Rating: Summary: First Time For Flynn and Rapp Review: As a first time reader of Flynn's work I enjoyed the book. I took it on a vacation to Las Vegas and was able to read it even with all the distractions of Vegas. Mitch Rapp is an interesting character and now I want to read the previous books to see how he has developed. He looks like he may become a replacement for my favorite character, Cussler's Dirk Pitt. (Is it necessary to repeat the last letter of their last name to be a hero?)I liked the double story and although the bouncing back and forth was somewhat distracting, it was the mechanism that pulled me through the book and kept me reading much longer in the night than I should have. I think you will find it and easy and enjoyable read.
Rating: Summary: (4+) It Is A Shame No Real Life Mitch Rapp Exists Review: This is the first book I have read by Vince Flynn, and it is totaly understandable why it was on the bestseller list for several weeks. The action is fast paced, the two interwoven plots are timely, Mitch Rapp is an interesting character, and the political implications and philosophical questions which it raises are fascinating. Mitch Rapp, the central character of the book, is a Special Services operative whose cover has been blown in a highly sucessful commando operation in Iraq and is now a special advisor to CIA Director Irene Kennedy and with strong ties President Hayes. When a team of Navy Seals is ambushed during a a top secret mission to rescue an an American family kidnapped in the Phillipines by Islamic radicals, the President charges Rapp and Kennedy with the responsiblity of discovering what went wrong. A man of strong convictions and decisive action, Rapp devises a plan to both rescue the family and discover the source of the leak which led not only to the failure of the raid but the deaths of two of the sSeals involved. And despite his promise to his new wife, news anchor Anna Reilly, that the time of his direct involvement in such dangerous incidents is past, he cannot resist the opportunity to participate. Meanwhile, there is a greater international crisis brewing, as an unknown conspiratorial group is engaging in assassinations of political figures, apparently intent on sparking a Middle Eastern war that will involve the United States. Both plots are at the extreme limits of credibilty (the main one is nevertheless quite clever) , but Flynn's style and the interesting nature of the geopolitical questions which the book raises make for a fascinating read. I certainly learned in a very interesting manner not only facts about Phillipine history and politics of which I was ignorant, but also some additional background historical details regarding Iraq, Jewish and Palestinian relationships, and Jerusalem. The two threads run in parallel, and the narative technique is quite effective as the reader views the events from the perspective of the key participants. While I don't want to reveal any details of the plot, one of the most interesting aspects of the book is that various readers will probably react differently to the story depending on their individual views concerning the causes of global terrorism and their sensitivities regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Rapp is a character who sees things in black and white with few shades of grey, while "David" , the key Palestinian character is developed in great detail and in a relatively nuanced way. What I really enjoyed about the book was the questions which it implicity examined concerning the political expediency which often passes for policy in governmental affairs, the examples of bureaucratic hypocrisy and incompetency which it highlighted, and the rejection by Rapp of today's widespread moral relativism and situational ethics and the policy paralysis which often results. Rapp knows in what direction his moral compass is pointing and acts accordingly despite the potential consequences. Even more controversially, he is also willing to attempt to provide severe retribution to those whom he believes deserve it. Thus, I highly recommend this political thriller both for its engaging action and it's examination of many of the relevant issues with which we are faced today regarding what are the allowable limits of government action in the face of the threats of terrorists. I did not feel that it deserved five stars for two reasons. First, while I understand the context for the inclusion of the sections involving Anna and they were helpful in some ways to both Rapp's character evolution and the plot, they still often seemed superfluous and a distraction. Second, while I cheered him on, some of Rapp's actions and viewpoints seemed so extreme and doctrinaire (even to me) that he almost became a charicature of himself. The final point I would make is to emphasize that this is my first Vince Flynn/ Mitch Rapp book. Upon perusing the previous reviews, I noticed that the several low rankings and expressions of disappointment were from reviewers who were already familiar with the author and his protagonist and felt that this was a disappointing sequel. So, if you want a great read revolving around international political intrigue and the author is new to you, you should really enjoy this book. (Based on my enjoyment of this book and my attraction to Mitch Rapp,I have already purchased one of Flynn's previous novels.) But if you are a previous reader you might want to weigh the advice in some of other the other reviews.
Rating: Summary: Another good plot Review: This is the latest in Vince Flynn's "series." Super-spy Mitch Rapp is married, and settling into his "desk job" with the CIA. A Palestinian terrorist has teamed up with a black-sheep Saudi Prince to stir up more trouble in the Middle East. The plot thickens as the head of the Israeli Mossad is unwittingly makes himself a co-conspirator to the scheme. OF course, Mitch and his commando buddies save the day. The story involves a daring rescue of American hostages in the Philippines, during which Rapp is shot. This was almost like a sub-plot--it wasn't really important to he rest of the story. I won't go much into the plot, lest I spoil it for those who haven't yet read it. Suffice it to say that I thought this book was on par with his previous tomes, and if you enjoyed htem, you won't be disappointed with this one.
Rating: Summary: Entertaining Read Review: If you enjoyed the other Vince Flynn *Mitch Rapp* books, I think you'll enjoy reading this installment. A fast reading page turner, the book takes the reader all over the globe; from the Phillipines, to the Middle East, to New York, France and, of course, Washington D.C. as Mitch, his boss Irene Kennedy and likable Scott Coleman deal with international terrorism (in the form of a kidnapped American family and the Middle East situation). As with any good summer read, the story resolves itself very neatly in the end. Suspend belief and enjoy the ride.
Rating: Summary: Not bad, but not up to Flynn's standards Review: Having read all four of Vince Flynn's previous novels, I had massive expectations for this one - and walked away a bit disappointed. A previous reviewer referred to Mitch Rapp's wife, Anna, as "annoying." I commend that reviewer for tremendous restraint. This novel actually had me openly rooting for Anna to be killed off. No Donatella - that was disappointing, too. This novel stands up pretty well on its own, but if you've read "Term Limits," "Transfer of Power" or "Separation of Power," this novel can't possibly avoid disappointing you. Mitch Rapp, as fans of Mr. Flynn's know, is not the type of hero that can be domesticated by two women (his wife and his boss). I'm not regretting paying full price for the hardcover, but I'm hoping for a lot more fireworks next time.
Rating: Summary: Pretty entertaining Review: It's a decent book, with plenty of plot and character links to Flynn's earlier books. I don't understand some of the other reviews, which pan the book for not being another "Term Limits", etc. Well, ALL authors have the same "problem". Did Crichton's later works measure up to "Jurassic Park"... Noooo. Were Benchley's later works as good as "Jaws"... Noooo. So, that said, if you're a Flynn fan you'll like this book... and the ending doesn't leave you hanging in need of a sequel.
Rating: Summary: No Comparison to Flynn's Earlier Novels Review: I totally enjoyed Flynn's earlier novels. Couldn't put them down until finished. This book, however, was a huge disappointment. I found myself skimming pages to get through the plot. Rapp's character development has apparently been stunted, and Anna was nothing more than one-dimentional and completely annoying. The plot contained too much news and history intertwined with what little action was included. I'm still a Flynn fan; I just chalk this up to a need to fulfill a publishing contract since this novel does not resemble his earlier novels.
Rating: Summary: Good on its own, not so hot by Flynn standards Review: I've read all four of Flynn's previous books, and although I liked this one overall, it's not on par with Flynn's outstanding work. Rapp has been virtually domesticated, his wife is a pain in the backside, and the presidential aide could have used a lot more comeuppance. Whether or not you've read Flynn's work before this is worth a read, but it'll be a bit disappointing to those who have read the previous Flynn masterpieces. If this is your first time reading Flynn, start with his first book (or at the very least, the second) - this one will be much more clear to you if you've got the others under your belt.
Rating: Summary: today,s world Review: Mitch Rapp again takes us to the world of action based on today,s headlines. Through fiction he relates that religious fanatics from all religions only are interested in their beliefs and will destroy willingly all who stand in there way. Flynn shows us more of Rapp,s personality in this book with his reaction to his new bride,s inquisative mind and strong personality. A nice blend of action and information-possibilities and results. Well done!
Rating: Summary: Rapp is getting tired,. Review: "Seperation of Power" was a tough act to follow, and "Executive Power" falters under the weight. Flynn's writing is still top notch, and the plot exciting enough that I pushed through to the end and found it at least satisfying. The problem I think is that Mitch Rapp is tired, he doesn't seem to have the same pop of his earlier adventures. Since the plot concerns events and issues, and take place in the most violent part of the contemporary world, that is on everyone's mind is what saves this adventure. But I think it is now time for Flynn to retire Rapp, at least for a while, and bring us a new hero next time out.
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