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Before the Submarine #1
Cardinal Virtues
WINNER OF BESTTHRILLERS.COM 2022 BEST MILITARY THRILLER
Commander Alex Coleman is no hero. Just ask him. It’s 2037 and Alex is one more disobeyed order away from kissing his naval career goodbye.
He used to be high speed, the kind of officer on the fast track to submarine command. Then he threw it all away trying to save a few civilian lives from his glory hungry commanding officer. No pain no gain, right? Alex isn’t sorry he did the right thing but being everyone’s favorite scapegoat isn’t fun.
Now, he’s marking time to retirement on Armistice Station, an underwater megastation where you can buy and do anything—except salvage a trashed Navy career. Alex is stuck doling out supplies to visiting Navy ships and chasing unruly sailors, just how he wanted to spend his last years in the good old U.S. Navy.
But things aren’t quiet in Alex’s underwater amusement park. France and India are expanding into the Indian Ocean and want the United States out, and Alex’s eclectic band of castoff sailors are all that’s in their way. Armed with nothing but creativity and coffee creamer fireballs, Alex must team up with the admiral who hates him most. Together, they must escape the jaws of a closing enemy trap set by the canny French commander who ruined his career in the first place. Can Alex outsmart her this time, or will he end up as the first POW in the next world war?
Cardinal Virtues is first book in the series War of the Submarine, previously published as Season 1 of the War of the Submarine serial on Kindle Vella.
Commander Alex Coleman is no hero. Just ask him. It’s 2037 and Alex is one more disobeyed order away from kissing his naval career goodbye.
He used to be high speed, the kind of officer on the fast track to submarine command. Then he threw it all away trying to save a few civilian lives from his glory hungry commanding officer. No pain no gain, right? Alex isn’t sorry he did the right thing but being everyone’s favorite scapegoat isn’t fun.
Now, he’s marking time to retirement on Armistice Station, an underwater megastation where you can buy and do anything—except salvage a trashed Navy career. Alex is stuck doling out supplies to visiting Navy ships and chasing unruly sailors, just how he wanted to spend his last years in the good old U.S. Navy.
But things aren’t quiet in Alex’s underwater amusement park. France and India are expanding into the Indian Ocean and want the United States out, and Alex’s eclectic band of castoff sailors are all that’s in their way. Armed with nothing but creativity and coffee creamer fireballs, Alex must team up with the admiral who hates him most. Together, they must escape the jaws of a closing enemy trap set by the canny French commander who ruined his career in the first place. Can Alex outsmart her this time, or will he end up as the first POW in the next world war?
Cardinal Virtues is first book in the series War of the Submarine, previously published as Season 1 of the War of the Submarine serial on Kindle Vella.
418 pages, Paperback
Published January 9, 2022
About the author
R.G. Roberts
13 books347 followersR.G. Roberts is the author of fantasy, military science fiction, and alternate history novels and serial fiction, currently publishing on Amazon and Kindle Vella.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 3, 2022
I enjoyed this book. It is a little wordy in spots but has a great story. I imagine that someone who had been or is currently in the Navy would enjoy it more than I did.
August 24, 2026
Cardinal Virtuals is a rip-roaring start to the War of the Submarine, or more accurately, the war that came about through French scheming, the idiocy of a couple of US Naval officers and the the shoot first and ask questions later attitude of the Indian Navy - and Alex Coleman is stuck in the middle after being exiled to a backwater post after standing Admiral’s Mast for disobeying his previous commanding officer’s order. What starts off as an underhanded plot by the French to regain their prominence on the world stage and show up the “arrogant” Americans at the same time turns into a cluster-you-know-what with submarines getting sunk, most of a US carrier strike group ending up at the bottom of the ocean (which carrier sinks really hurts my heart and there is an inside “joke” about the carrier - courtesy of a French submarine captain - for the eagle-eyed reader), and US, UK and Aussie civilians being mysteriously shuttled off the world’s largest underwater station by platoons of French marines. Add in a Chinese civil war because why the hell not, and by the end, everyone is declaring war on everyone else, much like the beginning of World War I - only this is World War III - and most of the belligerents have nukes…
R.G. Roberts has shown herself to be a master of world building and it is no different here. Her military roots show in her descriptions of what is going on in the submarines, on the destroyers and on the carrier and even a civilian cruise ship as the situation escalates and the tension ratchets up to about 1000. She juggles multiple plotlines with aplomb until it all comes together at the end in, well, a big messy bow. The characterizations are also top notch. I could imagine the world-weary exiled Commander Coleman, the desperate-for-glory Commander Kennedy, and the vascilating from trigger-happy to shell-shocked Admiral McNally. A couple of characters came right up to the line of full blow villainy, but managed not to cross over. Did anyone else want to drop-kick the US Under Secretary of State into next week?
I loved this book and am ready to jump into the next book in the series.
R.G. Roberts has shown herself to be a master of world building and it is no different here. Her military roots show in her descriptions of what is going on in the submarines, on the destroyers and on the carrier and even a civilian cruise ship as the situation escalates and the tension ratchets up to about 1000. She juggles multiple plotlines with aplomb until it all comes together at the end in, well, a big messy bow. The characterizations are also top notch. I could imagine the world-weary exiled Commander Coleman, the desperate-for-glory Commander Kennedy, and the vascilating from trigger-happy to shell-shocked Admiral McNally. A couple of characters came right up to the line of full blow villainy, but managed not to cross over. Did anyone else want to drop-kick the US Under Secretary of State into next week?
I loved this book and am ready to jump into the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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April 13, 2022MWSA Review
R.G. Roberts is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. She served on three ships, taught at the Surface Warfare Officers School, and graduated from the U.S. Naval War College with a master’s degree in Strategic Studies & National Security, with a concentration in leadership.
In her book, Cardinal Virtues, Roberts writes about the U.S. Navy in 2037. The main character, Alex Coleman, has had the unfortunate assignment to work as XO under the command of power-seeking Admiral Kennedy. After becoming embroiled in controversy, Alex is assigned to an underwater mega-station to carry out concierge tasks while marking time until his retirement.
Alex Coleman’s wife Nancy is the commander of a naval destroyer tasked with leading a strike group through the Strait of Malacca. When a lapse of judgment causes a trigger-happy admiral to fire upon an Indian submarine, all hell breaks loose and World War III seems to be underway.
Forces of evil nations conspire to trap the Americans and destroy every one of the ships in the area.
In this technical mystery/thriller, a reader experiences vicariously what it’s like to be under relentless attack. The main characters struggle to outwit a cunning collaboration of enemies both on and under the sea. The ending will leave you wanting to pick up the next book in the series.
Review by Nancy Panko (April 2022)
R.G. Roberts is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. She served on three ships, taught at the Surface Warfare Officers School, and graduated from the U.S. Naval War College with a master’s degree in Strategic Studies & National Security, with a concentration in leadership.
In her book, Cardinal Virtues, Roberts writes about the U.S. Navy in 2037. The main character, Alex Coleman, has had the unfortunate assignment to work as XO under the command of power-seeking Admiral Kennedy. After becoming embroiled in controversy, Alex is assigned to an underwater mega-station to carry out concierge tasks while marking time until his retirement.
Alex Coleman’s wife Nancy is the commander of a naval destroyer tasked with leading a strike group through the Strait of Malacca. When a lapse of judgment causes a trigger-happy admiral to fire upon an Indian submarine, all hell breaks loose and World War III seems to be underway.
Forces of evil nations conspire to trap the Americans and destroy every one of the ships in the area.
In this technical mystery/thriller, a reader experiences vicariously what it’s like to be under relentless attack. The main characters struggle to outwit a cunning collaboration of enemies both on and under the sea. The ending will leave you wanting to pick up the next book in the series.
Review by Nancy Panko (April 2022)
July 10, 2025
An interesting take on the future of current alliances, war and the exploitation of the bottom of the sea.
While mining operations on the sea floor are really nothing new the idea of cities being built to support those operations on the bottom of the sea is new-ish. Private submarines, undersea roller coasters, luxury hotels and top end restaurants are all a part of this future world. Unfortunately, so are politics and national territorial ambitions.
For the most part this was an enjoyable read. Most of the characters were believable - to a point. I really hope that the prevalence of incompetent, trigger happy officers in the US Navy is the result of the author’s literary license and not a reflection of reality. In addition, the protagonist of the story, Alex, really needs to get some therapy and see a doctor. His spine tingles, his chest tightens, his stomach knots and his head hurts not just once but over and over and over again, I get it, lots of pressure and unusual circumstances but jeez he is supposed to be able to handle this stuff, he is supposed to have been trained to handle it. Guess not.
Anyway, Cardinal Virtues is worth a read.
While mining operations on the sea floor are really nothing new the idea of cities being built to support those operations on the bottom of the sea is new-ish. Private submarines, undersea roller coasters, luxury hotels and top end restaurants are all a part of this future world. Unfortunately, so are politics and national territorial ambitions.
For the most part this was an enjoyable read. Most of the characters were believable - to a point. I really hope that the prevalence of incompetent, trigger happy officers in the US Navy is the result of the author’s literary license and not a reflection of reality. In addition, the protagonist of the story, Alex, really needs to get some therapy and see a doctor. His spine tingles, his chest tightens, his stomach knots and his head hurts not just once but over and over and over again, I get it, lots of pressure and unusual circumstances but jeez he is supposed to be able to handle this stuff, he is supposed to have been trained to handle it. Guess not.
Anyway, Cardinal Virtues is worth a read.
July 14, 2022
Scary, Yet Exciting
I loved reading this book. Following the ups and downs of a career navy officer, dealing with incompetent senior officers who seem only concerned about themselves, not their crew and those around them in the word was difficult to take. Knowing that his hopes for his future were dashed, but also believing that he would be able to get through the problems and come up with great ways to save the whole thing made for no difficulty continuing to read, even when I had other things that needed doing.
This is a great story and I want to continue reading the next books in the series.
I loved reading this book. Following the ups and downs of a career navy officer, dealing with incompetent senior officers who seem only concerned about themselves, not their crew and those around them in the word was difficult to take. Knowing that his hopes for his future were dashed, but also believing that he would be able to get through the problems and come up with great ways to save the whole thing made for no difficulty continuing to read, even when I had other things that needed doing.
This is a great story and I want to continue reading the next books in the series.
September 9, 2026
I really liked this book, but I’m marking it down to three stars due to the author’s injection of stupidity ideology. I’ve worked with a lot of naval officers, male and female. Good, bad, stupid, smart, abhorrent and stellar. The author has an inordinate number of incredible, brave, fearless, bigger than life women and too many stupid men. My experience has been that the number of great military leaders is very small, male and female in the same portions as the population. Given the small number of women in the military, the number in the story is absurd. I’m trying to talk myself into the next book. So far, no. I don’t like being manipulated by an author!
February 18, 2022
Start of a series. This one is full of people you love to hate. Set in the near future, the new thing to do is visit underwater cities.. A submarine is on patrol with a glory-hungry captain and a more laid back Executive Officer.
It is country against country as plans are made to discredit an already unpopular United States. (So what else is new.)
This has suspense and action in its entirety. Action fans and military readers should enjoy this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It is country against country as plans are made to discredit an already unpopular United States. (So what else is new.)
This has suspense and action in its entirety. Action fans and military readers should enjoy this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 15, 2022
Cardinal Virtues is book one of the war of the submarine series. The story is set in 2037, and Alex is a navy officer that does not necessarily follow orders. The military thriller is very engaging and contains sci-fi elements keeping you intrigued.
It was interesting to see how Alex navigated through his obstacles and had to work in an environment that was not necessarily pleasing to him.
The story’s pace is steady, but the scenes are well written, enabling you to visualize what is being read.
I recommend this book to those who are into technothrillers and sea adventure readers.
It was interesting to see how Alex navigated through his obstacles and had to work in an environment that was not necessarily pleasing to him.
The story’s pace is steady, but the scenes are well written, enabling you to visualize what is being read.
I recommend this book to those who are into technothrillers and sea adventure readers.
February 11, 2023
Excellent/Interesting War Book (but not much about Subs)
This book started out with a solid 4-star rating, but grew better as the pages kept turning. The Reader might disagree with how The Author pieced everything together, and frankly — the tale seems fast at times, and extremely SLOW and unlikely at other times. But, it has more action than a normal novel, and The Reader is kept thoroughly entertained.
I will look forward to reading the subsequent books in the series.
This book started out with a solid 4-star rating, but grew better as the pages kept turning. The Reader might disagree with how The Author pieced everything together, and frankly — the tale seems fast at times, and extremely SLOW and unlikely at other times. But, it has more action than a normal novel, and The Reader is kept thoroughly entertained.
I will look forward to reading the subsequent books in the series.
August 3, 2023
Inventive plot, but not really believable.
The author glosses over a lot and expects us to accept the premise of this underwater lifestyle. Also, there are too many coincidences. The main characters are all old college chums, or married couples, or arch enemies. France has one intel officer and one submarine captain covering every task. Ditto for one American sub. That aspect is a little cartoonish.
The author glosses over a lot and expects us to accept the premise of this underwater lifestyle. Also, there are too many coincidences. The main characters are all old college chums, or married couples, or arch enemies. France has one intel officer and one submarine captain covering every task. Ditto for one American sub. That aspect is a little cartoonish.
May 1, 2024
A wonderful novel
I bought this book because since it was set in the future, I thought it would be science fiction. I was wrong!
This novel is fascinating. It shows the range of human behaviors, from the gloryhounds, to the quiet professionalism.
The writing and the story are wonderful. The characters are amazing in their depths.
I envy you for reading it for the first time!
I bought this book because since it was set in the future, I thought it would be science fiction. I was wrong!
This novel is fascinating. It shows the range of human behaviors, from the gloryhounds, to the quiet professionalism.
The writing and the story are wonderful. The characters are amazing in their depths.
I envy you for reading it for the first time!
September 8, 2023
An extraordinary tale!!!
I didn't know what to expect since I heard read a book by the author before. Was I ever pleasantly surprised! The story was jam-packed with thrills & suspense. The book has an excellent plot, great characters, and a mystery or two. Kudos to Mr. Roberts. I look forward to reading your next book!
I didn't know what to expect since I heard read a book by the author before. Was I ever pleasantly surprised! The story was jam-packed with thrills & suspense. The book has an excellent plot, great characters, and a mystery or two. Kudos to Mr. Roberts. I look forward to reading your next book!
May 5, 2022
I liked this book a lot. It was more or less a military thriller than a military science fiction book though, where I found it on Facebook. It's got a good plot and I like how it spiraled out of control. Not that I cheer on the deaths but still worth a read.
June 30, 2022
War Story
R.G.Roberts has Created some good and bad characters you will fall in Love with!!! His Storyline will keep you so interested, you won't want to Stop Reading it.
A Good Read!!
Santa Mike
R.G.Roberts has Created some good and bad characters you will fall in Love with!!! His Storyline will keep you so interested, you won't want to Stop Reading it.
A Good Read!!
Santa Mike
January 28, 2024
Good read
At first I was concerned reading about an event in the future expecting the story to get far fetched, but was I wrong. A very plausible story and well told. I could not put it down and spent a few late nights reading.
At first I was concerned reading about an event in the future expecting the story to get far fetched, but was I wrong. A very plausible story and well told. I could not put it down and spent a few late nights reading.
February 3, 2024
Thriller
Gripping thriller that will capture your attention. You will not be able to put this book down. It seems to be a timeless book that will make you reflect on the happenings of today.
Gripping thriller that will capture your attention. You will not be able to put this book down. It seems to be a timeless book that will make you reflect on the happenings of today.
January 24, 2026
Hostilities?
Very well written. R. G. Roberts is very quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I never served in uniform. Therefore I don’t know how I would have handled things. But Mr. Roberts’ has written in a way I feel some would have acted.
Very well written. R. G. Roberts is very quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I never served in uniform. Therefore I don’t know how I would have handled things. But Mr. Roberts’ has written in a way I feel some would have acted.
February 2, 2026
Outstanding.
High speed the whole time for this story. Love how it started off slow and just kept ramping it up and tying events together. Sucked that the Enterprise got sunk though.
High speed the whole time for this story. Love how it started off slow and just kept ramping it up and tying events together. Sucked that the Enterprise got sunk though.
March 26, 2026
Fast paced and realistic.
Action abounds in this story of political intreague, military action and futuristic sci-fi setting. In today's world of political unrest this story has a ring of predicting the future. The characters are well developed and the action intense.
Action abounds in this story of political intreague, military action and futuristic sci-fi setting. In today's world of political unrest this story has a ring of predicting the future. The characters are well developed and the action intense.
September 10, 2026
Knowledgeable author on military mixed in with politics. Hope it is not true about politicians and senior military officers being so egotistical and pompous. Although the author was in the military and probably wrote from experience. Loved the book!
June 29, 2022
EB: Brain candy, price was right (free). Started it because the author is a naval officer. I think the premise has been overcome by events.
January 1, 2024
I was a pilot/ navigator (senior QM) on submarines. This series was very enjoyable. I spent a number of late nights reading way past My bed time.
January 29, 2024
Interesting
June 18, 2024
Get's with right away
Not wasting any time getting to the action. I like the ways it shows our politicians who have no idea what military views are and visa versa
Not wasting any time getting to the action. I like the ways it shows our politicians who have no idea what military views are and visa versa
July 2, 2024
Ridiculous
This is the most ridiculous story line I've read in a long time. Characters are so shallow and the plot is really predictable. I'm ashamed I made it to page 51.
This is the most ridiculous story line I've read in a long time. Characters are so shallow and the plot is really predictable. I'm ashamed I made it to page 51.
September 30, 2024
Review
Excellent story with many unexpected events that will keep you engaged and reading! Author has Naval experience that really makes it realistic.
Excellent story with many unexpected events that will keep you engaged and reading! Author has Naval experience that really makes it realistic.
October 12, 2024
Edge of seat reading.
This book has a good plot, well thought out. It was a complex plot but realistic for a future prelude to war.
This book has a good plot, well thought out. It was a complex plot but realistic for a future prelude to war.
November 5, 2024
Aoww great book
I cant wait to read more. I love story lines. Very realistic, and all possible simulations. If you love submarines and navy stories, this is it.
I cant wait to read more. I love story lines. Very realistic, and all possible simulations. If you love submarines and navy stories, this is it.
December 21, 2024
My review
This has been an interesting start to a new series. I'm looking forward to the next installment in the series.
This has been an interesting start to a new series. I'm looking forward to the next installment in the series.
March 5, 2025
Excellent!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews