'Kilo Class' by all means is a very specific military (Navy) action-thriller that catered to that very reader(ship) group. Which leaves about almost all of us a bit alienated by the terms and turn of events that unfold in the story. I am not really sure if Robinson was trying to appeal to a wider demographic or bigger scope of readers with this book, because reading through it, I cannot help but to be confused with many things, except if I were a serviceman. As of any other books, the first few front pages were dedicated to excepts of 'great' reviews. Which were fine, except that many of these seems to include many military-influenced/related sources. You can guess well who will love this book.THE MAIN PLOT: The Russians are preparing an order of the remaining seven out of ten Kilo Class nuclear powered submarines to China. Three had been delivered and patrolling (or docking) near the Chinese waters. The real intent of the huge placement of order was in the interest of capturing Taiwan, and the territory around it. Which also, in effect - would weaken or demolish altogether the American presence in the Pacific. Of course, the US of A will not succumb to that. A Black Operation was ordered to make sure that the remaining seven will never make its way home.-------------------------------Now here comes the problem. At many instances, the pace and flow of the story intersect between the author's self-indulgent comprehension, before returning to a path of general readership depth. Robinson seemed to be engrossed in explaining a tale by his own knowledge of naval navigation and military terms at one point - while the rest of us pondered what the hell was going on. And then, at one point - he became 'nicer' and kindly introduced or explained a few terms or facts that helped in the understanding. There were a few maps of coastal margin, submarine routes and even a list of central characters - that ensured the reader will not be confused. I however, did not agree on that. 80% of the time, I got a good idea of what's going on. 20% of the other time, I just skipped all the other finer details. Thankfully, doing so did not affect the understanding of the story very much.It didn't help to know that a US Navy Admiral was approached upon by Robinson to be the military advisory of technical matters. I was hoping that maybe a proof-reading by someone outside of the 'circle' - might improve the book for a more general audience.----------------------------------I describe Kilo Class as nothing more than a skimmed-through affair. Too many central characters was not a problem. Shifting focus was. Going back and forth to the perspective of the American, Chinese, Russian side - then moving to the smaller events, was brilliant story-telling. But on whom should we be 'sympathetic' with and which sides are we reclining on? There seems to be no emotional elaboration worth noticing. And for the rest of the time it was all about the progression of the tale, rather than the characters! You will not put yourself in the place of the situation - but read the book as if you are a watching a movie. Military action-thriller author do not make good romance books?--------------------------------------The biggest issue however, was the idea of USA being too effective and omnipotent. Seven Kilo Class, brand new submarines being sunken or destroyed one American sub and a few NAVY SEALS? Being able to do so with no detection by either the Russian or the Chinese until it's too late. Infiltrating deep enough into enemy territory without being caught, all plans going rather smoothly without much glitch. No casualty on the American side. Are you kidding me?The funny part was that: the Russians and the Chinese were depicted as being more careful and (gulp!) - more humane in their approach to declaring a counter attack. Robinson crafted the story of how both sides measured the cost-and-effect of retaliation, the implication of hastily triggering a possible World War III, and global reaction, should an evident military approach was initiated.In contrast - the Americans were nothing more than a determined bunch who were so sure of their objectives. The military heads and The President passing on the Green Light for the attacks so swiftly without an elaborate discussion of repercussions. NAVY SEALS who killed civilian characters in order to get a job done without detection. And let's not forget - in all but one military aggressions depicted in this book: the American was the first trigger. They fired first, they killed first. Not even once in the story that an American was killed by a Russian or a Chinese.I also cannot help but to detect a hint of American favouritism of Robinson's in the detailing of certain events and characters. The elaborated macabre history of Russia's forced labour and the violent tendency of a Chinese Navy Command - all seemed to suggest that the action is appropriate to the 'suggested' nature. That America is the Good Guy doing all peace-keeping actions.-------------------------There were many plot holes and 'what ifs' moments that I hoped were discussed greatly- a few central figures was explained in the beginning but somewhat disappeared throughout until the very end.- Taiwanese actions and roles was introduced but again abruptly killed - acting more as a filler- Coincidence of 'a sighting' by one central character that lead to the main plot is just absurdIn the end, I decided on a 3 solid stars for the rating of this book. It was too much fiction based on factual idea. I am sure that military purist may have enjoyed this book better than I would, but I am also sure than the rest of us would think otherwise.
The book started well, better written than its predecessor. I really enjoyed the background story and how everything was (a little predictably) playing out. Then the end came, and it came abruptly. All that backstory was resolved in a few short sentences, to my mind, quite unsatisfactorily. My other nit is that Robinson seems to think all Americans cuss quite a lot, which is counter to my experience, especially for people in power which are the primary people he is dealing with in these books.Robinson is good enough I'll be reading the next one, H.M.S. Unseen, but if he doesn't continue to improve, I'll be dropping him after that one.
What do You think about Kilo Class (2000)?
Saw the ending coming, where Boomer is going to sink the K10. Could have used one more chapter to talk about Cale Dunning (Boomer)
—Craig
Whilst initially a little slow to begin, once started this was an excellent story. Some people may classify it as a "techno thriller" however in my mind it is merely a modern novel about submarine warfare.The premise is rather straight forward, China intends to purchase a number of Kilo class submarines from Russia and the United States view is that this would destabilise the region and as such decides to put a stop to the transaction. Commence undersea submarine shenanigans.Overall, good plot, within the realm of realism for the most part and well written.
—Henri Moreaux
This was my first Patrick Robinson book and I wasn't sure I'd like it because it had to do with submarines and other things I don't normally read about. Oh was I wrong - this book had me hooked from the beginning! Robinson takes you through the story and thankfully explains the workings of our Navy's nuclear submarines (which fascinated me) and introduces everyone to the hard-nosed Admiral Arnold Morgan (my new favorite man). I could not put this book down and am actually going to read it again in the future. I never thought I'd be entranced and enthralled to learn about submarines, rescue missions and other aspects of the Navy (don't want to spoil the book here). I absolutely LOVE this book!
—Tina
