The Devil’s Waters by David L. Robbins is a military adventure thriller about an elite American Air Force Pararescue unit. The story develops as aid is requested by a Russian super-sized freighter travelling the waters of the Gulf of Aden. When the unit arrives to stabilize two injured seamen, it is determined that one of the Americans should remain on board until the ship reaches Djibouti, the next major port on route, and the injured men can be hospitalized. What is unknown at this point is that this ship is carrying a top secret weapon destined to eventually reach Iran. Also unknown at this point is that Somalian pirates are about to overtake the freighter.

What follows is an entertaining and educational story that is full of action and plot twists. This author knows his military jargon and uses it in a spontaneous and natural manner. He also has an eye for both the historical and cultural details about the pirates of Somalia. As the pararescue team return to the ship both to get their stranded team member and to come to the aid of the hostages, they receive secret orders about the mission. It is far more important to ensure this weapon does not fall into the wrong hands than it is to save lives. Timing is important in this story and as the clock ticks down the tension mounts.

The Devil’s Waters is the first book in a trilogy about this U.S.A.F. special force, and I am looking forward to the next two. With it’s detailed plot and fast pace, this was a story that gave me an authentic glimpse of how a pararesue team operates and delivered lots of thrills. ( )