Blood in the Water by C. Alexander London

Reviewed by Lori
Title: Blood in the Water

Series: Tides of War - Volume 1

Author: C. Alexander London

Perma-Bound Catalogue #: 87271

Description: Cory McNab is a member of the Navy's Marine Mammal Program where he is partnered with a search-and-recovery dolphin named Kaj, and their new mission is to help locate a spy submersible lost in North Korean waters, but first they have to win the trust of the Navy SEALs who are assigned to deal with the problem.

Rubric Rating: Level 2 - Like It

Why I Read It: Chosen for a Read Aloud.

Notes:  After Cory drops out of the Navy Seals he’s unsure whether or not he wants to even return to the military but after his brother is attacked by a great white shark and he is rescued by a wild dolphin Cory knows what he’s meant to do.  He joins the Navy’s Marine Mammal program and is partnered with a dolphin named Kaj. When a spy submersible goes missing in North Korean waters Cory and Kaj are called upon by the Navy Seals for a search and rescue mission. But if caught they could start a war, and while Cory feels safe with Kaj he has a fear of returning to the water with the great whites.  While my son really enjoyed this book, it really wasn’t my cup of tea. I would have preferred if the story stayed with a focus on the dolphin and Cory’s fear of the water/sharks, and the recovery of the submersible. I didn’t like the fighting sequences, particularly as some of the Navy Seals don’t make it. Overall, I gave this book a like strictly for the animal story and because it was an enjoyable read for my 12 year old. 

Recommended Readers:  Grade 6-9.  Good title for boys and anyone interested in the Marines or Marine Biology. 

Themes:  War, Fear, Animal and Human Relationships, Dolphins, Marines, Water

Cross-Genre Links: 
Movie: Flipper
Movie: Dolphin Reef 
Youtube: Dolphins Clicks and Whistles
Websearch: Echolocation
Youtube: A Perfect Circle - So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish
Websearch: Animals in the Military

Inquiries and Activities: 

  • Research how different animals have been used historically in the military or war.  Do you agree with this practice. Why or Why not? Host a debate arguing each side. 
  • What animals have been used in war and what have they done.  
  • Write an article for a newspaper about an heroic animal. 
  • Have dolphins ever really rescued humans and do they really attack sharks? 
  • Would you ever go back in the water if you had witnessed a shark attack?  
  • Why does Cory decide to go into the Marine Mammal Program? 
  • How does Cory’s training help him rescue Kaj?


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