9/10

American Gods is a unique mix between a modern fantasy book, a philosophy book, and an action book. It is about an ex-convict named Shadow who gets entangled in a world of gods and has to find his place. This book is definitely unsettling, but in a good way. It is in no way predictable, and it is full of plot twists that leave you reeling. The tone of the book is very serious, and it isn’t lighthearted in any way, so if you are looking for a nice bit of light reading, American Gods is not your best bet. However, if you are looking for a book that feels more realistic than most fiction often does, American Gods is a great book for you. The characters feel realistic in a harsh, gritty way, not like the typical flawless fantasy protagonists. This was one of the things that I most appreciated about this book. It wasn’t forcefully fluffy and lighthearted, but more interested in showing the hardships of modern life despite being a fantasy book. Despite the fantastical elements, it felt more like a realistic fiction book filled with honest truths than a typical romance-filled fantasy novel. There was a minimal amount of romance, and the little that was present was harsh and full of honest truths, not like your typical fairy tale love story. As a note, there are some harder topics covered in this book, so it is best for more mature audiences. This book definitely made me feel uncomfortable at times while reading, though it was in a necessary way that indicated good writing. This book isn’t the type to make you feel good or optimistic about life, but to make you think about the hardships of the world around you. All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking to get into a bit of fantasy but doesn’t like the typical fairy-tale unrealisticness of most fantasy books.

December 13, 2022           Review by Penny

8/10

"American Assassin" offers a departure from conventional storytelling. In other words, it’s not on your grandmother's reading list.  Don't expect intricate character development or convoluted plot twists here. This book is laser-focused on a singular objective: the transformation of an assassin who specializes in killing terrorists. Vince Flynn tells us about the journey of a young Mitch Rapp, (a Syracuse University student). Tragedy strikes when a terrorist attack claims the lives of his long-time girlfriend and twenty classmates on their way back from a lacrosse game. Driven by a burning hatred for terrorists, Rapp is recruited into the CIA by the Director and his future boss, Irene Kennedy.

Within the CIA, Rapp undergoes intensive training as a counter-terrorism expert outside the standard CIA oversight, designed to allow him to eliminate terrorists without the usual political complications. His grueling training regimen is overseen by the ruthless CIA operative, Stan Hurley. Hurley, a Cold War veteran and former Navy Seal, embodies a level of brutality that is difficult to describe, even consdiering the numerous fictional killers I've read about. His actions, such as biting off a terrorist's ear, underscore his utter hatred of terrorists.  The narrative shifts between Rapp's present-day mission in Beirut, Lebanon, where he endeavors to rescue his captured colleagues, and his period at "The Farm" in Virginia, where he hones his skills to take the fight directly to the terrorists rather than waiting for them to strike Americans. The frequent time jumps in the story may not appeal to all readers, such as myself, as they disrupt the flow of the narrative without necessarily adding significant depth or context.

What truly stands out in "American Assassin" is the portrayal of Mitch Rapp and his unwavering commitment. Vengeance and duty permeate the entire book. While it may not be a fast-paced read throughout, most chapters are punctuated either by Rapp mastering new assassination techniques or by riveting action sequences.

This book caters predominantly to a male audience aged 15 and above, as it's likely to stir fantasies of becoming a CIA operative. Hence, its appeal to female readers might be limited. One recurring aspect that could irritate some readers is the constant emphasis on how Rapp's lacrosse background oddly prepared him for the role of a perfect assassin. This repeated reference to lacrosse as a formative influence on his skills seems out of place. Also the geopolitical discussions may be too detailed for some readers. 

November 30, 2022       Review by Rupert

7/10

"The Gray Man,” written by Mark Greaney in 2009 (his debut novel) introduces us to Gentry, a former CIA operative who turned into a freelance assassin. This book is the first of several Gray Man books. Gentry, known as the Gray Man, is no ordinary assassin. While his character seems flat and unemotional, as I guess you would expect an assassin to be, his crazy skills make up for any social deficiencies or sociopathy. The story is action-packed and Gentry's latest mission takes a deadly turn. Gentry faces off against a ruthless group of adversaries who match his skill. What makes "The Gray Man" different is its complex protagonist. Although he seems to have no real personality, Gentry isn't entirely a ruthless killer; because he possesses a strong moral compass that adds some complexity to his character. Gentry's past is also revealed telling the events that have shaped him and his behavior.

One cool part of the book is the intricate details of weapons and tradecraft (i.e. killing people) to the landscape in which the story unfolds. This realism enhances the experience.

In summary, "The Gray Man" is a solid book that introduces readers to the character of Court Gentry. It sets the stage for other Mark Greaney books that enthusiasts may want to read.  As with other assassin and espionage books, this book caters mostly to a male audience aged 15 and above, and less so to women/girls.

Feb 10th, 2023       Review by Rupert

5/10

If you're into exciting action and a maincharacter who's basically a cro-mangon sized bad ass, this book and series is for you.  Reacher, who is a former military police major and a no-nonsense tough-guy. He is a drifter, traveling from place to place with nothing but the clothes on his back. And a toothbrush.  It's reminiscent of the old David Caradine movies, "Kung Fu", where he plays a peace-loving monk who wanders the country, encountering dispatching evil people left and right with the efficiency only a martial artist can.  As with other books in this genre, there isn’t a great depth of character development here. It’s mostly centered around his skills in detective work and moral compass. 

The story starts when Reacher travels into a tiny Georgia town, Margrave, on the advice of his brother, who is a Treasury agent. Things go south when he's arrested for murder. But Reacher has an alibi, and he's not one to take being framed. What follows is some serious ass-kicking and beat downs, along with epic action as Reacher goes full-on investigator mode. This book is about a one-man army, and  is full of intense fight scenes. The author's writing is crisp, and no-frills style.  And just when you feel Reacher is boring as a stump, Lee Child enhances the character with some depth that keeps you reading. That being said, the Reacher character has a strange relationship with a female detective, which seems oddly out of place, and the plot teadious.  If you like a tough hero, action, and a military-style adherence to a morals, you should consider reading this book. Otherwise skip it. The movie "Reacher" with Tom Cruise is based on this book.  Some readers may find it less than intellectually stimulating. However the is less geopolitics than many other books in this category. 

April 20th, 2023  Review by Rupert