Rating: 
Summary: Superb Historical Fiction
Review: At some point while I'm reading a work of historical fiction, I'll ask myself "Is this story believable?" Well, not only is Black Cross believable, it's hard to imagine that it didn't occur. Iles has written a story that seamlessly merges historical fact with dramatic narrative. Yet, a believable story isn't the book's only positive feature. Iles also masterfully paces the story, resulting in a tale that is difficult to stop reading until the conclusion. Additionally, Iles has created realistic characters that act in ways which are credible. All these elements combine to make a book that is near perfect. In fact, if one took out the superfluous love affair and the epilogue that wraps things up a bit too neatly, this book is perfect. Historical fiction fans owe it to themselves to add Black Cross to their libraries.
Rating:
Summary: Best adventure novel ever...period!!
Review: I remember Quentin Tarantino mentioning in a tv interview that 'Where Eagles Dare' was in his opinion the ultimate men-on-a-mission movie. Well, in that case 'Black Cross' is the ultimate men-on-a-mission novel.I won't go into the plot (see other reviews for that). I also won't go into the book that much. I just want to give my whole hearted two VERY BIG thumbs up to this novel. It had Stephen King raving and I completely agree with him. I understand Greg Iles moved onto other thriller subgenres with later novels and that's a shame. I read a few of them and 'Black Cross' still is his best work. Without ruining anything I think I can best describe this as Alastair Maclean pushed into overdrive, but besides that Iles also doesn't glamorize the war or forgets it's horrors (the concentration camp where most of the action takes place is enough evidence of that). If it's Maclean, than cross him with 'Schindler's List' and you get the idea. I read this book last Christmas and from page one (a flash forward to 1995 so to call) it had me hooked. All I can say is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
Rating: 
Summary: A ROLLER COASTER RIDE OF TERROR
Review: All eyes were on Europe in January, 1944, waiting for the Allied invasion of Europe. While elsewhere and known only to few a dramatic and life threatening scenario has begun. Winston Churchill has become aware that top Nazi scientists have produced Sarin, a ghastly new weapon, a nerve gas that could kill untold numbers. Obviously, this must be stopped and the one way to do it is chilling and dangerous. An unlikely pair, a pacifist Southern doctor and a Jewish assassin undertake this task. Their mandate is to destroy Sarin, no matter the cost, even the loss of their own lives. From opening words to closing line this author takes readers on a roller coaster ride of harrowing escapades and unimaginable terror.
Rating:
Summary: A CROSS WORTH BEARING
Review: Greg Iles is a terrific writer. I have read his later books, which are gripping contemporary suspense stories. His career got jump started with this book and the previous "Spandau Phoenix" (which I haven't read yet, but am planning on starting soon).
"Black Cross" is an involving, complex story of trust, greed, love, evil, heroism, and change. As always, Iles' characters are superb, and not black and white stereotypes.
Join Mark McConnell, the pacifist, who joins in a suicide mission only to help defend, and finds himself in the position of having to risk the lives of innocent people to achieve a goal to save the invading Allied troups; Josh Stern, a daredevil Jew, whose bravery and macho charm, are equal to his selfishness and innate brutality; Anna Kaas, an undercover nurse, who has faced the horrors of the concentration camp and who realizes that she too must act to save more than the prisoners; Rachel Jansen, an incredibly brave, level-headed prisoner who watches both her husband father in law murdered, and then desperately tries to save her two children; and Wolfgang Schorner, the head of the camp who falls for Rachel and wants to help her, but who is still a murdering, consciously Nazi.
All of these leading characters are devastatingly real; but the supporting characters are stunning, too: Ariel Weisz, the "weasel" Jew who helps the Nazis; Frau Hagan, the burly woman who befriends Rachel and teaches her the tricks of the prison; Sergeant Strum, a heartless, mindless killing machine; Duff Smith, the arrogant general who recruits McConnell and Stern to do the bidding, lying to them in the process; Avram Stern, the shoemaker who also has another secret; and Ian McShane, the burly Scotsman who trains McConnell and Stern in how to get the gas bomb to the camp.
What a stunning book this is. At first, I thought I wouldn't get involved as I am not a fan of blending historic characters into fictional plots. (We have Churchill and Eisenhower here). But Iles is a genius. This is a great read and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Rating:
Summary: Phenominal thriller from this wonderful writer!
Review: Another satisfying, exciting read from Greg Iles. This one has pulse pounding action, suspense and historical drama for hundreds and hundreds of pages...will keep you excellent company from start to finish!
Rating:
Summary: Awesome, great, a must read....Loved it....
Review: I absolutely loved this book. Couldn't put it down. Just great....Fast paced and interesting.....can't wait to read his next book.
Rating:
Summary: A THRILLING ROLLER COASTER RIDE
Review: Voice performer Jay O. Saunders gives spellbinding reading to this sometimes horrifying always compelling tale of World War II. All eyes were on Europe in January, 1944, waiting for the Allied invasion of Europe. While elsewhere and known only to few a dramatic and life threatening scenario has begun. Winston Churchill has become aware that top Nazi scientists have produced Sarin, a ghastly new weapon, a nerve gas that could kill untold numbers. Obviously, this must be stopped and the one way to do it is chilling and dangerous. An unlikely pair, a pacifist Southern doctor and a Jewish assassin undertake this task. Their mandate is to destroy Sarin, no matter the cost, even the loss of their own lives. From opening words to final tape author and reader take listeners on a roller coaster ride of harrowing escapades and unimaginable terror. - Gail Cooke
Rating:
Summary: Farfegnugen!
Review: I appeciate all of the books written by Iles - he's an unbelievably telented writer. If reading the premis of the book turns you off and you don't normally like this type- let this book change your mind - I can almost guarantee after finishing the book (probably in record time)you'll be glad you did. Even though Black Cross got me hooked from the beginning, when you get to the last third of the book - I dare you to try to put it down! While I was reading - I actually stopped and realized my heart rate was as though I'd been running a race! Greg Iles' knowledge and obvious research was one of the things that made this book great - but his charachter writing is probably the best I've ever read - and even *that's* just the frosting. The whole cake is filled with nail-biting suspense, intrigue, sadness, warmth, bravery and pride. ENJOY.
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