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Destroyermen #12
Devil's Due
New York Times bestselling author Taylor Anderson continues the thrilling Destroyermen series of alternate history and military strategy, as the conflict is about to become terrifyingly personal....
Captain Matt Reddy and the crew of the USS Walker have been fighting for their lives ever since their ship was swept from the Pacific to another world and they became embroiled in a deadly conflict between their Lemurian allies and the ravening Grik.
But things are about to get worse. With Reddy's family and allies held prisoner by mad General Kurokawa, the mysterious League and evil Dominion plotting schemes of their own, and the Grik trying to build their swarm and concentrate power, Reddy faces danger on all sides.
With the mighty League battleship Savoie at his command, Kurokawa plots a terrible vengeance against Reddy and his tiny, battered destroyer. The stage is set for a devastating cataclysm, and Reddy and his allies will have to risk everything to protect what they hold dear.
Captain Matt Reddy and the crew of the USS Walker have been fighting for their lives ever since their ship was swept from the Pacific to another world and they became embroiled in a deadly conflict between their Lemurian allies and the ravening Grik.
But things are about to get worse. With Reddy's family and allies held prisoner by mad General Kurokawa, the mysterious League and evil Dominion plotting schemes of their own, and the Grik trying to build their swarm and concentrate power, Reddy faces danger on all sides.
With the mighty League battleship Savoie at his command, Kurokawa plots a terrible vengeance against Reddy and his tiny, battered destroyer. The stage is set for a devastating cataclysm, and Reddy and his allies will have to risk everything to protect what they hold dear.
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First published June 13, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
June 14, 2017
“Devil’s Due” is the 12th volume in The Destroyermen epic, and is absolutely true to its ancestry. Many “alternate history” books and series are centered on either how cool it would be if we could go back to year Y with modern technology T, or on what history might look like if a single event had not happened as it did. Taylor Anderson has cast The Destroyermen in a different paradigm.
You know all those extinction events that led to massive changes in the flora and fauna of Terra? Well, what might it look like if there were a parallel timeline on which those events hadn’t happened? I’ll give you a clue: Homo Sapiens would not necessarily be the apex predator. He has even taken a different slant on the out-of-season technology by using a pair of Wickes class destroyers, the USS Walker and USS Mahan, which were relics in 1942 when they and their crews were caught up in the fur ball of the Japanese conquest of Indonesia, Java, Borneo, and the Philippines. Fighting for their lives against a Japanese battle cruiser, they take cover in a really weird-looking squall, and when they come out, they are in the same where, but a different when – or something.
The Destroyermen find themselves caught up in a war of unimaginable savagery between two species that are about as anti-stereotypical as you could hope to find. Anderson’s development of the personalities of his characters – and their cultures - is subtle and deliciously unexpected, not only in the depth, but the consistency and the… flavor. His heroes are larger than life, and yet touchingly, hauntingly, precisely life like. None of them are bulletproof, either, nor omniscient. They make mistakes and they die, sometimes in those sudden, stupid ways that people die in war, or when fooling around with machinery that is just one step more advanced than perhaps it ought to be. (The technology the Destroyermen have brought to this screwy world gives them an edge for a while, but technology is remarkably portable and subject to unintended propagation.)
His villains are every bit as consistent, believable, and true to life as his heroes. Maniacs are maniacs even in their private thoughts and soliloquies, which Anderson allows us to eavesdrop on with a subtlety we may not even notice at first. In short, Anderson’s masterful artistry shows us the hearts and souls with which he has imbued his fantastic cast, and that is what makes the story.
By virtue of his knowledge of history, weapons, warfare, and the evolution of tactics, Anderson writes of strategy and tactics that ring as true as a Springfield Armory rifling machine. Devil’s Due and its prequels could be a textbook on the symbiosis of tactics and technology. It is a clinic on what warfare has been like at it evolved from clubs and spears to aircraft and automatic weapons. However, the technology is no more the story of The Destroyermen than the big boat was the story of Noah.
Anderson’s battles are things of deafening noise, choking smoke, terror, horror, burnt flesh and heroism. They aren’t for the faint of heart or the young and tender, but there is a simple, frank truth to them – a reality – that keeps them from being cheap, gore-filled shock literature. Much of human nature, good, bad, and all the grays in between is exposed on the battlefield, and Taylor Anderson writes of it all with a power than will scoot your chair across the floor, make your ears ring, and leave you exhausted.
The most remarkable thing about Anderson’s epic, though, is in the tiny details. Now, he doesn’t do like some authors and list the technical specifications of a firearm just to show off, though he is clearly expert enough to do that to the satiation of any buff. There will be a word or two in a sentence, or a phrase in a paragraph that covers the stark ribs and stringers of the narrative like the linen that covered the bones of Eddie Rickenbacker’s Spad. Texture is the word I find most descriptive. Anderson has created a whole world that can not only be experienced through his descriptions of the scenery, sounds, smells, and tastes, but is also felt in the texture he gives it through all those details that are actually all around us all the time, but to which we have grown habituated and jaded.
The Destroyermen is not fluff, but it most certainly is not of the lurid shock genre, either. It’s a literary porterhouse, with a loaded baked potato, an exquisitely crisp, salad (bleu cheese, thanks) and a frost-covered glass of… whatever you like.
As for “Devil’s Due,” it’s all those things, brought to us by a style that has been honed and balanced like the finest Damascus steel blade. We tread along incredibly complex plot lines that intersect and diverge like trails in dense woods and over rugged mountains. We brush past characters we met long ago, who, true to themselves, have come to this point by their own paths. We nod, look them in the eye, and wonder what will become of them, and when we find out, it’s right and true. We are proud to have known them, even if only briefly at a lonely LP in a hostile jungle. Anderson writes of the warrior ethos in understated terms that, like a whisper, overwhelm with their power.
Read “Devil’s Due” where you can laugh out loud, let your heart twist in your chest, and shout at the pages, “Give ‘em cold steel, Boys!” Oh, and have some tissues handy, because while it’s not all sadness, it is all intimately personal and right here.
Well done, Taylor. Keep ‘em coming.
You know all those extinction events that led to massive changes in the flora and fauna of Terra? Well, what might it look like if there were a parallel timeline on which those events hadn’t happened? I’ll give you a clue: Homo Sapiens would not necessarily be the apex predator. He has even taken a different slant on the out-of-season technology by using a pair of Wickes class destroyers, the USS Walker and USS Mahan, which were relics in 1942 when they and their crews were caught up in the fur ball of the Japanese conquest of Indonesia, Java, Borneo, and the Philippines. Fighting for their lives against a Japanese battle cruiser, they take cover in a really weird-looking squall, and when they come out, they are in the same where, but a different when – or something.
The Destroyermen find themselves caught up in a war of unimaginable savagery between two species that are about as anti-stereotypical as you could hope to find. Anderson’s development of the personalities of his characters – and their cultures - is subtle and deliciously unexpected, not only in the depth, but the consistency and the… flavor. His heroes are larger than life, and yet touchingly, hauntingly, precisely life like. None of them are bulletproof, either, nor omniscient. They make mistakes and they die, sometimes in those sudden, stupid ways that people die in war, or when fooling around with machinery that is just one step more advanced than perhaps it ought to be. (The technology the Destroyermen have brought to this screwy world gives them an edge for a while, but technology is remarkably portable and subject to unintended propagation.)
His villains are every bit as consistent, believable, and true to life as his heroes. Maniacs are maniacs even in their private thoughts and soliloquies, which Anderson allows us to eavesdrop on with a subtlety we may not even notice at first. In short, Anderson’s masterful artistry shows us the hearts and souls with which he has imbued his fantastic cast, and that is what makes the story.
By virtue of his knowledge of history, weapons, warfare, and the evolution of tactics, Anderson writes of strategy and tactics that ring as true as a Springfield Armory rifling machine. Devil’s Due and its prequels could be a textbook on the symbiosis of tactics and technology. It is a clinic on what warfare has been like at it evolved from clubs and spears to aircraft and automatic weapons. However, the technology is no more the story of The Destroyermen than the big boat was the story of Noah.
Anderson’s battles are things of deafening noise, choking smoke, terror, horror, burnt flesh and heroism. They aren’t for the faint of heart or the young and tender, but there is a simple, frank truth to them – a reality – that keeps them from being cheap, gore-filled shock literature. Much of human nature, good, bad, and all the grays in between is exposed on the battlefield, and Taylor Anderson writes of it all with a power than will scoot your chair across the floor, make your ears ring, and leave you exhausted.
The most remarkable thing about Anderson’s epic, though, is in the tiny details. Now, he doesn’t do like some authors and list the technical specifications of a firearm just to show off, though he is clearly expert enough to do that to the satiation of any buff. There will be a word or two in a sentence, or a phrase in a paragraph that covers the stark ribs and stringers of the narrative like the linen that covered the bones of Eddie Rickenbacker’s Spad. Texture is the word I find most descriptive. Anderson has created a whole world that can not only be experienced through his descriptions of the scenery, sounds, smells, and tastes, but is also felt in the texture he gives it through all those details that are actually all around us all the time, but to which we have grown habituated and jaded.
The Destroyermen is not fluff, but it most certainly is not of the lurid shock genre, either. It’s a literary porterhouse, with a loaded baked potato, an exquisitely crisp, salad (bleu cheese, thanks) and a frost-covered glass of… whatever you like.
As for “Devil’s Due,” it’s all those things, brought to us by a style that has been honed and balanced like the finest Damascus steel blade. We tread along incredibly complex plot lines that intersect and diverge like trails in dense woods and over rugged mountains. We brush past characters we met long ago, who, true to themselves, have come to this point by their own paths. We nod, look them in the eye, and wonder what will become of them, and when we find out, it’s right and true. We are proud to have known them, even if only briefly at a lonely LP in a hostile jungle. Anderson writes of the warrior ethos in understated terms that, like a whisper, overwhelm with their power.
Read “Devil’s Due” where you can laugh out loud, let your heart twist in your chest, and shout at the pages, “Give ‘em cold steel, Boys!” Oh, and have some tissues handy, because while it’s not all sadness, it is all intimately personal and right here.
Well done, Taylor. Keep ‘em coming.
June 20, 2017
This book was pretty good. It is starting to fall into some of the same traps of long series though.
It's covering so wide an area of two (or four) different wars, so many different plotlines and characters, it's getting very complicated. I still enjoyed it, but I don't think I remember a ton of the more minor characters from prior books when they come into this one.
It's covering so wide an area of two (or four) different wars, so many different plotlines and characters, it's getting very complicated. I still enjoyed it, but I don't think I remember a ton of the more minor characters from prior books when they come into this one.
August 1, 2018
Twelfth in the Destroyermen military science fiction series that takes place in an alternate plane and revolving around an American destroyer that passed through a time warp during World War II.
My Take
Ya gotta love Sandra for her bravery and outspokenness when she confronts Kurokawa. Scary, but brave. She's the epitome of what the story, the series, is about — good versus evil. Now, Dennis Silva, could be considered the epitome of how Anderson livens up the contrast between the virtue and the vice with his antics. Always a mischiefmaker, but one who has grown through his interactions with others such as Chief Gray and with Reddy's confidence that he'll do what needs to be done. However irregular it may be, lol.
In Devil's Due, there's quite a bit of introspection as a number of characters come to realize how they've changed. All that technology that has changed the Lemurian Homes and land bases. The soldiers who have died and those on active duty, all those children needing their parents and the lengths to which the Lemurians and Americans will go to keep the children safe. The pragmatic changes that have come over Courtney Bradford. Bekiaa is challenged by an army that doesn't understand how real war is. Lawrence has his own thoughtful moment as he recognizes his heart and his sentimentality, all foreign concepts to him, once.
You'd like to think Kurokawa would change, but the idiot is too far gone, but he does at least acknowledge true courage when he sees it. So much has changed for the Grik as well. Their leaders have discovered their rank-and-file are much more intelligent than they thought.
I love how innovative the Allies are, how quickly they progress, how creative the Lemurians are. Of course what adds to my respect is that they're the good guys. That they're already planning for a good future for everyone. If only the rest of any world would be this thoughtful…and as caring as the Gentaa is with their elderly.
Lange, a.k.a., ahem, Chartier, Horn, Brassey, and Pokey's antics onboard the Savoie are scary and tricksy, oh, so very tricksy! It's a nice bit of revenge, and the result is too fantastic. Especially with the help of their Grik prisoner, lol.
And the crew of the Walker are snarkin' away at Earl, as we discover the sabotage the entire Alliance is in on. And…shock…Earl gives up on that Coke machine!
Thankfully, there were more survivors of the Amerika. Even better, they found good coffee! Doesn't make up for what the Donaghey's crew thinks of the food stores on the Matarife. And I'm pretty curious as to why they think it's so bad??
As for the enemies, where these League officers get off with their "outrage" is beyond me. Nor am I sure how Muriname's designs on Sandra and Diania wouldn't be physically painful, and it's rather scary to consider.
Battles are always terrifying. Not knowing who will win, who will die. And Sandra and her fellow prisoners have more to worry about in the hands of the Japanese. Not least of which is the "dame famine" all the human males have been suffering through, especially the Japanese who are threatening the pregnant Sandra and Diania. And Adar is starving himself to death.
The characters have some interesting views about who's bad, worse, and yet worse. Garrett's sees the League as the worst, and I have to agree. Especially after his experiences with them.
It certainly has taken long enough — and thank goodness for that third person global subjective point-of-view — for the Japanese to begin to see the truth about Kurokawa!
The Story
Still reeling from the Battle of Mahe, the Alliance dives into repairs. Fast. For that mad Kurokawa is holding Sandra, Adar, and others prisoner and has the League battleship Savoie against which the Walker hasn't a chance.
The League's trickery has been exposed but the threat still looms. Especially when the Allies discover they're allying with the Holy Dominion. And General Esshk is gathering the Final Swarm to take the Alliance down.
There's danger everywhere, and Matt wants, needs, to rescue his wife and their unborn baby. But…the war must take precedence.
The Characters
For the full character list, see my review on KD Did It.
Capt Matthew "Matt" Reddy is in command of the USS Walker. The peg-legged Juan Marcos is the chief steward and makes the worst coffee. Earl Lanier is the obese cook with a Coke machine obsession. Lt Tab-At "Tabby" is the engineering officer. Isak Reuben is the chief engineer. Lt Ed Palmer is the comm officer. Min-Sakir "Minnie" is the bridge talker. Chief Quartermaster Patrick "Paddy" Rosen is first officer and OOD. Lt Pam Cross is their surgeon. Ensign Laar-Baa-Ra, a pilot, is in training to become a bridge officer. Imperial Marine Corporal Neely is also on the bridge. Chief Boatswain's Mate Jeek is securing the watertight doors and rigging pumps. Gunner's Mate Pak-Ras-Ar "Pack Rat" takes his BAR forward in the boarding action. Cmdr Brad "Spanky" McFarlane is Matt's XO and the Minister of Naval Engineering. Lt Sonny Campeti is in charge of the Ordnance Division.
Lady Sandra Tucker Reddy is Matt's pregnant wife, being held captive by Kurokawa along with Chairman Adar; Kapitan Leutnant Becher Lange is so angry with the loss of his ship and Kapitan von Melhausen; Gunnery Sergeant Arnold "Gunny" Horn; Diania; and, two Repub crew-'Cats: Ru-Fet "Ruffy" and Eaan-Daat "Eddie". Corporal Tass and Minaa, a Shee-ree, were in the firefight.
The Allies are…
…based at Baalkpan where Alan Letts is Chairman of the United Homes as a stand-in for Adar. Karen is his wife and the assistant minister of medicine. Allison Verdia is their daughter.
Henry Stokes is the Director of the Office of Strategic Intelligence (OSI). The Busted Screw is an open-sided tavern owned by Pepper, a 'Cat with Lanier as a silent partner. Laap-Zol-Jeks is the chief machinist at the Baalkpan Boiler and Machinery Works.
The Empire of the New Britain Isles is…
…what we know as Hawaii. Lord Bolton Forester is the ambassador to the Alliance. Lt Bachman is Bolton's aide. Governor-Empress Rebecca Anne McDonald is their ruler. Sir Sean Bates is prime factor and chief advisor to the Governor-Empress.
The Filpin Lands are…
…what we know as the Philippines. Lord Meksnaak, the High Sky Priest, has been left in charge as the acting governor. His closest diplomatic advisor is Heraad-Naar.
The Republic of Real People is…
…what we know as South Africa. Major Bekiaa-Sab-At is the Allies' advisor to their ruler, Kaiser Nig-Tak, and has been made a legate. Optio Jack Meek is Bekiaa's Republic aide. Courtney Bradford is Australian and the closest thing the Allies have to a sociologist.
General Marcus Kim is in overall charge of the army. General Taal-Gaak. General Modius commands 3rd Army. Inquisitor Choon is the chief spy. Colonel Lok-Fon is very temporarily in charge of her 23rd Legion. Prefect Bele is the senior cohort commander. Senior Centurion Tinaas-Kus is third cohort. Lt Toryu Miyata had been a junior navigation officer aboard Amagi who was sent to the Republic to deliver an ultimatum.
The Fliegertruppe , a.k.a., the Air Corps, has a handful of Cantets. The Gentaa are rumored to be a hybrid mix of humans and Mi-Anakka.
The Sa'aarans and Khonashi are Grik-like tribes; General Halik is a Hij Grik. Austraal and the Shee-ree are Lemurian tribes. Will is the Maroon who made contact with the Allies first. Andy is a comrade and seasoned warrior.
New United States is…
…a smaller country than what we know. Leftenant Reynolds and Ensign Kari-Faask aimed for NUS to find help for their war with the Holy Dominion. They're currently based aboard the NUS Congress captained by Ezra Willis in the Caribbean where Admiral Duncan is in charge. Commodore Semmes is waiting to see the Donaghey in Santiago.
Cmdr Greg Garrett and the USS Donaghey make contact with NUS. Lt Saama-Kera "Sammy" is his executive officer. Chief Bosun's Mate Jenaar-Laan. Lt (jg) Wendel "Smitty" Smith is the gunnery officer. Tribune Pol-Heena is a Republic officer acting as Marine Lt Haana-Lin-Naar's XO. Another Republic officer, Kapitan Leutnant Koor-Susk, serves as sailing master. Surgeon Sori-Maai is their doctor.
The Battlefields
The occupied Grik City in Madagascar is…
…where the Allies' last battle was at Mahe Island. Generals Pete Alden (of the Army and Marines), Safir Maraan (queen of Aryaal and B'mbaado and in command of Second Corps), and Muln-Rolak (commander of I Corps) are all here. Hij Geerki is a Grik prisoner of Muln-Rolak's, who is currently the "mayor" of the civilian Grik prisoners. Lt Cmdr Mark Leedom is a pilot and COFO of air defenses in Grik City, and Lt Paraal-Taas is his co-pilot. Leftenant Doocy Meek is the Republic's liaison.
The USNRS Arracca has Tassanna-Ay-Arracca as its high chief; he will be commodore of the task force against Sofesshk. The Santa Catalina (Santy Cat) is commanded by Capt Russ Chappelle. Lt Michael "Mikey" Monk is Chappelle's XO and current OOD. Lt (jg) Dean Laney is the engineering officer on his last chance. Chief Bosun's Mate Stanley "Dobbin" Dobson. Kathy McCoy is the surgeon commander. Major Simon "Simy" Gutfeld's 3rd Marines are aboard.
USNRS Salissa is an aircraft carrier commanded by Admiral Keje-Fris-Ar; Capt Atlaan-Fas captains Big Sal. Lt Sandy Newman is his XO. Capt Jis-Tikkar "Tikker" is her Commander of Flight Operations.
The USS Andamaan is a protected troopship. The USS Tarakaan Island is a self-propelled dry dock. Colonel Ben Mallory commands all the army and naval air forces of the Alliance. Second Lt Niaa-Saa "Shirley" is "Flashy Four" and part of the attack. Lt Conrad Diebel is Two and Lt (jg) Suaak-Pas-Ra "Soupy" is Three.
The Enchanted Isles off the coast of Central America is…
…what we know them as the Galápagos where the Allies encountered the Holy Dominion in the Battle of Mahe. General Shinya commands the army. Gilbert Reuben is the "King Snipe" and engineering officer aboard Maaka-Kakja (Makky-Kat) with Second Fleet. Colonel Lassiter is an idiot.
High Admiral Harvey Jenks of the Empire is Commander-in-Chief-East of the Allied Forces. Admiral Lelaa-Tal-Cleraan is his deputy commander. "Tex" Sheider is Lelaa's XO. Sir Thomas Humphries is the governor in Elizabethtown on Albermarl Island.
Major "Blossom" Blas-Ma-Ar is in charge of TF Skuggik Chase following Don Hernan's army. Sergeant Koratin had been an Aryaalan lord. First Sergeant Spon-Ar-Aak "Spook" is with A Company. Whistler is Blas' Marine signal-'Cat.
Colonel Sister Audry leads her Vengadores commanded by Arano Garcia. Teniente Pacal is one of his company commanders and one of Blas' friends.
Operation Outhouse Rat will…
…open up on the next target for the Alliance. Lt (jg) Saansa-Belkaa is a short 'Cat piloting a P-40E Warhawk from the deck of Keshaa-Fas . The USS Tassat, a steam frigate DD, is captained by Jarrik-Fas, and his XO is the Impie Lt Stanly Raj. Naala-Araan's Nakja-Mur is the oldest ship besides Walker and Salissa. Cmdr Perry Brister is in the USS James Ellis (Ellie) as a decoy. Lt Jeff Brooks is the sound man and steps in as the bridge talker. Paul Stites is manning the main battery. Taarba-Kaar "Tabasco" is the cook. Lt Parks is in the fireroom. Lt Rodriguez must take the auxiliary conn aft.
Colonel Chack-Sab-At loves General Queen Safir Maraan and commands the First Raider Brigade. Major Risa Sab-At is his sister and XO, and in this upcoming battle, she's with Major Enrico Galay's 19th Baalkpan. The Impie Major Alistair Jindal is part of the team that lands on the beach along with Capt Abel Cook. Khonashi war captain-turned-major I'joorka of the First North Borneo also storms the beach. Lt N'shoosh and Capt Stuart Brassey commands I'joorka's detachment of Khonashi. Sergeant Ooklak, a Khonashi, is with Brassey. Sergeant Major Moe is an ancient 'Cat and a hunter. Walt "Jumbo" Fisher, a pilot, commands Pat-Squad 22.
Chief Gunner's Mate Dennis Silva and his friend Lawrence, a Sa'aaran, are always together and recently back from a rehab tour. Petey is a tree-gliding reptile, a combination of parrot and lizard who is obsessed with eating. Pokey is a Grik, but on their side.
Lt Nat Hardee captains Lucky Seven and Lt (jg) Rini-Kanaar is his XO. Lt (jg) Haan-Dar "Lucky Handy" commands the Four Boat.
The Enemies
The Japanese are…
…led by the incredibly insane General of the Sea Hisashi Kurokawa who was in command of the Amagi and joined the Grik to take out the Americans. Now the Japanese are based on Zanzibar. General of the Sky Muriname is Kurokawa's XO. Hara Mikawa is Kurokawa's flag captain of the Nachi. Signal Lt Fukui keeps breaking in on Kurokawa. Lt of the Sky Iguri is becoming disenchanted.
Major Maggiore Rizzo is a League representative still on Zanzibar and is unhappy with what has been set in motion. Capitaine Dupont is one of the League pilots.
The League of Tripoli is…
…a fascist alliance of mostly European countries. Capitaine de Fregate Victor Gravois is a fascist weasel leading the plan to sow dissension. He attacked the SMS Amerika, a ship full of wounded, and then gave the Savoie to Kurokawa. Lt Morrisette did his own bit of sabotage. Capitano di Fregata Ciano commands the Leopardo . Oberleuitnant Fiedler has been a POW of the Allies. The Antúnez is an Alsedo class destroyer captained by Capitan de Cobeta Francisco Abuello Falto with Teniente Casales Padillas as his XO. Alferez Tomas Perez Moles is an ensign. Contrammiraglio Oriana is an Italian captain who runs OVRA, the chief party enforcement arm of the League.
The Palace of Vanished Gods in Old Sofesshk is…
…home base for the Celestial Mother, the Grik ruler who is seen as God-on-Earth in the holy city of the Grik, a lizard-like people who eat their own and everyone else. Lord Regent Champion Esshk, Guardian of the Celestial Bloodline and First General of all the Grik, has "Haliked" his army. The Chooser is the Grik who chooses which Grik are elevated to the Hij class; the current Chooser is Esshk's ally, senior advisor, and only confidant. They're planning their own coup. Ign is Second General, Esshk's second-in-command. The Final Swarm is the complete Grik army.
The Holy Dominion is…
…a perverted government where the cruel Don Hernan is the pope's second-in-command and the cardinal who had been ordering the army around. The Blood Drinkers are the toughest, most ruthless soldiers of the Dominion.
The Cover and Title
The cover is bright with its dark colors. A dark royal blue night with lightning strikes reaching out, a green and light yellow sea encompass the ships firing on each other, a red Grik bird diving for the Walker as it plows through the sea on a downward angle. At the top, a banner of three narrow horizontal lines frame the series information in white. The title is yellow with a black three-D outline while the info blurbs and the author's name, in white, are at the bottom.
The title is all about Kurokawa and what the Devil's Due.
My Take
Ya gotta love Sandra for her bravery and outspokenness when she confronts Kurokawa. Scary, but brave. She's the epitome of what the story, the series, is about — good versus evil. Now, Dennis Silva, could be considered the epitome of how Anderson livens up the contrast between the virtue and the vice with his antics. Always a mischiefmaker, but one who has grown through his interactions with others such as Chief Gray and with Reddy's confidence that he'll do what needs to be done. However irregular it may be, lol.
In Devil's Due, there's quite a bit of introspection as a number of characters come to realize how they've changed. All that technology that has changed the Lemurian Homes and land bases. The soldiers who have died and those on active duty, all those children needing their parents and the lengths to which the Lemurians and Americans will go to keep the children safe. The pragmatic changes that have come over Courtney Bradford. Bekiaa is challenged by an army that doesn't understand how real war is. Lawrence has his own thoughtful moment as he recognizes his heart and his sentimentality, all foreign concepts to him, once.
You'd like to think Kurokawa would change, but the idiot is too far gone, but he does at least acknowledge true courage when he sees it. So much has changed for the Grik as well. Their leaders have discovered their rank-and-file are much more intelligent than they thought.
I love how innovative the Allies are, how quickly they progress, how creative the Lemurians are. Of course what adds to my respect is that they're the good guys. That they're already planning for a good future for everyone. If only the rest of any world would be this thoughtful…and as caring as the Gentaa is with their elderly.
Lange, a.k.a., ahem, Chartier, Horn, Brassey, and Pokey's antics onboard the Savoie are scary and tricksy, oh, so very tricksy! It's a nice bit of revenge, and the result is too fantastic. Especially with the help of their Grik prisoner, lol.
And the crew of the Walker are snarkin' away at Earl, as we discover the sabotage the entire Alliance is in on. And…shock…Earl gives up on that Coke machine!
Thankfully, there were more survivors of the Amerika. Even better, they found good coffee! Doesn't make up for what the Donaghey's crew thinks of the food stores on the Matarife. And I'm pretty curious as to why they think it's so bad??
As for the enemies, where these League officers get off with their "outrage" is beyond me. Nor am I sure how Muriname's designs on Sandra and Diania wouldn't be physically painful, and it's rather scary to consider.
Battles are always terrifying. Not knowing who will win, who will die. And Sandra and her fellow prisoners have more to worry about in the hands of the Japanese. Not least of which is the "dame famine" all the human males have been suffering through, especially the Japanese who are threatening the pregnant Sandra and Diania. And Adar is starving himself to death.
The characters have some interesting views about who's bad, worse, and yet worse. Garrett's sees the League as the worst, and I have to agree. Especially after his experiences with them.
It certainly has taken long enough — and thank goodness for that third person global subjective point-of-view — for the Japanese to begin to see the truth about Kurokawa!
The Story
Still reeling from the Battle of Mahe, the Alliance dives into repairs. Fast. For that mad Kurokawa is holding Sandra, Adar, and others prisoner and has the League battleship Savoie against which the Walker hasn't a chance.
The League's trickery has been exposed but the threat still looms. Especially when the Allies discover they're allying with the Holy Dominion. And General Esshk is gathering the Final Swarm to take the Alliance down.
There's danger everywhere, and Matt wants, needs, to rescue his wife and their unborn baby. But…the war must take precedence.
The Characters
For the full character list, see my review on KD Did It.
Capt Matthew "Matt" Reddy is in command of the USS Walker. The peg-legged Juan Marcos is the chief steward and makes the worst coffee. Earl Lanier is the obese cook with a Coke machine obsession. Lt Tab-At "Tabby" is the engineering officer. Isak Reuben is the chief engineer. Lt Ed Palmer is the comm officer. Min-Sakir "Minnie" is the bridge talker. Chief Quartermaster Patrick "Paddy" Rosen is first officer and OOD. Lt Pam Cross is their surgeon. Ensign Laar-Baa-Ra, a pilot, is in training to become a bridge officer. Imperial Marine Corporal Neely is also on the bridge. Chief Boatswain's Mate Jeek is securing the watertight doors and rigging pumps. Gunner's Mate Pak-Ras-Ar "Pack Rat" takes his BAR forward in the boarding action. Cmdr Brad "Spanky" McFarlane is Matt's XO and the Minister of Naval Engineering. Lt Sonny Campeti is in charge of the Ordnance Division.
Lady Sandra Tucker Reddy is Matt's pregnant wife, being held captive by Kurokawa along with Chairman Adar; Kapitan Leutnant Becher Lange is so angry with the loss of his ship and Kapitan von Melhausen; Gunnery Sergeant Arnold "Gunny" Horn; Diania; and, two Repub crew-'Cats: Ru-Fet "Ruffy" and Eaan-Daat "Eddie". Corporal Tass and Minaa, a Shee-ree, were in the firefight.
The Allies are…
…based at Baalkpan where Alan Letts is Chairman of the United Homes as a stand-in for Adar. Karen is his wife and the assistant minister of medicine. Allison Verdia is their daughter.
Henry Stokes is the Director of the Office of Strategic Intelligence (OSI). The Busted Screw is an open-sided tavern owned by Pepper, a 'Cat with Lanier as a silent partner. Laap-Zol-Jeks is the chief machinist at the Baalkpan Boiler and Machinery Works.
The Empire of the New Britain Isles is…
…what we know as Hawaii. Lord Bolton Forester is the ambassador to the Alliance. Lt Bachman is Bolton's aide. Governor-Empress Rebecca Anne McDonald is their ruler. Sir Sean Bates is prime factor and chief advisor to the Governor-Empress.
The Filpin Lands are…
…what we know as the Philippines. Lord Meksnaak, the High Sky Priest, has been left in charge as the acting governor. His closest diplomatic advisor is Heraad-Naar.
The Republic of Real People is…
…what we know as South Africa. Major Bekiaa-Sab-At is the Allies' advisor to their ruler, Kaiser Nig-Tak, and has been made a legate. Optio Jack Meek is Bekiaa's Republic aide. Courtney Bradford is Australian and the closest thing the Allies have to a sociologist.
General Marcus Kim is in overall charge of the army. General Taal-Gaak. General Modius commands 3rd Army. Inquisitor Choon is the chief spy. Colonel Lok-Fon is very temporarily in charge of her 23rd Legion. Prefect Bele is the senior cohort commander. Senior Centurion Tinaas-Kus is third cohort. Lt Toryu Miyata had been a junior navigation officer aboard Amagi who was sent to the Republic to deliver an ultimatum.
The Fliegertruppe , a.k.a., the Air Corps, has a handful of Cantets. The Gentaa are rumored to be a hybrid mix of humans and Mi-Anakka.
The Sa'aarans and Khonashi are Grik-like tribes; General Halik is a Hij Grik. Austraal and the Shee-ree are Lemurian tribes. Will is the Maroon who made contact with the Allies first. Andy is a comrade and seasoned warrior.
New United States is…
…a smaller country than what we know. Leftenant Reynolds and Ensign Kari-Faask aimed for NUS to find help for their war with the Holy Dominion. They're currently based aboard the NUS Congress captained by Ezra Willis in the Caribbean where Admiral Duncan is in charge. Commodore Semmes is waiting to see the Donaghey in Santiago.
Cmdr Greg Garrett and the USS Donaghey make contact with NUS. Lt Saama-Kera "Sammy" is his executive officer. Chief Bosun's Mate Jenaar-Laan. Lt (jg) Wendel "Smitty" Smith is the gunnery officer. Tribune Pol-Heena is a Republic officer acting as Marine Lt Haana-Lin-Naar's XO. Another Republic officer, Kapitan Leutnant Koor-Susk, serves as sailing master. Surgeon Sori-Maai is their doctor.
The Battlefields
The occupied Grik City in Madagascar is…
…where the Allies' last battle was at Mahe Island. Generals Pete Alden (of the Army and Marines), Safir Maraan (queen of Aryaal and B'mbaado and in command of Second Corps), and Muln-Rolak (commander of I Corps) are all here. Hij Geerki is a Grik prisoner of Muln-Rolak's, who is currently the "mayor" of the civilian Grik prisoners. Lt Cmdr Mark Leedom is a pilot and COFO of air defenses in Grik City, and Lt Paraal-Taas is his co-pilot. Leftenant Doocy Meek is the Republic's liaison.
The USNRS Arracca has Tassanna-Ay-Arracca as its high chief; he will be commodore of the task force against Sofesshk. The Santa Catalina (Santy Cat) is commanded by Capt Russ Chappelle. Lt Michael "Mikey" Monk is Chappelle's XO and current OOD. Lt (jg) Dean Laney is the engineering officer on his last chance. Chief Bosun's Mate Stanley "Dobbin" Dobson. Kathy McCoy is the surgeon commander. Major Simon "Simy" Gutfeld's 3rd Marines are aboard.
USNRS Salissa is an aircraft carrier commanded by Admiral Keje-Fris-Ar; Capt Atlaan-Fas captains Big Sal. Lt Sandy Newman is his XO. Capt Jis-Tikkar "Tikker" is her Commander of Flight Operations.
The USS Andamaan is a protected troopship. The USS Tarakaan Island is a self-propelled dry dock. Colonel Ben Mallory commands all the army and naval air forces of the Alliance. Second Lt Niaa-Saa "Shirley" is "Flashy Four" and part of the attack. Lt Conrad Diebel is Two and Lt (jg) Suaak-Pas-Ra "Soupy" is Three.
The Enchanted Isles off the coast of Central America is…
…what we know them as the Galápagos where the Allies encountered the Holy Dominion in the Battle of Mahe. General Shinya commands the army. Gilbert Reuben is the "King Snipe" and engineering officer aboard Maaka-Kakja (Makky-Kat) with Second Fleet. Colonel Lassiter is an idiot.
High Admiral Harvey Jenks of the Empire is Commander-in-Chief-East of the Allied Forces. Admiral Lelaa-Tal-Cleraan is his deputy commander. "Tex" Sheider is Lelaa's XO. Sir Thomas Humphries is the governor in Elizabethtown on Albermarl Island.
Major "Blossom" Blas-Ma-Ar is in charge of TF Skuggik Chase following Don Hernan's army. Sergeant Koratin had been an Aryaalan lord. First Sergeant Spon-Ar-Aak "Spook" is with A Company. Whistler is Blas' Marine signal-'Cat.
Colonel Sister Audry leads her Vengadores commanded by Arano Garcia. Teniente Pacal is one of his company commanders and one of Blas' friends.
Operation Outhouse Rat will…
…open up on the next target for the Alliance. Lt (jg) Saansa-Belkaa is a short 'Cat piloting a P-40E Warhawk from the deck of Keshaa-Fas . The USS Tassat, a steam frigate DD, is captained by Jarrik-Fas, and his XO is the Impie Lt Stanly Raj. Naala-Araan's Nakja-Mur is the oldest ship besides Walker and Salissa. Cmdr Perry Brister is in the USS James Ellis (Ellie) as a decoy. Lt Jeff Brooks is the sound man and steps in as the bridge talker. Paul Stites is manning the main battery. Taarba-Kaar "Tabasco" is the cook. Lt Parks is in the fireroom. Lt Rodriguez must take the auxiliary conn aft.
Colonel Chack-Sab-At loves General Queen Safir Maraan and commands the First Raider Brigade. Major Risa Sab-At is his sister and XO, and in this upcoming battle, she's with Major Enrico Galay's 19th Baalkpan. The Impie Major Alistair Jindal is part of the team that lands on the beach along with Capt Abel Cook. Khonashi war captain-turned-major I'joorka of the First North Borneo also storms the beach. Lt N'shoosh and Capt Stuart Brassey commands I'joorka's detachment of Khonashi. Sergeant Ooklak, a Khonashi, is with Brassey. Sergeant Major Moe is an ancient 'Cat and a hunter. Walt "Jumbo" Fisher, a pilot, commands Pat-Squad 22.
Chief Gunner's Mate Dennis Silva and his friend Lawrence, a Sa'aaran, are always together and recently back from a rehab tour. Petey is a tree-gliding reptile, a combination of parrot and lizard who is obsessed with eating. Pokey is a Grik, but on their side.
Lt Nat Hardee captains Lucky Seven and Lt (jg) Rini-Kanaar is his XO. Lt (jg) Haan-Dar "Lucky Handy" commands the Four Boat.
The Enemies
The Japanese are…
…led by the incredibly insane General of the Sea Hisashi Kurokawa who was in command of the Amagi and joined the Grik to take out the Americans. Now the Japanese are based on Zanzibar. General of the Sky Muriname is Kurokawa's XO. Hara Mikawa is Kurokawa's flag captain of the Nachi. Signal Lt Fukui keeps breaking in on Kurokawa. Lt of the Sky Iguri is becoming disenchanted.
Major Maggiore Rizzo is a League representative still on Zanzibar and is unhappy with what has been set in motion. Capitaine Dupont is one of the League pilots.
The League of Tripoli is…
…a fascist alliance of mostly European countries. Capitaine de Fregate Victor Gravois is a fascist weasel leading the plan to sow dissension. He attacked the SMS Amerika, a ship full of wounded, and then gave the Savoie to Kurokawa. Lt Morrisette did his own bit of sabotage. Capitano di Fregata Ciano commands the Leopardo . Oberleuitnant Fiedler has been a POW of the Allies. The Antúnez is an Alsedo class destroyer captained by Capitan de Cobeta Francisco Abuello Falto with Teniente Casales Padillas as his XO. Alferez Tomas Perez Moles is an ensign. Contrammiraglio Oriana is an Italian captain who runs OVRA, the chief party enforcement arm of the League.
The Palace of Vanished Gods in Old Sofesshk is…
…home base for the Celestial Mother, the Grik ruler who is seen as God-on-Earth in the holy city of the Grik, a lizard-like people who eat their own and everyone else. Lord Regent Champion Esshk, Guardian of the Celestial Bloodline and First General of all the Grik, has "Haliked" his army. The Chooser is the Grik who chooses which Grik are elevated to the Hij class; the current Chooser is Esshk's ally, senior advisor, and only confidant. They're planning their own coup. Ign is Second General, Esshk's second-in-command. The Final Swarm is the complete Grik army.
The Holy Dominion is…
…a perverted government where the cruel Don Hernan is the pope's second-in-command and the cardinal who had been ordering the army around. The Blood Drinkers are the toughest, most ruthless soldiers of the Dominion.
The Cover and Title
The cover is bright with its dark colors. A dark royal blue night with lightning strikes reaching out, a green and light yellow sea encompass the ships firing on each other, a red Grik bird diving for the Walker as it plows through the sea on a downward angle. At the top, a banner of three narrow horizontal lines frame the series information in white. The title is yellow with a black three-D outline while the info blurbs and the author's name, in white, are at the bottom.
The title is all about Kurokawa and what the Devil's Due.
November 25, 2018
This book is the 12th book in the Destroyermen series by Taylor Anderson. I've read them all and it has been a fun series. It is 'alternate history' and 'war', which are two genres I don't gravitate towards but this series has been exceptional for two reasons.
One reason is the narrator of the audiobook. William Dufris does a fabulous job with all of the characters, even the non-human characters. There are so many different accents and none of them feel phony.....comical maybe, but not phony.
The second reason is the cast of characters. They are all unique and I enjoy the dialogue as well as their antics. It is fun. My only complaint is that they are all starting to sound the same with no new elements added. I have the next book (#13) and I hope it stirs things up a little bit.
One reason is the narrator of the audiobook. William Dufris does a fabulous job with all of the characters, even the non-human characters. There are so many different accents and none of them feel phony.....comical maybe, but not phony.
The second reason is the cast of characters. They are all unique and I enjoy the dialogue as well as their antics. It is fun. My only complaint is that they are all starting to sound the same with no new elements added. I have the next book (#13) and I hope it stirs things up a little bit.
March 21, 2024
At this point in the series, a spoiler-free review is just too hard, so I'm going to let it all out. So, Blood in the Water was a mixed bag for me, I thought Taylor Anderson wrote it quite well and the story was interesting, culminating in an epic carrier battle, but I HATED the Savoie-Amerika sublot since it was so reminiscent of the Company plot from back around books 4-6, what with Sandra getting kidnapped by theoretically neutral villains who attacked an Allied ship for no good reason. Well, Anderson has repaid that frustration with one of his best stories yet. After two straight books of being on the defensive, the Allies have finally consolidated their position sufficiently in Madagascar (and the allied south African Republik of Real People has finally got its legions ready to march north into enemy territory) to be able to push out and they have a new target: Zanzibar. Thanks to the events in Blood in the Water, they've discovered that Zanzibar is the hiding place of Captain Reddy's nemesis, the Japanese battlecruiser captain Kurokawa, and his surviving crew, who have, throughout the series, provided the Grik (the semi-sapient all-devouring velociraptor-like main antagonists) with so much technical and martial support for no better reason than Kurokawa's obsession with continuing the war from our world in the new one he found himself in (that and his own megalomania). Thanks to the fascist League (a mix of Italians, French, Germans, and Spaniards from a different alternate world who rule the Mediterranean littoral), Kurokawa is now in possession of a slightly-owned battleship and Captain Reddy's wife, but in spite of this drastic shift in the balance of naval forces and the potential for blackmail, his time is up. After 10+ books of squeaking out of each disastrous defeat, Kurokawa has backed himself into a corner and for all the forces at his disposal, his men are worn out and after the losses they took in the last book, they are no longer a match for the Allies, who methodically undertake to eliminate Kurokawa once and for all, and (SPOILER WARNING (yup, spoiler warning within a spoiler warning, it's spoiler-ception! DUH! DUH! DUUH!)) IT TOTALLY WORKS. Finally, after too many close escapes, Kurokawa is dead, and what a satisfying death it was. It's not without sacrifices by the Allies (once again, we lose several major (and well-loved) characters; also, the P-40's are gone, damn, but at least they went out well), but it feels like Anderson has turned a corner and is out of the plot-doldrums of the past couple books.
That said, as with Blood in the Water, we only get small doses of the eastern front (fighting the "Holy" Dominion in the Americas, mostly because the Dominion's engaged in a fighting retreat and the Allies are trying to chase them, which doesn't really make for much in the way of interesting reading). Likewise, Halik (the renegade Grik), Niwa (his Japanese friend/advisor), and Svec (the gruff Czech cavalry officer whose volunteer legion of Czechs and continental lemurians has been shadowing/aiding Halik for the allies) vanish entirely from the story (they're mentioned but we don't get any chapters in Persia concerning Halik's Revolution, which is a shame), and sadly, there's very little in the way of new tech this time around (better torpedoes and mines, though the Allies' first cruiser, U.S.S. Gray, is nearing completion; oh, and the allies roll out machine gun-armed tanks in battle for the first time, how could I have forgotten! That was pretty cool, now if they can only combine their tank chassis with the Republic's 75mm breech-loaders, then the Grik will really be in trouble). On the other hand, the U.S.S. Donaghey gets a much-enlarged subplot as it encounters a series of League and Dominion warships in the Atlantic and its captain, Greg Garrett, must use all his cunning if he's to make it to the Caribbean and link up with the New United States forces with which our heroes are tentatively allied and coordinate their efforts against the Doms. This makes for some of the most entertaining bits of the story as it brings the scale of the action back down to more personal level with interesting single ship actions.
Basically, I loved Devil's Due and considered giving it five stars (would've been the first in the series to achieve that), but ultimately decided not to due to the fact that Anderson makes a big step back in terms of info-dumping as this book is just loaded with sections where characters rehash information from previous books, something that has always been a problem with this series but which he'd reined in somewhat for the past few books. Still, thanks to the Allies scoring several major victories, it feels like the Western Theater is finally in hand, even if the Grik don't know it yet. Given how the series has been going I wouldn't be surprised if the next book saw the end of the Grik Empire, possibly pulled apart from within as the thinking-Grik Army that Esshk has built (but doesn't really understand) loses confidence in its leaders and pulls down the whole thing on itself (note that a couple times in this book New Grik not only are convinced to surrender but willingly switch sides, which just goes to show that for all that Kurokawa and Esshk needed thinking Grik to fight their war, the thinking Grik don't necessarily need them or their war). On the other hand, I'm getting a sense that for all I was sure the Holy Dominion was done with two books ago, their increasing contact with the League might well be a precursor to an overt League intervention in the eastern Caribbean, especially if the allies take the Pass of Fire and link up with the N.U.S. in the western Caribbean, which seems like it'll be the focus of the next book. Given the dramatic failure of the League's campaign in the Indian Ocean, which seems to have only served to firmly unite the Republic, the United Homes, and the Empire and also put them in possession of a powerful battleship (U.S.S. Adar? It sounds so much better than U.S.S. Savoy; nah, they'll probably give it to the Republic as a replacement for the Amerika as their new War Palace, especially since the Republic has the manpower and is currently short on blue water naval vessels), it would seem logical that the League would feel that a more direct opposition to the Allies would be necessary to keep them entangled in wars far away from Europe, especially since the Allies are increasingly willing to ignore the League's protestations of neutrality and shoot them on sight (wisely so). Also interested to see how the Allies will try to overcome the loss of the P-40's, especially now they know that the League has similarly advanced aircraft at its disposal (my preference, reverse engineer the remaining Allison engines and build some pseudo-P-38's: good range, excellent air-air and air-ground capability and the redundancy of two engines, but that might not be possible without aluminum). Anyway, all in all, another really fun addition to the series and I can't wait for the next volume.
That said, as with Blood in the Water, we only get small doses of the eastern front (fighting the "Holy" Dominion in the Americas, mostly because the Dominion's engaged in a fighting retreat and the Allies are trying to chase them, which doesn't really make for much in the way of interesting reading). Likewise, Halik (the renegade Grik), Niwa (his Japanese friend/advisor), and Svec (the gruff Czech cavalry officer whose volunteer legion of Czechs and continental lemurians has been shadowing/aiding Halik for the allies) vanish entirely from the story (they're mentioned but we don't get any chapters in Persia concerning Halik's Revolution, which is a shame), and sadly, there's very little in the way of new tech this time around (better torpedoes and mines, though the Allies' first cruiser, U.S.S. Gray, is nearing completion; oh, and the allies roll out machine gun-armed tanks in battle for the first time, how could I have forgotten! That was pretty cool, now if they can only combine their tank chassis with the Republic's 75mm breech-loaders, then the Grik will really be in trouble). On the other hand, the U.S.S. Donaghey gets a much-enlarged subplot as it encounters a series of League and Dominion warships in the Atlantic and its captain, Greg Garrett, must use all his cunning if he's to make it to the Caribbean and link up with the New United States forces with which our heroes are tentatively allied and coordinate their efforts against the Doms. This makes for some of the most entertaining bits of the story as it brings the scale of the action back down to more personal level with interesting single ship actions.
Basically, I loved Devil's Due and considered giving it five stars (would've been the first in the series to achieve that), but ultimately decided not to due to the fact that Anderson makes a big step back in terms of info-dumping as this book is just loaded with sections where characters rehash information from previous books, something that has always been a problem with this series but which he'd reined in somewhat for the past few books. Still, thanks to the Allies scoring several major victories, it feels like the Western Theater is finally in hand, even if the Grik don't know it yet. Given how the series has been going I wouldn't be surprised if the next book saw the end of the Grik Empire, possibly pulled apart from within as the thinking-Grik Army that Esshk has built (but doesn't really understand) loses confidence in its leaders and pulls down the whole thing on itself (note that a couple times in this book New Grik not only are convinced to surrender but willingly switch sides, which just goes to show that for all that Kurokawa and Esshk needed thinking Grik to fight their war, the thinking Grik don't necessarily need them or their war). On the other hand, I'm getting a sense that for all I was sure the Holy Dominion was done with two books ago, their increasing contact with the League might well be a precursor to an overt League intervention in the eastern Caribbean, especially if the allies take the Pass of Fire and link up with the N.U.S. in the western Caribbean, which seems like it'll be the focus of the next book. Given the dramatic failure of the League's campaign in the Indian Ocean, which seems to have only served to firmly unite the Republic, the United Homes, and the Empire and also put them in possession of a powerful battleship (U.S.S. Adar? It sounds so much better than U.S.S. Savoy; nah, they'll probably give it to the Republic as a replacement for the Amerika as their new War Palace, especially since the Republic has the manpower and is currently short on blue water naval vessels), it would seem logical that the League would feel that a more direct opposition to the Allies would be necessary to keep them entangled in wars far away from Europe, especially since the Allies are increasingly willing to ignore the League's protestations of neutrality and shoot them on sight (wisely so). Also interested to see how the Allies will try to overcome the loss of the P-40's, especially now they know that the League has similarly advanced aircraft at its disposal (my preference, reverse engineer the remaining Allison engines and build some pseudo-P-38's: good range, excellent air-air and air-ground capability and the redundancy of two engines, but that might not be possible without aluminum). Anyway, all in all, another really fun addition to the series and I can't wait for the next volume.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2017
I am enjoying this series and it's well written for the most part but my only issue is that it now seems so drawn out. You read the latest volume and hope to see some progress in the war, and you do read it of various battles and skirmishes but as I see it no real progress.
SPOILER ALERT - The only real exception of course in this book is that finally the evil Japanese Kurokawa is killed off.
But so many enemies now, the Grik, the Holy Dominion and now the League of Tripoli. So many fronts; Madagascar, Zanzibar, India, Africa, the Atlantic and the Americas. We see mostly glimpses of these but as I said little progress few conclusions. It's quite frustrating and now feel I have at least 2 of the latest volumes and we are no further forward?
When he series started it had great pace and bounded along seeing change and progress but it seems bogged down with all the new places, new villains and characters.
On one hand that's great, we are exploring this new world but on the other it's feeling longer and more complex than the Second World War from whence they came!!
I am sure fans will enjoy it though
SPOILER ALERT - The only real exception of course in this book is that finally the evil Japanese Kurokawa is killed off.
But so many enemies now, the Grik, the Holy Dominion and now the League of Tripoli. So many fronts; Madagascar, Zanzibar, India, Africa, the Atlantic and the Americas. We see mostly glimpses of these but as I said little progress few conclusions. It's quite frustrating and now feel I have at least 2 of the latest volumes and we are no further forward?
When he series started it had great pace and bounded along seeing change and progress but it seems bogged down with all the new places, new villains and characters.
On one hand that's great, we are exploring this new world but on the other it's feeling longer and more complex than the Second World War from whence they came!!
I am sure fans will enjoy it though
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2020
Like I've said before, if you've gotten this far you're obviously committed to the story. Or you're a weirdo and for some reason read book 12 of a series just for giggles.
Anyways, it's still plodding along, but makin' progress! Actually, even manged to mostly wrap up one of the major arcs without introducing any others!
Other than that, y'all know the drill. Have some new tech, move some folks around, fight a big battle, repeat.
And I say that with affection, this continues to be a well thought out, coherent, complex universe that doesn't seem at risk of painting itself into a corner ala Safehold, which I gave up on after book 6 or so.
Anyways, it's still plodding along, but makin' progress! Actually, even manged to mostly wrap up one of the major arcs without introducing any others!
Other than that, y'all know the drill. Have some new tech, move some folks around, fight a big battle, repeat.
And I say that with affection, this continues to be a well thought out, coherent, complex universe that doesn't seem at risk of painting itself into a corner ala Safehold, which I gave up on after book 6 or so.
December 29, 2018
Another fantastic installment
Enjoyed this one thoroughly, and kept my attention throughout. Glad to see at least one of their long-time antagonists get what he deserved. Lots of action as always, and only thing I would have enjoyed was a bit more anticipated peril near the end (seemed like things went way easier than usual). Still a great read and looking forward to the next one.
Enjoyed this one thoroughly, and kept my attention throughout. Glad to see at least one of their long-time antagonists get what he deserved. Lots of action as always, and only thing I would have enjoyed was a bit more anticipated peril near the end (seemed like things went way easier than usual). Still a great read and looking forward to the next one.
July 9, 2024
Ding dong, the witch is dead… finally… honestly this was a fun, at least towards the end as the action picked up
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2019
Taylor Anderson continues to thrill and entertain in this series which, somehow, maintains its quality of storytelling and ability to hold our interest. Our poor Destroyermen and their allies are being thrown from one perilous situation to the next, sometimes with tragic results (because he doesn't pull his punches).
If you haven't started the series and you like a bit of boy's own (with naval technical jargon) then this is for you.
If you haven't started the series and you like a bit of boy's own (with naval technical jargon) then this is for you.
May 15, 2018
Battle for Zanzibar
I have read all 12 of the destroyer man books. All of them have been excellent reads. This one was no exception . I really enjoy reading about the exploits of Captain Reddy and the USS Walker. This is as good as any alternate history stories go.
I really like the way you the author develops the characters in the stories. It's like I really know these people and feel their pain and joy. I look forward to the next novel coming out in July. If you are new to theses stories I would suggest reading them in order as they build on each other.
Anderson does a very good job of describing the new world that Walker's crew finds them in. He has really done a great job in his character development I feel as I know Dennis Silva and the rest of the characters.
If looking for a good read on alternative history look no further you will not be disappointed in this serirs.
I have read all 12 of the destroyer man books. All of them have been excellent reads. This one was no exception . I really enjoy reading about the exploits of Captain Reddy and the USS Walker. This is as good as any alternate history stories go.
I really like the way you the author develops the characters in the stories. It's like I really know these people and feel their pain and joy. I look forward to the next novel coming out in July. If you are new to theses stories I would suggest reading them in order as they build on each other.
Anderson does a very good job of describing the new world that Walker's crew finds them in. He has really done a great job in his character development I feel as I know Dennis Silva and the rest of the characters.
If looking for a good read on alternative history look no further you will not be disappointed in this serirs.
July 9, 2017
A twelve-page Cast of Characters, an eight-page list of equipment Specifications (ships, aircraft and ordnance), a couple maps and a couple pages of Recognition Silhouettes, and epic battles -- Anderson's annual alternate-world-war slugfest is as satisfying as ever. With multiple enemies and multiple allies, his plot and alternate-world building is right up to snuff. There are more than enough good guys and bad guys for everyone. Run up the battle flags and carry on!
July 4, 2017
Let me say, I love this series. Read from the beginning, and I look forward to the single release each year. As I've stated in recent reviews of this series, Anderson has done TOO good a job of world building. One book a year can't possibly update all he has going on in this alternate universe. This book focuses on the war in the west with the Grik, with only brief updates about the East and the Dominion. The series though is starting to get a little formulaic. First half with updates and info on various characters and what's going on, second half with a major battle. I'll no doubt continue on with it, I enjoy this series very much. The mysterious League of Tripoli also has a bigger role in this, so I'm curious on what will happen with them in the next book. Unfortunately, I'll have to wait a year.
July 18, 2017
The Destroyermen series continues. This installment focuses on the African front, as the Alliance, with new friends, prepares to assault the Grik heartland. Kurokawa still remains on Zanzibar, however, and must be dealt with.
The scope of the series is becoming worryingly broad, but Mr. Anderson seems to have decided to focus on one war at a time, as it were. This allows the reader to focus on one campaign without constant and jarring flipping back and forth. The series shows no signs of slowing down, with the stakes remaining high and the action tense and exciting. A page turner.
http://www.books.rosboch.net/?p=2060
The scope of the series is becoming worryingly broad, but Mr. Anderson seems to have decided to focus on one war at a time, as it were. This allows the reader to focus on one campaign without constant and jarring flipping back and forth. The series shows no signs of slowing down, with the stakes remaining high and the action tense and exciting. A page turner.
http://www.books.rosboch.net/?p=2060
July 6, 2017
If you're reading this then you must enjoy Anderson's Destroyermen series. This is book 12 and is suspenseful and intriguing. If you don't know the series start with the first book "Into the Storm." This book is excellent and a must read. Can't wait for the follow-up!!!
July 17, 2018
Devil's Due is Book 12 of the Destroyerman series. In contrast to book 11, it's a home run. There is a lot of action. One of the main threads of the story is wrapped up... mostly. No additional threads are introduced, but the existing ones do mature.
Background on the series: It is the continuing saga of a World War I destroyer which has been sucked into a parallel universe where human beings never evolved, but many other species did evolve some intelligence... like some dinosaurs (The Grik) and lemurs (The Lemurians). They aren't exactly geniuses, but they are certainly smarter than a 5th-grader... given a chance. Human beings from various other alternate histories have been sucked into this reality.
Extended background: (If you have read the series up to book 11 then you already know this stuff, but just in case someone hasn't read the series yet, I'll hide it in a spoiler section)
Here we go...
Sounds complicated. Huh? It had become unwieldy by book 7 and it just got worse, so I'm glad the author simplified the story somewhat by winding up one of the major threads.
Any problems with the book? Nothing more than what the entire series has already done. The "Sh-word" is used quite a bit, such as the phrase "No sh--" or "We're in the sh--". Not much worse than that. I don't recall the F-word being used at all. Sex is implied. Rape is a distinct possibility since relatively few women were brought through the vortex. (Poor planning. :-) ) I don't recall any actual rape in the series... just the subject of men needing sex or the possibility that men might fly out of control.
Overall it kept me on the edge of my seat. I actually stayed up all night just to see how it would end. No cliffhangers, but plenty of room to continue the series. Oh yeah.
I'd read this book again.
Background on the series: It is the continuing saga of a World War I destroyer which has been sucked into a parallel universe where human beings never evolved, but many other species did evolve some intelligence... like some dinosaurs (The Grik) and lemurs (The Lemurians). They aren't exactly geniuses, but they are certainly smarter than a 5th-grader... given a chance. Human beings from various other alternate histories have been sucked into this reality.
Extended background: (If you have read the series up to book 11 then you already know this stuff, but just in case someone hasn't read the series yet, I'll hide it in a spoiler section)
Here we go...
Sounds complicated. Huh? It had become unwieldy by book 7 and it just got worse, so I'm glad the author simplified the story somewhat by winding up one of the major threads.
Any problems with the book? Nothing more than what the entire series has already done. The "Sh-word" is used quite a bit, such as the phrase "No sh--" or "We're in the sh--". Not much worse than that. I don't recall the F-word being used at all. Sex is implied. Rape is a distinct possibility since relatively few women were brought through the vortex. (Poor planning. :-) ) I don't recall any actual rape in the series... just the subject of men needing sex or the possibility that men might fly out of control.
Overall it kept me on the edge of my seat. I actually stayed up all night just to see how it would end. No cliffhangers, but plenty of room to continue the series. Oh yeah.
I'd read this book again.
July 23, 2018
I really enjoy this series! My rating 4.5.
I was happy to be back in this alternate world with Captain Matt Reddy and his brave WWII American crew and new allies. The Alliance forces are spread out facing different enemies. In the last book, Captain Reddy’s wife, Sandra, and a handful of Alliance officials, were kidnapped by the mysterious League of Tripoli. They were turned over to become prisoners of the arch enemy, Japanese General Kurokawa, who has allied with the enemy Gik.
Reddy is sure they are facing a major battle with the Grik. But first Reddy feels he must face Kurokawa who has been given the massive League battleship, the Savoie, Reddy fears the threat posed by that ship in the hands of Kurokawa. Reddy will make a move even though it means putting his own wife in danger.
Brash and bold Silva thinks he has a way to sneak into Kurokawa’s camp to spy the land and locate the prisoners. Meanwhile, Commander Greg Garrett on USS Donaghey is far out in the Mid Atlantic but still manages adventures as the ship encounters a stronger Dom ship.
There are exciting air battles (especially an early reconnaissance flight) as well as sea battles. I enjoyed following the various crews, some facing the Grik and others facing the Dom. I also enjoyed the scenes with the enemy Grik making their plans.
This is another engaging episode in this fast-paced war adventure series. I love the down to earth characters highlighted in their various dangerous settings. Anderson’s creativity is wonderfully woven in the good action. I also like the character’s contemplation of faith elements introduced into the alternate world.
I picked this up and finished the listen within three days. It was hard to put down. I recommend this series to readers who enjoy alternate history and new species.
Audio Notes: William Dufris continues his wonderful narration of this series and these engaging characters. I love listening to the audio version and am eagerly waiting for the next book, River of Bones.
I was happy to be back in this alternate world with Captain Matt Reddy and his brave WWII American crew and new allies. The Alliance forces are spread out facing different enemies. In the last book, Captain Reddy’s wife, Sandra, and a handful of Alliance officials, were kidnapped by the mysterious League of Tripoli. They were turned over to become prisoners of the arch enemy, Japanese General Kurokawa, who has allied with the enemy Gik.
Reddy is sure they are facing a major battle with the Grik. But first Reddy feels he must face Kurokawa who has been given the massive League battleship, the Savoie, Reddy fears the threat posed by that ship in the hands of Kurokawa. Reddy will make a move even though it means putting his own wife in danger.
Brash and bold Silva thinks he has a way to sneak into Kurokawa’s camp to spy the land and locate the prisoners. Meanwhile, Commander Greg Garrett on USS Donaghey is far out in the Mid Atlantic but still manages adventures as the ship encounters a stronger Dom ship.
There are exciting air battles (especially an early reconnaissance flight) as well as sea battles. I enjoyed following the various crews, some facing the Grik and others facing the Dom. I also enjoyed the scenes with the enemy Grik making their plans.
This is another engaging episode in this fast-paced war adventure series. I love the down to earth characters highlighted in their various dangerous settings. Anderson’s creativity is wonderfully woven in the good action. I also like the character’s contemplation of faith elements introduced into the alternate world.
I picked this up and finished the listen within three days. It was hard to put down. I recommend this series to readers who enjoy alternate history and new species.
Audio Notes: William Dufris continues his wonderful narration of this series and these engaging characters. I love listening to the audio version and am eagerly waiting for the next book, River of Bones.
November 3, 2019
I listened to books 12, 13 and 14 all at once and am planning on posting the same review for all them. First, you may want to be aware that these books hit my sweet spot. I love them and would give them 4.8 stars if Goodreads allowed. They are not perfect but they are incredibly good.
On at least on occasion in the past the author failed to provide resolution in the book he wrote. I still gave the book 4 stars because I enjoy this series so much. Fortunately here, that is not a problem. Each of the books ends with some sort of resolution even as the larger story continues to grow. I would add that it would have been a dream to encounter these books in, I'm guessing, about 3 years since I suspect it will be that long before any of the wars the MCs are currently fighting in are resolved.
I am going to a little time on one of the short-comings of these books simply because otherwise I would have nothing more to say. The author occasionally plays a little loose with common sense to make his stories more exciting. I really became aware of this in an earlier book when a modern warship encounters a bunch of enemy sailing ships. The modern ship should have been able to just keep its distance and destroy the enemy at will but somehow that didn't happen. In the books the subject of this review this shows up in "Grik birds". The bad guys use these birds to bring down planes but since the planes should be able to fly much higher and faster than these birds they should nearly be as effective as portrayed.
Given where the last book, "Pass of Fire" ended I expect great things of the next book in the series. "Pass of Fire" was published June 11, 2019, so I'm just going to go with the guess that the next book will be out around June 2020. So, depending on your reading rate, you could start the series now and be ready for book 15 in about 8 months. That sounds fantastic to me.
Bottom line: Read them all.
On at least on occasion in the past the author failed to provide resolution in the book he wrote. I still gave the book 4 stars because I enjoy this series so much. Fortunately here, that is not a problem. Each of the books ends with some sort of resolution even as the larger story continues to grow. I would add that it would have been a dream to encounter these books in, I'm guessing, about 3 years since I suspect it will be that long before any of the wars the MCs are currently fighting in are resolved.
I am going to a little time on one of the short-comings of these books simply because otherwise I would have nothing more to say. The author occasionally plays a little loose with common sense to make his stories more exciting. I really became aware of this in an earlier book when a modern warship encounters a bunch of enemy sailing ships. The modern ship should have been able to just keep its distance and destroy the enemy at will but somehow that didn't happen. In the books the subject of this review this shows up in "Grik birds". The bad guys use these birds to bring down planes but since the planes should be able to fly much higher and faster than these birds they should nearly be as effective as portrayed.
Given where the last book, "Pass of Fire" ended I expect great things of the next book in the series. "Pass of Fire" was published June 11, 2019, so I'm just going to go with the guess that the next book will be out around June 2020. So, depending on your reading rate, you could start the series now and be ready for book 15 in about 8 months. That sounds fantastic to me.
Bottom line: Read them all.
November 5, 2018
In terms of action and military strategies adding to the twists and turns of the story - no complains and this is a good addition. But lots of signs of this novel, and series, being aimed solely towards American readers - to the point that every other nationality, and any practice not followed in US is made fun of. Biggest example being author making mocking the metric system as much as breaking the flow of the story to put those jabs in. Thinking back about the previous books, there is a lot of emphasis on respecting flags, ideas about democracies, union of states, one-sided arguments about only one religion being understandable by non-human species, and how singularly bad the Japanese are in the story. If I was paying more attention from earlier on, I might have abandoned the series earlier. I don't mind reading about different ideologies and world-views, but just forcing one view and calling it the best is not something i like to read about. It's to the credit of the author that the story kept moving and throwing interesting twists, that i just kept reading the next chapters to find out what happened next.
Also, 12 books done, and even though one devil has paid his dues, there are many more things left unresolved, and some of the stuff is now feeling repetetive. Maybe that's why I got distracted and paid attention to all the other stuff dispersed within the story.
Also, 12 books done, and even though one devil has paid his dues, there are many more things left unresolved, and some of the stuff is now feeling repetetive. Maybe that's why I got distracted and paid attention to all the other stuff dispersed within the story.
May 22, 2021
This is all the good stuff of the Destroyermen series coming together in one big epic brouhaha. Sandra being smart and tough while a POW; Silva and Larry the dino doing the crazy action hero things they’re so good at; Cap’n Reddy out-thinking and out-maneuvering various enemies; massive sea battles, frenetic land battles, games of psychological double-crosses... this one is just packed.
And, to top it off, the surprise I don’t know where Anderson is going to go next, but this entire planet full of people from various alternate Earths has lots of potential enemies. I doubt there’s going to be a continuation of the 3-front war since there are only three books left in the series, but how things will be resolved among all these various factions is a mystery, and he can pretty much follow any path while leaving things open-ended enough for more books in the future.
I suspect there will be an extra-bloody finale to the war with the dinosaurian Grik, an equally destructive but definitive end to the war with the bloody-minded twisted Spanish Inquisition types of the Dominion, and a fragile peace brokered with the League of Tripoli as the Alliance teams up with the New United States.
And, to top it off, the surprise I don’t know where Anderson is going to go next, but this entire planet full of people from various alternate Earths has lots of potential enemies. I doubt there’s going to be a continuation of the 3-front war since there are only three books left in the series, but how things will be resolved among all these various factions is a mystery, and he can pretty much follow any path while leaving things open-ended enough for more books in the future.
I suspect there will be an extra-bloody finale to the war with the dinosaurian Grik, an equally destructive but definitive end to the war with the bloody-minded twisted Spanish Inquisition types of the Dominion, and a fragile peace brokered with the League of Tripoli as the Alliance teams up with the New United States.
December 7, 2017
Wow! What a ride!
I raced through the whole twelve books in a few weeks and would still be reading if there were more books in the series yet.
Talk about not being able to put down a good book. I couldn't put down a dozen of 'em.
I planned to start reading the series for a couple of years but the premise didn't seem too exciting. Americans joining cute furry monkeys in a war against cold reptilian Dinos who in turn are supported by the Japs. Sounded too black and white, good guys vs. bad guys too me.
But I was wrong. Sure, the series started out that way, but quickly became more diversified. The good guys ain't all good and the bad guys ain't all bad.
The whole series is practically one big fight with some pages of battle preparations, military science and a bit of politics in between. And some romance.
I think with every other author - with the glorious exception of Bernard Cornwell, of course - this couldn't have worked. Anderson somehow manages to pull it off. It's practically the exact opposite of A Song of Ice and Fire, come to think about it.
I admit, about halfway through the series I felt that all the fighing got a bit boring and repetitive, but that feeeling quickly passed and never came back.
I'm also amazed how well Anderson balances so many different, distinct characters and manages to make them recognizable and unique to the reader, easy to connect and understand them.
And this, the currently last, book in the series is no exception.
I raced through the whole twelve books in a few weeks and would still be reading if there were more books in the series yet.
Talk about not being able to put down a good book. I couldn't put down a dozen of 'em.
I planned to start reading the series for a couple of years but the premise didn't seem too exciting. Americans joining cute furry monkeys in a war against cold reptilian Dinos who in turn are supported by the Japs. Sounded too black and white, good guys vs. bad guys too me.
But I was wrong. Sure, the series started out that way, but quickly became more diversified. The good guys ain't all good and the bad guys ain't all bad.
The whole series is practically one big fight with some pages of battle preparations, military science and a bit of politics in between. And some romance.
I think with every other author - with the glorious exception of Bernard Cornwell, of course - this couldn't have worked. Anderson somehow manages to pull it off. It's practically the exact opposite of A Song of Ice and Fire, come to think about it.
I admit, about halfway through the series I felt that all the fighing got a bit boring and repetitive, but that feeeling quickly passed and never came back.
I'm also amazed how well Anderson balances so many different, distinct characters and manages to make them recognizable and unique to the reader, easy to connect and understand them.
And this, the currently last, book in the series is no exception.
January 21, 2019
Captain Reddy and the crew of the USS Walker are still up to their eyeballs in Grik. A new adversary, the League of Tripoli, composed of Italians, French, and Germans have made themselves known and allied with the madman Kurokawa. The League also brings with them new ships and airplanes; Italian made Messerschmitts no less and a deadly battleship named Savoy. Captain Reddy’s wife Sandra, Adair, Gunny Horn, and several others have been taken captive by the League and turned over to Kurokawa. Our unflappable hero Sargent Silva, along with his partner Lawrence, have promised to rescue Sandra if it’s the last thing he does. The time has come for the Banner of the Tree to go on the offensive. The battle for Zanzibar is the focus of this volume. The fighting is swift and gritty, and not all of our core characters will survive.
August 24, 2017
Matt Ready, Dennis Silva, and the crew of USS Walker, DD163, storm into action against the Grik, Kurakowa, and the League of Tripoli.
When Blood in the Water ends, the Grand Alliance has secured Madagascar at a great cost. Many dead and wounded had been loaded into the SS America only to be murdered by the League when Savoy boards America, captures Chairman Adar and Matt's wife Sandra and then sinks America. The League then turns over Sandra and Adar to the mad Japanese Captain Kurakowa along with the Savoy to distance themselves from the slaughter of defenceless men, women, and Lemurians.
This book ties up one of many loose ends.
When Blood in the Water ends, the Grand Alliance has secured Madagascar at a great cost. Many dead and wounded had been loaded into the SS America only to be murdered by the League when Savoy boards America, captures Chairman Adar and Matt's wife Sandra and then sinks America. The League then turns over Sandra and Adar to the mad Japanese Captain Kurakowa along with the Savoy to distance themselves from the slaughter of defenceless men, women, and Lemurians.
This book ties up one of many loose ends.
October 12, 2017
Continues the story of the Destroyermen suitable well. This was a long book with a lot of build up to an exciting climax. I like that the characters are well developed and that we get to spend a decent amount of time in the various story lines, but there is just so much going on now that this series has gone global. We seem to be moving towards the big battle with the Dominion. Would like to see more on the New United States and the League. Figure there's at least another 5-6 books alone with just the Dominion, New US and League as well as the ongoing struggles with the Grik. Wish the action was a little more frequent with less exposition, though.
August 5, 2017
Enjoyed this, but I think this series has gone on long enough.
The Captain Ready/alliance scores a large victory against Kirakawa and all that he commands and kills him. No more Kirakawa. The dominion is still a problem and "the league" is being made out to be a very big bad in terms of their ability to bring firepower to a fight. Sandra Ready is rescued, the Grik are planning a major counter-attack, but the alliance captures Savoy in this book. Can they make it ready to bring it into a fight. We'll find out in the next exciting chapter
The Captain Ready/alliance scores a large victory against Kirakawa and all that he commands and kills him. No more Kirakawa. The dominion is still a problem and "the league" is being made out to be a very big bad in terms of their ability to bring firepower to a fight. Sandra Ready is rescued, the Grik are planning a major counter-attack, but the alliance captures Savoy in this book. Can they make it ready to bring it into a fight. We'll find out in the next exciting chapter
June 28, 2018
25 days to read one book. That may be a record for me. It started out kind of slow and it was hard for me to get interested until about 2/3 of the way through. Then the pace picked up some. I'm not sure but I think this is the 12th or 13th book in the series and it may be the end of the war, for me anyway.
So many task forces, ships, armies and individuals splitting off that it is becoming very hard to keep up with who is where and what they are doing against numerous enemies or with various allies.
So many task forces, ships, armies and individuals splitting off that it is becoming very hard to keep up with who is where and what they are doing against numerous enemies or with various allies.
July 8, 2020
A COVD-19 reading slump hit me and prevented me from finishing this excellent novel in a timely manner. A lot happened I, “Devil’s Due”. I mean a lot. Some parts took my breath away others made my pause and several caused me to blink back tears. This far a long, you can’t help be be invested in the characters of these stories. I will miss all those who passed in this book, in the coming stories. I give this one 5 stars because it really advanced the over all story instead of back and forth skirmishes. Even though the fighting isn’t finished, we hit several milestones in this read.
July 3, 2021
Satisfying read
Intense, bloody fighting, dangerous military actions, creative flora and fauna, death of well loved characters, and surprising recovery by others leave the reader ready for more. World War II is transferred to another war he like setting where many things are similar while others wildly different. Many timelines converge with "people", animals, ships and planes from varied ages. It's a fascinating concept and keeps me reading. Each book is over four hundred pages of intense reading enjoyment.
Intense, bloody fighting, dangerous military actions, creative flora and fauna, death of well loved characters, and surprising recovery by others leave the reader ready for more. World War II is transferred to another war he like setting where many things are similar while others wildly different. Many timelines converge with "people", animals, ships and planes from varied ages. It's a fascinating concept and keeps me reading. Each book is over four hundred pages of intense reading enjoyment.
July 25, 2017
This books builds up slowly to the action and I found myself struggling through all the details that builds the world of the destroyermen. Perhaps the details help with building the overall image of the struggle, but if you have read the other books it gets a little redundant. So why the five stars? Because it is still a good adventure story... perhaps an adventure story that reads like a technical manual... but still a very good read!
August 24, 2017
I love this series but found this book to be a bit of a low point for it. It was still enjoyable, but the book barely focused on anything other than the plot lines involving Matt and his wife. So much that was built upon in the past books was completely ignored for this book. I enjoyed the story but wanted to know what was going on with the other destroyermen. The book had an ending that I won't reveal but that I can say I found to be promising for what is next.
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