Apollyon: The Destroyer Is Unleashed (Left Behind No. 5)

Amazon.com

Apollyon: The Destroyer Is Unleashed, by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, is another suspenseful chronicle of those left behind after the rapture of the saved. As the book opens, Hattie Durham, the former airline attendant and mistress of the antichrist, Nicolae Carpathia, is wracked with confusion about what to do with her illegitimate child, whose birth date is coming due. Rayford Steele, the airline pilot who flies Carpathia's plane, is ambivalent about the mounting evidence that his late wife, Amanda, may have been a false believer. Buck, the ace newspaper reporter, and Chloe, his wife, are debating whether to have a child when the future of the world is so uncertain. And all of the world's thousands of believers are gathering in Jerusalem for a stadium rally, which will lead to a showdown with Nicolae Carpathia. Believers are increasingly relying on the Internet for underground communication, and most of them are becoming more and more tempted by violence as a way of battling the forces of evil overtaking the world. But demon locusts are shortly dispatched as a divine plague to attack those who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads; this buys the believers a little bit of time to solve their respective personal crises, all of which end in ways that will keep you riveted until the last page.

Book Description

The #1 best-selling hardcover novel of 1999 is now available in softcover! The Tribulation Force travels to Israel for the Meeting of Witnesses as further judgments are released upon the world. Satan falls from heaven and opens the bottomless pit, releasing Apollyon and his plague of locusts that torture the unsaved. Now available in trade softcover, Apollyon is a thriller that will be tough to put down.

Japanese Destroyer Captain: Pearl Harbor, Guadalcanal, Midway - The Great Naval Battles As Seen Through Japanese Eyes

Average customer rating:

A good view of naval history
Five stars and two thumbs up!
Japanese Destroyer Captain...WWII
Outlines the life of a Japanese Destroyer Captain in the Pacific conflict 1941-45
Through Japanese Eyes...

Japanese Destroyer Captain: Pearl Harbor, Guadalcanal, Midway - The Great Naval Battles As Seen Through Japanese Eyes
Tameichi Hara , Fred Saito , and Roger Pineau
Manufacturer: US Naval Institute Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Japanese | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Japan | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Naval | Military | History | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1591143543
Release Date: 2007-04-02

Product Description

The Naval Institute Press is pleased to make available for the first time this cloth edition of a now-classic war memoir that was a best seller in both Japan and the United States during the 1960s. Originally published as a paperback in 1961, it has long been treasured by World War II buffs and professional historians for its insights into the Japanese side of the surface war in the Pacific. The book has been credited with correcting errors in U.S. accounts of various battles and with revealing details of high-level Imperial Japanese Navy strategy meetings. The author, Captain Tameichi Hara, was a survivor of more than one hundred sorties against the Allies and was known throughout Japan as the Unsinkable Captain. Called the workhorses of the navy, Japanese destroyers shouldered the heaviest burden of the surface war and took part in scores of intense sea battles, many of which Captain Hara describes here. In the early days of the war victories were common, but by 1943, the lack of proper maintenance of the destroyers and sufficient supplies, along with Allied development of scientific equipment and superior aircraft, took its toll. On April 7, 1945, during the Japanese navy s last sortie, Captain Hara managed to survive the sinking of his own ship only to witness the demise of the famed Japanese battleship Yamato off Okinawa. A hero to his countrymen, Captain Hara exemplified the best in Japanese surface commanders: highly skilled (he wrote the manual on torpedo warfare), hard driving, and aggressive. Moreover, he maintained a code of honor worthy of his samurai grandfather, and, as readers of this book have come to appreciate, he was as free with praise for American courage and resourcefulness as he was critical of himself and his senior commanders. The book s popularity over the past forty-six years testifies to the author s success at writing an objective account of what happened that provides not only a fascinating eyewitness record of the war, but also an honest and dispassionate assessment of Japan s high command. Captain Hara s sage advice on leadership is as applicable today as it was when written. For readers new to this book and for those who have read and re-read their paperback editions until they have fallen apart, this new hardcover edition assures them a permanent source of reference and enjoyment.

Customer Reviews:

A good view of naval history.......2007-09-10

Excellent view of the naval WWII war in the Pacific from the viewpoint of a knowledgeable Japanese officer who was in many of the battles. Very readable and informative.

Five stars and two thumbs up!.......2007-08-07

I read this book in paperback the summer before I started college in 1972. I still have the old Ballantine paperback in my personal library here in my office - along with many other classic WWII memoirs and histories which were released between the early '60's and '70's - and they remain to this day the backbone of any historians efforts to understand the conflict from a human perspective.

Hara was there. Regardless of the rhetoric,and the apologetics of his stance, it's impossible to argue with the eyewitness accounts he provides, and the detail of his style.

He creates at once a sympathetic and enthralled audience for his side of the story - one which needed telling, and which wasn't available until he committed it to print.

An enduring classic; this one belongs on the shelf of any person who wants to thoroughly understand the Pacific War.

Japanese Destroyer Captain...WWII.......2007-06-11

I recently had the oppertunity to read "Japanese Destroyer Captain: Pearl Harbor, Guadalcanal, Midway-The Great Naval Battles as seen Through Japanese Eyes.
Tameichi Hara paints an interesting palet of not just the Naval engagments, but the social and economic upheavels in Japan during the war. The hardships he mentions on the civilian population were horrendous, and the reader soon realizes that the "bitter taste" of war is universal for every nation that finds itself at war.
The Naval battles and discription of those engagements was enough to give the "arm-chair" Admirals and Captains cold chills, however, sometimes I felt that Tameichi Hara was too redundent, and...much more of a tactician than I wanted to read about.
Overall, a very good book, and one worth reading for anyone who has the slightist interest in history, and Naval wafare.

Outlines the life of a Japanese Destroyer Captain in the Pacific conflict 1941-45.......2007-06-11

I first read this book in the early 1970's, on the life of Tameichi Hara and his activities while a destroyer captain during the Pacific conflict in World War Two. I found it a very interesting read, on his life and what led up to his involvement in most of the major actions against the U.S. Pacific fleet, especially in the Solomon Islands. The book is well written and kept me just as entranced the second time as it did the first. It is refreshing to have a Japanese version of the events instead of an American one. Well recommended.

Through Japanese Eyes..........2007-06-10

Growing up, I read as much as I could of the Pacific Theater during World War II. I was disappointed that so much was available from the U.S. side, with very little published on the Japanese side. Of course one reason for that was so many Japanese died during the war. So it was a great pleasure to find this book. Hara fought in almost every major surface engagement during the war, and still lived to tell about it. As another reviewer wrote, Hara gets into some of the technical aspects, notably his work before the war on the "Long Lance" torpedo. This weapon was one of the few systems that was superior to the allies- and was a surprise to them in 1941. It had extremely long range and a large warhead and was used with devestating effect during the night battles around Guadalcanal, many of which Hara was an eyewitness of.
In short, if you are interested in WW2 Naval History, this book is a "must have" for your library.

The New Destroyer: Guardian Angel (New Destroyer)

Average customer rating:

This is the OLD Destroyer!!!!
Remo, we missed you!
Nothing new here.
DESTROYER IS A FUN SUMMER READ!
Guardian Angel (new destroyer series)

The New Destroyer: Guardian Angel (New Destroyer)
Warren Murphy , and James Mullaney
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Men's Adventure | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Action & Adventure | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Adventure | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
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ASIN: 0765357593

Book Description

THE DESTROYER NEVER DIES . . . .

VIVA LA REVOLUCION!

When a dozen border patrol volunteers are murdered in New Mexico, apparent victims of Mexican nationals, Dr. Harold W. Smith of the super-secret agency CURE worries the first salvo in a new border dispute has been fired. His worst fears are realized with the appearance of the charismatic Santa Ana, a uniformed, would-be despot with a silver tongue and a thirst for bloody revolution.

General Santa Anna has redrawn the border between the U.S. and Mexico to fit his own twisted version of reality, and thousands of illegal aliens are drawn to his message of liberation. The Southwest is on fire, and as the revolution explodes the entire nation is at risk. It seems the brazen general has planned for every eventuality. Except one...

Mostly MIA for the past four years, Remo Williams, CURE's one man enforcement arm, has returned to the U.S. just in time to prevent Armageddon. With his Korean mentor Chiun, the Master of Sinanju, at his side, America just might live to see mañana.

But it turns out Santa Anna is not the only threat to The Destroyer. Remo not only must save the United States from civil war, he must square off against the only woman who ever killed him...

Customer Reviews:

This is the OLD Destroyer!!!!.......2007-08-09

Wooo! He's back - they're ALL back. Remo, Chiun and Smith have returned to the world they were born in - and it's a GREAT world indeed! The characterizations are right, the dialogue is right, the relationships are right. This is the way it's supposed to be.

(I've got ALL the books, read each of them more than once (well... okay, there were a few that I could barely get through once!) and I KNOW when something's right - and when something jumps the track.)

I hope that the series has taken out the "revolving door" of authors for the next several years - or at least find authors that have bothered to read the old books before thinking that their "skills" and "worldly understanding" will get them through!

Great job - keep 'em coming!

Remo, we missed you!.......2007-07-31

Ahhh, it sure feels good to find The Destroyer is back to it's roots. Remo is taking care of business as only he can. Chiun continues to be the most dangerous Korean who has ever lived but still has the childlike qualities that have always made us love him. Smitty is still the proud American bound and determined to save the US from itself and will continue to work at it until his dying day.

In this book you will also find useless self-serving politicians (yes, Virginia, they do exist). You will find out what really happened at the battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto. You will also get the return of one of Remo's most dangerous enemies. You get all of this wrapped up in a very funny, very exciting adventure the likes of which we haven't seen in a Destroyer book in several years.

Do yourself a favor, buy this book. If you are an old fan of the series you will enjoy the return of Warren Murphy and Jim Mullaney to the books. If you have never read a Destroyer before, then this is a great place to start your obsession.

Nothing new here........2007-07-29

I was a reader of The Destroyer from the first novel until the early 80's. I didn't know the series had continued on. Apparently, it was a good thing I didn't keep up with the series.
Well, from my point of veiw, there's nothing new about this 'New' Destroyer. Remo is the Master of Sinanju by title only. Chuin is still there, even though this book makes reference that the two of them met during the Kennedy administration and it is now 2007. I figure this would put Remo somewhere near 70 years old, and Chuin well into his 120's.
Chuin has devolved into a spoiled child. Where he used to insult Remo, he now only plays with toys. He actually _likes_ other assassins, rather than consider them pretenders to the art of killing.
Smith seems about ready to retire though. He's old and arthritic. He works fewer hours, and has delegated some of his responsibility to an assistant.

I was disappointed in the book. One of the things I liked reading the series for was the growth of Remo. Now that there are two Masters of Sinanju, the book is nothing more than graphic descriptions of how the Whop-Fu took effect. There is one scene where Remo casually rips the door off a Panic Room. He's already able to dodge bullets, and in several instances, he took the full brunt of a missile, or TNT and walked out without a scratch. So, essentially, the two heroes are all powerful and invincible.

I was hoping that Chuin was gone, or retiring, and that Remo had taken on a student to replace him. That would have breathed new life into the series for sure.

Don't get a copy.

DESTROYER IS A FUN SUMMER READ!.......2007-07-16

My first exposure to The Destroyer was in the 1980's with the movie Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins. While not a good movie I was very entertained by the characters of Remo and Chuin and their camaraderie. That said I read several Destroyer novels throughout my teens and then life moved on.

On a whim at a bookstore this summer I saw New Destroyer: Guardian Angel and decided to give it a read. I'm glad I did. The characters are firmly intact and creator Warren Murphy and new scribe James Mullaney do a fantastic job of reinvigorating the series.

For anyone new to the series, it's easy to jump on. Remo and his mentor Chuin are master assassins in the art of Sinanju. They work for CURE a secret branch of the government that deals with impending perils to our country. In this novel the dangers come from a militant group that want to create new borders and countries between the US and Mexico. Remo and Chuin are called on to defend the Alamo, stop a ruthless female killer, prevent illegal aliens from causing lots of trouble, and so much more.

For summer time reading it's a blast. If you're familiar with the characters give it a read because you'll find in doubly enjoyable!

Guardian Angel (new destroyer series).......2007-07-13

The author has gone back to the original "Destroyer" series style and it was a pleasure to read this book, by Warren Murphy.

Heavy Jagdpanzer: Development - Production - Operations

Average customer rating:

Heavy Coverage

Heavy Jagdpanzer: Development - Production - Operations
Walter J. Spielberger , Hilary L. Doyle , and Thomas L. Jentz
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Military Science | History | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0764326252

Customer Reviews:

Heavy Coverage.......2007-08-01

Spielberger's joining of forces with Jenz and Doyle has resulted in the best yet coverage of these three heavy sluggers, the Jadgpanther, Ferdinand/Elephant and Jadgtiger. Excellent in every way from photos (yes even some never seen before)to technical text to action reports to Doyle's excellent drawings. Everything you could ever want to know about these facinating machines but didn't know how to ask. Especially helpful is the addition to the new series is the "Kill/range" comparison charts for each machine against the best armor the allies put against them. No duds yet in the new series. Just hours of great, fascinating reading. Kudos to Spielberger, Jentz and Doyle.

Destroyer World: The Assassin's Handbook 2

Average customer rating:

Good introduction to the Destroyer
Great Book!
Best Destroyer Book I've Seen Lately
WOW! An update for the fans, and entertainment for everyone!

Destroyer World: The Assassin's Handbook 2
Warren Murphy , and James Mullaney
Manufacturer: Ballybunnion Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0972634029

Book Description

Warren Murphy and Richard Sapir wrote "The Assassin's Handbook,"in 1982.

...A lot has happened since then!

Murphy once again teams up with a great Destroyer Author in James Mullaney. Together, they bring you the all-new readers guide to the past thirty years of America's greatest adventure series!

This long-awaited sequel to the original "Assassin's Handbook" is brought to print by Warren Murphy's Ballybunnion Books, and is now available. Inside you will find the all-new Destroyer Novella; "False Starts and Bitter Ends" by James Mullaney, a unique interview of the authors by the fans of the series, and an original short story; "The man in Room 36E". And oh yeah, ...a whole lot of Chiun! There's lot's more to enjoy inside these pages than I can list here.

Customer Reviews:

Good introduction to the Destroyer.......2006-07-14

I remember how happy I was to read this back in 2003. Jim Mullaney had been writing the Destroyer, but his last book was the previous spring. Warren Murphy hadn't been involved in writing since the early '90s at least. Now they had co-written a sequel to Murphy and Richard Sapir's great Assassin's Handbook.

I've reread parts of the book again and again, especially the story "The Man in Room 36-E" and the novella False Starts and Bitter Ends. Like the original Assassin's Handbook, it's full of info on the various characters who have been part of the Destroyer throughout the years -- villains, allies, and assorted supporting characters. We also hear a lot more from Chiun, who gets to write what he wants for a change, such as his explanation of why he is not a racist, and the real titles of the Destroyer books.

When the news came that the Destroyer series has been signed to a multi book contract with Tor Books, the best part was that Warren Murphy has gotten control of the series again. He's brought James Mullaney back, giving him a byline this time instead of being a ghost writer, and he's going to co-write them with Jim. Destroyer fans will have a lot to look forward to when the first book comes out in April, 2007.

Great Book!.......2006-07-05

But why isn't it available at Amazon! I tried ordering the Assassin's Handbook 2 by Warren Murphy and James Mullaney several times at Amazon but it was always out of stock. I finally tracked down a copy at the author's web site where there apparently is no such shortage. Why the shortage at Amazon? It is easier for those of us with accounts here to order it here rather than search for it elsewhere. Get on the ball Amazon!

The book was excellent. I loved all the commentary from Chuin. The two best parts are the novella False Starts and Bitter Ends and the short story The Man in Room 36-E. This book was a so much better than what is passing for Destroyer books these days. Five stars for the book but zero stars for Amazon for making me search all over for it.

Best Destroyer Book I've Seen Lately.......2004-08-12

This was great! The novella was excellent! I was lucky enough to get an authographed numbered copy before amazon was able to offer this book.

I can't wait until the reader anthology is released!
For more information check out warrenmurphy dot com

WOW! An update for the fans, and entertainment for everyone!.......2004-05-18

WOW! Murphy and Mullaney have teamed up, and together they've written one of the best, most entertaining books around! I got my copy (autographed by both authors!) from Warren Murphy's webpage (his name, dot, etc...). A new Novella by James Mullaney wraps up a lot of things nicely, and a short story to boot! A neat twist: the fans interview the authors! A ton of "Chiun" is an added plus.

Book Description

C.J. Cherryh, one of the most prolific and acclaimed SF writers in the world, delivers the seventh book in her Foreigner series, and the first book in the new Foreigner trilogy-the epic tale of the survivors of a lost spacecraft who crash-land on a planet inhabited by a hostile, sentient race. From its beginnings as a human-alien story of first contact, the Foreigner series has become a true SF odyssey.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2007-10-01

Bren and his Atevi comrades return from their latest mission to find the Atevi homeworld in chaos and the space station they had relied on, cut off from the planet. Together with the prince and the dowager, they travel in secret back to the planet to start a rebellion.

I'm a big fan of these novels. Bren is an interesting and likeable character. I particularly like how Cherryh handles his relationships. He is very dedicated and married to his job. He really has no human friends except for his brother. I like the prince and was sad he never got to celebrate his birthday. I find the dowager a trifle annoying but at times amusing. Please. Get rid of Barb.

This was an exciting addition to the Foreigner series.

Guaranteed Quality.......2006-11-18

Simply put: if you have enjoyed Cherryh's previous books in this series, you will enjoy this as well. If you haven't... why are you still reading, anyway? And if you have not read the previous books, start with Foreigner. These are not stand-alone books.

This book has, in my mind, much more action than most of its prequels. Much is going on, and in a relatively quick tempo, even though, in a way typical for Cherryh, we get also a great deal of Bren's thoughts and self-reproach. All in all, Cherryh's writing is as good as ever.

It is difficult to say anything too specific about this particular book without giving things out... except that maybe, if you haven't yet read any plot summaries, you shouldn't do it at all. I think I might have liked the book even better if certain things would have taken me completely by surprise. Anyway, one thing I enjoyed in this book was Cajeiri. Our "little" rascal is growing up. (And still being a rascal.)

Dear Publishing Industry: Stop Publishing Crap.......2006-10-30

_____Stop, look, and listen; listen well. I do not care how many awards and happy-go-lucky positive reviews that Cherryh's books have garnered. In fact, I anti-care. This mono-word book, DESTROYER from Cherryh, is yet another piece of generic, formula-driven and nearly plotless crap from the post-1980s era of magical spaceship science fiction. There are far too many anachronisms, there is too little PLOT to speak of, and this work is just about as exciting as a train-trip with Grandma--WITHOUT benefit of alcohol to dull the sheer boredom of it all. My mind hazes over with red in anger at this atrocity of barely written and nearly plotless oatmeal of a book. Cherryh's won awards and is a "highly respected" author, eh? Well, I wonder who gives that respect...
_____First and foremost is the sheer level of boredom-inducing repetitive repetition and repetitiveness found within this oatmeal that passes for prose. Okay, so the main characters are going to crash-land on a planet run by poison-drinking Goth mutants: lace-wearing, alkaloid-drinking Goths, got it? In fact, the main protagonist IS a sort of Goth mutant. So they crash-land. The next few chapters are about them sneaking onto a boat. The next few chapters beyond that is them sneaking onto a truck, ranting about rebels and propaganda. Then, the next few chapters is about them sneaking onto their next mode of transportation... Ninety-five percent of the way into the book, they finally get themselves seemingly safely into a castle that seems to have been ripped right out of 16th-Century Earth...before the main protagonist must...SNEAK OFF ON A PACK ANIMAL! Are you beginning to see where this oatmeal is going?
_____If this book reads like oatmeal, then there are pieces of rotten meat in the mix; there were so many teeth-gnashingly atrocious anachronisms, too many for anyone's level of tolerance. Why in TARNATION would a space-faring civilization rely upon primative pistols, pack animals, and castles! Why would a space-faring civilization of 3000-plus years into the future be run by lace-wearing Goth mutants who, of all things, STUDY ANCIENT GREEK FOR FUN? And above all else, if this space-faring civilization of Goth mutants is technologically advanced enough to go zooming through space, why would there be a need for beasts of burden at all? The author played it off by saying that the Goth civilization has a thing about preserving nature. Sorry, lass, but railed transportation and mass-domestication of beasts of burden are both more environmentally intrusive than, say...air transportation. Read up on 19th-Century cities, and have a look-see at how much trouble was caused by railroads through the countrysides and horse-poop in streets. I swear, those details were sickeningly wrong-headed--enough to induce botulism.
_____Not only is this book crap-flavored oatmeal, but it is also especially UNORIGINAL crap-flavored oatmeal: a book that does NOTHING to advance science fiction. I am getting the idea that most all science fiction written during and after the 1990s is of the magic spaceship variety: civilization being populated by silly-looking aliens that are little more than the equivalent of humans in corny costumes and cheesy makeup. The characters of such magic spaceship fiction all then take on tendencies towards ancient Earthly motifs and heaps of anachronisms in attempts at looking sophisticated and cultured. (It is as if the charactters of this crap are saying, "Ooh, look at me-e-e! I wear lace and am styled after a feudal lord out of the Middle Ages! I'm HAUTE-COUTURE!") Then the writer tends to throw in all kinds of LSD-inspired words to make things seem even more "alien." This book is more style (cheeseball makeup and silly humans in bad Goth motifs) than substance (i.e. PLOT!). This book is crap.
_____Somebody tell DAW, TOR and other generic science-fiction houses to stop publishing books like this rotten oatmeal. I am tired of plotless, formula-driven, crap-flavored oatmeal that passes itself off as science fiction. I am tired of so many "award-winning" writers writing crap by the truckload and getting published just because they were published before. I am tired of being tired, tired of oatmeal. This crap will never make the best-seller lists; even an oatmeal-eating critic can see that. I'm off to drink something sweet and eat something with an intense concentration of artificial flavors.

Destroyer.......2006-07-11

New to the series? First, if you don't like epic serial novels stay away from the entire Foreigner Universe series. If you do like them C. J.Cherryh typically writes them in trilogies so you can get some closure in your life lifetime (Think Robert Jordan's series that we've all been reading for 20 years and still no end in sight) yet the trilogies let you continue the saga.

The Foreigner Universe series builds a complete world and alien society and allows you get-into the complex society with its castes, very different mindset, and way of thinking. Destroyer starts the 3rd trilogy, if this is your first step into the series I strongly suggest you skip this book and go back to the first book FOREIGNER and start from there. To start now would leave you bewildered. Okay, so much for newbie warnings.

For CJC fans, it is more of the fantastically complex Atevi society and thinking. I'd actually give it 4.5 Stars because Bren's thoughts and insecurities seem to repeat themselves a bit much - mainly because we know him well already. The book starts with Bren and the ever-imposing dowager matriarch Ilisidi and her grandson returning from a two-year space journey ... yes a space journey and we all know how the Grand Dowager feels about the encroachment of technology. I'll leave you to discover the full why they are in space but an alien race that is hostile is looming in the background ... which I assume we'll be getting into their mind in Pretender, et al.. Meanwhile back at the ranch as they say things have gone to hell while they are gone and civil war amongst the clans is about to break out.

Ilisidi, her grandson, Bren and their personal bodyguards must sneak back onto the continent and ... No I won't give it away. But it has the twists and turns of Atevi logic that makes sense if you've read the prior books with all the powerful competing clan interests involved. So it's about as easy to predict as the Presidential primary season in the US as alliances ebb and flow. Atevi Honor, Tradition, Personal Fealties, and the impact of human technology are adding to the strains.

It's hard to write in detail without spoiling the plots, but if you love the intricacies of the Atevi mind and culture then you'll find this a great continuation and you'll not be disappointed. You will get to see the Dowager's Atevi Lordling grandson coming of age and gain insight as to how the complexities of Atevi fealty and loyalty are developed and built and it is fascinating to observe.

Can't be more specific with ruining it. If you've read the previous books Charge On. If you haven't I'd strongly advise you not unless you're the type that has only read Return of the King from LOTR or Chapter House Dune from the Dune series and enjoyed it

A Minor Setback.......2006-06-13

Destroyer (2005) is the seventh novel in the Foreigner series and the first book in the third trilogy, following Explorer. In the previous volume, Bren Cameron and his associates travel to Reunion Station on the Phoenix. There they find an alien ship observing the system, an alien hostage aboard the station, and the Pilot's Guild refusing to answer simple questions.

The humans and atevi aboard the Phoenix begin to communicate with the aliens, rescue the hostage, and force the Pilot's Guild to evacuate the station. The aliens are not very friendly at first, but Prakuyo An Tep, the rescued hostage, and the Dowager-ji establish a working arrangement with the kyo. Leaving Reunion Station in the hands of the aliens, the Phoenix departs for Alpha Station with over 4000 stationer refugees.

In this novel, the Phoenix returns to find that the aishidi'tat of the Western Association has been fractured by the Kadigidi and Taisigini Associations and that Murini has declared himself as the aiji; they cite technological disruptions as the reason for the coup. Tabini-aiji escaped the initial attack, was last reported at the Taiben estate, and is presumed to be still alive on the mainland. Two of the shuttles are down on the planet, but the third is docked at Alpha Station.

The aiji-dowager Ilisidi and the paidhi Bren Cameron decide to return to the planet on the only accessible shuttle, landing at the Jackson airport on Mospheira Island rather that on the mainland. There they are met by President Shawn Tyers and provided with all information available to the Mospheirans. Bren also meets his brother Toby and reluctantly accepts the offer of his boat to cross the straits to the mainland.

The reduced party, including the aiji-heir Cajeiri, lands on the North Shore, acquires a truck from an allied association, and drives to the train station. Sneaking aboard the night freight, they travel to the Sidonin mail stop, steal a bus, and take backroads to Taiben. From there they ride mecheiti to the Atageini estate of Lord Tatiseigi, Cajeiri's great-uncle.

This novel continues the story of the atevi rise to technological parity with the Mospheirans and the disruptions that inevitably occur. Murini proclaims his commitment to conservative concerns, but really is only giving lip service to the traditional life. He is the son of the former traitor Direiso, but had claimed to have no knowledge of his father's plots and gained shelter with Lord Tatiseigi. At that time, Bren had plead for his life as an innocent bystander. Now, of course, Murini's life will be forfeit if Tabini regains leadership of the Western Association.

Lord Tatiseigi, however, is a true preservationist, reluctant to accept even such technology as electric lights. Moreover, the Kadigidi lands adjoin his estate and they have not been the best of neighbors. Of course, Tati-ji is also feuding with the Taibeni, who are also his neighbors, over a hundred year old disagreement.

As the son of the Ragi aiji Tabini and the Atageini lady consort Damiri, Cajeiri is heir-apparent of the Western Association and the best hope of Lord Tatiseigi to gain power. Of course, Tati-ji will have to deal with Cajeiri's man'chi, which has already extended to the Taiben association. He is definitely following in Tabini-aiji's footsteps.

The Assassins Guild is stymied by this disruption of the Western Association. Someone has killed the Guildmaster and the Guild Assembly is stalling. Bren has sent a brief report to the Assembly about the voyage in hopes that the Guild will provide safe conduct to the meeting, but the letter has not yet had time to reach the Guild.

Other reviewers have compared the atevi to the Japanese, but I suspect that the kyo are much more like Shogunate Japan. The atevi are more like the Imperial Chinese, even to having a powerful dowager empress. In both cases, these natives have successfully resisted foreign pressures and maintain their own cultures despite outside influences. In fact, the purpose of the padhii is to allow technological advances with minimal effect on the traditional culture; unfortunately, minimal is *not* zero effect and disruptions do occur. Hence this trilogy.

Highly recommended for Cherryh fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of humans living with aliens, adapting to their ways and offering technological assistance.

-Arthur W. Jordin

Date With Death (Destroyer No. 57 Series)

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Date With Death (Destroyer No. 57 Series)
Warren Murphy
Manufacturer: St Martins Mass Market Paper
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0523415672

The Fate of the Forest: Developers, Destroyers and Defenders of the Amazon

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The Fate of the Forest: Developers, Destroyers and Defenders of the Amazon
Susanna Hecht , and Alexander Cockburn
Manufacturer: Harpercollins
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Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0060973226

U.S. Destroyers: An Illustrated Design History, Revised Edition

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Comprehensive, fascinating, still somewhat dated
The indispensable guide to the American Destroyer guide and development
Classic work of classic author
A great book for those wanting a techinical history

U.S. Destroyers: An Illustrated Design History, Revised Edition

Manufacturer: US Naval Institute Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1557504423

Book Description

For two decades Norman Friedman's account of the development of American destroyers has been a standard reference. The revised edition includes the two eventful decades of designs since the Spruance and Perry classes. The design evolution of the Arleigh Burke class, which has become the standard U.S. surface combatant, is described in detail for the first time, based on official sources. Friedman also describes the attempts to develop a follow-on class, beginning in the late 1980s and culminating in the current DD(X) program. Abortive attempts to develop new frigates are also detailed.

Friedman provides fully detailed and illustrated descriptions of all classes of U.S. destroyers, from their torpedo boat forebears onward. Detailed ship profiles by the renowned naval expert A. D. Baker III are included, along with section views that show internal arrangements. Engineering plant features and complete descriptions of antiaircraft and antisubmarine weapon systems also are given. An entire chapter is devoted to destroyer combat experience in World War II, which had a major influence on ship design and development. As the only history of U.S. destroyers based on internal, formerly classified papers of the U.S. Navy, the book is vital reading for all who have served on board these ships and for all who would like to understand the origins of the present destroyer force and its future. 504 pages. 234 photographs. 79 line drawings. Appendixes. Index. Hardcover. 8 1/2 x 11 inches.

Customer Reviews:

Comprehensive, fascinating, still somewhat dated.......2007-01-03

This is undoubtedly the definitive work on U.S. destroyer design and role. What is slightly disappointing, however, is that this is really an update of a book that is several decades old, and the update did not include revising the older text. This creates two problems. First, it is somewhat jarring to read text that refers to "new" projects that were either canceled or implemented decades ago. There are some references to the Arleigh Burke class as under design, which was true in the late 1970s, but not true now that the ships have been in service for almost two decades. Second, there has been no attempt to explain how well the ships actually worked. For instance, now that the Spruance class ships have been retired, it would have been nice for the author to discuss their service. Were they good ships? Did they achieve their goals? Similarly for other ships that were retired in the 80s and 90s. How well did they perform? The book could have used a complete top-to-bottom revision, but did not get that. It's still a great reference, however.

The indispensable guide to the American Destroyer guide and development.......2006-07-07

The original edition of this book came out in mid-1980s. There has been a tremendous amount of change in American destroyer design since this book was first published. Indeed, while this book is five stars it should be noted that with the new additions of the coming DDX (stealthy destroyer) and the Sea Fighter (a catamaran) that there is no way in which Dr. Friedman can keep up with the changes that are presently taking place in destroyer design and development while keeping his book current. Dr. Friedman would need a frequently updated web site to keep up with destroyer design changes. That is beyond the scope of this book.

This book is extremely technical. Indeed, about the only thing that Dr. Friedman does not give an observer is the steam pressures of the power plants or the frequencies of the radar systems. Dr. Friedman will give the firing rates for weapons systems, the loads for a torpedo battery, and all of the light weapons that are given to a typical destroyer in a period.

This book follows a fairly logical break down of the ships assigned to the US Navy. The first part of this book on destroyers covers the developments of the Torpedo Boat Destroyers to the Flush deckers, the old "four piper" destroyers. The early era of destroyer development goes from the Bainbridge of 1906 to the end of WWII. A full chapter is given to the flush deck destroyers of World War One. Congress does not allow any new destroyers to be made during the 1920s; there are hundreds of destroyers in storage. The book seemlessly transitions into the pre-World War Two destroyers. The second part of this book covers destroyers from about 1930 until 1950, the start of the cold war era. A good part of the book is used to explain the development of the new generation of destroyers, the attempted destroyer's leaders, the very successful Fletcher class, and the extremely good destroyer escorts. Note, a full chapter is given to the Fletcher class and a full chapter is given to the very successful destroyer escorts of WWII. There is a chapter on WWII destroyer warfare. It should be noted that the extremely good gunnery of Taffy 3 is noted in the Battle of the Philippines; it is one reason why the destroyer succeeded the cruiser as the main capital surface ship of the US Navy, after the aircraft carrier. The third part of this book is the Cold War era destroyers. This covers everything from the conversions of the Gearings and Fletcher class under the FRAM I and II upgrades, to the conversion of the DE to picket ships, and the coming of the Guided Missile Destroyer. Note, Dr. Friedman includes the Ticonderoga CG class as a destroyer, not a cruiser. The 1970 to 1990 era of ship development include the nuclear powered destroyers to the mostly wrongly treated class of warship, the Perry Frigate.

The most surprising thing about this book is the updated sections starting in chapters 15, 16, and 17. Dr. Friedman has surprising detail on the coming of the Arleigh Burke class of destroyer. The Arleigh Burke class of destroyer may well be the last destroyer ever made in the USA, but Dr. Friedman can't write that at this point. Why will the Burke be the last destroyer? The mission of the destroyer is changing to more littoral than pure blue water. The British government has abandoned the destroyer designation for the closer descriptions of Frigates and Corvettes. But those two subjects are covered in Dr. Friedman's other book, British Destroyers, an illustrated design history. Dr. Friedman can only report on the design names of the US Navy, not change the designations themselves.

The amount of information on the Arleigh Burke class of destroyer is staggering. Indeed, a plan of the US Navy was to use the basic hull of the Burke as a replacement for everything from the Perry frigates to the sea controlling Ticonderoga cruisers. Considering that the Burke can trace its hull to the original Spruance hull says that the original design was quite impressive. The prototype of the Spruance was made in the late 1960s and the Burke destroyers will be sailing well until 2040 or later.

Dr. Friedman devotes quite a bit of space to the aborted arsenal ship. It is needed because a typical reader will not understand that the VLS missile launcher and various guidance systems are the true heart of a large modern warship.

The SWATH Ship Concept, SWATH is an acronym meaning Small-Waterplane-Area Twin-Hull, is a new generation naval ship that could well replace the destroyer in littoral fighting. Presently, the US Navy has two SWATH type ships, both purchased since the publishing of this book. The first is a commercial off-the-shelf purchasing of an existing high speed catamaran. The second, the USS Sea Fighter, is about a 260 foot long catamaran than can travel at over 70 km per hour, can carry many modular weapons systems, and may well be the future of surface warfare.

Where Dr. Friedman's book really shines is in the proposed development of the Perry class frigates. Note, Dr Friedman writes that the early Arleigh Burkes had to depend upon the helicopter support of the Perry frigates. When the Perry class frigates are sold/given to other nations these very good ships are rebuilt into junior versions of a Spruance destroyers. Indeed, many of the older Perry's are retrofitted with the VLS and better cannon systems and are a much better bargain for their navies.

Dr. Friedman's books of Cruisers, Battleships, Carriers, and Submarines are an indispensable part of any naval historian's library. Dr. Friedman does a great job of giving the full development of the US Destroyer. The only fault of this book is the technology is changing so fast that the information can become obsolete as it is written on the page.

This books is a five star book and is worthy of a special place in any Naval historian library.

Classic work of classic author.......2005-09-07

A comprehensive study of any aspect of design, armanent and equipment of all US destroyer's types from the beginning to present day. Most necessary for every shiplover and naval historian.

A great book for those wanting a techinical history.......1999-01-30

This book encompasses the design history of US destroyers. It provies unique details of the deisgn and construction, and eventual combat operations of destroyers. It goes from the very first to today's highly advanced destroyers. It is not for the novice, but makes a valuable addition to a maratime history library

Zerstorer Volume Two: Luftwaffe Fighter Bombers and Destroyers 1941-1945 (Luftwaffe Colours)

Average customer rating:

ROLIHO
An incomplete story
Great quality, as usual
Me 110s at War, Pt. 2

Zerstorer Volume Two: Luftwaffe Fighter Bombers and Destroyers 1941-1945 (Luftwaffe Colours)
John J. Vasco
Manufacturer: Classic Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Aviation | Military | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 190322358X

Book Description

This is the second of two volumes covering the history of the Zerstorer squadrons between 1939 and 1945. Following the attack on the west, the Me 110 also saw major deployment in the North African and Mediterranean theatres. In the East, in the early phases of Barbarossa, the Zerstorergruppen accounted for significant numbers of Russian aircraft destroyed on the ground and in the air. As the war progressed and Germany moved over to the defensive, Zerstorer units flew the Me 210 and Me 410, which saw service as a bomber destroyer with units such as ZG1, ZG26 and ZG76 in the defense of the Reich, equipped with heavy cannon and 21cm air-to-air mortars. Also included with the scope of these titles will be a study of the Luftwaffe’s long-range Ju 88 maritime Zerstorer, which were used over the Atlantic and Bay of Biscay against Allied convoys and to provide escort for the U-boats as well as lesser-known types such as the Ar 240 and Ta 154.

Customer Reviews:

ROLIHO.......2007-07-15

SEHR INFORMATIV VERY GOOD PICTURES AND SIDE PROFILES.
RECOMMENDED FOR ALL MODELLERS AND LUFTWAFFE FANS.

An incomplete story.......2007-07-03

There were at least three types of Luftwaffe aircraft produced for the
zerstorer ( destroyer)/heavy fighter/light bomber/recon role: the Bf-110, Me 210 and Me 410; there were also a number of D0-17 types converted for the " night intruder" role . But this book covers only the Bf-110's. Now that coverage is copious and thorough, but it still leaves a big hole in the story!

The book needs updating and expansion.

Great quality, as usual.......2007-05-21

Volume Two of the Zerstorer units is of the same high quality as all of the Luftwaffe Colours series I've seen and makes an excellent addition to that collection. Almost all of the photos seemed new, and as always the profiles are simply stunning.

It's a nice feature to see such a detailed profile illustration placed alongside a photo (or two) of the same aircraft, and be afforded the opportunity to see just how meticulously the profiles are rendered. You'll find yourself combing over the aircraft photo for tiny details and then checking them against the profile only to see that, yes, the artist got that detail right too.

One minor disappointment: the book included no photos or profile illustrations of other aircraft pressed into the Zerstorer role; the Me-210 and Me-410 are absent in this volume. The volume focuses exclusively on the Me-110, which should probably be referenced in some way in the book's title.

Me 110s at War, Pt. 2.......2007-04-19

John Vasco concludes his two-volume history of Luftwaffe fighter bombers and 'destroyers' in action with this lavishly-illustrated tribute to Messerschmitt's ungainly warrior.

Though the Me 110's reputation had suffered a bloody nose in the Battle of Britain, its overall versatility - and the lack of a suitable replacement - meant that the Messerschmitt continued to see service in various theaters throughout the war. Vasco summarizes the 110's combats in Russia, the Med and over Germany. Deployed against USAAF bombers, the aircraft - armed with heavy cannons and air-to-air rockets - truly earned its 'destroyer' moniker.

Vasco includes a three-page summary of notable Me 110 Knights' Cross holders along with a detailed summary of Wolfgang Schenck's career, 'Bombo' Schenck playing an influential role in developing fighter-bombers tactics. I would have enjoyed the inclusion of some first-person reminiscences but Vasco's narrative is quite good nevertheless.

The book bristles with photos - over 200 black & white and color shots in all - plus 15 color profiles by Fernando Estanislau.

All in all, a superbly illustrated, comprehensive history of the Me 110 in action. Recommended.

*****
Question: Given the lack of coverage of the Me 210 and 410 in this set, is "Classic Colours" planning a separate volume on those destroyers?

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