Audible Book Review: Distant Thunders: Destroyermen, Book 4 by Taylor Anderson

This is a action-packed series; entertaining listening!

Distant Thunders: Destroyermen, Book 4
UNABRIDGED
by Taylor Anderson
Narrated by William Dufris
    LENGTH    16 hrs and 47 mins
    RELEASE DATE    06-01-10
    PUBLISHER    Tantor Audio
Genre: Alternate Universe Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
After the battle in which the men of the destroyer Walker and their Lemurian allies repelled the savage Grik, Lieutenant Commander Matthew Reddy is shocked by the arrival of a strange ship captained by one Commaner Jenks of the New Britain Imperial Navy - an island-nation populated by the descendants of British East Indiamen swept through the rift centuries before
With the Walker undergoing repairs, Reddy already has a great deal on his hands. For the Grik will return, and Reddy will need all hands on deck to fight them off when they next attack. But Jenks's uncertain loyalties make Reddy question whether he can trust the man. As tension between the Allies and the Imperials mount, Reddy will come to realize that his suspicions are not misplaced - and that a greater danger than the Grik is closer than he ever suspected.

Review:
This is the fourth book in the series continuing the adventures of Captain Matthew Reddy and the Americans from the two destroyers, Walker, and Mahan, who have landed in a parallel world– out of time. Author Anderson, through a smooth process of flashbacks, presents the background information of the existing characters so new readers can identify them. I found the information helpful to refresh my memory without being at all boring. The reader also learns more about the newer characters, particularly the British Empire officer, Jenks, who might turn out to be honorable and the “East Indian Company” man, Billingsly, who clearly is not honorable.

There is quite a bit of interesting history on ship and weapon development. I appreciated how the author combines the more advanced, industrialized 1940s crew with the previous peaceful, but non-industrialized Lemurian culture so they work together to develop new materials and methods to build the assets needed to prepare for the war against the Grik.

The Grik are still in the picture with a few scenes keeping the reader informed on the changes happening with their leadership and machinations. It is interesting to observe the hunter having to deal with the realization that they are becoming the prey to the American and Allied forces.

After reintroducing the players there is plenty of action. Captain Reddy takes Captain Jenks along to Aryall to see the battle preparations and advance engagements against the Grik. Meanwhile, repairs to Walker and other damaged ships is underway at the shipyard at Baalkpan.  Billingsly, left behind with the British ship at Baalkpan, kidnaps the New Britain Princess, Rebecca, along with several others, including Matt’s sweetheart, Lieutenant Sandra Tucker, and the irrepressible, salty, but genius, sailor, Dennis Silva.

Matt returns to Baalkpan to head out in pursuit of Billingsly while Silva ruminates over escape plans for those kidnapped. There is plenty more story to look forward to in the next installment!

Audio Notes: I am utterly impressed with the narration by William Dufris. He portrays the character idiosyncrasies and his reading keeps pace with the emotions and actions. I love listening to this series!

This was a download from my own Audible Library; Just for Fun pick for August.