Customer Reviews

The Taking of the King

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What a treat to have had the opportunity to read "The Taking of the King". It's the perfect summer reading for my week at Chautauqua- fast paced, adventurous, and it had me on the edged of my proch seat. I am very much looking forward to Blish's next novel. I'm not much of a television person (I prefer netflix) I'd love to see his work as a television series, or a movie. This book is equally as good as his first, "Ishmael's son." Look for more news with his name - my prophesy is that we will hear a lot about him in the future.

I loved Blish's first novel, Ishmael's Son. So when I saw he hada new book out, The Taking of the King, I could not wait to read it. Though I love military stories, I was never a big fan of Tom Clancy novels--that author just rambles on and on for 8,000 pages. That's why I love Blish's writing. He knows how to write tight chapters full of action and mounting suspense. I thought the characters were well defined and engaging. The dialogue was crisp and not too military-mumbo-jumbo. What's more, the story grabbed my attention right from the beginning and would not let me wander until the explosive ending. I can't wait to see what Blish will release next!

This one is even better than Ismael's Son! It takes place just as the Cold War ends and political instability in the former Soviet states creates intrigue between Russia and Ukraine. Blish turns back the clock when the greatest concern for the U.S. was for state spies and saboteurs. (Read Ismael's Son for a Muslim terrorist plot!) Extraordinarily well-written, suspenseful, and demonstrates an intimate knowledge of life aboard a U. S. nuclear submarine. The KING is a "nuke" from a fictional sub class, but the basics of life aboard are the same. You'll be happy you've invested in this one--too bad it wasn't published in a hardcover edition!

Interesting plot, action packed, great character development. Obviously a lot of research went into the technical facts. It's refreshing to see a new author like Tom Clancy.

On the surface, the Cold War has ended. But underneath, it continues, as America's newest sub, the USS MARTIN LUTHER KING, must fight former Soviet Union forces determined to take the KING and all her secrets.

Aided by a saboteur they have secreted on the sub, forces of various former Soviet Republics battle each other, as well as the book's hero, US Navy Senior Chief Joshua Clark, in a fight for control of the KING.

This is an exciting book. As its plot unfolds, even an experienced reader of this genre will be continually surprised, and will be unable to foresee the ending before reading the last page.

Buy it and read it; you will enjoy it.

After reading Ishmael's Son by this author 3 years ago, I have patiently awaited the next one...which is now here at last. The Taking of the King is every bit as thrilling, intriguing, and interesting as the first...but with richer details and characters so real they jump off the pages and into our lives. Joshua Clark is the embodiment of the "great American hero": powerful, brave, knowledgeable, caring, and thoughtful. It is this man who will save and protect us all. Even the antagonist was portrayed with sympathy and understanding of "duty". This work included believable episodes, not only regarding the military, but also vignettes of everyday life and relationships. It is obvious that Mr. Blish did his research on life in the US Navy (where he served for many years...see the bio in Ishmael's Son), but also on the small details and episodes that make a character more interesting to the reader. Can't wait for the 3rd novel...I'm sure it will not disappoint.

Oh...to the reader who didn't find any mention of 9-11...read the Foreword...the novel takes place prior to this date!

Having lived 40 years with a criminal defense lawyer, I know plots. And this novel has a great one. I remember growing up in the '50's and putting my head on the desk to protect myself from an atom bomb. This novel takes me back to those days when Russia and the United States played "mine is bigger than yours" I'm definitely looking forward to the next Blish novel.

"The Taking of the King" is a great summer read -- or fall, winter or spring for that matter! It's quite suspenseful and yet realistic, a combination not many authors achieve. Can't wait 'til Blish's next one!

I enjoyed reading The Taking of the King! I found the story compelling, and the characters well developed. It is apparent that the author has a great deal of knowledge about submarines and military life.

Nelson Blish creates a vivid and detailed picture of life in a nuclear submarine, along with a page-turning adventure story as well. He has a witty and droll style that keeps the story moving. Recommend it highly.