Counterattack

The Corps Series, 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.

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.

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.

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.

Just Had to Get Through It

I love the series, but this book wasn't good. It's a side quest for a bunch of peripheral characters and new comers. 20 hours of not much else.

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.

Just None Better

The easy first to say is that no one is better than Dick Hill, in this genre. WEB Griffin is the master of historical fiction and the subtleties of human greatness and weakness. All others can only bow. Having said that, there are some readers of Griffin’s series who should be tarred and feathered. Maybe, dove feathers.

Always a good listening

Can’t count how many times I’ve listened to or read this series. Semper Fi! No

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.

too much making out, too little Marine

way to much R rated romance with too little of the battles and Marines

Fantastic read

excellent narrator who does a good job of bringing characters to life. made a point of checking that he narrated more of the series

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