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Steel Wind
A routine Coast Guard inspection of a cargo ship in the Caribbean turns into a vicious firefight with unidentified commandos. The second attempt to board the vessel ends with a nuclear detonation.
North Korea has been smuggling short and intermediate-range missiles into Cuba. An unknown number of nuclear warheads are hidden less than 100 miles from the tip of Florida. Every American city east of San Antonio is in the target zone.
Scrambling to stop the flow of weapons to Cuba, the president orders the Atlantic Fleet to surround the island, cutting off all access. It’s the Cuban Missile Crisis all over again, but this time there won’t be a diplomatic resolution. The North Koreans have developed a secret weapon that rips through the blockade with ease, leaving burning ships in its wake.
Against this unimagined threat stand a small detachment of United States Marines and a cutting-edge destroyer that’s never been tested in combat. It’s a battle we never expected to fight, against an enemy we can barely comprehend...
Praise for Jeff Edwards
"Jeff Edwards has created a superb thriller that grips the reader from beginning to end. Brilliantly executed." -- CLIVE CUSSLER, International bestselling author of 'The Rising Sea' and 'Raise the Titanic'
“A taut, exciting story by an author who knows his Navy. Guaranteed to keep you turning pages well into the night!” -- GREG BEAR, New York Times bestselling author of ‘Killing Titan’ and ‘Darwin’s Radio’
“Edwards wields politics and naval combat tactics with a skill equal to the acknowledged masters of military fiction.” -- THE MILITARY PRESS
Other Books by Jeff Edwards
Military
Sea of ShadowsThe Seventh AngelSword of ShivaCyberpunk Detective
Dome City BluesAngel City BluesShort
Postcards from the Moon
North Korea has been smuggling short and intermediate-range missiles into Cuba. An unknown number of nuclear warheads are hidden less than 100 miles from the tip of Florida. Every American city east of San Antonio is in the target zone.
Scrambling to stop the flow of weapons to Cuba, the president orders the Atlantic Fleet to surround the island, cutting off all access. It’s the Cuban Missile Crisis all over again, but this time there won’t be a diplomatic resolution. The North Koreans have developed a secret weapon that rips through the blockade with ease, leaving burning ships in its wake.
Against this unimagined threat stand a small detachment of United States Marines and a cutting-edge destroyer that’s never been tested in combat. It’s a battle we never expected to fight, against an enemy we can barely comprehend...
Praise for Jeff Edwards
"Jeff Edwards has created a superb thriller that grips the reader from beginning to end. Brilliantly executed." -- CLIVE CUSSLER, International bestselling author of 'The Rising Sea' and 'Raise the Titanic'
“A taut, exciting story by an author who knows his Navy. Guaranteed to keep you turning pages well into the night!” -- GREG BEAR, New York Times bestselling author of ‘Killing Titan’ and ‘Darwin’s Radio’
“Edwards wields politics and naval combat tactics with a skill equal to the acknowledged masters of military fiction.” -- THE MILITARY PRESS
Other Books by Jeff Edwards
Military
Sea of ShadowsThe Seventh AngelSword of ShivaCyberpunk Detective
Dome City BluesAngel City BluesShort
Postcards from the Moon
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2018
511 people are currently reading
766 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Edwards
58 books131 followersJeff Edwards is a retired U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer, and an Anti-Submarine Warfare Specialist. His naval career spanned more than two decades and half the globe - from chasing Soviet nuclear attack submarines during the Cold War, to launching cruise missiles in the Persian Gulf. Collectively, his novels have won the Admiral Nimitz Award for Outstanding Naval Fiction, the Reader’s Choice Award, the Clive Cussler Grandmaster Award for Adventure Writing, and the American Author Medal. He lives in California, where he consults for the Department of Defense.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 7, 2018
The naval warfare scenes in Steel Wind remind me very much of naval authors of the past. Charles D Taylor, James Cobb, and Patrick Robinson. I'm sure there are others that I have read, but the authors don't come to mind right now.
North Korea has installed nuclear missiles on Cuban soil. It's the second Cuban Missile Crisis. To protect their missile sites, they also have a kick ass submarine with a kick ass torpedo. Both move at the speed of 300 knots. Right out of science fiction. Also enjoyable in this is the history of submarines, going back to Aristotle, and then moving forward in history.
If there is anything negative to mention about this book is the excessive use of naval ranks and those abbreviations for crew members on both the surface ships and the attack submarine.
Very enjoyable if the reader likes techno porn and military action thrillers.
North Korea has installed nuclear missiles on Cuban soil. It's the second Cuban Missile Crisis. To protect their missile sites, they also have a kick ass submarine with a kick ass torpedo. Both move at the speed of 300 knots. Right out of science fiction. Also enjoyable in this is the history of submarines, going back to Aristotle, and then moving forward in history.
If there is anything negative to mention about this book is the excessive use of naval ranks and those abbreviations for crew members on both the surface ships and the attack submarine.
Very enjoyable if the reader likes techno porn and military action thrillers.
August 18, 2018
A Highly Recommended and Plausible Thriller
Up front I need to disclose that I am the author of a direct sales competitor to this book, The Second Korean War. So, I started reading this book with both some knowledge of the threat posed by North Korea, and the willingness to point out any errors I found.
What I actually discovered was one of the best books I've read in years. I despise spoilers so can't say much about the plot, except to say it is highly interesting and I believe completely credible. The characters were well described, and - critically for a thriller - you actually cared what happened to them. The author puts his military experience to good use in detailed descriptions of the equipment and procedures used by US armed forces.
Anyone who doubts whether North Korea could have achieved what is described in the book is invited to remember what we believed about their capabilities just five years ago. Before they successfully tested an ICBM and a thermonuclear weapon.
Some might also doubt whether a North Korean crew like those in the Steel Wind could be deceived by their own leaders. It is hard to overstress just how thoroughly indoctrinated North Koreans are, particularly those serving in its military. Sadly, for now such treatment of a crew by North Korea is completely credible.
Without giving away the ending, I will say I liked it quite a bit. I disagree with those who believe the only credible thriller ending involves a victory not worth having. Many times in our history we have won, and the world was a better place for it - and sometimes (Germany and Japan) even for the losers.
Congratulations to Jeff Edwards on an outstanding book. I look forward to his next one!
Up front I need to disclose that I am the author of a direct sales competitor to this book, The Second Korean War. So, I started reading this book with both some knowledge of the threat posed by North Korea, and the willingness to point out any errors I found.
What I actually discovered was one of the best books I've read in years. I despise spoilers so can't say much about the plot, except to say it is highly interesting and I believe completely credible. The characters were well described, and - critically for a thriller - you actually cared what happened to them. The author puts his military experience to good use in detailed descriptions of the equipment and procedures used by US armed forces.
Anyone who doubts whether North Korea could have achieved what is described in the book is invited to remember what we believed about their capabilities just five years ago. Before they successfully tested an ICBM and a thermonuclear weapon.
Some might also doubt whether a North Korean crew like those in the Steel Wind could be deceived by their own leaders. It is hard to overstress just how thoroughly indoctrinated North Koreans are, particularly those serving in its military. Sadly, for now such treatment of a crew by North Korea is completely credible.
Without giving away the ending, I will say I liked it quite a bit. I disagree with those who believe the only credible thriller ending involves a victory not worth having. Many times in our history we have won, and the world was a better place for it - and sometimes (Germany and Japan) even for the losers.
Congratulations to Jeff Edwards on an outstanding book. I look forward to his next one!
June 16, 2018
Another winner from Jeff Edwards
Jeff Edwards is a master at entertaining as well as educating the reader in his latest naval thriller. Naval combat, clandestine ops, cutting edge science, Washington intrigue and nuclear blackmail are featured in this page turner. Techno-thriller readers and fans of his unforgettable USS Towers trilogy will love it.
Jeff Edwards is a master at entertaining as well as educating the reader in his latest naval thriller. Naval combat, clandestine ops, cutting edge science, Washington intrigue and nuclear blackmail are featured in this page turner. Techno-thriller readers and fans of his unforgettable USS Towers trilogy will love it.
June 2, 2018
Exciting book
I enjoyed this book a lot. Second book of his I have read. Good plot, twists and turns. Scene changes were good. A little too much history in-between chapters for me. They could have been placed in back of book
I enjoyed this book a lot. Second book of his I have read. Good plot, twists and turns. Scene changes were good. A little too much history in-between chapters for me. They could have been placed in back of book
December 11, 2018
Precise and frightening
This book is a somewhat techy read. In a way it is quite a dry presentation, yet I enjoyed it, and the ‘human’ parts are warm, amusing, and endearing. I read it because I enjoy thrillers, but also because one reviewer commented that he knew about this military and political arena (which is presumably is why he was asked to review) and said that this could happen. He suggested that it is not a fantasy so much as an exploration of what is possible.
What I found particularly interesting is that the morning of the day I finished this I happened across a documentary on YouTube that offered evidence that the current President of the US cannot read. Literate or not, the President has to be respected. The people have elected him to power; he is who they want to lead them. But Presidents don’t just reduce taxes, they may be called upon to act in defence of the country. It certainly gave me pause for thought, and the resolution to keep my fingers crossed for the next two years.
This book is a somewhat techy read. In a way it is quite a dry presentation, yet I enjoyed it, and the ‘human’ parts are warm, amusing, and endearing. I read it because I enjoy thrillers, but also because one reviewer commented that he knew about this military and political arena (which is presumably is why he was asked to review) and said that this could happen. He suggested that it is not a fantasy so much as an exploration of what is possible.
What I found particularly interesting is that the morning of the day I finished this I happened across a documentary on YouTube that offered evidence that the current President of the US cannot read. Literate or not, the President has to be respected. The people have elected him to power; he is who they want to lead them. But Presidents don’t just reduce taxes, they may be called upon to act in defence of the country. It certainly gave me pause for thought, and the resolution to keep my fingers crossed for the next two years.
March 20, 2023
Intense!
I well remember the Cuban Missile Crisis. This book brings back those horrific memories in a very realistic manner. It was because of that crisis I decided to join the Strategic Air Command's R.O.T.C. program at university. We were training to fly B-52's to the Soviet Union in time of war. What I learned and studied was frightening. Week after week what had been top secret the week before, was declassified and related tous. Unfortunately prior to my Junior year I failed my flight physical. That year we were to receive our flight lesson.
This book presents a very believable scenario that has not been previously published. The intensity of this story combined with my personal experiences made it impooible for me to stop reading until I had read the entire book. This is a riveting and intense book thatI recommend everyone read!
I well remember the Cuban Missile Crisis. This book brings back those horrific memories in a very realistic manner. It was because of that crisis I decided to join the Strategic Air Command's R.O.T.C. program at university. We were training to fly B-52's to the Soviet Union in time of war. What I learned and studied was frightening. Week after week what had been top secret the week before, was declassified and related tous. Unfortunately prior to my Junior year I failed my flight physical. That year we were to receive our flight lesson.
This book presents a very believable scenario that has not been previously published. The intensity of this story combined with my personal experiences made it impooible for me to stop reading until I had read the entire book. This is a riveting and intense book thatI recommend everyone read!
January 30, 2026
I don't do this often as I'm a writer myself and don't feel comfortable judging others. At any rate, this is a political/military thriller along the usual lines with some pretty wild speculative reaches in naval, actually in physics. Its weakness is in it's lack of an editor. The author had left in so much of his research that he slows the pace and often I just wanted to put the book down. But I don't do that. I read to the end which was satisfying and the right guys won with more speculative elements.
Just a note here to current poltical/military thriller writers... I would change genres. Trump has created the ultimate thriller which we hope won't end in Armageddon, but meanwhile, no writer can match what's happening in American... no.... world reality at this point in time. We are living a thriller, write something else.
Just a note here to current poltical/military thriller writers... I would change genres. Trump has created the ultimate thriller which we hope won't end in Armageddon, but meanwhile, no writer can match what's happening in American... no.... world reality at this point in time. We are living a thriller, write something else.
March 29, 2020
Tense but unfocused
This is in the spirit of the author’s previous naval books and it has plenty of thrills and interesting technology. Unlike the previous books which concentrated on one ship and its crew, this book has several story lines with a large cast of characters. Several characters are introduced and then disappear from the story. Ultimately there is not enough time spent with most of them to develop any real empathy and the constant shifting of viewpoint leaves the story without a solid focus. Still an enjoyable read but not quite up to the author’s previous standard.
This is in the spirit of the author’s previous naval books and it has plenty of thrills and interesting technology. Unlike the previous books which concentrated on one ship and its crew, this book has several story lines with a large cast of characters. Several characters are introduced and then disappear from the story. Ultimately there is not enough time spent with most of them to develop any real empathy and the constant shifting of viewpoint leaves the story without a solid focus. Still an enjoyable read but not quite up to the author’s previous standard.
November 8, 2018
This book, another with the others, Sea of Shadows, The Seventh Angel, and Sword of Shiva, are must reads for fans of modern day naval warfare. Wholly believable characters thrust into scenarios that could conceivably materialized anytime in the current geo-polictical environment. Easy reading, enjoyable prose with just the right mix of techno speak.
I've added Jeff Edwards to my list of favorite authors of this genre, David Poyer, Larry Bond (Jerry Mitchell series), John J. Gobbell (Todd Ingram series) and P.T. Deutermann.
I've added Jeff Edwards to my list of favorite authors of this genre, David Poyer, Larry Bond (Jerry Mitchell series), John J. Gobbell (Todd Ingram series) and P.T. Deutermann.
November 26, 2018
A gripping thriller from start to finish.
Jeff Edward's has a way of keeping the tension rolling at a steady pace. Like with his other books. I love how he provides an interesting descriptions of weapons almost like like humans and provides graphic descriptions of damage that makes the reader understand " what happens when" . While each book can and does stand alone I recommend reading them in publication order.... First class would love to see all these books made into movies... it would make for some thrilling viewing.
Jeff Edward's has a way of keeping the tension rolling at a steady pace. Like with his other books. I love how he provides an interesting descriptions of weapons almost like like humans and provides graphic descriptions of damage that makes the reader understand " what happens when" . While each book can and does stand alone I recommend reading them in publication order.... First class would love to see all these books made into movies... it would make for some thrilling viewing.
April 19, 2021
Well written, informative, but the the use of profanity was simply un-called for.
Just because liberalism has decended on the US doesn't mean we all have to become foul mouth stogges. Some very responsible people that enjoy a good story as much as another simply do not find the use of crude, profane language the mark of enlightenment! Infact I would say it is the exact opposite. It ruins the story and defames the authors.
God speed Mr. Edwards , from a veteran, back to sanity.
Just because liberalism has decended on the US doesn't mean we all have to become foul mouth stogges. Some very responsible people that enjoy a good story as much as another simply do not find the use of crude, profane language the mark of enlightenment! Infact I would say it is the exact opposite. It ruins the story and defames the authors.
God speed Mr. Edwards , from a veteran, back to sanity.
June 29, 2024
I think this was an interesting short story about a modern day Cuban Missile Crisis that was "plumped up" to novel size with the history of submarines every few chapters. Some may find this bit of submarine history interesting - I felt it just interrupted an otherwise pretty good story line. I enjoyed the character of the Marine's wife, particularly her sharp dialogue. Their arrival at Quantanamo Bay was well done. Finally, I liked the President's response and his aftermath speech to the nation. Decent read that could have been so much better.
January 5, 2026
Lots going on
Think of the Cuban missile crisis, throw in a lot of Hunt for Red October and that pretty much sums up this book
There is a lot of the early Tom Clancy style of storytelling in this book, lots of disparate storylines that slowly come together as the book progresses. Unfortunately just not done as well
Very nearly gave up about a third of the way through, but kept going in the hope it improved. It did a little, but not enough to justify anymore than 2*
Think of the Cuban missile crisis, throw in a lot of Hunt for Red October and that pretty much sums up this book
There is a lot of the early Tom Clancy style of storytelling in this book, lots of disparate storylines that slowly come together as the book progresses. Unfortunately just not done as well
Very nearly gave up about a third of the way through, but kept going in the hope it improved. It did a little, but not enough to justify anymore than 2*
November 30, 2018
Great book in the techno-thriller world. Jeff used his knowledge in ways that might pass by a reader without military experience, but were a special delight to veterans.
I'd recommend it to anyone who is interested in the possible use of nuclear weapons and unusual/dangerous technologies by rogue states.
I'd recommend it to anyone who is interested in the possible use of nuclear weapons and unusual/dangerous technologies by rogue states.
January 26, 2019
Non Stop
The story moves along at breakneck pace. I personally believe the North Korean leader is a psychotic narcissist and capable of anything. An attack on the U.S. is credible, unlikely but far from impossible.
I have read other Jeff Edwards novels and all of them were goodreads.
The story moves along at breakneck pace. I personally believe the North Korean leader is a psychotic narcissist and capable of anything. An attack on the U.S. is credible, unlikely but far from impossible.
I have read other Jeff Edwards novels and all of them were goodreads.
March 23, 2019
Impressed with my first Jeff Edwards book
I favor this genre for recreational reading. I had a hard time putting this one down as the events unfolded and the complications intensified. This is the kind of book I like, obviously fiction but realistic and relevant. Thank you for a good book.
I favor this genre for recreational reading. I had a hard time putting this one down as the events unfolded and the complications intensified. This is the kind of book I like, obviously fiction but realistic and relevant. Thank you for a good book.
January 3, 2024
Realistic and well-written!
As a Navy veteran, I can’t count the number of times I’ve picked up military fiction and fought to get past the first chapter. I cruised through this novel in two days. Edwards knows his stuff and it shines in his writing. From the dialogue to the tech, it feels as though he pines over every word to create the greatest effect.
As a Navy veteran, I can’t count the number of times I’ve picked up military fiction and fought to get past the first chapter. I cruised through this novel in two days. Edwards knows his stuff and it shines in his writing. From the dialogue to the tech, it feels as though he pines over every word to create the greatest effect.
December 21, 2025
The author is awesome
This author writes about naval warfare as well as any I've read. He seems to keep the readers in constant suspense. His knowledge of the weapons and how they are used is vast. I rarely ever wanted to stop reading 📚 to do anything else. I am looking for more books by him to read next. If one likes this genre there is no one else better than this writer.
This author writes about naval warfare as well as any I've read. He seems to keep the readers in constant suspense. His knowledge of the weapons and how they are used is vast. I rarely ever wanted to stop reading 📚 to do anything else. I am looking for more books by him to read next. If one likes this genre there is no one else better than this writer.
July 15, 2018
Good fast read.
Loved his previous books. This is entertaining. Would have liked a little more depth of some of the characters and the military strategy. Recommend for those who like military action thrillers.
Loved his previous books. This is entertaining. Would have liked a little more depth of some of the characters and the military strategy. Recommend for those who like military action thrillers.
August 12, 2018
Entirely possible.
As stated in the forward of this book, this story could happen. It is very well written, and difficult to put down. I highly recommend this story. I read a lot, and this one got me.
As stated in the forward of this book, this story could happen. It is very well written, and difficult to put down. I highly recommend this story. I read a lot, and this one got me.
December 15, 2018
This story deals with "Cuban Missile Crisis 2" involving North Korea and a handful of Cuban dissidents. Interesting concept, especially given the political situations today. However, the author "ends" the story rather than "finishing" it. Obviously a sequel is in the making.
January 20, 2019
That was entertaining !! I was wondering how they would get around the speed differential. A pleasent read.
As an aside, why do some reviewers give a whole synopsis of the book one has just read ? Why don't they just give their comment ?
As an aside, why do some reviewers give a whole synopsis of the book one has just read ? Why don't they just give their comment ?
February 13, 2019
Entertaining
Nice easy read and technically accurate enough to be able to suspend disbelief. Competently written, but It’s the action, not the character development that makes this book worthy of a quick read.
Nice easy read and technically accurate enough to be able to suspend disbelief. Competently written, but It’s the action, not the character development that makes this book worthy of a quick read.
July 17, 2020
Exciting war Rhriller
An excellent thriller that draws the reader into the action and suspense of a very good warnovel. I would have given it 5 stars except for the extensive background detail on the development submarines from long, long ago...unnecessary in my opinion.
An excellent thriller that draws the reader into the action and suspense of a very good warnovel. I would have given it 5 stars except for the extensive background detail on the development submarines from long, long ago...unnecessary in my opinion.
August 8, 2020
Well written, exciting military action story
Lots of exciting action, well written story about a threatened nuclear attack on the US. Great characters, lots of well researched technical information. A very good story by a very good writer. Thank you Mr Edwards
Lots of exciting action, well written story about a threatened nuclear attack on the US. Great characters, lots of well researched technical information. A very good story by a very good writer. Thank you Mr Edwards
January 7, 2021
Great action and fast read, could not put down
As the fourth in the series, this one was as good and better than the others. We have a new shop and crew, but the same fast-paced action. Well worth the read!
As the fourth in the series, this one was as good and better than the others. We have a new shop and crew, but the same fast-paced action. Well worth the read!
November 16, 2023
entertaining
I enjoyed the book. Although some of the plot lines require a stretch of the imagination, I enjoyed the novel and the factually correct military maritime environmental descriptive prose.
I enjoyed the book. Although some of the plot lines require a stretch of the imagination, I enjoyed the novel and the factually correct military maritime environmental descriptive prose.
January 19, 2024
I started with Jeff Edward's "Dome City Blues" back in the 1990s. Read several of his military thrillers over the years--he's Tom Clancy good. I always thought he'd be the next most popular thriller author. Steel Wind is a prime example of his fine work. Highly recommended. - Richard III
June 27, 2024
Scarcely realistic future war
Edwards crafted a future war scenario that is all too possible. His use of present naval technology.and seamlessly weaving in a new submarine keeps the reader guessing what is next. Great Read.
Edwards crafted a future war scenario that is all too possible. His use of present naval technology.and seamlessly weaving in a new submarine keeps the reader guessing what is next. Great Read.
August 20, 2024
Clearly thought provoking
As I have commented before, his books are not only action packed with attending frailties, but are truly an option of future reality. However he is a younger sailor than I and may not be fully acquainted with SWIFT boats.
As I have commented before, his books are not only action packed with attending frailties, but are truly an option of future reality. However he is a younger sailor than I and may not be fully acquainted with SWIFT boats.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews