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Those in Peril
It's 1941 and the Royal Navy have dealt a massive blow to Hitler's campaign in the South Atlantic by sinking his U-boat supply ships For Ernst Kessler, Commander of U-395, this creates a near impossible situation- he's stranded six thousand miles from home, without fuel or supplies-responsible for hundreds of civilian survivors in lifeboats and an essential consignment of Brazilian Quartz that was destined for Britain Kessler knows that he must pull off the most hazardous rescue in maritime history - an impossible journey, towing the lifeboats and their survivors a Quarter of the way around the world. Those in peril is a gripping real life story in which the true enemy is the mighty Atlantic Ocean.
- GenresWar
344 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published June 16, 1997
406 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
James Follett
49 books36 followersJames Follett (not "Follet") was an author and screenwriter, born in 1939 in Tolworth, England.
Follett became a full-time fiction writer in 1976, after resigning from contract work as a technical writer for the British Ministry of Defence. He has wrote over 20 novels, several television scripts (including episodes of the BBC's Blake's 7), and many radio dramas. Follett was one of the 400 most popular British authors, measured by the numbers of books borrowed from public libraries in the UK, having spent 11 years in the public lending right's top two bands of authors.
Follett became a full-time fiction writer in 1976, after resigning from contract work as a technical writer for the British Ministry of Defence. He has wrote over 20 novels, several television scripts (including episodes of the BBC's Blake's 7), and many radio dramas. Follett was one of the 400 most popular British authors, measured by the numbers of books borrowed from public libraries in the UK, having spent 11 years in the public lending right's top two bands of authors.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 21, 2020
This is the first James Follett book that I have read. I sall be looking for other books by him. The scene setting and character depictions are very good. These combined with an intriguing plot make Those in Peril an excellent read for those who enjoy high drama adventure stories.
September 1, 2020
Excellent read
A highly recommended unusual story about a U Boat attempting to get survivors to safety after their sinking their ship. Great characters with makeup of crew very interesting.
A highly recommended unusual story about a U Boat attempting to get survivors to safety after their sinking their ship. Great characters with makeup of crew very interesting.
December 30, 2024
I have read a few books of James back in the day.
A high-octane thriller that delivers plenty of action and suspense, but it’s also a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to characters and plot. The story centers around a hijacked tanker in the South China Sea, with a group of terrorists holding hostages aboard. A diverse group of naval operatives and civilians must team up to rescue them, facing not only the dangers of the hijackers but also the unpredictable sea and a ticking clock.
Follett does a great job of building tension. The pace is quick, and the plot keeps moving, which makes for a pretty engaging read. His attention to detail about naval operations and rescue missions adds a sense of realism, and you can tell he’s done his homework. The stakes feel high throughout, and it’s easy to get swept up in the urgency of the mission.
That said, the characters could have used more depth. The protagonist, Peter MacDonald, is a competent, no-nonsense naval officer, but he’s not particularly memorable. Many of the other characters feel like they’re just filling roles—there’s not a lot of emotional development or complexity. This can make it harder to really care about who survives or not. The lack of emotional connection, especially in a high-stakes situation like this, is a bit of a drawback.
Also, some of the plot twists and events feel a little too convenient. There are a few times when things just “fall into place” a bit too easily, which can take you out of the story if you’re looking for something more grounded.
Overall, Those in Peril is an entertaining and fast-paced adventure, but it’s more about action than character or depth. If you enjoy thrillers with lots of tension and a solid rescue mission, it’s definitely worth a read—but don’t expect to be blown away by the characters.
A high-octane thriller that delivers plenty of action and suspense, but it’s also a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to characters and plot. The story centers around a hijacked tanker in the South China Sea, with a group of terrorists holding hostages aboard. A diverse group of naval operatives and civilians must team up to rescue them, facing not only the dangers of the hijackers but also the unpredictable sea and a ticking clock.
Follett does a great job of building tension. The pace is quick, and the plot keeps moving, which makes for a pretty engaging read. His attention to detail about naval operations and rescue missions adds a sense of realism, and you can tell he’s done his homework. The stakes feel high throughout, and it’s easy to get swept up in the urgency of the mission.
That said, the characters could have used more depth. The protagonist, Peter MacDonald, is a competent, no-nonsense naval officer, but he’s not particularly memorable. Many of the other characters feel like they’re just filling roles—there’s not a lot of emotional development or complexity. This can make it harder to really care about who survives or not. The lack of emotional connection, especially in a high-stakes situation like this, is a bit of a drawback.
Also, some of the plot twists and events feel a little too convenient. There are a few times when things just “fall into place” a bit too easily, which can take you out of the story if you’re looking for something more grounded.
Overall, Those in Peril is an entertaining and fast-paced adventure, but it’s more about action than character or depth. If you enjoy thrillers with lots of tension and a solid rescue mission, it’s definitely worth a read—but don’t expect to be blown away by the characters.
February 19, 2023
Great characters and a great story line combined with World War Two engineering detail and facts make it a great read. The author maintains constant tension throughout the read as he follows the story of a German U Boat making its way across the Atlantic with limited resources with a line of castaways in tow back to Europe. This gives him a lot on his palette which he uses very effectively.
The negatives are the very poor layout and punctuation of the Kindle version which distracts from the reading experience.
Considering what the author had put one through in terms of its characters and the situation I found the ending to be a little flat which was a disappointment as it again detracted from the excitement and pace of the book.
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The negatives are the very poor layout and punctuation of the Kindle version which distracts from the reading experience.
Considering what the author had put one through in terms of its characters and the situation I found the ending to be a little flat which was a disappointment as it again detracted from the excitement and pace of the book.
.
January 14, 2023
Good Story - Poor Kindle Edition
The plot and details of this book make an implausible story seem plausible. Well developed characters create a relationship with the reader.
However, terrible layout, alignment, font mistakes and appalling punctuation detract from the full enjoyment of a well constructed plot.
The plot and details of this book make an implausible story seem plausible. Well developed characters create a relationship with the reader.
However, terrible layout, alignment, font mistakes and appalling punctuation detract from the full enjoyment of a well constructed plot.
November 30, 2019
Different Perspective on WWII
Suspense filled story. Good character development. Provides a path to humanize Germans in their journey through the war. Would stand alone as a drama even without the war setting.
Suspense filled story. Good character development. Provides a path to humanize Germans in their journey through the war. Would stand alone as a drama even without the war setting.
July 7, 2020
Fascinating tale
Enjoyed the in sight into the life on a German Uboat the detail was fascinating
The inclusion of sub plots made the story even more interesting
Will read more of this author definitely
Enjoyed the in sight into the life on a German Uboat the detail was fascinating
The inclusion of sub plots made the story even more interesting
Will read more of this author definitely
April 5, 2021
Fast paced and emotionally rich.
While based on an actual event the narrative was creative and stirring. The character development was inspired. The pace of the story was relentless with many twists and turns. I definitely recommend it.
While based on an actual event the narrative was creative and stirring. The character development was inspired. The pace of the story was relentless with many twists and turns. I definitely recommend it.
September 23, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is the first of James Follett's books I've read but it will definately not be the last. If you enjoy WWII novels, put this one on your list. Ceratinly worth the read. Although I rated it as a 4 star it's above that.
July 11, 2024
captivating read
The narrative is unlikely, but appealing to read. While editing missed a few misplaced articles, the distraction from the errors was minimal because of the strength of the narrative.
The narrative is unlikely, but appealing to read. While editing missed a few misplaced articles, the distraction from the errors was minimal because of the strength of the narrative.
October 17, 2025
Didn't think I was going to like this but I loved it.
It took a bit to get into the story. But after a few chapters I couldn't put it down. The characters were compelling and most were likeable (except the Nazi spg Haug). I recommend this story to every one.
It took a bit to get into the story. But after a few chapters I couldn't put it down. The characters were compelling and most were likeable (except the Nazi spg Haug). I recommend this story to every one.
July 23, 2019
Really great read
The story is told with great humour (some quite dark), and awareness of the life aboard a submarine. I may have to read it again.
The story is told with great humour (some quite dark), and awareness of the life aboard a submarine. I may have to read it again.
October 1, 2020
A real page Turner.
Very well written. A war story, wrapped around a love story, as told by an old sea dog. Just enough twists and turns to keep it real!
Very well written. A war story, wrapped around a love story, as told by an old sea dog. Just enough twists and turns to keep it real!
December 12, 2020
Terrific read with a touch of humour. Great characters. Very enjoyable.
March 31, 2021
Great read
January 25, 2022
Great story teller
Creative plot, every step of the way.
Suspensville and exciting..
Highly recommend for those who like second world War adventure stories.
Creative plot, every step of the way.
Suspensville and exciting..
Highly recommend for those who like second world War adventure stories.
February 1, 2023
A Long Journey
It starts a little slow but picks up after a while. I really got into it and then couldn't put it down.
It starts a little slow but picks up after a while. I really got into it and then couldn't put it down.
August 27, 2023
Liked it. It’s not astonishing but a well written piece of literature about WWII at the sea, particularly into a U-boot.
July 24, 2024
great read
End leave you wondering about the fate of the submarine maybe not the feature line but still
Captain and first officer s
End leave you wondering about the fate of the submarine maybe not the feature line but still
Captain and first officer s
September 23, 2024
Captivating
Rarely has book kept me intrigued throughout the entire book.
Fascinating and even humorous at times The author must have done extensive research on submarines
Rarely has book kept me intrigued throughout the entire book.
Fascinating and even humorous at times The author must have done extensive research on submarines
October 26, 2025
First one of James’s books I’ve read and I thoroughly enjoyed it - great story.
August 22, 2016
"It was the tiniest of slurps, but Angela Montgomerie’s hearing was such that while taking a bath in her mansion she could detect a mouse sneezing three floors below in the wine cellar. And such was her rule over her household, that the mouse would have known that it had been heard and would have done the decent thing and committed suicide by picking a fight with the Burmese cat."
I enjoy Follett's style of writing a great deal. Even though relatively little actually happens in this story, I'm constantly impressed by the innovation of these tough, honourable men to find solutions to their problems. Not one of his shining works, but a very good peep into the other side of the Second World War.
I enjoy Follett's style of writing a great deal. Even though relatively little actually happens in this story, I'm constantly impressed by the innovation of these tough, honourable men to find solutions to their problems. Not one of his shining works, but a very good peep into the other side of the Second World War.
June 5, 2016
N anti A perilous journey
A clever tale about a u boat crossing the Atlantic while searching for enough diesel to make home port. Follett is at his best portraying his characters. At the docking the Captain states "Bit of an anticlimax" and so is the ending of this story. It is a fast paced and hard to put down read
A clever tale about a u boat crossing the Atlantic while searching for enough diesel to make home port. Follett is at his best portraying his characters. At the docking the Captain states "Bit of an anticlimax" and so is the ending of this story. It is a fast paced and hard to put down read
January 2, 2017
Excellent story
Wonderful story. Some of the long details of technical submarine descriptions I skipped over. It was very different and very exciting. I truly had no idea how it would end. Reading it on Kindle, was challenging. At times you didn't know who was talking, paragraphs were off, like no one proof read it. Oh well, I loved the book. Highly recommend.
Wonderful story. Some of the long details of technical submarine descriptions I skipped over. It was very different and very exciting. I truly had no idea how it would end. Reading it on Kindle, was challenging. At times you didn't know who was talking, paragraphs were off, like no one proof read it. Oh well, I loved the book. Highly recommend.
December 1, 2016
Great Follett tail.
James Follett is a great story teller and Those in Peril is a great tale. He keeps you wanting to read more, what is happening next, a true page turner. You feel like you know the characters.
James Follett is a great story teller and Those in Peril is a great tale. He keeps you wanting to read more, what is happening next, a true page turner. You feel like you know the characters.
August 11, 2016
This Writer is phenomenal
It's a saga story about a German sub towing a several rafts of survivors from off the shores of South America to a sub base in France.
It's a saga story about a German sub towing a several rafts of survivors from off the shores of South America to a sub base in France.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews