Reviews (11)
This one is a double whammy for me. Not only do I like Mack's Vietnam experiences but I'm also partial to Executioners that are a change of pace.
First thing you need to know abut this one is that, if you're expecting a typical Mack adventure with rocket-fire action and quick plotting, you WILL be disappointed. Sure, we all love those tales that why the series ran so long. But it is refreshing to have a different take now and then.
This one is the epitome of a slow burn. At 252 pages, Mack doesn't even go into action until the last 30 pages. The bulk of the novel sets up the characters and plot while the action is provided by a lot of flashbacks. That action IS satisfying but that's really all we get.
This doesn't mean things get boring. Kevin Randle did the heave lifting on the very good Vietnam Ground Zero series so the guy knows the subject matter and how to tell a compelling story. Although Mack spends most of the novel traveling to Vietnam, Randle keeps things interesting with his smooth style. The flashbacks are all fully realized scenes which helps to provide a satisfying reading experience.
For me, this would have been a 10/10 but lost a star because the final showdown with Mack's 9old Vietnam nemesis is no real showdown at all and is over in a flash! With so much build up, the ending seems to have more to do with reaching a specific word count than what was best for the story.
Still, I give the book a 9/10 because, as a change of pace entry, it works very well. It's well worth a read.
Another one and only entry in this series by this author which is a shame as he has produced a very entertaining polished entry.
Returning to Vietnam in a two part mission firstly to try and locate a missing CIA agent who was previously sent to do the second part of the mission which is to find evidence of missing American soldiers who may be being held prisoners by the Vietnamese Government.
The story is told using flashbacks to what happened to the Big Guy during his tours and whilst doesn't always work the author nailed it beautifully here.
Very interesting sections to do with the art of sniping and shows either a great knowledge of the art by the author or extensive research into the art.
A title which flows so smoothly that you will be surprised how quickly you finish it.
Loved it and highly recommended reading in this series.
Wow, what an unexpected surprise! When picking it up, I was thinking, "ANOTHER Vietnam book, ugh." But this one was a real page turner from beginning to end. A good portion of the book was told in flashbacks to the war, and gave a good insight in to the job of a sniper. The Rifleman was a great adversary; I almost wished he would get away to continue the rivalry in later books.
Based on this one, I'll be picking up the Vietnam: Ground Zero series to read more of Kevin Randle's work. Highly recommended.
I am not much on the Vietnam war books, but this one was great. This book buts Bolan against another sniper from the war named Dang Van Diem. In the flashbacks you learn that Bolan shot and killed Diem's friend and also had shot Diem also. Diem never forgot about it and wanted another shot at the Executioner. When Bolan has to go in looking for another American, Diem is waiting, but Bolan finds him first.
I had mixed feelings about this one. Randle is one of the
vietnam: ground zero writers. Those are great books, but before that series started there were about 4 books taking place before Vietnam: Ground Zero. these were called The scorpion squad, and the first of them was called Body Count.
If you can find a copy of that masterpiece, it is the best war story ever told, I can't say enough good things about it.
So when that writer wrote a Bolan book, my hopes were up pretty high.
Warriors revenge is a well told decent story, but it was kind of a let down for me, but its worth reading if you can
find a copy.
I like the cover art on this one.
This is a superb novel. Bolan is forced to return to Vietnam, and flashes back to his first few days during the Vietnam War. Flashbacks don't always work, but here the blended seamlessly. The book is so well-written that the author must have done a tour or two himself. Very authentic writing.
Great plot, great writing -- this is one of the best.
A good Bolan book, that had some good Executioner history and character insight woven into it.
I LOVE THE VIETNAM BOLAN BOOKS. THEY OFFER SOME MORE INSIGHT ON THE MAN WHEN HE GOES BACK TO HIS HOME, THE JUNGLE. THE ONE-ON-ONE AGAINST THE RIFLEMAN HAS BOLAN TAKING ON ANOTHER STRONG ADVERSARY AND WALKING AWAY A WINNER. TOO BAD ABOUT THE PRISONER THOUGH BUT I STILL GIVE IT THUMBS UP!
I really enjoyed reading about the pre-mafia history. Also the Rifleman was a good idea to keep people reading when some parts were boring. The ending was kind of a let down. No hand to hand. Just a simple shot.
A nice look into Bolan's life in Vietnam. Otherwise, just a decent effort.
