The plot of the novel was acceptable, if unspectacular, but seemed like a series of discarded Bond plot ideas more than anything else -- specifically, having to repeatedly read about the antagonist's silver eyes that turn black hammered home that bad Bond villain feel. There is also a good amount of jet setting, with most of the locations already forgotten.As for the protagonist, Secret Service agent Scot Harvath is tasked down with hunting down terrorists, but without the sense of urgency from the kidnapping in the first book, The Lions Of Lucerne, Harvath's behavior comes off as an arrogant and boorish. To every other character in the book except the president, he acts like a prima-donna, and he flat out refuses to play nice with any other government agencies or their agents. While he is naturally always right, it did not make him any more endearing, and his habit of making snide remarks to everyone that questions him gets old fast. Also, it is mentioned multiple times how magnetic Harvath's personality is, especially to women, but it is not really shown, at least not believably. The most thrilling segment of this thriller was the plane hijacking scenes. It seemed to be written as a form of 9/11 therapy for Thor -- which makes sense, giving that the book was published in late 2002 -- and, for that supposed reason, it is not surprising that this segment rises a level above the rest of the book. Although, of course, Harvath does get his girl-of-the-week from the survivors of the hijacking, checking off another Bond trope check-box. Hopefully, this book was only a let-down because Brad Thor struggled to transition his first Scot Harvath book into a series, or with the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and the next book in the series, State Of The Union, is an improvement.
Even better than Brad Thor's debut novel, "The Lions of Lucerne". There was an unfortunate 9/11 vibe from plot points in this story, & I was not too surprised to find out on the author's website, that 9/11 had taken place during the writing of this book. However, the obvious similarities were coincidental. I suppose writing any story involving acts of terrorism are going to have comparisons made. Anyway, once again, the characters are very strong in how they are presented here; as this carries on from the first book to some extent in the first act, we do get a better sense of some of the ongoing characters, most obviously, Scot Harvath. I really enjoyed that Harvath is joined by Meg Cassidy, they are written as compliments to one another.The plot itself and the bad guys are pretty standard fare, save for a couple of good twists. There was some mention of a diminutive character named "The Troll" which never fully developed, but perhaps that was dropped in to be featured in a future story.Speaking of which, I'm jumping right into the third book, "State of the Union" next. Brad Thor has brought the party to me this Labor Day long weekend, what can I say.
Do You like book Path Of The Assassin (2005)?
Could I nitpick this book/character and highlight all the areas where Thor could improve as an author? Absolutely. But I'm betting he was never intending this series to be considered for a Pulitzer, which is why I won't detract from the rating for his dialogue or flawless protagonist. As a "popcorn book" (if you will), this hits the mark perfectly. Thor is a great story teller, and this installment in the Harvath series was thoroughly entertaining.If you like this style of story and character, but want better writing (in terms of characters, dialogue, and plot) I'd recommend Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp series.
—Sam Belsterling
This is the 2nd in the Scot Harvath series and I can tell where BT was still developing the character. An Israeli faction calling themselves the Hand of God suddenly starts blowing up key Islamic Holy places and killing thousands of people. These horrific terrorist incidents threatens entire world peace, as the Islamic people vow to return the favor. As the US tries to get intel on the entire situation Scot is sent in to help gather that data. The action sequences are very well crafted. They don't have the frantic absolute over the top feel to them that Matthew Reilly's do. I had problems with Scot himself, at times his sarcasm and immaturity about some things got on my nerves, but I let it go, because I know in later books this isn't as obvious. As Scot and team race around the world to stop The Hand of God from pulling the entire world into a war no one wants, he manages to stay one step behind. The suspense and timing was good and the book moved at a fast pace. I had trouble getting into it, but I think that was more to the fact is I wasn't in the mood. I don't hold that against the book. There was a huge surprising twist at the end that I didn't see coming at all. While not one of my favorites of the series, this was still an entertaining and timely read.
—Keri
While the first Scott Harvath novel was good, the second was outstanding. This book was nonstop action from page one til the end.I still think the character of Scott Harvath lacks depth. This book reasserts his I'm the best, the only one who knows how to do things, jerkish attitude. While he often does know what's best and is right, a little humility would add something to his character, which in my opinion, is a little two-dementional, at least at this point in the series.All told, I really enjoyed this book and I'm on to the third installment.
—Paul S
