The Eagle's Claw

A Novel of the Battle of Midway

By: Jeff Shaara

Narrated by: Paul Michael

Length: 11 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's Summary

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • In a “riveting” (Booklist) tale that picks up where To Wake the Giant left off, Jeff Shaara transports us to the Battle of Midway in another masterpiece of military historical fiction.

Spring 1942. The United States is reeling from the blow the Japanese inflicted at Pearl Harbor. But the Americans are determined to turn the tide. The key comes from Commander Joe Rochefort, a little known “code breaker” who cracks the Japanese military encryption. With Rochefort’s astonishing discovery, Admiral Chester Nimitz will know precisely what the Japanese are planning.

But the battle to counter those plans must still be fought.

From the American side, the shocking conflict is seen through the eyes of Rochefort and Admiral Nimitz, as well as fighter pilot Lieutenant Percy “Perk” Baker and Marine Gunnery Sergeant Doug Ackroyd.

On the Japanese side, Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto is the mastermind. His key subordinates are Admiral Chuichi Nagumo, aging and infirm, and Admiral Tamon Yamaguchi, a firebrand who has no patience for Nagumo’s hesitation. Together, these two men must play out the chess game designed by Yamamoto, without any idea that the Americans are anticipating their every move on the sea and in the air.

Jeff Shaara recounts in electrifying detail what happens when these two sides finally meet, in what will be known ever after as one of the most definitive and heroic examples of combat ever seen. In The Eagle’s Claw, he recounts, with his trademark you-are-there immediacy and signature depth of research, one single battle that changed not only the outcome of a war but the course of our entire global history.

The story of Midway has been told many times, but never before like this.

©2021 Jeff Shaara (P)2021 Random House Audio

Critic Reviews

“An exciting blend of the big-picture strategy and intense human perspective.... Riveting historical fiction.... Shaara’s wildly popular novels about the Civil War and WWII extend the audience for military fiction far beyond its normal range.” (Booklist, starred review) 

“Compelling.... Shaara deftly digs into the minds of the major players.... Shaara writes a well-researched and evenhanded portrayal of the event that changed the direction of the Pacific War.” (Kirkus Reviews)

A good story

This is another good book from Jeff Shaara. Not his best work but still good. I believe with everything written about the Battle of Midway Jeff Shaara had a hard time finding a new angle to work from.

Was a little shocked at how short this book was considering the length of his other works. Was glad to see Paul Michael back as the narrator. He has a way of delivering Jeff's books that is second to non.

I own about 12 of Jeff Shaara's books. He is one of my favorite authors. As I said not one of his best works but still a good listen. Can't wait to see where he takes the next book in the series.

Worst Shaara Book So Far

Felt like he was rushed to complete this book as well as the Pearl Harbor one previously. Both used far too few characters and sped through monumental events when the battles were actually ongoing. But too much time was spent on the lead up to the two battles. Could’ve easily left the Doolittle Raid out and started in its immediate aftermath. The dialogue also did not contribute much to the novels. And reading another Amazon review below that one of the primary characters seems to not be a real person also points to rushed research and writing. Love most of Shaara’s work, but these last two have been below his standards.

Evan's Review

Great book as always from Jeff. He took his characters and moles the book around in the Battle of Midway. Read all of Jeff's books like all the others you cannot stop listening.

Good book, not great...but good.

I was rather surprised by who was followed in this telling of the Battle of Midway, or rather...who was not. While it was a good story it just sort of missed the mark on some areas of the battle that I would have thought would make the most compelling parts. Torpedo 8...barely mentioned. The Dive Bomber attacks...not truly captured. Instead we hear about Thatch's boys in their F4F Wildcats...and even then, it barely held my attention. I would honestly say the most interesting parts for me were the Japanese leadership that was followed. I'm not overly disappointed in the book...I just feel like I missed about 8 chapters...that just are not there.

Ok. Not great

The narration on this one is kind of blah and the entire combat story is so matter of fact it’s almost boring. Still decent

OUTSTANDING TALE OF MIDWAY BATTLE.

Jeff Shaara's work has never been a disappointment, and this work is no exception. Great use of several major historic characters, and painstaking research is evident. Great narration, as well - A+ effort and results, and well-worth your time, as always!

Reads like watching a documentary

Shaara does it again. Couldn’t stop listening. Makes history coma alive. Thanks for this great listen.

Outstanding

Another great novel by Jeff Shasta! While not as inciteful as Parshall & Tully “Shattered Sword “ it is well worth the reading. I always enjoy his “afterwards “ section of his novels where he discusses the final years of his main characters. This book is well worth the read for novices or serious students of World War II IN THE PACIFIC.

Best rendition yet

having read other accounts of Midway,, the War in the Pacific was my oral thesis for my degree in history, I think your approach is by far the best because it adds so much reality to the event. As your father, Michael, did for me with Killer Angels...as the book to read for one of my civil war classes...so have all your previous and current releases have so mae the history come to life. thank you so much!

Informative "novel"

Less a novel and more history in narrative form. Jeff Shaara's writing is always enlightening.