Rising Sun by Robert Conroy

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.