Rescue Run

Not all books in this series pull off an ending that sets my pulse rate higher in an exciting finish. VanCook does a good job of pulling this off to finish an entertaining entry. What separates this novel from most is the fact there was no main villain in this story. Bolan is on a rescue mission in Rwanda, to get some actors out of a situation where they are caught up in the middle of a civil war. Along the way Bolan takes out a number of badguys from both sides, spends most of the time trying to locate the actors and gets the hell out of there. In place of main villains, VanCook offers a cast of allies for Bolan, featuring a merc named Walters, as well as an African who does not start out as a willing ally. I liked these characters, especially the African because it was funny to see him try to weasel out of Bolan's group while reluctantly helping at the same time. I also liked how there was a focus on the actor's point of view as they had their own scenes. Fast pacing and decent action keep the pages turning, and although there were some questionable coincidences, this is an excellent adventure for Bolan.

I was pretty disappointed in this title and consider it the poorest effort from Jerry VanCook that I have read. The plot was weak and somewhat unrealistic while most of the characters introduced were dull. I did enjoy the Sal character though and was disappointed when he was killed off at the end which unfortunately happens too often in the books lately. Not a title I would recommend.

This I thought was a very light book. Yes Mack's mission was serious but did have some humor to it. I did find fault with the premise. American's love old movie actors even B-film actors along with modern action stars. I think the young action actor was suppose to have been Jean Claude Van Damme. If actors in 1995 were in trouble for their lives in Rwanda the public would want everything done to save them. I can' picture the president doing nothing without public outcry. The president in this book wanted nothing done. Also what was the link between Hal and Morrison? I know Hal wanted his friend to be rescued but why were they friends? I really loved the scenes with the actors both in the bunker and on the run. I am shocked there were no ramifacations to the young actor. If I was Morrison and the actress I would have wanted him gone - since he did try to rape her. Streak was also a humorous character and did show bravery at the end. By far the best parts were the scenes with Sal. Sure he was a sniveling weasel but he added so much humor to the scenes with Mack. I also liked how he started to realize that Mack's way was the right way it was written very believably. Lesson in life - do not get drunk, sing while driving a military vehicle that is stolen. The two englishman so asked for it. Rather good gallows humor. Lesson 2 in life - if you are in an underground bunker in the wood do not flush the toilet especially while being hunted. Don't do it. Better to be rude but breathe but polite and dead.

Thanks to eBay, I've been able to plug up a huge hole in my Executioner collection with the now defunct DH audio's Bolan books on tape...and at a reasonable price...and this is the latest I have experienced in that format, but I digress... I have always been a sucker for rescue mission stories, especially those set in Africa(...maybe they bring back memories of one of my all time fav motion pics, The Wild Geese...) and this one didn't disappoint, lots of action, plenty of characterization, and some neat twists, like having Bolan use weaponry we don't see him with that often, like the .44 Magnum Smith he carries. The aging Hollywood gunslinger Dusty Morrison and the equally aged merc "Tater" Walters made for a great supporting cast and I wouldn't mind seeing either of these characters pop up again...a nice job! Two minor points bothered me tho'...several references to the Bolan family having been "murdered" doesn't fit in with what long time fans know really happened to Mack's parents and sister, too much of a generalization which smacked of carelessness on the author's part. Similiarly the criticism of "Tater's" choice of the Weatherby Mark V .416 as a choice of weapon was out of place...HELLO...long time fans know Bolan constantly used and favored the Mark V in .460 throughout the Mafia Wars and beyond. But all in all a solid effort and well worth the trip! Incidentally the reader of these books does and nice job and does some great voice characterizations, especially Mack.

This book was suspense filled and a realy fast read. I too loved that Bolan had to use what he had rather than what he was accustomed to. I also liked that he went out on a limb and trusted that little affrican scam artist. Avery good read.

While this one had it's share of action, what stood out with me was the suspense. Bolan, without sanction, having to use what weapons he could get ahold of, in a hostile country. The acting troupe was a good addition. Would they escape from the rampaging hordes? Would Bolan get to them in time? And usually a negative, but not having a bona-fide villain was okay with me. It didn't hurt the story. Good finale, also.