Iron Fist

I can't see why this is getting so many bad reviews!? I loved this from start to finish! the COMCON storyline was magnificent, i would change one thing about this, that mack should ask Splatterpunk to try do what Mack does (other than be awesome) save people and stop war! Thats just my opinion :P But over all this story was great! Thanks Gerald!

Read this book a month or so ago, and it remains for me the worst Mack Bolan book ever printed. It's an example that scifi and Mack Bolan do not mix well at all. The first book of the trilogy was fine but what turkey this 2nd book turned out to be. Many reviewers here enjoyed it, I did not.

Gee I am glad that I have read this title as it is without doubt THE standout title of the series. Why you may ask and simply put nothing but nothing I have read or will read in the future could possibly be as bad as this piece of sheer unadulterated garbage. How this was ever released as a title of any of these series is beyond me and I am shaking my head wondering what the publishers were thinking. A little harsh you may say? Well I thought the first title of this trilogy was laughable crap as well and intended to give it 2 stars but prior to posting my review decided to read the previous reviews posted of it and couldn't believe the raves it had attracted. Well I thought this is this author's first title and maybe I am being a little harsh with my review so I added a few stars and thought well read the next title and see what you think you must be missing something here. Having now done that I wish I could withdraw my previous review and rate it again accordingly as I was going to. So what is so bad you may ask ? Well from the first title we know that all levels of American government and it's service agencies have been infiltrated by the bad guys. All of these guys aparently wear black clothing so they are in fact Men in Black so we will call them MIB's. Okay giving very little away from the book from the first couple of chapters. The bad guys have had their backsides kicked big time by Will Smith (sorry I mean Mack). They decide in their wisdom that Mack should in fact be taken out before their planned takeover of America and the UN so their number one boy the brainwashed/altered/psycho the pride and joy of the Aryan bloodline is going to take Mack out having lured him to a location. This guy has impressive stats let me tell you 300lbs plus, 6'6" and all solid muscle. So what would he be called to by name when it is time for a coffee or a beer. German so okay maybe Heinz or Dieter or Franz etc.etc. No actually you will call him Splatterpunk. goodness me......... Now during the confrontation between him and Mack he receives a fist-sized pattern of shot from a 12 gauge shotgun in the chest at point blank range. So he's dead right. Ummm no........... Mack pulls the .44 Desert Eagle and takes the shot. A sure head shot but can't believe his eyes as Splatterpunk moves with lightening speed (maybe he should be called the Flash?) and dodges the bullet travelling towards his head. Ok this super guy takes off and runs up a body/slaughter count which would make Dan Schmidt cringe until Mack catches up with him. Having reloaded the automatic shotgun with solid deer slugs Mack fires three times in a neat triangle into the centre of Splatterpunk's chest. So he's dead right. Ummm no........... A flying drop kick followed by a right leg low level roundhouse and then an iron knee to the throat. Then using his weapons stock Bolan puts all his weight and fury into smashing the stock into the psycho's forehead. So he's dead right. Ummm no........... So a pretty good machete/knife fight follows until Mack decides he needs some combat stretch to take out this guy. Mack takes off in a bus and the big boy takes off running after him, running like a gazelle the big guy looks more and more impressive but I am asking myself at this stage why doesn't he just take off and fly to catch up with the bus. Gaining his space Mack does a 180 and takes off back in the opposite direction towards the "SuperPsycho" (the authors words not mine) smashing into him and plastering him across the front of the bus. Splatterpunk is then thrown from the front of the bus on braking by Mack and Jack Grimaldi pilots in his helicopter allowing the M-60 machine gunner to shred the guy. So he's dead right. Ummm no........... Mack hits him again with the bus like a battering ram, he's down yeeaahhh!!! he has no respiration, no pulse no signs of life. So he's dead right. well........... Okay Mack and the guy's take Splatterpunk's remains and take off to have them examined by a couple of scientists. The result is he is in fact not dead but in biostasis. Huh ? yep apparently he is in a state where he is absorbing the lead of the bullets absorbed by his body and turning them into useable energy. The nanobytes running around in his bloodstream are very impressive little workers let me tell you. This energy is in fact turning his skeletal structure into diamond impreginated bone structure and apparrently healing his body from the massive wounds inflicted upon it. Ok at this stage of the title I am wondering to myself when are the martians going to land. Bugger me the other scientist then announces that her theory is that the bad guys are in fact in contact with the Zeta Reticuli race from some other planet and she has evidence too voluminous to deny that there is a cover-up taking place at the highest levels of government. Then the final assault on the complex and all of the bad guys come running out to defend it wearing easter bunny ears I thought what bullshit is this, must have been pretty good whatever he was smoking when he wrote this. This is a not what I consider a title in the Ececutioner series or any of the related series is folks I can tip you.

This must be the most wacked-out novel in the whole series. A big guy with nonotechnology running through his blood and diamond fiber bones running amok in Denver is Bolan's adversary. A product of the Comcon Nazis, this nearly unkillable monster has some thrilling battles with Bolan, and later regenerates from deadly wounds. The side plot of the crazy journalist Garrison and his woman sidekick provide some of the most insane and amusing moments I've read in this series. His showdown with Sorenson was a very comical gun battle. Newport is the returning villain from Trigger Point, and though his role is limited, he is pretty much the leader of the Comcon bad guys at this point. His soldiers attacking the big airplane was a large part of the action in the novel, a very tense and well done action scene. The ending was good, but I thought the assault on the party house was a little gimpy with the main opposition being wimpy gunmen in bunny suits and half naked pro football players throwing a football at Lyons. There were a few loose ends left by the end, some stretches of believability and overall the book wasn't as good as Trigger Point was, but considering the originality of the book and the hillarious moments, and blazing action, I'm giving Iron Fist a ten anyway.

I truly have to sympathize with the sheep who could not wrap their minds around exciting new concepts which broke the much trampled ground that has been the Executioner's mainstay of villainy. The incorporation of the Cthulhu mythos, cybertechnology, mysticism, Hunter S. Thompson, big guns, larger than life heroes and ultimate evil into a conglomerate of new and thrilling action might have frightened and dismayed the unimaginative rabbits and mewling kittens incapable of letting go of their treasured pseudo-racist adventures against hispanic drug dealers, negro gang members, and arab terrorists in favor of all new adventures. The failure of the American counter-terrorist intelligence agencies to deal with 9-11 shows that Mack Bolan has outlived his usefulness as a counterterrorist, especially if they incorporate the real world into the plotlines of future Executioner and Stony Man novels. Rather than have Bolan fighting something that he can have no effect on, truly instead put him in the realm of fighting fantastic villains outside the realm of reality, so we will not be so disappointed when the Executioner does not swoop out from heaven to kill them damn dirty Muslims when they attack our ivory towers. After 2001, this is the kind of fresh, explosive direction the series should go. Unfortunately, the cowardice of a few readers convinces the editors that they shouldn't take brave, bold, exciting steps in a new direction. Stick a fork in Bolan. He's done.

I also have to give this book a 10 rating. True, it is a bit off the wall compared to other Executioner's, but that's the reason I liked it. It's rare that Mack gets a challenge to his skills and wits like he does in this series, and also that such and original storyline finds it's way to Gold Eagle. It's really a shame that Gerald won't be writing any more Bolan's, but the ones he did write are superb.

From the reviews this is clearly one of the more controversial books in the series. I have to side with the thumbs-up voters, because for all its flaws (I won't bother rehashing them; check the other reviews) this was truly an inspired effort. If it were more in synch with the Bolan universe as we know this would have merited a solid 10, but still I give this a strong nine.

All hail Gerald Montgomery! This book was such huge and interesting change of pace for Mack. Nonstop furious action from front to back. I had to finish it the day I started it. That's how good I thought it was. In my opinion, the COMCON Wars thing could (and should) be Mack's next Mile.

I give the author points for trying to reinvent the wheel here and there are some great moments and brilliant writing passages, but ultimately it's like trying to make a meal of nothing but desserts; it gets to be too much. Too over the top and too far-fetched. Couldn't rate it lower, though, because, as others said, the writer clearly put a lot of heart and soul into this.

In my opinion Splatterpunk (did this come from the gang featured in the Robocop movies or is it just me?) was a very worthwhile villan though the fight then team up and fight together storyline was too much like a comic book for my liking. The thing that really bothered me about this book is they never revealed what happened to the soldier who was given the Splatterpunks blood as his only means of survival. Did he die a horrible death from it or will he play a part in a future Bolan storyline? Anyone has any idea let me know.e-mail add. inclosed.

I really had to force myself to finish this book (to far feched)

The most unusual entry into the Bolan series I've ever read, but an excellent entry nonetheless. The action was fast-paced and furious. The gore level reach an all-time high. The bodycount was through the roof. Splatterpunk was an interesting twist. Many critics have said they felt this was more of Destroyer story than an Executioner story. I disagree! This was Mack Bolan entering the world of the X-Files. And that isn't such a bad thing, just a different take on the time-tested book series. Characterization was dead-on. My only complaint was that everything seemed rushed, as thuogh it was a Super-Bolan shortened down to the size of a regualr novel. It's too bad Gerald Montgomery is no longer writing Bolan books. It would have been interesting to see how he handled a Bolan mafia hit book with his writing style.

This book kicked total ass! I loved this book so much I finished it in less than an hour. I've been reading it once a week now.

There are only a few books that just hearing the title reminds me of the entire book, unfortunately Iron Fist is one of them. Here is why. This book has a number of discrepencies-First Bolan says he's doing it alone, next he's with Able Team and half of Phoenix Force. Second characters like Garrison and his driver, the C-5 crew, the two docs, and the other reporter guy show up with no intro-just scenes and no background. I liked the idea of th base being attacked, but the whole Splatterpunk character is to far-fetched to exist in current affairs. Maybe when Bolan is redone (like Superman's history, etc) this story could exist. Stony Man people show up after Bolan says he's using other options so as not to compromise Stony Man. The inter-play between AT and PF and Grimaldi is great. I know other people enjoyed this book, but after 6 months of hype on this messageboard I expected something more, not less. I am sad Mr.Montgomery is not writing Bolans anymore, and am sure I've enjoyed other works, but Iron Fist was not what I thought (or hoped) it would be.

This one was interesting to say the least. Bolan has the nazi's on the run literaly from the begging in this one. I really liked that shotgun Mack got to use it was pretty cool. I really don't think this was the place for a terminator type of being. but I did find it interesting at the ens how splatterpunk turns on his creators and makes the deal with bolan. i thought the Garrison dude was interesting how he seemed to just show up at the most interesting times. I also liked how they mentioned the name of April Rose down in the abyss. Plus the way he responded to the child gives more insight into Macks make-up as a person. then thier was the assault on the Mansion by the others that was really well written. I really enjoyed the ending with the cop offering any assistance to Brognola I thought was interesting. all in all a pretty good book.

This is one of the best Executioner's that I have read in a long, long time. I could repeat many of the comments that have been made by the other readers, but I won't, I would just say that this is a must read. Usually I take my time reading a Bolan, but not this time, I just couldn't stop, constantly wanting to know what happens next. The story was almost seamless (apart from the bunny gunmen) and also cleared up a few points from Trigger Point (where did Bolan get all that extra support!). Able Team are back in action, and once again the story seemed like a flashback to the old days where the Team went up against Unomundo and his thugs. On the down side, (but not too far down) I found Garrison to be extremely annoying. Half the time I couldn't figure out what the guy was raving about, and I need to know what Gonzo journalism is. I only know of Gonzo the Muppet. As for Splatterpunk (where on earth did that name come from?) I found him a little too far fetched. Otherwise, wow! I now have to wait until February when I will recieve Ultimate Price. What a long wait.

This book was AWESOME. The only one I read that deserves a 10. Alot of ones that deserve 9.9's but this was awesome. I have to agree w/ Gunslinger though *i think that's who made this comment* that a "terminator does not belong in the Bolan series. This book had more of a sci fi to it but it STILL RULED. wedo

This book was real good. The action at the Air Base was a blast. I hope freedom force is good as well.

Hate to spoil this party, but I didn't find this one as good as the first COMCON book. First of all, I don't believe a "Terminator"-like character belongs in the Executioner universe. Secondly, that whole party scene was just a bit too odd for me to believe. The entire plot was something that just didn't flow, and I couldn't find it believable or serious. Okay, on the positive side, I found the characterizations to be dead on from the old "classic" days, and the action throughout the book was decent. I guess I'm being generous with a "6".

Like other reviewers have said, IRON FIST is a hell of a book, nudging the envelope of plausibility but not completely tearing it. This is a technicolor, crazed roller-coaster ride from start to finish, like a John Woo film written by William S. Burroughs with art direction by Jack Kirby. It features a cast of extreme characters, the least of which is the bionically augmented, mind-controlled super-soldier, Splatterpunk. He's a cross between an anti-Captain America, the tortured Larry Talbot and with a little of the Frankenstein monster added for seasoning. Even Bolan can't stay his usual half-disinterested, detached self in this book, which has been his trademark persona for years­­nope, in IRON FIST he is a passionate, kick-ass, Kirk-like figure of justice and righteous rage (I wouldn't have been a bit surprised to have come across a version of Kirk's furious roar of "K-HAAAAAN!" slipped into the pages). I'm sure there are some readers who might feel Mr. Montgomery's concepts are too off-the-wall for Bolan, such as the "Kthulu" worshippers...but in my opinion this is the best tack to take to keep Bolan viable in the 21st century. Not emulating Clancy or featuring the techno-terror of the week, but presenting him and companions in pitched battles against the distilled essence of evil. They should be emotionally involved in their missions and not characterized as pest-control experts who come in, clean out a den of iniquity and then pat back yawns. Although criticisms might be levelled against Mr. Montgomery's work, the one thing it can't be accused of is a lack of passion. It has that--and more--in spades.

"I am the ten of wands, remember? Fire in its most destructive aspect. Saturn in Saggitarius! Well, the wind has shifted. Never can tell what this Colorado weather's gonna do, and now this fire's burning closer to home tonight. And Mom. Dad. There's someone here I'd really like you to meet." Yeah, and I enjoyed the hell out of meeting Mr. Mack Bolan again, after the last couple years of poking at international problems that the CIA is too stupid to handle and the President is too wimpy to call in Force Recon, the SEALs or Delta Force on. The villains were horrific monsters to whom even the most soulless politician turned away from. And Bolan, Able Team, and McCarter and Manning were an outstanding team. I loved the argument about having McCarter piloting. Harlan T. Garrison was a wild ride. Splatterpunk... a tribute to Universal's classic monsters, from Frankenstein to the Wolfman. But finally... there was one last unexpected confrontation I'd have never expected. It'd played in the back of my mind for a while, but to finally see Mack Bolan fight... HIM! You have to read it. You have to... Montgomery rocks!

Well,as far as I am concerned, Gerald Montgomery has brought back the Executioner. Don Pendleton's Executioner. Oh, many talent writers have written plenty of suspenseful and action packed stories. But this has the fire and the soul that has been lacking from many of the more erecnet outings in the series. This has the big menace, the conspiracy, it even features a-dare I say it-"supervillain", Splatterpunk.It has Able Team, plus Manning and McCarter. But most importantly it features The Executioner, as he was meant to be.Not a super-spook,another cold war tool,but a relentless spirit of Vengence,the incarnation of retribution, 6'3, 200 pounds of evil ravaging fury.A cold blooded soldier, for damn sure,but also a man.With a soul,with feelings.A man who has metaphysical interrogations.Mack Bolan is The Executioner, but he is also Sgt Mercy.And Mercy shows up at an unexpected time and place... Mr Montgomery has brought back the man who is "the monster's momster" the one that will bring "hell to their earth". Not one Italian mobster in sight, but make no mistake.This is not just "Striker",or "Belasko",or "Rance Pollock"...This is the return of the original American Badass, The Executioner. Welcome back to War Everlasting.

This book totally kicks ass! Montgomery has got the Bolan character down. You could tell that Gerald had fun writing this story. "A laughing gasser and screaming bloodboiler with a side order of guts on a white-knuckle ride straight through the landscape of all the rings in Dante's Inferno"..."vicious incarnations on this cosmic dirtball of pure misery." The star quarterback and his entire defensive line taking up their positions was a total riot. It reminded me of a scene out of the Twilight Zone. "Words of the heart. Testaments to the supremacy of the human spirt." Getting back to Pendleton ideas. This was great. Total, excellent kick-ass book!

Wow, what a book. This is not your typical Bolan cookie cutter plot. Since this was Book II of the ComCon trilogy I was expecting more of the same from Book I, but I was surprised as it really delved into SplatterPunk and the religious foundation for the Nazis. Montgomery does a great job separating Bolan and his beliefs from the Nazis and what they want to do, there is a true difference between good and evil. I can't wait for the final book of this trilogy.

Iron Fist knocked me out of my reclining chair! Unbelievably terrific! The sequence in downtown Denver, was exciting and intense. Chaos everywhere. The Spread was a nightmare journey straight to hell. Not for the faint hearted reader. Bolan is awesome! I could feel his pain and frustration fighting these fiends. Splatterpunk, what an opponent! Harlan Garrison is a riot, I was laughing out loud at his antics. This one is a wild roller coaster ride, that I din't want to end. Onward to Ultimate Price. Whew!