MWSA Book Review

Of Ice and Steel

Authors: D. Clayton Meadows

Publisher:  Leatherneck Publishing

Reviewer: Bill McDonald – President of the MWSA

Future and Past meet in a Potential Cataclysmic Conflict

There are very few books that you read and tell yourself that this would make for a great action movie. However, in “Of Ice And Steel” author D. Clayton Meadows makes you see and actually feel those visual mental pictures unfolding in your mind as you read his book. He is truly a gifted writer. He displays his creative writing style with the greatest of skill as he treats us to an unbelievable tale that he makes you accept as possible.

This book has a little of everything that a good submarine story should have including a cast of well-defined characters and a great dialog. The real twist to this war adventure is that it crosses over into science fiction. You will not read another story like this one ever! The action and pace of the book move the plot right along. It is a spellbinding thriller that you will not be able to put down until you find out what happens.

The plot deals with what happens when a German U-Boat crew emerges from suspended animation in the artic ocean. They find themselves in the modern world of the future still trying to carry out their mission from World War II. They go up against a world that has changed and the result is what makes this a great yarn.

If you enjoy thrillers, sci-fi, adventure stories, war stories or just great entertaining reading, then this book is for you. You will not be disappointed. This book receives The Military Writer’s Society of America’s highest book rating of FIVE STARS! It is also receives this reviewer’s personal recommendation. It is a must buy and another winning book from Leatherneck Publishing!

Reviewer: Joe Fabel – MWSA Review Board

It is rewarding to read about submarines by an author “who was there, done that.” Meadows spent 20 years on nuclear submarines in the United States Navy. He knows of which he writes. Of note is the fact that he was on one of the three Nuke Subs to first surface at the North Pole.

This is a story about action aboard submarines: one a German U-Boat (yes, from WWll), one a United States Nuclear Submarine, and one a modern Soviet Nuke Sub.

Interestingly, the action takes place in modern times, some sixty years after WWII.

There is mystery involved. The Germans aboard the U-Boat were voluntarily “gassed” with a newly invented substance which prolonged life in a suspended state. Waking up some sixty years later to face military developments and events far beyond their dreams.

The crew “shoot” their torpedoes at modern, unsuspecting ships.

The author’s story development takes the reader through all of the crew preparations and responses of battle. Fear of starting World War III is in the minds of the American and the Soviet captains, along with suspicion and questions of trust. The German skipper just wants to return his ship and crew to the Germany he remembers.

Join in reading this tale of challenges and intrigue; you will enjoy the outcome for all three countries. Or will you feel that such situations are beyond belief?