Customer Reviews

Maelstrom: Destroyermen, Book III

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Taylor Anderson's third book in this series continues to impress and entertain. This is not great literature (although Anderson is a first rate writer and storyteller), but it is great entertainment. Anderson continues to throw in enough twists and turns to keep things interesting and fresh.

This series centers on a weird storm that sends two obsolete American destroyers in the early days of WWII to an alternate universe. This universe, although similar to our earth, has subtle geographic differences. There are not so subtle differences in the inhabitants of this world. There are two sentient races, the Grik who seem to be eveloved velociraptors, and Lemurians, who are evolved giant Lemurs. The Grik are the epitome of evil -- they want only to wipe the Lemurians, their historical "prey," from the face of the earth by killing and eating them. The Lemurians are peaceful by nature, but formidable warriors when pressed. The Americans are thrust into this world just as the Grik have rediscovered the Lemurians in the equivalent of Indonesia centuries after the Lemurians fled from their original home (Madagascar). The Lemurians and Grik are fighting with wooden ships and pre-gunpowder weapons. The Americans come to the aid of the Lemurians with their awesome "modern" ships.

The third entry in the series builds up to the seminal battle, when the Grik attack the primary Lemurian land settlement. (Most of the Lemurians are sea-going, living on gigantic wooden sailing ships known as Homes). The Grik are aided by a Japanese battle cruiser that was sent to the alternate universe in the same event that transported the Americans. Anderson writes great dialogue, his plot moves quickly, his battle scenes are gripping and the result is always in doubt. No one -- or thing -- is safe in these cataclysmic battles. This book is well paced and the final battle is monumental.

There is a new twist added in this book. The Americans and Lemurians are introduced to the descendants of East India Company Englishmen who suffered the same fate a hundred or so years before. Their descendants have establsihed an apparently thriving colony somewhere to the east. They will presumably figure prominently in future installments.

This book -- and the entire series -- is highly recommended. It is well written, well paced and offers believable, well-developed characters. I hope that Anderson continues the story with future installements.

I travel quite a bit and love to settle in with a good novel on the plane or at the hotel. The problem is I could not put the book down until my eyes burned from fatique. It's one of those books that makes you not want to turn on the TV. It's that "i can't wait to settle in and read the next chapter. I really can't wait until the next one. More I need more..hurry..

Formerly Lieutenant Commander of the WWII battle destroyer USS Walker in this other earth he and his crew landed in; Matthew Reddy was promoted to Supreme Commander after the recent events against the more modern Japanese battle cruiser and the Grand Swarm of the reptilian Grik (see CRUSADE and INTO THE STORM). Still he knows the recent victories will not prevent the Grik abetted by the Japanese from swarming all over his crew and their allies the pacifist Lemurians.

To win the war and not just delay the inevitable, Reddy leads his sailors into the deadly deep seas; home to "mountain fish" who can eat the Walker in one bite. However, he also has found unlikely allies in Grik who oppose the war and other displaced humans who like the Walker sailors entered this other earth at some time or their offspring. Still he knows in the end he must lead his puny forces in battle against an invincible armada.

Once gain it is the incredible naval battle scenes that makes for a great military science fiction thriller (and saga). The story line is action-packed from the onset, but it is the war at sea especially that is fun to follow. Taylor Anderson uniquely combines the big picture battles with in depth look at how the crew and others psychologically cope with maiming and death of friends and bunkmates knowing they can be next. Especially interesting is Reddy who knows he is sending people to their death and realizes this will haunt him and his future decisions forever; this is mindful of Eisenhower with his D-Day decisions impacting his later presidency especially his belief to avoid land wars in Asia. MAELSTROM is an excellent military sci fi.

Harriet Klausner

I love this series and this book didn't disappoint. There was a bit too much re-hashing what had gone on in the previous two books, but that's to be expected by the third book in a series, in case someone is reading who hasn't read the first two.

I saw on the author's website that there is going to be a fourth book. I'm looking forward to it.

The last book in the series culminates in an epic battle that gives some surprises in spite of what you want to believe is an inevitable outcome. This author knows his battle tactics. If you like reading about killin' then you will not find this book lacking either. The best part though is that it is open ended and I believe there may be subsequent novels on this series.

I have read the first two books and couldn't wait to get my hands on the third. I am a 55 year old grandmother and this was not the type of book I would normally read, but they were fantastic. I enjoyed going to this scary new world that Mr. Anderson created. I loved reading about these characters that showed such heroism in the face of great adversity. The mixture of history and science fiction was a great balance. I thought Mr. Anderson did a superior job making the characters "human" even if they were not. My only problem will be waiting for the next installment of this wonderful story. I read everyday of my life, and few times have I enjoyed a story as much. Thank you Mr. Anderson for the pleasure these books have brought me. Mr. Anderson is a consumate story teller, the like of which I have rarely seen.

Another excellent addition to Taylor Anderson's novels. A must read for any fans of WW2 naval battles and alternate Earth scenarios.
Cant wait for the next book!

Love this series. At first glance, the plot seems ridiculous, but the author pulls it off with some of the best writing I have had the pleasure to read in many years. I highly recomend this series.

Like a bad penny, the Grik have returned. And they persist. I eagerly await Book 4.

for those who enjoyed the first two books in the Destroyermen series, this edition is more of the same. The characters are well developed and the buildup to the action is fast paced and ultimately rewarding. Taylor Anderson has created a dangerous and vastly interesting alternate Earth in which humans are not sitting comfortably at the top of the food chain. His latest book leaves you looking forward to the next installment.