This was a well written, absorbing book. Am looking forward to hearing more from these authors. Although it is listed as young adult science fiction, those over 21 will find it fascinating and thought provoking. Good job!!

There is just something about a man in uniform which has romance readers' hearts all a tweeter especially if the uniform is that of a Navy SEAL. One need only look at the highly successful SEAL books by Suzanne Brockman to know what branch of the military service is the reader's favorite. Well move over Susanne Brockman, there is a new kid on the block who has created a truly stunning tale of love and devotion to God, Country and to those left behind when the missions are done. TRUE DEVOTION is the remarkably poignant story of a Navy SEAL widow and the man whose love for her is tied to her husband's death. Multnomah author, Dee Henderson, who has captivated romantic suspense readers with DANGER IN THE SHADOWS and THE NEGOGIATOR, has crafted a tale of love and devotion sure to fascinate the most cynical reader.

Navy widow and lifeguard, Kelly Jacobs has found herself in tight spots before but nothing like this. Relying on survival skills her deceased husband taught her may not be enough to save her and the young surfer as they are caught in a rip tide being drawn out to sea. As the biting cold of the water is taking its toll and darkness sets in Kelly races to keep her young charge alive and her strength up but her spirit takes the biggest toll. With the knowledge Navy SEALs take care of their own including widows, her only hope is they will be found soon by the Navy or Coast Guard. Yet, as the tide pushes them further away from the few lights still visible from the base, her thoughts drift to her husband's best friend, Navy SEAL Lt. Joe "Bear" Baker. As her faith and spirit are tested to the limit it seems she has some unfinished business about her husband's death and her growing feelings for "Bear" Baker. Will he find her in time to explore them or is it her time to join her husband?

In TRUE DEVOTION, Ms. Henderson has provided readers with a uniquely plotted story using the "second chance at love" theme; a theme sadly lacking in today's romance offerings. The fact Dee Henderson does it with a crisp professional voice makes TRUE DEVOTION a must read even if you have never read an Inspirational book. Readers are sure to become loyal fans of Ms Henderson's work after reading the first chapter of Kelly's intense personal introspection: truly incredible writing sure to make the reader's heart ache at the intensity of her feelings. Have the tissues ready!. Her impressive knowledge of the workings of Navy SEALS never takes over the story but then she never lets the spirituality of her books become preachy either. This is what makes a Dee Henderson novel something very special. If you are a fan of Navy SEAL stories, you must read TRUE DEVOTION, a story with depth and emotion far surpassing the best of Suzanne Brockman's Navy SEALs. Dee Henderson is truly one of Romance's rising stars.

I recently discovered Dee Henderson in this novel, and what a discovery! The book opens with a woman (Kelly) floating in the ocean, wondering if she will become a victim like her husband, wondering if the new man in her life (Joe), a SEAL, will rescue her. Flashbacks intertwine with the scene, as the author takes her time entering into the commencement of the story itself. Kelly is falling for Joe, but isn't sure if she has the strength to marry another SEAL. Joe's intensely in love with her, but knows her concerns. Meanwhile the man responsible for her husband's death (Raider) is out to finish off Joe's platoon, putting Joe's life in grave danger. Joe and Kelly struggle to make a decision concerning their relationship in the midst of constant distractions. In the end, Kelly herself is kidnapped by the feared Raider and thought to be dead. This event alone changes Joe's life forever. A must-read book, the best I've seen in a while. Henderson's an amazing writer, and knows what she's talking about. Looking forward impatiently for Book Two!

A truly enjoyable book- well developed characters, plot, and relationship. It tells a story that is not just about romance but about God spiced up with suspense. I learned alot about God, the Navy SEALS, and romance the way God intended. I am greatly looking forward to other books from Dee Henderson.

I have read many memoirs of soldiers,from WWI to Vietnam and this was one of the best. It gives a personal perspective that others lack. Most war books bog down in x's and o's that most reader's don't quite understand but this book does not do that and is very readable. Randall Fuerst is my dad's eye doctor and was introduced to this book by my dad who was a marine himself and not a big book reader but he was not able to put this book down. I too, was captivated by this book as I think others will be too. I ended up buying my own copy and was lucky enough to get both authors to autograph my copy. I think others who read this book will be thankful as I am that we have people who are willing to make the sacrifices that Harry Constance did in the name of his country. Way to go Harry and keep up the good fight and I too will never give up!

The book is well written and puts you right in the middle of what was going on. I spent five tours in Nam and the stories shared in the book are correct. How do I know ? I was there. The book was easy reading and flowed from one story to the next. For the reader from Seattle if you do not wish to hear about the trials and tribulations of the VietNam war why did you read the book? Who cares about these Navy SEAL's? Anyone who fought side by side with them and a lot of other warriors who would have ended up as POW's if not for the actions of SEAL's, Marine Recon and Army Green Barets. From your comments it's easy to see how you feel about VETERANS Of Foreign WARS. There is only three reasons a persons such as yourself makes commits such as you have. 1. You are a wanna-be who never had the sand to do anything. 2. A SEAL took your wife or girlfriend away from you,or 3. Somewhere, someplace a SEAL adjusted your attitude.

If this book only contained the author's war stories I would still,without hesitation, give this book 5 stars.Readers of this book however,are privy to much more then being made to feel the pop-pop of bullets whizing by while they travel from battle to battle with the most elite warriors America fielded in the jungles of Vietnam. This book also takes one through the battlefield of the soul as we witness the author's struggles to survive the minefield of a bad marriage, navigating with the same courage that earned him many combat medals.In the end,his heroism is not left to dangle in the undergrowth of a forgotten country,but left to fuse the reader with a geater sense of honor.You see if the author-a man of such courage,and digity-could still be turned into a patsy by a manipulating woman he loved,if he was never less then a hero for all the humiliations he suffered,then so many of us who once knew such pain,will be a bit more whole after reading through his story.

Just now, I have finished watching "The Seventh Seal" by Swedish director Ingmar Bergman. Without doubt, this is the most moving film I have ever seen. The ending is false according to God's Word, but from a human viewpoint, there is little lacking. Everything is here . . . life, sex, greed, fear of death, murder, vengeance, . . . whatever is seriously considered by any man. . . nothing seems to be lacking. There are no surprises. Bergman outdid Hitchcock. Bergman is no theologian, but demonstrates the human viewpoints of man towards God. Unfortunately, but accurately, Bergman shows the attitude of man towards God and death and eternity through the eyes of a person living in the thirteenth century of northern Europe and under the complete domination of the Roman Catholic Church. As I did a term paper in high school on the Black Death, back in 1954, I relived some of the terror of that period in human history. This DVD is highly recommended to anyone who can stand to watch the darkest of all of Bergman's movies and can truly see the story through the eyes of a Swede living in the depths of the Black Death. Fantastic. Rates 5 stars, without question.

After ten years in the crusades, Antonius Block (Max von Sydow) returns to his homeland with his squire (Gunner Bjornstrand) to find it is blackened with plague. Upon his return he is faced with a meeting with Death and the realization of his ultimate fate. The clever knight prolonges his destiny by challenging Death to a game of chess. Through the film Antonius strives to find the meaning of life and the existence of God. The story is joined by several other intriguing characters played by many of the familier Bergman Actors and Actresses.
Truely a masterpiece by Swedish director Ingmar Bergman. This film displays the true soul of man and his ignorance and acceptance of his existance. I was particularly marveled by the contrast between the beliefs of the knight and the squire. Whenever Antonius' search for faith became too ambitous, his squire always levels him with reality. Through the charcters of the film, Bergman shows us the living fabric of man's contradicting natures and ambiguous answers to life. As an avid film viewer I strongly recommend this film to serious movie spectators. This DVD is truely a treat as all the films in the Criterion Collection. The transfers are considerably noteworthy. If you have already seen this film and found that it was enjoyable, check out other Bergman films or look into some of the other Criterion titles.

I came into this film with possibly unrealistic expectations. I had heard so much about it, that I thought there was no way it could live up to the hype.

It did.

The Seventh Seal is an amazing movie. It concerns a disillusioned Swedish knight (von Sydow) who returns from the Crusades to find his home being ravaged by the plague. On the shore, he meets a masked robed figure who claims to be Death. Rather than running in terror, the world-weary knight challenges him to a game of chess. The game is played over several days, during which Bloc gets a look at how the townspeople are reacting in religious terror to the plague.

There are two parts of the film to be addressed. Bergman's writing is anything but subtle. It is the writing of a young artist just finding his voice. He is trying to answer question life, God and morality. The film asks how one can maintain faith when God is silent. In this respect, the film is powerful in its bluntness. Consider the masterful scene in which von Sydow confesses his questioning of faith to a man he thinks is a priest. How he manages to find life, hope and possibly meaning amidst the rubble of his home in the family of entertainers. The movie becomes a dark comedy in the late stages, including one of my favorite all-time movie lines as an actor begs for his life.
Bergman's directing is also excellent. The aforementioned confession scence is remarkable. The closing scene justifiably famous. This is one of those films where the black and white medium is perfect.

This movie is well worth your time, even with he hefty price tag.

"First Seal" is a aweinspiring account of Roy Boehm's military career, from his not so glorious beginnings during the Second World War through his Vietnam and Cold War experiences during the Cuban Missle crisis and beyond. This book tells the grit and determination it took to create what is perhaps the most elite of all the U.S. Special Forces - THE SEALS!! Anyone who has any interest at all in U.S. history at all, should read this book. (and when you are done with this book, you will have a newfound appreciation for what Roy Boehm and countless others have done for this country.) Even if you are not a military/history buff, you owe it to yourself to take the time and check this book out. A rating of 5 stars is an unjustice. Much like the Navy Seals which he created, this book is ELITE among the Elite.

Roy Boehm the father of us all has finally put it down on paper. Now you can appreciate the story of Americas best, most elite fighting unit from the originator. More than a story about the TEAMS this is a look into a mans soul. Without Roy's tenacity and personality the SEAL concept would have been little more than an unfulfilled idea of a great American President. No other person would have had the daring or the dedication to see this dream fulfilled. All that the TEAMS are today we owe to this unsung (except to those of us who know him) dedicated American Patriot. Thanks Roy for sharing your life with the world

There is no question that First Seal will go down as probably the best book ever written about the formation of the SEALs. Without Roy's drive and vision, things might have turned out differently. I would have to say that anyone even vaguely interested in Naval Special Warfare HAS to read this book. Great job Roy, and I am sure you have more to write about. Keep 'em coming.

Stewart Smith's Complete Guide to Navy SEAL Fitness goes far beyond the average fitness book. Smith teaches the reader a type of fitness which has been pushed into the wayside with the introduction of weight lifting, aerobics, and ab machines; that fitness is calisthenics. The purpose of his book is to give an opportunity to those who wish to enter BUD/s training (Basic Underwater Demolitions a.k.a. SEAL training) a workout program that will best help them negotiate this intense course while giving them some insight on the stresses that will be placed on them, but he also gives a great workout routine who wish to get into 'wicked good' shape. His workout is primarily designed to ready one for BUD/s and much of the text is devoted to describing how BUD/s is conducted. The first sections of the book demonstrate various stretching and physical training techniques. Many of these techniques are unique to the military, i.e. dive bombers. Nonetheless, each exercise, when done correctly, provides a great workout to the designated area of the body. Smith's next section pertains to another area of specialty in BUD/s - pull-ups. He demonstrates many pull-up techniques employed at BUD/s. The next two sections are devoted to running and swimming. Both incredibly emphasized at BUD/s, Smith goes into great detail on running properly and on swimming techniques. As an added bonus, a section on rope climbing has been added. The rest of the book is devoted to the actual workout. A 24 week routine, Smith provides more than the official Navy SEAL workout. By compounding supersets of calistinics with sprints and pull-ups, this workout gives the participant an anaerobic (without oxygen) workout. Overall, if you want an intense workout that will prepare you for anything, this SEAL workout is for you. The benefits aren't all physical, either. The mental toughness gained through this workout cannot properly be put into words. So if your a workout fanatic or have aspirations of joining the nation's most elite commando force, The Complete Guide to Navy SEAL Fitness is for you.

Lt. Smith's book is informative, motivating, and easy to follow. I'm a 23 yr old male planning on pursuing a career in the SEAL Teams. I knew I needed to get moving with my physical fitness regimen but I lacked direction and motivation. The Complete Guide to Navy SEAL Fitness was exactly what I was looking for. It provides insight into what is arguably the most intense and demanding military training anywhere in the world. Pictures showing calisthenic exercises, as well as stretching, make it great for beginners and seasoned athletes. The "12 weeks to BUD/S Workout" is well organized and leaves nothing to the imagination. Its detailed diagrams and charts on running, swimming, and calisthenics will challenge you and certainly improve your overall physical fitness....there's no doubt about it. Bottom line, it's a great book, and if you complete the workouts inside, you'll be in the best shape of your life.

I came upon the book through sheer happenstance.

As some of you might relate to, I had been looking for an exercise routine online for sometime. I'd been exercising for some time after high school but couldn't keep motivating myself in college with my random runs around town and "what should I lift today" programs.

I needed to be motivated... cheaply. :)

Looking online I found some exercises through the official Navy SEAL website. It was called the BUD/s Warning Order. It's a workout for prospective SEAL wannabes to do, that helps them realize the amazingly high fitness levels one must have to complete their intensive training.

I began it, and found myself getting in better shape. One of my buddies had also been training for the Fire Academy, and when I mentioned the routine I was doing, he said he was doing the same routine also. Only his routine was out of the Navy SEAL "12-Week Workout" by Stew Smith.

This book gave detailed information on how best to train for the SEAL's. It gives varied workouts, stretching routines, pictures on correct form (extremely important) and information all prospective SEAL's can use on how to actually become one.

I need a routine to workout with. I like to have my exercises already listed on what I need to do throughout the week. This book does that. I don't need a gym pass. I buy no weights. I just motivate myself to get out of bed, do the workout, and get on with my day.

The workout is not for the undisciplined. It is not a "48 hour, lose 10 pound, celebrity diet program." The program is intensive, and it takes a responsible indiviual to stay with the program.

I am now in the best shape of my life. I know this and feel great about it because I can not only feel it as I walk around, but can review the effort I put into the program and see what I have accomplished. It's a palpable feeling of achievement.

If you are unsure about the book. come by our chat group at:

www.GetFitNow.com

...we discuss the book and other varied active lifestyles. Come by, give us your input, and continue to motivate yourself by getting out for that walk, or pushing out that extra repetition.

Marcinko delivers, once again, with Seal Team Alpha. The story picks up where previous books have left off, offering the reader a familar style that is as much of an education on tactics and the special operation community, as it is an exciting story. Marcinko utlizes a writing style that involves the reader in all aspects of the plot. Often The author will break into the story to explain something of historical or strategic significance to the plot, this allows even a neophite to the technothriller to feel comfortable and educated about an often secretive world. Having read much material relating to the special operations community, I can vouch for the acuracy of the methods, equipment and tactics used in this book. The stories are well crafted and fun to read. Marcinko's "Rouge" humor, although shocking, is quite entertaining. This is a no holds barred, street fight of a book with no scared cows and no end to the action.

Marcinko is a Kick A** Commander! He writes books true to life, on intense subjects. He has been places and seen things that most people have only read about in books such as this one. His books really keep you on the edge, and all you want to do is read more! Exciting and action packed just as all of his previous books!

Marcinko does it again. Fun and action-packed, his books grab you by the balls and never let go. One of those authors who repeatedly gets great reviews for great books. As a former Navy Seal, I can tell you that the things he does are indeed true and can be taken at face value. For all the folks out there who want another non-fiction book from Demo Dick, you must all quit being idiots and remember that the Navy that spent 60 million dollars trying to put him in prison are the same folks making sure he doesn't give away any dirty little secrets in his novels. So I think another non-fiction book is out of the question.

The romance element is not the strongest in this book, but it's a good story nonetheless.

Tom Paoletti has been injured and comes home to rest, only to see an international terrorist in his quiet hometown. Of course, no one believes him, and his own boss thinks Tom is having hallucinations caused by his injury. Following more sightings, Tom persists, and enlists the help of his niece and her boyfriend (a very sweet relationship) and of Dr. Kelly Bishop, the girl next door that once touched Tom's heart.

Now divorced, Kelly realizes that her feelings for Tom have never gone away, but it takes a lot to convince him that Kelly wants more than a good time.

The book switches from a buddy story in WWII Europe to the present, where Tom and Kelly have to find love again amidst the lethal danger posed by the terrorist.

I liked this book a lot, the history part of it, the secondary romance, and even though the Tom-Kelly relationship is not the strongest part of the book, it is well drawn and realistic. Good job, Ms. Brockmann, I await The Defiant Hero.

I've read each and every one of her US Navy SEALs series and I love them all. Why? Because you get more for your money in Brockmann's books and Unsung Hero is no different. This one, like the others, offers more than a single love story. Sure, it has a modern-day love story between Tom, an injured SEAL on medical leave, and Kelly, a childhood friend-turned-divorced doctor. But, it goes beyond that! (1)with Tom's struggle to retain his position with the SEALs and concerns over his own sanity and health (2) with a possible terrorist threat that may be real or may be Tom's imagination (3) with flash-backs to a WWII buddy story of lost-love involving Tom's great-uncle, Kelly's father and a French widow. (4) and with an added love story sparking between two unlikely youths, one being Tom's neice. Brockmann does a spectacular job of weaving the plots to form a truly enjoyable page-turning novel! It really should have been called Unsung Heroes ... there's more than one character who'll touch your heart in this book.

I admit that I'm a big fan of Suzanne Brockmann's books, so I may have been predisposed to like The Unsung Hero. However, I can objectively say that the book surpassed even my high expectations with its attention-grabbing mix of action/adventure, long-simmering romance, young love and an important secondary story told in flashback.

Intricate? You bet, but Suzanne does an incredible job weaving it all together in a way that kept me spellbound.

Everything in this novel works for me. The plot of injured Navy SEAL Tom Paoletti returning to his small-town Massachutsetts home to recover from a possible-career-ending head injury and spotting someone who could be a deadly terrorist is a great set-up.

The conflict between hometown doctor Kelly Ashton and her terminally-ill father Charles touches the heart.

Even though there's a lot going on, the primary romance between Tom Paoletti and Kelly Ashton is dynamite. I love having two people who have known and been attracted to each other for years finally meet up again.

Some readers don't like the addition of the WWII backstory involving Charles Ashton and Tom's great-uncle Joe Paoletti. I disagree. I think the flashback segments are extremely well done and make for compelling reading. I HAD to find out the whole story.

So, count this a rave for The Unsung Hero because it is definitely at the top of list of my favorite books of the year.

James Huston's second effort, 'The Price of Power' is a direct sequel to his 'Balance of Power'. Both novels put together can easily be read as one novel and I will hazard a guess that the original draft was just that - a work that was split into two parts.
The terrorist from the first book, "George Washington', survives and kidnaps an American mining executive and his wife. He is quickly killed and his wife is held hostage with the demand for the release of the captured terrorist band from the previous novel. It is unclear in the novel if the reader is supposed to believe that the executive's wife is dead or alive.
The second thread of the novel are two courtroom procedures: the impeachment of the President on the grounds that he is a pacifist and cannot fulfill his duties as President of the United States and the court martial of Admiral Billings who led the original assault on the terrorist island. Still another plot thread is the use of another clause in the Constitution to justify further military action without the authority of the executive to rescue the hostage.
'The Price of Power" is better written than the previous novel because there are fewer dangling plot threads and the main characters behave with greater consistency than in the first book. The author also does a good job with his simple but effective courtroom dialogue sequences which are the true heart of the novel.
However, as in his first novel, the author uses his characters and storyline to present a right-wing interpretation to the Constitution and the roles of the President and Congress. The author misreads the Constitution and expects up to believe in some unlikely scenarios. For example, can you imagine a true pacifist getting through the President primary process? How about a President's mother testifying at an impeachment hearing? Or how about a court martial that judges on the constitutionally of an act and not the UCMJ?
As with his first novel, you need to put your brain on hold for this one, but if you do, you will enjoy this well paced fantasy novel for right-wingers. I intend to read his next novel, "Flash Point' which I hope is more military action than right-wing political fantasy.

James Huston has done what few writers succeed in doing -- creating a sequel that is as good as, if not better than, the original. I would have rated this book "4 1/2 stars" if the Amazon rating system allowed me to.

Like Balance Of Power, The Price Of Power is a political/military thriller that grabs your attention right from the start and never lets go. The action is electrifying, the characters are very well- developed and the dialogue is crisp and realistic. You could almost envision seeing and listening to Bill Clinton in some respects if you try real hard. While 501 pages in length, there isn't one page that you'll be sorry you read.

The Price Of Honor is a book you won't want to miss. But do yourself a favor and read Balance Of Power first. Enjoy them both!

What a great follow-up to Huston's first novel. Pardon the cliche, but, I couldn't put it down. Fast-moving, plausible, and a true political thriller that weaves great action seamlessly into the storyline. The only negative comment I have is that I don't see a third book in this "series". Not really sure if the same characters can be utilized again. I was a Huston fan after "Balance of Power". Now I am a "groupie".

It's difficult to believe this is Joe Buff's first novel. Written with the maturity you'd expect from a much more seasoned author, Deep Sound Channel quickly grabs you and shows you one possible future on a US Navy nuclear submarine. In a near-future limited nuclear conflict between major powers, the author masterfully depicts the turmoil, pain, and dedication of submariners in a high stakes conflict between good and evil. His apparent knowledge of submarines lends believability to the ultra-complicated, and demanding world in which these remarkable people live and die to preserve a way of life. With enough action to hold the reader's interrest throughout, the author develops his characters to the point where the reader shares emotional highs and lows with them. A thoroughly satisfying novel that will engross action buffs looking for a good read.

This book, which is the author's first, offers both a vividly realistic look at how war might be fought at sea in the not-too-distant future, plus a tightly edited, fast-paced, exciting story that's often brutally violent, always action-packed and always full of suspense. The often highly technical prose displays a dazzling level of knowledge of submarines on the part of the author which actually makes the reader feel as though he is ON the submarine, but at the same time does not make the basic story line too hard to follow, which can be a risk with this kind of writing. Plus, Joe Buff provides a glossary which is extremely helpful. I now know a lot more about nuclear subs and about tactical nuclear war than I used to. Though I rarely read fiction, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can hardly wait for Joe Buff's next one.

I got my first glimpse into the facinating world of submarines (at least my first serious one) when I read Clancy's 'Hunt For Red October' back in the late 80's. I have been interested in sub novels ever since. The main problem is there are only a small number of good sub authors in print today. When I discovered Michael DiMercurio I found exactly what I was looking for. But again, these good authors can't produce a new novel as often as I finish them, therefore I kept looking. FINALLY!! I came across 'Joe Buff' and his amazing first novel, "Deep Sound Channel" and I am hooked all over again.

The near-future war between the Allies & the (new) Axis is a terribly frightening one...one in which nuclear weapons ARE being used -- too frequently. The USS Challenger is a ceramic-hulled Virginia Class SSN that is the next generation of super-quiet subs that can deliver incredible blows to the enemy. I found the main storyline quite interesting: Infiltrate an enemy biological weapons facility and turn it into nuclear dust, otherwise the outcome of the war just may turn in unwanted directions. The greatest strength that Buff has is his ability to make us feel like we are RIGHT THERE in the midst of the action in the CACC of the Challenger...sweating right along with the crew. Even coming upon the wreck of other subs can be hair raising. Joe Buff has quickly become one of the shining stars in the field of the submarine techno-thriller right along DiMercurio and Clancy (although Tom hasn't done an all-out sub novel since Red October).

If you enjoy a thrilling time inside the walls of a nuclear submarine, give yourself a gift and buy Joe Buff's books (also including: 'Thunder In The Deep' & 'Crush Depth') and sit back and relax (as best you can) and allow the theater of your mind to play out the tremendously fun adventure set within the pages of his books. Highly recommended.