Take a photo of a barcode or cover
kkellymsu 's review for:
Debt of Honour
by Tom Clancy
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Oof. I have previously liked the characters of Ryan and his family, but this book was chock full of issues. I needed to keep in mind this came out in 1994. Even then…
Every time a military character is female it’s commented on in some way that seems like it’s trying to be progressive but really just comes across as othering and patronizing. There are some other times where sexism sticks out, too. The “enemy” characters are stilted and one dimensional, and often described in racist tropes. (When it comes to race and gender, it appears we’ve come a ways since 1994! Let’s not go back there.) Plus the ending is absurd and feels unearned; Clancy jumped the shark here.
I’m conflicted about continuing with the series. It’s like that TV show “Lost,” where you’re like “this is so ridiculous it’s not worth my time, but also I must know what happens next.” I may just have to stick to the cinematic reboots.
Every time a military character is female it’s commented on in some way that seems like it’s trying to be progressive but really just comes across as othering and patronizing. There are some other times where sexism sticks out, too. The “enemy” characters are stilted and one dimensional, and often described in racist tropes. (When it comes to race and gender, it appears we’ve come a ways since 1994! Let’s not go back there.) Plus the ending is absurd and feels unearned; Clancy jumped the shark here.
I’m conflicted about continuing with the series. It’s like that TV show “Lost,” where you’re like “this is so ridiculous it’s not worth my time, but also I must know what happens next.” I may just have to stick to the cinematic reboots.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Xenophobia, Trafficking, War