Book Review: Into the Storm, by Taylor Anderson

A World War II destroyer is trapped on an alternate Earth, in a war between evolved lemurs and dinosaurs.

Roc, 2008, 400 pages

Pressed into service when World War II breaks out in the Pacific, the USS Walker---a Great-War vintage "four-stacker" destroyer---finds itself in full retreat from pursuit by Japanese battleships. Its captain, Lieutenant Commander Matthew Patrick Reddy, knows that he and his crew are in dire straits. In desperation, he heads Walker into a squall, hoping it will give them cover---and emerges somewhere else.

Familiar landmarks appear, but the water teems with monstrous, vicious fish. And there appear to be dinosaurs grazing on the plains of Bali. Gradually Matt and his crew must accept the fact that they are in an alternate world---and they are not alone. Humans have not evolved, but two other species have. And they are at war.

With its steam power and weaponry, the Walker's very existence could alter the balance of power. And for Matt and his crew, who have the means to turn a primitive war into a genocidal Armageddon, one thing becomes clear: They must decide whose side they're on. Because whoever they choose to side with is the winner.

( A war story suitable for Weird Tales, and it would make a pretty good setting for a RPG. )

Verdict: All the fun is in the concept — Into the Storm is basically a space opera without the space. The saga of the USS Walker begins here in what looks like one of those series that goes on and on — nonetheless, the first book is all action with minimal worldbuilding, and enough fun for me to read the second.

---

My complete list of book reviews.