Funk Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Scot Harvath is back - breaking some eggs to make an omelette (in this case a safer U.S.). Pity the poor terrorist that runs into Harvath or his ilk... This is a very clever book in a number of ways, partly because it's straight-up regarding the holes in how we're fighting terrorism and Islamic fundamentalism, and partly because it asks all the important questions about how we define our selves, our country, and our societal values. It doesn't trumpet it, but it has clear hawkish overtones (which I, of course, am fine with) regarding at what point does sacrificing freedom for security beg the question of whether you still have freedom.
The book is long on patriots, has no truck with multi-cultural political correctness, and reminds me a bit of True Grit and some of the old westerns I've read this year in terms of loyalty, doing what it takes and doing it yourself. No couch potatoes need apply for work with this super-secret organization.
What impresses me about Thor and this latest Harvath story is that the characters are pretty solid and clever, and he keeps the story moving with a very nicely structured plot of asymmetric warfare. This one has less unbelieavable stuff in it that others, although it still remains a bit over-the-top in how fast things get figured out and come together. And a few important questions regarding certain folks motivations are not set-up well.
If you've liked the other Harvath novels, you'll enjoy this one. Here's a toast to America's patriots and to the Scot Harvath's of the world that do what needs to be done.
