Red Storm Rising

Realistic view on what could have been

I'd read this book some 15 years ago or so. Listening to it again now, with the hindsight of more recent events and the state of world politics as it is now (in 2014) it's quite prescient about how things could have developed (particularly as regards "non-state aggressors"). The story actually moves along at a decent clip, so it didn't feel like you were plodding away through a long novel. That said, One of the weak points that I remember from reading the book applied to the audio version too. It's easy to lose track of all the characters, especially the Russian ones, as to who is who exactly. This is very true when it comes to players who you haven't seen/heard for a few chapters later on in the book.

Michael Prichard did a reasonable job narrating this, but he could do with a bit more variation for the characters. There's a few times where you have 3 or 4 characters talking, and it's too easy to find yourself losing track of who's saying what.

All in all it's a good book, if you're into techno thrillers, and it's one of Clancy's better ones, quite probably because it was an early one that he wrote completely himself, and without the more convoluted character history that eventually put me off the later Jack Ryan series (although Hunt For Red October is still a personal favourite. If you're listening to this, you'll want to do it in big chunks, just to make sure that you keep the story straight and get the most out of it.

23 people found this helpful

A wonderful, gripping story.

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

Yes. It's too good to keep to oneself.

What about Michael Prichard’s performance did you like?

A professional rendition in a very acceptable accent.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The arranged explosion at the Kremlin.

Any additional comments?

It is easy to see just how easy it could be to start the next war.

7 people found this helpful

Poorly Narrated

I read this book years ago and loved it, so I thought I would give the audio book a try. The narration grinds you down as it's delivered in what's best described as an aggressive shout. what's more is there it's no change in tonality between characters. Other narrators make an effort to , for example portray a Russian character in a tone that sounds Russian. Can't even do a close English accent.

Given up on it - would like my money back please.

5 people found this helpful

As good it was in print

I last read this book nearly 30 years ago on first publication. It's sheer scale was as immense as back then, and always looked forward to my next story fix. Just wish someone had the time and money to plough into a TV adaptation, as the big screen would be far too limiting for this story.

5 people found this helpful

Great book

Read this book when it came out and hasn't lost any of it's dynamism on listening again my years later. A good strategic overview of what if scenario , highly recommend.

4 people found this helpful

One of the best Clancys

Fantastic scale and scope WW3 but still keeping the human view as well. Very enjoyable.

4 people found this helpful

Clancy at his best

Tom Clancy at his very best, a riveting story and a must read for all fans.

4 people found this helpful

Survives the test of time

Rereading after nearly 30 years, still an epic book. Narration really adds to the experience

3 people found this helpful

amazing

Its a amazing book got a few of my mates listening now recommended it to everyone

3 people found this helpful

Recommended

Really enjoyable. I listened to audiobook which recommend. Sure its a good read too. A well thought plausible scenario played through for war between nato and ussr. Includes fascinating account of submarine warfare (ref to this book came from Hunter Killers by Ian Ballantyne) as well as other theatres. You can tell Clancy did his homework.

2 people found this helpful