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Destroyermen #9
Deadly Shores
National bestselling author Taylor Anderson’s explosive WWII alternate-history series continues as a do-or-die battle is waged that risks far more than anyone bargained for.
The long-planned raid on the heart of the Grik Empire has grown more ambitious—and dangerously ill defined. Only Matthew Reddy, commander of the old destroyer USS Walker , seems focused on its original intent.
Many Lemurians see an opportunity to reconquer their sacred homeland, which was stolen long ago, and have no intention of simply striking a blow and then pulling back. Others, Lemurian and human, have their own agendas—which may not be in the best interests of the Alliance. Complicating matters further is Reddy’s suspicion that his task force is being stalked by an unknown power bent on aiding the Grik for reasons of its own.
As the raid begins and chaos reigns, Reddy has no choice but to go all-in, risking everything in a desperate act that results in a sprawling, nightmarish battle on the beaches of “Grik City,” on the very decks of Walker , and in the labyrinthine passageways of the Celestial Palace itself.
The final cost could be more than Matt Reddy—or the Alliance—can bear.
The long-planned raid on the heart of the Grik Empire has grown more ambitious—and dangerously ill defined. Only Matthew Reddy, commander of the old destroyer USS Walker , seems focused on its original intent.
Many Lemurians see an opportunity to reconquer their sacred homeland, which was stolen long ago, and have no intention of simply striking a blow and then pulling back. Others, Lemurian and human, have their own agendas—which may not be in the best interests of the Alliance. Complicating matters further is Reddy’s suspicion that his task force is being stalked by an unknown power bent on aiding the Grik for reasons of its own.
As the raid begins and chaos reigns, Reddy has no choice but to go all-in, risking everything in a desperate act that results in a sprawling, nightmarish battle on the beaches of “Grik City,” on the very decks of Walker , and in the labyrinthine passageways of the Celestial Palace itself.
The final cost could be more than Matt Reddy—or the Alliance—can bear.
464 pages, Hardcover
First published May 6, 2014
117 people are currently reading
680 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
September 1, 2017
This series has been a solid 4 stars for me. I know what I'm in for when I settle into one of these books. This is the 9th book in the Destroyermen series by Taylor Anderson. I have enjoyed these. The genres of Sci-fi/Alternate History/War are outside my norm regarding book choices, but these have all been a very pleasant surprise. I'm glad I stumbled on to them.
I like that the author keeps the story constantly going with new elements. The battle scenes are well written. I also like the characters. They are constantly in a struggle to have the good prevail, but they manage to progress in each installment of the series. The fact that this is the 9th book in the series and that they haven't fallen head first into a stagnant realm, is appealing to me. So still, 4 stars. I have the next two books in this series and hope to get to them before Christmas.
I like that the author keeps the story constantly going with new elements. The battle scenes are well written. I also like the characters. They are constantly in a struggle to have the good prevail, but they manage to progress in each installment of the series. The fact that this is the 9th book in the series and that they haven't fallen head first into a stagnant realm, is appealing to me. So still, 4 stars. I have the next two books in this series and hope to get to them before Christmas.
October 21, 2014
To be honest, I liked the story. The problem that I have is that it almost seems as Mr. Anderson is just stringing us along now. I had this feeling at the last book and it was more than reinforced this time around.
The original premise for the series is a pretty good one, and with that in mind, the fact of the destroyermen from Walker ending up where they did due to the Squall makes sense in context. But when you consider the technological improvements that have been brought to all the "peoples" in the story, the fact that the Grik even exist is perplexing, considering the number of advanced colonies we keep being introduced to as the story continues.
Right now, there are 7 different human/hybrid colonies in the world, all of them more technically advanced then the Grik and the Alliance to a certain extent, and each being discovered as the Alliance seems to get the upper hand.
In my native Brazil, we use the term "stuffing sausages" when one is trying to meet a word/page count in school. Mr. Anderson, we have enough sausage, let's cook it up and eat it.
The original premise for the series is a pretty good one, and with that in mind, the fact of the destroyermen from Walker ending up where they did due to the Squall makes sense in context. But when you consider the technological improvements that have been brought to all the "peoples" in the story, the fact that the Grik even exist is perplexing, considering the number of advanced colonies we keep being introduced to as the story continues.
Right now, there are 7 different human/hybrid colonies in the world, all of them more technically advanced then the Grik and the Alliance to a certain extent, and each being discovered as the Alliance seems to get the upper hand.
In my native Brazil, we use the term "stuffing sausages" when one is trying to meet a word/page count in school. Mr. Anderson, we have enough sausage, let's cook it up and eat it.
Read
February 23, 2016The fitting end of the series that wasn't
Another fine installment of the Destroyermen series. Most of this book was focused on the massive battle where the Lemurians are attempting to liberate their ancestral home from the evil Grik. A few exploration items here and there, but nothing compared to the battle for Madagascar. Unfortunately, it seemed like this was originally intended to be the final book in the series, based on the number of major characters who ended up dead by the end of the book. With the epilogue, however we see that we've barely just begun to see the evil that this new world Reddy and his gang have stumbled into is capable of. All in all, an enjoyable read that again leaves me wanting to pick up the next book in the series.
Another fine installment of the Destroyermen series. Most of this book was focused on the massive battle where the Lemurians are attempting to liberate their ancestral home from the evil Grik. A few exploration items here and there, but nothing compared to the battle for Madagascar. Unfortunately, it seemed like this was originally intended to be the final book in the series, based on the number of major characters who ended up dead by the end of the book. With the epilogue, however we see that we've barely just begun to see the evil that this new world Reddy and his gang have stumbled into is capable of. All in all, an enjoyable read that again leaves me wanting to pick up the next book in the series.
October 28, 2014
I love Taylor Anderson’s characters and the world he has built in his DESTROYERMEN series, and the audio editions of these books are wonderfully performed by William Dufris. But Deadly Shores is the ninth book in the series and the war, which is pretty much the focus of the entire plot, seems like it’s still winding up. There’s just no end in sight.
There are a couple of personal changes for Captain Reddy’s crew and alliances, including the death of an important character, alliances are starting to shift, a possible new enemy is discovered, we meet a few strange new creatures (including flying saber-toothed squids), Courtenay makes a suggestion about how the world works, Silva plays a few pranks, and there are a couple of exciting battles. But mostly Deadly Shores is more of the same, even with the same jokes about the Coke... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
There are a couple of personal changes for Captain Reddy’s crew and alliances, including the death of an important character, alliances are starting to shift, a possible new enemy is discovered, we meet a few strange new creatures (including flying saber-toothed squids), Courtenay makes a suggestion about how the world works, Silva plays a few pranks, and there are a couple of exciting battles. But mostly Deadly Shores is more of the same, even with the same jokes about the Coke... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
May 13, 2014
Another fine addition to the Destroyermen series. Fans of this series probably won't be disappointed. There are some minor problems in this series, though. His world-building has gotten so big with so many characters that Taylor Anderson cannot reasonably give quality time to each storyline in this book. The first half of the book includes a battle on the eastern front against the Dominion. Though the last 1/3 involves an invasion of Madagascar against the Grik on the western front. Plenty of action, and of course fan favorites Silva and Larry are right in the middle of it. I admit, I'm completely sucked into this series, and will continue to read. I'm anxious to find out what happens next to our heroes, hopefully we won't have to wait another year to find out.
October 15, 2017
Ninth in the Destroyermen military science fiction (alternate history on an alien Earth) series and revolving around the captain of the USS Walker and the friends with whom they’ve allied.
My Take
Whew. Another pip from Anderson. Only third-person omniscient point-of-view can work in this, if we’re to know the thoughts and actions of those on the different fronts. Lord knows, there are enough of ‘em!
The main battlefronts are Matt and company attacking the Griks at their home base; Imperials, 'Cats, and Americans against the Dominion in Central America; and, Alden’s truce with Halik. Other smaller actions include the USS Donaghey’s independent explorations, catching up on events at home in Baalkpan, and Rebecca’s terrifying decision.
Anderson’s characters will grab hold of you and become family. Worse, Anderson makes it necessary to find out what’s happening, as he slips from one front to the next. I was desperately reading to find out what’s happening with this group, even as I wanted to finish with that group. It’s enough to keep you flippin’ pages and totally enthralled. It’s one of those stories for which you simply have to set aside a chunk of hours (and plan on having a pizza delivered, so you don’t have to stop and cook!).
That Bradford. He’s something else, and so is the theory he’s arrived at as to why so many people from other timelines ended up here. As for Sandra. Oh, baby, you go!! I love that women are considered equal to men by the ‘Cats, and they’ve inspired some big changes on this world amongst non-Lemurians.
It’s mostly a sortie of a story, even though major events take place. Deadly Shores feels more like a set-up for the real action to come with the truth behind it all that no one can share a command. That there must be one person with the ability to make the decisions within his or her sphere of skills. It’s a hard lesson, but those are usually the kind that stick.
The Story
It’s a chance to take back their sacred homeland, stolen so long ago, and Adar has been carefully dancing around the true purpose of the raid. It’s only Matt Reddy, commander of the old destroyer USS Walker, who is focused on a “simple” strike.
Worse, still others have their own agendas for how these battles should resolve while there’s an undersea stalker following First Fleet South’s every move.
As the raid begins and chaos reigns, Reddy has no choice but to go all-in, risking everything in a desperate act that results in a sprawling, nightmarish battle on the beaches of Grik City, on the very decks of Walker, and in the labyrinthine passageways of the Celestial Palace itself.
The final cost could be more than Matt Reddy — or the Alliance — can bear.
The Characters
For a more thorough, ahem, list of characters, check out the review (posting 10/17/2017) on my blog. Goodreads only lets me have so many characters...sigh...
The Grand Alliance is…
…forming up as a United States of the allies. Adar is its Chairman, High Sky Priest for Salissa and Baalkpan, and High Chief of Baalkpan. Commander Alan Letts is helping Adar set up the new constitution in Baalkpan Bay and is in charge when Adar is away. Matt is captain of a four-stacker destroyer, the USS Walker, and commander-in-chief of all Allied forces beneath or beside the Banner of the Trees.
The Western Front…
…is the battle against the Grik with Lieutenant Commander Matthew "Matt" Reddy, , sort of in charge. Surgeon Commander Sandra Tucker Reddy is Matt's wife. Petey has now attached himself to Sandra. Diania a freed Imperials and was Sandra's steward. Brad "Spanky" McFarlane is Matt's exec. Bernie Sandison is Walker's torpedo officer. Lieutenant Pam Cross was Walker's surgeon. Chief Gunner's Mate Dennis Silva is a loose cannon but means well. Lawrence, a different type of Grik — a Sa'aaran — is another of Silva's best friends. Chief Bosun Fitzhugh "Boats" Gray is also commander of the Captain's Guard. Lieutenant Commander Irvin Laumer takes over command of the PTs. Earl Lanier is still around and still the cook.
Gunnery Sergeant Arnold Horn was another of the prisoners aboard the Hidoaime. Now he's assigned to Sonny Campeti, the gunnery master. Chief Quartermaster "Paddy" Rosen; Lieutenant Ed Palmer; and, the one-legged Juan Marcos, chief steward. Minnie, is the 'Cat talker. Tabby is in charge of engineering aboard Walker with the help of Chief Isak Reuben. Sitia is a machinist's mate 3rd. Wallace Fairchild is still the chief sonarman. Pack Rat, is a gunner's mate. Jeek is chief of the Special Air Division. Johnny Parks is a chief machinist's mate.
General Queen Protector Safir Maraan of B'mbaado commands what's left of II Corps. General Grisa commands 6th Division. Major Saachic is in charge of the cavalry. General Mersaak commands 3rd Division.
Lieutenant Colonel Chack begins the story on Diego Garcia. Major Alistair Jindal of the Imperial Marines commands the 21st AEF Regiment; and, Captain Risa-Sab-At are there.
Courtney Bradford is an Australian petroleum engineer, a naturalist, and here in this world, the Allied Minister of Science. Lieutenant Galay was a former corporal in the Philippine Scouts.
Will, Andy, and Sam are likely the descendants of the survivors of the lost East Indiaman that got separated from those who founded the New Britain Isles. Other former prisoners of the Hidoaime include Commander Simon Herring, the director of strategic intelligence; Lance Corporal Miles is still "great" friends with Herring; and, Conrad Diebel who's flying P-40s for Ben Mallory.
Captain Jarrik-Fas is on the USS Tassat. Tassanna-Ay-Arracca is USNRS Arracca's High Chief. USNRS Salissa, a.k.a., Big Sal , had been a Home but was reconfigured into an aircraft carrier. Admiral Keje-Fris-Ar is Salissa's High Chief, and he's none too happy with Adar. Selass-Fris-Ar is Keje's daughter and chief surgeon of Second Fleet. Atlaan-Fas is Salissa's CO; Lieutenant Sandy Newman is her exec. Commander Jis-Tikkar, a.k.a., Tikker, is COFO of Big Sal's 1st Naval Wing. Lieutenant Winston "Winny" Rominger, another former prisoner, is in command of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron #1.
Africa-bound
Bekiaa-Sab-At is a captain of Marines and aboard the USS Donaghey where she battles her PTSD. Captain Greg Garrett commands the Donaghey. Inquisitor Kon-Choon is the representative from the African Republic of Real People and is the Royal "Inquisitor" for his "Kaiser", Nig-Taak. Lieutenant Wendel "Smitty" Smith is the gunnery officer. Lieutenant Saama-Kera, a.k.a., Sammy, is Greg's exec. Chief Laan. Lieutenant Ra-Saan is Bekkia's second-in-command. Ensign Kaar-Raan is one of the pilots. The USS Sineaa is accompanying the Donaghey.
The island of Diego Garcia will…
…become a staging depot and is the land of a Lemurian tribe, the Laa-Laanti. The inhabitants include Pukaa and Sikaa, sons of the High Chief, Gin-Taaor, who is himself in a bit of a panic. The SMS Amerika, a.k.a., the War Palace, is an African Republic of Real People ship. Kapitan Adler Von Melhausen commands the Amerika, Kapitan Leutenant Becker Lange is Von Helmhausen's exec. Leutenant Doocy Meek commands her Marines. Lieutenant Toryu Miyata was the Amagi's navigation officer sent off to Africa.
Madras, the Western Front in East Indiaa
General Pete Alden is in charge. General Lord Muln Rolak of Aryaal has grown close to Safir since the start of the war. Hij Geerki, an ancient Grik bookkeeper, is a prisoner-of-war. "Colonel" Dalibor Svec leads the Brotherhood of Volunteers, a troop of aging Czech legions, Slovaks, and a "previously unknown continental tribe of Lemurians". Colonel Ben Mallory commands the 3rd Pursuit Squadron.
The Allied Expeditionary Force on the Eastern Front…
…goes up against the "rabidly fanatical human 'Holy Dominion' in the Americas" where Lord High Admiral Harvey Jenks is commander-in-chief of all Allied forces in the East with 18,000 men and 'Cats against 40,000+. The Allies are based on the Enchanted Isles (we know 'em as the Galápagos) in the city of Guayak. General Tomatsu Shinya is a "former Japanese naval officer" who is on their side and is in charge of the infantry. Admiral Lelaa-Tal-Cleraan commands a carrier; Tex Sheider is her exec while Chief Gilbert is in charge of engineering. Lieutenant Orrin Reddy is Matt's cousin and commander of flight operations (COFO) for USS Maaka-Kakja. He'd also been one of the prisoners-of-war freed from the Hidoiame. Sergeant Kuaar-Ran-Taak, a.k.a., Seepy, is Orrin's Lemurian Observer/Copilot. Imperial Marine Colonel Blair is one of the good ones. Marine Captain Blas-Ma-Ar commands the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines, with Lieutenant Faal-Pel, a.k.a., Stumpy, her second. First Sergeant Spook is with A Company, 2nd of the 2nd Marines under Blas. Corporal Smuke comes to their relief. Lieutenant Finny, commands Company C, 2nd Battalion, 8th Manila. Fred Reynolds and Kari-Faask were helped to escape the Dominion by Captain Anson, an American spy.
The locals in Guayak
Señor Suares is the liaison for the alcalde, Don Ricardo Del Guayak.
The Imperials of New Britain
Rebecca Anne McDonald is the Governor-Empress of the Empire of the New Britain Isles (we know it as Hawaii). She's passed her Decree of Manumission giving women equal rights. Casey is now Prime Factor to the empress. Sister Audry is a Dutch Benedictine nun intent on redeeming and teaching the Dominion prisoners the truth about Catholicism. Sergeant Koratin is one of Sister Audry's converts. Teniente Arano Garcia of the Dominion Salvadores heads up the group of prisoners who appear to have "received the light". Rebecca's "sister", Saan-Kakha, High Chief of all the Fil-pin Lands, is coming on a state visit.
Meanwhile, back in Baalkpan…
…the capital of the Grand Alliance, Commander Alan Letts is the acting High Chief of Baalkpan and temporary chairman of the Grand Alliance; Karen Theimer Letts, the Deputy Minister of Medicine, is his wife. Lord Bolton Forester is the ambassador from the Empire of New Britain Isles; Lieutenant Bachman is his aide. Commander Saraan-Ghaani is the ambassador for the Great South Isle (we know it as Australia). Commander Steve Riggs is the Allied Minister of Communications and Electrical Contrivances. Leading Seaman Henry Stokes, another of the former prisoners from the Hidoaime, is now running Allied Intel as its assistant director. The Busted Screw is Earl Lanier's place, and Pepper, one of the 'Cats, runs it when Earl's away on Walker.
The Enemies
The Grik are…
…Ghaarrichk'k, lizard people with one focus — not being prey and are divided into two classes: Uul who are the warrior/worker class and the Hij who are members of the ruling class. For sustenance, they eat anything that moves. Madras Halik is the Grik general raised up from the Uul class. Generals Shlook and Ugla are some of Halik's men. "General" Niwa had become Halik's friend, but is currently an Allied prisoner-of-war.
Madagascar is…
…the Lemurians' ancient, sacred homeland from which the Grik ousted them. The Celestial Mother, the Giver of Life, is the Grik's god. First General Esshk is the Celestial Mother's littermate and in command of all Grik armies. The Chooser is the Grik in charge of deciding which of the hatchlings would become aggressive warriors, leaving the rest to be culled for food.
The Japanese are…
…commanded by General of the Sea Hisashi Kurokawa, and the lord regent of India, who has escaped from the end of the battle. He still has Signals Lieutenant Fukui with him. Lieutenant Iguri is General of the Sky Muriname's second-in-command. General Agta is a commander of ten hundreds. Commander Riku.
The Holy Dominion is…
…based in South America and has perverted the Catholic dogma into a nightmare mishmash of torture and sadistic treatment. General Ghanan Nerino is looking forward to a real battle. He's only had practice ones so far. Don Hernan DeDevino Dicha is Blood Cardinal to His Supreme Holiness, the Messiah of Mexico, and by the Grace of God, Emperor of the World. And he's very happy about his Army of God. Grikbirds are dragon-like Grik that attack Allied planes.
The Banner of the Trees is the great Union Adar is planning for and Letts is working on. The Lemurians, a.k.a., 'Cats or Mi-Anakka, are one of the dominant races on this world and look like cats while reacting like humans, and the primary allies of the Americans. PIG-cigs are Pepper, Isak, and Gilbert's attempt to make Lemurian tobacco smokable. Gri-kakka are a type of plesiosaur the size of a whale. A strakka is a particularly vicious typhoon-like storm. Me-naaks, a.k.a., meanies, are cavalry mounts that look like gigantic crocodiles. Paalkas are moose-like creatures used like oxen. Galla trees are sacred to the 'Cats and HUGE. Snipes is slang for the engineering divisions, and apes is the term used to refer to the deck divisions. Grik rout is when the unenhanced Griks, the Uul, become too frightened to fight.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a range of browns with a bit of black…and touches of oranges and yellow in the sky and the white of crashing waves to “lighten things up”. It’s the USS Walker riding a surging sea as the Allies invade Grik City with small boats away to shore, airships and sailing ships in the background. A spit of land protrudes, representing the terrifying beasts that inhabit the forest Chack must cross. The series information is centered at the very top in an all-cap white with the title immediately underneath it in a stark silver. The author’s name is at the very bottom in a shadowed white.
The title is waaay too true, for most any land the Allies come near turns out to be Deadly Shores.
My Take
Whew. Another pip from Anderson. Only third-person omniscient point-of-view can work in this, if we’re to know the thoughts and actions of those on the different fronts. Lord knows, there are enough of ‘em!
The main battlefronts are Matt and company attacking the Griks at their home base; Imperials, 'Cats, and Americans against the Dominion in Central America; and, Alden’s truce with Halik. Other smaller actions include the USS Donaghey’s independent explorations, catching up on events at home in Baalkpan, and Rebecca’s terrifying decision.
Anderson’s characters will grab hold of you and become family. Worse, Anderson makes it necessary to find out what’s happening, as he slips from one front to the next. I was desperately reading to find out what’s happening with this group, even as I wanted to finish with that group. It’s enough to keep you flippin’ pages and totally enthralled. It’s one of those stories for which you simply have to set aside a chunk of hours (and plan on having a pizza delivered, so you don’t have to stop and cook!).
That Bradford. He’s something else, and so is the theory he’s arrived at as to why so many people from other timelines ended up here. As for Sandra. Oh, baby, you go!! I love that women are considered equal to men by the ‘Cats, and they’ve inspired some big changes on this world amongst non-Lemurians.
It’s mostly a sortie of a story, even though major events take place. Deadly Shores feels more like a set-up for the real action to come with the truth behind it all that no one can share a command. That there must be one person with the ability to make the decisions within his or her sphere of skills. It’s a hard lesson, but those are usually the kind that stick.
The Story
It’s a chance to take back their sacred homeland, stolen so long ago, and Adar has been carefully dancing around the true purpose of the raid. It’s only Matt Reddy, commander of the old destroyer USS Walker, who is focused on a “simple” strike.
Worse, still others have their own agendas for how these battles should resolve while there’s an undersea stalker following First Fleet South’s every move.
As the raid begins and chaos reigns, Reddy has no choice but to go all-in, risking everything in a desperate act that results in a sprawling, nightmarish battle on the beaches of Grik City, on the very decks of Walker, and in the labyrinthine passageways of the Celestial Palace itself.
The final cost could be more than Matt Reddy — or the Alliance — can bear.
The Characters
For a more thorough, ahem, list of characters, check out the review (posting 10/17/2017) on my blog. Goodreads only lets me have so many characters...sigh...
The Grand Alliance is…
…forming up as a United States of the allies. Adar is its Chairman, High Sky Priest for Salissa and Baalkpan, and High Chief of Baalkpan. Commander Alan Letts is helping Adar set up the new constitution in Baalkpan Bay and is in charge when Adar is away. Matt is captain of a four-stacker destroyer, the USS Walker, and commander-in-chief of all Allied forces beneath or beside the Banner of the Trees.
The Western Front…
…is the battle against the Grik with Lieutenant Commander Matthew "Matt" Reddy, , sort of in charge. Surgeon Commander Sandra Tucker Reddy is Matt's wife. Petey has now attached himself to Sandra. Diania a freed Imperials and was Sandra's steward. Brad "Spanky" McFarlane is Matt's exec. Bernie Sandison is Walker's torpedo officer. Lieutenant Pam Cross was Walker's surgeon. Chief Gunner's Mate Dennis Silva is a loose cannon but means well. Lawrence, a different type of Grik — a Sa'aaran — is another of Silva's best friends. Chief Bosun Fitzhugh "Boats" Gray is also commander of the Captain's Guard. Lieutenant Commander Irvin Laumer takes over command of the PTs. Earl Lanier is still around and still the cook.
Gunnery Sergeant Arnold Horn was another of the prisoners aboard the Hidoaime. Now he's assigned to Sonny Campeti, the gunnery master. Chief Quartermaster "Paddy" Rosen; Lieutenant Ed Palmer; and, the one-legged Juan Marcos, chief steward. Minnie, is the 'Cat talker. Tabby is in charge of engineering aboard Walker with the help of Chief Isak Reuben. Sitia is a machinist's mate 3rd. Wallace Fairchild is still the chief sonarman. Pack Rat, is a gunner's mate. Jeek is chief of the Special Air Division. Johnny Parks is a chief machinist's mate.
General Queen Protector Safir Maraan of B'mbaado commands what's left of II Corps. General Grisa commands 6th Division. Major Saachic is in charge of the cavalry. General Mersaak commands 3rd Division.
Lieutenant Colonel Chack begins the story on Diego Garcia. Major Alistair Jindal of the Imperial Marines commands the 21st AEF Regiment; and, Captain Risa-Sab-At are there.
Courtney Bradford is an Australian petroleum engineer, a naturalist, and here in this world, the Allied Minister of Science. Lieutenant Galay was a former corporal in the Philippine Scouts.
Will, Andy, and Sam are likely the descendants of the survivors of the lost East Indiaman that got separated from those who founded the New Britain Isles. Other former prisoners of the Hidoaime include Commander Simon Herring, the director of strategic intelligence; Lance Corporal Miles is still "great" friends with Herring; and, Conrad Diebel who's flying P-40s for Ben Mallory.
Captain Jarrik-Fas is on the USS Tassat. Tassanna-Ay-Arracca is USNRS Arracca's High Chief. USNRS Salissa, a.k.a., Big Sal , had been a Home but was reconfigured into an aircraft carrier. Admiral Keje-Fris-Ar is Salissa's High Chief, and he's none too happy with Adar. Selass-Fris-Ar is Keje's daughter and chief surgeon of Second Fleet. Atlaan-Fas is Salissa's CO; Lieutenant Sandy Newman is her exec. Commander Jis-Tikkar, a.k.a., Tikker, is COFO of Big Sal's 1st Naval Wing. Lieutenant Winston "Winny" Rominger, another former prisoner, is in command of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron #1.
Africa-bound
Bekiaa-Sab-At is a captain of Marines and aboard the USS Donaghey where she battles her PTSD. Captain Greg Garrett commands the Donaghey. Inquisitor Kon-Choon is the representative from the African Republic of Real People and is the Royal "Inquisitor" for his "Kaiser", Nig-Taak. Lieutenant Wendel "Smitty" Smith is the gunnery officer. Lieutenant Saama-Kera, a.k.a., Sammy, is Greg's exec. Chief Laan. Lieutenant Ra-Saan is Bekkia's second-in-command. Ensign Kaar-Raan is one of the pilots. The USS Sineaa is accompanying the Donaghey.
The island of Diego Garcia will…
…become a staging depot and is the land of a Lemurian tribe, the Laa-Laanti. The inhabitants include Pukaa and Sikaa, sons of the High Chief, Gin-Taaor, who is himself in a bit of a panic. The SMS Amerika, a.k.a., the War Palace, is an African Republic of Real People ship. Kapitan Adler Von Melhausen commands the Amerika, Kapitan Leutenant Becker Lange is Von Helmhausen's exec. Leutenant Doocy Meek commands her Marines. Lieutenant Toryu Miyata was the Amagi's navigation officer sent off to Africa.
Madras, the Western Front in East Indiaa
General Pete Alden is in charge. General Lord Muln Rolak of Aryaal has grown close to Safir since the start of the war. Hij Geerki, an ancient Grik bookkeeper, is a prisoner-of-war. "Colonel" Dalibor Svec leads the Brotherhood of Volunteers, a troop of aging Czech legions, Slovaks, and a "previously unknown continental tribe of Lemurians". Colonel Ben Mallory commands the 3rd Pursuit Squadron.
The Allied Expeditionary Force on the Eastern Front…
…goes up against the "rabidly fanatical human 'Holy Dominion' in the Americas" where Lord High Admiral Harvey Jenks is commander-in-chief of all Allied forces in the East with 18,000 men and 'Cats against 40,000+. The Allies are based on the Enchanted Isles (we know 'em as the Galápagos) in the city of Guayak. General Tomatsu Shinya is a "former Japanese naval officer" who is on their side and is in charge of the infantry. Admiral Lelaa-Tal-Cleraan commands a carrier; Tex Sheider is her exec while Chief Gilbert is in charge of engineering. Lieutenant Orrin Reddy is Matt's cousin and commander of flight operations (COFO) for USS Maaka-Kakja. He'd also been one of the prisoners-of-war freed from the Hidoiame. Sergeant Kuaar-Ran-Taak, a.k.a., Seepy, is Orrin's Lemurian Observer/Copilot. Imperial Marine Colonel Blair is one of the good ones. Marine Captain Blas-Ma-Ar commands the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines, with Lieutenant Faal-Pel, a.k.a., Stumpy, her second. First Sergeant Spook is with A Company, 2nd of the 2nd Marines under Blas. Corporal Smuke comes to their relief. Lieutenant Finny, commands Company C, 2nd Battalion, 8th Manila. Fred Reynolds and Kari-Faask were helped to escape the Dominion by Captain Anson, an American spy.
The locals in Guayak
Señor Suares is the liaison for the alcalde, Don Ricardo Del Guayak.
The Imperials of New Britain
Rebecca Anne McDonald is the Governor-Empress of the Empire of the New Britain Isles (we know it as Hawaii). She's passed her Decree of Manumission giving women equal rights. Casey is now Prime Factor to the empress. Sister Audry is a Dutch Benedictine nun intent on redeeming and teaching the Dominion prisoners the truth about Catholicism. Sergeant Koratin is one of Sister Audry's converts. Teniente Arano Garcia of the Dominion Salvadores heads up the group of prisoners who appear to have "received the light". Rebecca's "sister", Saan-Kakha, High Chief of all the Fil-pin Lands, is coming on a state visit.
Meanwhile, back in Baalkpan…
…the capital of the Grand Alliance, Commander Alan Letts is the acting High Chief of Baalkpan and temporary chairman of the Grand Alliance; Karen Theimer Letts, the Deputy Minister of Medicine, is his wife. Lord Bolton Forester is the ambassador from the Empire of New Britain Isles; Lieutenant Bachman is his aide. Commander Saraan-Ghaani is the ambassador for the Great South Isle (we know it as Australia). Commander Steve Riggs is the Allied Minister of Communications and Electrical Contrivances. Leading Seaman Henry Stokes, another of the former prisoners from the Hidoaime, is now running Allied Intel as its assistant director. The Busted Screw is Earl Lanier's place, and Pepper, one of the 'Cats, runs it when Earl's away on Walker.
The Enemies
The Grik are…
…Ghaarrichk'k, lizard people with one focus — not being prey and are divided into two classes: Uul who are the warrior/worker class and the Hij who are members of the ruling class. For sustenance, they eat anything that moves. Madras Halik is the Grik general raised up from the Uul class. Generals Shlook and Ugla are some of Halik's men. "General" Niwa had become Halik's friend, but is currently an Allied prisoner-of-war.
Madagascar is…
…the Lemurians' ancient, sacred homeland from which the Grik ousted them. The Celestial Mother, the Giver of Life, is the Grik's god. First General Esshk is the Celestial Mother's littermate and in command of all Grik armies. The Chooser is the Grik in charge of deciding which of the hatchlings would become aggressive warriors, leaving the rest to be culled for food.
The Japanese are…
…commanded by General of the Sea Hisashi Kurokawa, and the lord regent of India, who has escaped from the end of the battle. He still has Signals Lieutenant Fukui with him. Lieutenant Iguri is General of the Sky Muriname's second-in-command. General Agta is a commander of ten hundreds. Commander Riku.
The Holy Dominion is…
…based in South America and has perverted the Catholic dogma into a nightmare mishmash of torture and sadistic treatment. General Ghanan Nerino is looking forward to a real battle. He's only had practice ones so far. Don Hernan DeDevino Dicha is Blood Cardinal to His Supreme Holiness, the Messiah of Mexico, and by the Grace of God, Emperor of the World. And he's very happy about his Army of God. Grikbirds are dragon-like Grik that attack Allied planes.
The Banner of the Trees is the great Union Adar is planning for and Letts is working on. The Lemurians, a.k.a., 'Cats or Mi-Anakka, are one of the dominant races on this world and look like cats while reacting like humans, and the primary allies of the Americans. PIG-cigs are Pepper, Isak, and Gilbert's attempt to make Lemurian tobacco smokable. Gri-kakka are a type of plesiosaur the size of a whale. A strakka is a particularly vicious typhoon-like storm. Me-naaks, a.k.a., meanies, are cavalry mounts that look like gigantic crocodiles. Paalkas are moose-like creatures used like oxen. Galla trees are sacred to the 'Cats and HUGE. Snipes is slang for the engineering divisions, and apes is the term used to refer to the deck divisions. Grik rout is when the unenhanced Griks, the Uul, become too frightened to fight.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a range of browns with a bit of black…and touches of oranges and yellow in the sky and the white of crashing waves to “lighten things up”. It’s the USS Walker riding a surging sea as the Allies invade Grik City with small boats away to shore, airships and sailing ships in the background. A spit of land protrudes, representing the terrifying beasts that inhabit the forest Chack must cross. The series information is centered at the very top in an all-cap white with the title immediately underneath it in a stark silver. The author’s name is at the very bottom in a shadowed white.
The title is waaay too true, for most any land the Allies come near turns out to be Deadly Shores.
August 3, 2022
[2.8 stars, I liked it, series is clogging up]
Is there something new in the new mismatches of military strategy, tactics, and technology? Nothing particularly exciting, even with some random twists in development. And yet I still like the characters and care what happens to them. Although disturbingly, General of the Sea Kurokawa reminds me of Sgt. Obadiah Hakeswill in the long running Sharpe series.
Is there something new in the new mismatches of military strategy, tactics, and technology? Nothing particularly exciting, even with some random twists in development. And yet I still like the characters and care what happens to them. Although disturbingly, General of the Sea Kurokawa reminds me of Sgt. Obadiah Hakeswill in the long running Sharpe series.
August 28, 2024
The stories are still going strong and the battle scene in this one is intense. I'm glad there was an "honorable" solution to one of the battle fronts. I'm also sorry one of my favorite characters died, but in a prolonged story like this, it was bound to be inevitable.
December 10, 2018
The action is becoming more complex as the still mostly unknown Republic of Real People play into the story, and the even more mysterious League begin to emerge. Can't give deails without spoilers so I'll just say things become interesting (more so than before, that is!)
May 14, 2014
I think that I'm starting to lose interest in this series. While the battle is moving we now have three theaters of war and we only really covered one battle at each location.
While that is sufficient to move the story along I am not seeing an end in sight for the series. We had a clear goal after the first couple of books. However it keeps growing and growing and we still know very little about the scope of either of the two main enemies.
The author has now taken us to the end of the world as it were and we know nothing of the various factions and their territories other than the Alliance.
While it would be silly to believe a war could ever really be simple the way it has grown makes me wonder just where the author expects to wrap up the story. It seems we might have another 15 novels until everything gets resolved at this point and when that starts to happen I start feeling less inclined to rate books favorably since it seems the main story that drew me in always gets left to flounder through the various novels.
gallandro
While that is sufficient to move the story along I am not seeing an end in sight for the series. We had a clear goal after the first couple of books. However it keeps growing and growing and we still know very little about the scope of either of the two main enemies.
The author has now taken us to the end of the world as it were and we know nothing of the various factions and their territories other than the Alliance.
While it would be silly to believe a war could ever really be simple the way it has grown makes me wonder just where the author expects to wrap up the story. It seems we might have another 15 novels until everything gets resolved at this point and when that starts to happen I start feeling less inclined to rate books favorably since it seems the main story that drew me in always gets left to flounder through the various novels.
gallandro
March 20, 2017
Still a good series, January 14, 2015
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Deadly Shores: Destroyermen (Kindle Edition)
In skimming the other reviews, I noticed 2 distinct schools of thought: 1. Great series, give us more! & 2. Good series, but don't you think it's time to start thinking about an ending? Personally, I think things are getting more interesting & there is plenty life left in Destroyermen. In this volume we find that more than Americans & Japanese have arrived from the Destroyermen's world or perhaps it is a similar world instead. Whoever they are, it appears that there is a new & dangerous enemy. Interesting people are also at this world' s version of Cape Town.
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Deadly Shores: Destroyermen (Kindle Edition)
In skimming the other reviews, I noticed 2 distinct schools of thought: 1. Great series, give us more! & 2. Good series, but don't you think it's time to start thinking about an ending? Personally, I think things are getting more interesting & there is plenty life left in Destroyermen. In this volume we find that more than Americans & Japanese have arrived from the Destroyermen's world or perhaps it is a similar world instead. Whoever they are, it appears that there is a new & dangerous enemy. Interesting people are also at this world' s version of Cape Town.
June 6, 2014
This series is getting almost to big for its own pages; trying to cover a "world war" on all fronts in one novel is just about too much. With that caveat; this book is pretty tightly written and keeps a good pace. There is a lot of action for only covering three battles. (Three and half maybe.) We are nine books in and there is no end in sight; I hope Anderson starts to wrap up at least some of the action so the rest of the story can go on.
May 12, 2014
Awesome, several of my theories about that world were confirmed in this volume, can not wait for the next one.....
May 17, 2014
Another good one, a little slow in a few places where the author was 'catching up' on groups in other places but the main plotline was, as usual, fast, tense and well written battle scenes.
June 1, 2014
good book as always, though the narrator had the same slow start before he got into the voices properly. addressed some of my concerns about captain's interactions with the lemurians
June 20, 2021
Read this review (and others) at: https://literatureislife.com/2021/06/...
So, the Alliance is ready to fully take the fight to the Grik. Kind of. Not really. Just sail up the river and conquer their capital. Simple, right? But like many plans, it works great until you actually implement it. “No plan survives contact with the enemy,” Field Marshal Helmuth von Moltke the Elder (probably). And boy is that true here. Certain people in the Alliance are still coming to terms with the Grik getting smarter. The Alliance is still using sound military strategy, but the Grik are getting better at doing that too.
Now, the Lemurians know what the plan is here. Go in, hit the Grik, get out. But their target is their ancestral homeland. Reddy goes in knowing that once the fighting actually starts, this isn’t going to be a battle for the Lemurians. It’s going to be a crusade. Not so much in the religious sense of the word, but more in that the Lemurians can finally get some payback against the ancestral enemies that they’ve been powerless against up until this point. And there is a bit of a religious undertone with how their faith was based on things from Earth. Anderson just doesn’t explore that aspect of it too heavily here.
We do also see some developments on the eastern front here, but Deadly Shores pretty heavily focuses on the western theater. It does bounce between other places too since Anderson has like 50 different characters to show off at this point. It makes it kind of hard to give everyone enough screentime, but a lot of war series end up this way. Heck, long-running series in general (at least for books). Authors can throw in new characters whenever in their storytelling because they don’t have to hire new actors.
Anyway, this series continues to be a fun, action-packed sci-fi romp. Looking forward to seeing where the next book takes these characters.
So, the Alliance is ready to fully take the fight to the Grik. Kind of. Not really. Just sail up the river and conquer their capital. Simple, right? But like many plans, it works great until you actually implement it. “No plan survives contact with the enemy,” Field Marshal Helmuth von Moltke the Elder (probably). And boy is that true here. Certain people in the Alliance are still coming to terms with the Grik getting smarter. The Alliance is still using sound military strategy, but the Grik are getting better at doing that too.
Now, the Lemurians know what the plan is here. Go in, hit the Grik, get out. But their target is their ancestral homeland. Reddy goes in knowing that once the fighting actually starts, this isn’t going to be a battle for the Lemurians. It’s going to be a crusade. Not so much in the religious sense of the word, but more in that the Lemurians can finally get some payback against the ancestral enemies that they’ve been powerless against up until this point. And there is a bit of a religious undertone with how their faith was based on things from Earth. Anderson just doesn’t explore that aspect of it too heavily here.
We do also see some developments on the eastern front here, but Deadly Shores pretty heavily focuses on the western theater. It does bounce between other places too since Anderson has like 50 different characters to show off at this point. It makes it kind of hard to give everyone enough screentime, but a lot of war series end up this way. Heck, long-running series in general (at least for books). Authors can throw in new characters whenever in their storytelling because they don’t have to hire new actors.
Anyway, this series continues to be a fun, action-packed sci-fi romp. Looking forward to seeing where the next book takes these characters.
October 23, 2018
Great addition to the story.
The end story begins, hopefully. The Allies, by more fluke that plan, take the fight to the Grik. More than the outcome, the real story is in the fighting details and how the whole thing unfolded. Not everyone survived, but somewhere the ratio of Grik to Allies death seemed slightly more skewed. Also, I got sufficient indications that there was a lot of fluff added just to make this part of the story into a full novel. New characters are hinted at which is making me nervous on how long-winded turn this story is going to take.
Nevertheless, this was an enjoyable read. On to next.
The end story begins, hopefully. The Allies, by more fluke that plan, take the fight to the Grik. More than the outcome, the real story is in the fighting details and how the whole thing unfolded. Not everyone survived, but somewhere the ratio of Grik to Allies death seemed slightly more skewed. Also, I got sufficient indications that there was a lot of fluff added just to make this part of the story into a full novel. New characters are hinted at which is making me nervous on how long-winded turn this story is going to take.
Nevertheless, this was an enjoyable read. On to next.
June 8, 2019
The ninth installment in the Destroyermen saga provides plenty of adventure and excitement, yet I find a part of my mind nagging at me with the thought, "Is this series ever going to wrap up? Can they ever relax for more than a day or two?" Our heroic alliance takes the battle to the hyper-aggressive Grik homeland on Madagascar in what is intended to be a (literal) tail-tweaking raid ala Jimmy Doolittle's raid on Japan in World War II. It turns into much more than that. And new enemies are hinted at so no end is in sight for our heroes. I'll read more of the books, but I'm not sure how much longer I'll hang in there.
March 2, 2018
The author does a good job of making his stories entertaining, with lots of action and a reasonable amount of plot development. He also introduces a modicum of realism by killing off the occasional main character, though he keeps the series going by adding an equal number of new participants. The problem is the dialog, which is not smooth. The wording could have been pulled straight from a comic book, with lots (and lots) of exclamation points. So, I keep reading these books for the action passages, and continually wince when a character speaks.
October 26, 2016
There is no words to describe the emotion and attachment to the crews of USS Walker, the Lemurians, the Japanese officers, and the Imperials. This book is by far the best in the series. I've been reading the series in ebooks and have decided to get the physical books so that our kids can read them. Very few, if any books, are able to blend valor, honor, sacrifice, naval / land battle tatics, and history together in such a way like Mr. Anderson.
August 13, 2017
4.5 stars, 5 for the last part with the battle on Grik homeworld- so intense had to just listen and not multitask!!! THe endings usually confuse me, not sure who the people are at the end in the epilogues at times! Sometimes I wish I was reading to keep track of all the names, but still love these books, so could actually read some day and get even more enjoyment yet!!!
February 26, 2019
Finally, some resolution. Capt. Reddy has a strategic raid underway; but when it come to their ancestral lands, Adar wants to roll a hard six.
There's a lot going on across three continents. New enemies emerge (expected) and some unexpected allies are found. Good action on land, sea, and air.
Problem now is my library doesn't have the next book :(
There's a lot going on across three continents. New enemies emerge (expected) and some unexpected allies are found. Good action on land, sea, and air.
Problem now is my library doesn't have the next book :(
January 12, 2020
Pretty typical of the series; which I have read from the first book. Not exactly classic fiction, but a good read. The print on the print font on the paperback edition was so small that I had to use 4.0 readers to be able to see it. I normally can read books with my normal glasses; so be forewarned.
April 16, 2024
4.5 stars
After a brief description of earlier events and some smaller fights, the story takes us to a giant battle which takes almost 60% of the book. The action is exhilarating and intense and seems to end the overall story. The epilogue points in another direction. 6 more books to go. We will continue…
After a brief description of earlier events and some smaller fights, the story takes us to a giant battle which takes almost 60% of the book. The action is exhilarating and intense and seems to end the overall story. The epilogue points in another direction. 6 more books to go. We will continue…
November 24, 2017
I started laughing at the beginning of the book when faced with Dom arrogance. But the great war became tedious, I finished reading it thank goodness. I will wait to continue reading the rest of the series.
June 22, 2020
The world of the destroyermen grows larger, with a terrific battle at the end and a mysterious power reveals itself for the first time. Truly a great series of adventures. Right up there among the finest!
October 25, 2020
The series began well, but it's been getting increasingly more monotonous and long-winded, to the point that I'm skipping entire plot lines because I couldn't get myself to care about them. I don't think I'll manage to finish the series.
March 25, 2021
Great military adventure continues
Excellent series. Intriguing plot, wonderful characters, and fabulous setting make me glad there are many volumes to come. Just like so many books, sad there are so many and so little time.
Excellent series. Intriguing plot, wonderful characters, and fabulous setting make me glad there are many volumes to come. Just like so many books, sad there are so many and so little time.
May 2, 2024
This book did a better job of balancing the problem I had with the last one of too many plotlines, by mainly focusing on just a few while giving just enough teaser updates on the rest. The scope of this story keeps growing with each novel and I'm still excited to see where we go next
March 25, 2025
I really struggle with the Dominion part of the story. It's painful and frustrating. That, combined with the two main character deaths and the lack of a celebration or really any happiness after the final battle make this the darkest toned book in a while, maybe in the whole series so far. 4.4/5
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