READER REVIEWS

For an unknown author, positive reviews in the trade press are critical because public libraries only buy books which have been given a favorable review in the industry press. Favorable reviews by the professionals also establish an author’s credibility within the industry and with their publisher. I’m pleased that An Honorable German received outstanding reviews from all of the industry press and from all of the newspapers, magazine and bloggers who reviewed the book.

But it’s the ‘five star’ reviews from actual readers whom I do not know, which mean the most, by far. There have been many days, believe me, when I have been down about the novel or my writing career and all of a sudden I get an email from a complete stranger who read my book and emailed me to tell me how much they liked it and have urged me to please keep writing. These are genuine compliments which money can’t buy and therefore I treasure more than any others. Here are some excerpts from some of my favorite emails from readers.

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Dear Mr. McCain, What's the big idea? Don't you realize I have work to do? I have a wife and two small children to support and you go and write a novel that is almost impossible to put down. Thank God I've finished reading now, so I can get back to work.

–R.I.

An author who can write a story incorporating accurate and detailed military history along with a compelling fictional plot line is to be treasured—and the newest treasure of this genre is Charles McCain....a naval tale this good about modern war is unique...A great piece of military fiction and not to be missed

–J.S.

I just finished reading An Honorable German. Awesome book - I couldn't put it down.

–D.D.

I'm 61 years old and a Purple Heart veteran of the Vietnam War…I have just finished reading An Honorable German and it is one of finest I have ever read. It ranks with The Young Lions, The Caine Mutiny, and From Here to Eternity. In my opinion, Das Boot is a distant second for realistic action and detail.

–J.P.

I found myself reading it constantly for two days.

–K.W.

I found your book by chance in Barnes and Noble on the new fiction table…. I have seldom read a book like it, one that keeps your interest and you can't put it down till you finish it. I can hardly wait for you to write another great one like this one, but don't take that many years as I am 78 and really can't wait.

–T.L.

Thank you for the extraordinary book. I can't remember when a book satisfied both my hunger for a good plot and historical accuracy.

–R.E.

Finished the book yesterday. Savored every sentence.

–W.M.

Mr. McCain, I’ve never written an author before, but I enjoyed An Honorable German so much that I felt I had to take advantage of this technology of ours and applaud you. A wonderful read and haunting.

–D.B.

I’m a lieutenant on active duty in the U.S. Navy assigned to a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine… As a professional submarine officer and a naval historian, I couldn't read the book fast enough.

–J.H.

Call it a sea story, a love story, or a war story. By any description, An Honorable German is a thriller. The action is relentless and the characters unforgettable. Charles McCain's account of life on the high seas is absolutely riveting. As a young naval officer who went to sea for four years fresh out of college, I guarantee it's 100% authentic.

–J.G., former Lieutenant, USN

I just finished your magnificent novel and I can't tell you how much I enjoyed it. This is much more than a good story that you are sharing with the reader. This is an experience.

–P.S.

As a former naval person (to borrow from Winston Churchill), I was impressed by the authenticity of the seagoing narrative and the actions described. Historical fiction is a favorite genre of mine, and I thought the blending of fictionalized characters into the real events of those times was flawless. But the story line itself was compelling all on its own. One can't help but be carried along with the principal character as he confronts challenges to his ideals of duty/loyalty and his troubles grow from service-related dilemmas into existential conflict. The author tackled a challenging subject from a rare point of view and created a fascinating, exiting, and fast moving saga. It holds your interest right to the end, when a major issue is finally resolved in the last two pages. This is a magnificent effort, obviously well researched, filled with accurate detail, and best of all, a gripping tale

–A.S.W., former Lt. USN

I just spent the weekend reading your book. I couldn't put it down. Thanks for the incredible novel.

–P.M.

So very well written. I wait, and wait, for your next effort.

–P.H.

As a person with a deep interest in the World War Two period, I read your novel, An Honorable German, with deep interest. I found it compelling and absorbing to the point that I could hardly put it down.

–P.S.

Just finished An Honorable German today. Picked it up in Borders on a chance. It's a great read and I thoroughly enjoyed your work! Sort of like Herman Wouk's Winds of War and War and Remembrance—only from the other side. Great characters and great suspense.

–M.W.

Wow! I really enjoyed An Honorable German! Will there be a sequel? When will it be out?

–L.T.