The Rising Tide

A Novel of World War II

By: Jeff Shaara

Narrated by: Paul Michael

Length: 22 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

A modern master of the historical novel, Jeff Shaara has painted brilliant depictions of the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and World War I. Now, The Rising Tide begins a staggering work of fiction bound to be a new generation’s most poignant chronicle of World War II.

Through unforgettable battle scenes in the unforgiving deserts of North Africa, into the “soft underbelly” of Hitler’s Fortress Europa, and as battles rage along the coasts of the Mediterranean, The Rising Tide is a vivid gallery of characters both immortal and unknown. From tank driver to paratrooper to the men who gave the commands, Shaara’s stirring portrayals bring the heroic and the tragic to life in brilliant detail.

A new level of accomplishment from this already acclaimed author, The Rising Tide will leave listeners eager for the next volume of this superb saga of the war that saved and changed the world.

©2006 Jeffrey M. Shaara (P)2006 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

"The wonderful first volume of a planned trilogy....Shaara evokes the agony of desert warfare and the utter chaos of an airborne assault....[A] sprawling, masterful opening act." (Publishers Weekly)

You Are There

In the Rising Tide, Jeff Shaara continues to chronicle the spectacle of American war. This time it’s WWII, from the front lines in North Africa through the invasion of Sicily to the buildup in England before Operation Overlord. He drops you right in the middle of the action, whether it’s through the eyes of a paratrooper, Sgt. Jesse Adams, or the future Supreme Allied Commander, Dwight D. Eisenhower, you are there. The superb actor/reader, Larry Pine, does a phenomenal job with the many varied voices and accents. He is able to transport the listener through time, adding immeasurably to the ultimately satisfying listening experience. I eagerly await the next volume from Shaara. 5 stars.

THE TERROR CAN BE FELT

This is a fantastic book that focuses on the personal experiences of generals and common soldiers during the Normandy Invasion and surrounding time periods. I was a history major in college and have a particular interest in WWII since my grandfather fought in it...so I'm naturally predisposed to like this book.

I started reading this series thinking I would most enjoy the perspective of the generals but surprised myself by finding the character of Sgt. Adams the most intriguing. Sgt. Adams is something of an "every man" but he is also the embodiment of all that was right with the generation that fought the war--self-sacrificing, courageous and driven to do his part to win. I had the fortune to visit the National World War II Museum in New Orleans shortly after reading this book feel something of Sgt. Adams in the pictures and mementos at the museum. The book also gave me a deeper appreciation for Eisenhower and Patton, also heightening my experience at the museum.

This is a "must read" book and the best of Jeff Shaara's World War II series.

Helpful perspective

This book provided a perspective on the Italian campaign I hadn't considered. Most of the histories about WW2 dwell on d-day and after... My dad was a muleskinner in Italy and I now need to look at that aspect more closely. This was an engaging novel and well worth the listen!

Loved it and Learned a Lot

Would you listen to The Rising Tide again? Why?

Yes, it gave such a great insight into the decisions faced by these very famous historical figures.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Rommel was by far the most interesting character. It is easy to assume that every German soldier was a Nazi but the reality is that there were many brave and brilliant German soldiers who were continually hamstrung by Fascist world views and ego's gone wild.

What does Paul Michael bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I think his ability to create a number of accents adds to the listening experience. This is especially the case with some of the nuances of the American accents.

If you could rename The Rising Tide, what would you call it?

Rommel…What could have been.

Very interesting historical perspective

The book provides interesting perspective into the war in north africa during ww2. interesting how the US grew in skills and abilities as they gained experience. the battle scenes were very well done, realistic. would have been better perhaps had he spent more time in here

Evan's Review

Jeff is my favorite author. I read all his books. He puts you in one on one with the character. Doesn't really me much new information Teddy but the way it is written is just enjoyable.

A masterpiece!

This is one of the best historical fiction books I've read/ listened to, you will not be disappointed. Historically accurate, yet reads like a thriller, an elusive combination nowadays. Those 20 hours will fly by so fast, I wouldn't be surprised if you end up a couple of states past your office building on your way to work. Narration is spot on.

Very Good!

I LOVE Jeff Sharra books! I have all of his stuff that Audible carries! This one was ALMOST as good as his other ones. I found that the way the story was organized and flowed was just a bit confusing. After a while I got what he was doing and why, but it took a bit of patience for me. All and all this is still better than any other ‘historical fiction’ out there. I am looking forward to his next release! Get this book!

Very Educational

Every High school student should be required to Read this book. Great for all ages though!

"A Great Listen"

What did you love best about The Rising Tide?

Jeff Shaara gives the reader the facts of this time period and keeps the material interesting enough so it's not dull and dry Also, the narrator's voice inflections kept my attention which is a major plus.

Have you listened to any of Paul Michael’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have listened to Paul Michael many times before and was glad to see that he narrated this one.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I would've loved to listen to it all at once but the length of the audiobook made it impossible. It took me 3 days to listen to it but it was well worth the time spent listening to it.

Any additional comments?

I usually don't have much interest in WW 1 or WW 2 material...too dry for me but this author made the material interesting by giving the the extra insight into the person behind the famous name(s). At times, authors can have a good story but the end result is too dull and/or chock full of descriptions which bogs the reader down. Jeff Shaara has the right balance--facts along with the personal story for his characters.
On to listening to the other 2 installments of the trilogy!