"Tells the story of undersea warfare entertainingly, without skimping on technical details. The book is full of entertaining and moving stories, especially of the British submariners. An indispensable book for anyone interested in naval history and a great read for everyone else."

– Kirkus Reviews (starred)

"A comprehensive history of the submarine. With this overview of the revolutionary warship, Ballantyne ably introduces readers to a subject that boasts an immense bibliography. A great selection for any general interest collection."

– Booklist (starred)

"Iain Ballantyne plunges you into the thick of the action. This book surely confirms Iain Ballantyne’s position in the front rank of contemporary naval historians."

– Captain John Roberts, Royal Navy, author of Safeguarding the Nations

"Superbly told. Consistently fascinating."

– Ben Wilson, The Times (London)

"Exhaustive."

– Publishers Weekly

"A most enjoyable and inspiring read."

– Stuart Crawford, Cable Magazine

"A comprehensive, informative, and thoroughly enjoyable history of this lesser-known aspect of warfare. It should be on the bookshelf of every serious military historian and enthusiast."

– Warships International Fleet Review

"This formidable and addictive book."

– Major Gerry Bartlett

"A brilliant deep dive into submarine warfare, from ancient Greek divers right up to our current nuclear fleet."

– Mail on Sunday (UK)

"The author provides us with a global appraisal. Ballantyne skillfully narrates intriguing stories about submarine commanders, sailors, and their boats during their quasi-piratical wartime encounters; each is a fast-moving gem of a tale."

– Northern Mariner