Convergence on the 42nd Parallel

by Nic D'Alessandro

Of the many aircraft carriers built by the United States since World War II, none have been successfully attacked by an aggressor.

Not yet, that is.

It is the final port call during the first deployment of a new US Navy aircraft carrier. There is no better place for a week of shore leave than an allied port way down south on the 42nd parallel. It’s quiet, friendly, out-of-the-way—perfect—because nothing ever happens here.

But the location is ideal for another nation too—a superpower with strategic ambitions. It is perfect for an unthinkable attack where the Americans would not expect, at a time they could not predict, and in a way they never thought possible.

The parallel lives of a US Navy helicopter commander and a Chinese/North-Korean spy will converge and collide in this very place. Her unshakable resolve will meet his unstoppable intent in an epic edge-of-your-seat showdown. Their decisions and actions will shake this place, reverberate across the world, and alter the course of history.

CONVERGENCE ON THE 42ND PARALLEL is a spy, military, and aviation thriller on an international scale. It reveals the power-wielding few, the technologies at their fingertips, and those who spin their truth. It is a story of humanity—of the power of national identity, the intense pull of family bonds, and of individuals thrust into the impossible where right and wrong are nowhere to be found.

Only one person and only one nation can prevail … which will it be?

484 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2021

About the author

Born and bred on an island state, I write about the land, sea, sky and people. I’m fascinated by the human condition, crazy on anything that floats or flies, and passionate about the beauty and value of true wilderness.

I’m into writing character-based dramas, thrillers with depth, and stories that dig deep into what it means to be human. I enjoy a meaty theme or two, and I subtly weave contemporary issues into my books when it suits.

When I’m not writing, I earn a living as an education consultant, specialist in the aviation industry, and aerial and landscape photographer. In previous lives I’ve been a senior manager in the public sector and an educational leader in the university sector.

In my spare time I’m a keen sailor and I take to the sky in aircraft whenever I can. I obtained my pilot licence at age seventeen, and later celebrated my forties by building a full-size 737 flight simulator in my garage.

I live in Tasmania, Australia with my wife, and extended family.

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Convergence on the 42nd Parallel by Nic D'Alessandro AA

Synopsis /

Katherine Marlowe and Ben Cai were born on opposite sides of the world and have lived different yet parallel lives. Their destinies converge as simmering geopolitical tensions draw them together in a friendly harbour a long way from anywhere. Their actions will ultimately shake this place and reverberate across the world.

My Thoughts /

It will be difficult to describe my feelings at the sight of this solitary harbour situated at the extremities of the globe, so perfectly enclosed that one feels separated from the rest of the universe.
— Admiral Bruni d'Entrecasteaux, Ship's Log 1793

First and foremost, a huge thank you to Nic D'Alessandro for generously providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Convergence on the 42nd Parallel illustrates to the reader of the contrary yet parallel lives of US navy helicopter pilot Lieutenant Commander Katherine Marlowe and, North Korean spy operative Ben Cai, and how they converge during the week-long visit of a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, USS John F. Kennedy to Hobart in August of 2023.

Now if you, like me, are wondering about the title Convergence on the 42nd Parallel…..it's a little unusual don't you think? Well, Hobart is the capital of Tasmania, an island state of Australia south of the Australian continent. The island is separated from the Australian mainland by Bass Strait and is centred on the parallel 42 degrees south. Ah, gotcha - all makes sense now. And did you know, that between Hobart and Antarctica there is nothing, nothing but open sea. Well, nothing but sea, millions of seals; and more penguins than anywhere else on the planet!

What you get when you read this book is a terrific combination of fact and fiction. Facts: the author has obviously gone to meticulous detail in his research which shows in his writing:-

The seahawk was fitted with an impressive suite of electronic-warfare equipment and not to be messed with - often packing significant punch with Hellfire missiles, air-launched torpedoes, and a mounted machine gun in the rear.

The array of aircraft on board was formidable. Two squadrons of F-35C Joint Strike Fighters, another two squadrons of the older F/A-18E and F Hornet fighters, and a squadron of each of E-2C Hawkeye early warning turboprops, EA-18G Growler electronic attack jets, and C-2A Greyhound logistics turboprops. There was also a squadron of MH-60S Seahawk sea combat helicopters, and a squadron of MH-60R Seahawk maritime strike helicopters - designated HSM-85, callsign "Black Wolf".

Fiction: the author has written an authentic military scenario, which, has shockingly realistic undertones.

A fully manned aircraft carrier can be home to as many as 5,000 personnel and, not to put too finer point on it, I think there are at least that many characters in this book! But just like an average employee in a large conglomerate, you just need to figure out who the bosses are and let all the others just sit on the periphery - then you'll be sweet.

Short punchy chapters keep this story moving along nicely, and the author manages to balance snippets of factual information with paragraphs of drama filled tension and action, with a sprinkling of Aussie humour.

Lieutenant Commander Katherine Marlowe is a strong female lead, and together with the rest of her team, airborne tactical pilot Lieutenant Corey Moretti, and crew members - rescue specialist Larry Cruz and rear crew chief Al Denholm are responsible for what really is a thrilling ending to this novel.

Then there is the political element. The Chinese and North Korean Government espionage angle. High ranking Government officials who have an agenda. Who want nothing more than to cause tension and drama - those who have no boundaries (moral or territorial).

This story has two very different protagonists. Both base their decisions on their sense of what is right and what is wrong.

At its heart this is a novel with action, excitement and tension driven by the motivations and choices of two seemingly different people responding to the politics and culture they represent.

[Colin Baldwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars. A thriller with such realistic undertones. An unfamiliar genre for me, but it had me intrigued. A topical, educational and somewhat brave novel. Chilling and prophetic in parts. Well done, Nic.

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

4/11/2019, Master Park Jon Chan (Sojwa, Master of Taekwondo, black belt 6th level) addressed Cai “Ben” Chen (Jeong Yong-sun, aka Chen).
Ben’s mission was to find/return the 14th Century (Goryeo Dynasty).
Lieutenant Commander Katherine Marlowe (sister/daughter) was C/O of the USS Princeton (USN Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser).

Lieutenant Corey Moretti (US Navy airborne tactical piolet) inspected the US Navy MH-60R Seahawk helicopter.
The other 2 crew members: Al Denholm (US Navy enlisted rear crew chief, Virginia Tech) & Larry Cruz (US Navy diver, rescue specialist) taking part in a 6-day Strongarm pre-deployment exercise within Carrier Air Wing 11 & the ships of Carrier Strike Group 11.
11/26/2020, Thanksgiving. Host/guests were: Rachel Marlowe (wife/mother); Richard Marlowe Sr. (husband/father), Jed Marlowe (61, husband/father, son/brother), Barbara Marlowe (wife/mother), Richard Marlowe Jr. (57, son/brother); & Lieutenant Commander Katherine Marlowe (sister/daughter).

7/19/2021, Hong Kong, China. Nan Lian Garden. Cai “Ben” Chen (Jeong Yong-sun, aka Chen) jet had touched down.
He was now on a stakeout.
Vasily Artamanov (53, engineer, ballistics, Omsk, Siberia) was contracted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea DPRK military.
8/29/2021, San Diego, CA. Captain William A. Collins & Vice Admiral James Garrison Jr. (49) were enjoying dinner/drinks.
Agent Jeong Yong-sun met with Colonel General Kim Hyun-woo (North Korea, DPRK).
8/17/2023, U of Tasmania, Hobart Karina Idstrom welcomed everyone to the forum.
She is the host of ABC’s Q&A program.
Th 1st speaker is Captain Helen Turner (USN, nuclear program, USS John F. Kennedy).
Dr./Professor Karl Hoffman (U of Hamburg) will touch base on human evolution, human history, social change, & humans future.
Captain William A. Collins (USN, USS John F. Kennedy) was the last speaker.
He was later relieved of command & flown to San Diego, CA & issued a desk job.

1/13/2025 The U.S. Navy released its JAG Manual investigation into the conduct of Sr. officers of USS John F. Kennedy.

I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.

An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very professionally written futuristic US Navy thriller book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a enormous description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great futuristic US Navy thriller movie, or better yet a mini-TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free author; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; Amazon Digital Services LLC. Kindle Mobi; ARR book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Lynden Leppard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novel on global issues, exploring human challenges we all face, set in Tasmania. The 'convergence' includes, fundamental ethical choices, constructs of family, loyalty, service, purpose and nationalism. The action excitement and tension driven by the motivations and choices of two seemingly different people responding to the politics and culture they represent. They both operate in and with machines built by opposing forces and in the end make decisions based on their sense of doing what is right. Or are they really just pawns, as are we all?

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

First I would like to thank Nic D'Alessandro for giving me the opportunity to read and review his new book. And what a book it is.

At 476 pages this is a whopper of a book and took me a bit longer to read than I thought it would. It is well written and is very good at given a lot of detail about the people, places and most especially the equipment/machinery involved as well as the technical side of how things play out. To some this might be a good thing but for me I would say there is a bit too much of this in the book which meant it did drag on a bit.

The story is great and really does make you think about what could happen in the world now and into the future. I also love the Tasmanian aspect of the book as I could relate to the places mentioned and the beauty of this wonderful state.

There were some thrills, some twists and it was very much a political thriller involving terrorism and what people do to make a point. For me this is a good book (but not great), was a bit too long and drawn out which made me want to jump through some pages to get to the exciting stuff.

Convergence on the 42nd Parallel
Nic D'Alessandro

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Nic for sending us a copy to read and review.
The peace and tranquillity of our Island state, Tasmania, is centre stage for a hostile attack between life long enemies.
Terrorism and treachery that has impact physically, emotionally and financially. Highlighting animosity’s and divisions are rife culturally, ideologically and historically.
Two pilots hailing from opposite sides of the world, trained to perform at the highest level will fleetingly cross paths as an espionage unfolds.
An attack, cowardly and cruel is scheduled to hit the US naval vessel docked in tranquil Hobart.
Divisions are so common place and create chasms so wide no efforts will placate a peace offering.
Others are simple boundary or territorial ones that still harbour angst and animosity.
The Chinese and North Korean element and their hatred for Americans ensure this fast paced and well written story offers a thriller experience and how scary life can be turned on its head.
The wider social settings a glimpse into the lives of those dedicated to serving.
I loved how the author was able to get into the mindset of the characters and reveal how and why they can carry out certain tasks.
As a reader the anticipation was bubbling.
For those who love a thriller this is one not to be missed.
For those who love a really well executed plot with espionage as an undercurrent this is definitely worth a read.
I really enjoyed this.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Convergence on the 42nd Parallel intertwines two very different protagonists into a compelling story which builds to a crescendo that will leave you on the edge of your seat and unable to put the book down! The characters are captivating and had me personally connected with each main character through the ups and downs of the journey. This is not to belittle the minor characters, they all add to the story… Carry on, Speedboat! A solid five stars.

[Denise Ackers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book especially the second half. I liked the way there was small chunks of action switching between the heroes and the villains. Some of the technical stuff was a little over my head but I was still able to pretty much follow the story line. Having visited Tasmania on numerous occasions it was fun to picture in my mind where the characters were. Nic’s writing flowed well and kept your interest.

[Julie Poole · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, a good book is one that captures my attention from the first chapter and keeps me interested/fascinated till the end and beyond. 'Convergence on the 42nd Parallel' is one of the few great books I have read. Enthralled and enraged, intrigued and incensed would describe my reactions towards the main characters and their intertwined destinies. Nic's clever treatment of the story lines and characters leaves me still wondering/questioning months after finishing his novel. I was honoured to be one of the pre-release readers, I would highly recommend 'Convergence on the 42nd Parallel.

[Jennifer Gallagher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book last year when it was at the Beta stage. I could not put the book down. I read it whilst I was staying with a friend in Tasmania right on the Derwent river in Hobart where the book is set. I felt like I was a character in the book and lived through what she lived through. Fantastically written a book based on real places with a great suspenseful story line. Buy it you won’t be disappointed.

[Nige78 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got to read a pre-release copy and I'm glad I put my hand up for this one. This book is not your average two-dimensional thriller or predictable adventure ride. This one goes deep into the characters and into the power struggles between world powers. And given the way things are going with the US and China, and where Australia finds itself these days, this is a book for now that really makes you think.

The story has plenty of action, twists, turns, and a super thrilling ending ... there was plenty to keep me turning the pages. It will have you reading to the end and losing your breath at what actually happens. It's not a short book, but man is it good!

[Cj Reads Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the near future of 2023, two completely different fighter jet protagonists set out and meet together in Hobart, Tasmania in an unthinkable way.

There were quite a lot of characters in this book, so at the start it was a bit hard to keep track of each and every one of them. But I love that they were needed in this story. Some of them, you know what their intentions are but others you are not so sure and I think it played a vital role in keeping the book in suspense. 

I liked learning about the Navy terms, and learning about the different USS ships, submarines, and bits of government intelligence. I also enjoyed learning about Tasmania, a state in Australia that I would love to visit. Witnessing the Aurleias like Katherine and Brady did, to be able to look up into the night sky and see complete darkness and see the pretty lady dance would be very magical 🌌🌌

This book made me look at the world in a whole new light. Like did you know a nuclear war aircraft carrier can power up to 12000 homes, or little Tasmania is powered by an underground power cable connected to the Australian midland. Okay, I may have googled those two facts but it was interesting to have these concepts come up in the story.

Overall I thought it was a good book, but I don't think it was entirely for me. However I will still recommend it because I'm sure there will be people out there who would love it. 🙂

Book is out now.

I want to say thank you to @nic.dalessandro_writer for providing an eARC for me to read and review.