Adrenaline-fueled action and high tension in this new sea adventure of the crew of the USCG Cutter Kauai will keep readers glued to the page!

Indies Inferno is the fifth book in the talented Edward M. Hochsmann’s highly entertaining action series, the Cutter Kauai Sea Adventures, as the entire crew returns for their next special operation. From emergency rescue operations to circumventing terrorist activities, it is all in a day’s work for this versatile and dedicated group of men and women.

Lt. Haley Reardon is back as the Kauai’s captain, and with a couple of high-adrenaline missions under her belt, she has confidently settled into her command. Although she relies on her XO’s experienced opinions, she is a much more seasoned leader now. I was impressed by how she always maintained a considered balance between her hard-won career and her off-duty life, yet I was sad that she often felt the need to disregard the personal for the professional. We’ve come a long way, baby, but I guess this is still pretty close to reality, and I can’t imagine her male counterparts having to consider some of these basic restrictions.

The author captures and conveys the emotional toll experienced by all military families when their loved one is on duty, both from the families’ points of view of not knowing what their loved one is undergoing and from the service member who is deployed and unable to be there at the home when needed at times. Case in point: poor Victoria Wyporek is really put through the wringer on this one. However, this mission is a little different than the previous ones; several couples are involved in romantic relationships in the operation, and all are in harm’s way. The result really intensifies the emotional impact of the plot.

As with the previous books, the author introduces civilian readers to the daily life, language, protocols, and routine aboard a Coast Guard vessel and service. Getting an authentic peek into the crew members’ day-to-day lives and the Kauai crew’s unpredictable and random range of assignments continues to fascinate me.

The plot is fast-paced, and the sheer range of tasks the Kauai performs in this book is mind-boggling but probably not far off the mark. The author has a knack for immersing a reader into the current operation with descriptions that put you right into the action. In this series of assignments, the danger levels are consistently high, and the action hits the ground running. Tension mounts with each successive operation, especially when the story moves to St. Ignatius and the Ile Oiseau. The crew literally takes a licking and keeps on ticking!

I recommend INDIES INFERNO to readers of military action-adventure stories, especially those who enjoy tales of the Coast Guard and fans of the series.… (mehr)

If this book were a song, it would start out with such enchanting music, you can’t stop listening … and then it gets better. The story begins in the midst of a raging hurricane, a place you do not want to be in a small boat! As a boater, I appreciate the picture painted by the author of the terror felt by the helpless victims. When the Coast Guard arrives, I gained a new appreciation for the vital service they provide to help boaters in a Jam.And a new appreciation for the risks they take, but it’s all in a days work as they then move on to the next mission, and the next. Compelling reading and the main story hadn’t even started yet! I literally could not put this book down. What a great story, what great characters, what a satisfying read. when I finished I immediately ordered the next book, which in this case was book one, and couldn’t put that one down either. There is one more book in this series, but the other two were so good I almost hate to start the next one because I don’t want it to be over…I can only hope Author Ed Hochman is penning more tales for this delightful series…at least this fan will be waiting!… (mehr)

Take a deep breath before you start because Bravely and Faithfully goes from 0 to 60 right from the start!

Take a deep breath before you start because Bravely and Faithfully goes from 0 to 60 right from the start. The danger and excitement of the rescue during a hurricane literally had me holding my breath. Afterward, there is little respite for the Kauai (or the reader) as they are drawn right back into the thick of things before you can catch your breath.

The plot of this third adventure delves into exciting areas. Really, Hochmann’s stories always seem to probe unexplored territory. They are never dull or run-of-the-mill, and this one was no different. I enjoyed the political shenanigans which severely handicapped the captain’s and the crew’s abilities to accomplish their assigned mission in a way they felt was right. Orders and circumstances left the new CO with tougher than usual decisions to make on “a helluva break-in patrol.”

This small crew of men and women has just so much heart. When Sam was promoted with the subsequent change in command, I was worried about bringing in such a critical unknown to the series, and frankly, it took me some time to warm up to Haley. She seemed so cold and, unnecessarily, by the book at first. But I liked how she eventually works out the transition and preserves what is so good about this crew, especially with Ben and Hoppy. Speaking of Ben, he’s come back from his pretty catastrophic injury in the previous book, ready to get on with life. Ben just has what it takes. I liked what the author has done with Ben’s always delightful relationship with Victoria.

I really like this author’s writing style. He puts you on the scene and in the moment. Each scene is presented in such a way that you are there with the characters. Dialogue is well written, even when technical language is needed. I never felt confused by jargon, and I felt even more caught up in the action with the use. The unfolding scenes felt realistic and genuine.

From witty banter to a marriage proposal that doesn’t quite go as planned, there are some good laughs to level out the danger and tragedy. There are many emotionally-charged moments in this adventure; along with the excitement and joy, there is great sadness and shock. There are also some tough topics and situations described. I laughed and cried with the characters, and I so look forward to their continued future. They’ve almost become friends and family.

I recommend Bravely and Faithfully and the entire USCG Cutter Kauai Sea Adventures series to readers who enjoy character-driven military action-adventure stories. Although, Bravely and Faithfully is the third book in the series and could be read as a standalone, for the best reading experience, start at the beginning. You won’t be sorry.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.… (mehr)