U-Boat Scourge: The Naval Odyssey of Professor James Brand

Hubby and I love history, and he likes me to read to him -- anything about WWII, and especially U-boats. I have a fascination with submarines. When I ordered this book, I thought it was about U-boats. Well, it's not. Half-way through the book, and I could count on one hand the number of times the word "U-boat" was even mentioned. This book is about the military -- all branches -- and who out-ranks whom. I find it extremely boring, but hubby, having served in the Army, likes it a lot better than I do. Why should I care who salutes first? I just want U-boats! If you're a military man, you'll love this book; otherwise, pass on it. But bear in mind that the title is all wrong; it should be "Military Protocol."

The author's extensive knowledge of the World War II era is on full display in this book. It is a fascinating story of James Brand, one of the young men who joined the navy after Pearl Harbor was bombed. Although the book is fiction, it has historical figures and events seamlessly interwoven into the story. James Brand, wise beyond his years, is a very likable character. He is not at all puffed up by his amazing genius, which is put to use in his team's special assignment to come up with ways to deal with the U-Boat problem. I look forward to the sequel to see the further development of James Brand's role and character.

Bought this for a gift, recipient has really enjoyed it!

An excellent historical fiction starting in the hours immediately after Pearl Harbor with the introduction of the American version of R.V. Jones as a wunderkinder physicist/genius/prodigy, James Brand. The fictional account of the adventures of Brand are woven tightly into the events of the day. The history comes to life as Brand and his team meet all manner of larger than life real persons during their research and development of new strategies to combat the U-Boats of operation Drumbeat. The author really knows the language and lives of each real person.
I truly was engrossed in this book quickly and even through I know much of the history, it was a fun twist to have the fictional story line mix with the real. The story was very entertaining and interspersed with bits of humor which made me laugh out loud at times. Every chapter is framed in the real history of that specific date in history. As the world changes and the US becomes more drawn in to the global war, young Brand and his team find their mission expanding and they establish their confidence and credibility. This book ends in late spring 1942 so there is a lot more to come!
I very much look forward to the 2nd and likely 3rd (4th?) book in the timeline to see where the adventures lead.