How does it compare to audio works by the same author?
Very good
Advantages:
very good read
Disadvantages:
heavy weight . could upset some people
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
On the face of it, this is just another thriller from Tom Clancy.It has spawned computer games that has proved rather popular as a strategy and shoot them up type of game.
But have WE missed the point.
The basic story revolves around the main characters of John Clark and Domingo Chavez, whom we have met in other books. They were employed by the C.I.A. to handle certain operations. Now they are being used to set up an international counter terrorism force that will have soldiers from many national army special forces. By agreement they will be based in Hereford at the home of the S.A.S.
Very soon after their formation they have to go into action against a number of terrorist threats. Threats come soon and fast and the pace seems to be quickening. Has somebody got a secret agenda, and if so, what? John Clark has to find out.
How this is done forms the basis for a very fast paced and very readable book. There are intertwined stories in this book both from the side of the Rainbow warriors and from the opposition. The research that goes into such a book has been well carried out. There are no glaringly obvious gaps or unbelievable weapons or tactics used. The science side appears sound also. Everything appears to be totally logical and done for a reason.
Here Tom Clancy has been very clever. Instead of the usual type of terrorist, the villains are what would normally be considered as the heights of respectability. A disparate group of persons, from scientists, to Presidential Advisors. Ranchers to hunters. They all have one thing in common, They believe in the sanctity of NATURE.
They are in the process of devising a clever threat against mankind itself, whom they Consider to be the biggest threat to NATURE.The intertwined strands are very cleverly woven together. The action switching from the Rainbow personnel to the others. The action travels at a fast pace, especially the action sequences. Anti terrorist strikes are well handled and you Appreciate the problems of forces who have to undertake such operations. You can also see the appeal for computer games.
The opposition has, in some reviews, been labelled as "crazies". This is the norm for those who oppose, But are they? This is not your "normal" world domination type that are the villain in so many books. This is not the normal multi millionaire megalomaniac who wants to own the world These persons are the pillars of the establishment under other circumstances. They are among the rich and powerful, part of the movers and shakers of society who in the name of NATURE would destroy all human life, except their own. They plan coolly and calmly to bring this end about.
Their motives may be good, but their methods? When a person or group of persons can treat others as disposable pawns or not even give them the value of pawns then you has to wonder. Some societies have carried out research on living humans, some even volunteered for it. Generally it is not well thought of.
This book is an adventure story, and should be read as such. This will put a lot of people off, who either do not like Tom Clancy or adventure stories. But in addition to entertaining a good book should make you think. Here is where I believe Tom Clancy has been very clever.
Most will concentrate on the action sequences without really thinking about the underlying statements. This book is not social commentary or gritty realism. But there is a powerful message there if we have the wit to read it. This book is not an attack against environmentalists.
Some people have said that the ending is rather poor. There is no major confrontation at the top of a high mountain and then the Hero gets the girl. Here is a thoughtful ending that you have to think about.You may well miss the point but it is there.
If you would like a good adventure story and something to make you think then you should get this book.
Paperback published by Penguin books at 912 pages Cost £7.99 ISBN: 0140274057 There is also an audio book priced at £14.99 ISBN: 0141803703 Both are listed on Amazon.co.uk You should also be able to get them from most large booksellers.
The hardcover edition of 752 pages was published by Michael Joseph cost £16.99 ISBN: 0718143779
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How does it compare to similar audio books?
Very good
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