Synopses & Reviews
Absolutely brilliant Fast paced and filled with tension and suspense. Every page resonates with the momentous events and great personalities of World War II - and scenes so carefully crafted you feel like you're there. This is a 'must read' for all who look at history and wonder: What if... -- Oliver North, Lt. Col., USMC (Ret.), host of War Stories on the Fox News Channel
In 2007, bestselling authors Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen launched a new epic adventure series about World War II in the Pacific, with their book Pearl Harbor: A Novel of December 8th, 1941, which instantly rocketed to the New York Times bestseller list.
Gingrich and Forstchen's now critically acclaimed approach, which they term active history, examines how a change in but one decision might have profoundly altered American history. In Pearl Harbor they explored how history might have been changed if Admiral Yamamoto had directly led the attack on that fateful day, instead of remaining in Japan. Building on that promise, Days of Infamy starts minutes after the close of Pearl Harbor, as both sides react to the monumental events triggered by the presence of Admiral Yamamoto. In direct command of the six carriers of the attacking fleet, Yamamoto decides to launch a fateful third-wave attack on the island of Oahu, and then keeps his fleet in the area to hunt down the surviving American aircraft carriers, which by luck and fate were not anchored in the harbor on that day.
Historians have often speculated about what might have transpired from legendary matchups of great generals and admirals. In this story of the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, the notorious gambler Yamamoto is pitted against the equally legendary American admiral Bill Halsey in a battle of wits, nerve, and skill.
Days of Infamy recounts this alternative history from a multitude of viewpoints---from President Roosevelt, Prime Minister Churchill, and the two great admirals, on down to American pilots flying antiquated aircraft, bravely facing the vastly superior Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft. Gingrich and Forstchen have written a sequel that's as much a homage to the survivors of the real Pearl Harbor attack as it is an imaginative and thrilling take on America's entry into World War II.
Praise for the first book in the Pacific War Series, Pearl Harbor:
A thrilling tale of American's darkest day.
--W.E.B. Griffin
Masterful storytelling that not only captures the heroic highs and hellish lows of that horrific day which lives on in infamy--it resonates with today's conflicts and challeneges.
--William E. Butterworth IV, New York Times bestselling author of The Saboteurs
A politician and a novelist, each an accomplished historian in his own right, are emerging as master authors of alternative history. In this what if treatment of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Newt Gingrich and William Forstchen combine their talents to make the diplomacy as suspenseful as the combat, even for readers who know what happens next-or think they know.
--Dennis Showalter, former president of the Society of Military Historians
This book is not only a great read, it is a fascinating historical story that applies today in Iraq as it did in the Western Pacific in the late 30s and 40s.
--Captain Alex Fraser, USN (Ret.)
Review
PHENOMENAL PRAISE FOR THE NOVELS OF NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHORS NEWT GINGRICH AND WILLIAM R. FORSTCHEN
PEARL HARBOR
“A thrilling tale of Americas darkest day.” —W.E.B. Griffin
“Begins what will be a fascinating alternative history of the war in the pacific.”—Roanoke Times
“The authors research shines in accurate accounts of diplomatic maneuvering as well as the nuts-and-bolts of military action.”—Publishers Weekly
“The authors skillfully mix historical and fictional characters in an enjoyable and thought-provoking tale.”—Library Journal
"Masterful storytelling that not only captures the heroic highs and hellish lows of that horrific day that lives on in infamy—it resonates with todays conflicts and challenges.”—William E. Butterworth IV, New York Times bestselling author of The Saboteurs
“A politician and a novelist, each an accomplished historian in his own right, are emerging as master authors of alternative history. In this “what if” treatment of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Newt Gingrich and William Forstchen combine their talents to make the diplomacy as suspenseful as the combat, even for readers who know what happens next-or think they know.”
—Dennis Showalter, former president of the Society of Military Historians
“This book is not only a great read, it is a fascinating historical story that applies today in Iraq as it did in the Western Pacific in the late 30s and 40s.”—Captain Alex Fraser, USN (Ret.)
“Gingrich and Forstchen have done it again. Building on their successful collaboration on their Civil War trilogy that so skillfully combined real history with fiction, they have with Pearl Harbor happily inaugurated another new series. You will not want to put it down, but when you finish you will look, as I do, with great anticipation to the next book.”—Chief of Police William J. Bratton, Los Angeles Police Department
NEVER CALL RETREAT
“With each book in their ongoing alternate history cycle, Gingrich and Forstchen have gone from strength to strength as storytellers. Unabashedly, this is a work of popular historical fiction; it aspires to entertain, first and foremost, but it has passages of genuine depth and poetry which elevate it above many other specimens of its peculiar sub-genre.”—William Trotter, The Charlotte Observer
“The authors research is impeccable…the reader is left believing it could really have happened this way.”—Booklist
GRANT COMES EAST
“An exciting alternative history of the Civil War. Character depictions are vivid, detailed, and insightful. One of the best novels of the Civil War to appear in recent years.”—Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
“Gingrich and Forstchen have produced a very readable entry into the literature of speculative history. It will be interesting, perhaps even thrilling, to see how the military strategy and political maneuvering plays out in the next installment.”—Civil War Book Review
“A good yarn. The authors provide apt historically plausible detail to give substance to the premise.”—Washington Times
“What the authors come up with is as rivetingly plausible as what they devised in the previous novel. Notably original.”—Booklist
“The Gingrich and Forstchen ‘what-if take on the Civil War gathers some steam. The battle scenes continue war-lovingly rendered.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Unabashedly, this is a work of popular historical fiction; it aspires to entertain, first and foremost, but it has passages of genuine depth and poetry that elevate it above many other specimens of its peculiar subgenre.”—Charlotte Observer
GETTYSBURG
“Sure to become a Civil War classic to be read and remembered.”—W.E.B. Griffin, author of Retreat, Hell!
“Surprisingly plausible, written with compelling narrative force and meticulous detail.”
—The Atlanta Journal Constitution
“Gingrich and Forstchen write with authority and with sensitivity.”—St. Louis Post Dispatch
“[Gettysburg] is believable and beautifully written...every bit as good as Michael Shaaras The Killer Angels. Not only do Gingrich and Forstchen bring the characters to life, and often horrible death, but they do so with memorable observations on the ways of war and vivid, technically accurate descriptions of frightful Civil War combat.”—The Courier Journal (Kentucky)
“An eye-opener...filled with gore, smoke, heat of battle and a surprise ending. The writing is vivid and clear. A ripping good read.”—Washington Times
“Well-executed alternative history. The authors show thorough knowledge of the people, weapons, tactics, and ambience of the civil war. A veritable feast.”—Publishers Weekly
“As historical fiction this stands beside The Killer Angels. As an alternative history of Gettysburg, it stands alone. The mastery of operational history enables the authors to expand the storys scope. The narrative is so clear that the action can be followed without maps. And the characters are sometimes heartbreakingly true to their historical originals.”—Dennis Showalter, Former President of the Society of Military Historians
“Gettysburg is a creative, clever, and fascinating ‘what if? novel that promises to excite and entertain Americas legions of Civil War buffs.”—James Carville
Synopsis
The "New York Times"-bestselling authors of "Pearl Harbor" return with the second novel in their action-packed World War II historical series, which examines how a change in only one decision might have profoundly altered American history. Illustrated. Martin's Press.
Synopsis
New York Times bestselling authors Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen deliver a bold new military adventure about the aftermath of Pearl Harbor in
DAYS OF INFAMY
America is still reeling after epic events in Hawaii. The legendary admiral Bill Halsey is pitted against the notorious gambler Admiral Yamamoto—who has launched a fateful “third-wave attack” on the island of Oahu—in a battle of wits, nerve, and skill. Meanwhile, the hunt for the Japanese fleet is on… Days of Infamy stars an amazing array of characters—from President Roosevelt, Prime Minister Churchill, and the two great admirals to the U.S. pilots bravely facing the vastly superior Imperial Japanese Navy. A military tour de force, Gingrich and Forstchens “what if” novel is as much an homage to the survival of the real Pearl Harbor attack as it is a bold and thrilling take on Americas entry into World War II.
“fascinating.”—Roanoke Times
“The authors research shines in accurate accounts of diplomatic maneuvering as well as the nuts-and-bolts of military action.”—Publishers Weekly
Synopsis
New York Times bestselling authors Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen deliver a bold new military adventure about the aftermath of Pearl Harbor in
DAYS OF INFAMY
America is still reeling after epic events in Hawaii. The legendary admiral Bill Halsey is pitted against the notorious gambler Admiral Yamamotowho has launched a fateful “third-wave attack” on the island of Oahuin a battle of wits, nerve, and skill. Meanwhile, the hunt for the Japanese fleet is on… Days of Infamy stars an amazing array of charactersfrom President Roosevelt, Prime Minister Churchill, and the two great admirals to the U.S. pilots bravely facing the vastly superior Imperial Japanese Navy. A military tour de force, Gingrich and Forstchens “what if” novel is as much an homage to the survival of the real Pearl Harbor attack as it is a bold and thrilling take on Americas entry into World War II.
“fascinating.”Roanoke Times
“The authors research shines in accurate accounts of diplomatic maneuvering as well as the nuts-and-bolts of military action.”Publishers Weekly
Synopsis
America is still reeling after epic events in Hawaii. The legendary admiral Bill Halsey is pitted against the notorious gambler Admiral Yamamoto—who has launched a fateful “third-wave attack” on the island of Oahu—in a battle of wits, nerve, and skill. Meanwhile, the hunt for the Japanese fleet is on… Days of Infamy stars an amazing array of characters—from President Roosevelt, Prime Minister Churchill, and the two great admirals to the U.S. pilots bravely facing the vastly superior Imperial Japanese Navy. A military tour de force, Gingrich and Forstchens “what if” novel is as much an homage to the survival of the real Pearl Harbor attack as it is a bold and thrilling take on Americas entry into World War II.
About the Author
NEWT GINGRICH, former Speaker of the House, is the author of several bestselling books, including Pearl Harbor, Never Call Retreat, Grant Comes East, and Gettysburg—all available from St. Martins Paperbacks. He is a member of the Defense Policy Board, co-chair of the UN Task Force, and is the longest-serving teacher of the Joint War Fighting course for Major Generals. Gingrich served in Congress for twenty years, and was Time magazines “Man of the Year” in 1995. He is the founder of the Center for Health Transformation, chairman of American Solutions, and a commentator for the Fox News Channel. He resides in Virginia with his wife, Callista, with whom he hosts documentaries, including their latest, Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny.
WILLIAM R. FORSTCHEN, Ph.D., is a Faculty Fellow at Montreat College, near Asheville, North Carolina. He received his doctorate from Purdue University and is the author of more than forty books. He is the New York Times bestselling author of One Second After, published by Tor/Forge. He resides near Asheville with his daughter, Meghan.
Please visit
www.newt.org/pacificwarseries