Customer Reviews

Choosers of the Slain

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The title of this novel comes from the poem by Rudyard Kipling, but the name "Choosers of the Slain" comes originally from ancient Norse theology. The Valkyries were the women warriors who escorted the valiantly slain from the battlefield to Valhalla. Appropriately enough, the commander of author Cobb's state-of-the art Stealth warship is a woman, the classy and competent Amanda Garrett. The ship, the USS Cunningham, is named in honor of Randy ("Duke") Cunningham, America's real-life sole Vietnam fighter-ACE. Captain Garrett, her likable crew, and the high-tech "Duke" have their as-yet unproven skills and equipment put to the test when the Argentine navy attempts to repossess former Antarctic territory. The fast-paced action, cutting-edge yet credible technology, and personal drama make this book a real page-turner. James Cobb has written three highly acclaimed naval adventures featuring the marvelous USS Cunningham and its plucky female Captain. A rather amusing little irony is that California Congressman Randy ("Duke")Cunningham is himself a very outspoken opponant of women in the military!

Cobb does fine work here. Amanda Garrett and her crew are heroic, but human. The author wasted no time getting to the action and never let the pace slow down. A worthy read. NOTE: This book was the perfect length for military fiction, as most military fiction authors (Attn T. Clancy) seem to be so in love with themselves, they can't seem to edit their over-long tomes to a reasonable length.

Cobb does a very good job at writing a near future thriller but making it all seem a natural extension of present day technology. Cobb kept the details beleivable when dealing with the capabilities of the ship. The ship is a truly impressive peice of technology, but certainly was not invincible. Cobb throws plenty of twists at his characters without it seeming contrived.

The action was fast paced, detailed without bogging down at with techincal digressions.

The book left me wanting to read more about the heroine Amanda Garrett and her fine crew. In a genre dominated by action, the action was truly outstanding, head and shoulders above the average fare.

All major lynch pins hit. I enjoyed reading it, I believed it within the realm of near future sci-fi, I remembered Amanda's name and struggles after I put it down, and I think I learned something about Antartica and South American machismo. The ex-submarine officer in me says you can't hide a destroyer from anyone, but after reading Mr. Cobb's work, the electrical engineer and tactician in me say yes. Plus, having attended the U.S. Naval Academy, I know plenty of women who, like Amanda, are up to the task more so than I ever was - even with younger pilot hotshot heros trying to steal their hearts. I look forward to Sea Strike.

The author gets it perfect. The woman commander of the ship is not one of those politically correct creations by simpering liberal leather-elbow be-patched english professor at some liberal college with no knowledge at all of the military or men and women, but an author who makes it seem like real life, what really happens. I think of Captain Janeway of the Starship voyager who is a commander first and a women second, and nobody has any problems with this. A great action book and a great imagination.

Step back Tom Clancy! James Cobb takes you on a stealth destroyer commanded by Captain Amanda Lee Garrett with all the latest weaponry available into a battle with Argentina over invaded Antarctic territories. In 2006, Argentina is now a modernized military nation yet still run by the old-fashioned 'military junta', based on the real-life Argentines who tried to take the Falklands in 1982, and the country's leader orders a violent invasion of Antarctica to grab oil resources and strategic minerals to strengthen his economy. However, this upsets the USA and UK who have interests there, and naval forces are deployed in retaliation, led by the stealth ship. The action scenes are first rate, describing the USS Cunningham's capabilities, which include anti-submarine rockets, an anti-satellite missile called the Zenith(quite feasible) and also the Sea Comanche helos which could become reality one day. Of course, Amanda Lee Garrett has to have a bit of romance in the story, so enter helo pilot Vince Arkady! One error, though. The British Royal Marines which feature briefly are mentioned as having Stinger SAMs in their arsenal. In actuality, the Royal Marines do not use Stinger SAMs, the Brit variant is known as the Swingfire. However considering this is the future, one never knows what they might have one day. A first-rate thriller which would make a spectacular movie as well!

Choosers of the Slain was my introduction to the TecnoThriller world, and I have to admit that I didn't buy the book, it was lent to me buy my Uncle, who still hasn't gotten it back 5 years later. I read this book in just over a day (which for me at the time was quite an achievement) and have since re-read it so many times that it is starting to fall apart. I find the characters totally engaging and am on every read through picking up on some detail that I missed out in all the previous readings. The way Cobb writes the USS Cunningham almost makes it seem as alive as the other characters he has created. I recently read an interview with him where he stated the Amanda Garrett runs around in his head demanding for her stories to be told and with the way he has fleshed out her character I find this to be completely true.

James H. Cobb's opening salvo "Choosers of the Slain" is a exciting fast paced book that has the makings of a classic. The author has a very tight, colorful and descriptive writing style. He does not leave you trying to figure out what is happening. He tells you right down to the smallest detail, but never ever bores you! You can smell the sea salt in the air. Feel the icy cold of the Antartic wind, and hear the missles coming hot off the rails! You'll feel as if your on the bridge or the CIC looking over the should of Captain Amanda Garrett. Mr. Cobb's Characters aren't gun-crazy or looking for a fight, but if one comes their way, they'll be the ones to finish it.

I picked this book up by chance 3 days ago, to say it is a must read for those who like naval action is a gross understatement. Slightly futuristic but solid. Amanda makes a great captain. The other characters are also very appealing. I just picked up his 2nd book in the series Sea Strike. I am very excited about it, as I have already pre-ordered Sea Fighter as well. Do yourself a favor, if you like authors such as Clive Cussler, Michael Demercurio, Dale Brown, you will love James Cobb.

I've all of Tom Clanceys Novels, however, this James Cobb certainly can write an exciting war novel! The sea battles seem as if your right there. I wish he would write a few more, beginning to look forward to more of Amanda Garrett and her sea exploits.