Red Storm Rising

By: Tom Clancy

Narrated by: Michael Prichard

Length: 31 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's Summary

When Muslim fundamentalists blow up a key Soviet oil complex, making an already critical oil shortage calamitous, the Russians figure they are going to have to take things into their own hands. They plan to seize the Persian Gulf, and more ambitiously, to neutralize NATO. Thus begins Red Storm, an audacious gamble that uses diplomatic maneuver to cloak a crash military build-up. When Soviet tanks begin to roll, the West is caught off guard. What looks like a thrust turns into an all-out shooting war, possibly the climactic battle for control of the globe.

©1987 Tom Clancy (P)2010 Random House

Critic Reviews

“Exciting...fast and furious.” (USA Today)

“A rattling good yarn...lots of action.” (The New York Times)

Good Story, Good Narrative, Good Book!

This book is about a time period that has always fascinated me, as are a few of the Tom Clancy books. The tensions between the United States and the USSR have made for quite a few good stories and this one is no different.

The events leading up to the hostilities between NATO and the USSR are described in a completely believable manner and set the stage for an overall good book. I was especially entertained by the tension that Mr. Clancy was able to convey during the many submarine battles that seem to make up a good portion of the story. I listen to my audiobooks in the car during the ride to and from work and several times didn't want to leave the car once I arrived due to these battles!

The ground war was told more through the eyes of a few people, generals and their staffs mainly, which is a stark contrast to the detail of the previously mentioned sub battles. But the details that were given provided enough incite to the strategies used that you still got a pretty good picture of how the war was being fought.

Also, I have to say, that on numerous occasions I ran for the computer as soon as I got home to look up the equipment, ships, subs, jets..., etc that were being described and had a blast seeing if my expectations met reality. Often times they did, sometimes they didn't...

The only part that left me puzzled was a rather weak, sparse love interest that seemed totally out of place. But since it wasn't touched on enough to make an interesting side story, it wasn't too much of a distraction either.

Mr. Prichard's narration was more than adequate. I found the reader very entertaining and he set an excellent tone for this type of story.

Although this book is dated, it's an overall good read / listen, I highly recommend it.

Great book. So so narrating performance

This was my first "non-school" book I read in 1990 or so. I was then hooked on Tom Clancy books. Anyway this book is also the one book which i have re-read the most times over the years I thought the audiobook would be just as awesome experience to listen to as I used to get from reading it. Unfortunately the reader is very dull. He barely changes his voice for different characters. Hardly adds enthusiasm to parts that call for it. If it wasn't that I just love this book, story, and amount of detail given regarding 1980s Cold War era warfare, I would have been bored by the reader

A must read

What did you love best about Red Storm Rising?

Did anyone find themselves cheering for the Russians. This was by far one of the best Tom Clancy novels I have ever read. And I have been catching up on the Jack Ryan universe. The writing was amazing and flowed as if this story really happened. You won't be disappointed.

Classic! Love the naval combat chapters!!

One of the very first "adult" books that I read when I was in my late teens (25 years ago). Listened to it this past week and was really happy to rediscover my old friend. I particularly like the naval combat chapters. You can really feel the tension of the sailors. Prichard is great with his performance. I'm a big fan of his (see all of Rex Stout's Nero Wolf mysteries).

A stand alone master piece

I'm not sure how long ago it was that I first read this book, but I loved it. Since then I've reread it numerous times and have thoroughly enjoyed it each and every time. When I saw that Audible had added Red Storm Rising as an unabridged selection I was delighted.
When I listened to this selection I once again enjoyed an excellent story told with skill. Some people might not care for the detail that Tom Clancy goes into but as far as I'm concerned the more detail the better.
More unabridged Clancy please.

Th Best Clancy Book Ever Written

Would you listen to Red Storm Rising again? Why?

I love this story. I have read the book at least 3 times over the last several years and love the audible book.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Red Storm Rising?

Was when Lt. Michael save Vigdis from the Soviet Troops

Which character – as performed by Michael Prichard – was your favorite?

McCafferty

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Intense

Good Cold (not so cold) War story

Good narration and reading. A good and long listen. very well detailed story line but not overly repetitive. Clancy gave you a fair and easy detail of a complex operation, process, or whatevere once so you understood but didn't repeat the same boring stuff over and over. it a very good fictional story covering many point of veiws. I read this book years ago and the only negative side to the audio book is that some technical stuff is easier read than heard. like grid information, and data used in some comments, but it really doesn't take away from anything if you don't care what they mean.

One of Tom Clancy's Best

Love this book. This was a great performance also. Great Traditional Tom Clancy

Classic

This is one of Clancy's best. A classic book about modern warfare and battle tactics. Prichard does a great job. Well worth the 27 hour investment.

Excellent!!

I don't care that it's dated and things have changed. It is a great book. I read the book when it came out as a much younger person, and for a few years after I would retread it every so often. Then put it away, as things completely changed. After a decade or more I saw it in audible, and took a chance on the credit. I truly enjoyed it, way more than I expected. The audio version, coupled with the time and space distance, really made me appreciate what a tour de force this book was. I don't know of another book that told a full modern war story this completely, in this much detail, and so well. I found myself driving around for an extra hour just so I could keep listening to the next chapter. Yes, it is dated. But you will not get a better explanation of what easily could have been. When this book came out none of it was farfetched. In fact it was almost too accurate, based on my recollection. But aside from all that the story telling is excellent, the pace perfect, the story compelling, and the audio performance superb. I was never a Tom Clancy fan but after finishing the book this time I was really impressed with his story telling abilities. In this book, he did everything right. I highly recommend it.

Girlie Approval

As the other reviewer I was extremely pleased to see this available for download. It is without a doubt my favourite Clancy novel and I love the wargaming detail even though I am technically a girl!

Loved the length, good value for money and I have already listened to it twice. The only thing is that often when I am distracted, that is attention is required by reality, you miss subtle plot elements of which there are many which contribute to the great story telling.

Toys for the Boys!

I read the paperback years ago and was impressed with Mr. Clancy?s knowledge of military and technical matters and the way he tells a good yarn, managing to seamlessly weave multiple sub-plots in to the story.
I was delighted to see this book on Audible so downloaded it immediately - I was not disappointed! Very long and excellent value for money!
Only one criticism, for some reason, the narrator Mr. Prichard does have a problem pronouncing vehicle, perhaps its an American thing but ?Vee-ickle? does grate after a while?.! Highly enjoyable and recommended, but one for the boys I think.

Awesome

I read the book years ago and couldn't put it down - the audio book was addictive.

Classic Clancy

I have always enjoyed the story so going over to audio was going to be a tough one. The narrator was okay, but a bit dull. Great story, but I recommend listening to a good stretch of the sample to make sure you can stand the voice.

Red Storm Rising

This is the 4th time I have read this book. I enjoyed it as much this time as I have previous times. A great story about what might have happened back in the 80s. Clancy certainly knew his stuff. My only suggestion would be that one of his co-writers rewrite the book and set it in modern times with the updating of arms and equipment which has happened over the last 34 years. A great read.

A Classic techno thriller

Would you consider the audio edition of Red Storm Rising to be better than the print version?

the audio version creates a more immersive experience for the listener than reading the book did.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Red Storm Rising?

The 'Dance of the Vampires' chapter is real edge of the seat stuff that keeps you glued to the speaker.

What about Michael Prichard’s performance did you like?

Michael Pritchard puts emotion into the descriptions as well as the dialogue adding to the storytelling experience.

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

yes but as its over 30 hrs (great value) there was no chance of actually getting through the whole book

Timeless Classic

The Ultimate Techno Thriller
Still unmatched after all this time. The yardstick by which all are measured.

He did his homework!

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

The story is a good cold war one with modern overtones. I did not find the sound quality too good but once engrossed into the story it faded into the background.
The different theatre's of war are gelled together very well showing the effects of modern logistics.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Beagle going walk about on Iceland is my favourite character. His motivation to do his best when giving in and up would have been easier, is inspiring.

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

Having read the book previously, I knew this was one to be picked up as and when. Because the book moves from battle theatre to theatre, on land, sea and air. The chapters allow you to have natural breaks from listening.

Any additional comments?

I found it better then "The hunt for Red October" but that may be because I was a squaddie not a squid.

classic clancy dont expect shakespeare

Would you try another book written by Tom Clancy or narrated by Michael Prichard?

I would always try another Tom Clancy as I have read everything he has written. Some good some not so good.

Would you be willing to try another book from Tom Clancy? Why or why not?

Yes as per above

What three words best describe Michael Prichard’s voice?

Pretty decent effort

Do you think Red Storm Rising needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

like most Clancy there will be a follow up

Good read/ listen

This is my favourite Tom Clancy novel and I have read it many times. The audible version did not disappoint and I was as totally engrossed as when I read the book. The plot is great and moves around at a great pace that keeps you hooked; when the book moves to a different are,a as engrossing as it is, you are always waiting to see how other characters are getting on. The narration is great and kept me listening. I would thoroughly recommend this listen/ read to anyone.