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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
From an entertainment standpoint, it’s really good for about 3/4 of it. Where the book shines is the descriptions of the maneuvering at sea and in political back rooms, when Clancy tries to build characters it falls a bit flat every character has is different and yet somehow every character is the same...but then again, that’s not really his game. It opens fast and closes (aside from the final flourishes, as usual with this type of book) wonderfully in the climactic cat and mouse episode.
It’s enjoyable to read and the submarine descriptions were almost enough to bump it higher, but my constant eye rolls from all the character’s “inner thoughts” hold it back.
It’s enjoyable to read and the submarine descriptions were almost enough to bump it higher, but my constant eye rolls from all the character’s “inner thoughts” hold it back.
Probably my favorite Tom Clancy book. Followed by Patriot Games and Sum of All Fears.
"It was strange how easily Americans put on their freedoms. How difficult would it be for these men who had risked their lives to adapt to something that men like Ryan so rarely appreciated? It was people like these who had built the American Dream, and people like these who were needed to maintain it." Read between wrapping presents
Speedy summary: The captain of a brand new Soviet submarine detects to the United States and a hunt to find him first ensues.
Thoughts: So at first all the technical jargon and military lingo was a little overwhelming, but I quickly got into it. I haven't read an action/adventure book in a while so this change was a welcome one. It was extremely fast paced and had so much happening! There are lots of people, locations, and technology to keep track of so, I can definitely see how it wouldn't be for everyone. It also made me never want to go on a submarine...haha
Check out @realreaderreallife on instagram!
Speedy summary: The captain of a brand new Soviet submarine detects to the United States and a hunt to find him first ensues.
Thoughts: So at first all the technical jargon and military lingo was a little overwhelming, but I quickly got into it. I haven't read an action/adventure book in a while so this change was a welcome one. It was extremely fast paced and had so much happening! There are lots of people, locations, and technology to keep track of so, I can definitely see how it wouldn't be for everyone. It also made me never want to go on a submarine...haha
Check out @realreaderreallife on instagram!
I've read a couple of this authors novels and I have to tell you, "this is one of his most consistent" The amount of detail is great, the characters are engaging, the plot moves at a very nice pace and the military setting is very believable. This is not like some other books I've read from this author where the ending is such a let down that I'm almost sorry I spent my time reading the 600+ pages to get to an unfulfilling ending.
This book was good, right up until the last hundred pages, where it becomes a real slog.
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I binge read this years ago while depressed in college.
A great story if you were wondering about a random US SONAR operator's wife's college roommate. Otherwise, an overly detailed jargon-filled military catalog interspersed with moments of excitement.
Seriously, the characters were very under-developed. But annoyingly so, since there are cursory sentences about their backgrounds and histories. You just never really get to know anyone.
List of great characters in this book:
1. Marko Ramius. I need to know more about him and I wish the story was written more from his perspective.
End of List.
Picked this up because of the PBS great reads list, but this is very likely my first and last Tom Clancy book. I'm sure there are folks that will enjoy this, but I am not one of them.
Seriously, the characters were very under-developed. But annoyingly so, since there are cursory sentences about their backgrounds and histories. You just never really get to know anyone.
List of great characters in this book:
1. Marko Ramius. I need to know more about him and I wish the story was written more from his perspective.
End of List.
Picked this up because of the PBS great reads list, but this is very likely my first and last Tom Clancy book. I'm sure there are folks that will enjoy this, but I am not one of them.
This is a classic for a reason. It really took me back to a time when America was constantly under threat, but by golly, we felt like we could handle it. I kind of miss that legitimate swagger on the world stage. Now it seems we're more like those playground bullies who talk big, but back down at the first sign of real confrontation. The sad thing is, I feel like we're much more likely to get punched in the nose now.