The Eagle's Claw

A Novel of the Battle of Midway

By: Jeff Shaara

Narrated by: Paul Michael

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • In a “riveting” (Booklist) tale that picks up where To Wake the Giant left off, Jeff Shaara transports us to the Battle of Midway in another masterpiece of military historical fiction.

Spring 1942. The United States is reeling from the blow the Japanese inflicted at Pearl Harbor. But the Americans are determined to turn the tide. The key comes from Commander Joe Rochefort, a little known “code breaker” who cracks the Japanese military encryption. With Rochefort’s astonishing discovery, Admiral Chester Nimitz will know precisely what the Japanese are planning.

But the battle to counter those plans must still be fought.

From the American side, the shocking conflict is seen through the eyes of Rochefort and Admiral Nimitz, as well as fighter pilot Lieutenant Percy “Perk” Baker and Marine Gunnery Sergeant Doug Ackroyd.

On the Japanese side, Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto is the mastermind. His key subordinates are Admiral Chuichi Nagumo, aging and infirm, and Admiral Tamon Yamaguchi, a firebrand who has no patience for Nagumo’s hesitation. Together, these two men must play out the chess game designed by Yamamoto, without any idea that the Americans are anticipating their every move on the sea and in the air.

Jeff Shaara recounts in electrifying detail what happens when these two sides finally meet, in what will be known ever after as one of the most definitive and heroic examples of combat ever seen. In The Eagle’s Claw, he recounts, with his trademark you-are-there immediacy and signature depth of research, one single battle that changed not only the outcome of a war but the course of our entire global history.

The story of Midway has been told many times, but never before like this.

Critic reviews

Praise for The Eagle’s Claw

“An exciting blend of the big-picture strategy and intense human perspective . . . Riveting historical fiction . . . Shaara’s wildly popular novels about the Civil War and WWII extend the audience for military fiction far beyond its normal range.”—Booklist (starred review)

“Compelling . . . Shaara deftly digs into the minds of the major players . . . Shaara writes a well-researched and evenhanded portrayal of the event that changed the direction of the Pacific War.”—Kirkus Reviews

Praise for To Wake the Giant

“An exciting war story . . . [a] deeply researched, nonjudgmental account of Pearl Harbor.”—Kirkus Reviews

“A thrilling you-are-there recreation . . . Fans of military fiction will find much to enjoy.”—Publishers Weekly

“[Jeff] Shaara deftly weaves a growing intensity that explodes on the pages. . . . His descriptions and explanations of the events as they unfold eerily bring to mind the old newsreel footage. His dramatic recreation of the devastation and carnage of the attack is among some of his best work.”—Bookreporter

“Moving [and] masterful . . . To Wake the Giant is detailed and nuanced, gripping and breathless . . . Shaara tackles a well-known story and makes it his own.”—Historical Novel Society

A great view of Midway from multiple views

Another one of Jeff Shaara's excellent historical novels! He writes from the point of view of many of the protagonists, including the Japanese. The characters are all fleshed-out and quite believable. The complicated stream of events makes it a very exciting read. The narration by Paul Michael is excellent., even to the extent of Japanese accents.

Evan's Review

Great book as always from Jeff. He took his characters and moles the book around in the Battle of Midway. Read all of Jeff's books like all the others you cannot stop listening.

very thorough

enjoyed learning of the characters after the war. Shaara keeps the parts of the story woven together.

good story

excellent story as always well written. i find the epilog extremely interesting and gull of informative items.
I do gind the Japanese tatics and thinking similar to the Confederate thinking in 1863

A great retelling of the battle!

I have heard the same basic telling of the battle is Midway over and over. Coming at it through some different eyes and telling it well was what I needed!