Tucker Elliot's Blog, page 5
June 26, 2016
Book Review: Liberty’s Last Stand
I’m annoyed that the product description is misleading. It says: “The president of the United States stands on an outdoor stage, flanked by powerful members of his administration and party. Television crews are preparing for broadcast. High above the stage, on a nearby rooftop, a decorated sniper adjusts the scope on his rifle. Afterwards, America will never be the same.”
However, that scene isn’t in the book and nothing of the sort even happens. In truth, it’s not even a Jake Grafton novel — he’s a minor figure in the first 80% of the book, and when he does emerge near the end it’s for some really silly fight sequence / dialogue.
The book is really a “what-if” that has Texas declaring its independence after an Obama-esque president oversteps his authority. If you lean left politically then you’ll hate this book — but if you like conspiracy theories interspersed with action then give it a read.
I did think the concept was entertaining and enjoyed reading much of the parts set in Texas — however, I read this book because it was marketed as Grafton / Carmellini … but it’s such a departure from other titles in the series that I’m left to wonder how Coonts could return to these great characters again in the future. It would have been much better had this been a standalone book with completely new characters.
I know there is an audience for the author’s message, but as a novel it’s just 3/5 stars for me. Use this affiliate link to read more about Liberty’s Last Stand on Amazon.
June 9, 2016
Book Review: End of Watch
Stephen King got everything right with this book: the pace, dialogue, plot, and a brilliant blend of supernatural creepiness and rational detective work. It adds up to his best book in a long time, and easily the best of this trilogy.
Hodges, Holly and Jerome are back to face Mr. Mercedes — Brady Hartsfield — one last time. Weird things have been happening in the traumatic brain injury unit where Hartsfield lives his days trapped inside his body. But surely he is an impotent monster, right?
Wrong.
King is at his absolute horror-minded best — and the result is a Mr. Mercedes who is supernatural, otherworldly, and more deadly than ever. The plot is chilling, the action is frenetic, and the protagonists are truly heroic characters.
I absolutely loved this book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys mystery / thriller / horror novels: 5/5 stars
Use this affiliate link to order it now on Amazon.
May 16, 2016
Book Review: The Second Life of Nick Mason
Steve Hamilton is a very talented author. You sometimes hear critics use the phrase “same but different” to describe a new twist on a proven formula – and it definitely fits here, as Hamilton has created a protagonist that is both criminal and heroic, and then placed him in a situation that is seemingly impossible to escape from.
The plot, characters and dialogue are gritty and fast-paced with lots of twists and action – and if you’re a fan of mystery/crime/thriller fiction then you should definitely read this book: 5/5 stars.
Use this affiliate link to see The Second Life of Nick Mason on Amazon.
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I received a free digital edition courtesy Penguin Random House First to Read in exchange for an honest/unbiased review.
Book Review: Ghosts of War
This book literally begins with the ending of the last title in the series – “The Forgotten Soldier” – but you don’t need to have read any of the previous books to enjoy this one. The plot is similar in some respects to recent books by Alex Berenson and Mark Greaney – a few bad actors manipulate world events to try and lure the United States into a war.
In this case, the Secretary of State is dead (the ending to the last book), the Taskforce is sidelined to avoid being exposed in the fallout, and now Russia is advancing across Europe and our NATO allies are at risk – but then an even greater tragedy strikes America’s government.
This title is very different from the others in the series. The stakes are as high as ever, but this isn’t about the Taskforce chasing down bad individuals – it’s a book about war. And Brad Taylor writes it exceptionally well. Taylor is also more nuanced on the political side than in his previous works, which adds a layer of complexity to his characters.
This is a definite must-read for thriller/war novel fans: 5/5 stars.
Use this affiliate link to see Ghosts of War on Amazon.
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I received a free digital edition courtesy Penguin Random House First to Read in exchange for an honest/unbiased review.
May 11, 2016
Nargis Orphans
Eight years ago this month Cyclone Nargis killed more than 150,000 people in Myanmar. The military regime that controlled the government at the time never released the true casualty numbers, but in addition to the dead and missing an estimated three million people were displaced and left homeless.
The U.S. military used C-130s to fly nearly 200 humanitarian missions that delivered relief supplies and food to Myanmar’s Irrawaddy region — but much of that aid ended up being sold on the black market in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta by corrupt Myanmar government officials (who ironically threatened their citizens with prison for the same offense).
The impact on Myanmar’s children is still being felt. Thousands were left homeless. Thousands more were made orphans. Eight years later they are malnourished, uneducated, and healthcare is non-existent.
I was blessed with a unique opportunity the past few days. I visited Nargis orphans in Thanlyin, Myanmar, with a non-profit group and we gave out books, toys, and candy.
But now I’m left with the same thoughts I always have after an opportunity like this — what’s the point? The visit made us feel good, but the kids will wake up tomorrow just as poor, hungry, and uneducated as they are today.
It would be nice if I could wake up tomorrow with better ideas about how to help them.
May 9, 2016
April 14, 2016
March 21, 2016
March 20, 2016
Last Day
Ever have one of those moments when you’re leaving and can’t help but wonder if you’ll ever be back? But maybe that’s the point. Forward, right?
