Warshot is a superb choice if you’re in the mood to read some tense naval standoffs with a pinch of old-school treasure hunt. The narrative focuses on altercations between US and Chinese naval forces as China tries to extend its grasp on an island beneath which lies unexplored gold in abundance. Facing the threat of upsetting the world economy, US steps in to protect its interests. The matter quickly escalates to stressful situations where warring submarines are pitted against each other in descriptive sequences of naval combat that vividly highlight the somber yet energetic mood of the submariners as they try to sink their opponent as quickly as possible while aggressively evading incoming torpedoes. I loved the realistic details presented of the inner workings of the submarines from the commands to the equipment without becoming too complex for a layman. Reading the skippers shout commands to dive down from periscope depth took me back to the days of watching The Hunt for The Red October and Crimson Tide. The narrative moves a little slow at first to set up the necessary characters, but once the first torpedo is launched, the action sets off relentlessly underwater and on land as well. The writing puts an emphasis on the communication breakdown between naval officers having to commit to a course of action, and bureaucracy underestimating the need for swift movements. The story fills you with an immense sense of gratitude for sailors who undertake the daunting endeavor of wading into battle in a confined medium in the dark depths of the vast oceans where anything can happen. This is a story you’ll want to kick back to and enjoy on a sunny weekend by the beach. Mirroring the recent geopolitical situations and blending them with an adventurous plot, Warshot is definitely recommended for readers seeking an underwater escapade.
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