After the attack on Pearl Harbor, America mobilized to fight a war in the Pacific. The events in Europe, while important, seemed less urgent to most Americans than defending America's interests in the Pacific and preventing an invasion of Hawaii and the West Coast. Hitler, on the other hand, immediately directed his U- boats to attack shipping along the East coast of the United States. The U-boats were soon deployed to the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico to disrupt oil and raw materials supplying the Allies'
war effort. While several countries in the region contributed to the effort to stop the U-boat attacks, Cuba assumed a key role alongside the United States, in securing the Caribbean. Dr. Cole Sterling is asked by Army Intelligence in March 1942 to investigate rumors that nongovernmental, fascist supporters in Cuba are providing critical information and resupply for the marauding, German vessels operating far from their home bases. Cole is convinced there is a Nazi plot when he sees the man, formerly known as Cartan, in Havana. Cole believes this French traitor, malicious fellow blood drinker, and known German spy, killed Cole's fiancée years ago. Cole's initial lead to Cartan is a family member of the two women assisting him in Cuba, adding emotional complexity, to a demanding, dangerous mission.
Caribbean War continues the action, adventure, fantasy, and romance of Sanguinary Longings.
Plot/Idea: 8 out of 10
Originality: 10 out of 10
Prose: 6 out of 10
Character/Execution: 8 out of 10
Overall: 8.00 out of 10
Assessment:
Plot: The premise here is fascinating. The important but often overlooked role that Cuba played in World War II is a terrific backdrop for this work. While the story is engaging, it lacks the depth and context needed to fully flush out the global situation to give the reader better perspective.
Prose/Style: The writing here is solid, but at times is stilted and stiff. Descriptions of insignificant details are frequent and misguided. The author could place more focus on setting the stage for the reader who likely wasn't alive in 1942, explaining what was happening in the world and why Cuba was such a potential hot spot for the war.
Originality: This a highly original work on a more niche aspect of WWII.
Character Development/Execution: Because the author doesn't use a lot of description to set the stage for the work, the emphasis is placed on dialogue. Dialogue offers critical insight into a character, and the author effectively allows the reader to get to know the key players in the work.
Date Submitted: May 29, 2021
