by Mark Harris
First published 2025
Admiral Essen stares across the Baltic waters in 1914, knowing his Russian fleet faces annihilation from superior German forces. His superiors urge caution while enemy cruisers prowl the coastline under Prinz Heinrich's command. Essen must overcome not only the German threat but also the defensive mindset of his own leadership after the catastrophic loss of the cruiser Pallada. British submarines arrive to bolster his cause, yet the odds remain daunting. Admiral Behring leads relentless German raids while Prinz Heinrich battles internal rivalries for resources. Essen forges an alliance with his British counterparts and develops innovative tactics that exploit new naval technology and intelligence gathering. Cruiser battles erupt across the sea as both sides suffer mounting casualties. The German flagship Friedrich Carl meets its fate beneath the waves. By February 1915, Essen has achieved the impossible, forcing the once-dominant German fleet into a defensive posture. This is the story of how tactical brilliance and international cooperation transformed a desperate defense into victory, setting the stage for renewed conflict when spring ice melts.
Genres: historical-fiction, 20th-century, military-fiction, adventure, action, naval-history
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-allies, international-cooperation
Setting: Baltic Sea, Germany, Russia
Period: 1914, 1915
314 pages · Hardcover · Helion and Company