The Sunset Patriots

by Charles D. Taylor

(Previously published as The Sunset Patriots)

Admiral Theodore Magnuson, Director of the Office of Naval Intelligence, didn't like the idea of sending the Seventh Fleet to Vladivostock for a New Year's celebration with the Russians. The President didn't give a damn what Magnuson thought, however; he was after detente.

Fearing the worst, Magnuson decides to run his own intelligence mission, sending men into Russia and China. The Admiral is certain the U.S. visit to the usually closed Soviet port is a cover for something. Something big.

The Chinese are faced with a similar problem — and a big question. Why is a combined U.S.-Soviet fleet steaming into the East China Sea?

464 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

Charles D. Taylor is an American author known for his technothrillers, particularly the Bernie Ryng series, which presents Cold War-era naval conflicts set in the near future. His writing emphasizes action at sea and geopolitical tensions.
His Bernie Ryng series includes First Salvo, Choke Point, Counterstrike, and Deep Sting. He has also written standalone novels such as Show of Force, which explores the brink of World War Three, as well as Silent Hunter, War Ship, Boomer, Shadow Wars, Sightings, and Summit.
Taylor's work is marked by detailed military strategy and a focus on naval warfare, reflecting his deep knowledge of the subject.

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

In an effort to reestablish détente between his country and the Soviet Union, the President of the United States agrees to send the Seventh Fleet on a visit to Vladivostok. This intended gesture of goodwill, however, is part of a complex plot by the Soviet Union designed to seize control of the oil fields beneath the South China Sea. Worried about Soviet intentions, the director of naval intelligence, Admiral Thomas Magnuson, recruits four ex-sailors to serve as covert agents in an operation designed to uncover the Soviets' plan and aid the Chinese in response. But will Magnuson's men succeed in unraveling the Soviets' plot . . . or will the Soviets succeed in unraveling China's friendship with the U.S. and driving the Chinese out of the Pacific?

Years before Tom Clancy became a bestselling author, Charles D. Taylor wrote a number of Cold War novels depicting brave Americans standing up to Soviet machinations. Reading them today, though, it's easy to see why Clancy eclipsed him. While Taylor's premise in this novel is interesting, he fails to develop the level of suspense need for a thriller of this type. Part of the reason for this is Taylor's awkward approach to developing his characters, which consists of long flashbacks dropped throughout the first half of the book. These extended digressions add little to the book, as the main characters are largely indistinguishable from one another: the Americans are all fit Navy or ex-Navy servicemembers, the Chinese brave and proud, and the Soviets conniving and drinkers of copious amounts of vodka. Better developed action scenes might have addressed this, but even the climactic naval battle at the end of the novel — ostensibly Taylor's forte as a writer — is tepid and predictable. To the extent it deserves to be read today it's as representational of a genre of literature now three decades in the past rather than an exciting works that still holds up well today.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very complex, well populated, and terrifyingly plausible. The plot is solid and activity is presented in an alternating fashion to keep to a time line. Each character is necessary and is clearly portrayed. Spies are always interesting and have their own objectives and perspectives, with inherent danger being the common denominator. Extremely well-written, and not to be rushed through, but absorbed, assimilated, and enjoyed. See publisher's summary for plot clues without spoilers.
Pierce gives a stellar performance once again. No superficial attempt to approximate accents or vocal differentiation, just solid, clear renditions of a multitude of characters and narrations. I find the speed of delivery particularly appropriate to a novel with so much information and so many characters in that he does not rush through and leave the reader in the dust.
I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot com

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is dated, but it doesn't really matter. The characters and plot are slowly and carefully developed. It's a believable scenario that *could have*
happened, although using civilians in this way might be a stretch.

Kevin Pierce does an outstanding job reading this audiobook. He gives characters distinctive voices without overdoing accents and his delivery is spot on.


Although Taylor takes his time developing this story, there's plenty of tension and suspense to keep the reader enthralled.

NOTE: I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for this unbiased review.