Just wrapped up The Second Sun by P.T. Deutermann, and I'm still processing this gripping WWII thriller. Initially, I picked it up expecting an alternate history narrative, but it delivered so much more.Amazon

Set in March 1945, the story follows Navy Captain Wolfe Bowen, who is tasked with investigating a captured German U-boat harboring two Japanese civilians and a mysterious cargo. This discovery propels Bowen into a high-stakes mission to uncover the truth about Japan's potential nuclear capabilities—a revelation that could alter the course of the war. As Bowen delves deeper, he uncovers evidence suggesting that Japan might be developing its own atomic weapon, a possibility that forces President Truman to make a critical decision.

The narrative is tightly plotted, blending real historical figures with fictional characters to create a compelling and immersive experience. Deutermann's background as a retired Navy captain lends authenticity to the military and naval details, enhancing the story's credibility.

What truly sets this novel apart is its exploration of the moral complexities faced by leaders during wartime. The book raises thought-provoking questions about the decisions made in the heat of conflict and the information that influences those choices.


For fans of historical fiction and military thrillers, The Second Sun is a standout read. It's a thought-provoking tale that combines action, espionage, and ethical dilemmas in a way that keeps you engaged from start to finish. I'd confidently rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

A fascinating look at WWII and the development of the atomic bomb. The US focus on Germany allows the Japanese the opportunity to create havoc and try to take over the world. We know that story. However, the author asks what happens if they shared information? What could have happened if Japan created that bomb first? What would the fallout be? Thanks to NetGalley for the read.

An interesting take on the last days of WW2 and leading up to the dropping of the two atomic weapons. The "what if" presented in the book will make you think it was entirely plausible. I have always enjoyed novels by this author and although this one does not have the same levels of action, it is made up for by the suspense in the story. A good read by a great author.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Did the Japanese actually develop a nuclear bomb? Well developed characters and a plausible story line make for an interesting and thought provoking read.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

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The Second Sunby P.T. Deutermann is a historical fiction book about a US Navy Captain on a mission to find out if Japan has gotten their hands on a nuclear bomb during World War II. This is the 11thbook in Mr. Deutramann’s World War II series, but the first one I read by the author.

Captain Wolfe Bowen works in Washington DC for the Chief of Naval Operation when he receives a call to come check out a captured German U-Boat with two Japanese civilians on it. It’s determined that the U-Boat is carrying uranium.

Together with Lt. Commander Janet Waring, a Naval intelligence officer who is fluent in Japanese, he must report his findings to President Truman. Bowen’s report could change the course of the war and the world.

I’ve never read any of the author’s previous books, and even though this is the 11th in a series, it’s certainly a standalone book. Mr. Deutermann certainly writes well and certainly knows his stuff.

The Second Sun refers to what the Japanese called the atomic bomb when they saw it. After all, it harnesses the sun’s power to create a weapon. Honestly, I never thought about it that way, but it certainly makes sense.

I enjoyed his explanation of how nuclear devices work, and his descriptions of the explosions are especially poignant. The descriptions of the devastation in Hiroshima and Nagasaki are heart breaking, but it was probably much worse. From some reason, I kept waiting for the “aunt people”, but they never showed up. Maybe because I learned about them a year ago.

I don’t understand why he makes the protagonist repeat several times how much he hates the Japanese, two or three times would have gotten the message across. The novel deals with the ethical questions of nuking civilians, and whether the protagonist hates the Japanese, or whether they “had it coming”, is irrelevant. The fact that the bombs brought the end of the war saving the lives of hundreds of thousands of American GIs is reason enough.

Nevertheless, this is a gripping book, well written and tight. The characters are fully developed each with a backstory to build them up. We don’t really know if Japan had a nuclear bomb, Mr. Deutermann certainly thinks they did and he makes a good case of why they might have.

The Second Sun
By P.T. Deutermann

This novel deals with the atomic bombs which finally brought WWII to an end – and the aftermath. The story begins with the inadvertent discovery of a surrendered German u-boat which was secretly carrying uranium to Japan. Throughout the war, the allies were concentrated on German efforts to produce an atomic bomb. This would have been a game changer, if the Germans had developed the bomb first. Myopically, the allies never even entertained the possibility that Japan also had a program. But the capture of the German u-boat was a wake-up call.

This is the story of Naval Captain Wolf Bowen and Naval Commander Janet Waring who were paired together to perform three tasks for the United States. First was to secretly witness an atomic weapon test held by the Japanese at a secret facility in Korea, which was basically a slave state to Japan at that time. The second task involved Bowen and Waring witnessing firsthand the nuclear test at Trinity testing grounds in order to recognize a potential Japanese atomic test.

The third task – after the bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki – was to evaluate firsthand the reaction of the Japanese people and to advise President Truman if the Japanese could be rehabilitated and turned into America's strong allies to fight communism in the East.

This is a fascinating book. While a novel, it lays bare the true horrors of the war, the cruelties perpetrated by the Japanese, and the terrible devastation wreaked by the two atomic bombs. This is a must-read for any WWII history buff looking for both sides of the story.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.

I have not read any previous books by this author and had read another WW2 novel that had me interested in reading another, when I spotted this one I was happy to have received an ARC. Although this is the 11 book in a series, each book, at least to my understanding, has different characters, in this one the main character is Captain Wolfe Bowen who in 1945 is working for the Chief of Naval Operations, Wolfe had worked on naval vessels during the war and had faced enemy fire. So when he receives a call from a naval shipyard about a German submarine that had surrendered to the navy, he is tasked with investigating. He soon discovers that the submarine is carrying two Japanese civilians with German papers and a substance that has Wolfe calling his superiors. He is soon read into a top secret project that sees him traveling the world to witness what the Manhattan Project had developed then to witness on the other side of the world what the Japanese may have created. The race is then on to stop the Japanese from dropping their development onto the US fleet that's in waters around Japan. This is a very interesting story, based as well on facts, very sad as well, the Japanese had/have a very strong sense of duty to their country and were prepared to fight the Americans, every man, woman and child to the death. Which did not happen in the end. Overall a very well told story and very informative. Thanks to #Netgalley and #St Martin's Press for the ARC.

I'm always up for a WW2 novel and I was excited to read this. It reads very smoothly considering the complex content. This was my first Deutermann book and I'd seek out others.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Was pretty confused on the beginning and couldn't follow - whether bc I don't have enough knowledge about naval structures or it's the time period in general, I don't know

A little sexist and I feel like I was supposed to have some knowledge about WWII ans the Manhattan project beforehand. Comments about the lack of empathy but then still shows a lack of empathy
Tells more than shows. Does not pass the bechdel test

Are the people real?

All the buildup just for the actual bombing to take all of a paragraph halfway through the book

Really didn't love the portrayal of the one woman in the novel

I liked that the book gave me a better understanding of a snapshot of WW2 in a generally accessible way

The last chapter had really good banter

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this thought-provoking, informative, and suspenseful story set shortly after Germany's defeat in WW2. The war with Japan was still going on. Why did America aim to develop its defeated enemies, Germany and Japan, into prosperous allies? This is well-written historical fiction, combining fact and speculation by P T Deutermann.
Captain Wolfe Bowen is ordered to inspect a large German sub captured and held at an American port. The Germans will become prisoners of war, and they are surprised to find a couple of Japanese men onboard. It is also discovered that the sub is transporting hidden ingredients for the manufacture of atomic bombs, and the destination is Japan. This speeds up the Manhattan Project, and bombs are developed to target Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
President Truman sent Bowen and Lieutenant Commander Janet Waring (fluent in Japanese) to investigate the progress of developing a Japanese nuclear bomb. America has already dropped bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. They are to report on the devastating effects of the bombs on those cities and to interview Japanese survivors. They will report their findings to General MacArthur and later to President Truman. There is hope that America will build up and engage the defeated country of Japan as a major commercial and manufacturing partner to counterbalance e the rise of Communist China..

What they observed in Hiroshima and Nagasaki was heartbreaking and tragic. If you want to learn more about the destruction of those cities and the devastating aftermath, I urge you to read The Last Train from Hiroshima (non-fiction) by Charles Pellegrino. He has a second book coming soon, focusing on Hiroshima, which James Cameron plans to make into a movie.

The Second Sun is recommended and will be published on April 01, 2025.

Initially I thought this might be an alternate history since there were some dates of real events that had been changed for the book. I am still not certain why it was necessary but it did not detract from a cracking good suspense novel. Wolfe Bowen who has been a Washington fixer is enlisted to go and inspect a German submarine that has surrendered off the coast. In the book Germany has been defeated months before the actual end of the conflict and there are Japanese passengers on board. Japan is still waging war and shows no signs of giving up.

The situation is curious but becomes a matter of national security when something very dangerous is discovered on the sub. The sub was transporting the ingredients for an atomic bomb to Japan. This catches the Americans off guard. Never was there any suspicion that Japan was working on a bomb and the repercussions were horrifying. Wolfe is sent to Korea to get proof of the program and his report puts additional haste to the Manhattan Project.

After the two bombs have ended the war, Wolfe and Janet Waring are sent to Japan on a special project for new President, Harry Truman. Their report will determine the path forward in the post war world. It is exciting, heartbreaking and could well have been ripped from a history book. I was completely immersed in the story. There has never been any reports of the Japanese working towards the A-bomb but it is not beyond the realm of possibility.

Well written and riveting, this deserves five purrs and two paws up.

The Second Sun by P. T. Deutermann is a captivating historical novel that skillfully blends a hint of romance into its narrative. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the story provides a detailed and immersive depiction of naval warfare, showcasing Deutermann's expertise in military history.

The novel's plot is driven by its strong character development, particularly the protagonist, whose journey is both thrilling and emotionally resonant. The romantic subplot adds a personal touch to the broader historical events, offering readers a balance between action and intimacy.

Deutermann's writing is vivid and engaging, painting a clear picture of the setting and the era. His attention to historical detail enhances the authenticity of the story, allowing readers to feel fully immersed in the time period. The pacing is generally well-maintained, though there are moments where the narrative could benefit from a slightly quicker tempo.

Overall, The Second Sun is a commendable read for fans of historical fiction, especially those with an interest in naval history. While it occasionally lingers in its descriptions, the novel delivers a satisfying and informative experience, earning a solid 4 out of 5 stars.

The Second Sun is a very interesting book: a combination of World War II history many of us may have already read about, speculation about a secret part of the war that may or may not actually be true but is tantalizing nonetheless, and a budding romance, all told by the main character in a surprisingly noir-ish fashion.

The war is finally nearing its end: Germany has surrendered, the U. S. is about to test atomic weapons, Japan is still out there fighting but it’s only a matter of time before they, too, are overpowered – unless it’s true that they have also been developing atomic weapons that are now nearly ready to use, making an Allied invasion off their coast very dangerous indeed.

Captain Wolfe Bowen saw a lot of action commanding ships in the Pacific and is now based in Washington, DC, working for the Chief of Naval Operations. He’s been around and knows his way around, a bit weary of the war and the Navy, large, fit, a weightlifter, direct and to the point, sometimes sarcastic, single by choice. By chance hearing what may be just a little too much information, he is quickly pulled into the world of big secrets: The Manhattan Project. Lieutenant Commander Janet Waring is also based in Washington with the Office of Naval Intelligence. Based on many factors, including her history living in Japan, she is also read into the project. Neither Bowen nor Waring have a choice in accepting their new missions. If they refuse they will likely be sent somewhere out of sight for the duration.

After witnessing a test of the bomb in the desert, Bowen is sent across the world to try and see if there is indeed a testing ground off the coast of Korea and to secretly observe any tests made. If he does, he is to report back immediately to President Truman who will use this info in making his decision regarding dropping our bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Waring is to use her position and credentials to probe Washington, find out who knows what and if this secret is really a secret and provide that information to the President as well.

The Second Son is fast-paced and suspenseful and often humorous. Just when the history lessons and detailed descriptions of everything atomic start to get too dry, author P. T. Deutermann pops in another action scene. Waring and Bowen are instantly comfortable with each other and work well together. There is a physical attraction; they are both adults who have made intentional choices in the past and they feel themselves possibly moving towards something more permanent. I received an advance copy of The Second Sun from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley. It was a fascinating read, thought-provoking, well-written with characters both historical and fictional. As for the noir-ish feel? He’s not a detective even though he’s on a secret mission, but there is just something about the way Bowen talks and acts that feels like he could have been Sam Spade. A little odd at first but then totally fits. Recommend this book without hesitation. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.

This is a political thriller set during WWII. It revolves around the nuclear program and the results of the nuclear bombs that ended the war in Japan. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

P.T. Deutermann is a new to me author and I am glad to have discovered him. The Second Sun is a work of historical fiction centering on the decision to use the atomic bomb against Japan at the end of WWII. The main characters are two naval intelligence officers and the role they play in gathering first person intelligence and reporting that back to President Truman. I am not a WWII scholar so I cannot speak to the facts so I review it more from the fiction aspect. The author is a great writer, he constructs a wonderful story that moves along, believable characters, good dialog and pacing, he does not over dramatize any aspect. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and it stirred in me a desire to read a bit more about that aspect of history. I will be reading more by this author!

#netgalley #thesecondsun

I really enjoyed this book! It’s a fascinating look at the US and Japanese competition in developing the atomic bomb. A good part of the book examines the US nuclear program (The Manhattan Project) and focuses on the question of whether or not the Japanese were actively engaged in producing and testing an atom bomb. The author doesn’t just end with the dropping of the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He doesn’t shy away from painting a vivid picture of the devastation, horror and catastrophic impact on the survivors in the aftermath of those bombings. He also acknowledges that the use of the atomic bomb changed the world forever and that the US and Japan needed to find a path forward beyond the hatred, distrust and blame to forge an alliance to create stability in Southeast Asia. The intertwining of historical details within this fictionalization of the World War II nuclear arms race and its devastating aftermath, has created a riveting and realistic picture of that time period in our history.

"The Second Sun" by P. T. Deutermann presents a fascinating exploration of World War II by centering on the United States and Japan's competition to develop the atomic bomb. This narrative stands out among typical WWII literature by focusing on the scientific breakthroughs and strategic maneuvers involved in the nuclear arms race. Deutermann weaves historical detail with gripping storytelling, capturing the tense atmosphere of the era. The book effectively illustrates the immense destructive potential of nuclear weapons, prompting readers to consider the far-reaching consequences of such power. Overall, "The Second Sun" is a captivating and engaging read that deepens the understanding of a pivotal moment in history. Though this is a dark subject, I feel I learned a lot from reading this and I recommend it for people who enjoy WWII historical fiction especially from a non-European perspective. I thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.

this book was okay. I do think it was a bit too dense for my liking, and I wish it were more entertaining. It was too drab and just what i expected with a book about a war. Unfortunately it was not for me


Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

Not what I was expecting but an informative book about WWII, subs etc.
I did not finish the ARC but hope to in the near future.

"The Second Sun" is the latest novel by P.T. Deutermann, prolific and well informed writer on naval matters and warfare and a personal favorite of mine. My experience of the text comes through an ARC provided to me by St. Martin's Press. In this thoughtful and thought-provoking examination of the possibility of the Japanese having a successful nuclear program in the closing months of World War II, Deutermann once more goes into speculative alternative history but stays very close to the realities of the situation as the curtain came down on World War II in the Pacific. He does a superb job. It is all predicated on the possibility that the Allies, with their fixation on German technological advances, might have missed a corresponding weapons program in Japan. This is fascinating on many levels. For example, how could one explain it without reference to race? Worse, given that everyone understood the kind of implications a nuclear weapon might have, how could the Japanese have been so underestimated as to have developed a weapon without anyone being the wiser? These questions and many more, leap from the pages of this thoroughly intriguing and fast paced tale. It is characterized by Deutermann's expected understanding of inside politics and strategic policy development in the context of world war. The fictional characters are well drawn and are the major explicators of how things get done in the halls of power and what the respective branches of the services have to do with it. You can easily imagine how complicated something like this can get, especially when you throw in the Manhattan Project and the looming invasion of the Japanese home islands. This was so far from anything I had ever seriously contemplated that I immediately began to see the enormous implications for the end of the war and the future Cold War. It is, to put it mildly, a tour de force by an author at the peak of his powers. I recommend it for all collections.