Rating: 
Summary: One of the best Marine Corps books ever
Review: Having served in Somalia during Restore Hope I was immediately intrigued after reading the dust cover. Fortunately, the rest of the book exceeded my expectations. West did a fine job of developing the characters while not drudging on too much about it. The plot twists dealing with the main characters family history was almost as suspenseful as the rest of the book. I also enjoyed the way West shows the reader the psyche of the Marine Corps. West's writing style makes the book a very easy read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who either served in the Corps or is interested in books about the Corps.Semper Fi!!
Rating: 
Summary: Look out Tom Clancy
Review: I could not put this book down! West gives readers a chance to see why we should be happy there are people like Gavin Kelly and Jake Armstrong guarding our country - mostly because the rest of us are wussies. West's narrative is fast-paced and exciting with just the right amount of humor thrown in for effect. His characters are real people doing a job that none of us would ever want and somehow making the best of it. Put this one on your list as a must read.
Rating:
Summary: ELECTRIFYING
Review: I have written only one other review but after devouring this book over the weekend I felt compelled to write. This is one of the best military thrillers I've ever read and surprised me, frankly, with its sophistication. Message after message, neatly packaged withing these wild scenes. The language is gruff and in-your-face. The men are totally believable. I have never served militarily but I have read all the techno-thrillers; Sharkman Six looms above them with its descriptions and message...that we should not send our troops into strage peacekeeping actions. As for the ending, I actually loved it.
Rating:
Summary: Really REALLY good book. Semper Fi!
Review: I must say I was very surprised by this book. It's actually an action book, but it's wrapped in fast realistic dialogue and it's pretty smart. I really got into the fact that the LT has doubts and relies on the SgtMaj for advice. Also that there were no real heroes except one Sgt who was flawed. I never served in Somalia but was in Afghanistan and Iraq. I have to say this nails an infantry (West's is recon) platoon right on. Semper Fi Marine!
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Story...well written.
Review: I never served over in Somalia so I will not even try to comment on the accuracy in that respect. Being a fiction novel however, not everything is going to be as it REALLY was. I can tell you this though. I read this book while I was stationed on Schwab with 3rd Recon Battalion and this book is right on in the Marine Corps aspect. The way they talk and interact and everything is great and very accurate. Everyone has their own life and issues and all the mannerisms are there. Owen West tells a good story here, so sit back, K-bar clutched tightly in your hand and enjoy the read. Semper Fi.
Rating:
Summary: Smart military thriller that goes against the grain
Review: I was very impressed by West's Four Days to Veracruz but this one may be even better. Subtle yet cutting account of modern war. Wow! This is so different from other military fiction my hat (cover) is off to Mr. West
Rating: 
Summary: Morality tale, yes...reality tale? Sorry...
Review: I will not fault Mr. West for the lousy editing in the book. And the 'morality tale' basis is pretty well carried out. But it just isn't real enough to be compared to others like Jim Webb's and such. The glowing reviews on the dustcover were not borne out by the content. (And should anyone wonder about my credibility, I have also been a Marine platoon commander, company commander and even a battalion commander for a short while. Always infantry and reconnaissance with the occasional tasking to support SF and SEALS.) So read the book for what it is...a political discussion. But don't take it as gospel.
Rating:
Summary: Morality tale, yes...reality tale? Sorry...
Review: I will not fault Mr. West for the lousy editing in the book. And the 'morality tale' basis is pretty well carried out. But it just isn't real enough to be compared to others like Jim Webb's and such. The glowing reviews on the dustcover were not borne out by the content. (And should anyone wonder about my credibility, I have also been a Marine platoon commander, company commander and even a battalion commander for a short while. Always infantry and reconnaissance with the occasional tasking to support SF and SEALS.) So read the book for what it is...a political discussion. But don't take it as gospel.
Rating:
Summary: Marines today .. so this is what really happens?
Review: I'll spare you my opinion on the struggle the main character engages throughout the book, but suffice to say it keeps the book moving along at a basic pace with decent plot. What really had me interested was the realities of modern day warfare and how red tape interferes with every aspect of the Marines lives. It's a real interesting mix of Marine code of ethics, media intrusion, US politics, local customs, pop culture, all boiling over in different points in different forms. What history or the media tell us about modern U.S. wars (WWII, Vietnam, Gulf War and Somalia are all touched upon here) makes it too easy to pigeonhole what happened. I never thought anything tricky or tough happened in Somalia, especially compared to WWII, but I suppose that's the point of the book. I ended up with more respect for the Marines than I expected, and their world was one I was fascinated with because these guys are even younger than I am. Wow. I'd recommend this to any and all Marines and other military-- a great novel about what's going on in the field. Also, anyone into military thrillers will dig it-- so most men I suppose. This is not like those James Bond or series of ex-military action hero books-- everyone is flawed here.
Rating:
Summary: Sharkman Six--great realistic novel
Review: I'm unsure of the reasoning behind the claim to a lack of reality by other reviewers. I served as a Marine in Somalia, and this represents my experience much more than does Blackhawk Down (which I also enjoyed!) Owen West has hit the nail on the head, and supplies us with entertainment as well as a look at the qualities that the Corps holds most dear.
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