Britsh play, and then was used in a 1944 movie. Not a term in use by US Marines back then. Unless you believe these boys had seen the play.
When you write a book set in the past, as WWII books are now, please don't use modern words.
Example: One Marine tells another in the jungle, when they are worried about crocodiles, no "gaslighting".
"Gaslighting" has its origins in a 1938 Britsh play, and then was used in a 1944 movie. Not a term in use by US Marines back then. Unless you believe these boys had seen the play.
May 7, 2025
Pacific Blood is a well-written and thoroughly researched WWII novel that immerses you in the harsh reality of Marine life during the Pacific campaign. The camaraderie between the Marines is especially well portrayed — raw, believable, and often moving. The dialogue and interactions feel true to life, capturing both the tension of combat and the brotherhood that forms under fire.
One element that stood out to me was how accurately the book depicts the "Marines make do" mindset. The use of hand-me-down weapons like the M1903 Springfield was a great touch — a reminder that grit often mattered more than gear.
The integration of the local Guadalcanal natives was also a strong point. Their quiet, practical assistance to the Marines felt respectfully handled and historically grounded. It’s an aspect of the campaign that’s rarely explored in fiction, and it gave the story added depth and realism.
I did take note of the inclusion of both white and Black Marines in the same combat unit — which, while compelling for narrative reasons, doesn’t fully align with the historical reality of segregation in the 1940s U.S. military. The racial tension that arises from this dynamic is addressed, though some moments felt a bit stereotypical rather than deeply explored.
That said, this is a strong and engaging start to the Decker's Marine Raiders series. It offers both visceral combat scenes and a respectful look at the human side of war. Well worth the read for fans of military fiction with a focus on character and historical grit.
One element that stood out to me was how accurately the book depicts the "Marines make do" mindset. The use of hand-me-down weapons like the M1903 Springfield was a great touch — a reminder that grit often mattered more than gear.
The integration of the local Guadalcanal natives was also a strong point. Their quiet, practical assistance to the Marines felt respectfully handled and historically grounded. It’s an aspect of the campaign that’s rarely explored in fiction, and it gave the story added depth and realism.
I did take note of the inclusion of both white and Black Marines in the same combat unit — which, while compelling for narrative reasons, doesn’t fully align with the historical reality of segregation in the 1940s U.S. military. The racial tension that arises from this dynamic is addressed, though some moments felt a bit stereotypical rather than deeply explored.
That said, this is a strong and engaging start to the Decker's Marine Raiders series. It offers both visceral combat scenes and a respectful look at the human side of war. Well worth the read for fans of military fiction with a focus on character and historical grit.
January 13, 2026
Mr. Cook writes a solid book on the Marine Raiders at Guadalcanal. It came you turning the pages and it never failed to produce enjoyment for me. I was pleased to see the real figure of Robert Leckie show up in the book, he wrote "A Helmet for My Pillow." I easily moved into the next book with Al Decker and the Marine Raiders and I'm sure I'll find much the same enjoyment. I'm an avid WW2 history, fiction and non-fiction, reader. While I do enjoy the over arching story of the war at large I appreciate very much appreciate the small stories and the individuals that are a part of the fabric of the country even if some are fictional, it doesn't take away from the fabric of the men and women who endeavored to bring about victory at all costs. Thank you Mr. Cook, this was my first of yours and I'll be off to the Bullshark Series at the conclusion of Pacific Guts.
May 10, 2023
This is the first volume of Decker's Marine Raiders. I have not read any of his previous books. It was a fast paced small unit read and I plan to read the next installment.
Major Decker is the central figure and I got a good sense of him as Marine in a jungle war. With the exception of the interplay between the new addition of Jones to the team and Gartrell the veteran, the character interaction and development takes a backseat in the storyline.
Cook's descriptions were well done. There was a sparseness to them that works well, capturing the non-stop action while not getting bogged down.
This was a good read.
Major Decker is the central figure and I got a good sense of him as Marine in a jungle war. With the exception of the interplay between the new addition of Jones to the team and Gartrell the veteran, the character interaction and development takes a backseat in the storyline.
Cook's descriptions were well done. There was a sparseness to them that works well, capturing the non-stop action while not getting bogged down.
This was a good read.
April 4, 2025
Overall a good book. Author clearly had done some credible research into military planning/procedures from subsurface to high altitude flight action. The support from “locals” to the US troops during the war in the Pacific was something that never received near enough acknowledgement but was well described in this book. It wasn’t fierce fighting non-stop, but certainly moved right along right up to the end. The best part was the reality of so much of the book describing interpersonal actions throughout the story. Enjoyed it. VR, Mags
September 14, 2022
Marines!
One more time Scott Cook has given us a story about the Bull Shark crew and even a Marine Raider story. Those of us following the Bull Shark submarine series as always enjoy Scott Cook's style and ability to make the reader become part of the story. Now he hits us with a new series about Marine Raiders we know from previous books. Exciting, fact based fiction that is great fun to read. Looking forward to more !
One more time Scott Cook has given us a story about the Bull Shark crew and even a Marine Raider story. Those of us following the Bull Shark submarine series as always enjoy Scott Cook's style and ability to make the reader become part of the story. Now he hits us with a new series about Marine Raiders we know from previous books. Exciting, fact based fiction that is great fun to read. Looking forward to more !
March 24, 2023
Good read lots of action minimal character development
I would recommend this book to any action fan reader.I would also urge those who want to experience jungle fighting . I also liked the humor demonstrated through the dialogue of the natives
S
I kept repeating to myself what we said out loud when I served in the Armed Forces'
' Embrace the Suck ' especially in less than perfect weather conditions high heat,windstorms,gail s and hurricanes.
I would recommend this book to any action fan reader.I would also urge those who want to experience jungle fighting . I also liked the humor demonstrated through the dialogue of the natives
S
I kept repeating to myself what we said out loud when I served in the Armed Forces'
' Embrace the Suck ' especially in less than perfect weather conditions high heat,windstorms,gail s and hurricanes.
October 9, 2022
Loaded With Action
Marine Raiders on Special Ops during Ongoing Battle to Keep Guadalcanal.
Involves rescuing downed pilots, recon of Jap Positions & attacking small outposts as well as a major landing to clear the forces that had reinforced Japanese Defenses attempting to attack airfield.
ACTION PACKED.
Marine Raiders on Special Ops during Ongoing Battle to Keep Guadalcanal.
Involves rescuing downed pilots, recon of Jap Positions & attacking small outposts as well as a major landing to clear the forces that had reinforced Japanese Defenses attempting to attack airfield.
ACTION PACKED.
November 16, 2022
Decker does it again
I have enjoyed every chapter and book in this series. I am constantly seeking authors whose style follows Scott cook's.the word pictures he paints brings to life the narrative in a forceful way and it's hard to put it down when the story is building suspense and your body says time to go to bed!!
I have enjoyed every chapter and book in this series. I am constantly seeking authors whose style follows Scott cook's.the word pictures he paints brings to life the narrative in a forceful way and it's hard to put it down when the story is building suspense and your body says time to go to bed!!
November 23, 2022
a good companion for Cook’s submarine series
Whenever I read Scott Cook I am both entertained and learn things about the war in the Pacific.
Each book indirectly contributes to my sense of wonder and admiration for the men and women fighting the war .
With gratitude, I highly recommend this little book and look forward to the next installment.
Whenever I read Scott Cook I am both entertained and learn things about the war in the Pacific.
Each book indirectly contributes to my sense of wonder and admiration for the men and women fighting the war .
With gratitude, I highly recommend this little book and look forward to the next installment.
December 13, 2022
Seemed hurried
I enjoyed reading about Decker again and the Marines on Guadalcanal, but this story seemed to be written quickly to get it on the market. Each encounter was handled quickly and moved on from without delay. Perhaps future books in the series could take a little more time on each event.
I enjoyed reading about Decker again and the Marines on Guadalcanal, but this story seemed to be written quickly to get it on the market. Each encounter was handled quickly and moved on from without delay. Perhaps future books in the series could take a little more time on each event.
December 15, 2022
Fantastic
First read for me by Mr. Cook but I will start following him now and read his series. I love a good war story and this was one. Easy to follow lots of action and very realistic , being a retired Army First Sergeant this book really made me realize how hard combat was in WWII, the modern Army doesn't know how well they have it. Thank You Mr. Cook.
First read for me by Mr. Cook but I will start following him now and read his series. I love a good war story and this was one. Easy to follow lots of action and very realistic , being a retired Army First Sergeant this book really made me realize how hard combat was in WWII, the modern Army doesn't know how well they have it. Thank You Mr. Cook.
March 17, 2023
A very good war story.
The author has written a story of war for the Marine’s in Pacific as they try to prevent the troop buildup of the Japanese Army and their invasion to try take back control of the island. A story full of action and bravery that will keep you totally involved in the battles.
The author has written a story of war for the Marine’s in Pacific as they try to prevent the troop buildup of the Japanese Army and their invasion to try take back control of the island. A story full of action and bravery that will keep you totally involved in the battles.
August 26, 2023
Just finished Pacific Blood, pretty realistic from what I know of Pacific War history WWII. As a Navy Officer, trained in part by Marines and my knowledge of WWII history, I think the description of the characters and their actions and speech were realistic. Certainly a captivating story, finished it in a couple days of on and off reading. Great h!istorical fiction
September 15, 2023
Great start on this follow up series
Great way to start off this series. Love how the author brings it down to the personal level. After 6 in the Navy in Vet Nam and another carrier in the Air force for 25 more years. Involving Desert Storm, I can appreciate the down to the ground feelings of the charicters.
Great way to start off this series. Love how the author brings it down to the personal level. After 6 in the Navy in Vet Nam and another carrier in the Air force for 25 more years. Involving Desert Storm, I can appreciate the down to the ground feelings of the charicters.
May 23, 2023
PACIFIC BLOOD ...Good military fiction
I'm a big fan of Military History, fiction and nonfiction. Scott Cook has scored a winning series. I prefer the naval and air stories but was equally captivated by Decker's Marine Raider Series Book I
I'm a big fan of Military History, fiction and nonfiction. Scott Cook has scored a winning series. I prefer the naval and air stories but was equally captivated by Decker's Marine Raider Series Book I
August 25, 2023
A great read
This was my first book by Scott Cook and I am not disappointed. The story was believable and flowed well. With my twenty years of service in the US military, this was well written, well researched, and the kind of book I will continue to read.
This was my first book by Scott Cook and I am not disappointed. The story was believable and flowed well. With my twenty years of service in the US military, this was well written, well researched, and the kind of book I will continue to read.
October 18, 2023
Although this novel was advertised as fictional, the author wove in true facts. Robert Leckie who wrote Helmet For My Pillow, Richard Tregaskis who was a famous war correspondent and Edison’s Raiders were all featured in an exciting WWII story.
October 22, 2023
pretty good read
I enjoyed the first book in this series. Scott Cook has developed some good characters and personalities. Good action, good plot. If you enjoy WWII action, this is a good series telling the story of Guadalcanal
I enjoyed the first book in this series. Scott Cook has developed some good characters and personalities. Good action, good plot. If you enjoy WWII action, this is a good series telling the story of Guadalcanal
November 18, 2023
Great reading, historical fiction puts you in the front lines.
My uncle made 5 Pacific landings, this book will help explain what he went through. Very fast paced, not many WW all Vets left,
My uncle made 5 Pacific landings, this book will help explain what he went through. Very fast paced, not many WW all Vets left,
March 22, 2025
easy rea
An easy read with factoids about the equipment and tactics and circumstances occurring in 1942. Interjected some erotica to liven things, bearing no relationship to reality.
An easy read with factoids about the equipment and tactics and circumstances occurring in 1942. Interjected some erotica to liven things, bearing no relationship to reality.
September 22, 2026
A Different View
I've read a great many books on the difficult time the United States Marines and Army forces had on The Canal in the war in the Pacific area of operations. This one is a tad different yet very believable.
I've read a great many books on the difficult time the United States Marines and Army forces had on The Canal in the war in the Pacific area of operations. This one is a tad different yet very believable.
September 25, 2022
Great spin-off from Bull Shark series. Gritty novel of the marine raider exploits on Guadalcanal
October 4, 2022
Island troubles
Love amid carnage. Many skirmishes and outright battles. I was sorry when this story ended rather abruptly. A good read.
Love amid carnage. Many skirmishes and outright battles. I was sorry when this story ended rather abruptly. A good read.
October 12, 2022
Good Marine Story
This book is a realistic look a Guardians and action of the naval and marine corps. Personel.very readable and enjoyable
This book is a realistic look a Guardians and action of the naval and marine corps. Personel.very readable and enjoyable
October 23, 2022
Great read
Well written and fast and informative read. Mr Cooks books are great reading. Looking forward to book two! And beyond.
Well written and fast and informative read. Mr Cooks books are great reading. Looking forward to book two! And beyond.
October 24, 2022
Great book
Would recommend this book to anyone who loves reading about WW 2 as I do. Mr. Scott has written another great book just like all his other books.
Would recommend this book to anyone who loves reading about WW 2 as I do. Mr. Scott has written another great book just like all his other books.
January 11, 2023
Good read
If you like the stories of the Pacific theater from WWII then this is for you. The story is compelling and keeps you reading.
If you like the stories of the Pacific theater from WWII then this is for you. The story is compelling and keeps you reading.
January 13, 2023
Great battles
As always a great read. A little history, fiction with plenty of action. Shows what the greatest generation lived through even though it fiction it close enough.
As always a great read. A little history, fiction with plenty of action. Shows what the greatest generation lived through even though it fiction it close enough.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews