Point of Impact (Bob Lee Swagger, #1) in SSG: Spy/Spec-Ops Group

Aug 18, 2011 Mike (the Paladin) rated it really liked it

Shelves: action

I like this book. There are things in it that bug me a bit, but on the whole nothing that really requires comment.

Bob Lee Swagger is a solitary man who lives alone in the Arkansas hills with his dog and his rifles. He loves to shoot though he doesn't hunt for meat anymore as since the war, he's lost his taste for the kill (something I've come to share. Maybe it's an age thing to?). Bob is part of the (so called) gun culture. He reads gun books, he loads his own ammunition and works at accuracy. I like this book. There are things in it that bug me a bit, but on the whole nothing that really requires comment.

Bob Lee Swagger is a solitary man who lives alone in the Arkansas hills with his dog and his rifles. He loves to shoot though he doesn't hunt for meat anymore as since the war, he's lost his taste for the kill (something I've come to share. Maybe it's an age thing to?). Bob is part of the (so called) gun culture. He reads gun books, he loads his own ammunition and works at accuracy. He keeps to himself since he was disabled out of the Marines. Sergeant Swagger was known as Bob the Nailer. He was one of the deadliest snipers in the theater of operations. Now, he's called back, offered a job that someone knows he won't be able to turn down. Only things aren't what they seem. Those who've contacted him are not what or who Bob has been led to believe and he's to be the fall guy. Only, the ones who plan to set him up, don't know Bob Lee.

If you've seen the movie Shooter, it's based on this novel. There are some (a few) fairly major differences. For one thing the movie is set much later. Bob Lee Swagger is a Vietnam Vet, in the movie he's placed in a later era. While there are "fairly" major differences in the book and movie, I suspect anyone who likes one will like the other. The liberties taken with the story aren't used (as so often happens) to "rewrite" Bob Lee or any of the story's key points. Enjoy both as sort of "complimentary stories" or possibly two similar stories where some of the characters happen to have the same names.

What can I say here? I'm a shooter and I suppose that shooters might be slightly more prone to like the book, but I truly believe anyone who likes action novels will enjoy it. While there are some details as to ballistic performance and some detail on the rifles themselves there isn't so much as to drive away those who aren't "aficionados". (Actually most of this touches directly on the plot). You'll get to know Bob Lee, as well as Nick and some others well (including our villains) but you won't be overwhelmed with information. You won't come away knowing what Bob's favorite food is or if he has "hang-ups"...and Bob would look at you like you were from some other planet if you asked. You will get to know what you need and in some of your cases, you'll have known people like Bob Lee.

The story is fast moving slowing only slightly in a couple of places and it holds interest. While there are a lot of action novels out there this one is moderately original. I've actually set out to find books like this one and while a few are close, so far I've not come up with any (other than by this author) that I'd say are "like it". I suspect that readers will either like and identify with the protagonist of this one or not understand him much at all and not really like him. Maybe not...try it and see. I think you'll like it if you like Vince Flynn, Don Pendleton, Harold Coyle, Tom Clancy, Larry Bond, and others. I call this an action novel, it could also be called a thriller and will fit into either category. I'm not really fussed about pigeonholing it. Whatever you call it, it's not dull.

I like this book, I plan to put it on my shelf with my "keepers" and have already taken steps (read reserved with one of my favorite book stores or ordered where I couldn't find one in town) the next 4 books in the series about this character. I recommend it. 4 stars. Enjoy.

Since I wrote this I got all the Bob Lee books...

***Note on Stephen Hunter's books.***

I have reviewed several of his books and have liked some more than others. I have a concern and I'd like to put this out for what it's worth. The books are sort of a mixed bag. There are two that I rated 3 stars but one I rated 5 and put on my favorites list. That one is I, Sniper which is book #6 in the Bob Lee Swagger series. It occurs to me that if someone is less than thrilled with one of the books in the series before #6 they might never move on to that novel.

Let me suggest that even if you have been less than thrilled with one of the other books and have pulled away from the series, you give I, Sniper a try. With lots of action, a good cast and some great humor I think it's (so far) the best...though the jury is still out on Time To Hunt #3 as I skipped it and am about halfway through...so far it's excellent. ...more

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Jan 09, 2011 Mark rated it really liked it

Shelves: tech-thriller, legal-thriller, military, political-thriller

I've enjoyed immensely Hunter's Earl Swagger stories about "Bob the Nailer's" father and I am now delving into the son's...Point of Impact is the basis for the movie "Shooter" and introduces us to the son who carries the same "Reacher-like" morality as his father and brings it to his double cross by seedy elements within the government...fun, quick read and I'm starting #2 this week!!! ...more

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