The Sixth Fleet (Paperback)

~ (Author) "THE AMERICAN DESTROYER WAS FIFTY MILES NORTH of the Libyan coast when the signal entered the telecommunications system at the Red Sea harbor city of..." (more)
Key Phrases: combat systems officer, staff duty officer, inbound missile, Sixth Fleet, Admiral Cameron, President Alneuf (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Absorbing. Visionary and scary. Great battle scenes." -- Joe Buff

"Action and drama and twists and turns...true to life." -- Victoria Taylor-Murray, author of the Lambert series.

"Rip-snorting, realistic action-adventure...David Meadows is the real thing." -- Stephen Coonts

"These books should be read by every senator and congressman so the scenarios do not become history." -- John Tegler, syndicated radio talk show host of Capital Conversation.

Product Description

In the near future, the United States is no longer a dominant superpower. Countries that were once allies now race to establish their own influence around the globe. Slowly but surely, America is becoming a shadow of its former glory. But America's old enemies aren't content to see her fade away. They want revenge. --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Berkley (June 12, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425180093
• ISBN-13: 978-0425180099
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (50 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #455,858 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Refreshing alternative to Clancy., July 16, 2001

By A Customer

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!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Sixth Fleet by David E. Meadows, July 14, 2001

By	Jim Laurita, CWO2, USN RET (Virginia) - See all my reviews

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 ...

18 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Uneven work but a lot of future potential........, August 24, 2001

By	Glenn Steinhilber "gsdrew91" (East Hanover, NJ USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.