19 January 2010
Lately I've noticed a trend among the writers that I favor. They all seem to be writing novels / stories that fill 350+ pages but with the entire story spanning only 24 hours or less. For me, that takes a little getting used to because one of my absolute favorite authors can write a story that spans several months in one novel. That's because he leaves out the unnecessary detailed BS that the reader really doesn't need. Of course, that also makes the book shorter and a faster read. Vince Flynn's latest offering, Pursuit of Honor is one of these novels that spans about a day, and it's a good read. There's not a lot of action, but it's a good read none the less.
Pursuit of Honor picks up within a week of where Extreme Measures, Flynn's last novel, left off. Washington DC has been attacked by a terrorist cell that planted a number of bombs around high-profile targets in the city. The targets weren't government buildings, but were instead restaurants and other public places that elected officials were known to frequent. After killing 185 people in these "successful" bombing attacks, the cell gathers its resolve for one last mission: an attack on the nation's Counter-Terrorism Command Center. As the attack occurred, Mitch Rapp - the main character - and Mike Nash - secondary character for both Extreme Measures and Pursuit of Honor - were on hand interogating a captured terrorist. Together they diverted a catastrophe even though lives were still lost.
Pursuit of Honor finds Rapp dealing with several different situations at once:
- An appointed official within the intelligence community who has turned traitor;
- A retired intelligence operative who is gathering classified intelligence using his old training and experience;
- Mike Nash clearly burning out fast and in need of a "check up from the neck up."
- Politicians who still take offense to Rapp's waging unconditional war against those who do the same to America.
In the midst of all that, Rapp once again has to face his own deamons regarding the loss of his wife and unborn child as well as tracking down two remaining terrorists apparently on their way to Washington DC for another attack. With the assistance of his former-SEAL buddy, Scott Coleman, and having to make a trip to the Bahamas (oh, darn!) Rapp manages to stave off the politicians for the time being, catch and deal with the turncoat traitor politician, save Mike Nash's sanity and family, AND capture the members of the last cell. When I grow up (like that will ever happen) I want to be like Mitch Rapp.
Flynn delivers a good storyline with strong characters. The action is a little lacking although the terrorists do manage to indiscriminately kill some more innocent civilians. Rapp gets into his fair share of action, but not nearly as much as his "usual". This story has more "behind the scenes" stuff than his usual work - but is enjoyable none-the-less.
Happy Trails!
