Proximity: A Novel of the Navy's Elite Bomb Squad

I read this novel while in the Navy EOD training pipeline and it strongly reinforced my desire to be a part of such an amazing, intense, and one-of-a-kind community. Stephen Phillips tells the story of the Navy EOD teams from many different character perspectives, giving the reader an in-depth view as to what it takes to be, and become a Navy Tech. He also does a great job in differentiating Navy EOD from other branches by illustrating the Special Operations aspect of Navy EOD and the many tools a Navy Tech has in their "bag of tricks". What I also really liked about this novel is the way Stephen Phillips "tells" the story. You don't have to be an actual EOD tech to get a good idea as to what is happening or understand the technical aspect of the job. He makes it easy to visualize what is happening in your "mind's eye". The story is action packed, with well developed characters and a strong back story to accompany the already exciting EOD based storyline. I compare this to any Tom Clancy or Andy McNabb novel for the Special Operations enthusiast, or your average novel reader. Now, after becoming a Navy EOD tech, and having met Steve at the EOD Memorial in Florida, (who is humble, down to earth, and a shining example of a Naval Officer) I am even more proud to say that I have joined the ranks of these elite and professional warriors. I completely and wholly recommend this novel to anyone looking for an "edge of your seat" thrill ride and anxiously await any sequels in the future. Hooyah Navy EOD.

I really enjoyed Proximity: A Novel of the Navy's Elite Bomb Squad. Since Proximity is written by a former Special Operations Officer and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, I figured it would have a decent plot with overly analytical details of EOD operations. I couldn't have been more wrong.What I found was a very engaging and sympathetic main character, trying to balance the danger of his job with the security of his family. The story is very character driven, which was a pleasant surprise. Above all, it's just plain good writing.Granted, I needed the glossary of acronyms and abbreviations located at the end of the book. But one of the things I really appreciate about Stephen Phillips is that he assumes his readers are intelligent and can keep up. Once something has been introduced and explained, he doesn't intrude on the reading experience with awkward recaps of the same information. It keeps the flow of the story and dialogue between characters authentic.If the topic of this novel interests you even a little, I believe you'll enjoy reading it a lot.

With _Proximity_, Stephen Phillips has followed the best advice ever given to a beginning novelist: he has written about what he knows.This insider knowledge, as well as the author's clear love for his subject, carries the reader through some of _Proximity_'s rough spots. The book is full of anecdotes and quips that feel culled Phillips's personal experience, and they serve to give the reader a feel for life inside an EOD unit. However, Phillips sometimes gets lost in the details, serving up episodes that may fascinate other EOD technicians but move the lay reader to skip ahead. Further, the the book feels less like an organic story than a well-fleshed-out outline. Its conflicts resolve themselves too tidily. Its characters, with the exception of the protagonist, feel more like wind-up toys in service to the story than actual people. Its climax feels rushed and unearned.And yet, the reader can see Phillips develop his voice over the course of the novel. His protagonist is engaging and interesting enough to merit a sequel, and the book really does tell the reader a lot about EOD: I learned more in a few hours of reading it than I did in four years of kicking those lunatics out of the back of my helicopter.In short, this is a First Novel, with all the awkwardness that implies. Nevertheless, it's an engaging first Novel, written by a guy whose storytelling chops improve before your eyes. I look forward to reading Phillips's second.

Great story written by a great man.

I haven't read much about EOD, but saw this and thought I would give it a chance.The author does a good job of mixing in details about life as an EOD operator with the plot of the story. (Some reviewers have said the author uses too many technical terms. It's possible that he does, but I didn't realize it because I knew the terms from my time in the Navy and from the fact I love reading about spec ops.)*SPOILER ALERT*I thought it was a nice touch that the author had the federal investigators assume that the main character is the bomber. The reader obviously knows he isn't, but the author does a nice job of pointing out that the investigators are not reading the book, so have only the evidence of the scenes to go on.*END SPOILER ALERT*This book is not for everyone. But if you enjoy military fiction, give it a try.

The title of this review is in reference to the traditional boundary of response to EOD incidents between the U.S. Army and Navy EOD. If a munition is discovered in the surf (meaning that it probably washed ashore and belongs to the Navy), the Navy is the main responder. If found shorewards of high tide (or if it's a suspected IED), then the Army winds up with the responsibility. But the first responder is the closest unit - Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines.As an Army EOD Technician who went through the EOD School in '69 and before "being recruited" into Military Intelligence in '71, I found this book to be the best book that I've read about the hazards - physical, mental (and marital...) - of EOD work. I found my self saying, "Yep, that's how it was..." on more than one occasion while reading "Proximity.""Proximity" is a good read, especially for a first book and I hope that Mr. Phillips follows up with more!I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the shadowy side of the war which has been waged between bomb builders and bomb disposal techs from WW II to the present day.

No spoilers to the plot. This is one explosively good read and has the making of a great mini TV series.My only criticism is that there are just too many acronyms and abbreviations.There is one twist involving the FBI that you wonder where it is going to go and how it will work out.This is a work of fiction but it takes you into the real and nasty world of bombs and their makers and the guys who on a daily basis work to make them safe.It also gives an insight into the emotions of those left behind. Jazz's wife and family.Lets not forget the families of Our Hero's.

I have to admit I nearly didn't get past the first two chapters. It was well written but I thought is was going to be lots of short stories about the US Navy Bomb Squad, interesting to some but not a novel!! Once the story got going I was really absorbed by it and found it a very good read with a believable story-line. I'm sure many in this line of work will enjoy the book even more than I did but I honestly did enjoy it.

A gripping story line with a nice twist.The author managed to capture the emotions and pull you into them.my only critique is the ending left you so unfulfilled.saying that I would read more from this author.

Though I enjoyed this book, it seemed a bit rushed towards the end in order to finish. Saying that I do like this type of book.

Good read good story authors knowledge superb will look for other titles from this author. would recommend to readers of military novels