New York Times best-selling author Hornfischer (The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors) explores the last two years of World War II in the Pacific. By masterfully interweaving several personalities and events, Hornfischer is able to paint a vivid picture of what was done to breach the inner defense of the mighty Japanese Empire. This fascinating story takes us from the first Under-water Demolition Teams learning their craft to Paul Tibbets's journey from wide-eyed youth to dropping the first atomic bomb. We follow the people involved and get to see them as individuals and not merely dry statistics. Pete Larkin's narration is amazing; with a few minor inflection changes he is able to make listeners feel as if they are alongside the marines storming the beach at Saipan or on the bridge with Admiral Spruance going into battle. VERDICT Highly recommended for those interested in military history. ["In spite of its overattention to meticulous information, this lengthy account of important campaigns will appeal to enthusiasts of World War II's Pacific theater": LJ 11/1/16 review of the Bantam hc.]-Scott R. DiMarco, Mansfield Univ. of Pennsylvania Lib. © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.