Step into the thrilling world of Destroyermen, where World War II sailors find themselves in an alternate reality teeming with cat-like Lemurians and ferocious lizard-like Grik! Taylor Anderson’s Destroyermen series is a gripping blend of historical fiction, military science fiction, and alternate history that catapults the crew of the USS Walker into a parallel Earth where evolution took a wildly different turn. With heart-pounding naval battles and rich world-building, this series is a must-read for fans of adventure and speculative fiction.
Spanning fifteen novels, Destroyermen follows Lieutenant Commander Matthew Reddy and his crew as they navigate a strange new world, forging alliances and facing existential threats. If you love stories of courage, cultural exchange, and epic warfare, this series will keep you on the edge of your seat!
How Destroyermen Began
Taylor Anderson, a historian, gunmaker, and former professor with a master’s degree in history, crafted Destroyermen from his passion for naval history and speculative fiction. Inspired by World War II naval warfare and his expertise in historical artillery, Anderson imagined a scenario where a battered destroyer escapes a desperate battle only to emerge in an alien world. Published in 2008, the first book, Into the Storm, launched a series that would captivate readers with its meticulous research and imaginative premise.
Anderson’s background as a technical consultant for films and documentaries lent authenticity to the series’ naval details, while his love for alternate history allowed him to explore bold what-if scenarios. The result is a saga that feels both grounded and fantastical, earning praise for its vivid storytelling.
The Heart of Destroyermen
The series kicks off with Into the Storm, where the USS Walker, fleeing Japanese forces in 1942, sails into a squall and emerges in a world where humans never evolved. Instead, intelligent Lemurians and predatory Grik dominate. Captain Reddy must decide whether to intervene in their war, risking a genocidal conflict. Crusade, the second book, deepens the alliance with the Lemurians as the Japanese battlecruiser Amagi, also transported, sides with the Grik. Later, books like Deadly Shores and Winds of Wrath expand the scope, introducing new factions like the Dominion and intricate global conflicts.
Destroyermen shines through its themes of adaptation, cultural exchange, and the moral complexities of warfare. Anderson’s world-building is meticulous, blending paleontology, anthropology, and military strategy to create a believable alternate Earth. The series’ style is action-packed yet cerebral, with richly developed characters like Reddy and the Lemurian leader Adar. Naval battles, infused with Anderson’s expertise, feel authentic, while the speculative elements—like dinosaurs and monstrous fish—add a thrilling layer of danger.
The setting, a geographically familiar yet biologically alien Earth, invites readers to explore how technology and human ingenuity clash with primitive societies. This mix of historical accuracy and sci-fi creativity makes Destroyermen a standout in alternate history fiction.
Why Destroyermen Resonates
Destroyermen has carved a niche among fans of military sci-fi and alternate history, earning spots on the New York Times bestseller list for books like Firestorm and Iron Gray Sea. Its blend of gritty naval action and imaginative world-building appeals to readers who enjoy authors like S.M. Stirling or Eric Flint. The series’ exploration of cross-cultural alliances and ethical dilemmas resonates in today’s interconnected world, offering timeless lessons about unity and resilience.
With a loyal fanbase—some readers have reread the entire series multiple times—Destroyermen’s legacy endures through its prequel series, Artillerymen, which expands the universe. Anderson’s ability to balance historical detail with speculative adventure ensures the series remains a thrilling escape for genre enthusiasts.
- Publication Years: 2008–2020
- Number of Books: 15
- Notable Recognition: New York Times bestseller for Firestorm (2011) and Iron Gray Sea (2012)
Grab Into the Storm and dive into Destroyermen’s exhilarating world of naval battles, alien alliances, and alternate history adventure!