First Commandment ~ Brad Thor

Funk Rating: 7.5 out of 10

This book was heading for a 6 rating until the end. But Thor pulled it out of the ashes and salvaged an OK from me. Without blowing the plotline, I'll say that the cleverness in the title is cool -- I like it :)

Agent Scot Harvath is back in this one, continuing to get his buttons pushed and pushing back even harder, eliminating back guys from the face of the earth. I think the scenario that sets up the plotline is a little strained, but there's a basic point that good people, trying to do the right thing given the consequences and circumstances, often screw up royally. I wish Thor hadn't pushed this particular scenario quite so hard, as the whole behavior of the President is goofy, but he pulls the story together ultimately.

I think at the core, Thor is making a point that sometimes you have to meet ruthless terrorists with ruthless consequences. Nothing new for Thor/Horvath, just a different setting with some excellent plot creativity and good "friends" along the way. If you've liked other Thor books, this one is just fine...