Best selling historian Clavin's (Bandit Heaven) new work exemplifies outstanding literary quality, combining taut, evocative storytelling with rigorous research. The narrative plungers readers into the harrowing World War II exploits of the USS Tang submarine and its commander, Richard O'Kane, capturing both the technical complexity of submarine warfare and its psychological tolls. The book focuses on the Tang's last patrol in 1944, when it successfully destroyed an entire Japanese convoy before being sunk by one of its own torpedoes. Only nine of its 89 crew members survived; among them was O'Kane, of whom Clavin offers a nuanced portrait. The language is crisp and direct, yet layered with insight, making operational details accessible while remaining focused on the human drama at the story's core. The structure is exemplary, featuring well-organized chapters, a precise chronology, a bibliography, and an index that enhance both readability and scholarly utility. The book is filled with stories of courage, innovation, and survival in the Pacific, offering enduring value for military historians, students, and general readers alike. VERDICT Clavin's authoritative yet empathetic voice ensures that this is not only an informative chronicle of wartime heroism but also a profound meditation on leadership, sacrifice, and the cost of war.

-- Lawrence Mello