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Amanda Garrett #2
Sea Strike
'Fire control radars are coming up all along the coast! Multiple sources, gun and SAM systems!'
From 20,000 feet, the crew of a US Navy fighter jet sees it all. After decades of simmering tension, the uneasy stand-off between China and Taiwan has erupted into full-scale civil war.
Facing defeat, China threatens a thermonuclear firestorm...
Only the U.S.S. Cunningham stands between them and World War Three. But, thrown into a deadly cat-and-mouse pursuit, the clock is ticking and the odds are against them.
To prevail, the Captain and crew of the cutting-edge stealth destroyer will have to dig deeper than ever before. But will their best be good enough?
From 20,000 feet, the crew of a US Navy fighter jet sees it all. After decades of simmering tension, the uneasy stand-off between China and Taiwan has erupted into full-scale civil war.
Facing defeat, China threatens a thermonuclear firestorm...
Only the U.S.S. Cunningham stands between them and World War Three. But, thrown into a deadly cat-and-mouse pursuit, the clock is ticking and the odds are against them.
To prevail, the Captain and crew of the cutting-edge stealth destroyer will have to dig deeper than ever before. But will their best be good enough?
477 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 29, 1997
558 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
September 15, 2007
The sequel to Choosers of the Slain, we have the same characters and the same ship, in a whole new situation. Although not as captivating as the first book, it was still an excellent read. This story was much more focused on the people than on the technology.
March 9, 2014
SEA STRIKE is the second novel in the Amanda Garrett series of novels.
For some indication of how much I love "sea stories" check my review of the prior Amanda Garrett novel. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Cobb writes novels at the level Michael Crichton did: he doesn't over-kill you with tech-details like Tom Clancy does; but rather Cobb delivers crisp dialogue, intriguing characters, an involving story, sub-plots for the easily bored, a female heroine who kicks ass and takes names in "this man's Navy"; and a hell of a sea story.
I've probably re-read this puppy more than the other 3 Amanda Garrett novels, but I have to admit that I can't take the ending sequence. I can't quite believe that Garrett would get authorization to take her destroyer up a narrow Chinese river to rescue two downed flyers. Other than that, I love almost everything else about this novel. I love novels with strong women characters. What could be stronger than a women in command of a U.S. stealth destroyer?
The one technical flaw in Cobb's novels (and many other high-tech sea stories involving submarines) is that submarines cannot hover at a given depth. A submarine must move to maintain it's horizontal stability and depth; otherwise it will pop out of control to the surface or sink without control to crush depth.
@hg47
July 5, 2021
De USS Cunningham is, na een uitvoerige reparatie periode, onderweg om een burgeroorlog in China te voorkomen.
Zelfstandig te lezen vervolg op Slagveld Antartica. Waar in het eerste deel de focus vooral op de techniek lag, was dat in dit vervolg vooral gefocust op de mensen.
In tegenstelling tot bijvoorbeeld Clancy, verveeld Cobb de lezer niet met overbodige tech-jargon, maar houdt het over het algemeen vrij rustig.
De liefdesgeschiedenis tussen de commandant van het schip en de helikopterpiloot had wat mij betreft niet gehoeven.
Zelfstandig te lezen vervolg op Slagveld Antartica. Waar in het eerste deel de focus vooral op de techniek lag, was dat in dit vervolg vooral gefocust op de mensen.
In tegenstelling tot bijvoorbeeld Clancy, verveeld Cobb de lezer niet met overbodige tech-jargon, maar houdt het over het algemeen vrij rustig.
De liefdesgeschiedenis tussen de commandant van het schip en de helikopterpiloot had wat mij betreft niet gehoeven.
October 6, 2017
James H. Cobb. Absolutely entertaining.
As a U.S. Navy Veteran I appreciate the excellent knowledge & talent of this author.
If you enjoy military novels, don't hesitate to grab some of his novels.
I suggest you read them in order of sequence however. Regardless, you will be very engrossed.
I could not put this one down.
Thanks Mr. Cobb!
As a U.S. Navy Veteran I appreciate the excellent knowledge & talent of this author.
If you enjoy military novels, don't hesitate to grab some of his novels.
I suggest you read them in order of sequence however. Regardless, you will be very engrossed.
I could not put this one down.
Thanks Mr. Cobb!
June 22, 2012
Great novel, depicts the world of international relations well and also meets my needs of naval jargon! Cobb is great at setting the scene for the military engagements throughout the novel.
Highly recommend!
Highly recommend!
January 20, 2020
For me this novel is more suitable to be a movie, I would enjoy the action more by watching it.
June 4, 2025
This book was dated since it occurs in a China that fractured into two sometime in 2001 or 2002. This scenario was possible before China opened the door to the west and took trillions of FDI and allowed the CCP to have an outlet for any social and political dissent. Why protest when everyone is getting richer? To use capitalistic language, when the water rises, the whole ship floats. Meanwhile, Taiwan had its own agenda to push. Taiwan had its own beliefs about the mainland Chinese.
Cobb was writing at a time when the Zumwalt style hull and the F-22 Raptors were the hottest things in military technothrillers. IRL, the price tags killed or limited the project. Remember how the Zumwalt-style hull that the USS Cunningham is based on? The USN wanted 32 Zumwalts; instead, we have three. Raptors were supposed to replace ALL the F-15s. Today, there are only 185.
As for the tactics, in a sense, they were still being written. The fictional Amanda Garrett was able to pioneer the doctrine for such a ship - a raider / sea control ship / fire brigade. Hence her butting heads with Admiral Tallman and his tactically conservative chief of staff Commander Walker. Was such a ship a mere tripwire and outer defense of a Carrier Battle Group? Or could the USS Cunningham and her captain operate independently with its own mission and draw on the CBG's assets in support? Or were the solutions in search of a problem to solve?
Those background questions don't detract from my enjoying this book. I treat this almost as "alternate history where modern China never rises."
Cobb was writing at a time when the Zumwalt style hull and the F-22 Raptors were the hottest things in military technothrillers. IRL, the price tags killed or limited the project. Remember how the Zumwalt-style hull that the USS Cunningham is based on? The USN wanted 32 Zumwalts; instead, we have three. Raptors were supposed to replace ALL the F-15s. Today, there are only 185.
As for the tactics, in a sense, they were still being written. The fictional Amanda Garrett was able to pioneer the doctrine for such a ship - a raider / sea control ship / fire brigade. Hence her butting heads with Admiral Tallman and his tactically conservative chief of staff Commander Walker. Was such a ship a mere tripwire and outer defense of a Carrier Battle Group? Or could the USS Cunningham and her captain operate independently with its own mission and draw on the CBG's assets in support? Or were the solutions in search of a problem to solve?
Those background questions don't detract from my enjoying this book. I treat this almost as "alternate history where modern China never rises."
August 9, 2021
Holy Smokes!
Warning: Start reading at your peril and allow yourself some unbroken reading time because once you start you won't want to take a break. I am no expert on sea battles but this is written in a way that most of us can understand and seems like you are in the midst of the action. Better yet, it is not just a battle of armaments it is the interaction of people in times of stress. This crew is exemplary. Most non- military people have no idea how to work as a team. It is not easy. In the military, when there is conflict, it is not the time to have arguments or start a discussion. You may not agree with a course of action but you work together to get it done. A sub plot in this story is that people interract with one another. They form friendships, bonds, and sometimes lifetime commitments. Great job Mr. Cobb.
Warning: Start reading at your peril and allow yourself some unbroken reading time because once you start you won't want to take a break. I am no expert on sea battles but this is written in a way that most of us can understand and seems like you are in the midst of the action. Better yet, it is not just a battle of armaments it is the interaction of people in times of stress. This crew is exemplary. Most non- military people have no idea how to work as a team. It is not easy. In the military, when there is conflict, it is not the time to have arguments or start a discussion. You may not agree with a course of action but you work together to get it done. A sub plot in this story is that people interract with one another. They form friendships, bonds, and sometimes lifetime commitments. Great job Mr. Cobb.
April 12, 2022
Sea Strike James H Cobb
Well crafted and thoroughly enjoyable follow up to the South American adventures of the crew. Continuous action while showing the crew and enemy as human beings who believed in what they were doing. I could almost smell the kerosine and munitions as I 'turned the pages' and felt the tension in the air. The technical capabilities of the weapons were often beyond me and, as if the almost AI ability of some weapons wasn't scary enough, the threat of MAD coming true sent a shiver down my spine. Interesting that the old World War II hedgehog weapon is the great granny of modern munitions.
I found this story particularly prescient given events in Ukraine and possible Russian humiliation that made me wish of what seemed the more innocent days of reading 'Hornblower' years ago.
I even paid full price for this which is unusual for an OAP like me!!
Well crafted and thoroughly enjoyable follow up to the South American adventures of the crew. Continuous action while showing the crew and enemy as human beings who believed in what they were doing. I could almost smell the kerosine and munitions as I 'turned the pages' and felt the tension in the air. The technical capabilities of the weapons were often beyond me and, as if the almost AI ability of some weapons wasn't scary enough, the threat of MAD coming true sent a shiver down my spine. Interesting that the old World War II hedgehog weapon is the great granny of modern munitions.
I found this story particularly prescient given events in Ukraine and possible Russian humiliation that made me wish of what seemed the more innocent days of reading 'Hornblower' years ago.
I even paid full price for this which is unusual for an OAP like me!!
April 15, 2022
In the second part of the series, the USS Cunningham is not fighting along. They are a part of the US 7.1 fleet and trying to save the world from a nuclear disaster in the Pacific RIM area.
Unlike the previous book, this book is filled with many characters and most of the time is spent on political discussions. For about 40% of the book, there is not much significant role played by the USS Cunningham. Even in the rest of the book their aggressive role is towards the end of the book. The romantic affair of the captain with the flight leader on the ship is also seen prominently here.
Now on to the third book to see what kind of adventure is in store there.
Unlike the previous book, this book is filled with many characters and most of the time is spent on political discussions. For about 40% of the book, there is not much significant role played by the USS Cunningham. Even in the rest of the book their aggressive role is towards the end of the book. The romantic affair of the captain with the flight leader on the ship is also seen prominently here.
Now on to the third book to see what kind of adventure is in store there.
January 16, 2024
Amazing Naval Combat Novel
As a former combat infantryman, and later Army missile unit commander, I can only say this is an amazing book. The characters were as alive as some of my past military comrades. The weight of command versus the humanity of commanders was described masterfully!
I found myself devouring the pages as the combat was described. It felt true. “Hours of boredom punctuated by moments of madness”, was how we described combat. The author placed me in the middle of the battles. The requirements of instant decision making combined with ingenuity were true to life for me.
Congratulations on an absolute page turner!
As a former combat infantryman, and later Army missile unit commander, I can only say this is an amazing book. The characters were as alive as some of my past military comrades. The weight of command versus the humanity of commanders was described masterfully!
I found myself devouring the pages as the combat was described. It felt true. “Hours of boredom punctuated by moments of madness”, was how we described combat. The author placed me in the middle of the battles. The requirements of instant decision making combined with ingenuity were true to life for me.
Congratulations on an absolute page turner!
May 18, 2022
Good Action Story - We’ll Done
As a former Naval Aviator - I can appreciate many of the author’s details of the Service. Well done! Entertaining - good action, good character development. The only reason I didn’t provide a 5 star is that (unfortunately) it was a bit too predictable at with the ending. It was, however, a feel-good story and a fun read.
Not sure that today’s reality matches the author’s assumptions with the key actors. But again - as fiction - it was fun and entertaining - like eating ice-cream.
As a former Naval Aviator - I can appreciate many of the author’s details of the Service. Well done! Entertaining - good action, good character development. The only reason I didn’t provide a 5 star is that (unfortunately) it was a bit too predictable at with the ending. It was, however, a feel-good story and a fun read.
Not sure that today’s reality matches the author’s assumptions with the key actors. But again - as fiction - it was fun and entertaining - like eating ice-cream.
August 10, 2022
Excellent portrayal of life in the Navy whether it is U.S. or a different countries.
The author proceeds to tell the story of life onboard a ship and ultimately how the Captain and the crew live,work and fight evil doers who would bring nuclear war to the world.
The USA Cunningham and her crew have to fight against the communist Chinese and prevent them from the Armageddon of nuclear war,and against all the odds they succeed.
For any reader with a naval background this series of books should be compulsory reading.
The author proceeds to tell the story of life onboard a ship and ultimately how the Captain and the crew live,work and fight evil doers who would bring nuclear war to the world.
The USA Cunningham and her crew have to fight against the communist Chinese and prevent them from the Armageddon of nuclear war,and against all the odds they succeed.
For any reader with a naval background this series of books should be compulsory reading.
November 20, 2022
Outstanding Military Fiction
Prior to reading this book, I read the first book in the series, “Choosers of the Slain.”
I considered that book to have been the best book that I had read all year. These books about the USS Cunningham are so good that they are hard to put down. The action is incredible, and you get to know and admire the crew. I have read most books by Tom Clancy and Dale Brown. The author, James H Cobb, writes books that are simply outstanding. Read his books, you won’t be disappointed.
Prior to reading this book, I read the first book in the series, “Choosers of the Slain.”
I considered that book to have been the best book that I had read all year. These books about the USS Cunningham are so good that they are hard to put down. The action is incredible, and you get to know and admire the crew. I have read most books by Tom Clancy and Dale Brown. The author, James H Cobb, writes books that are simply outstanding. Read his books, you won’t be disappointed.
September 23, 2024
The Duke is back
The stealth destroyer U.S.S. Cunningham is involved with a mainland China civil war rebel factions in the PRC and Taiwan have launched a successful strike on China. At first everyone not directly involved stays out because they do not upset the apple cart. Unfortunately a spy mission reveals that the Communists are planning a nuclear responses with their submarines. Soon it is a hunt for the boomers and it's escorts. The cat and mouse games begin. As world leaders try to keep the nuclear genie in its bottle. A fine book and breezy read.
The stealth destroyer U.S.S. Cunningham is involved with a mainland China civil war rebel factions in the PRC and Taiwan have launched a successful strike on China. At first everyone not directly involved stays out because they do not upset the apple cart. Unfortunately a spy mission reveals that the Communists are planning a nuclear responses with their submarines. Soon it is a hunt for the boomers and it's escorts. The cat and mouse games begin. As world leaders try to keep the nuclear genie in its bottle. A fine book and breezy read.
August 4, 2021
Action Packed (-)
Book 2 of the series continues to keep the reader jumping from one situation to another non stop. I strongly do liked the need to throw in the romance angle. The idea of a Captain and a subordinate officer on the same ship having an affair is silly and very hard to believe. It took away from the flow of the book. Other than that, a good read worth your time.
Book 2 of the series continues to keep the reader jumping from one situation to another non stop. I strongly do liked the need to throw in the romance angle. The idea of a Captain and a subordinate officer on the same ship having an affair is silly and very hard to believe. It took away from the flow of the book. Other than that, a good read worth your time.
November 21, 2021
Hostilities have erupted between Taiwan and Mainland China. Commander Amanda Garrett and the USS Cunningham are part of the US 7th Fleet monitoring the situation. When things appear to be getting out of hand, who is the first to recognize the problem, and to propose a solution--The USS Cunningham, of course. This one has a lot of action, including some extraordinary helicopter activities.
February 10, 2022
Pointer
Always remember there is a glossary in the back of the book to help with the naval terminology. I know this is fiction but I always wonder how much of the story line is based on truth. I would say there are a lot of government decisions that are made and manipulated behind closed doors. Anyway this was a good book. it seemed to take a while for me to get all the players in place. Once Captain Amanda got her battle plan in place I was right there cheering her on.
Always remember there is a glossary in the back of the book to help with the naval terminology. I know this is fiction but I always wonder how much of the story line is based on truth. I would say there are a lot of government decisions that are made and manipulated behind closed doors. Anyway this was a good book. it seemed to take a while for me to get all the players in place. Once Captain Amanda got her battle plan in place I was right there cheering her on.
May 14, 2022
A fair to good naval action
The action included both naval and air action which was pretty good until in The latter stages became some what inconsistent and had some improbable outcomes. It has been sixty four years since I was in uniform, but wonder at the percentage of female participants in high ranking and highly responsible positions. I am not a feminist and had a wife and daughter's that were far more capable me.
The action included both naval and air action which was pretty good until in The latter stages became some what inconsistent and had some improbable outcomes. It has been sixty four years since I was in uniform, but wonder at the percentage of female participants in high ranking and highly responsible positions. I am not a feminist and had a wife and daughter's that were far more capable me.
October 26, 2022
James Cobb Has A Descriptive Style
This is the second book I've read by James Cobb. His main character in both is Amanda Garrett, an US Navy Captain. Her ship, the USS Cunningham, is a state of the art destroyer, with a dedicated and trusted crew, that sees first-hand action in almost impossible battle situations. I felt the tension conveyed by Mr Cobb. I am now heading off to read a third book by the author. I am hooked!
This is the second book I've read by James Cobb. His main character in both is Amanda Garrett, an US Navy Captain. Her ship, the USS Cunningham, is a state of the art destroyer, with a dedicated and trusted crew, that sees first-hand action in almost impossible battle situations. I felt the tension conveyed by Mr Cobb. I am now heading off to read a third book by the author. I am hooked!
November 2, 2022
Please
To be honest not to shabby if a little far fetched. This is the second book in the series I have read and they both race on at a fair clip, as is the norm only dealing with a select cast of characters who are all a little bit to good and perfect. Down side why bother with the romance and if you are going to go there at least treat us like adults and get some sex in for crying out loud I'm sure a ship has all sorts of places for getting down and
dirty.
To be honest not to shabby if a little far fetched. This is the second book in the series I have read and they both race on at a fair clip, as is the norm only dealing with a select cast of characters who are all a little bit to good and perfect. Down side why bother with the romance and if you are going to go there at least treat us like adults and get some sex in for crying out loud I'm sure a ship has all sorts of places for getting down and
dirty.
November 7, 2021
Another thriller from Cobb
Once again, action on the seas with a High tech boat and her brave crew. Cobb gives us a vision of what modern day warfare can be like on the seven seas. Plenty of intrigue and interpersonal action combined with Asian conflict not too far removed from today's reality.
Once again, action on the seas with a High tech boat and her brave crew. Cobb gives us a vision of what modern day warfare can be like on the seven seas. Plenty of intrigue and interpersonal action combined with Asian conflict not too far removed from today's reality.
May 17, 2024
One of…
One of..If not the very best military books that I have read in my entire ten plus years of my Kindle membership. The amount of technical Navy knowledge tells me that the author is Esther a military Navy veteran or has one hell of a source of Navy knowledge . Buy it, you won’t be disappointed.
One of..If not the very best military books that I have read in my entire ten plus years of my Kindle membership. The amount of technical Navy knowledge tells me that the author is Esther a military Navy veteran or has one hell of a source of Navy knowledge . Buy it, you won’t be disappointed.
September 4, 2024
great read
James Cobb does a military thriller as good as any body in the writing business. This book. Has it all. Plot changes, action, more changes, some mystery, suspense and more action. Great fun to read. Cobb is very knowledgeable and his writing is first class. Don’t miss this one or this series.
James Cobb does a military thriller as good as any body in the writing business. This book. Has it all. Plot changes, action, more changes, some mystery, suspense and more action. Great fun to read. Cobb is very knowledgeable and his writing is first class. Don’t miss this one or this series.
May 16, 2025
Amanda Lee Garrett is captain of the destroyer Cunningham (“the Duke”). Geopolitical tensions with a civil war in China, escalate when Taiwan starts an invasion. To thwart a nuclear war, the Americans need to find a Chinese nuclear sub, the last poison pill of Red China.
Full of technical abbreviations and navy and weapons jargon, but still enjoyable.
Full of technical abbreviations and navy and weapons jargon, but still enjoyable.
June 27, 2021
A breathless naval thriller
A worthy addition to the naval thriller genre. The story progresses at a breakneck pace. As is common to the class the protagonist succeeds thanks to extraordinary good fortune. Overall the heroine ranks with Jake Grafton and Dan Lenson.
A worthy addition to the naval thriller genre. The story progresses at a breakneck pace. As is common to the class the protagonist succeeds thanks to extraordinary good fortune. Overall the heroine ranks with Jake Grafton and Dan Lenson.
November 5, 2021
⚠️⚠️DON’T MISS THIS ACTION ADVENTURE‼️
An incredible read that follows Book 1 that promises to get your adrenaline going and permit you to read well into the night. A real page turner that again, like in book 1, will stop you from putting the book down. Anchors aweigh !!!!
An incredible read that follows Book 1 that promises to get your adrenaline going and permit you to read well into the night. A real page turner that again, like in book 1, will stop you from putting the book down. Anchors aweigh !!!!
November 25, 2021
Another great book from Mr. Cobb.
If you like military thrillers then you need to read Mr. Cobb. He is truly great in his story telling with wonderful characters. He allows their human sides to show which makes it even better.
If you like military thrillers then you need to read Mr. Cobb. He is truly great in his story telling with wonderful characters. He allows their human sides to show which makes it even better.
December 18, 2021
Gripping realistic
Absolutely ideal for detailed naval bofs.
Possibly too much technical detail for most people, but I loved it too bits.
The story line between the naval action is excellent and gripping
Tremendously enjoyable book and characters.
Absolutely ideal for detailed naval bofs.
Possibly too much technical detail for most people, but I loved it too bits.
The story line between the naval action is excellent and gripping
Tremendously enjoyable book and characters.
January 9, 2022
Too Prescient ?
Don't know if Xi Jinping read this and then made CCP address all the short comings China is shown to have in this book to make it a greater menace that it today is, after 2 decades post publishing this book.
Don't know if Xi Jinping read this and then made CCP address all the short comings China is shown to have in this book to make it a greater menace that it today is, after 2 decades post publishing this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews