I just wrapped up the second book of Lamirande’s Pacific War alternate history, and let me tell you, it’s a real page-turner! Well page scroller anyway! In this version of reality, Japan decided that their battleships were more than just fancy floating tea kettles. Instead of babying them like they’re on a military “what not to lose” list, they’re unleashing a cannonball fiesta that would make any pyrotechnic show jealous. Who needs wisdom when you can just blow things up, right?

This new Japanese reality is like a bad sitcom, complete with challenges that make the Empire look like it’s reached its operational limit in the Pacific theater. With a better start and a slightly less questionable strategic position, Japan could’ve pulled off some impressive war moves, but let’s be honest, it still wouldn’t have been enough to mask its shortcomings—like production capabilities that were more “small shop” than “industrial powerhouse,” defending a territory so vast it could make Google Maps cry, or the small detail of picking a fight with the biggest industrial giant on the planet and really ruffling those feathers with their not-so-subtle Hawaiian Invasion antics.

The story takes a hilariously chaotic detour from the historical timeline of the first book, like a tourist who’s accidentally wandered into a bizarre themed amusement park! Key locations include Burma, Southern China, Australia, the Coral Sea, and the perpetually sunny yet mysteriously windy American West Coast, where even the tumbleweeds are rolling with laughter. If you’re into naval battles, then buckle up, because you’re diving headfirst into a delightful nostalgia trip featuring those massive dreadnought battles of the Great War—complete with popcorn and a front-row seat!

Get ready for some high-flying mischief as we tag along with our not-so-average pilots, Harry Bergman and Takashi Onishi, in their air battles! Meanwhile, on the ground, we get a front-row seat to the shenanigans of Imperial soldier Ishiro Tanaka (spoiler: he’s definitely not winning any “Nice Guy” awards), mixed in with some juicy historical tidbits from MacArthur’s writings and the wild tales of Tameichi Hara. And let’s not forget the submarine antics featuring the Wahoo and its fearless captain, Jim Cloutier—who probably has a “do not disturb” sign on his door for good reason! Plus, we’ve got the legendary Yamamoto, Roosevelt, and a parade of other characters who all have a say in the chaos of war.

This book was such a literary leap above the first one that it probably requires a parachute! With an action-packed focus on brawls, logistics, and an invasion of Australia—because who wouldn’t want to visit the land of kangaroos and BBQ?—it’s a real page-turner. But wait! The Japanese war machine seems to be tuning into a slow-motion saga, thanks to some epic supply line misadventures and the Americans flexing their muscles. I guess they forgot that you can’t win a race on an empty stomach!

I enjoyed this one, but probably the two reads are enough for me.