Combat Zone

I forgot to review this book. I finished it two weeks ago and, like the story, went completely out of my mind. From what I remember, the story went something like: POTUS: I am worried about a treaty and somebody is causing trouble. Bolan: Don't care. POTUS: It must be this Valdez guy in Mexico, for no other reason then he is in Mexico. Go shoot him and anything that moves. Bolan: Okay then. And Bolan goes to Mexico, shoots anything that moves. Recruits twin brothers/civilians and manages to get one of them killed. Oh and get Valdez who is a very shallow character - a former marine or ranger or something, he doesn't like what he sees in Grenada, what we are not told, and decides to go rogue. That's it. No mention of drug cartels so I guess they did not exist yet. The embassy shoot out was okay, otherwise there was nothing to mention.

I wasn't too impressed with this Fieldhouse novel. There was nothing really wrong with it, I just didn't think it was more than ordinary. What I did like was the way the villain was portrayed. Valdez was a typical badguy, but I liked how Bolan's disruption of his plans and loss of his soldiers was having a cumulative effect on Valdez. He was forced to change his plans, deal with shortage of funds, try desperate tactics and work with a dwindling number of henchmen as the book went on. His focus moved from his revenge fueled agenda against the U.S. and Mexican governments to dealing with Bolan. Bolan deals with improvising weapons in the field, working with various allies, and a trek through the Mexican jungle. Standard action scenes bracketing passages of speculation on what the villains are going to do next are the norm for much of the book. Not too bad, but there are much better books from Fieldhouse out there, Assassin's Creed being one of them. I actually enjoyed the previous book in this series, #201 Prime Target, a little bit more. This makes me the odd one out for both of these books evidently. Although Grimaldi has a small role in Combat Zone, I was surprised that no Phoenix Force members were used here.

Very good title and as usual action packed from this author and a very good read. But like everybody else why the twins were taken into the final battle with the death of one was huh? Mack could have done it himself as he has many times and once again a Bolan ally is killed off at the end of a book for some reason? Hey guys it would be nice to see some of them survive sometimes. Recommended reading......

A decent Bolan entry by Fieldhouse, but nothing too spectacular. LIKES: 01.) Bolan actually had to scrounge for weapons as he had a difficult time getting them smuggled in. 02.) Great allies in this one - the twins were cool, the CIA contact was decent and he got to shag the hot spanish broad. DISLIKES: 01.) For an enemy with Bolan's skill level, ex-Special Forces also, Valdez didn't really impress me. 02.) I never really felt that Valdez was a major threat nor a threat worthy of sending Bolan after.

A good Fieldhouse novel. 1) I liked the fact that Leo Turrin made an appearance. Ok a small appearance but a fun one with an apprehension in Florida of a gun dealer. 2) Its nice too see Mack stating that he does not do what he does to help the president for political problems he may have nor for scandals. That scene with Mack explaining this to Hal was a nice scene. Yes Hal knew this but it was nice seeing Mack reinforce it. 3) The action scenes were great especially the one in the embassy. 4) I agree with Automag's review why did Mack bring along the twins. Except as guides they were so-so for battle even with just shelling. One died the other seriously wounded. Mack should have brought the CIA agent granted he limped and one twin. 5) Valdez a fairly fun villian I actually liked his assistant more. Valdez at least wasn't a homicidal maniac. He was homicidal but seemed also to be a true-believer. OVerall an 8. Fun solid book. Nothing spectacular.

Mack Bolan is asked by the President to take down a terrorist whose activities are threatening NAFTA and...wait a minute...what the f@#k?!?! NAFTA?!?! C'mon wouldn't the fact the terror group is killing Americans be enough, without all the NAFTA business...? I had a few problems with this book, which is unusual for a Fieldhouse...first off while the fact that Mack had to improvise weaponry was interesting, the shotgun shell-wooden stick grenade seemed a little far fetched. Also Bolan "dragging" the amateur brothers with poor weaponry into the mission climax seemed out of character...I don't think they were really needed and their death and injury seemed to be a waste... Not one of the ususally great WF's best adventures, but full of action and very fast paced...

On the Sc1-10, has to be a solid 8. Well written, with plenty of action. Also, Valdez was a well created villian, which also added to the plot. Bolan at his best, definitely recommended.

The usual from Fieldhouse. Action-oriented and fast-paced.