Customer Reviews

Sea Devil

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This book didn't live up to my expectations. The main premise, a tracked submergible, just did not make any sense to me. And the technical inaccuracies were too big to ignore; it is not that easy to arm and detonate a nuclear bomb, or to tap into a fiber-optic cable.

I also think that the terrorist sub-plot overpowers the main plot. The end is more coincidental than climactic. Only a small part of the book is actual submarine action. The main character's role was more to tie together the two stories than to lead the plot.

Finally I think some of the character development was too elaborate (eg. the gardening terrorist), compared to the almost rushed action. The hotel room scene seemed longer than the final sub battle.

"In the tradition of Tom Clancy" it is not.

I can't complain about the plot, but the execution could have been better. First off, even though Cmdr. Brad Mackenzie is headlined as the hero of this book, I felt the story would have been stronger without him. Practically every piece of Mac's dialogue sounded like a classroom lecture at Annapolis. During the obligatory final submarine battle, he was totally useless. In addition, the USS Bowfin's captain kept talking like a hero from a 1930s weekly movie serial.

Still, there were some characters I found interesting. Russian Spetsnaz commando Mikhail Borisov and Scots commando Colin Stewart were true warriors. Confident, dedicated to their people, and never afraid to take on any mission. Borisov actually came off as a likable guy, considering he was on the wrong side.

While the story had nice plotting, the ending just didn't live up to my expectations.

Couldn't believe it when I read this wonderful book and was transfered to the land of my birth. Henrick combines his keen story telling ability with extensive research to produce this first class thriller. Can't really tell what is based on fact, and what material is the product of the author's wild imagination. A must read for lovers of mini-subs, nuclear strategy, and of course, my beloved Scotland. Good job, Mr. Henrick!