Gulf Run (Demontech, Book 3) [Mass Market Paperback]

David Sherman (Author)

Book Description

Series: Demontech | Publication Date: December 30, 2003

Only a miracle can save them now.
Luckily, they have one: the Marines.

Like an invincible tidal wave of evil, the Dark Prince’s conquering armies roar across the land, leaving death and destruction in their wake. So far Marines Haft and Spinner have managed to stay one step ahead of the invaders, picking up hundreds of refugees and soldiers as they struggle to reach their salvation at the edge of the sea. Against all odds, they’ve even managed to inflict some damage on the vastly superior forces.

Yet for every enemy soldier killed, ten more appear in his place, and the Dark Prince’s demon magic ensures their weapons are brutally effective. The outlook is not promising for the ragged band of rebels, pursued by bloodthirsty troops, hounded by bandits, and forced across a desert where death awaits all trespassers. As the noose tightens and the Dark Prince prepares the final coup de grace, it may look like Haft and Spinner and their embattled crew are finished. But these Marines have only just begun to fight.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Only a miracle can save them now.
Luckily, they have one: the Marines.

Like an invincible tidal wave of evil, the Dark Prince?s conquering armies roar across the land, leaving death and destruction in their wake. So far Marines Haft and Spinner have managed to stay one step ahead of the invaders, picking up hundreds of refugees and soldiers as they struggle to reach their salvation at the edge of the sea. Against all odds, they?ve even managed to inflict some damage on the vastly superior forces.

Yet for every enemy soldier killed, ten more appear in his place, and the Dark Prince?s demon magic ensures their weapons are brutally effective. The outlook is not promising for the ragged band of rebels, pursued by bloodthirsty troops, hounded by bandits, and forced across a desert where death awaits all trespassers. As the noose tightens and the Dark Prince prepares the final coup de grace, it may look like Haft and Spinner and their embattled crew are finished. But these Marines have only just begun to fight.

About the Author

David Sherman is a former United States Marine and the author of eight previously published novels about Marines in Vietnam, where he served as an infantryman and as a member of a Combined Action Platoon. He is an alumnus of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and worked as a sculptor for many years before turning to writing. Along the way he has held a variety of jobs, mostly supervisory and managerial. Today he is a full-time writer and coauthor of the bestselling military science fiction series Starfist. He lives in Philadelphia.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Del Rey (December 30, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345443764
• ISBN-13: 978-0345443762
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1 x 6.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #564,323 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

David Sherman is a former United States Marine and the author of eight previously published novels about Marines in Vietnam, where he served as an infantryman and as a member of a Combined Action Platoon. He is an alumnus of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and worked as a sculptor for many years before turning to writing. Along the way he has held a variety of jobs, mostly supervisory and managerial. Today he is a full-time writer. He lives in Philadelphia.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Problem of Command, December 31, 2003

By 

Arthur W. Jordin (Smyrna, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gulf Run (Demontech, Book 3) (Mass Market Paperback)

Gulf Run (2003) is the third novel in the Demontech series, following Rally Point. In the previous novel, Spinner and Haft have led their band of refugees south along the Eastern Waste until they encountered the small town of Eikby. The refugees made camp nearby and the leaders entered the town to reassure the residents. While they are away, the camp was attacked by bandits. After that attack is repulsed, the refugees and townsmen started building obstacles and clearing fields of fire around the town and evacuating the noncombatants. Repeatedly attacked by bandits and Jokapcul, Eikby was eventually burned to the ground. However, Spinner and Haft escaped with over a thousand townsmen and other refugees.

In this novel, the refugees manage to ambush and overcome the pursuing Jokapcul troops and reach Dartmutt just in time to see the Jokapcul invade the city from the sea. Fleeing once again, they head north to the Low Desert. On the way, they collect thousands of additional refugees, including hundreds of fighting men and many more who could fight with the proper training. Then they encounter Sergeant Rammer, the detachment leader who had to be left behind when Spinner and Haft escaped from New Bally.

Spinner and Haft are having command problems. Since they are merely junior enlisted men -- Lord Gunny calls them "pea ons" -- many of the men under their command hold higher rank. Then they encounter a Dartmutter captain who demands that they yield command to him. Now their old detachment leader shows up. Their followers will not allow them to relinquish command, yet Sergeant Rammer is much more experienced than they are.

The refugee caravan has become the size of a small town, with the logistical problems of an army on the move. Moreover, they have a divided command structure, with the military leadership having to defer to the women on matters of health and well-being of the civilians and wounded. Both Spinner and Haft feel overwhelmed by the problems that are outside their area of competence. They really need some guidance from Rammer. What to do?

Spinner is also having woman problems. Alyline, the Golden Girl, still resents his "liberation" of her from slavery, Doli stills wants him for herself, and Maid Primrose still believes he has been two-timing both Alyline and Doli. On the other hand, Haft is still enjoying good relations with Maid Marigold.

This story adds new complexities and problems to the plot. Defeating the Jokapcul in combat is becoming almost routine, but taking care of so many refugees requires a new command structure and additional expertise. Moreover, their path will take them through country that is inhabited by some very hostile natives.

Highly recommended for Sherman fans and for anyone else who enjoys military fantasy with real world problems.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lets get more of these books!!!!!!, May 13, 2006

By 

David Gerber "David Gerber" (NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gulf Run (Demontech, Book 3) (Mass Market Paperback)

I know many of you know that David Shermans Publishers made a very stupid choice by not publising any more Demontech books. I think this series was AWESOME!! We need to do whatever we can to get more of this series. If you are just thinking of getting this book I say. DO IT!!!!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gulf Run, January 15, 2006

By 

Jeremiah J. Caudill - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gulf Run (Demontech, Book 3) (Mass Market Paperback)

The series just keeps getting better as the story goes along. Spinner and Haft are fighting their way to the sea so that they can make it to their home. Along the way, they amass a small army of troops from all over the world and even more refugees that flock to them because the two Marines are the only ones able to lead troops to victory against Jaktopol onslaught. The tough Golden Girl manages to fill any leadership gaps that the two Marines have, mostly in dealing with the refugees. Great series, too bad the publisher cancelled the series, too short sighted, and too worried over instant profits. Where have the publishers who want a good story written go?