Customer Reviews

The Sixth Fleet

5 star:		(40)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Here's the difference between a military techno-thriller written by a career Naval officer and one written by a civilian who is a very good researcher. THE SIXTH FLEET rings true in terms of how Navy people actually talk, the things they do, and they way they think. In addition to this level of authenticity, Meadows has done a tremendous job of addressing the operational and technical aspects of what goes on in the U.S. Navy, allied forces, and potential adversaries' forces. He also makes informed, pointed cases about the possible consequences of current decisions being made regarding weapons systems, base closures, and cutbacks in resources. And to top it off, he weaves all these things together in a fascinating (and sometimes dismaying) prognostication about the future. But best of all, it's an exciting yarn, and Meadows has done a good job of rendering the perspectives and motivations of not only American characters but NATO and adversaries in more than just cursory, comic strip fashion. Looking forward to the next book, Igor!

Sixth Fleet is the first of many works which fictionally depict the consequences of allowing America's military power to further atrophy. Sixth Fleet is not intended as a stand alone work and those going in with that impression (as I did) will find themselves frustrated. The author expends a great deal of time and effort introducing us to characters and scenarios that go nowhere by the end of the book. These elements may quite likely be revived in future installments but it makes it no less annoying. I have read many other books that have been intended as the first of many and they have done a better job of plot and character management. As to the authors creation of characters it is ok but not great. There are a few interesting characters but they are only bit players. Other problems, Sixth Fleet is torturously slow and tedious in many places moving at near glacial pace early in the novel. I have read may works of military fiction a.k.a. "techno-thrillers" but never have I run into a work jammed with so many military acronyms as Sixth Fleet (including the works of Tom Clancy; himself a fan of jargon and the acronym); many of which are never identified or defined. This book could have benefited greatly from a glossary or a similar guide to military jargon. All that being said the saving grace of Sixth Fleet are the battle scenes. His descriptions of military combat are exceptional. They are easily the best part of the book. These sequences found me turning the pages and having time stand still. Full marks to the author in this regard. The author also does a good job of setting up a satisfying emotional payoff down the road after the US military suffers a Pearl Harbor style attack. If he can make the reader care more about his characters the pay off will be even better. I do not know how many novels are intended as part of the Sixth Fleet series (pre-orders for a title called Sixth Fleet: Seawolf are being taken on Amazon.com) but there is potential here. The author needs to write a more complete story in each installment, better define the jargon and acronyms and make us care more about his characters. If he can accomplish those three in combination with the exceptional battles scenes then future works will be among the finest in the genre.

As a veteran of 24 years in the United States Navy, having served in Fleet Air Reconnisanse Two (VQ-2), on the staff of Commander in Chief U.S. Naval Forces Europe, and in all of the locations described in this book and have been onboard all the ships also mentioned. I can without a doubt assure it's readers that all the information is technically accurate and realistic. I purchased this book and could not put it down, the only disappointment it has left me with, is that I finished reading it and now I have to wait for his next release in the series. Until then I shall re-read this one, it's one of those books that you won't mind reading more than once. Well Done Capt. Meadows. Your honesty and attention to detail made this book a pleasure to read. I am proud to have served which such men as yourself. Please keep on writing, Tom Clancy move over. Always,Yours in Naval Fellowship ...

Once you enter the world of Meadows' Sixth Fleet- two decades in the future, you won't want to leave. Characters are wonderfully written and multi-dimensional. The gripping story is told from a range of perspectives- a wounded three star US Navy Admiral, a partriotic Greek fighter pilot, a jihad bent Libyan Colonel- with Meadows' skillful yarn spinning, the reader understands and sees the action from their respective points of view. Each character shares what he or she sees, what motivates them. Dave Meadows offers the best point of view writing I've ever read. With all that being said, it's also one heck of a good story- I highly recommend it! I very much look forward to follow-on books.

This novel is as up to date as todays headlines. The aircraft (EP3E) described in the book is the same one that is currently being held for ransom after being forced down in China. SIXTH FLEET sets you inside of America's most secret aircraft. The action is thrilling. The technical details are worth the read it self. This novel was recommended to me by a man that flew over 6,000 hours in this and similar aircraft in Viet Nam and later in the Med. He said "It don't get realer than this." Coming from him that is a grand endorcement.

I spent a good deal of my adult life in the military, and I'm a hard sell when it comes to realism in military books. Even guys like W.E.B. Griffin and Tom Clancy with their great books can't approach this author for realism. I'm amazed! Dave Meadows has done a superb job of blending this unmatched realism with a great yarn. The result is one of the best books I've read in a very long time. How long do we have to wait for another one?

A great book, lots of action. Looking forward to the next book in the series. David did a lot of research and knows what he is talking about. Looking forward to the movie!

Captain David Meadows has done an incredible job crafting this very believable and technically accurate story(ies). I suspect his characters' personalities are based on those of Marines and Sailors he has served with. In view of the events of September 11, 2001, Captain Meadows' plots are extraordinarily relevant. Moreover, he gives the reader a very believable look at the politics of war and the work behind our national military strategy. A very entertaining book series that is very hard to put down. Most important, Captain Meadows' work serves as a real tribute to the unsung heroes of our country, our servicemen who are deployed overseas!

David "Igor" Meadows hits the nail on the head in his deptcition of America gone soft. In his novel THE SIXTH FLEET, the American armed forces, scaled back as the result of eight years of liberilism in Washington, are hard put to combat terrorism on a global scale. Sound like today's headlines? You bet! Wake up America, read THE SIXTH FLEET and take heed of David Meadow's warning. It is a damn good read and carries a vivid message. I have ordered SIXTH FLEET: SEAWOLF and look forward to another good read.

The chapters that detail the sinking of the USS Gearing should be mandatory reading for all naval personnel, from the kids at the school house, to the men and women serving in the Navy today. Capt. Meadows has done a remarkable job describing the real problems encountered by the fleet. His character development was very good, and the manner in which he describes the actions taking place was remarkable. "The Sixth Fleet" reminds me of the early Clancy novels; however, it is much better. I look forward to reading the sequels to this magnificent series. BRAVO ZULU Captain Meadows!