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laterry75's review against another edition
3.0
Meanwhile, I devoured this novel in less than 24 hours.
Greg Rucka takes the reader immediately into the action, picking up essentially in the immediate aftermath of "Alpha." It's a tight little thriller, and you can see Rucka laying the groundwork for a continuing series. However, there is little time and exposition given to help the reader catch up. We're thrown right into a quagmire of military jargon and vague references to previous plot points. It's easy to get lost.
Greg Rucka takes the reader immediately into the action, picking up essentially in the immediate aftermath of "Alpha." It's a tight little thriller, and you can see Rucka laying the groundwork for a continuing series. However, there is little time and exposition given to help the reader catch up. We're thrown right into a quagmire of military jargon and vague references to previous plot points. It's easy to get lost.
imzadirose's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars. Not as good as the first one, probably because I really like stories in amusement parks, but still enjoyable. Good characters, pretty good story, some parts actually surprised me. Enjoyable.
testpattern's review
3.0
Rucka writes airport novels that don't make you feel cheap when you are done. Here is another one.
zade's review
4.0
Greg Rucka really knows how to pace a thriller. While I admit that his Atticus Kodiak series has always been my favorite (more....please?), this second book in the Jad Bell series provides great entertainment and does a good job of showcasing Rucka's abilities in the genre. The first book in the series, in which terrorists attempt to take over a Disney-like theme park, was well-written and certainly made me think twice about taking my children to such a place, but it lacked the connection between the reader and the characters that makes Rucka's best writing stand out. In Bravo, however, Rucka begins to develop those connections. Although we see less of Bell's daughter, Athena, she is more likable here. Bell himself is a fairly standard action-hero superman, but Rucka adds enough of personal honor and even a touch of humanity to make him more personable. Perhaps the best aspect of the book, though, is the main female character, for whom Rucka shows great sensitivity. He draws, with surprisingly detail and compassion, the psychology of a deep-cover agent making the difficult adjustment back to a "real life" that no longer exists because she has changed so much. He also asserts, vehemently, that the traditional characterization of female agents as sluts or whores is wrong and emphasizes that respect for sacrifice is due them as much as or more than any other deep cover agent. Even in our modern, post-feminist times, this is an unusual point of view and quite refreshing.
As always, the action is compelling. It took Rucka a few chapters to set the hook firmly, but once it was there, the pages flew by. It's always good to find a book that entertains so well while still leaving you with something to think about--lots of fun and no guilt.
As always, the action is compelling. It took Rucka a few chapters to set the hook firmly, but once it was there, the pages flew by. It's always good to find a book that entertains so well while still leaving you with something to think about--lots of fun and no guilt.
jasonb35's review against another edition
3.0
This was more like 3.5 stars. I enjoyed his prior Jad Bell novel "Alpha" more. I had some difficulty keeping track of characters and this one was a bit heavy on the government intrigue and military jargon than I remember Alpha being but I still enjoyed it. I am definitely interested in what happens with these characters.
archytas's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
You know, a 24 written by Greg Rucka is a 24 I would actually watch. And I HATED 24. But in Rucka's Jad Ball series, I can see how it might work - hell, I WANT to see it for real. He just jumps in, grabs you by the throat and the books unfurl in real-time, heart thumping action which still manages to develop amazing characters you want to hang out with, only, y'know, they're kinda busy being beaten up and shot and raiding houses and stuff.
Bravo picks up a couple of weeks after where Alpha left off - which meant I, who was a few years distant, could have used a brief summary to save my brain any work - and then leaps in to the next installment. The plot is sensible, complex enough to retain interest, simple enough to follow without much effort. These books aren't high literature, but they aren't stupid or clunky either. It takes a great deal of skill to write books this effortless and enjoyable to read, and I am profoundly grateful for their existence.
New character addition is badly needed, and very much looking forward to where that goes. And Athena actually gets enough air time to get interesting, so looking forward to that one too.
Let's just hope we don't have to wait another two years for the next one.
Bravo picks up a couple of weeks after where Alpha left off - which meant I, who was a few years distant, could have used a brief summary to save my brain any work - and then leaps in to the next installment. The plot is sensible, complex enough to retain interest, simple enough to follow without much effort. These books aren't high literature, but they aren't stupid or clunky either. It takes a great deal of skill to write books this effortless and enjoyable to read, and I am profoundly grateful for their existence.
New character addition is badly needed, and very much looking forward to where that goes. And Athena actually gets enough air time to get interesting, so looking forward to that one too.
Let's just hope we don't have to wait another two years for the next one.
wrena's review
4.0
Rucka continues the story of Jed Bell & his team with missing a beat. Retains the quick pace of the original while taking moments for character beats. Well researched, well planned, well written.
imzadirose's review
4.0
3.5 stars. Not as good as the first one, probably because I really like stories in amusement parks, but still enjoyable. Good characters, pretty good story, some parts actually surprised me. Enjoyable.
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