Genre: Alternate History, Military Fiction
Setting: The Pacific Theater during an alternate version of World War II.
FYI: Some adult content.
First Sentence: Lieutenant Tim Dane, USNR, couldn't sleep.
After the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, the U. S. Navy was reeling. Although many of battle ships had been damaged or destroyed, the Navy still had its aircraft carriers. Six months after Pearl Harbor the Navy dealt the Japanese Navy a stunning blow. In its first naval defeat since 1863, Japan lost four of its carriers at the Battle of Midway.
Japan did not have the manpower or resources to fight a war of attrition with the United States. The inevitable result of the battle ultimately was the defeat of Japan.
What if the U. S. Navy had lost the Battle of Midway?
This is the point of departure for Conroy's novel. In this alternate scenario, the U. S. Navy suffers a massive defeat. The American naval forces retreat to California. There they brace for the inevitable bombardment, and possible invasion.
Through the experiences of a cast of characters, Conroy shows us how the battle for the Pacific might have been fought. From invasion in Alaska, to air raids in California, Conroy describes exciting and realistic battles on land, in the air, and at sea.
Eventually, the cultural differences between Japan and America determine the ultimate victor in this alternate version of the war in the Pacific.
I really enjoyed this novel. For me it was a real page turner. The author moved the plot along with plenty of action and the right amount of description. In the end, it was a very enjoyable read.
I am a big fan of Conroy's alternate history novels. Each of them are stand alone tales. And all of them are enjoyable reads.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
The Given Sacrifice by S. M. Stirling
Genre: Fantasy
Setting: In an alternate version of the early twenty-first century, years after and event which rendered modern technology useless.
First Sentence: I am so fucked, Pilot Officer Alyssa Larsson thought, as the glider hit a pocket of cold air, shocking and utterly unexpected.
This novel is the thirteenth novel in S. M. Stirling's Novels of the Change series.
In the previous nine novels in this series, we follow Rudi Mackenzie as he and a small group travel across North America. Along the way Rudi gains allies for his cause, obtains the magical Sword of the Lady, and comes to understand how incredibly evil the Prophet of the Cutters is. When the quest returns home, Rudi sets about forming a coalition of allies to battle the Cutters.
Like many fantasy tales, this series is an epic battle between good and evil. The arc of the plot seemed to point to this novel as the conclusion of the struggle. I expected to read about a grand battle. And, as the title warned, a character (probably Rudi) would give his life to save humanity.
Instead, there was a straight forward battle in which the evil prophet was killed too easily. Followed by almost a hundred pages of happily ever after.
In the end, with plenty of foreshadowing, Stirling redeems the series and gives the good guys some evil to fight in future novels.
Like most of Stirling's books, this novel is heavy on description. Although, there was some excitement at the beginning. The novel soon bogged down into tedious details. For me, the last half of the book was a long slow read. More than once, I was tempted to put the book down. In my opinion, the plot twist at the end was too little, too late.
I'm not sure I'll read any more novels in this series.
Setting: In an alternate version of the early twenty-first century, years after and event which rendered modern technology useless.
First Sentence: I am so fucked, Pilot Officer Alyssa Larsson thought, as the glider hit a pocket of cold air, shocking and utterly unexpected.
This novel is the thirteenth novel in S. M. Stirling's Novels of the Change series.
In the previous nine novels in this series, we follow Rudi Mackenzie as he and a small group travel across North America. Along the way Rudi gains allies for his cause, obtains the magical Sword of the Lady, and comes to understand how incredibly evil the Prophet of the Cutters is. When the quest returns home, Rudi sets about forming a coalition of allies to battle the Cutters.
Like many fantasy tales, this series is an epic battle between good and evil. The arc of the plot seemed to point to this novel as the conclusion of the struggle. I expected to read about a grand battle. And, as the title warned, a character (probably Rudi) would give his life to save humanity.
Instead, there was a straight forward battle in which the evil prophet was killed too easily. Followed by almost a hundred pages of happily ever after.
In the end, with plenty of foreshadowing, Stirling redeems the series and gives the good guys some evil to fight in future novels.
Like most of Stirling's books, this novel is heavy on description. Although, there was some excitement at the beginning. The novel soon bogged down into tedious details. For me, the last half of the book was a long slow read. More than once, I was tempted to put the book down. In my opinion, the plot twist at the end was too little, too late.
I'm not sure I'll read any more novels in this series.
Friday, June 13, 2014
The Amorous Nightingale by Edward Marston
Genre: Historical Mystery
Setting: London, in the time following the Great London Fire of 1666.
First Sentence: Christopher Redmayne found conversations with his elder brother rather trying at times.
This novel is the second in Marston's Restoration series.
Mrs. Harriet Gow is the darling of the London theater scene. She is a suburb actress with a beautiful singing voice. Because of her beauty and talent she is besieged by multitudes of male admirers. Most of which can only adore her from afar. Some, however, have a more intimate relationship with her.
Christopher Redmayne is a young architect. He is struggling to make a name for himself in London. While he is occupied building a home for a wealthy admirer of Mrs. Gow, he receives a summons to visit the King. Christopher must also bring Constable Bale with him. Due to the success of past services, the King feels that he can count on Redmayne and Bale for help with sensitive matters.
It seems that Mrs. Gow has been kidnapped and is being held for ransom. The King wishes his relationship with Mrs. Gow to be kept secret for two reasons: first, the fact that Mrs. Gow is married would cause a scandal, and secondly he doesn't have enough ready cash to pay the ransom.
So, Christopher and constable Bale must investigate without revealing the King's interest in the case.
Will Christopher and Bale find Mrs. Gow before the kidnappers act on their threat to kill her if the ransom isn't paid?
Edward Marston is one of my favorite authors. I enjoy his easy-to-read style of writing. In this novel I was baffled until the reveal.
For me, this was an enjoyable novel that was fun to read.
Setting: London, in the time following the Great London Fire of 1666.
First Sentence: Christopher Redmayne found conversations with his elder brother rather trying at times.
This novel is the second in Marston's Restoration series.
Mrs. Harriet Gow is the darling of the London theater scene. She is a suburb actress with a beautiful singing voice. Because of her beauty and talent she is besieged by multitudes of male admirers. Most of which can only adore her from afar. Some, however, have a more intimate relationship with her.
Christopher Redmayne is a young architect. He is struggling to make a name for himself in London. While he is occupied building a home for a wealthy admirer of Mrs. Gow, he receives a summons to visit the King. Christopher must also bring Constable Bale with him. Due to the success of past services, the King feels that he can count on Redmayne and Bale for help with sensitive matters.
It seems that Mrs. Gow has been kidnapped and is being held for ransom. The King wishes his relationship with Mrs. Gow to be kept secret for two reasons: first, the fact that Mrs. Gow is married would cause a scandal, and secondly he doesn't have enough ready cash to pay the ransom.
So, Christopher and constable Bale must investigate without revealing the King's interest in the case.
Will Christopher and Bale find Mrs. Gow before the kidnappers act on their threat to kill her if the ransom isn't paid?
Edward Marston is one of my favorite authors. I enjoy his easy-to-read style of writing. In this novel I was baffled until the reveal.
For me, this was an enjoyable novel that was fun to read.
Monday, June 9, 2014
Sharpe's Havoc by Bernard Cornwell
Genre: Historical Fiction, Military Fiction
Setting: Portugal, Spring 1809
First Sentence: Miss Savage was missing.
In chronological order, this novel is the seventh in Cornwell's Sharpe series.
Richard Sharpe entered the British Army as a regular soldier. When he saved the life of Sir Arthur Wellesley he was given a commission as a lieutenant. In the British army of the nineteenth century commissions were usually purchased by wealthy families for their sons. Very few soldiers every made the jump from soldier to officer. Those who did were usually looked down upon by the other officers, and treated with disrespect by the soldiers under their command. So Sharpe has had to continuously fight for the respect he deserves.
In this novel, Sharpe and his men are in Oporto, Portugal fighting the French. Sharpe has been ordered to find Kate Savage, the daughter of a rich wine maker. Operating behind enemy lines, must first battle their way out of Oporto as the French forces move in. Then, they need to find their way to the small village where Kate is believed to be. As they travel across country they need to avoid the French.
When they find Kate they discover that she has eloped to marry a British officer. The officer orders Sharpe to defend the village from the French. While protecting Kate, Sharpe learns some distressing facts about Kate's husband.
Eventually Sharpe's squad has to fight their way back to Oporto where they meet up with the British army. In the end, an intelligence officer orders Sharpe to provide a final solution to the problems Kate's husband has been causing.
This novel is an action packed military adventure story. Cornwell's descriptions of the battles are exciting and realistic. For me, this novel was a well written page turner that was hard to put down.
Setting: Portugal, Spring 1809
First Sentence: Miss Savage was missing.
In chronological order, this novel is the seventh in Cornwell's Sharpe series.
Richard Sharpe entered the British Army as a regular soldier. When he saved the life of Sir Arthur Wellesley he was given a commission as a lieutenant. In the British army of the nineteenth century commissions were usually purchased by wealthy families for their sons. Very few soldiers every made the jump from soldier to officer. Those who did were usually looked down upon by the other officers, and treated with disrespect by the soldiers under their command. So Sharpe has had to continuously fight for the respect he deserves.
In this novel, Sharpe and his men are in Oporto, Portugal fighting the French. Sharpe has been ordered to find Kate Savage, the daughter of a rich wine maker. Operating behind enemy lines, must first battle their way out of Oporto as the French forces move in. Then, they need to find their way to the small village where Kate is believed to be. As they travel across country they need to avoid the French.
When they find Kate they discover that she has eloped to marry a British officer. The officer orders Sharpe to defend the village from the French. While protecting Kate, Sharpe learns some distressing facts about Kate's husband.
Eventually Sharpe's squad has to fight their way back to Oporto where they meet up with the British army. In the end, an intelligence officer orders Sharpe to provide a final solution to the problems Kate's husband has been causing.
This novel is an action packed military adventure story. Cornwell's descriptions of the battles are exciting and realistic. For me, this novel was a well written page turner that was hard to put down.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Britannia's Wolf by Antoine Vanner
Genre: Historical Fiction, Military Fiction
Setting: The Ottoman Empire and the Black Sea during the Russian-Turkish War, 1877-1878.
First Sentence: Dawlish raised his head above the lip of the hollow that sheltered his small group of freezing, famished, exhausted men and saw the frozen clods of mud flying from the hooves of the horses thundering towards him, steaming breath pulsing from dilated nostrils, wicked lance points reaching before each wild right eye.
This novel is the first in Vanner's Dawlish Chronicles series. Like some historical novel series, we are introduced to the main character, not at the beginning of his career, but at a pivotal point in his life. Throughout this novel, the author leaves us clues about Dawlish's previous adventures.
Nicholas Dawlish has spent much of his life as an officer in the British Navy. Since he was not born into privilege, he has reached a point in his career when his prospects for advancement are few.
Now, Dawlish has left the British Navy and taken a commission in the Ottoman Empire's navy. The position pays twice his British Navy pay. Additionally, this commission will allow him to command a warship in battle. If he does well it may improve his chances for advancement if he should return to Britain.
The Ottoman Empire is at war with Russia. The Tsar wants to become a naval power in the Mediterranean Sea. Dawlish needs to use the meager Ottoman fleet to keep the Russians bottled up in the Black Sea. And he needs to disrupt the shipping that brings needed supplied to the advancing Russian Army.
Unfortunately, the Ottoman Empire is rife with religious and political intrigue. Although Dawlish has developed his navy into a dedicated group of sailors who would follow him into hell, he slowly realizes that his superiors are not to be trusted.
In the end, Dawlish and his sailors are fighting skirmishes on land as the Russian Army advances on Istanbul. If he and his men can delay the advancing Russians, the British Navy might take an interest and step in to stop the Russian onslaught.
And in the middle of the fighting, Dawlish needs to save Florence Morton, his love interest.
For me, I found the beginning of the novel slow going. The author uses a lot of Turkish words: place names, character names, military ranks, ship names, and some basic vocabulary. While this adds authenticity to the story, I found the plot a little hard to follow at first.
I liked Nicholas Dawlish. He is a realistic character who makes mistakes and has flaws.
I liked the battle scenes. They were exciting and well written.
For me, this novel was a good military fiction novel.
Setting: The Ottoman Empire and the Black Sea during the Russian-Turkish War, 1877-1878.
First Sentence: Dawlish raised his head above the lip of the hollow that sheltered his small group of freezing, famished, exhausted men and saw the frozen clods of mud flying from the hooves of the horses thundering towards him, steaming breath pulsing from dilated nostrils, wicked lance points reaching before each wild right eye.
This novel is the first in Vanner's Dawlish Chronicles series. Like some historical novel series, we are introduced to the main character, not at the beginning of his career, but at a pivotal point in his life. Throughout this novel, the author leaves us clues about Dawlish's previous adventures.
Nicholas Dawlish has spent much of his life as an officer in the British Navy. Since he was not born into privilege, he has reached a point in his career when his prospects for advancement are few.
Now, Dawlish has left the British Navy and taken a commission in the Ottoman Empire's navy. The position pays twice his British Navy pay. Additionally, this commission will allow him to command a warship in battle. If he does well it may improve his chances for advancement if he should return to Britain.
The Ottoman Empire is at war with Russia. The Tsar wants to become a naval power in the Mediterranean Sea. Dawlish needs to use the meager Ottoman fleet to keep the Russians bottled up in the Black Sea. And he needs to disrupt the shipping that brings needed supplied to the advancing Russian Army.
Unfortunately, the Ottoman Empire is rife with religious and political intrigue. Although Dawlish has developed his navy into a dedicated group of sailors who would follow him into hell, he slowly realizes that his superiors are not to be trusted.
In the end, Dawlish and his sailors are fighting skirmishes on land as the Russian Army advances on Istanbul. If he and his men can delay the advancing Russians, the British Navy might take an interest and step in to stop the Russian onslaught.
And in the middle of the fighting, Dawlish needs to save Florence Morton, his love interest.
For me, I found the beginning of the novel slow going. The author uses a lot of Turkish words: place names, character names, military ranks, ship names, and some basic vocabulary. While this adds authenticity to the story, I found the plot a little hard to follow at first.
I liked Nicholas Dawlish. He is a realistic character who makes mistakes and has flaws.
I liked the battle scenes. They were exciting and well written.
For me, this novel was a good military fiction novel.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)