The Bottom Line: A timely, powerhouse military thriller with the highest possible stakes, Sea of Red reads like future history. Highly recommended.  

Sea of Red opens in the South China Sea weeks after the Chinese military downed a Malaysian drone. As the United States Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy conduct joint military exercises, a Chinese destroyer appears and refuses to yield to their warnings. Soon, over the international distress frequency, a Chinese voice declares the area as Chinese territory, demanding that all foreign vessels leave immediately.

This is just the first volley in an explosive battle between the U.S. and China. While the fight for Taiwanese independence is the focus of much of the book, author James Bultema raises the stakes considerably, making clear that China wants complete control of the airspace and sealanes from the western Pacific Ocean through the Indian Ocean – and will do anything it takes to purge the U.S. military from the area. 

While much of the book’s military action takes place on the oceans and in the air, its most breathless scenes are actually in the presence of the Chinese and American presidents. In a captivating scene in Beijing’s Ministry of National Defense, the president and commanding military generals listen to General Wang describe what he envisions as “our version of Pearl Harbor.” What follows is a chilling plan to neutralize America’s carrier fleet – including those in drydock in Virginia – using hypersonic glide missiles. The plan is to be executed at the same time as an invasion of Taiwan. 

Throughout, Bultema successfully deploys a huge cast or characters, ranging from military police to Presidents. Military thriller fans looking for a central character through which the entire story is told, ala Jack Ryan, won’t find one. Bultema’s style is far more realistic than that. Not unlike Max Brook’s World War Z, or any George R.R. Martin novel, Bultema takes us into the experiences of the commanders and soldiers on the front lines, whether they are in the Oval Office or on the USS Reagan. In short, the crisis itself is the main character. 

All the details feel right, from the security briefings to the two plums and unfermented tea served to President Zhang.  The result is a book that reads like a historical account of the people who were there. Throughout, Bultema demonstrates a sophisticated knowledge of military technology, tactics and geopolitics, with actions that are always engaging. 

The novel also shines in its experiential service to readers. Bultema begins by listing an index of characters by occupation and job title, as well as a list of military and acronyms that will prove helpful even to military news junkies. Another nice touch – visuals of some of the major islands and settings in the book that help them come alive. 

Sea of Red by James Bultema is an adrenaline-fueled military thriller that throws readers into the midst of a high-stakes conflict between China and the United States over Taiwan. With its fast-paced action and gripping narrative, this novel is a thrilling ride from start to finish.
 
One of the standout features of Sea of Red is the author's ability to create a sense of urgency and tension. From the opening scene where Chinese hypersonic cruise missiles bear down on the USS Reagan to the relentless battles taking place in the air, on land, and beneath the sea, Bultema keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The pacing is relentless, and the action scenes are vividly described, making it easy to visualize the chaos and danger faced by the characters.
 
Speaking of characters, Sea of Red boasts a diverse and extensive cast. While this adds depth and complexity to the story, it can also be a challenge to keep track of everyone. However, the characters themselves are well-developed and relatable. Each one brings a unique perspective to the conflict, whether it's the courageous captain of the USS Reagan making life-or-death decisions, the determined Marines fighting for control of Woody Island, or the presidents of the United States and China strategizing at the highest levels of power. Their struggles and sacrifices evoke a strong emotional response from the reader.
 
One aspect that sets Sea of Red apart is its attention to detail and accuracy in military operations. The author's knowledge and research shine through, providing a realistic portrayal of warfare in the modern age. The descriptions of naval combat, submarine maneuvers, and aerial dogfights are highly engaging and demonstrate Bultema's expertise in the subject matter.
 
The book is also commendable for its exceptional editing. The absence of errors enhances the reading experience and allows readers to stay fully immersed in the story. The sheer number of characters introduced throughout the novel, on the other hand, can be daunting at times requiring readers to pay close attention in order to keep track of everyone. However, there was a glossary at the beginning with all of the important characters, which was incredibly helpful.

Despite this minor drawback, Sea of Red is a compelling military thriller that will captivate fans of the genre. James Bultema's skillful storytelling, combined with his knowledge of military operations, creates an immersive and realistic portrayal of a hypothetical conflict. Sea of Red is a terrific pick if you're searching for a 5 out of 5 star, thrilling page-turner filled with high-stakes action.