Counterattack

The Corps, Book 3

By: W. E. B. Griffin

Narrated by: Dick Hill

Length: 19 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

"From the devastating surprise attack on Pearl Harbor to America’s first bold counterstrike against the Japanese on the beaches of Guadalcanal, this compelling story takes you to the front lines of victory and defeat - and into the very heart of courage, loyalty, and valor. It is a heroic story of pride and passion you will never forget.... Griffin’s books are distinguished by their high action and suspense, his dashing irreverence toward high command, and his clear picture of war and its wartime leaders.” (The Florida Times-Union)

©1990 W. E. B. Griffin (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

The U.S. Gears Up to Fight in the Pacific Theater

This novel is less tightly bound together than the previous two in the series as the U.S. moves into World War II and Griffin picks up many of the supporting cast members of the previous two novels and elevates them into primary roles. Disappointingly, Ken “Killer” McCoy and Malcom “Pick” Pickering have almost no role in the entire novel.

Counterattack chronicles the U.S.’s efforts to gear up in the Pacific campaign as the Japanese continue to set the tempo of the war. As this is a series about the marine corps, the navy is never the focus except for one officer, the former marine corporal turned shipping magnate turned naval officer, Captain Pickering (father of Pick Pickering from the earlier books). Pickering reports directly to the Secretary of the Navy and his function in this novel is to help us understand from an eagle eye view what is happening in the overall conduct of the Pacific War. He is our insight into MacArthur and the politics between the army and navy command structures.

Mostly, though, as he always does, Griffin gives us a grounds eye look at how things get done in the marine corps. We see the early marine parachutists training. We see the marine press corps trying to raise the country’s morale. We see men getting ready to go into harm’s way. We get an absolutely fascinating look at the Australian Coast Watchers—brave men and women who reported on Japanese movements at the literal risk of their lives. And all of this leads to the landing on Guadalcanal after Griffin has effortlessly shown the reader why the entire Pacific theater depends on preventing the Japanese from getting an airbase functioning on the island

In many ways, this book appears to be setting up the rest of the series. It’s a little high on romantic drama, but mostly what it does is establish the characters whom I presume we will be following in the next novel. That being said, it is not a slow-moving story by any means. I’m very anxious to continue reading about the corps.

Don't be misled

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Written about a time of war and bloodshed, Counterattack, is more of a character study than a shootem' up. (and OH what great characters!!) Yes the "Tommie guns do blaze away" but the story of the men and women who fought is the real strength of this book. W.E.B. catches both the tone and courage of people who fought a very real war. One last point is what a wonderful job an author can do when his historical research is spot on.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jack n.m.i. strecker.

Which character – as performed by Dick Hill – was your favorite?

The soon to be Sergent, Steven Koffler.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Lt. Joe Howard facing down his fear.

Any additional comments?

PLEASE keep this series going.

Griffin is a master storyteller

If you could sum up Counterattack in three words, what would they be?

Accurate historical portrayal

What was one of the most memorable moments of Counterattack?

The whole book

Which character – as performed by Dick Hill – was your favorite?

Fleming Pickering

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Men going to war knowing that they might not return.

Any additional comments?

Hurry up and get the rest of the series recorded

Great series

Just as with the Brotherhood of War Series I can't wait until the rest are available.

Very fun story Semper Fi

I love the corps series. Although this story had very little action, it was filled with lots of bravado "
marineisms" and somewhat accurate history. Either way I believe that dick Hill's performance made it much easier to listen to. He is an amazing performer and is able to do lots of different voices which assist with keeping track of who is who. The previous two books had more action however this one is really setting up the fourth book very well. If you like the previous two books I believe you will enjoy this one as well.

Story about the Corps!

Just a big soap opera based around the Marine Corps of WWII. Wish I never started!

When you your past behind it finds you .

Promotion is needed in the betterment of the service's. When you are looked down upon by your superiors. They are more shocked when you are now theirs. Only you know they are needed.

Better the second time around!

Love this series and the authors story telling style. The performace
kept me enthralled. Awesome.

Gripping

I enjoy this series and Counterattack (#3 of 10) is excellent, also. Griffin weaves the fictional characters into real world events, fiction interacting with reality. The (boring)battle scenes are minimized, but well told. Most of the story is told through the eyes of CAPT Fleming Pickering, former CEO of a successful shipping line, who is SECNAV's liaison to McArthur. Through Pickering's reports, we learn about big picture concerns, including Army-Navy infighting that made our military less effective. Love interests? There are several and they pervade the book and the series. Much of this story is dedicated to development of the USMC coast watchers and parachute Marines, two special capabilities that contributed to the war, but weren't USMC core capabilities. Fun read, where's #4?

once a Marine...

loved it, accurately portrayed, nicely performed. allowed the liatener to become part of the scene.