Deadly Shores (Destroyermen)

A really amazing addition to the series, the action and drama kept building until an almost climactic end. The story was so intense that I thought for sure this had to be a series finally, but thankfully, just when it seemed about to end, there was more excitement waiting. I just can't wait for the next book in the series.

I really enjoy the story in this series and the overall concept. A lot of wonderful thoughtful ideas about how people should be and yet a truthful statement that it takes Total War to bring people together fully and to fully realize who they/one is.

However, the series is not worth the, almost double the cost, with the writer “filling” in each book with descriptions of the characters that were stated in each book before. Its as if the writer ran out of things to say, so explains, yet again, even in book 9 (out of 11 as of today 3-12-2016, which is where I stopped) who this charter is, what they stand for, what they think, or, this flag represents this group of people in this manor, or this ship is from this place representing these people who are apart of this group… pretty much copy and pasted from the books before, etc. Its as if the writer was trying to make each book an individual read, yet apart of the series, which it is to an extent. However, if it’s a series, then I feel it should progress as such, and one should not have to read practically the same descriptive paragraphs about characters, ships, enemies, etc. that were written in previous books. Continue with the story, cut out the descriptions of what this Flag means, who this character is, etc. If the character has changed in a fundamental way, or is contemplating a change, then that is fine. But to repeat what the character thinks, believes, holds true, that is just tedious, boring reading, especially after 9 books of the same stuff.

On a side note, I know the above is not detailed as I did not want to put anything that might spoil the reading for others.

Anderson creates a vividly illustrated world. I admire his off beat approach to both the races and characters. This series has reshaped how i view both historical fiction and sci-fi, and how i shape my own.

If you are this far into the series, you are in it for the long haul. While this book didn't have enough silva to be memorable, I still enjoyed the ride. My only complaint is that the Holy Dominion is starting to become too two dimensionally evil.

SCIENCE FICTION IS MY FAVORITE GENRE.MILITARY SCI-FI AND ALTERNATE HISTORY ARE ALSO FAVORITES OF MINE.TAYLOR ANDERSON COMBINES ALL THREE ELEMENTS INTO A WELL WRITTEN,FUN ,ACTION PACKED STORY.I HAVE READ EVERY BOOK IN THE DESTROYMEN SERIES AND ENJOYED ALL OF THEM.I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS SERIES TO ANYONE WHO IS A FAN OF THE AFORE MENTIONED ELEMENTS.

I liked the alternate world concept and the books have some good characters. However, as the series has progressed the author has invented more and more enemies to keep the conflict going. It is beginning to turn into a "war porn" series. For those who love battle scenes and lots of gore this would be a good read.

When one tries to give "war" a form, a substance and a meaning that is explainable and comprehensible to those of a generation of Americans who have grown and never really experienced or lived it, is difficult enough today, where "war" is just expected to be antiseptically clean, short lived and perfectly fought under rules and behaviors universally agreed to, expected and followed.
Taylor Anderson's latest "Deadly Shores" novel captures "war" as it truly is, and not what we would wish, want or believe it should be. War is humanity and the human condition with all its virtues and its vices, the inspirational and the depressing and all the good and the bad; beautiful and ugly that makes us so much alike and different at the same time. His efforts to capture and describe this essence and state is "Right on target!"(Without the aid of a Norton bombsight) and is indeed deserving of a nodding and the silent smiling approving words of thanks from that special World War II generation of Americans (The Best we had to give) who are slowly but inevitably passing and leaving the World's Stage. Although they may be gone and have left us, it is their everlasting legacy and our own true inheritance which is reflected and demonstrated by our own frail and fragile humanness and the idealism and the reverence that goes from being an "American" that Taylor Anderson correctly identifies in "Deadly Shores".
I highly recommend this novel and the entire series to anyone who has a passion for science fiction and history with this cautionary admonition.
"Warning! Highly Addictive when Read."

I have every one of the "Destroyermen" books. This series is the best 'Military/Alternative History' series I have ever read. I cannot say enough about how much I enjoy these books. They are OUTSTANDING reading!!!

it continue as before, although as we are introduce to new characters, the Americans (red devils) and the French Neo-Nazis, the People from north India some back ground would be welcome. Otherwise a good read, it keeps you glued to the pages, and as I speed read in pictures is an awesome adventure.

Immensely entertaining and non stop action. One of the best in the series. The war rages on two fronts against the Grik and Doms and stops at a point that leaves you very satisfied and excited to see the next phase. Worth every penny.

I've read all of these and continue to be amazed. I'm a Professor of Communications at a major university, a history buff,have a degree in sociology, and love sci-fi. Taylor has put these all together in a truly remarkable form. Through all the series he has kept the story line intact both qualitatively and chronologically. This is no mean feat. We don't know when Taylor will draw this "parallel" war to a conclusion but it will be worth the read and the ride.

The Never Ending Story... I enjoy this series, and have even had fitful nights of sleep because of it, but it is getting a little tiring. The Allies are fully engulfed in war in the East, and when it looks like the west will be secured, something else happens. This is going to go on and on and on. I will wait to see if I buy any more in this series.

I liked it a lot. Really enjoyed the advancement and industry of the lemurians, all though the plot line is starting to get predictable. The author seems to kill off at least one or two major characters per book.

Ok... i have read all the books up to number 10.. paid from 3 to 7 dollars for them, well worth the money i might add.....BUT......17 dollars for number 11, are you people nuts!!! don't care if its new, its still a e book....when the price comes down i will return to the series but until then you bunch of money grabbersr can keep it.. pity cause its a great set of books....

Has been an excellent series so far. It is starting to get a bit predictable and will be interesting to see if the story plot line can remain fresh. Overall, Taylor is great writer and the action is fast paced. Well worth the read.

I was disappointed by this book. It was slow and sluggish with little anticipation of what would happen next. I have enjoyed the past books in this series and hope future efforts will once again be better.

Have just received and read the newest book. Because it is new I will not go into too much detail except to say that it is getting fairly predictable in that as the Alliance beats a enemy, another stronger one waits. To be fair, the sub found did disappear with all hands, but the BB (possibly a Bretagne Class by description if they are all the same race) that Donaghey runs into means that the Alliance may be seriously outclassed. And if this new enemy has the industrialized means to keep that ship afloat than the game may be over. I did read the book straight through so I would give it a five for that, but I was really disappointed in the outcomes this time around hence a two. Hoping the next is stronger, so I will settle on a 3 overall.

Ninth in the Destroyermen military science fiction (alternate history on an alien Earth) series and revolving around the captain of the USS Walker and the friends with whom they’ve allied.

My Take
Whew. Another pip from Anderson. Only third-person omniscient point-of-view can work in this, if we’re to know the thoughts and actions of those on the different fronts. Lord knows, there are enough of ‘em!

The main battlefronts are Matt and company attacking the Griks at their home base; Imperials, 'Cats, and Americans against the Dominion in Central America; and, Alden’s truce with Halik. Other smaller actions include the USS Donaghey’s independent explorations, catching up on events at home in Baalkpan, and Rebecca’s terrifying decision.

Anderson’s characters will grab hold of you and become family. Worse, Anderson makes it necessary to find out what’s happening, as he slips from one front to the next. I was desperately reading to find out what’s happening with this group, even as I wanted to finish with that group. It’s enough to keep you flippin’ pages and totally enthralled. It’s one of those stories for which you simply have to set aside a chunk of hours (and plan on having a pizza delivered, so you don’t have to stop and cook!).

That Bradford. He’s something else, and so is the theory he’s arrived at as to why so many people from other timelines ended up here. As for Sandra. Oh, baby, you go!! I love that women are considered equal to men by the ‘Cats, and they’ve inspired some big changes on this world amongst non-Lemurians.

It’s mostly a sortie of a story, even though major events take place. Deadly Shores feels more like a set-up for the real action to come with the truth behind it all that no one can share a command. That there must be one person with the ability to make the decisions within his or her sphere of skills. It’s a hard lesson, but those are usually the kind that stick.

The Story
It’s a chance to take back their sacred homeland, stolen so long ago, and Adar has been carefully dancing around the true purpose of the raid. It’s only Matt Reddy, commander of the old destroyer USS Walker, who is focused on a “simple” strike.

Worse, still others have their own agendas for how these battles should resolve while there’s an undersea stalker following First Fleet South’s every move.

As the raid begins and chaos reigns, Reddy has no choice but to go all-in, risking everything in a desperate act that results in a sprawling, nightmarish battle on the beaches of Grik City, on the very decks of Walker, and in the labyrinthine passageways of the Celestial Palace itself.

The final cost could be more than Matt Reddy — or the Alliance — can bear.

The Characters
For a more thorough, ahem, list of characters, check out the review on my blog. Goodreads only lets me have so many characters...sigh...

The Grand Alliance is…
…forming up as a United States of the allies. Adar is its Chairman, High Sky Priest for Salissa and Baalkpan, and High Chief of Baalkpan. Commander Alan Letts is helping Adar set up the new constitution in Baalkpan Bay and is in charge when Adar is away. Matt is captain of a four-stacker destroyer, the USS Walker, and commander-in-chief of all Allied forces beneath or beside the Banner of the Trees.

The Western Front…
…is the battle against the Grik with Lieutenant Commander Matthew "Matt" Reddy, , sort of in charge. Surgeon Commander Sandra Tucker Reddy is Matt's wife. Petey has now attached himself to Sandra. Diania a freed Imperials and was Sandra's steward. Brad "Spanky" McFarlane is Matt's exec. Bernie Sandison is Walker's torpedo officer. Lieutenant Pam Cross was Walker's surgeon. Chief Gunner's Mate Dennis Silva is a loose cannon but means well. Lawrence, a different type of Grik — a Sa'aaran — is another of Silva's best friends. Chief Bosun Fitzhugh "Boats" Gray is also commander of the Captain's Guard. Lieutenant Commander Irvin Laumer takes over command of the PTs. Earl Lanier is still around and still the cook.

Gunnery Sergeant Arnold Horn was another of the prisoners aboard the Hidoaime. Now he's assigned to Sonny Campeti, the gunnery master. Chief Quartermaster "Paddy" Rosen; Lieutenant Ed Palmer; and, the one-legged Juan Marcos, chief steward. Minnie, is the 'Cat talker. Tabby is in charge of engineering aboard Walker with the help of Chief Isak Reuben. Sitia is a machinist's mate 3rd. Wallace Fairchild is still the chief sonarman. Pack Rat, is a gunner's mate. Jeek is chief of the Special Air Division. Johnny Parks is a chief machinist's mate.

General Queen Protector Safir Maraan of B'mbaado commands what's left of II Corps. General Grisa commands 6th Division. Major Saachic is in charge of the cavalry. General Mersaak commands 3rd Division.

Lieutenant Colonel Chack begins the story on Diego Garcia. Major Alistair Jindal of the Imperial Marines commands the 21st AEF Regiment; and, Captain Risa-Sab-At are there.

Courtney Bradford is an Australian petroleum engineer, a naturalist, and here in this world, the Allied Minister of Science. Lieutenant Galay was a former corporal in the Philippine Scouts.

Will, Andy, and Sam are likely the descendants of the survivors of the lost East Indiaman that got separated from those who founded the New Britain Isles. Other former prisoners of the Hidoaime include Commander Simon Herring, the director of strategic intelligence; Lance Corporal Miles is still "great" friends with Herring; and, Conrad Diebel who's flying P-40s for Ben Mallory.

Captain Jarrik-Fas is on the USS Tassat. Tassanna-Ay-Arracca is USNRS Arracca's High Chief. USNRS Salissa, a.k.a., Big Sal , had been a Home but was reconfigured into an aircraft carrier. Admiral Keje-Fris-Ar is Salissa's High Chief, and he's none too happy with Adar. Selass-Fris-Ar is Keje's daughter and chief surgeon of Second Fleet. Atlaan-Fas is Salissa's CO; Lieutenant Sandy Newman is her exec. Commander Jis-Tikkar, a.k.a., Tikker, is COFO of Big Sal's 1st Naval Wing. Lieutenant Winston "Winny" Rominger, another former prisoner, is in command of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron #1.

Africa-bound
Bekiaa-Sab-At is a captain of Marines and aboard the USS Donaghey where she battles her PTSD. Captain Greg Garrett commands the Donaghey. Inquisitor Kon-Choon is the representative from the African Republic of Real People and is the Royal "Inquisitor" for his "Kaiser", Nig-Taak. Lieutenant Wendel "Smitty" Smith is the gunnery officer. Lieutenant Saama-Kera, a.k.a., Sammy, is Greg's exec. Chief Laan. Lieutenant Ra-Saan is Bekkia's second-in-command. Ensign Kaar-Raan is one of the pilots. The USS Sineaa is accompanying the Donaghey.

The island of Diego Garcia will…
…become a staging depot and is the land of a Lemurian tribe, the Laa-Laanti. The inhabitants include Pukaa and Sikaa, sons of the High Chief, Gin-Taaor, who is himself in a bit of a panic. The SMS Amerika, a.k.a., the War Palace, is an African Republic of Real People ship. Kapitan Adler Von Melhausen commands the Amerika, Kapitan Leutenant Becker Lange is Von Helmhausen's exec. Leutenant Doocy Meek commands her Marines. Lieutenant Toryu Miyata was the Amagi's navigation officer sent off to Africa.

Madras, the Western Front in East Indiaa
General Pete Alden is in charge. General Lord Muln Rolak of Aryaal has grown close to Safir since the start of the war. Hij Geerki, an ancient Grik bookkeeper, is a prisoner-of-war. "Colonel" Dalibor Svec leads the Brotherhood of Volunteers, a troop of aging Czech legions, Slovaks, and a "previously unknown continental tribe of Lemurians". Colonel Ben Mallory commands the 3rd Pursuit Squadron.

The Allied Expeditionary Force on the Eastern Front…
…goes up against the "rabidly fanatical human 'Holy Dominion' in the Americas" where Lord High Admiral Harvey Jenks is commander-in-chief of all Allied forces in the East with 18,000 men and 'Cats against 40,000+. The Allies are based on the Enchanted Isles (we know 'em as the Galápagos) in the city of Guayak. General Tomatsu Shinya is a "former Japanese naval officer" who is on their side and is in charge of the infantry. Admiral Lelaa-Tal-Cleraan commands a carrier; Tex Sheider is her exec while Chief Gilbert is in charge of engineering. Lieutenant Orrin Reddy is Matt's cousin and commander of flight operations (COFO) for USS Maaka-Kakja. He'd also been one of the prisoners-of-war freed from the Hidoiame. Sergeant Kuaar-Ran-Taak, a.k.a., Seepy, is Orrin's Lemurian Observer/Copilot. Imperial Marine Colonel Blair is one of the good ones. Marine Captain Blas-Ma-Ar commands the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines, with Lieutenant Faal-Pel, a.k.a., Stumpy, her second. First Sergeant Spook is with A Company, 2nd of the 2nd Marines under Blas. Corporal Smuke comes to their relief. Lieutenant Finny, commands Company C, 2nd Battalion, 8th Manila. Fred Reynolds and Kari-Faask were helped to escape the Dominion by Captain Anson, an American spy.

The locals in Guayak
Señor Suares is the liaison for the alcalde, Don Ricardo Del Guayak.

The Imperials of New Britain
Rebecca Anne McDonald is the Governor-Empress of the Empire of the New Britain Isles (we know it as Hawaii). She's passed her Decree of Manumission giving women equal rights. Casey is now Prime Factor to the empress. Sister Audry is a Dutch Benedictine nun intent on redeeming and teaching the Dominion prisoners the truth about Catholicism. Sergeant Koratin is one of Sister Audry's converts. Teniente Arano Garcia of the Dominion Salvadores heads up the group of prisoners who appear to have "received the light". Rebecca's "sister", Saan-Kakha, High Chief of all the Fil-pin Lands, is coming on a state visit.

Meanwhile, back in Baalkpan…
…the capital of the Grand Alliance, Commander Alan Letts is the acting High Chief of Baalkpan and temporary chairman of the Grand Alliance; Karen Theimer Letts, the Deputy Minister of Medicine, is his wife. Lord Bolton Forester is the ambassador from the Empire of New Britain Isles; Lieutenant Bachman is his aide. Commander Saraan-Ghaani is the ambassador for the Great South Isle (we know it as Australia). Commander Steve Riggs is the Allied Minister of Communications and Electrical Contrivances. Leading Seaman Henry Stokes, another of the former prisoners from the Hidoaime, is now running Allied Intel as its assistant director. The Busted Screw is Earl Lanier's place, and Pepper, one of the 'Cats, runs it when Earl's away on Walker.

The Enemies
The Grik are…
…Ghaarrichk'k, lizard people with one focus — not being prey and are divided into two classes: Uul who are the warrior/worker class and the Hij who are members of the ruling class. For sustenance, they eat anything that moves. Madras Halik is the Grik general raised up from the Uul class. Generals Shlook and Ugla are some of Halik's men. "General" Niwa had become Halik's friend, but is currently an Allied prisoner-of-war.

Madagascar is…
…the Lemurians' ancient, sacred homeland from which the Grik ousted them. The Celestial Mother, the Giver of Life, is the Grik's god. First General Esshk is the Celestial Mother's littermate and in command of all Grik armies. The Chooser is the Grik in charge of deciding which of the hatchlings would become aggressive warriors, leaving the rest to be culled for food.

The Japanese are…
…commanded by General of the Sea Hisashi Kurokawa, and the lord regent of India, who has escaped from the end of the battle. He still has Signals Lieutenant Fukui with him. Lieutenant Iguri is General of the Sky Muriname's second-in-command. General Agta is a commander of ten hundreds. Commander Riku.

The Holy Dominion is…
…based in South America and has perverted the Catholic dogma into a nightmare mishmash of torture and sadistic treatment. General Ghanan Nerino is looking forward to a real battle. He's only had practice ones so far. Don Hernan DeDevino Dicha is Blood Cardinal to His Supreme Holiness, the Messiah of Mexico, and by the Grace of God, Emperor of the World. And he's very happy about his Army of God. Grikbirds are dragon-like Grik that attack Allied planes.

The Banner of the Trees is the great Union Adar is planning for and Letts is working on. The Lemurians, a.k.a., 'Cats or Mi-Anakka, are one of the dominant races on this world and look like cats while reacting like humans, and the primary allies of the Americans. PIG-cigs are Pepper, Isak, and Gilbert's attempt to make Lemurian tobacco smokable. Gri-kakka are a type of plesiosaur the size of a whale. A strakka is a particularly vicious typhoon-like storm. Me-naaks, a.k.a., meanies, are cavalry mounts that look like gigantic crocodiles. Paalkas are moose-like creatures used like oxen. Galla trees are sacred to the 'Cats and HUGE. Snipes is slang for the engineering divisions, and apes is the term used to refer to the deck divisions. Grik rout is when the unenhanced Griks, the Uul, become too frightened to fight.

The Cover and Title
The cover is a range of browns with a bit of black…and touches of oranges and yellow in the sky and the white of crashing waves to “lighten things up”. It’s the USS Walker riding a surging sea as the Allies invade Grik City with small boats away to shore, airships and sailing ships in the background. A spit of land protrudes, representing the terrifying beasts that inhabit the forest Chack must cross. The series information is centered at the very top in an all-cap white with the title immediately underneath it in a stark silver. The author’s name is at the very bottom in a shadowed white.

The title is waaay too true, for most any land the Allies come near turns out to be Deadly Shores.

Originally posted at Fantasy Literature.

I love Taylor Anderson’s characters and the world he has built in his DESTROYERMEN series, and the audio editions of these books are wonderfully performed by William Dufris. But Deadly Shores is the ninth book in the series and the war, which is pretty much the focus of the entire plot, seems like it’s still winding up. There’s just no end in sight.

There are a couple of personal changes for Captain Reddy’s crew and alliances, including the death of an important character, alliances are starting to shift, a possible new enemy is discovered, we meet a few strange new creatures (including flying saber-toothed squids), Courtenay makes a suggestion about how the world works, Silva plays a few pranks, and there are a couple of exciting battles. But mostly Deadly Shores is more of the same, even with the same jokes about the Coke machine and Juan’s coffee. For some readers this may be all they want — after all, it’s fun to just hang out with the Destroyermen. The reader reviews at the store show that few fans are complaining.

But I have literally thousands of books on my TBR list and I tend to get annoyed when I realize I’ve just spent 17 hours of my life on a story that shows no sign of wanting to end. I’m giving Deadly Shores 3 stars because I think it will please the devoted fans who are still reading this series, and the book is up to par with the previous installments, but I really hope Anderson has an ending in mind and that it won’t take too much longer to get there.

During a fierce sea battle, the USS Walker steamed into a strange storm cloud, and emerged into an Earth very different than the one she had left. Soon the destroyer and her crew were embroiled in a war between the peaceful sentient mammals called Lemurians, and the vicious reptilian creatures called the Grik.

As the Destroyermen novels have progressed, we have learned that throughout history different groups of humans have some how been transported to this alternate Earth. There have been 15th century Spanish missionaries, 18th century English explorers as well as World War I Germans and a World War II Japanese battleship.

In this installment of the series, the author reveals that some of the humans have arrived from different versions of Earth, with different time lines.

As the novel begins, the Allied forces of Lemurians and humans are now strong enough to take the fight to the homelands of their two main enemies. To the East is the Holy Dominion. The Dominion is a culture formed from the blend of the Spanish Inquisition with the ancient Aztec religions. To the West is the Empire of the Griks. The Griks are the mortal enemies of the Lemurians. Until the Destroyermen arrived, the Lemurians had no chance of defeating the Grik.

Captain Reddy, the commander of the Walker, has proposed a raid on the Grik capital reminiscent of General Doolittle's raid on Tokyo during World War II. Although he views the plan as a raid, the Lemurians perceive the raid as a chance to regain their ancient ancestral home.

Will the Allied forces be victorious in their attacks?

As they explore this alternate Earth, what other groups of humans will they encounter?

In my opinion, this novel is a satisfying return to the Destroyerman universe. This is the offensive battle that we have been waiting for. The grand battle scene is exciting with lots of action. And once again Anderson's great character, Silva, goes off on a heroic expedition.

I enjoyed this book. And since the author dropped many tantalizing hints for the surprises in upcoming installments, I eagerly await the next novel.

If you are interested in reading the Destroyermen series, I strongly suggest that you read them in order.

In 2008 a student passed on to me a book about tired WWI destroyer from the "Asiatic Fleet" sailing in the Java Sea in early 1942. This ship and her crew entered into a storm and came out in a new World, populated by strange and wondrous creatures and I have been an enthusiastic fellow traveler ever since. This is what alternative history should be, the works are well researched, characters are developed, and the challenges they face are the same everyone has faced who has been involved in combat and war. There are no wizards, magic spells, super beings, rather there are regular ordinary beings, both human and otherwise, who are doing their best to meet extraordinary challenges. As a teacher of history I am very fond of the of the language and customs found in the various cultures and the specific reference to the cultures of "swabs and jar-heads" is superbly portrayed.

Anderson continues to deliver a great yarn which is turning into a fantastic saga. It is my hope the journey continues for a long time! Do yourself a favor and set sail you won't regret it.

I have never felt compelled to write a review for the store, but having just finished Taylor Anderson’s “Deadly Shores,” I can no longer contain myself. The entire “Destroyermen” series is absolutely superb, and “Deadly Shores” is at least equal to, if not a notch up from, the previous volumes. In fact, I have never seen an instance where an author not only maintained the fire and purity of the first few volumes of a series, but has actually raised the bar in every one.

Technically, I suppose, each volume in the series could stand alone, so no matter which one a reader picks up first, it will provide a wonderful adventure. However, the development of the characters and the plots is so perfectly linear and continuous through the volumes, I honestly recommend starting with “Into the Storm,” and reading them in sequence. You’ll miss a lot if you don’t!

The story centers on the adventures of the crew of two American destroyers –Wickes Class, 4-pipers, to be exact – that were involved in the disasters around Java in the early days of WWII. These are Asiatic Fleet sailors and China Hand Marines, which implies a culture unique in US Naval history, and Anderson nails it. As a Marine, I understand the cultural differences between Swabs and Jarheads, and he nails that, too. The two ships are escorting a British cruiser in her run for safety ahead of the Japanese fleet. They are caught, and the cruiser and two other destroyers sunk, but “Walker” and “Mahan” escape into a very strange and violent squall. When they pull clear of the squall, they are in the same place, but a very different when. So far, nothing remarkable, right?

At this point, however, Anderson’s gift begins to assert itself. We are introduced to his other world and the creatures that inhabit it with an inexorable, driving energy that wraps the reader in the full mythos of the cultures. We see how cultures are shaped by the environment, how economies are shaped by survival and food supply. We see personalities and character in the strange new beings that, through the course of the books, run as true and believable as the Mississippi River. It is the intricately-woven tapestry of the beings, their religions, their societies, their history, their environment, and their characters – and especially the evolution in all of those things as new cultures and species interrelate - that make “The Destroyermen” such an inescapable trap.

In addition to my familiarity with 20th Century military culture, I was a Confederate infantry reenactor for 30 years – one of what they used to call “Hard corps authentics,” who were driven to experience and understand as much as possible about the lives of Civil War soldiers. (No, I don’t claim to have a first person understanding of the actual combat; no man could achieve that without living it. However, I learned a hell of a lot about muzzleloading combat and life in the field with the armies who waged it.) Anderson’s portrayal of the nuances of fighting with muzzleloaders is spot on, but without the endless ratholes of descriptive trivia that makes Tom Clancy and W.E.B. Griffin so hard for some of us to read. Again, his explorations of how intelligent beings react to such combat and field life are dead on the money, and even if you disagree, you’ll be enchanted by the way he tells the stories.

“Deadly Shores” is full of suffering and glory, victory and defeat, love and hate, all on a planetary scale. The characters are always true to themselves, though they evolve as the terrible war they are fighting wears them down. I have found myself seeing them in front of me as I read, almost as if I could speak to them, or hand them a loaded magazine or pack of cartridges.
The quality of Taylor’s storytelling is a fitting match for his writing. His style is clean and spare, without the idiomatic terseness of Hemingway. Characters from 18th century cultures write and speak accordingly. Characters who are learning English from Swabs and Jarheads speak accordingly.

This is not a story of superheroes or Chaucerian “Very perfect, gentle knights.” These are real people - and real other species, as well. I love ‘em all, but I hate – I mean I HATE – the reality that, at some point, it will end. Any history buff will be entranced by these books. Any fan of the genre of… whatever the hell this genre is – alternate history, perhaps? Fantasy? … will find in these books an escape that isn’t really an escape, but a trap. Don’t let that stop you, though. Tighten your sling, move your cartridge box to the front, write your family’s name and address on a piece of paper and pin it to the back of your jacket, fix your bayonet, and step off with a line of battle that will cross, not just a fire-swept field, but a canvas of staggering dimensions.

Anderson's latest installment in the Destroyermen series brings no drop in the quality of writing, the depth of characterization, or the pace of the action sequences. And we are starting to understand the alternate universe that is the setting is a sort of beacon for cross-overs from other time-lines, with ours perhaps being the most common, but far from the only alternate history on which it has drawn for visitors. Could that be because the world of the series is a low probability alternate universe, and thus a natural crossroads for higher probability timelines to intersect and wash over? I don't know, but possibly we will find out. While finding out, we will learn what happens to numerous characters we have met and liked and in some cases not liked.

The first book was interesting but the books are no longer crossing new territory. I have been purchasing the books from this series as they were released but it have become predictable and there has been no character development. I feel that the series could carry on for years as new enemies are created and no resolutions are reached. I will not be buying another book in this series until the series finally comes to an end. I want to know how it ends but the journey to get there is no longer of interest.

I'm not a big spoiler person, so you will get none of that here. This book is a continuation of a very good tale. There is plenty of action, and plenty of thought provoking drama. The characters are continuously well rounded and thought out. These books read like chapters, I run through them with reckless abandon, I find myself at the end, panting for more, and hoping it won't be another year until i see it. Sadly that is exactly what we will get, i wait a year, and then read the book in one day, my only complaint is that there is not more NOW. All things considered, I would call that a pretty minor complaint!

Must read IMHO!

YES, I enjoy the series. I was privileged to have a few email exchanges with the author and I cautioned him concerning how a book series can take on a "never ending life of it's own" and I referenced the "Wheel of Time" fantasy series by (originally) Robert Jordan and, AFTER HE DIED, completed by Brandon Sanderson. That series was prolonged from 1990 to 2005 and that, my friends, is just TOO LONG to milk it. I gave up after ten books. Now, on the way to the coronation of Taylor AND his series, which I adore, I gave it "only" a four star simply because I want to be that one little voice, like Kirk in Star Trek 5 asking a creature who looks like our old vision of what God should look like, "Why does God need a star ship?", who questions for just how long this war can last and how many machinations are there yet to go through. I suspect the two most recent books, one I am about to read and this one, Deadly Shores, which I am about to buy, will NOT end the series. Now, eventually, that leaky old WW 1 flush decker simply cannot be repaired anymore, we are running OUT of original destroyer men, men SO talented they can, apparently, build 1944 era Grummans from scratch out of tree bark and masking tape. Amazing group of me to serve on one leaky destroyer and more and more is the credibility strained. Let's just kill the Grik and chase the rest of the evil ones out of Dodge and into the arms of some of those hideous sea creatures and, perhaps, more on to "Destroyer Men ..... The Conquest of Television" or some other post war adventure, preferably one Taylor, rather than myself, develops. Obviously I'm not the man for the job!

I've read all of these and have really been looking forward to new books in the series - always a good sign, eh?! The initail premise was intriguing, and Mr. Anderson hasn't disappointed in his development of the idea. The series was starting to flag a little, but this new volume, which I devoured in three days, has brought it back on track in my mind. Yes, it does concentrate mainly on the 'Western' theatre, but I'm sure the Epilogue points to where the next book will concentrate...!

Nice one, Mr. Anderson!

While I have enjoyed the prior books in the series, Deadly Shores seemed to be stretching a bit too far for me. I recognize that Anderson needs to keep the series moving. But, it seems to me he is running out of World War II participants to drag into the growing plot line. I think the only ones he's missed are the Free French and the Soviets. I suppose he could add in the American Civil War, both sides of course.

The first books in the series were nicely focused on a small area. Now the books just seem to sprawl all over. He could finally defeat some group and narrow the focus.

Having sailed on a destroyer, I thought the grounding of the Walker as being poor seamanship. Entering an unknown harbor with questionable charts was risky without taking soundings the old fashioned way with a chain or using a fathometer. Even with good charts, you can still run aground.

I have truly enjoyed Taylor Anderson’s “DESTROYERMEN” series, but with an unknown enemy, all the many different characters, the never ending battles, it has become too much for me to keep up with. I am sorry to say I will be purchasing no more books in this series. It is time for me to move on to a new author and a new military science fiction series. I cannot devote anymore time or money to a tale that never ends.

This is not a bad series but it does start to get more and more unbelievable, strange storm keeps happening and more and more ships from WWII
keep showing up.Maybe once or twice but how many storms are we going to have? After awhile you start thinking why not just let WW2 be in it's
regular time zone (1939-1945) if your gone to keep tossing ships &planes around as you need them.

The action and battles almost never stop. The story didn't get mired in politics and holds interest the whole time. I like how good guys struggle but keep winning. I'll miss the main guy that didn't make it though!

I like how new characters aren't dumped in but seem to evolve organically

Another good addition to the series. What really keeps you going in this is the desire to "see what happens next". So many characters that seem "untouchable", yet are still vulnerable and can die. But the growing number of enemies and the ever-expanding war just seems a bit unsustainable. Still, probably my most liked "alternate history" style sci-fi.

Capt. Reddy and his fellow men, women, cats and lizards have a series of adventures that make you anticipate the release of the latest book. Deadly Shores does not disappoint! Anderson's characters are well developed and complete. The good ones are likeable and the villains just the opposite. If you are into military sci. fi., then check out this series. Be sure to read them in sequence

I hate to say it, but I'm getting weary of this series. It's still good, but it really needs to start drawing to a close. I figure three more books will do it. This latest addition is good enough, but the introduction of a new enemy and thus more wars and more this, that and the other really needs to end. Plus the introduction of this world being the end-point of travels from different Earths. All in all, still an okay read, but not if it carries on and on and on and on and on and on.....

I have completed the series. It was enjoyable and exciting from start to finish. It is also obvious the saga is not completed. I cannot help but wonder when the next chapter will begin.
I look forward to the continuing saga.

NEXT BOOK... Straits of Hell...available May 2015...

The series was well worth reading.

This book series offers light, escapist reading that in my opinion could work well as an anime series, perhaps even better than on the page.
The alternative world setting is amusing, and it is all wtitten vividly enough that you can picture it all well. I would normally not read this kind of book, but I like reading about 2nd world war technology and big lizards, so what is not to like.
But, now with the series progressing already 9 books, there are several irritations for me:
- In essence with the action happening on multiple fronts, the general progress per book can be pretty slow. In this book this is less pronounced than in the last few books because a major campaign that was in essence necessary since the start of the series takes up half the book. Yet perhaps a few less pages on the big campaign and a bit more story progress onthe American front would have offered a better balance.
- Characters are introduced in every book again. I think that it would make little sense to start reading this series in any but the first book, so it would be better to dispense with these introductions, or perhaps put them as a separate section. I find these background refreshers really slowing down the narrative as there are so many characters.
- Without spoiling the story, the series is obviously being milked to make it continue as long as possible. It comes as no surprise that new foes rear their head. Personally I would have much preferred a strict original plan to tell a complete and above all tight story in say 3 or 4 volumes.
All this may seem overly critical, and while these are indeed serious minuses, it must be said that in general the books are quick and entertaining reads for everyone who is young at heart, and this latest one is no exception.
I do hope to see more of Halik in the next book, one of the most interesting characters.

Just sort of tired of reading this series. The writing style is fair, better than junk, not really up to top standards. This is a guy writing a spinoff about a hobby topic. I think he earned a paycheck and I was content to buy books for awhile, just not today. Perhaps this review should have been on the prior novel since that is actually the last I've read (I was getting them immediately on release...compare timing of this post versus release date).

I've followed this series for years and have always enjoyed the unusual world Taylor Anderson created. This last book was the best one in my opinion. You learn more about the hearts and minds of the main characters and there was a perfect balance of action and story line. This series has new life IMHO and I'm very much looking forward to the next installment. Go Taylor!

As usual for books in this series, Anderson has delivered good entertainment. The characters are interesting as are the locations and the continuing evolution of the story line. If you are looking for a descent escape from ho-hum summer days, this will be your vehicle.

Chapters 24-36 of "Deadly Shores" is THE finest fictional battle
sequence I have ever read! (I've been an active reader for 56 years.)

Detail...s u s p e n s e...believability...pacing...terrific
character interactions...humor...sounds...smells...sweat
...blood...survival and sudden death...the acme of creative writing!

Lot's of fighting here, the loss of more good men--it is a good read, but I wonder how much further the crew can remain fighting. The plot for this book keeps you interested enough to look for the next book, which I believe is Straits of Hell, and which is priced too high for a Kindle book.
I hope the price is lowered.

The adventure continues and is as intriguing as those that came before it. The reader is engrossed from the start by the battles fought and by the various characters who fight them. My only complaint is that I will have to wait so long for the next installment........

Great series. There are getting to be too many story lines to follow and as much as I love the series, I'm wondering how and when it will end. I would love to see more books with the same characters continue on even after the conclusion of this story line.