The full untold WWII story of one of the most harrowing sea battles in history, from historians Seth Paridon and retired US Navy captain, William Toti—cohosts of the hit podcast series, The Unauthorized History of the Pacific War.

The Battle of Guadalcanal is often remembered for the U.S. Marines who held the line and endured the misery ashore. Less well known—but arguably more impactful—was the Navy’s role offshore, and the slugfests that assured the final victory.

Between November 12 and November 15, 1942, American and Japanese ships engaged in one of the most harrowing sea battles in history, often exchanging fire at point-blank range in two nights of the most vicious fighting for the US Navy in 1942. While the Marines and Army fought bravely, the Navy bore the heavier toll—losing nearly four times as many lives, including two admirals, as the troops lost on land.

The Killing Sea brings this forgotten chapter of the Guadalcanal campaign vividly to life and dispels the long-held belief that the Navy abandoned the men ashore during the battle. Paridon and Toti make a compelling case that the naval battle of Guadalcanal—not Midway—was the true turning point in the Pacific War. This gripping, untold story of colossal warships, audacious admirals, Blue Jacket sailors, and astounding bravery is told in vivid personal detail, highlighting the actions of the men who suffered through some of the bloodiest fighting of the war.