Destroyermen

Destroyermen Series by Taylor Anderson Set during World War II, this alternate history series follows the USS Walker and its crew as they encounter a mysterious storm during the Second Battle of the Java Sea. The American destroyer, while evading Japanese forces, is transported to an alternate Earth where evolution took a dramatically different path. The fifteen-book series chronicles the Walker's crew as they navigate this strange new world populated by two intelligent species locked in an ancient conflict. Commander Matthew Reddy and his men must adapt their military expertise and 1940s technology to survive in this parallel Earth while maintaining their values and sense of duty. The saga combines elements of military science fiction, naval warfare, and alternate history as it explores the complexities of leadership, adaptation, and survival. The series tackles themes of cultural understanding, technological advancement, and the moral obligations of those with superior military capabilities when confronted with primitive civilizations at war.

Readers appreciate the detailed naval warfare, historical accuracy, and blend of military fiction with alternate history elements. Many note the thorough research into WWII-era ships and warfare tactics. The character development receives praise, particularly the interactions between humans and the Lemurian species. Common criticisms include a slow pace in the first third of the book, technical naval terminology that can be difficult to follow, and some repetitive descriptions of ship operations. Several readers mention the romance subplots feel forced. "The naval battles are meticulously crafted" - Goodreads reviewer "Too much time spent on engine room specifics" - Amazon review Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (11,523 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (1,246 ratings) Audible: 4.3/5 (985 ratings) The book has strong follow-through ratings for the series, with over 70% of readers continuing to book 2 according to Goodreads data.

Into the Storm by John Birmingham A naval fleet from 2021 is thrown back to 1942 where they must navigate the complexities of World War II with modern military capabilities.

The Lost Regiment by William R. Forstchen A Civil War regiment gets transported to an alien world where they must use their military training to survive against hostile species.

Island in the Sea of Time by S. M. Stirling The island of Nantucket is sent back to 1250 BC, forcing its inhabitants to rebuild civilization while dealing with ancient cultures.

Out of the Dark by David Weber Earth faces an alien invasion during World War II, leading to an alternate history where human military forces must adapt their tactics to combat superior technology.

Rally Cry by William Forstchen A modern American army unit finds itself transported to a parallel world where they must protect human colonists from prehistoric creatures and hostile beings.

🔸 Taylor Anderson worked as a firearms consultant for movies and documentaries before becoming an author, lending authenticity to the military aspects of his writing 🔸 The USS Walker (DD-163), which inspired the destroyer in the series, was a real Wickes-class destroyer that served in both World Wars 🔸 The series' alternate Earth concept was partly inspired by the "Great American Interchange," when North and South American species mixed after the formation of the Panama land bridge 🔸 Anderson spent seven years researching and writing the first book before it was published in 2008, drawing on his background as a history professor 🔸 The Lemurians, one of the main species in the series, were influenced by both prehistoric mammals and the mythological lost civilization of Lemuria