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Review Date: 10/25/2010
Helpful Score: 2
This has been a personal, long-awaited storyline regarding the origins of Mitch Rapp. The intensity of action is as expected with Vince Flynn's novels.
This sets up the background about how Rapp was "discovered" by Irene Kennedy, the training he received, and how he started out as the icon of what some Americans would like to see in an operative in the world of terrorism.
This is full of action, manipulative coniving, and exceeds the expectations for the proper background story of Mitch Rapp.
This sets up the background about how Rapp was "discovered" by Irene Kennedy, the training he received, and how he started out as the icon of what some Americans would like to see in an operative in the world of terrorism.
This is full of action, manipulative coniving, and exceeds the expectations for the proper background story of Mitch Rapp.
Review Date: 1/31/2010
Helpful Score: 2
This is an excellent debut novel. The Biblical Ark of the Covenant is one of those mysteries of the world that can either have a great story told about it or it can really be a let down. This novel infuses great details that make it a believable storyline, even for those of us that are Christians.
The action is great, the plot is well paced, and the villain is truly warped. Definitely one I would recommend. I look forward to the next novel by C.M. Palov.
The action is great, the plot is well paced, and the villain is truly warped. Definitely one I would recommend. I look forward to the next novel by C.M. Palov.
Review Date: 8/25/2011
Helpful Score: 3
A beautiful archeologist and an ex-military-turned-engineer find themselves teamed up in an unexpected mission to prevent the decimation of the entire human population.
Sebastian Ulric sees himself as the modern day Noah. He has personally selected the top 300 people and indoctrinated them with the belief the world is so corrupt, all humans - except for the chosen - must be eradicated. He has the method to achieve this and the location for him and the chosen to reside in safety. Once the human population is wiped out, Ulric and his selected group will rise up to repopulate the world in which he will be the leader.
Dilara Kenner and Tyler Locke must figure out what Ulric's plans are. There is a countdown for the release of Ulric's weapon and they have to figure out to stop it. And...what in the world does Noah's Ark have to do with all of it? That's the center of Boyd Morrison's novel.
If you like action, strong testosterone moments, and a woman who can easily hold her own, then you will speed through this read as well. You may or may not agree with the theory the author proposes regarding Noah's Ark, but it does make for an interesting read.
Sebastian Ulric sees himself as the modern day Noah. He has personally selected the top 300 people and indoctrinated them with the belief the world is so corrupt, all humans - except for the chosen - must be eradicated. He has the method to achieve this and the location for him and the chosen to reside in safety. Once the human population is wiped out, Ulric and his selected group will rise up to repopulate the world in which he will be the leader.
Dilara Kenner and Tyler Locke must figure out what Ulric's plans are. There is a countdown for the release of Ulric's weapon and they have to figure out to stop it. And...what in the world does Noah's Ark have to do with all of it? That's the center of Boyd Morrison's novel.
If you like action, strong testosterone moments, and a woman who can easily hold her own, then you will speed through this read as well. You may or may not agree with the theory the author proposes regarding Noah's Ark, but it does make for an interesting read.
Review Date: 12/15/2007
Helpful Score: 2
A slow read in the beginning. The set up of the scienctific portion of the novel becomes literary speed bumps in sections. Once the main story line unfolds after about page 120, the tempo picks up. Overall, one of those novels I would refer to as "brain candy". The theories that are posed with regard to the Bible are outside my beliefs. Overall, a mediocre read.
Review Date: 1/7/2008
Helpful Score: 1
This is the second book by this new author. The original grabbed my attention and was a fun read. This book continues this pattern. It's beneficial to read the first book - "Double Eagle" by this author before reading this novel.
This book is based on the idea of the Gold Train in Hungary after WWII. The adventure begins when a theft of an Enigma machine from the National Cryptoloic Museum occurs, a mysterious murder of an Auschwitz survivor and the amputation of his arm, and some potential clues hidden in some little known paintings. What is Tom Kirk and companions on the trail to discover. There was something that was secreted on the Gold Train that was hidden by an unique order of 12 from the Nazi era. Who is pursuing Tom's progress and willing to kill him if he gets too close.
Great action novel on the heels of Twining's debut novel.
This book is based on the idea of the Gold Train in Hungary after WWII. The adventure begins when a theft of an Enigma machine from the National Cryptoloic Museum occurs, a mysterious murder of an Auschwitz survivor and the amputation of his arm, and some potential clues hidden in some little known paintings. What is Tom Kirk and companions on the trail to discover. There was something that was secreted on the Gold Train that was hidden by an unique order of 12 from the Nazi era. Who is pursuing Tom's progress and willing to kill him if he gets too close.
Great action novel on the heels of Twining's debut novel.
Review Date: 6/21/2011
For those of you who saw the movie or TV show, "Stargate", imagine a corridor that has been opened on one end by a physics error. Mysterious objects come out of the corridor known as the Breach.
The items have unique characteristics. Some of their uses are figured out and some are not. It is not known what or who is on the other end of the Breach or why the objects are being sent.
Throw in a group (organized with world-wide members) who are tasked with protecting the Breach as well as the objects that come through it versus a group bent on conquering the facility for their own purposes. This mix is the basis for this first (of 3?) novels.
The mystery is only heightened as the story progresses. Some of the answers are revealed and more are left for the sequel(s).
The items have unique characteristics. Some of their uses are figured out and some are not. It is not known what or who is on the other end of the Breach or why the objects are being sent.
Throw in a group (organized with world-wide members) who are tasked with protecting the Breach as well as the objects that come through it versus a group bent on conquering the facility for their own purposes. This mix is the basis for this first (of 3?) novels.
The mystery is only heightened as the story progresses. Some of the answers are revealed and more are left for the sequel(s).
Review Date: 12/26/2007
This is the first novel I have read by this author. I could not stop reading this one. The intricate plot and movement of the characters is fast-paced, but does not lack the proper construction of the character history or the necessary details for the entire story-line to come full circle. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves political thrills, action-oriented, and conspiracy driven stories!
Review Date: 4/19/2012
Helpful Score: 1
This is Rogan's second novel. After the outrageously great first novel, I wasn't sure if he could top himself. But he may just have done it.
This book started a little slow; however, as the investigation into this unique conspiracy begins to unfold, you realize you are in the hands of a great storyteller.
Rogan does an excellent job of slowly unfolding details, action, and the development of his characters in this novel to the point the only analogy I can really think of is the slow rise up a large rollercoaster "hill" and then the sudden elation of the downward rush. Once the action takes hold of you, the adrenaline comes forth.
He has agents Voss and Hart back from "Oceans Dark". You don't have to read the first one to get this one. If you love action and a good conspiracy, this is worth the read.
This book started a little slow; however, as the investigation into this unique conspiracy begins to unfold, you realize you are in the hands of a great storyteller.
Rogan does an excellent job of slowly unfolding details, action, and the development of his characters in this novel to the point the only analogy I can really think of is the slow rise up a large rollercoaster "hill" and then the sudden elation of the downward rush. Once the action takes hold of you, the adrenaline comes forth.
He has agents Voss and Hart back from "Oceans Dark". You don't have to read the first one to get this one. If you love action and a good conspiracy, this is worth the read.
Review Date: 4/4/2012
Helpful Score: 4
The quote on the paperback says, "Black Hawk Down Meets the X-men..." If you're reading this review and indulging me in my thoughts, I would go a step further and say this is a cross-over of several themes: Black Hawk Down, X-men, a little adult theiving of Harry Potter, and Lord of the Rings.
The premise of the novel is a military unit has been set up to go after persons who "manifest" with abilities. Those abilities are normally one of four types: Necromancy, Pyromancy, Hydromancy, and Aeromancy. As each name suggests, you have abilities with using the dead, fire, water, and atmosphere.
If a person manifests and runs, they are considered breaking the law and punishment is distributed. If you turn yourself in, it's not clear if punishment is provided or if you are a slave to the military as they "train" and transform individuals into weapons. There are specific approved schools a person can go through based on abilities - if they don't run.
The main character - Britton - has been a soldier who has helped seek out the Probes or Selfers (those who run). He is not 100% comfortable with how the military seeks out these people and punishes them. After a recent apprehension he is struggling over, Britton manifests with the rare ability of Portamancy (opening gates anywhere he has seen or been). When he runs, he is hunted down and captured. He is forced to go through training to hone his abilities and has a small device that has been inserted in his heart. If he does not cooperate, BOOM!
The training is similar to a hard-core version of an "Officer and a Gentlemen" with no caring whatsoever from the drill staff. Britton struggles with using his ability to do good versus being a captive slave to his government and what the government forces him to do with his abilities.
The characters are well developed and the novel allows for subsequent books in a storyline. I loved it!
The premise of the novel is a military unit has been set up to go after persons who "manifest" with abilities. Those abilities are normally one of four types: Necromancy, Pyromancy, Hydromancy, and Aeromancy. As each name suggests, you have abilities with using the dead, fire, water, and atmosphere.
If a person manifests and runs, they are considered breaking the law and punishment is distributed. If you turn yourself in, it's not clear if punishment is provided or if you are a slave to the military as they "train" and transform individuals into weapons. There are specific approved schools a person can go through based on abilities - if they don't run.
The main character - Britton - has been a soldier who has helped seek out the Probes or Selfers (those who run). He is not 100% comfortable with how the military seeks out these people and punishes them. After a recent apprehension he is struggling over, Britton manifests with the rare ability of Portamancy (opening gates anywhere he has seen or been). When he runs, he is hunted down and captured. He is forced to go through training to hone his abilities and has a small device that has been inserted in his heart. If he does not cooperate, BOOM!
The training is similar to a hard-core version of an "Officer and a Gentlemen" with no caring whatsoever from the drill staff. Britton struggles with using his ability to do good versus being a captive slave to his government and what the government forces him to do with his abilities.
The characters are well developed and the novel allows for subsequent books in a storyline. I loved it!
Review Date: 1/17/2012
This is the final book of the trilogy involving Tangent, Travis Chase and Paige Campbell. This book finally answers the two main questions: What or who is on the other side of the Breach and why are the objects (entities) coming through?
In this installment, on old investigation trail from 1978 is being pursued by Chase & Campbell. They are trying to piece information together knowing there is a deadline of less than 24 hours before THE event occurs. What is the event? Who is trying to initiate it? And, what does it have to do with the Breach?
Before you read this novel, be sure you have read the 2 prior books: "The Breach" and "Ghost Country".
In this installment, on old investigation trail from 1978 is being pursued by Chase & Campbell. They are trying to piece information together knowing there is a deadline of less than 24 hours before THE event occurs. What is the event? Who is trying to initiate it? And, what does it have to do with the Breach?
Before you read this novel, be sure you have read the 2 prior books: "The Breach" and "Ghost Country".
Review Date: 8/25/2007
Helpful Score: 1
This was a pleasurable find for a debut novel. I love finding new authors who create that longing for their next title to be released. I am already counting the days until I can read "The Black Sun".
If you enjoy action with a twist of historical mystery, this novel is one for you. The best way I can describe it is Hudson Hawk meets Clive Cussler with more believable action/character development with the main character.
If you enjoy action with a twist of historical mystery, this novel is one for you. The best way I can describe it is Hudson Hawk meets Clive Cussler with more believable action/character development with the main character.
Review Date: 12/2/2010
I am a huge Steve Berry fan and look forward to his new novels. This is the first one I felt a little disheartened in reading.
First of all, the story does keep you wanting to know what the twist is going to be and what they are going to find. The let down comes at the point in the story when you believe the action will hit full-pace (as it has in Berry's prior novels) and will keep you turning the pages more rapidly than before. Unfortunately, the climax of this novel is more "Ho-Hum" for me.
The main gist of this book is the political ramifications behind whether or not oil is finite or not. The premise of this is based in some reality as to whether oil is biotic (due to organics being compressed over time and creating oil as a by-product - a.k.a. Fossil Fuels) or if it is abiotic (the earth replinishes oil continuously). With the dependency of oil by China helping keep that country "in-check" the finding that oil is finite could lead to a shift in world power from the U.S. (as well as Russia's attempt to be a world-power) to China leading the way.
The pursuit of confirming oil as being finite and proving this to the world as well as the political, in-house struggles betweeen a Confucious-based party leader and a Legalist-based party leader (the novel helps define this power struggle well) is core to this novel. While the politics is interesting, the pacing of this novel is slower than normal for a Cotton Malone story.
I rated this as a "Like It" in comparison to Berry's prior works. It is middle of the road for me, but still a decent read overall.
First of all, the story does keep you wanting to know what the twist is going to be and what they are going to find. The let down comes at the point in the story when you believe the action will hit full-pace (as it has in Berry's prior novels) and will keep you turning the pages more rapidly than before. Unfortunately, the climax of this novel is more "Ho-Hum" for me.
The main gist of this book is the political ramifications behind whether or not oil is finite or not. The premise of this is based in some reality as to whether oil is biotic (due to organics being compressed over time and creating oil as a by-product - a.k.a. Fossil Fuels) or if it is abiotic (the earth replinishes oil continuously). With the dependency of oil by China helping keep that country "in-check" the finding that oil is finite could lead to a shift in world power from the U.S. (as well as Russia's attempt to be a world-power) to China leading the way.
The pursuit of confirming oil as being finite and proving this to the world as well as the political, in-house struggles betweeen a Confucious-based party leader and a Legalist-based party leader (the novel helps define this power struggle well) is core to this novel. While the politics is interesting, the pacing of this novel is slower than normal for a Cotton Malone story.
I rated this as a "Like It" in comparison to Berry's prior works. It is middle of the road for me, but still a decent read overall.
Review Date: 12/4/2010
Every so often a novel is written that has the audacity to pull you in and cause you to forget what you're reading is fiction and not real-life.
FALCON SEVEN is one of those novels. The story could easily be one you're reading in anticipation of what will happen as if reading an ongoing news headline daily. Based on the fact that the United States never signed the agreement creating the International Criminal Court (ICC), two American pilots are captured in Pakistan and whisked away to The Hague to stand trial for war crimes on the basis the building they received to orders to hit may have been a refugee medical post.
A former SEAL-turned-criminal defense attorney, Jask Caskey is hired by the American government to defend the two pilots. Part of his argument to the world (and directed at the President of the United States) is for the U.S. to invoke the American Servicemember's Protection Act. Anticipating this type of arrest of American military personnel, this act was written in 2002 and signed by George W. Bush and states, "The President is authorized to use all means necessary and appropriate to bring about the release of any US or allied personnel being detained or imprisoned by, on behalf of, or at the request of the International Criminal Court."
This novel poses the question of how the US would respond if the ICC were to move forward and prosecute American personnel on the basis of accidental, collateral deaths during a potential war-time situation. Complicating the political arena in this story is the indictment of George W. Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, and others who were part of the prior administration.
Whether you agree or not with the real-world War on Terror, this novel will cause you to move through degrees of anger, sadness, hope, and fear. This is an outstanding premise and the pacing pulls you in wanting to know if the US will act, if Caskey will have to pull the proverbial rabbit out of the hat, or will the ICC blink if the US flexes its might? This is a rare 5-star novel.
FALCON SEVEN is one of those novels. The story could easily be one you're reading in anticipation of what will happen as if reading an ongoing news headline daily. Based on the fact that the United States never signed the agreement creating the International Criminal Court (ICC), two American pilots are captured in Pakistan and whisked away to The Hague to stand trial for war crimes on the basis the building they received to orders to hit may have been a refugee medical post.
A former SEAL-turned-criminal defense attorney, Jask Caskey is hired by the American government to defend the two pilots. Part of his argument to the world (and directed at the President of the United States) is for the U.S. to invoke the American Servicemember's Protection Act. Anticipating this type of arrest of American military personnel, this act was written in 2002 and signed by George W. Bush and states, "The President is authorized to use all means necessary and appropriate to bring about the release of any US or allied personnel being detained or imprisoned by, on behalf of, or at the request of the International Criminal Court."
This novel poses the question of how the US would respond if the ICC were to move forward and prosecute American personnel on the basis of accidental, collateral deaths during a potential war-time situation. Complicating the political arena in this story is the indictment of George W. Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, and others who were part of the prior administration.
Whether you agree or not with the real-world War on Terror, this novel will cause you to move through degrees of anger, sadness, hope, and fear. This is an outstanding premise and the pacing pulls you in wanting to know if the US will act, if Caskey will have to pull the proverbial rabbit out of the hat, or will the ICC blink if the US flexes its might? This is a rare 5-star novel.
Review Date: 9/22/2010
This is the fourth book featuring Tom Kirk. I have enjoyed each novel by author, James Twining. He does a superb job in creating various sub stories which run parallel with the main story and all come to a conclusive connection for a well-rounded storyline.
If you have not read the prior 3 books by Mr. Twining, I would recommend trying to read these in the order to help get the full benefit of this current story and the relationships that were previously set up.
If you want a short description of this novel without reading the back of the cover, I sum it up as this: Steve Berry's Cotton Malone meets the world of the legendary mystery of lost art.
Great read, which I give a 4 out of 5 stars.
If you have not read the prior 3 books by Mr. Twining, I would recommend trying to read these in the order to help get the full benefit of this current story and the relationships that were previously set up.
If you want a short description of this novel without reading the back of the cover, I sum it up as this: Steve Berry's Cotton Malone meets the world of the legendary mystery of lost art.
Great read, which I give a 4 out of 5 stars.
Review Date: 11/8/2009
James Twining has become one of those author's whose books I look forward to reading. This current tome (3rd in the Tom Kirk series to date)is about 70 pages of set-up. While it doesn't have the immediate throes of action to kick-start the pace, the story-line ultimately hits overdrive and is hard to put down.
The fun of this novel is Twining does a great job in pulling on the twists of many relationships among the main persons. The "mystery" invovled with the theft of the artwork, the con of the theft itself, and the final climatic sequence is worth the read.
The fun of this novel is Twining does a great job in pulling on the twists of many relationships among the main persons. The "mystery" invovled with the theft of the artwork, the con of the theft itself, and the final climatic sequence is worth the read.
Review Date: 12/16/2009
I do not read Dean Koontz novels often. Generally, my impression of the books I have read by him have been consistently above-average. This novel drew me in and held my interest all the way to the climatic point. I was not quite as sold on the "ah-ha" moment when the protagonist and antagonist meet up.
In the grand scheme of Koontz novels, this one only met the "Like It" rating.
In the grand scheme of Koontz novels, this one only met the "Like It" rating.
Review Date: 10/8/2011
I recall another reviewer indicating this book is similar to Bruce Willis in the original "Die Hard" movie. I agree whole heartedly.
The premise of this book would make a great action movie. The Gray Man is being hunted by 12 wet teams from different countries. The $20 million bounty on his head goes to the team/country who brings his head in, literally.
While trying to stay ahead of the teams who are after him, he has to figure out a way to attack a known location where everyone expects him to go. The fate of a family - specifically, two young girls - hangs in the balance.
If you like a pulse-pounding, high octane read, this is the thriller for you.
The premise of this book would make a great action movie. The Gray Man is being hunted by 12 wet teams from different countries. The $20 million bounty on his head goes to the team/country who brings his head in, literally.
While trying to stay ahead of the teams who are after him, he has to figure out a way to attack a known location where everyone expects him to go. The fate of a family - specifically, two young girls - hangs in the balance.
If you like a pulse-pounding, high octane read, this is the thriller for you.
Review Date: 11/26/2010
Helpful Score: 2
This fifth novel in the Camel Club series overall is a great read. Oliver Stone, the informal leader of the Camel Club, is put in a position he cannot refuse by going back into the world of government work. This time, he must solve the mystery of who is behind the bomb in Layfayette Park (a.k.a. Hell's Corner).
A new female character - Mary Chapman - is along for the ride. As Baldacci has proven in his prior novels, he can wield a suspenseful tale that keeps you anticipating the action on the next page. Great twists along the way, with may one too many to conclude the story. Not one for 5 stars, but definitely a 4 star contender for fans of the Camel Club gang.
A new female character - Mary Chapman - is along for the ride. As Baldacci has proven in his prior novels, he can wield a suspenseful tale that keeps you anticipating the action on the next page. Great twists along the way, with may one too many to conclude the story. Not one for 5 stars, but definitely a 4 star contender for fans of the Camel Club gang.
Review Date: 12/2/2009
Baldacci is great at creating multiple, intriguing storylines and then pulling them all together to make for an excellent and unforced ending to the mystery.
This second story involving Sean King and Michelle Maxwell takes the reader on a two-pronged mystery involving a southern-plantation style matriarch-led family with a soap-opera life and a copy-cat serial murderer.
The theft from the wealthy family's home to the copy-cat murderer (who is copying several of recent history's serial murders by leaving "calling cards") is a must read for anyone who loves to try to figure out the who-is-it? type novel. The main question: is there one murderer or two?
This second story involving Sean King and Michelle Maxwell takes the reader on a two-pronged mystery involving a southern-plantation style matriarch-led family with a soap-opera life and a copy-cat serial murderer.
The theft from the wealthy family's home to the copy-cat murderer (who is copying several of recent history's serial murders by leaving "calling cards") is a must read for anyone who loves to try to figure out the who-is-it? type novel. The main question: is there one murderer or two?
Review Date: 12/29/2010
For Stephen Hunter/Bob Lee Swagger fans, this 6th installment is closer to original Bob Lee Swagger novel in the page-turning plot. There has never been any absence of action with Swagger novels, but this one kept me turning the page wanting to know what was at the core of setting up the sniper hits that has occurred to 4 ex-hippies who were the epitome of anti-Nam.
With heavy overtones of characters based on Jane Fonda and Ted Turner, this novel has an excellent main plot and sub plot (involving Nick Memphis). A sniper who has been credited with the most sniper hits in Vietnam has apparently lost it and has hit 4 ex-hippies. However, the evidence and the hits look too perfect and there are no inconsistencies. As a result, Nick Memphis asks Swagger to apply his experience as a sniper by looking at the details. As a result, the sniper hits are not what they appear to be on the surface and it's up to Swagger to do "his thing" and right a wrong, even against public and political pressure to wrap the case up quickly.
This novel is much more indicative of Hunter being at the top of his game again.
With heavy overtones of characters based on Jane Fonda and Ted Turner, this novel has an excellent main plot and sub plot (involving Nick Memphis). A sniper who has been credited with the most sniper hits in Vietnam has apparently lost it and has hit 4 ex-hippies. However, the evidence and the hits look too perfect and there are no inconsistencies. As a result, Nick Memphis asks Swagger to apply his experience as a sniper by looking at the details. As a result, the sniper hits are not what they appear to be on the surface and it's up to Swagger to do "his thing" and right a wrong, even against public and political pressure to wrap the case up quickly.
This novel is much more indicative of Hunter being at the top of his game again.
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