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The Honored Dead (The Honor Series) Review

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(More customer reviews)Four stars, down from five in the early series. Peter Wake started out as an ernest young naval officer trying to blockade rebels on the western Florida coast during the civil war. Now six books later after fighting African slavers, advising the French building the Panama Canal and chasing evil doers through the Caribbean, he has morphed into an intelligence officer with high connections to the US President, the Pope and such. We learn some history of southeast Asia in the 1880's but Peter seems mostly along for the ride, somewhat incidental to the story. I wish the talented Mr. Macomber would return to his Florida roots and explore the history of post Civil War Florida with different characters if need be (though I guess Sean, his son, who we know to be destined for the admiralty will soon appear). The appearance of the Yard Dogs in the last chapter is an "in" joke but must seem strange to those not in the know.

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The award-winning Honor series continues with this fast-paced thriller as, amidst exotic beauty and palace intrigue in 1883 French Indochina, U.S. naval intelligence officer Peter Wake is thrust into international events.

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An Affair of Honor (Honor Series) (The Honor Series) Review

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(More customer reviews)An excellent book in an excellent series. The purchase process, timely delivery, and condition of the book was also rather ironically an affair of honor. Very Pleased!

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At the beginning of this fifth novel in Robert N. Macomber's award-winning Honor Series, it's December 1873 and Lieutenant Peter Wake is the executive officer of the USS Omaha on dreary patrol in the West Indies. Lonely for his family, he is looking forward to returning home to Pensacola in a few months and rekindling his troubled marriage with Linda.But fate has other plans for Wake. He runs afoul of the Royal Navy in Antigua and a beautiful French woman enters his life in Martinique. Then he's suddenly sent off on staff assignment to Europe, where he is soon immersed in the cynical swirl of Old World politics. Wake finds himself running for his life after getting embroiled in a Spanish civil war. Then he gets caught up in diplomatic intrigue among the French, Germans, and British. But his real test comes when he and his old friend Sean Rork are sent on a no-win mission in northern Africa. Not the least of his troubles is Madame Catherine Faber de Champlain, wife of a French diplomat. Her many charms involve Peter Wake in an affair of honor.

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A Different Kind of Honor (The Honor Series) Review

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(More customer reviews)The last half of the 19th century seemed to me to be a very weak period for a history of the US Navy. Leave out John Paul Jones, the Barbary pirates and the Confederate Navy advances and I thought the US Navy slumbered for most of the 19th century. HOWEVER, Macomber has managed very well to bring the US Navy to the world stage. The series has advanced quite spritely with "A Different Kind of Honor" being the best of the series so far. Remembering the fights between the diesel admirals and the nuclear admirals, I can well identify with the fight of the sail admirals and the Congressional penury versus the diesel admirals for a modern navy. I look forward to the next in the series.

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Aircraft Carriers at War: A Personal Retrospective of Korea, Vietnam, and the Soviet Confrontation Review

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(More customer reviews)Admiral Holloway's story begins with a destroyer torpedo attack on a battleship during the Battle of Suriago Strait in WW II. At the time Holloway was a lieutenant assigned as the gunnery and torpedo officer in the destroyer USS Bennion. There is a rule of thumb in the Navy that a destroyer making a torpedo attack on a battleship in a sea battle has a life expectancy of less than five minutes before being sunk. You can imagine the feelings of the crew aboard Bennion realizing as they turned in to attack that many of them probably had less than five minutes to live.
Less than a week after that battle Lieutenant Holloway departed for flight training. His parting comments to the commanding officer were "In the past 48 hours we have silenced two shore batteries, shot down three Zeros, battled a Japanese cruiser, sunk a destroyer by gunfire, and torpedoed a Japanese battleship. I think I'm ready to try something new."
The book goes on to describe Holloway's experience in flight training and eventual assignment as operations officer of a carrier air task group where he flew as a pilot with Fighter Squadron 111 in combat in Korea. Later in the war he served as executive officer and then commanding officer of Fighter Squadron 52. His descriptions of flying in that war are as detailed, readable and understandable as any air combat stories I have ever read. The intensity of the naval air campaign in Korea is little understood or appreciated. An example is that one of the squadrons in his task group, VF-653, lost 12 of its 26 pilots during his 1951-52 tour.
Aircraft Carriers at War could well have been titled A History of the US Navy in our Time. Admiral Holloway next describes many of the naval operations during the cold war where his assignments included command of Attack Squadron 83 whose mission was delivery of nuclear weapons. The operations of such squadrons are described in easily understood terms.
The most significant operational descriptions in the book are included in Holloway's command tour of the nuclear powered attack aircraft carrier Enterprise during the Vietnam War. We seldom read descriptions of carrier operations by carrier commanders and this book has the best description of carrier warfare I have ever read. The command responsibilities and day to day operations of a carrier captain are clearly described and explained.
The remainder of the book is the most important historically as Holloway describes his operational experiences as an admiral in command of various fleet components and his Washington assignments leading to his selection as Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). The description of his tour as CNO gives seldom revealed insights into the inner workings of the Department of Defense and the relationship of the service commanders with the president and congress.
Aircraft Carriers at War is a historical review of naval operations in our time including three hot wars, the cold war and numerous international incidents written by a participant rather than an observer. Admiral Holloway is generally considered the most knowledgeable and dedicated proponent of aircraft carriers in our time and this book clearly reflects his knowledge and experience.
You may have noted this is not an entirely unbiased review. I confess that I commanded an attack aircraft squadron and an attack aircraft carrier at the same time as Admiral Holloway and we sometimes operated together.

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The Tide of War: A Nathan Peake Novel (The Nathan Peake Novels) Review

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(More customer reviews)Tide of War is the second book in a trilogy dealing with the naval career of Nathan Peake, a British naval officer during the napoleonic wars. Early in this novel, Peake is promoted to Post-Captain, and is ordered to the West Indies where he is to take command of HMS Unicorn, a vessel whose previous Captain has been killed in an apparent mutiny, and his body found washed ashore at the inlet to Lake Pontchartrain with a slit throat.
Although it is the second in a trilogy, this work can be read as a stand-alone novel. I had not read the first novel in the trilogy, but found that I had no trouble following the storyline as the first few chapters do a good job of filling in the background of Peake's career.
Overall, this is an action packed novel of napoleonic era naval fiction in the fine tradition of C.S. Forester and Patrick O'Brian that should appeal to most fans of the genre. While the character of Nathan Peake is not as well drawn as Horatio Hornblower or Jack Aubrey, the plot of the novel satisfies with rousing battle scenes both at sea and in the swamps and bayous around New Orleans.

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Autobiography of George Dewey, Admiral of the Navy (Classics of Naval Literature) Review

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(More customer reviews)It is a great idea to read the lives of great people. This autobiography is a very rare one because Admiral George Dewey does not use it as a self serving attempt to increase him to higher then life as other autobiographies do. He seems to be humble and plain while describe the events of his life with blowing them up to make him look larger then life.
His description of the various events is well informed and researched. He tells you as it happened, not as he wished it to happen. In his recollection of the being made commander of the Asiatic fleet, he explains why he was not made Commodore like other commanders with out any bitterness. It seemed like he just accepted the fact that the Secretary of the Navy do not feel that he should be a Commodore yet.
This is a great read for those who like the Navy and those who like history especially from the Civil War to the Spanish American War.Enjoy

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Point of Honor: The Continuing Exploits of Lt. Peter Wake United States Navy (The Honor Series) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have to admit that, as an Englishman, the American Civil War is something of a mystery to me. Until I read this book, the second in the series, the fact that some of the War was fought around the coast of Florida was a detail completely unknown to me (and even some of my Floridian friends).
So if US history is so alien to me, why did I enjoy this book so much? Quite simply, because Macomber writes with atmosphere. I challenge you all to read this book and deny you didn't feel like you were there. The words of description transpose so easily into the imagination that you can see, hear and even smell the adventures of Captain Peter Wake.
Of particular interest, keenly captured by the author, is the relationship between Wake and his crew - the educated man and the old sea dogs.
Buy this book and sail back in time to experience life aboard the schooner St James and experience the adventures of its Captain and crew. If you don't find your sea legs after this, you probably never will!

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Hostage (Navy Justice, Book 2) Review

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(More customer reviews)'Hostage' is an intense book from start to finish. It contains action, drama, and classic courtroom confrontations.
It begins with terrorists seeking revenge against Lt. Zach Brewer and Lt. Diane Colcernian for the prosecution of some of their cohorts. The terror group also has more moles in the U.S. Navy plotting additional mayhem.
It is a sequel to 'Treason'. A lot of the events and characters are tied into happenings from the first book. I would definitely recommend reading 'Treason' first. Without doing so, I think readers would be missing quite a bit.
I think that this one is even better than the first book. It is extremely well written and keeps the reader on the edge of his/her seat.

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Zack Brewer faces a choice. It can prevent the next war. But it will cost the life of the person he loves the most.JAG Officer Zack Brewer's prosecution of three terrorists posing as Navy chaplains was called the 'court martial of the century' by the press. Now, with the limelight behind him, all Zack wants to do is forget. But the radical Islamic organization behind the chaplains has a long memory---and a thirst for revenge.Now the Navy has a need for Zack that eclipses all else. When an unthinkable act of aggression brings Israel and its Arab neighbors to the brink of war, Zack and co-counsel Diane Colcernian are called to the case of a lifetime. As leading nations focus their gaze upon these two, other eyes are watching as well.Zack and Diane are in harm's way.A kidnapping, an ultimatum...and suddenly, Zack faces an impossible choice. If he loses this case, the world could explode into war. If he wins, his partner---the woman he loves---will die.And Zack himself may not survive to make the decision.--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Navy Blues (The Navy Series #2) (Silhouette Special Edition, No 518) Review

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(More customer reviews)This book was horrible. I wish I could give it 0 stars.
First of all, the main character is immature, irresponsible and completely unlovable. If youre like me and cant get past the idea of a grown woman doing something so selfish and irresponsible as to try to use her unsuspecting exhusband as a sperm donor, youre probably going to spend the entire book wishing that this woman would get hit by a car.
The panty-waste exhusband is almost as unlikeable as she is. He spend the entire book being suspicious but unwilling to end the relationship. They break up and get back together a few times during the book, and the whole time I just wanted someone in that relationship to take a hint.
If you are in the Navy or have a loved one that is, you may be tempted to read it just because of the catchy little Navy theme and the pretty picture in front. This book has absolutely nothing to do with Navy life except for the fact that the ex is serving. He goes on one deployment that barely fits into the plot.
I spent the entire book thinking... This cant be all there is... This must be about to get really good. It never did.

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A New York Times BestsellerDespite her ex-husband's bullheadedness, Carol Kyle knew he'd be the perfect man to father the child she so desperately wanted. Yet she also realized that the strong, honorable man would never allow his child to be raised without a father. So Carol needed to plot, to plan, to maneuver, to seduce Steve into her bed for one last time . . . and then leave once more. Still, the passion when they were together was never the problem -- it was the absences that tore them apart. Had they grown enough to chance trying again -- especially when Carol's plan seemed about to work?

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Treason (Navy Justice, Book 1) Review

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(More customer reviews)Don Brown's novel Treason is the opening installment in his Navy Justice series, which follows Lieutenant Zack Brewer, a young JAG (Judge Advocate General) officer in the United States Navy. Some may regard this as a literary rip-off of the television series JAG. But Brown himself is a former JAG officer, and his book reflects a great understanding of the United States Military Justice system.

Treason opens with a meeting in Zurich between two wealthy Muslim men who discuss the creation of a new terrorism cell called the Council of Ishmael, which will infiltrate the United States military, creating cells within. Fast-forward seven years: a lawsuit against the military results in the Navy being forced to admit Muslim cleric into the Navy Chaplain Corps.
A petty officer in San Diego releases grenades at a church Bible study, killing eight people and injuring several others. A marine staff sergeant assassinates the Israeli ambassador to the United States during his visit to a USMC base in California. And in North Carolina, a fighter plane explodes over a lake, and some of the residue found in the wreckage indicates the use of plastic explosives.

While investigating the explosion, NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) agent Harry Kilnap discovers that the three incidents are all connected, and Islamic chaplains within the Navy incited all three. Lieutenant Brewer, coming off a huge win in a high profile rape case, is assigned to prosecute the three chaplains and to seek the death penalty for all three. The media begins to bill this case as the "court martial of the century." When Wellington Levinson, a well-known civilian trial lawyer, is hired to defend the chaplains, Brewer enlists the assistance of his longtime JAG rival, Lieutenant Diane Colcernian.
Don Brown is a born-again Christian, and this book does have some instances of characters wrestling with faith issues. But this novel is largely about the case of the Muslim chaplains and their connection to the Council of Ishmael, making this a story that both Christians and non-Christians can enjoy. Treason is a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I would love to see this book adapted for the screen as a movie. Brown offers a lot of detail without becoming overly technical. This is a very fast-moving story with short chapters which are easy for the reader to digest.

I am now reading and enjoying Hostage, the second book in Don Brown's Navy Justice series. If you love legal thrillers, I suggest you give the Navy Justice series a read, beginning with Treason. I look forward to more great novels in the future from Don Brown.

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Defiance (Navy Justice, Book 3) Review

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(More customer reviews)Don Brown is quickly moving up in the ranks of the great novelists. 'Defiance' is a story that is hard to put down. This is the third installment in 'The Navy Justice Series'. Although the others have been very good, this is the best of the lot so far.
Zack Brewer and Diane Colcernian are back as central characters in this novel of courtroom drama, suspense, action, and even romance. Besides the assorted terrorist villains, there is a U.S. senator and presidential candidate, Eleanor Claxton, who is Machavellian to the core. Her machinations add an element of the worst in American politics. It also includes a dramatic rescue attempt by U.S. Navy Seals that has the potential of igniting a major war. In addition to all of the action, there is a spiritual component present for several of the characters facing major crises.
This book will appeal those of varying interests. I recommend it highly.

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From a murder in Paris to a courtroom in California to a terrorist camp in the Gobi Desert, Don Brown's follow-up to Treason and Hostage plunges into a suspense-filled journey of danger, duty, and hope. The Commander's Bodyguard is Shannon McGilverry, a crack NCIS agent assigned to protect Navy JAG Officer Zack Brewer. Zack is being hunted by terrorists, stalked by a psychopath, and is working his way through a perilous, politically-charged trial. When another Navy JAG officer is murdered, it's clear that Zack is in harm's way. As his bodyguard, Shannon must do more than protect Zack. She also must set aside her growing feelings for the brilliant attorney and investigate rumors that the love of his life, Diane Colcerninan, may still be alive. Zack finds himself in need of his faith more than ever as Navy SEALS launch a daring rescue attempt that has the potential to trigger World War III.--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Navies in the Nuclear Age: Warships Since 1945 (Conway's History of the Ship) Review

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(More customer reviews)This book provides excellent overview concerning development of every category of postwar warships. Moreover, the development of naval weapons, equipment and propulsion systems is described. It is necessary to note that the aim of this book is not to describe individual classes of warships, but to inform readers about main trends in their development. Very useful part of this book is the section concerning naval literature.
Because authors are well-known experts in the field of naval affairs, the information provided by this book are serious and exact. This books was written not for naval experts, but for naval enthusiasts. As a result, the text can be recognized as "friendly" for those readers who are not educated in naval matters.
There are many books concerning development of specific categories of warships only (for example submarines or aircraft carriers). There are also many books which describe development of warships in whole (including sailing warships, steam warships and so on). The development of warships since 1945 is usually described in such books very briefly. However, progress in warships' design during this period is very significant. This book is probably the first book which describes postwar development in warships' design in more detail. This feature can be considered as the most valuable.
Conclusion: This book should not miss in library of each naval enthusiast.

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By 1945 the threat to warships from above and below the water's surface had come to dominate naval strategic and tactical planning. Although many of the traditional ship designation, like cruisers, destroyers, and frigate, continue to be used, they no longer imply a specific role. This volume - the seventh in an ambitious series - therefore emphasizes such broader themes as anti-submarine warfare or electronics, which involve many ship types.

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Patrick O'Brian's Navy: The Illustrated Companion to Jack Aubrey's World Review

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(More customer reviews)"Patrick O'Brian's Navy: The Illustrated Companion to Jack Aubrey's World" is one of those books that doesn't really have an author. Richard O'Neill is listed as the Consulting Editor, but the Editor and Indexer is Philip de Ste. Croix, and there are a number of "Contributors" including David Miller, who has his own Jack Aubrey-related book coming out soon ("The World of Jack Aubrey").
This is a handsome coffee table-size volume, about 150 pages long, and heavily illustrated. The illustrations may be its strongest point - hundreds of them, mostly contemporary to Jack Aubrey's era and mostly reproduced in vivid color. I have seen many of them before, but usually in black-and-white, so even just on this score, "Patrick O'Brian's Navy" is an attractive addition to a historical nautical library. And there are some modern illustrations as well, usually in the form of diagrams to show complex information such as sail and rigging designations, crew assignments, and the arrangement of watches. Other data is conveyed in tabular form, like those for uniform details, prize money distribution, and crew organization for various ship classes.
Although the primary focus is upon the Royal Navy, there are also chapters devoted to what might be called the geo-political world of the Napoleonic Era. There is a conscious effort to tie all this to Jack Aubrey and the O'Brian novels, with the text, detailing historical events in which Jack took part (including those before the start of the book series) and occasionally providing sidebars titled "Through Aubrey's Eyes" that relate particular subjects to volume and chapter of the novels. Although the overall level of information presented cannot equal that in Brian Lavery's "Nelson's Navy", this is nonetheless an interesting compendium of facts and anecdotes.
There are also two short addendums: "A Cast of Characters" listing the major people and ships in the O'Brian novels and describing their actions and fates, and a Glossary of nautical terms and slang.

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From the moment that Master and Commander, the first of Patrick O'Brian's sequence of 20 novels about the 19th century British Royal Navy officer Jack Aubrey and his surgeon colleague Stephen Maturin, was published in 1970, critics hailed his work as a masterpiece of historical recreation. Called "the best historical novels ever written" by the New York Times, the books have sold millions of copies. This first full-color illustrated companion to the Aubrey-Maturin series, timed to coincide with the release of the blockbuster Twentieth-Century Fox film adaptation starring Russell Crowe, explains the fascinating physical details of Jack Aubrey's fictional world. An in-depth historical reference, it brings to life the political, cultural, and physical setting of O'Brian's novels. Annotated drawings, paintings, and diagrams reveal the complex parts of a ship and its rigging, weaponry, crew quarters and duties, below-deck conditions, and fighting tactics, while maps illustrate the location featured in each novel.

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