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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
Despite a promising start and a riveting conclusion, the best parts of this book are separated by abyssal stretches of never-ending military exposition. I appreciate that the author knows plenty about submarines and warships and how the military works- What I don’t appreciate is that he spends more time talking about the blueprints of different Soviet submarine engines instead of actually developing his characters. There are maybe two characters who have anything resembling a three-dimensional profile- And even then there’s really only one that stands out.
The characters exist as a vessel to contain the story- Which is by no means bad- But the characters still need something of substance. In this case, they end up as flat panels to reflect plot points off of, back and forth as we get to listen to the intricacies of how submarines are detected underwater. At some points it’s more of a textbook than a novel.
The only reason this book gets 6/10 is because the hook of the story is genuinely captivating. The chase and thrill of the hunt for Red October is filled with interesting twists, and despite its somber mood it ends in a satisfying and cathartic manner. I’d only recommend it if you have an interest in reading about cold war submarines narrowly missing each other for a good 500 pages.
The characters exist as a vessel to contain the story- Which is by no means bad- But the characters still need something of substance. In this case, they end up as flat panels to reflect plot points off of, back and forth as we get to listen to the intricacies of how submarines are detected underwater. At some points it’s more of a textbook than a novel.
The only reason this book gets 6/10 is because the hook of the story is genuinely captivating. The chase and thrill of the hunt for Red October is filled with interesting twists, and despite its somber mood it ends in a satisfying and cathartic manner. I’d only recommend it if you have an interest in reading about cold war submarines narrowly missing each other for a good 500 pages.
adventurous
informative
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Third Jack Ryan book I’ve read, first one I really enjoyed.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The Hunt for Red October is one of my favourite films, so I was very much looking forward to reading the original book on which it was based. Although at times the narrative can feel slow (and perhaps going into too much naval detail) it finished with an exciting climax which prevented me from putting the book down. It is a unique plot and one that will keep you gripped.
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Tom Clancy's masterpiece.
A book so well written, that Clancy was interviewed by the US government for accidentally intuiting and revealing counter-submarine techniques.
Should be mandatory reading for anyone even faintly interested in cold war intrigue.
A book so well written, that Clancy was interviewed by the US government for accidentally intuiting and revealing counter-submarine techniques.
Should be mandatory reading for anyone even faintly interested in cold war intrigue.
adventurous
informative
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A true classic. One of Clancy’s best.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Interesting but kinda obvious what biases the author had, how all Russians are stark and stoic and brainwashed and all the Americans are smart and chill and likeable. Just didn't keep my interest. Might finish it later though