I’m continuing my reading of Vince Flynn’s Mitch Rapp series. So far, I’ve reviewed Transfer of Power and The Third Option. Today, I’m telling you about the third in the series, Separation of Power.I loved Transfer of Power. I was not so enamored of The Third Option (it dragged). After reading Separation of Power, I’m a fan again of Flynn. It’s not as action-packed as the first (that one, frankly, would be difficult to top). It did, however, keep me reading.
Flynn makes good use of the “ticking clock.” In this case, it’s more like a ticking bomb. Insiders in the government are out to destroy the President and Rapp’s boss, the CIA director. Plus Saddam Hussein (this was published in 2001) is about to enter the nuclear arms race. Rapp not only has only two weeks to find the nukes, he has to find out who’s out to destroy him and take down the Prez and Irene Kennedy.
Most of the first half of the book was interesting, but not hear pounding. Vince Flynn seems to know so many details and information about everything military. I have no idea if he has actual experience, has great sources, or just makes it up, but he’s convincing. I give him props for that.
Once the action starts, I found myself turning pages quickly. I give Separation of State 3 out of 5 Hels, whatever those are. I need a rating system.
Sounds interesting, Helen! Thanks for sharing this one. I haven't read a political thriller in a while...
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder
If a reader's turning the pages quickly, that's what matters. Sounds like you were hooked, the perfect place to be.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a madly-in-love with political thrillers type, but you made me want to read this!
ReplyDeleteThanks, needed something new to read. "Alice in Wonderland" only works for so long, heh.
When I saw Mr. Flynn's picture on the back cover I thought he has the face of either a policeman, secret service agent or military officer. I don't know if I'm right, but if I was casting him in a role, those are the type of roles he'd get.
ReplyDeleteElspeth
If you want a fast page-turner, start with the first in the series.
ReplyDeleteHe does have that look, doesn't he, Elspeth. But he's not. You can read his bio on his website.
Glad the series is picking up for you, Helen. Nothing is more disappointing that to buy several book in a series and they go downhill from book one. That has happened to me a few times, so now I buy the books one at a time, and if I like book two, I go on. If not. Well, on to a new author.
ReplyDeleteI may be fickle, but I am old and I earned the right. :-) I used to finish all the books I started -- figured I owed the author some loyalty -- but more recently decided that time is too short to waste it on books I am not enjoying.
I'm like you, Maryann, if it doesn't really capture my attention, I put it down. For the Vince Flynn series, my husband bought them all. He loved them. I loved the first, didn't get pulled into the slow second, but liked the third, so I'll keep going.
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