Of Ice And Steel

by: D. Clayton Meadows

Published by: Leatherneck Publishing

Reviewed by Natalie Yor

"War is the science of destruction." - John S.C. Abbot

Part Hunt for Red October, part Forever Young, Of Ice and Steel by D. Clayton Meadows asks an improbable but powerful question: What would happen if a World War II U-boat and crew was frozen for 60 years and suddenly woke up to a new world?

Meadows served on a submarine himself for 20 years so his knowledge of naval operations is vast. At times it may go over the head of the average reader, but it is still a thrilling tale.

The story opens towards the end of World War II in 1944. The U-761 is battered and bruised after 6 missions. The Captain is not aware that there is a secret cargo on board. Faced with the knowledge that German is losing the war and the evident idea that they are all going to die at sea, the secret is revealed. The Forever Project is put in place and the U-761 is frozen in time in the Arctic Ocean.

Fast forward 44 years to 2008, when a madman executes a coupe in Russia. The new regime wants to see the Communists back in power. The whole world is on edge. An American satellite discovers something lurking in the Arctic Ocean. They presume it is a Russian warhead poised to destroy, in spite of the assurances that Russia isn't looking to take over the world--just their Motherland. A U.S. sub is sent to discover if this craft is a friend or foe. Little do they know it is the U-761.

When told what they found, the President said quietly, "Admiral, if I didn't know you personally, I'd say you've lost your mind."

What would happen if a World War II U-boat woke up to a new world and is still operating under the assumption that they are still at war with Britain and America? Read Of Ice And Steel and find out.

There is a complicated cast of characters and military jargon galore. It takes about half the book to lay the plot, but after that you will find yourself turning the pages in anticipation.

Will the U-761 start World War III? How will NATO respond?

I didn't want to stop reading--I had to know how it ended. This book would make a really good movie.

Armchair Interviews says: It is a fascinating read even for someone who doesn't find military or science fiction their normal cup of tea.

Author's Web site: http://www.OfIceandSteel.com