Deep Flight

by Scott Carpenter

Reporting to the stealth sub Steel Albatross for a peaceful mining operation, Rick Tallman finds himself amid an explosive deep-sea duel over a legendary Emperor's sword that could empower a group of right-wing Japanese nationalists. Original.

352 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1994

About the author

Malcolm Scott Carpenter (May 1, 1925 – October 10, 2013) was an American test pilot, astronaut, and aquanaut. He was one of the original seven astronauts selected for NASA's Project Mercury in April 1959. Carpenter was the second American to orbit the Earth and the fourth American in space, following Alan Shepard, Gus Grissom, and John Glenn.

Reviews

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Not until I read the back cover did I notice that this was Scott Carpenter of NASA, and that I had been reading this book, while surrounded by photos of NASA space pilots.

Story young Navy Officer (Rick) gets orders for Guam to go on a special mission. While changing planes in Hawaii he is attacked, and saves a young women, who has ties to Japan. On Guam she pops up again near Agana, and yet Rick does not think this is too much a coincidence. He is also on this mission with his god-father who saved a Japanese officer off of Guam in WWII. In yet another coincidence Rick meets up with the Japanese officers son during a dive, he is invited to attend a special group who profess to save the ocean. Rick finds that the mission he is on has been compromised, people try to kill him, and others do die. He finds himself in "deep waters".

I probably loved this book because I lived on Guam, and followed the adventures from the streets to the jungle to the sea. Mr. Carpenters description of Tokyo had me vividly riding those trains and once again, I was back sitting in the diving boats with friends who were diving in the Marianas trench. Many flashbacks, brought back many memories. I was sorry to read that Mr. Carpenter is no longer with this earth. Thank you Scott Carpenter for your service to your country. Enjoyed your book.

[Chris Bridson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'll make the obvious statement here. I'm sure Scott Carpenter was a better pilot and astronaut than he was a thriller writer, but I give him credit for trying. Once again there's a lot of exposition only to have the paint-by-numbers story wrapped up in a few pages. The villainous characters are not developed enough which leads to a certain apathy in regards to the outcome. It's a decent, fast read if there's nothing better around.

[Frank Cavanaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written 8/10