Rating: 
Summary: More Like This One, Please!
Review: 'The Legend of Banzai Mcguire' is the first of a five book series, set in the year 2176. Susan Grant is the author of this the first book in the series, and the final book, 'The Scarlet Empress,' which will be published in December 2004. This is the first book of Ms Grant's that I have read, and I was very impressed over all with her work.Bree 'Banzai' Mcguire is an United States Air Force pilot shot down over North Korea in the year 2006. Along with her wingman, she is placed in a form of suspended animation by her "rescuer" in a secret underground chamber, the location of which is subsequently lost in a series of wars and plagues that begin in the mid-21st century. In the year 2176, she awakes to find that the world she knew is no more. The entire political structure has changed (there is no more United States, instead there is nationstate known as the United Colonies of Earth). The UCE SEAL, Ty Armstrong, who discovers her location, temporarily loses the "custody" of Banzai to Kyber, the Emperor Prince of Asia. Kyber insists that his is the perfect kingdom and his citizens are happy and content with their lot, but there are strong signs of trouble in paradise. Banzai must decide if she will stay with Kyber, or risk everything going with Ty, who wants to take her back to the UCE. Grant's strong suit is in creating an alien world that the reader can believe in - "yes, it could actually happen this way." She gives just the right amount of detail that explains the history of this new world of 2176; the reader can clearly visualize the physical aspects as well as the "new technology." She also keeps the storyline moving with just the right amount of action. One of the weaknesses of the book is that we only get to know three characters, and one of those not very well. Banzai is the most fully realized, an alpha female without being overpowering, while Kyber is probably the weakest -- I expected at any moment that he would burst into a chorus of "Shall We Dance," from 'The King and I.' We never get into Kyber's mind as we do Banzai's and Ty's. I am very much looking forward to the rest of this series, as we discover more about this new world of 2176 and find out who is responsible for fomenting rebellion among the nations by broadcasting quotations from the great colonial patriot, Patrick Henry.
Rating: 
Summary: Let Susan Grant Put You in the Pilot's Seat . . .
Review: . . . and make sure you buckle that seat belt, because this is one thrilling ride! Once again, Susan Grant draws on her experience as an Air Force veteran and pilot to create a larger than life, patriotic kick-butt heroine in Bree "Banzai" Maguire. The details of Bree's fateful flight into the future and ultimately, the adventure of a lifetime, were fascinating and riveting--I felt as if I were right there in the plane with her, trying to survive through every heart-stopping moment. This is the best kind of reading experience! I'm looking forward to the follow-up and conclusion to the series, THE SCARLET EMPRESS.
Rating:
Summary: Get ready to stay up all night!
Review: I hadn't heard anything about this one, but after loving all of Susan Grant's books in the "Star" series, I was willing to take a gamble. Forget the gamble --- this is a winner! I couldn't put it down. It's been a while since I stayed up until 4:00 A.M. to finish a book, but there was no way I was going to be able to get to sleep without getting to the end of Banzai's story. Only,unlike some books in a series, this one doesn't finish the main character's story at the end of "her" book. I know it drives some readers crazy to be left hanging, but if you go into it knowing this is a series, it just lengthens a great story that you don't ever want to end! I hope all of the books in the series are as good. (Susan Grant is only writing the first and fifth books.) I look forward to seeing more of Bree and Ty as (hopefully) main characters in the future books.
Rating: 
Summary: Could Hardly Finish It!
Review: I love futuristic books but I found this one so boring that I could hardly finish. I know that this is the first book in a series of 5 but it was so slow moving & the characters weren't all that great. I've read a couple other of Susan Grant's books & didn't find them very good either. I'm an avid reader & the really good books grab you from the beginning & draw you into the story with the characters, plot, action & love scenes. Susan Grant's books fail to do so & I would rate her a mediocre writer.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book!
Review: I LOVED Banzai Maguire. I'm not usually the biggest fan of science fiction romance novels, but, this book was great. I started reading it yesterday and couldn't put it down until I finished it. Now the only problem is waiting for the remaining books in this series to come out... Anyway, this book was excellent and something that I would definitely recommend!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Great Book!
Review: I LOVED Banzai Maguire. I'm not usually the biggest fan of science fiction romance novels, but, this book was great. I started reading it yesterday and couldn't put it down until I finished it. Now the only problem is waiting for the remaining books in this series to come out... Anyway, this book was excellent and something that I would definitely recommend!!!!
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful page-turner!
Review: I was in WalMart today and decided to take a quick look at their book section. Not the best place to go book shopping, but every once in a while I stumble onto a real Gem on their meager shelves. The Legend of Banzai Maguire is one of those Gems! I was oh-so-tired when I got home, but decided to read a few pages before going to bed. Bad idea (or good!) ... I could NOT put it down! This one is a real page-turner, and I finished it in one sitting, just a few minutes ago! And I just couldn't resist leaving a review for it before I crash into bed. ;) This is not your typical Romance novel. If you're looking for a book filled with lots of steamy sex scenes and a so-so story that acts as "filler" for the romance, then this is not the book for you. The story was absolutely fantastic, all of the characters were wonderful, the romance was sweet and realistic, and there's plenty of thrilling action and intrigue. It is also very patriotic. There were several parts that really squeezed my heart, and even brought a prick of tears to my eyes. I loved this book, and was so sad to see it end! Now I'm just itching to read the rest of the series! If you enjoy a mix of Sci-Fi, Action, and Romance by a truly wonderful writer, then you really need to read this one! I highly recommend it!
Rating:
Summary: exciting military science fiction romance
Review: In 2006 Captain Bree "Banzai" Maguire and her wingman Cam "Scarlet" Tucker fly a sortie over North Korean when both of their F-16 jets are shot down by surface to air missiles. A fanatical scientist apparently not associated with the North Korean government captures both American aviators. He injects the duo with some sort of experimental elixir. In 2176 United Colonies of Earth SEAL Commander Tyler Armstrong tries to rescue two Korean War pilots allegedly still alive due to a cryobiology experiment. Tyler knows the danger of entering the Kingdom of Asia, but firmly believes the credo that the military never leaves anyone behind. An added impetus is that he is already half in love with the legendary Banzai. He succeeds in finding his Sleeping Beauty, but not her wingman Scarlet. Before Tyler can flee with Banzai, soldiers of the Kingdom of Asia's ruler Prince Kyber catch him. As Kyber and Tyler compete for the affection of a now awake Banzai, the two men reassess their values and patriotism influenced by the twenty first century legend that will soon shake a world. This is an exciting military science fiction romance tale that readers will enjoy immensely. The story line is action packed yet allows the audience to see deep into the personalities of the romantic triangle. The superpower rivalries (there is at least one more) are cleverly designed, but the key to this terrific tale is Ms. Grant enables readers to observe life in 2176 as fans along with Banzai will know what its like to fall through the rabbit hole. Hopefully Scarlet's tale is told shortly. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: Loved it
Review: It was wonderful! I LOVED IT! It was well worth waiting for (even if I didn't like the waiting part too much)! The action scenes are amazingly realistic. Coming from a hand-to-hand combat perspective, even the ground scenes are great. Very straight forward and easy to `picture' - no bizarre moves that could only happen with a really good special effects team. I tend to get a little frustrated by scenes that have the character backflipping and kicking someone in the head while shooting a semi-automatic (or better yet, let's just use a fully automatic) at some target that's so close that their weapon barely clears the space between them... And the aerial/flight scenes are thrilling to read! Very intense. I could almost feel the sweat on Banzai's face! SO, what I am trying to say, in my very jumbled way is...the book was so refreshing to read. The author makes the story come to life for her readers and I, for one, appreciate the effort she makes.
Rating:
Summary: Loved it
Review: It was wonderful! I LOVED IT! It was well worth waiting for (even if I didn't like the waiting part too much)! The action scenes are amazingly realistic. Coming from a hand-to-hand combat perspective, even the ground scenes are great. Very straight forward and easy to 'picture' - no bizarre moves that could only happen with a really good special effects team. I tend to get a little frustrated by scenes that have the character backflipping and kicking someone in the head while shooting a semi-automatic (or better yet, let's just use a fully automatic) at some target that's so close that their weapon barely clears the space between them... And the aerial/flight scenes are thrilling to read! Very intense. I could almost feel the sweat on Banzai's face! SO, what I am trying to say, in my very jumbled way is...the book was so refreshing to read. The author makes the story come to life for her readers and I, for one, appreciate the effort she makes.
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