Tipping Point: The Crossing

By: John O'Brien

Narrated by: Mark Gagliardi

With war threatening large on the Korean Peninsula, two massive convoys have departed Chinese ports. Dubbed the Northern and Southern invasion fleets, this collection of warships, landing vessels, and merchant ships are aimed straight at the island nation of Taiwan.

First though, they must cross the Taiwanese Strait. Past the twelve-mile limit of China’s territorial boundaries, American submarines and bombers are waiting to pounce. Attempting to vie for supremacy with the United States, China rapidly built up its blue water fleet. Will these modernized destroyers and frigates be able to fend off the American threat? Or will America’s years-old dominance prevail?

©2024 John O'Brien (P)2024 John O'Brien

good story, but....

The story and plot are really good. The character development isn't too deep because this isn't character focused. However, I find that the author is very wordy- instead of saying that a "torpedo struck the ship and it began to sink with the captain despondent about losing his vessel" The author will say
"the type 4K X1 torpedo was loosed from its firing point, homing in on the ship. Traveling at 51 knots, torpedo closed in on its target, completely unaware of the destruction it was going to wrought ... "
I find this very distracting and I have actually caught myself spinning my hand in a " get to the point" kind of gesture.

Great writing, and wonderful narrator

Great pace, all the little battles and actions on both sides really helps move the books along and the action meaningful

Believable and well delivered.

Very believe storyline and great narration. China and the US will meet one day, and this series gives a very good idea of what that would look like. Hopefully, China isn’t as close to par with us as the book depicts, very frightening scenario if so.

The Chinese apparently have centuries of naval operations and combat under their belt, the U.S. being a 3rd world Navy.

While the storyline is good, it would be much better if slightly more realistic. One is left believing it is China that hacks centuries of naval operations and combat and can take out American carries with a diesel sub and one missile, while the Americans launch hundreds of antiship missiles and China knocks out all but two, that sink a measly frigate, while only having sorties 3 frigates, 2 shrimp boats and blimp. It’s a bit ridiculous.

Fantastic Read!

I have been following the entire series, each book is more compelling and riveting than the previous. Can't wait till the next installment.