cover image Choosers of the Slain

Choosers of the Slain

James H. Cobb. Putnam Publishing Group, $23.95 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-399-14197-3

Cobb brings feminism and environmentalism to the naval thriller--and does it remarkably well in this lightning-paced and well-informed tale of a lone U.S. destroyer holding off an Argentine incursion into Antarctica. Amanda Garrett captains the USS Cunningham, a stealthy, well-armed vessel with the best technology available in the year 2006. The ship is on patrol off Antarctica when a surprise invasion by Argentina (seeking mineral wealth and prepared to abrogate existing international treaties) leaves her as the only defense for treaty partners and for the ecologically fragile continent itself. As captain, Amanda uses her seamanship and her knowledge of the talents of her staff in a breathtaking sea battle fought in one of the most challenging environments on earth. Cobb not only demonstrates his control of action and plot but also incorporates intriguing military and political topics that couldn't be more timely. Best of all, he allows Amanda to command her ship as a woman--not as a manly soul in a woman's body. Her strengths are a willingness to listen to all points of view, respect for each participant, evenhanded consideration of proposals and, finally, firm and objective decision-making. This is the rare military thriller whose message is gender-blind and leading-edge. (Aug.)