Taylor Anderson, Crusade: Destroyermen, Book II

Crusade: Destroyermen, Book II

Taylor Anderson

Roc, Oct 2008, $23.95

ISBN: 0451462300

US Navy Lieutenant Commander Matthew Reddy and the crew of the USS Walker still struggle to adjust to being on an alternate earth. However, he knows they do not have any time to understand how they were transported and how to get home. Instead he and his team train their local allies, the gentle peace-loving Lemurian, for war against the feral reptilian Grand Swarm of Grik.

However, the scenario turns even uglier for the displaced World War II Americans. A Japanese battle cruiser from their earth has arrived. The War in the Pacific has expanded to this alternate earth.

This is a terrific graphic sequel to 'Into The Storm' as readers will believe they are part of Reddy's crew with fully described sea, air and land battles and a typhoon to add to the overall chaos. The storyline is filled with action, but the bottom line is Taylor Anderson's deep look at the deterioration of unit and individual values in combat. Does for instance the seven modern day Army Values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage truly hold up when the enemy has overwhelming fire power that leaves your comrades dead, dying or severely injured?

Harriet Klausner