Counterattack

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.

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.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Ever Heard of "Flying Sergeants?"

Mr. Griffin seems to follow a simple philosophy, "If people liked the last one, just give them more." And by and large, this is just fine. As the war goes on, the perspective switches somewhat, though the focus remains on marine aviation and intelligence. Interesting detours include a look into the corps's efforts to field its own paratroops, and a glimpse at the importance placed on public relations. Long running conflicts that will play a part in most of the other books make their entrance here, including the squabbles between MacArthur and his "palace guard," with the navy and Washington, and the importance of small unconventional operations like the coastwatchers. The tone remains generally light with a definite respect for those who put their lives on the line and no mercy for those who put themselves first.

Dick Hill maintains the level of quality heard in previous installments. I have always associated him with this series, and still believe he is very well suited to its tone. There is nothing to prevent you from enjoying this download if you are a fan of Griffin, and as I will continue to point out; Audible's pricing of these old favorites is tremendously appreciated.

As for the Flying Sergeants, marine enlisted men who were permitted to become naval aviators, they're just one of the little remembered groups of heroes Griffin's story touches upon in passing that really helps bring what you might consider thoroughly covered history alive.

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

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

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great series

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

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

once a Marine...

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

Great WW2 story

Excellent story line that allows one to understand what the war was really like, both the good and the bad.

excellent

loved it, WEB Griffin is a master story teller. Keeps you turning the"pages" all day long!

Semper Fi

As a Marine Vietnam Combat Veterans I can proudly say that this book, as well as his first two, display the finest depiction of the USMC. Great Read!

great for the 3rd time

truly enjoyed the book riminds me of many screw ups in many wars great reading

backstory

I think this book just covered all the Mavericks in all the books The Back stories about killed me after reading the other store other books I understand the reason for the Back stories but there were a lot of them.

Another great book

This is a worthy addition to Griffin's masterful series on the USMC. Loved this and the rest of the series. I will say however, the voice actor throughout the series (not just this book) makes an absolute mess of the Australian accent and mispronounces Australian place names. His idea of an Aussie accent sounds like a drunk Irishman crossed with a Kiwi. I don't think Griffin really captured the Australian 'character' either.
But these are relatively minor complaints and are even kind of funny. It certainly didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the book and I recommend it to anyone interested in a fictional account of WWII mixed with actual events.

Looking forward to the rest of the series

I like the political background to the history of the defence of Australia in WW2. The mavericks wining in spite of the establishment always makes for a ripping yarn. I hope that Audible will release books 4-9 in the series now that book 10 is available