The Taking of the King

by Nelson Blish

As the United States races ahead in military strength, there are those within the ranks of the Soviet fleet who seek to regain their former power. A Russian operative has been placed aboard the USS Martin Luther King, the fastest submarine in the American fleet, to steal it and deliver it to his waiting superiors. Original.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 051514052X
• ISBN13: 9780515140521
• Release Date: April 2006
• Publisher: Jove Books
• Length: 295 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 4.2" x 6.8"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 12 and higher

Customer Reviews

What a wonderful book

What a treat to have had the opportunity to read "The Taking of the King". It's the perfect summer reading for my week at Chautauqua- fast paced, adventurous, and it had me on the edged of my proch seat. I am very much looking forward to Blish's next novel. I'm not much of a television person (I prefer netflix) I'd love to see his work as a television series, or a movie. This book is equally as good as his first, "Ishmael's son." Look for more news with his name - my prophesy is that we will hear a lot about him in the future.

Just as good as Ishmael's Son!

I loved Blish's first novel, Ishmael's Son. So when I saw he hada new book out, The Taking of the King, I could not wait to read it. Though I love military stories, I was never a big fan of Tom Clancy novels--that author just rambles on and on for 8,000 pages. That's why I love Blish's writing. He knows how to write tight chapters full of action and mounting suspense. I thought the characters were well defined and engaging. The dialogue was crisp and not too military-mumbo-jumbo. What's more, the story grabbed my attention right from the beginning and would not let me wander until the explosive ending. I can't wait to see what Blish will release next!

For Clancy lovers who don't want 600 pages, this is a bargain!

This one is even better than Ismael's Son! It takes place just as the Cold War ends and political instability in the former Soviet states creates intrigue between Russia and Ukraine. Blish turns back the clock when the greatest concern for the U.S. was for state spies and saboteurs. (Read Ismael's Son for a Muslim terrorist plot!) Extraordinarily well-written, suspenseful, and demonstrates an intimate knowledge of life aboard a U. S. nuclear submarine. The KING is a "nuke" from a fictional sub class, but the basics of life aboard are the same. You'll be happy you've invested in this one--too bad it wasn't published in a hardcover edition!

Great research

Interesting plot, action packed, great character development. Obviously a lot of research went into the technical facts. It's refreshing to see a new author like Tom Clancy.

Thank you, Mr. Blish!

After reading Ishmael's Son by this author 3 years ago, I have patiently awaited the next one...which is now here at last. The Taking of the King is every bit as thrilling, intriguing, and interesting as the first...but with richer details and characters so real they jump off the pages and into our lives. Joshua Clark is the embodiment of the "great American hero": powerful, brave, knowledgeable, caring, and thoughtful. It is this man who will save and protect us all. Even the antagonist was portrayed with sympathy and understanding of "duty". This work included believable episodes, not only regarding the military, but also vignettes of everyday life and relationships. It is obvious that Mr. Blish did his research on life in the US Navy (where he served for many years...see the bio in Ishmael's Son), but also on the small details and episodes that make a character more interesting to the reader. Can't wait for the 3rd novel...I'm sure it will not disappoint. Oh...to the reader who didn't find any mention of 9-11...read the Foreword...the novel takes place prior to this date!