Who Is Taylor Anderson?
Taylor Anderson is the author of the Destroyermen Series of Novels. You can learn more about his work by visiting his author page.
Taylor Anderson is the author of the Destroyermen Series of Novels. You can learn more about his work by visiting his author page.
Comments
What was Chuck’s last name and what made you to make him a redshirt?
Please tell me that somewhere on the Alternate Earth there is some advanced civilization waiting to be discovered.
hi Taylor,
First of great novels. I am in Hawaii on holidays and went into the local Borders, lo and behold I purchased the first two novels. Now I cant wait for the next two!
Will we see Capt Reddy develop further and become the new Washington? Ceaser?
I’ve got a quick question for you Taylor. Will we ever find out more about “The other hunters”? It sounds like there may be more than just the three intelligent species (or four if you count Laurence’s people as not Grik) that we have heard about on your alternate earth.
Hmmm, something that I’d like to see? Here’s something to think about, what if there are several different worlds that are connected to this one? What if they run into a ship or ships from an alternate where the British were overrun because Churchill was never elected and Neville Chamberlain surrendered to Germany? The Empire is now a German vassal state fighting the Allies and a ship or carrier group helping in the war are sucked through. What do they do if they fall into this world? Support the Japanese/Grik, the US backed Lemurians, or the eastern human empire? What would Bradford do if he were to come face to face with his son flying Hurricanes for the National Socialist Party of England from 1947 against the Australian rebels?
Just an evil thought.
Saia
I’ve really enjoyed reading your first three books. The scene in book three, where Silva and the little girl Becky are on the deck of the ship was very emotional and done with a nice touch. I enjoy reading about how the humans and cats are learning different methods to improve their lives and the weapons they so desparately need. I keep wondering if wreckage from sunken ships during WWII will come through a squall. The wreckage could include fruits in crates such as oranges,tomatoes, corn or other items which could be used and the seeds collected for cultivation. Weapons from old Germany like the Zeplins could be developed along side the planes. The Zeplins could be used for high altitude bombing and transportation over long disstances. I look forward to reading your next book and have already pre-ordered it. Keep up the good writing.
Hmmm…a dirigible hot-air luftshiff..actually would have more flexibility than a regular lighter than airship. And you wouldn’t need goldbeaters skin for the bags.
wonder if anything else will come through the devils gait in the sea of japan or the bermuda triangle from a different time line hee hee just thinking out loud
Hey guys. I’ve finally got a little time to jump back in here. Sorry for the long absense! A bunch of neat posts. Unfortunately, I can’t answer a lot of these questions directly–don’t want to spoil the surprise–or surprises! I will say that “Distant Thunders” answers a FEW of the above questions, and hints at others. A lot of strange possibilities will arise as the destroyermen and their friends take their first, tentative steps beyond the Malay barrier. They’ll also make some interesting observations about some stuff in their own back yard!
taylor
Hi Taylor, I finally got Maelstrom and already finished it.
I have to say I am intrigued by the New British empire and how they have a buffer zone already in place. Would the buffer zone be in Guam, micronesia? Is the NBE (new british empire) based around Hawaii? Samoa? The possibilities are endless thats for sure.
Will we see the allied force begin to build Armor? An airforce?
Cant wait for Distant Thunders! Keep up the excellent work mate.
nelson
Just a couple of hints: It’s the Empire of the New Britain Isles—-and check out a post I put on “Technical Discussions!”
Take care!
My bad, I just read your post, it was great. Its excellent to see how some of your fans are very well versed. I cant wait to see where the buffer and the main Islands are for the Empire of the New Britain Isles
Wonder if there will be a civil war and a new republic will be born which will be allied with the people and americans
No “bad,” Nelson, and isn’t it neat about all the fans of the series? Lots of smart folks.
Regarding the first post in this section from Blair, I got to thinking about it and did a word search–because I didn’t remember a “Chuck.” Well, there isn’t one, so I don’t know where that came from?????
Taylor
I was wondering where he had come up with that name. I didn’t recall anyone by that name, just had the commanders name who was a redshirt (current serving redshirt anyway).
An unknown Lemurian character who already knows the alphabet (many do, in latin), may, after learning English, may start reading Books and Manuals from the Americans. This person may get ideas that Americans haven’t thought of, using tecniques and technology he’s learned. Only he applies it to his world, his known materials,plants, minerals, or animals he’s familiar with. Surprizes can occur anywhere. Consider Afgan Mountain gunsmiths who copy or design their own weapons. I saw an Afgan made Drilling(double shotgun with lower rifle barrel, that was of fantastic quality. Yet the shotguns were 12 gauge(not 16 like German types), and the rifle barrel was .303 Brit., rather than, say, 9.3x74R. Calibers more suited to their area. So a Lemurian may adapt an american idea to his local worldview. Oh, if you don’t use it for money, gold is even better for bullets than lead. Lemurians don’t use gold for money(G).
must have book soon cant wait
my kingdom for acouple of p-51s or acouple of cosairs to ruin the griks day or a baby flat top to get lost in the rift i think with some of the ideas posted from the fans on this website you have several more great books left in this series cant wait to see how the japanese leut.and the other survivor evolve in the plot line take care and good hunting
i don’t know about P51s but an LST that was moded with scout plane and flight deck would be wild.. yes they had a few of these made in WW2
P-51′s would be nice . . . wait and see!
Can’t really tell if their alternative universe is in sync with time, but it would be cool to see human vessels from an earlier time appear. Perhaps a Confederate raider or WWI armoured cruiser. Would make for an interesting flottila, wouldn’t it? Great books, I am standing by for the next BOOKS. Keep em coming.
I think this is silly but if the Destroyermen ever make it to Europe after December 1944 it would be a real hoot for them to find either Glenn Miller or the remains of the transport plane that he was lost in. The plane was lost over the English Channel on the way to Paris. Its is generally regarded that bad weather was the cause or that it was accidentally hit by allied bombs. I always liked to believe that mother nature was the cause not carelessly jettisoned bombs. I just thought of that because Glenn Miller is one of my favorite swing / big band artists, and the idea that his live performances for Allied troops took him to a alternate Earth to perform for the Destroyermen would be above and beyond the call of duty.
Great (or warped) minds! Ha!
I’d love that too. I have tried to be careful to use as much real stuff, and mention as many real people as I can–without changing anything they really did on this world. Walker and the Mahan I used were real, but neither had a wartime record.
Glenn Miller though. . . Wow, it is tempting, because he was great . . . but I struggle with the perception of disrespect to him or his family. That is the main reason I have refused to alter or augment any “our world” achievements or war records of ships or individuals. Now , ANALOGS are acceptable . . . Hmm.
Hello taylor. Whom Blair Colquhoun ment was chack-sab-at or was it at-sab? Can’t remember whitch, but several people here have great ideas. I myself have been fantisizing about a F-4 Phantom.
Hi Johnathan. I’m not sure about that. My take on “redshirt” is the “Star Trek” kind–basically, the new dude in the red shirt always gets killed. Maybe I’m wrong, but I can’t think of any other meaning. Chack is a major character in the series, and appears prominently through book 4–at least.
in Origenal series star trek red shirt is engineering. in the next Gen. it is for the first officer and above. can’t remember the other thre series. and now that the red shirt was brought to mind….. and another go through of malstrom….. blair ment that brit captain and he was asking why you made him a red-coat. sorry about making you think it was chack.
Jonathan
Taylor,
I’m glad you find my idea great (or warped) I just couldn’t imagine someone else as cool as Glen Miller showing up in your universe. I completely agree avoid disrespecting him is very important. But ya just imagine him showing up. Hell just the remains of his plane being discovered would be neat! Keep up the great work and I am counting the few short days until Distant Thunders.
oh yeah the last few days!5 of them left!
Love the books,really looking forward too the next one. Just wanted to ask about the heavy cruiser and its crew? Did any of them escape too the U.S. side {would like to think so} also could any of the cruiser be salvaged? if not the hole ship then how about the small arms 20, 30 and 50 cal.s ext? It might be cool to have some other things from other centuries “civle war” or Spanish Amercian wars ext. be found and salvagable? anyway, your books sure get my creative juicies going.{not many do} thanks for your time. Rod >
Be nice if a “Cat” genius showed up, maybe came up wiIth some new applications for the Lemurian wood laminates they already have and use in the big Homes. Also, I was amazed that BB3′s hull was in the area as a dynamite barge in 1945, and broke free and was lost for quite a while. Found and sold to a Japanese company in 1946 or 47, who drydocked and scrapped her.
I am really excited about book 4 especially since I just got back from Hawaii and I took a day trip over to visit Pearl Harbor and got to walk through the Bowfin, and the Missouri. The best is that i got to see a Mark 14 Steam Driven Torpedo and many other kinds. I can’t wait! And I also reread the last book and realized that McKasy said that the New British isles were in the middle of the Pacific…. Hmmm.
I’ve read most of Distant Thunders but not the whole book yet. I like the honorable commander of the NBE fleet & surprisingly the company man. Actually the Santa Catalina seems to from another alternate other than the one from which the Mahan, Walker, S-19 & the Amagi are from. Seeing a an aircraft carrier would be cool. Also who is the senior most Naval officer? Capt. Reddy right?
Just finished book four.
Loved it. Just started reading it again.
A couple of quibbles–things were awfully spread out,
do not like cliffhangers, each book should be complete on its own like the first three were.
More Chack please.
Just a thought… The Walker battle-flag has the battles embroidered on it.
Would the Marine and Guard regiments have streamers (pennons listing battles fought) on their Regimental Standards?
Love the series!!!
This may be the wrong place for this, but things I’ve wondered. So the Grik have a ton of iron, all there weapons and such are iron, why don’t the People/Humans use it? I mean 100,000 dead grik swords/armor has to be a fairly large amount. Also, I’m surprised they don’t use something like a molotov cocktail with seep(or even oil) against such a swarming enemy. Why doesn’t Shinya just tell them he lived/studied in America? Adar might be my favorite character in this series, followed by Chack. It would be really interesting to know more about the previous creatures who joined the Grik on the Hunt to become prey.
I’m looking forward to book 5. Thanks.
Whew! Okay, let’s see! Some of this stuff I’d rather not comment on–yet. There might be a few spoilers.
James: What a strange thing to say about Santa Catalina! Oh, there was an . . . anomoly in the section surrounding her–A passage referring to her as looking like the “Old Blackhawk” says she was an Asiatic fleet “tenderly.” Obviously, she was a “tender.” I suspect an odd button was pressed.
Pat: Maybe it is a cliffhanger, but I didn’t mean to leave you hanging TOO bad. I have to stick to the 150 to 160 thousand word template–which is longer than most these days, but sometimes it’s hard to bring everything to a neat ending at an arbitrary place. Sorry. The best I could do was give them a breather. And it does end up with a definite pause . . . As far as the sprawling nature of the storyline, future volumes will have a heading on each chapter telling you where the action is occurring. They have broken the Malay Barrier, but it’s a big world, and characters are going different directions.
Cory: Iron will become a bigger part of things, obviously. Grik swords are a great source, but a bigger and far better source lies in Baalkpan Bay. They have also begun using some of the “local” iron, but there’s not that much, relatively speaking. LOTS of non-ferrous metals, however, so that’s what they concentrate on first. Besides, until they can “make” steel–as opposed to iron–bronze, or “gunmetal” cannons are FAR superior to iron guns in terms of elongation, machinability, and a variety of other traits. Much less likely to burst!
I WILL give you a hint: A certain Grik begins to wonder–eventually–just what DID happen to previous”other” members of the Hunt. Fire weapons require a safe means ( as far as the Lemurians and humans are concerned) of delivering them. The Grik have rather catastrophic accidents on occasion. Stay tuned!
Take care, all!
Taylor
Booh Yah. this is killing me i think my copy got lost in the mail though. don’t have it yet. but oh this is killing me. love it taylor. keep it up. just don’t lose my book again.
jonathan
Johnathon–Lost in the MAIL???
You know it seems like you really ought to let The Destroyermen get a bit more female companionship. Since there are at least two other human colonies on this world they should be able to get some somewhere. They could always liberate a slave ship. They might be able to come to the aid of some poor endangered females in need of rescuing. They could be refugees escaping from a repressive government or the attack of some other dangerous life form that drove them out of their home. They could even be from some third Earth since you have hinted at multiple other Earths being potentially connected to the one they live in. Perhaps some cruise ship, tramp steamer, a science vessel from some college full of college student and teachers and crew. You might have some troop ship or hospital ship.
I hesitate to mention planes as they could easily have enough women on board a modern jet liner to go around but unless they had VTOL on the scale of a modern commercial jet liner they would have a hard time landing anywhere in the first place and second landing anywhere where they won’t get eaten fairly quickly. They might even be able to land on water unlike modern commercial liners but somewhat reminiscent of some of the early planes. I am thinking of one in what I want to say was one of the Indiana Jones movies. They would have to appear near some current human area of occupation and or have the cavalry in the form of the destroyermen or their allies come to the rescue in time to win their heart felt thanks. The Grik already got one big ship so it only seems fair to let the humans good or evil have a shot at the next ship or plane. I really think that having families would give them more incentive to think about the future and to endure until they can secure a future for themselves and their families.
Since technology on different original worlds will certainly be different they could be more advanced in some ways and possibly less in others. They could also be from a world less advanced or one that is more advanced altogether. It could make for some interesting combinations of technologies.
The Black Hawk started out life as the the Santa Catalina in 1913 and was purchased by the navy in 1917 and upon her commissioning in mid May of 1918 she became the Black Hawk. The ship in the book must be from a very close version of the Earth the Walker came from.That is very interesting indeed. The ship and it’s cargo may hold some other unexpected surprises in the future. Perhaps the books that were collected will provide some interesting new information that the alliance needs and or insights into the world this ship came from.
Will the Alliance be making contact with the worthy prey on the West or South as mentioned on page 126 of Distant Thunders? Will the Alliance grow or gain new enemies as a result of the contact or possibly one of each? It seems the ones of the south would be best to contact as the Grik are not really in a hurry to finish them off while they are fighting the wars they have now. By the time they are ready they might find a nasty surprise with Alliance help. Are these Prey from this world or more who came across at some other time in the past? I guess that is what sequels are for.
Indercio, Good points and questions all. Some are pretty close to home runs, actually, or at least doubles–but I won’t tell you which. Maybe there’s a reason Santa Catalina is called that, maybe not. Maybe just an homage TO the Blackhawk??? Hmm. Wonder what’s squirming around in her guts?
I was thinking about the grik and related species. I think the grik are the aberration, not the others. They have a sort of cultural brainwashing in place, and I believe “grik rout” is what happens when the brainwashing breaks and the grik are exposed, for the first time, to otherwise normal emotions like fear and self-protection. I believe the “Borno grik” are grik in their natural state.
Also, it came to me in the last few paragraphs of Distant Thunders that Silva is every thunder god EVER. Bushy beard, crude manners, powerful build, parties hard. He’s even got his kill-anything thunderbolt, now. I fully expect Laurence’s people to start making Silva statues and Doom Whomper fetishes when he blows the head clean off of some crustaceous horror in front of a kid who’s just trying to have his rite of passage…
Taylor- Love the series!!!
I can’t help smile and grin every time you mention Spanky. On the USS California (CGN-36) we had a short crusty Chief Machinest Mate- who was nick-named “Spanky”. Your Spanky is one hell of a good Cheng.
Looking forward to seeing what you put in those steam/sail frigates. 2 or 4 cylinder reciprocating? direct drive shaft? (not sure what rpm you max out on those)
Can’t keep a good snipe down!
My vote is that Santa Catalina has the biggest tapeworm, or crayfish you ever saw lairing in her(G)
In reference to above, I would favor a twin screw, multi fuel(wood, coal,or oil), triple-expansion engines.
Aubri–I hinted at this a long time ago, but it’s starting to look more and more like you are right. (Maybe) Ha! After all, when do HUMAN children become entirely sentient? I propose it is long after they are potentially dangerous. “Brainwashing” works very well during that malleable age–and what of Halik?
Silva’s not a God–at least I don’t THINK he is! He is a real mixture of several people I know, and it’s a good thing there are guys like him.
Hugh, thanks for your service! Spanky is one of my favorite characters. People often say they keep forgetting he’s kind of a little guy–but that’s the point! He’s a big personality in a small “crusty” package. Glad to hear there was a real one!
The first engines are simple compound jobs. Big, but uncomplicated. Santa Catalina would have had a triple expansion outfit (more later) and the first similar engines will be in the Home/Carriers–two engines on a single, centerline shaft. Certainly not race horses, but simple and reliable and capable of ten to MAAAYYBEE 15 knots. Of course, they’re not launching ten ton aircraft either. More on he “new” improved “frigate” engines in the next book–problems and advantages.
A hint for John, there will be “multi-fuel” attempts, in fits and starts–but we never got real good at that on THIS world. The afore mentioned Spanky would still hate it–but forward area oil supply can be a challenge. Which problem do you think they will work hardest on?
Gladto see we’re starting to get some character discussion going in the character discussion section!
Take care!
The reason I don’t favor single-srew designs can be summed up simply. Screw damage. I have read where the single screw liberty ships and escort carriers had some problems, including the screw sometimes actually coming off.
Better also build a seagoing tug capable of handling a home.
Command of a home-towing tug would tickle some of the wing clans who are out of work on Big Sal.
Taylor- John has an great idea about the sea-going tugs. What if S-19 gets towed back, they pull the 2 diesels and make a twin shaft heavy duty tug?
I just can’t imagine with all the big sea-beasties that anyone would actually want to take the sub out and submerge again.
Back to the characters, I really look forward to seeing Reynolds grow and mature (I hope he lives long enough to!) And will we ever see a 3-way marriage for Silva?
(kidding there!)
Really love the detail and elopement of all your characters- very nice job on creating a truly hate-able guy in Billingsly. And thank you for what you did to him!!! Keep up the great work and thank you again Sir!!! Its a very enjoyable series that I hope just goes and goes and goes on for many, many more!!
As complicated as your world is becoming you may have to have some stand alone novels one day with some of your other Destroyermen characters being the lead in them. You might want to have one with new characters altogether from one of the alternate worlds. I hope that we do not go the evil twin from some other earth route. You have so many different people already with lots of potential if you ever get the chance to write about them it seems that you could have some great books there. Maybe one book or a part of one book could be the contact of the other worthy prey by one of those characters. You know if they also have radio they might already know about the Destroyermen and they may make first contact either by radio,ship,or even plane. They may be human or not but it would be interesting to find out when you go there.
It might be interesting if Lawerence’s people become a larger part of the alliance and the U.S. Navy. Thet would make a great equivelant of the Phillipine scouts with their jungle skills, and could probaly be recruiters of the “Wild Indian Lizards”. Maybe even crewing and commanding explorations ships.
Since the Grik, over their thousands of years of history,”always meet new prey as we expand, and sometimes the great storms deliver others unto us” so says the Celestial Mother on page 126 of Distant Thunders. This has been happening throughout this worlds history. There must have been huge numbers of cross overs from other earths in that time. Many appear to find a way to survive at least until the Grik find them or some other bad guy shows up to kill or enslave them. This is not the only part of the world getting cross overs. The cross overs appear to be happening over the seas and oceans. Therefore it would seem likely that the larger part of them would be found on the coastlines at least to start with.
You have created a world with endless possibilities. The things that may be found through exploration alone could be very surprising. You could have everything from some super races to the most primitive races capable of surviving on the world of the Destroyermen. You will have more none human races out there and more human colonies. More enemies and more friends to find and interact with just waiting to be found.
You have created a world with so many different story possibilities that no one could write them all in one lifetime. That is always a great accomplishment for a writer to create a world that your fans can not get enough of the stories it has to offer up. One day you will want to write something else but I hope not for a long time. In this world you have created you can have practically any kind of story you want to experiment with anyway. Thanks for such great stories that a person can loose themselves in them for awhile. Your readers appear to be doing this not once but over and over again because your stories are interesting and fun to reread. I think I am not the only one trying to figure out what you may be coming up with next. That is fun too. All the feedback I am sure helps you come up with better and more interesting stories as well.
Taylor.
Love the series, they are some of the best books I have read. For me it would be interesting if Moe (aka The Hunter) was developed into a more important character. An idea that I thought would be particularly interesting was if Moe commanded or was part of a commando group, a Lemurian version of Carlson’s Raiders (although this may be difficult to accomplish). I was also thinking that you might be able to use the “wild Indian Grik” for the same purpose.
It’ll be intersting to find out more about Lawerence, if he develops an even greater intelligence now that he is maturing, and just what his society is like.
Since we already know that there is an alternate world similar to our own world during the WW2 time period, wouldn’t it be possible for another Walker or Mahan to enter too?
How about some cross over from some world where Rome never fell to barbarian hordes but rather to the gradual influence of more economically powerful and more technologically advanced neighbors.Rome itself may have slid into a third world status nation or below and it’s people may have readily gone to the other nations for a better future. Wow that sounds like the U.S. and why people have historically come here to live. They may still have gone through periods of technological stagnation from time to time and still be ahead of the Destroyermen in some or even several areas.
You could literally take people from any historical period and change something and now you have a different future in their world.When they cross over to the new world of the Destroyermen they could come with all types of beliefs,languages,technologies,and skills. The animal and plant life they bring with them may well be different than what the Destroyermen are familiar with due to other evolutionary differences. Maybe they got one or more little asteroids instead of a really big one or maybe land masses connected where other worlds did not or maybe some volcanoes that exploded in one world but didn’t in another.They could have had much smaller or much larger explosions or even more or less explosions overall. A huge explosion in or near the sea or ocean might cause huge tidal waves,and clouds of ash that may stay in the atmosphere for long periods of time affecting the atmosphere.I am thinking some type of Ice Age one world had the other might not have had. The volcanic activity might also cause some earthquakes activity along with the major explosions.
Maybe some of those UFO’s that we have heard about for years got yanked across too. I favor the cigar shaped ones over the flying saucer ones. Saucers have been way over done and the cigar shaped UFOs have hardly ever been addressed. That might alter the story way to much but hey I just had to mention it. That type of technological differences would probably destroy the integrity of the story. If you lose the struggle to survive and overcome where would the story go. It would be over. Now if the super technologically advanced races that the Destroyermen might encounter here and there were only willing to talk but not share much in the way of technology or intelligence information their struggle would continue. They might even help in small ways but not often and only in fairly minor things. Minor things to them at least but to the Destroyermen it might mean life or death. One example of something they might tell them would be when they learn of some cross over that might be in need of a safe harbor that would be within the range of the Destroyermens assistance. That might cause the Destroyermen to create a sort of Coast Guard branch to their military with the responsibility of search and rescue. There is no reason to think that all or even most of the ships that cross over will be military in nature. I think that most would be civilian and in need of help.
Have the Destroyermen been able to share how to make glass, mirrors,looking glasses, telescopes,and or maybe binoculars?
If you want to check out some place you want to search from a distance for survivors for some other ship that crossed over it might be pretty helpful. It might protect their people from walking into dangers they could have avoided. If you want to invade or prepare for some type of battle land or sea they would also come in real handy. You could have someone from a cross over they rescue teach them those things if they did not know how to do them already.
Keep the good work up.
Hey guys! Glad you are thinking about things! A bunch of neat ideas–that I will neither confirm or deny. I think you’ll like the “direction” things are headed. I guess the best thing any author can do is leave people thinking about the tale.
This has all mad me wonder could the Neanderthals survived in north america or where its cold? The grick dont seem to like cold. Or maybe some other entirely new sentience besides the grik and Cats have developed on that world.
Heck look at ours.
Humans, neanderthals, the hobbit race….who knows but its looking like sentience is rather more common on earth than we thought.
Indeed, James. Good point. I have been very frustrated with much of the “science” associated with the “hobbits.” The claims that they did not have the brain capacity to make the tools their remains were found with strikes me as ridiculous. When did Phrenology suddenly regain credibility? That IS what they are using, essentially. Many species found in confined places are physically much smaller than their continental counterparts. Are Indonesian elephants stupider than their continental cunterparts? I honestly don’t know, but I kind of doubt it. I’ve seen CROWS demonstrate more intelligence than many people! What does that say about “brain capacity?”
Taylor,
Curious question. I was reading DT for the second time last week and I noticed that the new “Boats” for Walker is Carl Brashear…coincidence?
Taylor,
I just finished up with your 4th book and found it as exciting and thouroghly entertaining as the 1st 3. My only question for you is when can we(more like I!) can expect to see the 5th book? You have me shaking like a drughead for it already!!!!
Adrian,
Yeah, actually it is. His name’s Bashear, by he way. He’s been in the story from the start. Earned his job. It IS possible there was a subconscious connection, but I think it was more a mix of a couple names of guys I know.
0n 5/13/10 I picked up Crusade at the airport on my way out of town. I didn’t realize it was part of a series, and it didn’t matter, it was great! In fact, I couldn’t wait to head back home for two reasons: 1. to finish the book on the flight and, 2. to buy the first and third book. Which I did right away. BUT than I had to wait two LONG weeks for the 4th. And now I have to wait how long for the next?
Whomever said they felt like a drug addict above, understands how I feel too.
So, favorite character(s)? Silva is so hot! I cried over his interaction with the princess….but I am a girl, so I can cry unashamedly. I also really like the Mice and Tabby. Actually, I like them all. I even really dislike the villains. Hissss!
Like so many who have already voiced, I also have my own theories, and when work is particularly boring, I even daydream my version of your stories. But I’m not going to share, because I LOVE YOUR STORY TELLING, and honestly, I hope you don’t heed others’ ideas. (Sorry everyone, but if any of anyone here also writes a book, let me know, I’ll read it.)
However, with that said….I am wondering where the British got women? The British East India Company didn’t allow women at their outposts till early 1800′s… and since they passed into the alternate world before the American Revolution, its likely they didn’t have women with them. So…either they are hermaphrodites, or maybe the reason the company has its own problems is because they stole someone else’s women?
Great books!
Thanks Colleen;
Ha! “Well batted!” Where DID enough women come from to sustain/build a civilization???? The East India Co. did transport some passengers, and there actually were women at the established, “Imperial” holdings. Still, not a sufficient resource . . . .
Perhaps a prison transport to New South Wales(Australia) was in the convoy. There appear to be Indian (India) names appearing in book 4, perhaps some Sepoy families?
Remember there has also been other human peoples to that world before some american also. All one of those storms would have to do is end up with enough people it could wipe a who city off the map. Plus its also possible it takes people from even other earths so….
Britain didn’t start exporting its criminals to Australia till after the Revolutionary War. In a rather large way, our (USA) independence is greatly responsible for the formation of modern Australia. If England had continued dumping its convicts here, instead of being forced to look elsewhere, its possible Australia would have been a Dutch colony… instead of being another super cool nation like the USA.
Ha! I love it when I leave you guys thinking. No writer could ever ask for more. All I will say is what if John, James, and Colleen are ALL sort of right? Agggh! I have to shut up! Hey! Let’s talk about something else!
I think it would be fun if a remnant of the Kaiser’s Pacific “Empire” survived somewhere near Yap Island or where the great barrier reef is now(with lower sea levels, it would be one BIG, long, low island). Of course, I’m distantly related to the Hohenzollerens, so I have absolutely no favoritism in the matter.(G)
hmmmn what happened to the 6 grik captured at aryaaldid they remain with captain ellis? because after the capture there was only one mention of it in distant thunders. and that gave no clue as to their location. (yes i finally got my copy)
Glad you finally got your copy, Johnathon. Those Grik are in a strange situation. They are mentioned a couple of times, but at first, they don’t really know what to do with them–then they get distracted. Consider them in “transit” for now . . .
Just be careful who “transits” them…accidents have been known to happen at sea. Sounds like Lawerence’s people have another potential job…liason.
Subject change, will S-19 escape the volcano? Will this be another Krakatoa? Or something else? Do Boiled squirt-crutastions taste like lobster? Will I ever learn how to spell? Stay tuned….
Great series – I spent the week reading the series – horrified to see book 4 released last month as this means at least a year for book 5!
k. smith: Actually, according to Taylor, book 5 will be released sometime this winter
Anyone here have a favourite character from the books (or several)? Personally, I like Silva, Tabby and Chack the best.
By the way, I hope Tabby and Spanky eventually get married. She sure flashes her boobs at him a lot!
So…Lawrence lays panting I’m the sun when the shade is close by…the celestial mother’s throne has sunlight reflected to shine on her & the Hijl general sits on deck with a light fabric awening which let’s defused sun through.
Humm…. Either the Girk suffer from VERY severe Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or the don’t get enough Vitamin D in their diet.
If so, then the humans & Lemurians move to Seattle & live happily ever after! End of story…
NO! Bad idea, the story must continue!!!
SAD causes depression, but I don’t think it causes agression. I’m not sure what vitamin D deficiancy causes. Time for more research.
Sorry about spelling errors above. Dang iPhone autofeeds. I am not the sun. But Lawrence was “in” the sun. Sheesh
Vitamin D deficiency affects calcium absorbtion, for one thing.
Hi Taylor, I stumbled across your books when the first one came out. At the end of Book 1 I sat stunned…Monkey Cats? Lemurians? Well, that’s ingenius. No one ever did that one before. I have followed the Series and love it. Matt, Sandra, Dennis, Chack, Keje, Risa, and Bradford. Thanks for an original storyline. I love crossovers and this is great. Are we ever going to find out if Dennis/Risa actually mated? His other girlfriend inthe 4th book hinted at that but I wasn’t sure how that threesome living in one house would work out. I think its kind of sick as most will agree, but hey, If Captain Kirk would do the Green Chick and many others…why not? Just kidding. Do you accept art work from others? I was wondering where you got your art work displayed on your website. Thanks again!
Mr. Anderson, I love your books sir, i am a 15 year old high school student and ive read all the books 3 times and i cant get enough haha, i just finished numero 4 and i must say i was hooked especially with the secret spooky frieghter with the Curtis products on it, that seriously made me say hell yeah out loud, im looking forward to number 5 keep up the good work Mr. Anderson.
Hi guys, good points/suggestions/observations! I ought to be “back” more often soon! Thanks for all the kind words!
The green chick Kevin? Really? Ha! Sure, I accept artwork, I’ve posted several things that have been sent–most are better than mine! All I know how to do on a computer is “Paint.” Always been a “pen and ink” guy. Shoot it to me through the “contact” feature and if it’s pertinent (and not too much of a spoiler) I’ll post it and attribute it like the others. (Nothing obscene, if you please!)
Thanks Devin! Glad to see young adults like the series so much. It’s a “grown-up” tale, with some rough and raunchy characters–but they were! I DO try to keep things sort of “PG-13″ though. My daughter just finished reading “Distant Thunders” and long after I thought she wa asleep, she came creeping into my office, her face aglow, and said “(Certain Curtiss product)!!! THANK you, Daddy!” The “E” is her favorite model! Ha! (They were actually the most appropriate at that time, and that’s what Langley had aboard.)
Take care!
Taylor
Hi Taylor, I am again reading your books and on the 4th one again. I kept noticing something that kind of bugged me and had hoped you would explain it to me. Why do several characters keep goofing up on their ranks? For example, Pete Alden was a sergeant in the Marine Corps, but he is a THE General of the Marine Corp now. However, everyone keeps calling him Sergeant Alden, even in book 4. I realize when a person gets promoted that its easy to use the former rank, say seaman to Petty Officer Third Class, etc. But that is usually for a week or two. Its been over a year and Pete is still called Sergeant and is considered a Sergeant by all except the Lemurians. He does his “General” job 24/7 and doesn’t get underway now but leads from HQ. Captain Reddy in the first 3 books kept being referred to interchangeably as Lietenant Commander and Captain, etc. This may seem kind of silly on my part but I just kept thinking…if your a General, a Captain, or Ambassador, you don’t keep referring to your previous rank, etc. So, I was wondering if that was intentional and what your thoughts might have been? Thanks much!
Kevin,
I’ll answer your second question first. “Captain” Reddy’s official U.S.N.R rank was Lieutenant Commander, but “Captain” is the accepted mode of address for the commander of any ship, including commissioned warships. Archaically, “Captain” can be used to describe any high military commander.
As for Alden, he is just now coming to grips with his new role. He still thinks of himself as a sergeant–and he’s going to continue to have trouble dealing with HQ duties. Like all the characters, he will grow into his role–or not. As for characters referring to him as sergeant or general, I can’t remember how many instances there were–and I might have over done it??? but maybe they were characters who had been separated from him through much of the last book?
I JUST finished going over the MM proofs for “Distant Thunders”–also due out in February, I think–and I found some weird stuff I never saw before (destroyer ‘tenderly’ instead of ‘tender,’ for example) but confusion over Alden’s rank didn’t jump out at me. Of course, perception things like that are harder for me to catch since I KNOW what I’m trying to say. Sorry it kept stumping your toe.
Will the rescued Japanese sailors be grateful enough to throw in with Captain Reddy? Will they perhaps find themselves some ladies of their own and one day go back to Japan to restart their race in this new worlds version of Japan? They would have much to offer I am sure.
Will you be bringing some more ships through anytime soon? I would like to see some WWI or Civil War era ships come through even if they are from other earths but who also might have some intriguing differences. I am not saying they have to be from the US only just more or less from those periods.
Thanks again for such great books and I am also rereading them and getting ready for the next one.
How about an AH-1W Cobra? A Marine attack helicopter would make ALL the difference against the Grik.
It would be cool to see the humans and lemurians build a ship like a battleship or anoter destroyer. Also a question, when the newer lemurian ships have cannons, are those like WWII 5 inchers, or like a 19th century cannon
Sadly, an AH-1W would only be useful for 1-3 missions, due to maintainence cycle and non-WW2 standard ammunition. Just too advanced to be useful for long. Now a Fokker triplane or a D9 Fokker would be different. A Jenny with .30-06 mgs would be dead easy to maintain and feed.
I love Jennys. I always wanted to build one–but you know? Those things are BIG! Storage is an issue. I am drawn to some of these new aluminum frame “kit” planes that are available now. A full-size Neuport isn’t very big.
You know, I wouldn’t be a bit surprized if one of the crew wasn’t familiar with a Jenny, they were all over after WW1, and even as crop dusters in California in the 1950′s. Yes, they are BIG, had a lot of lift, and the liberty engine just ran and ran. Might be the first “native built” land airplane the boys come up with. Note, I said land based..
Hmmm. Look in at a few of the posts above, it makes me wonder a bit about the Grik biology. If the Grik are not fully endothermic, perhaps they will have problems handling colder climates. Seems to me northern islands of Japan or southern Russia would be a very good place to build manufacturing for the war effort if this is so. Perhaps a bit of experimentation on the skulks and Lawrence would be in order to see just what happens when you cool them off. Lethargy, or perhaps even loss of higher brain functions could result making defiance of the facilities easier, and that also would likely preclude any chance of the Grik getting in the air.
Saia
Taylor,
Thank you for the series. After reading the first book, it was such a hit with me on so many levels. I am a great fan of Science Fiction/Fantasy and of anything WWII. You cover both and make a great read of it. Especially destroyers of the day. The stories of the tough fight at the begining of the war in the pacific are among my favorite. It was all the better since I knew a lot of the locations you discuss in your books.
I went through books 1-3 in a week and could not find #4 in my area. I ended up getting the recording and wow did that add a whole new dimension to what you have written. I am waiting #5 and look forward to it. I just found your site and can’t wait to explore. Oh, also, I have been to the Zoo a couple times since I have read your books and I just can’t pass the Lemurs anymore without taking a really long look. Thanks again for the books!
The problem with this is that the torpedoes used in World War
II were inferior to the Japanese Long Lance torpedoes. Submariners returning from their patrols early in the war knew it and reported it to their superiors at Pearl Harbor.
Their superiors didn’t believe them until they ordered their
submarine crews to fire their torpedoes at the nearby cliffs.
Later in World War II, the American torpedoes were more effective, and the Japanese had resorted to kaiten torpedoes,
which were manned by kamikazes.
I often wonder how long it will be before C. Bradford remembers that Australia has all the materials needed for an Iron/Steel Industry, since that cat’s already have settlements there. Or a cat reads a survey and goes hmmm?
Soon they will be reading copied books and may even build a printing press. Knowing Bradford, rubber, at least in small quantities, or chicle, will no longer be a problem if he remembers one of his Botany Classes. Even a fig tree can provide a little latex at the fruiting stem. Someone made an interesting point. What if the Grik have problems at higher altitude due to temperature adjustment?
Just a thought, just HOW many Lemurians are learning to read english? Wonder what all those books from the staterooms in the Santa Catalina contain? Reading from the Lemurian point of view may produce some entertaining results. Think, look at what we did! Daddy! A sanctioned but independent cat expedition to her might produce both serious and hilarious results. It would be cute if the unexplored “devils island” actually had survivors sheltering on it hiding from hungry critters on the “Mainland”. Even if it’s just a Robinson Caruso type.
I’m reading comments about the Grik biology above and if I remember my Earth Science class from years back properly Dinosaurs are categorized as either Bird hipped or reptile hipped. The majority of the dinosaurs that had particular issues with heat gathering and dispersing were the reptile hipped dinosaurs. The the Grik would be categorized as bird hipped dinosaurs if I’m remembering Bradford correctly. Dinosaurs which had particular issues with heat gathering and dispersing were mostly desert creatures which had a wide variation of temperatures within one day. Most of which were reptile hipped.
An interesting thing about the Triceratops is that the horns that most people think are for defense as well as their broad brim that covers their neck are actually there to release excess heat. Think of the horns as radiators that you see in old style homes letting out heat from a furnace. The amount of heat that a Triceratops generates is so great that its body temperature would fry its brain. And if one of its horns were to break off the creature would bleed to death since that actually had blood circulation in the horns. That was one of the problems that I had with the Rhino pigs, they had so many different traits, but if they were more like dinosaurs they would have had heat trouble.The horns would be more likely to shed heat then be such a sturdy and tough weapon.
But back to my main point, like many species of dinosaurs if the Grik are bird hipped then they should have less issues with temperature variations or that through evolution they were more likely to evolve that ability. Now about altitude and their brain chemistry being able to handle a particular amount of G’s without being able to black out I have no idea. That is one area I can’t wait to read on.
I was thinking today the cats would have made great vikings…Maybe there is a Civilization of cats that could live farther north maybe alaska.
I just got my copy of “Distant Thunder” also from one of three local Borders. Busy re-reading the series.
Taylor I just posted you a note regarding fueling the Walker and her counterpart. Perhaps you could give us something to think about regarding her below decks crews, Spanky and his Mice for example.
I’d like to read about the Young submariner coming of age in his own submarine. I know Shinya was working on torpedoes. Perhaps the captured Amagi has a torp aboard that can be copied or technical torpedo manuals.
Or his sub could tow mines several hundred yards astern. His sub would then be on the opposite side of the Grik ship when it detonates.
Just to echo – I love these books and I can’t wait for the new one!
There is one character I find that seems to ghost through the stories that I’d really like to see fleshed out. Juan is always there in the background, ready to serve, and almost without complaint (except for the dinner of scum weenies).
One thing to consider is the (to me) fascinating Martial Arts of the Phillipines: Arnis, Escrima, and Kali. During WWII, displaced Phillipino’s were trained up to work guerrilla style for the allies. These fighters did some of the most difficult and direct, dirty work of the war in the Pacific. Fighting with Bolo knives against Katana, or hand to hand. These Phillipino fighting arts are really why the Spanish never really conquered the islands.
There are a number of good books on the subject, including background on the various “clubs” that were teaching these martial arts before the war, and books recounting stories from fighters during the war.
I was thinking that the unassuming Juan, who never really mentions his training might get a chance to defend Captain Reddy or Sandra from some sword/knife wielding assassin. Then he could work at training the Captain and even Silva up on how to really fight with a blade. Or even take up giving classes to the other Destroyermen.
I would think it might be important given the nature of the weapons used by the displaced British colonials and, equally what I see from your press release, the Holy Dominion.
The techniques used in Arnis/Kali/Eskrima *might* not work well against Grik, though. Much would depend on the joint structure of the Grik physiology. If you did use this idea, we’d probably have to have a discussion of that over in the “Darwinian Delight”.
Good points John. I won’t be specific, but Juan does “do more” in Rising Tides. That’s one of the cool things about an ongoing series with a fairly large cast; most of the time the long established secondary or tertiary characters are there, in the background, doing their duty or behaving as expected, but I occasionally get the opportunity to let them step to the forefront. Having such a “bullpen” also lets me expand on known characters when they are given more responsibility as others are lost or reassigned.
Well i pre-ordered the next book and I am counting down the days till it arrives. I can’t wait to see how the characters will develop. I find myself drawn to these books for their wonderful portrail of Navy culture and I use the characters as models for how the Navy should be…like an extended family working toward a common goal.
I would love to see how Lawrence’s character will develop. It is already abserveable that he has a sense of humour, loyalty, friendship, and perhaps love. Since he is young, he has any number of possibilities, including leadership or scientific curiousity which may eventually come to the fore.
Dear Mr. Anderson. I live in Canada and was thinking one day “Hm, I wonder If the Squall that brought the humans to the world has some meaning that we don’t know yet? Or maybe there is a person or thing that has a reason or meaning that drags ships and the such into the world that you created? Can we expect to see an explanation or meet a twisted evil master mind. Maybe some aliens? =_=:
Aww, Nick! I can’t tell you THAT!
Well, just thought I’d ask.
OH, But one more thing has been bugging me. When can we see more ships or humans from the same time line that Matt came though> Like British, Australian, Japenese, Heck even some mechent marine ships could add a twist to the story, or add more fire power to the girk or Americans. IE, Sinse Kurokawa is with the Girk maybe if some more Japenese ships come though that they could aid the girk sinse thats where most of the Japenese are at the moment.
Nick:
Seriously, let’s not hope for the destruction of the human species by inviting more pro emperor Japanese into the mix. 16 months have passed and the Imperial fleet remains, at least historically, strong.
Captain Kurokowa doesn’t realize that after all his aid to the Grik, he’ll be useless and then eaten. The Grik, thus far, have been mono species in mindset and only a few of the Imperial Japanese remain. Let us hope for the best (crunch-burp) and the Imperials will be gone.
I look forward to learning about the “offer” that was mentioned by the generals. To what species was this “offer” previously made and subsequently could they become an ally to the Lemurian and Human species?
The British are worried about their unholy enemy and have their own internal, company/crown, strife. If this knowledge is obtained by Kurokowa he may aid the British enemy in hopes of stopping their aide to the Americans.
Mr. Taylor, You are indeed a master with story and pen! I look forward to the conclusion even though a climax has not yet been written. In short, I would preorder books six and seven if it were possible.
Sir, please strive to end this story well. After four entertaining books I’d be very disappointed if book 6 were a hurried wrap up to meet a publisher’s deadline. Please take care to give the characters, in which you have breathed life, their just deserves.
-Michael
Mr. Reynolds, you may have a point there but what I meant was what if other factions had some modern tech that could have come though any number of squalls, (Bradford said that most ships that came though had large amounts of metal on board, and back in our world there are tons of steal floating around like Walker)
What I also meant was what if the Empire or the “Holy” nation to the East got a ship plane or even other Humans that had Knowledge of things like oil or electricity. This could make things more even, Because as it stands the Americans are the most powerful nation on the seas.
If a nation or faction other that the Americans had something that would be a threat to Walker then it will continue the story farther than it is going already.
And in the Last respect if all the battles are one sided then the series will get almost boring because opposition that can possibly destroy Walker and her crew creates a sense of hopelessness that needs to be conquered.
Everyone in the Canadian School system leans that Conflict is the Main bread and butter of any story.
(IE. Character vs. Character, Character vs. Environment,Character vs. Self)
To Mr. Anderson this is all I meant be what I have Previously stated, in hopes that this story will not die out in the short term when the series has so much potential. And frankly this is one of the best Stories that I have ever read. You can chose what your story is like since you are the creator and mind behind. But please make this excellent story last as long as it can.
Thank you.
PS. Sorry for the misspelling and grammar. =.=;
PLEASE don’t worry too much about spelling and grammer here! It’s not like I set a good example. I just got new glasses–and my typing sucks anyway!
All I can say is that “Rising Tides” will … expand the adventure, and there are “Rising–and Ebbing Tides” (sorry) in every war. Remember also that Courtney’s theories are just that–and he’s flying blind to a lot of information high school kids are learning these days (hopefully).
However, please trust me when I say–whatever happens–that the story WILL NOT end–whenever it ends–with: “Oh . . . It was Space Aliens all along!” (Grin and shrug) Even if there ARE–or AREN’t Space Aliens. Ha! He!
——Again, I apologize. I’m in kind of a “Silva” mood today——-
Nick, you are a good man encouraging our author to write a long and thoughtful tale. I’ll toss out a power equalizer although Mr. Taylor already hinted at one. Finally, I agree with you, only in part, about the American allies being most powerful.
You are correct about Bradford’s theory regarding metal possibly triggering the squall. I’ll offer you an idea that could level the powers. First, add the tonnage of the following: one PBY, two aged Destroyers, a freighter, a submarine, and the Amagi cruiser. Lots of metal, isn’t it?
Secondly, consider all the metal found in one Japanese carrier and her nearby support ships. Could they trigger their own squall? This could give the Grik a large advantage, for a while. Later a large U.S. convoy zig zagging across the Pacific ocean could trigger the squall to help balance the technology and firepower.
Unfortunately, I fear that many humans arriving might dilute the importance of out original heroes. Perhaps this is why the PBY and Santa Catalina crews were not found as well as most of the subs crew wiped out before their rescue. Also, that’d mean many unaccounted ships from our WW2.
I strongly suspect the “British” will reunite under the crown because that is what occurred here and people are people… I think these British civilians will reunite in part due to a common fear. Fear being one of the greatest motivators. We’ll gain some allies in numbers but, humans breed and mature slowly. Even after a few hundred years of breeding, this probably doesn’t mean millions of British to our aide.
Training, strategy, and technology, helped our heroes thus far. Now the Grik are following the human model for success. Compound these new Grik with their numbers, newer weapons, all the distant lands they occupy, their vast resources, and their fast breeding/maturation. The Allies will need all the friends they can get. The Marine training incorporates spear and shields and these won’t hold up to Grik firearms for too long. I suspect huge Allied losses in book 5.
Thus far, I agree with you Nick that the Americans are the most powerful nation on the seas. For reasons mentioned above, that power is limited by the lack of reach of the current Navy. Sooner or later, the Walker may need to say farewell to Ballakpan as home port.
So much to speculate and February first is so far away!
Peace.
About conflicts,
We have read man v weather (strakata), man v man (Americans v the Imperials), and man v environment (beasts). The volcano offers another Man v environment conflict.
I look forward to learning what affect the geographic boogey man, the volcano, has on the Allied forces efforts. Perhaps lava tubes will form and then cool granting the Allies an instant compound outside Balakpan.
I also imagine a valley on the volcanic island filling in with lava and then quickly cooling due to rains. Like any viscous material, lava will seek its level. A flat and level landing field for the P40′s!
Steam for power turbines might be obtained after the eruptions stop. WooHoo! The Allies will have another industrial center.
Ahem, I’m still holding out for simple hydraulic cement, volcanic ash, to be incorporated into the story only because cement is an ancient building material. The locals may have reasonable respect for volcanoes and thus may not have discovered hydraulic cement. A very useful item for seafaring peoples.
Peace.
Mr. Taylor,
What! What did you just promise us? No aliens, you say?
C’mon, the Grays could arrive and decide the Grik are their less evolved ancestors and subsequently decide to vaporize the Allies.
Story done.
Good thing I’m not a writer, I’d be much skinnier.
Mr. Taylor, thanks for no damned blood thirsty aliens or vampires or ware wolves for that matter. There are already enough monsters on your planet dining on the Allies.
Peace.
Ha! I didn’t PROMISE “no aliens”–or even “were-bunnies.” I did promise I won’t ultimately “wrap things up” with a silly, over-used solution that nobody EARNED. You and Nick make a lot of good points–I won’t tell you which ones may apply–but in life, and war in particular, plans (and preconceptions) rarely survive contact with the “enemy.” For example (and this is JUST an example) the US Forces in the Pacific were already used to fanatical Japanese resistance, but a coordinated Kamikaze CAMPAIGN came as a terrible surprise. Also, Bradley KNEW the Germans were sitting the winter out–right before the Battle of the Bulge . . .
“For example (and this is JUST an example) the US Forces in the Pacific were already used to fanatical Japanese resistance…”
YUP!
The Imperials blew themselves up with grenades rather than surrender. Others charged with bayonets against M1 wielding marines! I was watching a History channel show about WW2 and was shocked at how many Germans surrendered soon after invading Italy. The Marine interviewed stated that if those Germans fought like the Imperials, the Allies wouldn’t have won in Europe. One damned rock, I. Jima, took months to capture and it was surrounded and the Imperials were without aide most of those months.
So, what does the Grik species want or need besides the thrill of a great hunt? What can the allies entice them with to over extend themselves essentially dividing themselves for possible conquest? Their population is so vast that cutting supply lines would be a daunting undertaking, and they breed so fast.
Revisiting the Island Hopping strategy, building the Alliance, and a subtle hint.
We know the Grik have vast population centers and civilizations on main land(s). Our Allied heroes are currently island dwellers. Large islands to be sure but, Kurokowa already plans to cut off Allied supply lines. Essentially he is initiating the Island Hopping strategy against the Allies; the strategy that worked for the Allies in our world.
Perhaps the British have a mainland population somewhere, but we humans breed slowly and I suspect that mainland population will be small. Surely the Brits have expanded but, expansion into hostile-hungry territory delays population growth. Not to mention their mortal enemy stunting expansion.
A resource rich, not to mention pissed off, main land America streamed resources to the US Asiatic forces. I fear for our Allies if we don’t get some mainland support soon.
As for expanding the alliance, let me sum up what I remember. The two waring island Lemurians united as did the sea going and land dwelling Lemurians. The Americans and British are bonding together (slowly). Lawrence, the sole Tangrasi, will probably help get his people into the alliance (as spies perhaps). So, what about the sole Australian our beloved Mr. Bradford?
Oh, he’d have both puppies and kittens at the chance to see this worlds Australia. Imagine how much weirder life would be than our “bland” platypus. Not to mention the chance to make contact with, perhaps as stated elsewhere, talking kangaroos. Hmmm, what proficient builders, field medics, or radio carriers they’d be with their pouches. In Australia we’d lave a lot of resources and a vast shore line for a massive navy. I suspect we’ll be reading about Mr. Bradford exploring that mainland soon.
Perhaps Mr. Bradford would arrive there in Lt. Laumer’s submarine. HINT-HINT-HINT Mr. Taylor, I really wanna read about this young characters development. That means he does NOT get eaten. I know war is hell but his sub knowledge is too much to lose.
Your thoughts, please.
TECHNOLOGY QUESTION FOLLOWS
I want to ask our resident gun smith a technology question. I reload shot shells but know little about black powder.
I don’t expect to read about such a gun in the series, especially since so much machine gun ammo is being recovered from the freighter. I ask for the sake of accumulating more knowledge and for plausibility. I’m trying to resolve the pressure issues, on their behalf, of bp in automatic weapons. Again, I think the following would be a backward technology step unless the “Doom Whomper” 1/4 pound penetrator round is employed (yikes).
My question is, would a black powder (bp) Gatling gun foul like a bp machine gun? I suspect with more barrels it would take longer to foul the barrels but, what about the other parts? Is such a bp gatling gun platform plausible or are primers absolutely required for gatling guns?
If primers are mandatory, what about the following idea? As a kid I loved launching model rockets. I used a small igniter that was inserted into the motor. Then a meager 6V battery was used to touch off the igniter-motor.
Would it be possible for such a simplistic igniter to be inserted and sealed instead of a primer? Then a current could be applied to the igniter wires, via fixed poles, as the round chambers in the gatling gun?
OK, back to your story, I think it possible to charge such poles with their batteries since the Allies are already building spark gap transmitters and copper wire is being made. The “Doom Whomper” Penetrator round might pierce ship armor and crack open steam engines. My igniter idea is very primitive tech compared against safely machining primers.
What’s the mechanical likely hood of such a device functioning? Also, do you foresee weapons in the future not requiring costly primers but using electricity to fire the round? I was thinking of an arc forming between a fixed “firing pin”, through the head stamp, and the extractor would complete the circuit. Wind up armature or solar cells would charge the batteries and capacitors.
Yep, you guessed it, I dislike buying primers. Something has to replace them soon.
Shoot safe.
Hi Michael. I’ve touched on Gatlings before, probably in the “Tech Discussions” section, but I’ll toss out something here. First, they’re a blast–pardon–but when you crank one up, the target vanishes in the smoke. They’re more complicated than only slightly more modern machine guns, and probably not as effective as a good smoothbore loaded with cannister. The barrels do stay cooler, obviously, but with sustained fire, you quickly reach a point where fouling and leading become issues no matter what lube is used–and they are a PAIN to clean!. The ’62 pattern was a lot simpler, and used fixed cartiges primed with a percussion cap, but they were liable to malfunctions, and even fairly dangerous. Simple as they were, relatively, they were also a little-used, obscure design, and I doubt anyone would have been familiar with them. As I said, the ’74 and later–more well-known designs–were very complicated with a separate, complete bolt/extractor/firing pin was required for each barrel. A lot of the smoke and fouling problems were solved by the introduction of smokeless powder–the 1890 model was eventually chambered for .30-40, and even .303—-but by then, the far simpler (and lighter) “modern” machine guns were available. Of course, “gatlings” are back with a vengeance now, but it took a long while, and they are hungry devils.
Black powder does work in Thompson’s and 1911′s. Both are simple “blowback” recoil operated, and @ 20 grains of first class black powder (3F Swiss) produces similar velocities to, and MORE free recoil than smokeless loads. With good, natural lubes, the bores even stay relatively clean–but the actions foul horribly and require extensive cleaning. I think I reflected these characteristics realistically in the story. I’ll stipulate here that MY Thompson is NOT full auto, but it has an even heavier bolt and spring system than those that would have been used by the destroyermen. The 1911 tested was NOT an A1, just as those described in the story are not.
Using black powder in the .30 and .50 cal machine guns is much more problematic, and pretty useless in a BAR. Even the Krags and Springfields will have problems with leading and fouling with extended use because of the fast twist rifling. Hard lead with gas checks, and solids with grease grooves work best.
Maybe you missed it–I have to be careful not to go off on overly detailed technical tangents that slow the pace, and sometimes maybe I’m TOO careful–but the characters have begun making primers. They’re actually fairly simple. A punch press forms the cup, and a simple stamp punch will form the anvil. The process of making fulminate of mercury is spooky, but not difficult (I won’t go into it here) and may be described in the “Naval ship and gun drills” I have cited. I can’t remember for sure. I KNOW the manufacture of smokeless powder and guncotton is covered in the book. The biggest problem they’ve had making that–as discussed in the story–is what they’ve been using to simulate “cotton,” and the difficulties in matching familiar properties.
I hate buying primers too, but they are still what works best. I always buy a bunch whenever I find ‘em cheap. Electric ignition still hasn’t been perfected and it presents numerous problems of its own. Caseless ammo is something else that’s never been perfected–and they’ve been trying since the 1850′s! Remember the “rocket ball” ammo for the old Volcanics? Electric IS fast–but honestly, a good wheel-lock may be just as good! They are faster than any external hammer mechanism, but talk about complicated!
Ha! Back to primers– When I was a kid, percussion caps were hard to find and you used to be able to buy a little hand punch that formed them out of sheet brass, copper, or even (aluminum) beer cans! You then cut out the explosive portion of toy paper caps–that were essentially unchanged from the old Maynard tape priming system. They worked pretty good, but were hydroscopic as the devil. I always painted the inside with a drop of shellac.
Oh! Michael, I load everything BUT shotshells–sort of. I load brass shells for my favorite doubles with black powder. The loads aren’t great for wing shooting because they really slam the tip of your collarbone, but the recoil isn’t bad “straight out.” for 12ga, 100 grains of 2F, a card, a wad, and another card, underneath 1 3/8 ounces of #4 is ideal for turkeys–at astonishing ranges. That load may be too hot for some chokes and barrel lengths, (you can blow your pattern) not to mention shaky old wall-hangers. I don’t recommend it for anything you wouldn’t consider safe for smokeless loads. Any recoil cracks WILL grow.
Thanks for the detailed response!
“a separate, complete bolt/extractor/firing pin was required for each barrel.”
Whoa! That many parts would be way difficult keep reliably clean especially in prolonged engagements.
I do remember gun cotton being discussed but I forgot the character’s discussion about primers. From what I remember, gun cotton wasn’t as effective as black powder and wasn’t used for too long.
Well, I am surprised that a Thompson incorporates “blowback” technology. My Bersa Thunder 380 ACP is a blowback pistol. I was told that 380 ACP is about a powerful of a load that a blowback design could handle. Hmmm, perhaps because the Thompson is larger and heavier it can fire larger calibers and still be blowback operated?
Thanks for the education!
I think I know another good reason why Lt. Sandra wants a microscope, for safer blood transfusions. Wouldn’t that blow the minds of the Lemurians and British. Perhaps the all purpose SEEP extract would also work as a preservative extending the shelf life of donated blood?
I checked the dates for blood typing and Rh factor discoveries and they fit the time line. German soldiers were given a tattoo with their blood type.
Mr Anderson,
I have listened to all 4 books in audio form. Traveling to work over the last month. I have been a Coalminer for 30 years. (Many years of blasting). I was a Quartermaster in The U.S. Coast Guard And 31/V( Radio mechanic/operator) in the Army. I have been a sailor and a soldier. I was the caretaker of the Sacred Scrolls.I sailed New Foundland to Puerto Rico. I was also at the Desert Storm butt kicking.I feel slighted at the minmal use of USS Walkers operations department. I was the keeper of the sacred scrolls. I attended 2 US Navy schools. Quartermaster and Signalman. The USCG is small and often incorporates rates. I found myself a better navigator than most Officers.I was also sent to a brief training in radar and sonar….HUmmmm Radar?
i was think about what would happen if someone from the us navy comes along and out ranks any or our friends… that could get ulgy real quick
…
Well just finished Rising Tides today and all i have to say is…WOW. I’m so sad that it ended, but I love how you did it! I won’t post anything specific for those fans that are on here that havn’t gotten it yet, but I have to say that I am curious if you are going to begin to make two seperate book lines to follow the different fronts?
i finished rising tides last night brillent book again.
love the idea that the british join forces with the americas but would like to see our world british (1943)comes to earth & lets them know what been happening on their world (how ww2 is going)
like alot of others here was wondering (what if) about other ships planes that come though. what about a sq of mtb (motor topare boats)(wish i can spell lol. or 1 or 2 seafire (british navy verison of the spitfire)come thoug
I’m only 4 chapters into “Rising Tides”, but my number one wish for this series has already been granted. Tabby and Spanky are finally becoming a couple! Hooray for them!
Mr. Anderson i loved rising tides! i ordered the morning it came out on my ipod touch and read it all through school, i must say…i probably failed my spainish test but it was worth it, im hoping for a huge US Navy fleet like with ship of the lines and perhaps a USS Constitution in there. Or maybe they might name one after Mahan or you know the old friends they lost at the begining of the first book, Exeter Encounter Pope. Thatd be pretty awesome.
Well, all I want to say is, what happened to S-19 that we can see in the next book. Please be kind to them and save them from the depths of the abyss. Besides, there have been survivors from sunk subs and I can list a few ways to save them like seal the hatches and blow the ballasts. Most subs had that kind of control and when they where already attacked by the Japanese they where below the safe zone and they had local control of the ballast from the foreword torpedo compartment. Just because it all seems like a dead end does not mean it is not plausible!
Well, all I want to say is, what happened to S-19 that we can see in the next book. Please be kind to them and save them from the depths of the abyss. Besides, there have been survivors from sunk subs and I can list a few ways to save them like seal the hatches and blow the ballasts. Most subs had that kind of control and when they where already attacked by the Japanese they where below the safe zone and they had local control of the ballast from the foreword torpedo compartment. Just because it all seems like a dead end does not mean it is not plausible!
Thanks.
oops, sorry for the second post, My bad, I accidentally touched it twice. =_=”
Nick- Did you skip the last chapter of the book. S-19 rescues our cast aways. So they “survive”, but as for the sub…we shall have to see what Mr. Anderson has in store for them
Frustrated Distant Thunder still not available in electronic format in Canada even thought Rising Tide is available on kobo. That aside I have been struggling with how many òther civilizations are possible and there are limits. If burmuda triangle is where transitions also might occur, it is possible a confederate or union naval vessel, particularly an ironclad might have made the trip. However, for it to matter it would need to have had enough women aboard for population to have grown in 100 years to make an impact on the story. That suggests that in terms of other civilizations on the planet cast from our own they would have had to have come 100s of years earlier. On the other hand thus far the assumption has been that humans never evolved on this world. That need not have been the case. They may have evolved but never developed beyond medieval times and with a fear of the sea never explored beyond the mediteranean because the world is flat or Europe is physically separated from Africa and Asia. Absent this possibility it seems we are limited to things like individual ships or Amelia Earharts plane finding there way into the story.
Sorry J! I’m working on it. Still don’t know what the deal is. To everyone else, let’s watch the “spoilers” for a while! Otherwise, thanks everyone! It’s great to hear from you all. I’ve been snowed under–pardon the term–answering so many direct contacts–don’t get me wrong, I love ‘em!–that I haven’t had a chance to post here in a while. Just so you know, Book #6 has a full head of steam, and I’ll post the release date just as soon as I’m sure what it is!
In I believe it was Distant Thunders, it was mentioned that there was someone/something either in the Falklands or on the Antarctic Peninsula/Antarctic mainland….will you be exploring this at all in #6 or is this something you’re reserving “for future use”?
Oh! Hey Jon, the “Southern Isle/s” is neither of those places.
Taylor,
So…..is there something in the alternate American water which results in a higher ratio of female to male births? Otherwise, how is it the Dominion has an excess of females for export? …or is it a society Alexander the Great would have fit happily into?
As a woman I was a bit put off with your “Female famine” solution and decided to inform you that the scarcity of women should have resulted in a grand matriarchal society. After all, doesn’t economic theory and logic suggest that shortages result in higher value, not reduced value. Therefore, while I absolutely love “Rising Tides”, I felt you were wrong.
But…in researching historical examples to support my argument I discovered my hypothesis wasn’t correct. (Yes guys, women can admit when they are wrong, but this error that doesn’t mean women are wrong about the proper positioning of the toilet seat)
My research uncovered an article entitled ‘The bad effects of too few women’ (see link below) which explained women are treated according to the existing status of women in the society prior to excess or shortage. For example: in countries where men are valued and women undervalued like China, India, and South Korea, the resulting shortage of females due to abortion or filicide hasn’t elevated women’s status, instead, it is getting worse. I found the problem to be very upsetting, so I won’t go into it in depth, but will list the tragic effects upon women: dramatic increases in rape, slavery, kidnapping/trafficking, polygamy, abandonment, suicide, and murder.
As I researched, I was struck by four thoughts: 1. I am very impressed with the level of research into the topics you present in your books., 2. The problem of over-population in India and China may resolve itself over time (but at what cost to humanity?)., 3. If the Dominion wants to expand and force its religion on the Empire, exporting their military manufacturing labor isn’t very bright., 4. How very, very fortunate and thankful I am to be an American woman.
p.s. congratulations on making the New York Times Bestseller List!!!! Very much deserved!!!
http://nitawriter.wordpress.com/2007/09/07/how-bad-it-gets-when-there-is-a-shortage-of-women/
Wow Collen! What a GREAT post! I don’t like to go into spoilers of course, but the only thing you didn’t touch on is the historically–and probably naturally–higher birthrate of females. Add–in most societies–a lower infant mortality rate (yes, girls are probably tougher) and a MUCH lower adolescent mortality rate (boys will be boys) and throw in the hunting/fighting duties of young male adults, and women really should outnumber men by two to one by the time they reach childbearing age. This is how the Dominion–like many early Native American societies, for lack of a better comparison–has produced such a “surplus” of women. Modern “enlightened” societies have “evened things out” to a large degree–minus cataclysmic wars that wipe out whole generations of young men.
In any event, I agree with you completely. My characters reflect the attitudes that prevailed at the time, but even they are learning. Anyone familiar with me or my work knows I love and admire women in what may even be a sort of old-fashioned way–but I also KNOW that there are few pursuits (and these are limited to merely physical differences) that women can’t USUALLY do as well or better than men. American women, and those born in other societies where they are largely valued as they deserve, should truly thank their lucky stars. Yet another reason I’m a PROUD American.
As for toilet seats–I (usually) very gallantly lower it when I’m done, but how come women can’t raise it when they are? Ha!
Good point about the females outnumbering males by the time children reach childbearing age. However, historical birth rates actually show males outnumbering females 105 to 100. But as you mentioned, girls are tougher (i.e.premature birth) and girls don’t suffer from accidental deaths nearly as much as boys. Consequently, by the time they are old enough to mate, girls outnumber boys…..that is….until they actually mate. At which time the ratio begins swinging back toward even. For example; I have two sisters and each of us has two children. But if it was the 1940′s my younger sister would be barren, and if it were 100-200 years ago my older sister and her first born would both be dead. I would have god-knows how many more children than two. :{
Even so, as dangerous as the alternate world is, women could easily outnumber men. And while my original reaction to the woman situation mirrored that of the Walker crew, the way the storyline played out seems very feasible. Heck, in some ways, those women have more control over their lives than women of our world during a comparable technological period.
This is why I personally enjoy your books so much. They are fun and entertaining; but with interesting characters and human interaction which capture ones empathy and heart (or hatred in the case of the villains). PLUS enough depth to entice the reader to investigate/research beyond the covers of the book.
dear taylor great books i just finished rising tides and i had a few questions what are the aproximate populations of the lemurians british dominion and the grik also any hints on more civilizations??? ps could you recomend any books similar yo your own
Has there been any illustrations of the grik, ‘cats or any of the ships published. I tried a google search and have not found.
@ Michael: http://www.taylorandersonauthor.com/extras/picture-gallery/
I don’t see how I missed that. Not exactly how I thought the grik looked like..
Micheal, that picture was drawn by a fan named Eben Bradstreet. It’s not EXACTLY how I pictured them either, but I think he did a really good job. The point is, there IS no “definitive” picture of a Grik, so feel free to imagine them any way you like. Send a picture of your own, if you like. Take care!
Mr. Anderson….I have to ask…..who was your inspiration for the madman known as Silva? ‘Cuz whoever they were, please extend this fan’s heartfelt gratitude for their services;-)
Jon, I think about that sometimes. All my characters are composites, but I often wonder if Silva isn’t a mix of a much younger, stronger, utterly bulletproof me, and my excellent, honorable, but rattlesnake dangerous friend, “Bad” Dennis. He was clearly the inspiration for the first name!
On the topic of a hypothetical (for now) Destroyermen movie, which actors would you guys pick to play the main characters? It would probably use voice actors for the Lemurians, but does anyone have any ideas for actors to play Dennis, Matt, Sandra, etc?
Just picked up your latest book. It is the first one of your series I have run accross. I have been a scifi/fantasy reader, with some historical fiction as well, ie Jack Whytes Camulod series. I have recently run accross a series by S.M. Stirling, and spent many sleepless nights burning the midnight oyle reading them. I may have crossed the Rubicon with alternate reallity books. I have begun reading “Rising Tides”, and I wanted to know if I should start with the first book, before reading this one. I read Stirlings “The High King of Montival” his latest first, and it was almost self-contained. I wanted to know before I read your latest, if I will be lost. From the reviews of your earlier books, it sounds like a Bravo Zulu may be in order. Fair Winds and Following Seas, and Mind Your P’s (pints) and Q’s (quarts) from a disableded Navy BB stacker.
Mr. Anderson, I have a question. Is the original crew of the Santa Catilina still alive? I mean, S-19 made it on their own for long time(I cann’t remember the exact length, but I do remember it was long.) So, how do we know that they are dead?
Ha! I’m not going to comment on “actors,” Dimitri. All the characters are composites of people I have personally known, and only one of those was an actor (a really good one I consider a close friend). For the other characters, I can’t THINK of any actors–but y’all are welcome to do so.
A fascinating question, Alex. You don’t.
It would be interesting to cast your characters among the actors of that time period (1940′s). Hedy Lamarr would strike me as a perfect fit for Sandra since she was also a scientist. Robert Montgomery would be my choice for Matt due to his role in They Where Expendable and navy service. For Dennis Silva I’d think James Cagney would be a good fit. He has all the character aspects of Silva in the films yet he isn’t really the guy he is type cast as. Not to mention the star power to sell the film.
Thanks for your service to our country, Kramark! Which BB?
In answer to your question, you SHOULD be able to read “Rising Tides” alone, but a lot of the characters and situations are quirky, kind of involved, and . . . evolving. I would recommend you start at the beginning, particularly to “get to know” the characters.
Hi Francis!
You know, casting “period” actors might be a fun game to play, and I’d be approaching it from the same, at least somewhat more objective, perspective as everyone else–because I never even thought about it!
Hmm. How’s this for an “All Star Cast?” (A few might be a little young, or would have been unavailable because they were IN the war, but what the heck?)
Matt IS a little Robert Montgomery-y . . . to a point. He’s got the calm, no brag, just facts thing going, but he’s also younger, taller, and hot-headed too . . .
You’re right about Cagney, but he’s no Silva. How about Spanky? Short, tough guy, but seems bigger than life .. .
Hedy Lamarr was a DOLL! I don’t think she could have done an EXACT Sandra, but I don’t care. Maybe a blonde Gail Russell, or how about Colleen Gray?
Red Buttons for Alan Letts?
Jimmy Stewart for Greg Garret?
Ward Bond for the Bosun! Ha!
Kenneth Moore (as he acted in The Longest Day) for Courtney Bradford.
The Mice——I have no idea.
Wow. I’ve already spent WAY too much time thinking about this, and I haven’t even gotten to several characters! This is harder than I thought it would be! Who could have done Silva? No Idea. Maybe Lee Marvin?
I spent a little time on it too when it popped into my head to use actors from the 40′s. I was trying for a more realistic sampling. Of course what scared me was how the movie would change from the book based on the actors.
Anyways I like your choices.
Silva was just tough to guess based on how dynamic he is and my limited sampling of films of that time. I was more going from Cagny’s potential and sell value. As for the different hair colors and heights again it was how I imagined your story would be Hollywoodized.
I can see Marvin though on an all star cast as Silva. Jimmy Stewart is a good fit for Garret. I kept mines to the 40′s. But I’m sure if someone spent the time looking from 40-70 they could find some great fits.
It was an honor to defend this still great country. I was an Aviation Ordnanceman when I was in the Nav. BB stacker was the slang name given to us ordies. Having no serious problems with the book. Will definately go to the start after I have finished this chronicle.
Oh! I gotcha! BB stacker. Of course. I spend so much time with BB’s (particulary #35) swimming around in my head–wouldn’t it be fun if I could get HER in the story? Ha! Anyway, I can be dense sometimes.
Wallace Beery is who I picture as Silva.
It would seem to be that Silva could be a 1940′s version of Duke Nukem, John-117(AKA Master Chief, of ‘Halo’ fame), Rambo, or any of the stereotypical ‘Big Dude with Big Gun’ category… but with his simultaneous fling with two separate ladies of separate species and the brother/sister thing with the princess, you make him into a full character, and the wounds he gets takes him out of the invulnerable ‘BDwBG’ category, catapulting him from a semi-important secondary character, into a fully important primary character. who can be the equal of Captain Reddy or the S.B. and fills an important role of ‘guardian’ in the Epic that is Destroyermen… at least, this is one high schooler’s opinion of him. Great books, and i’m curious how the next is coming along. This one is (im)patiently waiting for the next one, and to see the Grik get their collective tail’s handed to them.
no i would lov to see the old texas in your story line…she would have been loaded out for shore bonbardment… hmmmm that might get her in the for-brain of poeple and they would go see her, this would help in getting her fixed up…
Or you could bring in a fictious New York class BB. Kinda like Amagi.
As the series continues we wuld like to have a charactor list in the books
I would like to see Lawrence’s people become members of the alliance. But they need to rebuild first after that tsunami devestated their home island. If this happens the Alliance will compose of not just two sentient species but three. the only similarity between Lawrence’s people and the Grik is their physical appearnce alone; but they are different as night and day. Lawrence’s teacher or mentor was disgusted about how the Grik act and behaves, so he wants to kill them. That certainly won’t hurt his standing with Matt who has no love for the Grik at all. This series breaks the typical status quo in science fiction because mammals are typical protrayed as the good guys and just about everything reptilian is portrayed as evil. After meeting Lawrence Matt and the Alliance they have to changing changing their views about the sentient reptilian life forms.
While I was rereading Rising Tides I noticed that during the final conflict between Reed and Matt Reed mentioned someone named “Lemuel Truelove.” I was just wondering if this character was related to Linus Truelove, and if he will make an appearance later in the series.
Please give these poor bastards a crate of Coca-Cola! You saving that for the final…final?
I think a young Rober Mitchum would have been the perfect Dennis Silva.
I am anxious to see the “Carriers” in action. I suspect the air superiority of the Allies will be a saving grace. The Grik are about to hit back in a major way, the casualties on Ceylon will be an eye opener for the Allies. I suspect the land superiority of the Grik will force a temporary stalemate, against the sea and air supremacy of the allies.
Sooner or later, Walker is going to have to be canabalized or maybe rebuilt. She cant be re-plated and refit forever. Sooner or later, the puzzle pieces won’t fit together after the repeated poundings she has recieved…but I hope that is a long way into future stories.
Did you get any of your inspiration for the Walker Amagi scenes from the Battle of Leyte Gulf? If you have any more “squalls” in mind, it might be interesting to see what might pop into the seas around the Phillipines in 1944.
I would imagine that life magazine stacks existed in both destroyers, the S-19, and the Santa Catalina. My deceased uncle talked about them and anything else readable. Now what if a ‘Cat crewman reads one of the life’s articles on the Doiner Do X. We know it wasn’t very successful, but he/she might think…Hmmmm… a flying HOME! Popular mechanics magazine might also bring hilarious misunderstandings.
If not using period actors, I see Keenan Wynn as Silva and Arnold Stang as one of the Mice.
Some of the New British characters will be interesting. They obviously have a number of ship designers who will have ideas now that they have seen Walker. One has to wonder if the will either re-invent U.S.S. New Ironsides, or HMS Warrior. Since they already have steam and iron technology, there probably will be a lot of “Why didn’t I think of that” This applys to minie balls, Screw propulsion, and interrupted screw breech blocks. They may be conservative, but they are no dummies.
I have been re-reading the whole series and noticed that early on, Walker had a ship’s cat. since it was only mentioned once, it was probably an action casualty. Now that Walker is in New Britain, we might find out what happens when Cat meets feline. I know they are not much on pets, but in this case, maybe curiousity…..???
Oh my God! I just remembered who introduced the goat to the new world….the Spanish! They’re on the loose in this word too. The dinos don’t have a chance.
Good points, John. Especially the goats. They shall eventually defile–and destroy–every universe they touch!
I started into the storm about a month ago, give or take, and I’m now need rising tides and one thing I’ve thought about is that the squall moves thing through space but what about space AND time. Just a thought, think of all the destruction an AC-130 gunship could make. A 105mm howitzer, 44 bofors, and 25mm auto cannon. Don’t know about you but I would hate to be grik or Japanese when this thing comes through with a bone to pick
How about the earlier version? Puff, the Magic Dragon, they might be able to maintain a DC-3, but feeding the guns on an AC-47 would be almost impossible. P.S., drawn cases are almost easy, the brass cup just keeps betting punched through smaller funnels until it’s long and thin enough, then the rough stuff starts. The early naval cases were started on drop hammers to make a 10″ brass cub that ended up a 4″ shell casing.Anneal before each pass to avoid tearing.
eek, cup, not cub.
After re-reading Rising tides epic land battle in New Britain, I was reminded of Colonel Chamberlin at Gettysburg, who earned the nickname Bayonet Chamberlin. Chack and Blas-Mar better watch out! Although Bayonet “Blossom” is alliterative…
Oh wow finally got a good chance to read all of the comments and finally I want to jump in on this! It will be hard trying to get on the internet from an air craft carrier is diffacult a best but I will try to keep up.
Any way there are some neat ideas here. Any one ever thought of maybe having a ship from the near future going back some how? A frigate or destroyer from the 50′s early 60′s would be kind of neat to see. Or hell maybe even bring back a battle ship that would be really cool! But maybe tip the scales a little to much in the allies favor could make the war end to soon. Just a few thoughts…
Thanks for 3 straight days of no sleep catching up with books 3,4,5.
Suggestion:
Bring in a US Navy officer who outranks Captain Reddy and supports a more isolationist position. That would be a decent moral dilema ie the war or duty to a country that no longer effectively exists. (I known Battlestar Galactica did it but it worked very well there)
As for defeating Griks how exactly do you defeat a semi-sentient species that repopulates every 5 years. Short of inventing nuclear weapons , nuking every habitated place and rounding the rest up into extermination camps the only other solution I can think of is biological weapons?
Another suggestion:
Any chance of seeing a bit more of Lemurian social changes , ie education and criminal justice.
I would have thought basic science education would be medium term goal , I don’t think any Lemurian scientists get a mention in the book
Jon the grik as they are now have already destroyed themselves.
Someone let lose spartacus. And they gave him a Jap for a buddy.
How the Grik work is still a bit confusing, you need to be fully sentient to handle a sword and shield/sail a ship
Very interesting observation James.
Jon, the Grik ARE confusing, and I can go at it from a couple of different directions–hopefully without “spoilers” for readers who aren’t that far along.
In a nutshell,”sentient” is a slippery word. We all know what the definition is, but sometimes behavior crosses the line. Lots of animals use tools, solve problems, understand language and even demonstrate affection. Wolves are “self aware” of their status in the pack. I saw 6 crows roasting grasshoppers on asphalt the other day. Weird–and cool. Are crows sentient? Sometimes they can blow your mind, but PROBABLY not.
Then again, people–who should be sentient–can act with less apparent sense than ants. They swarm, they destroy without reason or thought beyond the moment. How are humans in a mob different from Grik?
As the story moves along, you will understand the Grik a lot better.
Well Grik as ‘berserkers’ in the send they lose all concept of individuality and act on instinct makes sense on the battlefield but presumably before they go berserk they are as intelligent as anyone else who can wield a sword and shield.
I’m sorry Jon, but I never used the term “Berserker.” You keep trying to compare their actions to human behavior, but though I have thrown out a couple of human analogs, the Grik are NOT human. Again without giving too much away–perhaps you are not far along in the series yourself–consider crows once more. They are capable of amazingly precise behavior, even using twigs or other tools to aquire food. Instinctual activity or rote learning is not intelligence or wisdom, though I am persuaded that “wise” crows do exist. Then imagine that the majority are devoted to a class of truly sentient crows that tell them what to do. These “ruling crows” are different only in age, experience, and a self awareness that comes with education that is witheld from most.
This is just a quick, imperfect example that sprang to mind–but animal bevavior always surprises me.
Hmm. Once I was sitting in a tree overlooking a pile of corn that I had strung to attract wild hogs. A squirrel siezed the pile and meant to keep it for himself. A covey of quail (ordinarily extremely peaceful creatures) approached, but the squirrel menaced them and assumed a defensive posture. To my surprise, the quail “called” another covey–that answered them!–and approached the corn as well. The squirrel grew more agitated, barking and carrying on. The larger army of quail called yet another covey of reinforcements, and when they were sure they had sufficient numbers, they ATTACKED and drove the squirrel away!
I was likely applying human behavioral attributes to the quail–which are certainly not sentient–but it was an amazing thing to see. As a “military strategy,” it was more impressive than some I have heard of, and was successful–at least until the wild hogs appeared and the horde of quail was dispersed.
Animals calling for reinforcements before attacking is pretty amazing, that implies a concept of an organism being able to plan with others of its own species for the future which as far as I know have only been proven in humans. Any scientific papers on that quail example?
As for the Grik well evolution can bring about just about anything but they seem very alien (as opposed to just being non-human) in a way none of the other creatures are on New? Earth.
The other thing I was thinking the Lemurians life is described very well as a nation(s) at war ie the US in 1941 but not always convinced it makes sense as a country on the brink of being invaded ie the UK 1940. Where are the anti-subversion laws, rationing , internal security forces cracking down on spies and things. Civil liberties do get seriously compromised in war time (even more so when you arent a democracy). Life just feels a little too free?
Anyway I do love your books and thanks a lot for providing feedback from what must be a very busy schedule
In response to Jon S, on the anti-subversion rationing and spies. The Lemurians have no reason to subvert the war effort, the Grik will eat them no matter what, same goes to the spies and there’s no way a Grik could pass as a ‘Cat.
As for rationing, I do believe it’s been mentioned at least once that it was in place.
And about the animals and reinforcements, water buffalo do it, there’s an extraordinary video (my link) of a lion grabbing a young water buffalo, with the others around it running off, only to return with the rest of the herd to save the calf a few moments later.
Jon,
You have to remember the Lemurians arent humans. They lack the huge amount of organized warfare carried on by man sense we began. Take the Indians for example. Everybit as barbaric as any westerner they had weird ideas on war and laws.
For instance the tribes would sign a treaty with the US that said all the tribe would respect the laws and not engage in hostile acts. Now then the braves would go out and kill a settler or a settler would kill a brave etc.
The elders acted confused when confronted with this. Of course the braves attacked….no they couldnt stop them they didnt have those types of rules braves acted stupid sometimes. But they were free to act.
They didnt have the same culture of “cvilized” warfare and laws.
The lemurians are less individualistic than the americans say but less than what you might find in say japanese society.
But take a look at the civilizations that grew up on land in australia they Had those things.
Also remember that the lemurians are only Now getting their industrial revolution so they have alot of excess farmers and such.
And they are based off the Homes for a good part. The oceans are teaming in sea life Lots of fish.
The Lemurians have a range of cultures and clans but they all look pretty much variations/combinations on human ones (which lets face it is probably the only source any of us have.
Organised armies/guards do get a mention in the book
On average they seem a little more laid back but they seem have the same range of behaviours of any human culture. So its pretty safe to assume if someone in a human city would have done X (like betray his people) than someone in a Lemurian one would as well
I have sort of avoided posting here as I tried to steer clear until I owned all the books released up to a given point as not to see any spoilers by mistake, and even after acquiring the five novels, I been too busy to come around…but finally got the chance.
I made a strange revelation reading the second book (oddly the first book I picked up in the series) about the Asiatic Destroyer’s personnel…in a way, instead of being the dregs of the navy, wouldn’t they oddly be some of the most competent? No doubt that to be a part of the navy there has to be a degree of competence anyways, but the average sailor in the Asiatic Fleet would have had to complete the same tasks as their modern contemporaries, but with fewer supplies and older equipment. As well, they seems to have unorthodox methods to complete certain tasks, which shown to be an advantage in later books.
I find the Grik a very interesting species, as I noticed a tendency for people to try and apply human nature to them when it is largely inadequate…does this make them the hardest “characters” to write for because of this?
I tend to comment on the tech page, but this comment is a cross between both tech and character.
The Nazis started sending their subs over to Japan for many projects, including their attempt to make an Atomic Bomb.
But what if the Nazis sent pilots? I think it is entirely possible. The long distance Type IX U-Boats did reach Japan and the Indian Ocean, and were capable of moving quite a payload. So what if the Nazis move aircraft and pilots to Japan? Like the Fw-190 or the Me 262? And what if a U-Boat or a Nazi test pilot arrived in your world?
Would wonderful new technology from another world really add to the story? . Think the story is better if technology slowly develops and is improvised. Even better if you get technology developed that doesnt exist in our world
I’m late to the game on the second series. I’m almost finished reading Distant Thunders. This whole time however, something has been gnawing at me to no end. Isn’t it odd that Walker and Co. show up JUST as the Grik are moving to finish off the lemurians? I understand your desire for secrecy, but I’m betting Walkers arrival was no accident.
Hey, in case you missed it elsewhere on the site, here’s the schedule for my upcoming book tour! I hope to see any of you who might be in the neighborhood.
October 4th, Tuesday:
Powell’s Books in Portland , OR @ 7pm
October 5th, Wednesday
University Bookstore in Seattle , WA @7pm
October 6th, Thursday
Books Inc. in Mountain View , CA @7pm
October 7th, Friday
Barnes & Noble in Huntington Beach, CA @7pm
October 8th, Saturday
US Naval Base Exchange in San Diego , CA @12pm
October 9th, Sunday
Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego , CA @2pm
October 11th, Tuesday
Barnes and Noble in Fort Worth , TX @7pm
October 15th, Saturday
New York Comic Con, Javitz Center
Any way of including a list of characters and short bio’s in the next book? Starting to get confused with a lot of the cat names and some of the human ones on who’s who.
Thanks.
I’ve just read and re-read Firestorm, which was brilliant, like all the books before. One confusion was on pg 394, one paragraph “none were incendiary rounds since today they’d been loaded for more ground attack training.”
Next paragraph ignores the 3 million rounds found on Santa Catalina, then second sentance, “As it was, they had one precious tracer for every six rounds”
Is this an editorial oversight, or were you writing, as fast as I was reading it?
Here’s a “What If”
What if the destroyermen world is a world that links mainly to just ours, however, some soldiers of an american civilization in the future are thrown back in time through some same means as the world war 2 sailers/soldiers into the Dominion controlled homeland?
I think i know who the spy is in the imperial forces. that gave up chack/blair’s plan. it’s the emperor-governor’s wife. ruth. she knew the plan. always quitly watching and listening. she has the means. and opportunity to do it. motive i don’t know yet.
Bob, I’m thinking of doing a “cast of Characters” to post on the site–but it would probably only include initial bios to prevent spoilers. How does that sound?
Oh! Allan, there is a difference between tracers and incendiaries–just ask my buddy Dave who just burned off half his pasture! Ha!
Thanks for the response. My thinking is that in the next book you had the bios of characters updated to include all information up to the beginning of that book. It shouldn’t be a spoiler because readers should have read all the previous books already. This way, you can add to the bios from that point for every new book. Just a suggestion.
I finished Firestorm last week – awesome. You have moved way up on my list of favorite authors.
With so many places associated with disappearances in our world, and the progress of the story, I wonder if series will expand to the Atlantic? South Africa makes a cameo appearance and probably will be a part of the next book, what will the future bring?
Being a Vietnam era destroyerman, buying the first book was a given, but the characters bought all the others. I hope I live long enough to read the conclusion of the series. I am looking forward to how Mr Anderson handles the dynamics of character interactions as the dame famine ends.
I see even more evidence of a possible “Bayonet Blossom” legend starting. It would be interesting to see what kind of inventions the Lemurians come up with since the industrial revolution has started becoming self-sustaining.
Oh, Southern California has some large oil fields, near Oildale California, next to Bakersfield. Beats having to haul it all the way from Indonesia.
I actually expect two lemurian inventions soon, like a universal chair for both tailed and tailless people. Also a horse saddle, although don’t they have one for the meanies.
How about coming to Colorado?
Will you be visiting Reno, Nv. on one of your appearances?
I’d love to visit Colorado Philip. It’s been a couple of years since I was there–or in Wyoming or Montana. The trout streams do beckon!
I was in Reno in August, Georg! I liked it. I doubt it ever got over 90 there–and believe me, that was a relief for me at the time!!! I’ll be back.
Couple things: I just finished Firestorm and WOW! You do realize you have a big story by the horns? I can only assume you’ve mapped out your plans for this big story and big world. I’m already getting a little lost. Gonna be a whopper of an ending when the time comes. Do ever paint yourself into a corner?
Some people have mentioned a character list on the website. Well, add me to the list of requests. Maybe some maps too huh? I only have audio books. (Just too convenient)
I have no idea if the author has any control over the audio book portion of a new release however,if you do please keep Mr. Dufris on board. He has become the voice and voices of Destroyermen and has done an excellent job. If you should see or hear from him pass it on.
Yes; Silva lives. During my 2 years aboard USS Ticonderoga CVA-14 while in the Gulf of Tonkin I used to go out steaming on the beach with a Gunners mate 2nd class that we nicked named Kong. He was a gun captain for one of the weather deck 5″guns. Personality much like Silva and loyal to his friends, Navy and country.
Keep up the great work and thank you.
i’ve been thinking about chack he reminds me alot like no-flit grey (charles grey) of the british army back during the 7 years war (french and indian war to the US) and the american revaluation. with his aggressive bayonet charges
It occurs to me that if the timeline in the novels is an example of a parallel universe, it doesn’t have to me the only one. Could we see characters from a universe that is not ours in the early 40′s? I thinking of all the parallel universes of H. Beam Piper in his Cross time books.
will we see capt reddy or general alden making a special forces branch lead by some deamon minded lemurian? with silva as it’s top NCO? i mean silva/lawrance are already a spec ops duo. we have all these acts by silva that wouldn’t come to mind to a regular person.
I wonder if any of the “immigrant” women who join the Navy will go for “Snipe” jobs. Spanky would probably burst a blood vessel if one or more transferred to Walker. It sure would be fun to see though!
what’s going to happen to fred and kari? they gotta be saved!
I really enjoy this series. I have a couple comments.
1.With the frequency of ships and aircraft passing through the storm, shouldn’t there be a lot more of them? The rate seems to be around six a year. If that’s the case I would think that the world would be more advanced technologically.
2. One would think that the zeppelins would’ve been detected and destroyed long before they were able to bomb the airfield. Where was the cap? There should definitely be a board of inquiry and some action taken about it.
Don’t flame me please. I’m really enjoying the series.
It’s hard to justify a C.A.P. when…gasoline is iffy in quantity and quality, and, best of all…up until the zeps show up, you had the only air force, except for one damaged aircraft. On another point, airfields recognizable as airfields are being built beforehand. Aircraft that were lost between worlds had no place to land…until now. So one might NOT crash into the sea or jungle if it a spots an empty airfield to land on.
ok the promblem with the CAP when they zeps came in. the pilots and there (face it) RIOs did what everyone doesn’t really do when looking for something/someone they didn’t look up.
the gasoline isn’t not iffy in quantity and quality. they can make gasoline just fine. making it in quality? that’s the hard part.
i’d like to see reddy make silva in charge of a special raider force
Oddly enough, there was an armed forces publication That warned about using Japanese gasoline in allied aircraft. It was much lower in octane rating. Japanese engines were designed to handle it, ours weren’t. This is probably why the Nancy engines run fine, the don’t need 101 octane avegas. The allisons on the p-40′s do. Unfortunately, our boys do not have the (relatively) high tech catalytic cracking towers that were developed in the 30′s in the U.S. and europe. Their gasoline is probably first diffraction run 76 to 86 octane primary gasoline. Any refinery folks out there that can provide us some oil refineing history? My specialty is steel, firearms, and Mil history. Also geodetic.
Wow! A lot of stuff here since I checked!
Lets see—-I’ll try to answer direct questions with no bearing on the plot.
Yeah Georg, I know I’ve got a big story by the horns–and having once been stupid enough to grab a semi tame buck deer by the horns, I learned that there’s no way you can ever turn him loose until you “win”–or he’ll KILL you!
Hi Paul. There ARE more of them. The “Squall” events are rare, but there have been more (known) “crossovers” recently than in the past. Does that have to do with Courtney’s theory about greater–more seaworthy–traffic due to the war? Metal? Hmm.
As for your second question, I think John and Michael nailed it.
Take care!
I have really enjoyed the series of Destroyer Men books and will continue to read them as fast as you can write them. I stumbled upon them this year when I was desperate for something different to escape into at the end of the day. I wanted something with a good mix of entertainment, excitement and new subject discovery. They fit the bill perfectly.
For the last couple of books I have now found it necessary to keep my own index of characters with key facts/experiences about each one. It’s already a large document but well worth doing and part of the fun.
A single large ‘known world’ map would be a help at the start of each book showing all the locations so far encountered in previous books without referencing any events or places in the current book so that nothing is given away early. The locations of various battle groups and ships on the map as at the start of the book would be good as well. I think they just add context to where everybody is in relation to each other. Maybe an order of battle at the beginning of each book for each fleet or battlegroup?. Again just the dispositions as at the start of the book so as not to give anything away in the pages to come.
why does the squalls have to be reacting to just the metal? this is just a crazy theory but what about emotions? enough anger and rage can trigger them? when walker and mahan and amagi when through they were angry. and the crew and prisoners probly angry from the air attack and scared. and feeling of desperation? lemurans were a calm and carefree people till the war. the grik don’t really feel emotions till they become hij.
Now that’s a fun idea. Negative mental energy. Remember “Kelley’s Heroes” and Donald Sutherland’s character warning against “negative waves?” Sorry, that’s the first thing that popped in my mind. I will, however, neither confirm nor deny that you are circling a tree in the right forest. As an aside, I know “Meatball” would have been a . . . rare–at best–character during WW2, but Sutherland’s performance was brilliant and iconic. His and Don Rickles’ performances were certainly the most memorable. IMHO.
“Oddball” and not “Meatball” there Taylor. “Kelley’s Heroes” has always been a favorite of mine. Agree about Sutherland and Rickles, but Savalas is under-rated aas “Big Joe.”
Negative energy, huh? Indeed, something to ponder…
Ha! You can imagine what was on my mind! I agree about Savalas.
Hi Roy! There is a “known World” map at the beginning of “Firestorm,” and I’ll probably be updating it as required. I also mean to combine a “cast of characters” with a “theater order of battle!” That way readers will know where everybody is–at least at first.
The cast of characters will only include “current” characters, and not those who have been lost. I’m considering posting a comprehensive cast of characters–but that will be a lot of work! I’ll have to wait until tilme allows.
I’m reading Firestorm right now and I’m confused by some of the character names being the same? Selass, Keje’s daughter, is in New Ireland patching up Chack after the first Waterford battle. But there’s also a Selass on Walker fighting the Dom’s who “sniffs” when the flight crew meets the dragons over the channel islands. Are there two, or was this a typo? I thought it was mentioned Selass wasn’t with them when they were about to ambush the Dom fleet and Bradford is sent down to do surgery in her place?
Well, for one I love your series, I’m going to say that outright as 16 year old. Your book combines my two favorite things: WW2 in the Pacific, and science fiction. When I first picked up the book, my mind was blown. And as you made more books I loved it more, and I wanted to see if anyone had made fan fiction of destroyermen. If you don’t know, fan fiction is when fans write a story in the universe of the book, sometimes as main characters or side characters they feel deserve more development. Books like Harry Potter have thousands of fan fiction stories, and so do other, sometimes more obscure books. But when I searched for destroyermen fan fiction, I found nothing. And that seemed upsetting, I figured that with such an amazing series as you have wrote, no one with a creative itch decided to make their own small little world out of it. Some writers are against others writing about their universe because they don’t know enough about the universe to write a story, and some writers love it because it shows how much people love their series. I was wondering if you had any thoughts about a fan fiction of the destroyermen universe.
I have to say i am looking forward to the New Japs taking down that Jap destroyer.
Oh and while we are on the discussion of the wormholes.
What ahout the cyclopse and other ships in the carribean. And what about the civil war there have got to be some more people in the america’s.
I would like to quote bradford a little bit here. “merry Christmas everyone”
@Ashton
Would you believe me if I said I would love to write some fan fiction. The fact of the matter is there is so much potential that my possibilities are virtually limitless.
Japan’s greatest ace, Nishizawa, was shot down fying a transport (DC -3) plane over the phillipines. He crashed in the Jungle, no place to land. Perhaps a similar event crosstime may result in an emergency landing at one of the newly constructed airfields. As time progresses, it could even be American, British, or Japanes carrier aircraft in a distressed condition. A Japanese Tony would be a hilarious addition, as it distantly resembles a P-40. Confusion to the enemy!…or somebody, anyway.
@Red
I would love to write some myself, and I even have a vague idea of what I want to write it about.
@ashton
The logistics would be interesting to say the least what we can come up with. I mean one could go the approaching of showing one of the “grunt” lemurians as we saw primarily from the perspective of officers. One could show different parts of the world as yet to be explored. One could even work from a Grik perspective… there’s just so much there.
Oh dear me, nearly forgotten to post what I originally came to post…a lot like Mr. Bradford in that regard I do suppose.
Something I find interesting is how we only ever see a small percentage of the surviving human Destroyermen. The books tended to focus on a small percentage of them out of the hundred or so there is remaining between the two ships and the submarine. I know it isn’t really feasible to show every single one of them, but it would be interesting to see more of the grunts play a major role but not become a flagship character like Silva (originally a gunner’s mate and he is for all purposes intended a “high ranking” commando now). That actually brings up a question I had about Silva now for a while…
I know that in the first book or two he was not nearly such a prominent character (oh he was there but not as prominent as in say book 4 or 5). What led to him being a more major character? Was it fan feedback or was it a personal decision when moving away from the original trilogy?
As well…do you think there are any characters you felt you accidentally made as a cliche in your own point of view? Generally, from the reader perspective, the characters looks fairly solid but the writer always sees their character’s differently.
Amazing series! I almost wish I hadn’t finished all the books as fast as I have… Now I have to WAIT for the 7th book…
Anyways, I really enjoy all the characters and the way the story is moving. What I’m wondering is how much land the Dominion encompasses. Is it all of C. America? Parts of S. America? Maybe even some areas of the south midwest in N. America. Also how will the Grik handle the Allied air force? I know that the Grik have their own aircraft now as well, but they don’t seem as capable of engaging air target (not that they have the weaponry to do so anyway). I do wish that the Allied air superiority lasted a little longer however – let them run wild for a few more battles. Poor Humfra-Dar ):
@ Matt
I ran into the same problem…with every single book up to this point, with the exceptions of when I bought 1 and 4 at the same time (I was given the second book as a Christmas Gift, and I could only find the third shortly after so 1 and 4 I bought together).
I won’t lie…reading about what happened there with this home ship genuinely shocked me…not many of the original 5 left are there?
My opinion regarding the allied air force’s superiority depends how quickly they can mount air to air weaponry. The aircraft already did a lot of damage in the air to ground operations from my perspective, but the key will be maintaining said control. The grik will need to develop proper anti air defenses or air to air weaponry to stand much of a chance in my opinion. I would like to point out that 20 Zeppelins or so in a surprise attack were felled by a small number of the P-40E aircraft, with one being lost to a bomb.
The Dominion…if you want my honest opinion, I say they probably stuck primarily to the coast but I say probably Mexico, and along the Pacific for central America is my guess…their naval resources were significant in their operations up to this point, so it is clear they got access to a large amount of resources.
Perhaps someone who has been victimized by Dominion aggression, but has held them off for years, might hear about the new Dominion foe, and make contact. Think a small land like Finland or Switzerland. Tough to invade, but not powerful enough to really hit back without allies.
@ John R. Schmuke
That is what my impression of the people that the Japanese Navigator met is exactly…they fit with the description of being south to the Grik and holding off their attacks, but not launching attacks back…though, to be fair the Dominion could have similar situations going on as well.
I’m curious, in all honesty, about what will happen to Blas-Ma-Ar very interesting…she is a character I will remember quite easily but one thing…I would love to see more of her as a fleshed out character…same with Juan actually as even in the fifth book where he was shown as a loyal man to matt and even proving handy with a rifle, he never got a lot of attention.
Blas-Ma-Ar had a very traumatic experience at the very start, yet remained a faithful and dependable marine all through the series. I am rather fascinated with her too, Red. I think both Jaun and her will be gradually developed as time goes on, and Taylor’s fingers and mind holds out. The South African group will be developed too. The horn of Africa is a bit od a Bermuda triangle too. It will be interesting to see what cultures had input, British already show, the other person could be either Boer(Dutch), or German East African (Namibia, nowdays).
@ John
I actually had to take my time reading Blas-Ma-Ar’s introduction to the series as I genuinely found it difficult to stomach, especially as it shot a fair bit from Silva’ and Laney’ points of view (and when both of those can agree something is sick…that says something). I was actually overjoyed to see her reappear a bit in the later books and not see her as a tossaway character. I admit, at the ends of Crusade and Maelstrom, i was very disappointed not to see her fleshed out more. I think it was her acting almost as Chack’ right hand Lemurian that really solidified the fascination, as it shows she has, to an extent, recovered sufficiently to try and perform her duty.
I certainly hope to see the South African group developed…since book four I suspected their existence and it would be a real kick to the guts if Mr. Anderson left that hook and simply never brought it up again…that would be cruel.
You know…I have a genuine pang of sadness when I watches the Lemurians grow up in the series…I can see so much of them turning into what humanity is, and I don’t really wish to see that though with the nature of war tis inevitable. They are going to die whether at the hands of the Grik, or their cultures will slowly die. I love the Lemurians and I see a lot of myself in them…and every time a part of them dies, I feels it myself in a sense.
That is not to say Blas-Ma-Ar fully recovered…truthfully I doubt you could, especially the nature of the…event as far as circumstances are concerned. Seeing into her mind would be interesting…in some regards it feels as though someone in my own life gone through an event by watching her throughout the books, as brief as her appearances may have been at times.
Hi Guys! Sorry I’ve been away so long, but I’ve been busy writing. I HAVE been reading the posts, and they are great–as usual. I had to jump in here and say that I’m glad to see the discussion on Blas-Ma-Ar. As you say, she had a rough time–but has managed to carry on–a theme that many of the characters carry, though maybe not as stoically as she. I LIKE her, and she will continue to play a big part–where appropriate. Here’s the deal. You may have noticed that I don’t have that many “throwaway” characters, though some who aren’t might be considered so by some. In most cases, even they play an important, regardless how sometimes brief, role. I also have characters come and go periodically–but that’s because the focus of the story has moved away from them for a time.
Blas–though she will come and go–is important to the story and to me. I feel much like Red in the sense that it saddens me to see Lemurian culture “grow up.” Even many of the human characters will grow increasingly saddened by that. Blas kind of reflects that traumatic transition if you think about it.
Oh! I DO “tease” now and then, in that I’ll throw something out there and see who “catches” it–or just to get you wondering–much as the characters “wonder.” I wouldn’t “tease” such a potentially major storyline as–it would seem–remains to be explored in southern Africa however. Just as I have tried to do all along, I do want the readers to discover and explore WITH the characters though. I know it can be frustrating, not knowing what’s out there—-but just think how Captain Reddy, etc. feel! Ha!
In a sense, she can be representative of the transition but her transition is the complete opposite if you ask me. In the Lemurian case you had the initial shock and their culture just gradually deteriorates. Blas-Ma-Ar had the initial shock as well and the initial terror but for her…most of the pain was likely early on from some perspectives.
Would you believe me if I said I was actually physically sick when I read about Fred in the sixth book at the end? I knew all along a degree of his fate but I only knew part of the truth…what truth there was hit me hard. I don’t know but as i said I feel a genuine attachment…its kind of scary when the creatures in fiction resembles one more than the humans around them. *Chuckles*
I do believe you, Red. I get a little creeped out myself when I write truly evil characters. The Grik are bad, and very alien . . . but maybe not really individually evil. Kurokawa is insane and wildly narcissistic; a true psychopath–but even writing him doesn’t creep me out as bad as writing Don Hernan. Kurokawa has a little of the pathetic about him–like the proverbial “outhouse rat.” Don Hernan however, is the result of a psychopathic society of institutionalized evil, and putting characters that I have become attached to myself into his hands was very unpleasant for me.
I’m a pretty uncomplicated guy by nature, so writing Silva is a good stress reliever. Not that Silva isn’t a little complicated himself, but his approach to . . . uncomplicating things follows a primal, if somewhat disproportionate equation: Recognize threat + Destroy threat = No threat.
That brings up a good point: what exactly is the definition of evil? As a character brought up when discussing Shinya’ internal conflicts in Crusade, I believe it was Keje, is the one who is forced to serve evil evil themselves? Is it society that determines what is evil or ones own perceptions on what is right and wrong. Admittedly in the original “trilogy” it was very straightforward but as the Lemurians are moving on the offensive, what is evil anymore? In a sense, I felt guilty cheering for the Lemurians as they burned down the homes of some. That civilian Hij, Greeka I believe, shows not all are evil…warped perhaps but not true evil. A sort of similar case as when the Americans and British advanced into Germany back in 45. I’m glad the Lemurians are still able to fight for their survival but again…and what cost?
I always loved irony, much like Silva, even when it bites you back hard. The dramatic irony of everyone believing Fred and Kari dead is both overwhelming and highly gratifying at the same time…if not for the situation.
One thing I wanted to bring up for a while…at the beginning of Rising Tides, you wrote what is claimed to be an excerpt from a book Courtney Bradford wrote in the 1950′s. It seemed somewhat odd if you asked me on the label alone…oh the read is interesting and I always loved that sort of writing but it sort of implies a few things…why did you include it?
Ah! Courtney’s book! I have included excepts for several reasons. First, despite the opinion of some, Bradford was not included in the story to find oil. Everybody knew it was in the DEIs–that’s why the Japanese wanted it! No, he is the interpreter, not merely linguistically at times, but of the period. So many things we take for granted today, from physics to newly discovered evidence from the fossil record, were largely, if not totally unknown in 1942. He can’t leap entirely to the present with his theories, but he can speculate in the direction of things we know today–perhaps far enough at times that certain hints may be gleaned.
It was known from the very first installment that Courtney meant to write a book. The excerpts themselves, from the eventual work, don’t give much away regarding the status of the world at the time it was published. It can be inferred that New Scotland has survived, but that’s about it. There is no reference to the war having ended, nor indeed if Courtney himself has survived to see his book in print! They do serve to show what Courtney is thinking at certain points, sociologically, scientifically, and even militarily to a lesser degree. They also allow him a “presence” in the storyline when he’s not really doing very much, which I considered important since I can’t allow him to be “forgotten.” His insights, when they come–either in the narrative or through the excerpts–are important. Sometimes they might be WRONG, but they do reflect the prevailing perceptions at the time, and occasionally, theories regarding how they all got there in the first place. It shows that–in their “spare time” Ha!–that mystery does still occur to people.
It is a significant mystery to the reader, indeed… and that I think about it, effective in keeping Courtney from being forgotten. I always had trouble working with larger casts because I find I focuses too much on a small percentage of characters, so it is amazing to me how well the cast size is working out in the final cut.
*Chuckles* I only just realized I’m glad you took this direction with Okada. I was extremely happy to see what happened in Maelstrom but I felt somewhat disappointed when I read what happened next in Distant Thunders. Firestorm made that up for me, and I’m rather anxious to see what happens to him next. He is an odd one…or is he? He fought to defend his home from his perspective in the old war, and he is doing something similar now: fighting for HIS people…an interesting character…
I wouldn’t write the Lemurian culture off as destroyed yet. Thes are resilaint, exuberant people. The Ameriacan society bounced back from the horrors of WW1 and WW2, it took a never-seeming-to-end war like Vietnam to create the self-loathing that is part of modern American culture in many areas. If they are able to hold to their integrity, the bad influences of the war will fade away. Meet a native of Guam, and you will see what I mean, they still keep their love of life and joy. That’s what Lemurians remind me of. Okada’s “Auxilary Cruiser”, or more accurately, “Q-ship”, will bring results. Okada is one very angry, dedicated samurai. I am curious, though, in our world, Japanese ASW never got very advanced compared to other WW2 participants. Perhaps a slightly different world?
@ john It would take time though, especially as all the characters are young. I believe this point was brought up during one of the staff meetings in Distant Thunders, that the Alliance’s pretty well entire staff of command is relatively young, and this came with its advantages and disadvantages. Whether their youth will prove an asset or hindrance in washing away the taste of war is to be seen from the reader’s standpoint.
As Far as the Japanese ASW goes, it is worth noting that Walker was considered primitive and look how that turned out. Hmm…Kurokawa will be seriously annoyed when he sees Walker…well if he sees or hears of it. I think its fair to say that this world will have things our world never had.
About to sit down and reread Firestorm tonight…I admit, I find the blending of American and Lemurian Cultures interesting in a sense…baseball?! A mailman…err, mailcat?!
One other thing that caught my eye in Firestorm the first time I read it was a single line Flynn mentions about the Canuck artillerymen. I have to say, as brief as it was, it makes me proud to see the Canadian stormtroopers praised in this book =)
You betcha, and that wasn’t just a “throw-away” line, either. The Americans involved in the Murmansk/Archangel “intervention” were in a completely different situation than the guys at Vladivostok–and they REALLY appreciated those Canadian red-legs.
Many times, I throw out little tidbits like that with little explanation, but there is usually some context. If readers catch it, I’m pleased. If they don’t, maybe they’ll be interested enough to investigate why I tossed it in–and they’ll learn more about the subject than I could possibly devote space to in the narrative. My intention is not to impress folks with all the little BB’s of trivia ricocheting around in my head, but to add texture to a character’s PERIOD perceptions and experiences. And just occasionally, I’ll do it HOPING readers will investigate further. Remember in the prologue for “Distant Thunders,” when the Japanese flyer mentioned a troublesome American destroyer at Port Darwin? He couldn’t have known it so I didn’t name her at the time, but that was USS Peary. Read about HER amazing and tragic odyssey some time. I often imagine that if Peary and her heroic crew could manage what they did, then “my” Walker and her people could certainly have survived many of the situations I put them in, early on.
I do remember that but I never did look into it until reading your post. It is really interesting when you look at the history behind a lot of things, hence a large reason why I studied it. Some of the historical references I do catch as with some of the real life stories (I was already familiar with the story of USS Pope prior to reading the Destroyermen due to another book I read prior) and seeing how they tie together is interesting to say the least.
I do comment that some of the character’ inclusions felt a little cheap in a sense. What I mean there is that a character feels like it is only in the book simply to be killed off a while later. I understand that that isn’t necessarily the case (many of the lost during the first battle against Amagi more to highlight the sheer chaos, and the for instance and how you never know who is going to be gone next or if you’ll even get to know them…from my perspective anwyays) but sometimes it do feel that way regardless.
Hmm…something else I wondered for a while is the Lemurian Names. Where exactly do they come from? I understand that there are certain links structurally speaking (like a lot of them uses aa rather than a like with Lelaa, or Graana) but where exactly are the names derived from exactly?
On July 31, 2010 Dimitri says:
Anyone here have a favourite character from the books (or several)? Personally, I like Silva, Tabby and Chack the best.
My favorite characters beside the ones you mentioned are Kari, Fred Reynolds, Adair, Spanky, Lawrence, Pete Alden, Had a Gunny who was like him when I was attached to the Marine Corps, Jamie Miller, the who came into his own after the Nurses came aboard Walker. Isak Rueben and Gilbert Yager, Rebecca, and Fitzhugh Gray.
After reading a lot of the posts, it seems that if you gave a “military discount” on your books, the profit margin would go down. This speaks a great deal about the quality and detail of your writing. I’ve finished reading all your books in the last three weeks or so and am awaiting #7, Iron Seas. I have mixed feelings about you continuing the series much longer; my wife is getting after me for spending too much time reading science fiction/alt. reality. I tell her it’s cheaper than golf, or a number of other time consuming addictive activities. MSG, REMF, (Ret)
@Robert Kammer
You make a very valid point about the golf…the big thing is once you buy a book, you can use it as much as you want…until it starts falling apart anyways. My Copy of Crusade is one of the paperback ones, and the binding is in terrible condition by me reading the book that much.
As far as continuing the series, I can see your perspective not only financially and space wise, but…the question is where do the writer put down the pen and let the reader pick up the telescope? The key thing for me at the moment is a conclusive and satisfying resolution to the Grik and Dominion, WITHOUT leaving a very annoying cliffhanger.
@ Orville V. Shelton
Dear me…my favorite character…very tough to really give a solid opinion on. The cast is pretty diverse and a lot of fantastic characters…I think the ones you listed are possibilities…as far as minor characters goes, Kari and Fred Reynolds could be in my top list…though that may simply be out of sympathy. I really like the Japanese characters because it is interesting looking into their psychosis and how the event has shaped their views. Okada in particular I always smile when I see appear.
I guess it really depends on my mood. Depending on what my thought processes were that day, that is the character I ultimately feels the greatest connection with and, in a sense, becomes my favorite for a temporary time period.
I guess i never really thought about the trek to europe only that once there they could attack the grik from the east, and that thats the only place where ME 262s would show up.
And in terms of the grik fighters the new more “intelligent, common sense” grik might be able to be taught how to fly slower simpler seaplanes like nancys.
oops wrong discussion.