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Book Reviews of River of Ruin (Philip Mercer, Bk 5)

River of Ruin (Philip Mercer, Bk 5)
River of Ruin - Philip Mercer, Bk 5
Author: Jack DuBrul
ISBN-13: 9780451410542
ISBN-10: 0451410548
Publication Date: 12/2002
Pages: 534
Rating:
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 56

3.9 stars, based on 56 ratings
Publisher: Onyx Books
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

7 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

reviewed River of Ruin (Philip Mercer, Bk 5) on
Excellent read.
reviewed River of Ruin (Philip Mercer, Bk 5) on + 21 more book reviews
This is an excellent adventure novel. A long story but worth the read.
reviewed River of Ruin (Philip Mercer, Bk 5) on + 533 more book reviews
Jam-packed with action and larger-than-life heroics, DuBrul's latest (after Pandora's Curse) sets geologist Philip Mercer on a course to save the world once again. This time he's in Panama, where he uncovers a Chinese plot to bomb the canal with nuclear weapons in order to strong-arm the U.S. into allowing China's takeover of Taiwan. Though teeming with up-to-the-minute technology (such as an experimental but deadly long-range cannon), the novel possesses a surprising Cold War perspective toward China. DuBrul demonstrates his knowledge of everything from geology to mechanics through prose that is at times too technical for the lay reader, but he lends his protagonist a welcome touch of emotional complexity. Mercer's softer side surfaces in his dealings with sexy heroine Lauren Vanik, a U.S. army officer, and, to a different extent, when his recollections of an old mentor prevent him from succumbing to diabolical Chinese torture. Despite these introspective moments, this is an adventure story at heart, and the action scenes come fast and furious, in sewers, factories, giant ships and more. It's evident from the outset that Mercer and his team will come out on top, but the fun is watching DuBrul untangle his own skillfully woven knots.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY REVIEW
SwampCatNana avatar reviewed River of Ruin (Philip Mercer, Bk 5) on + 58 more book reviews
As usual Philip Mercer comes through for his Country and friends! Very compelling and interesting take on Panama no that we no longer control the canal. Thought provoking as to what could happen down there that would jeopardize our safety! Good read.
reviewed River of Ruin (Philip Mercer, Bk 5) on + 93 more book reviews
Great book, have not been disappointed in any of his books. Lots of action all way thru.
reviewed River of Ruin (Philip Mercer, Bk 5) on + 9 more book reviews
This book will keep you interested
bjlowe avatar reviewed River of Ruin (Philip Mercer, Bk 5) on + 103 more book reviews
"River of Ruin" is a lot of fun.

Non-stop action, good characterization, an original plot, and some mind-bending military hardware combine to make this a real page turner.

DuBrul combines control of the Panama canal, ancient Inca treasure and China's unending quest for world domination into a story that is both readable and discomfiting.

Mercer and his octogenarian friend Harry White again find themselves unwittingly involved in a battle for the very world as we know it.

All these elements combine to make this a very interesting and readable book.