Attack of the Seawolf [Paperback]

The setting is at several different places including Michael's boat, the U.S.S. Seawolf, Sean's boat, the U.S.S. Tampa, Xingang Piers, and the ships of the Chinese Northern Fleet. U.S.S. Seawolf is the main setting where the author vividly describes the boat and submarine life by saying, "the air was filled with the smell of diesel oil, lubrication oil,

cooking grease, cigarette smoke,and sweat"and by later stating that there was also raw sewage. In describing the settings the author gives you the feelings of suspense, excitement and anxiety.

A basic overview of the story is that a submarine (Sean's) is sent to Bo Hai Bay to spy on the Chinese and is caught. Then the Seawolf is sent to rescue it before its too late. There is plenty of tension between the two American subs and the Chinese even though they never saw or heard each other. Each side is anxious to get rid of the other but at the same time is scared, cautious, and nervous. The climax is very thrilling when the two sides clash and resolution unfolds. In the end all conflicts are resolved, both internal and external. Michael's internal conflict is that he needs to go to sea more and command his own boat. The external conflict is obviously the one between the Chinese and the American subs. The ending was believable in my opinion and fit the story perfectly. I would not changed the ending in any way.

My favorite part of the book is when one if the last ships of the Chinese fleet sinks,it's name is the Shoagan. The author describes it as, "the missile hit the carrier and exploded into a one-hundred meter mushroom cloud of flame and shrapnel"and later on, "somewhere far below an explosion rumbled through the bowels of the dead ship, first a sharp roar then settling down.....". This is my favorite part because it is a great triumph for the Seawolf and the author gives a great description of it.

One of the themes I discovered was that you shouldn't keep yourself from doing something you like. For example,this quote describes Michael after he'skept himself from the sea: "I've seen what happens to you when you're not at sea, you haven't been the same since-". Another theme is that you have to make wise and good decisions when you have major responsibility and pressures. This applies to the world because business people and officials make important decisions. Also, personal decisions can affect those you care for, such as family.

The author's style is excellent. The story is a narrative. Third person omniscient is the point of view. You can learn about Michael (the author) through his style. The tone is a very serious and calm. Michael uses plenty of submarine warfare terms that lots of people wouldn't understand, so the words are pretty advanced. His vocabulary,vivid verbs, descriptive adjectives, and figurative language make the book excellent. The way he wrote this book is so interesting and suspenseful,it will glue you to the pages. This book is a definite page turner, but I only recommend this book to people who like the Navy or the military.