BLACKSTONE

There two books in one for me, in this one. There is the dual of will between two equally skilled and determined men with the same goal. One with a moral compass, one without. Gary Rook is a broken man, born from pain, turned mad and a good adversary for Bolan. That duel was interesting. The other book has evil red commie chinese doing...whatever. I didn't care for that part. Strong entry, I just wish there was more space dedicated to the Rook storyline.

I loved this book. Like Chuck Rogers, Doug has a knack for creating fun and original villains, instead of recylcling the tired Islamic/STolen Nuke/Evil Commie conspiracies. And the more bad ass the villains, the better the heroes look taking them down. Some people have criticized the villains for being something out of a comic book. Sorry to disappoint, but an ageless lone warrior bringing doom to criminals and terrorisrs for almost 40 years now is not what I would call REALITY BASED, guys. This is PULP. It deals with real-world issues, but it is larger than life action-adevnture fiction, not a HISTORY CHANNEL documentary. Great villains, tons of action, cool references and maybe the beginning of something bigger in Doug's corner of the Bolan-verse, not unlike what Gerald Montgomery tried with COMCON? Excellent read.

I enjoyed this book tremendously. Old school Bolan. Vintage Doug. The Bolan prerequistes: action, guns, carnage. Check. My own preferences: -No Arab terrorists: check -No Doomsday device: check -NO Evil Red Commies: check -Gangsters getting killed by the busload: check -Fresh original villains: check -References and geek Easter Eggs hidden in the choice of names: check -Kick ass female operator: check I could have used more of an epilogue, more quiet towards the end. That's just what I like, hence losing one star. The rest is just flawless.

This is a Bolan book, written by Chuck Rogers, featuring the MS-13, one of the most lethal gangs in the world. Of course I was going to read. Of course I liked it. But I liked it less than I thought I would and I can find one reason: the intrusion of the whole Al-Qaeda/terrorist thing. I would have enjoyed this book SO much more if: -There had been no terror plot -There had been a wall to wall systematic extermination of the MS-13 operations stateside -If Bolan had taken this a personal mission instead of being "sent" by Hal As it is, the book is action packed, has plenty of ass whoopings, good villains, good allies (I liked Cervantes) and Bolan being smart and ressourceful as well as a bad mofo one-man-strike-force. Enjoyable, but too much WAR ON TERROR, not enough BOLAN F*CKING UP GANGSTAS.

This was a solid, action packed book with UNSANCTIONNED Bolan throwing himself in a nightmare scenario: stuck between two murdering factions, no back up, barely any weapons, on foreign soil, during a 7.8 earthquake. Did I mention that Bolan jumped in that meat grinder? He wasn't "sent" by Brognola with a tidy little cover story. The book's structure is familiar: two enemy factions, a endangered woman, Bolan playing both sides against the middle. But there are touches here and there, especially in the dialogues and characterization that give this book its own personality. And, again, I loved that Bolan went there UNSANCTIONNED. We want more of this. He's supposed to be at arm's length with THE MAN. This one shows it. Soild entry into the series. Recommended.

Over the years, I've taken my distance from these books, the Bolan related books. I find it hard to care about a series in which nothing that happens really matters, because there are no consequences to the following books. But, I do drop in every once in a while, when I feel like an action filled adventure, as long as the villains are not TOO overused. And, man, am I glad I dropped into this party. I never thought that these books should be ultra-realistic procedurals, but true adventures with larger than live villains and unstoppable heroes and this is what we have here. KA55ANDRA-an evil Oracle-her fearsome trio of murderers, along with an entire cadre of killers, or a league of assassins, if you will. And Algul, a demon headed, mass murdering, blood drinking psychopath, along with his brother blood spilling followers. Some of the coolest villains ever. I regret their demise, they would have made for some great recurring arch-nemessis types. And I would liked to have seen more of them. Sure, action packed, funny banter between the boys, no Bolan, barely any Hal, Carmen jumping in to get her some, all of that was great, but the villains...wow. Get your hands on this rampaging bastard of a book. You won't regret it.

This is my LETHAL TRIBUTE review: This contains spoilers. S P O I L E R S P A C E This SUPER BOLAN has all the standard ingredients a Bolan book should have: action, big guns, explosions, stolen nukes, a huge conspiracy... But, like I told Chuck Rogers, none of those elements are what motivated me to get this book. The promise of good villains did. He set a standard with Iceman in SAVAGE GAME. The Cult Of Kali, the villains of the piece smoked Iceman. Oh sure, LETHAL TRIBUTE has plenty of that kick ass spec ops flavor, some cool macho wisecracking banter among Bolan and his allies, and the Mack bags not one but TWO babes. But the Cult Of Kali is teh reason to buy this book. The word "villains" do not apply here. These guys are EVIL. Not the adjective, the noun. They are totally insane, bloodthirtsy, fanatical, death woshipping iredeemable EVIL. And Bolan goes down. Obviously he doesn't die. But he goes DOWN. He is physically beaten and abused and pyscholigically RAPED. He is driven to the EDGE. He is driven OVER THAT EDGE. He goes insane. He embraces the very evil he's trying to fight..for a while. Then he gets back up, staggering, but the Spirit Of Vengeance that is the Executioner overcomes all of his trials and prevails against an ancient EVIL. This is my favorite SUPER BOLAN of all times. It holds unique fire and fury and stands out as one of the best Bolan books ever written. It reminded me why I loved this series of books in the first place. Not because it's a spec ops procedural, but bceause Bolan is a warrior, an Avenger, a Smasher Of EVIL. This book will kick your ass, squeeze your balls and make you its bitch. And you'll begging for MORE. Mr Rogers, you are THE MAN.

Douglas P. Wojtowicz could very well be, along with Montgomery, Chuck Rogers and the original Don Pendleton, my favorite Bolan writers of all. In his second contribution to the Bolan legend, he brings it on: action, chaos, characterization, balls, brains and a soul. I especially like Kowalski and Wazdi representing the New Skool. The heavy was more Klingon than stereotypical Arab Muslim and was a match for our favorite bad-assé This book is more fluid than BLOOD TRADE-which I loved-and much more frantic. Intense action in a short amount of time, like the original DIE HARD. Doug is a writer of IMMENSE talent and intelligence and deserves to be on the GE stable for a good long while. He's one of the fiew that actually gives a damn about little things like CONTINUITY, and EMOTIONAL CONTENT and CHARACTERIZATION. Keep it up.

I enjoyed this a great deal. A good old fashionned vigilante-styled gangster smashing tale. No North Koreans, no A-rab terrorists, no ex-KGB spooks stealing nukes. Just Bolan taking on some drug dealing scum. Both main villains were well fleshed out, and though evil bastards, they had a human side, one could almost sympathise with their pain. Bolan himself went back to his Frankie Lambretta/Omega roots, with some foul mouthed undercover work. And then, you have action, plot twists and even some sex with a strong female protagonist. Apparently, Mr Tessler is new to the writing team. This reader is hoping he stays on for a while.

Being a teacher by profession, I don't live giving perfect marks. Yeah, one of THOSE. So when I do give a perfect mark, it's because, for the life of me, even with the largest amoubt of ill-will I can muster, can't find a damn thing wrong with what I graded. SAVAGE REVIEW is THAT.DAMN.GOOD. Why? It has all the pre-requisites: action, suspense, solid plot, compelling, fluid writing. Even some sex. But that alone isn't enough, to warrant a 10. It has attitude. It has soul. It has balls. It has brains. It's funny. Bolan is a three dimensional character, the main villains are SOME seriously BAD guys. Iceman, Lawrence, Brand...Imagine an evil version of Stony Man. Complete with an evil Barbara/April (Pooky) And I mean EVIL. Bolan, has to take them down...ON. HIS. OWN. The last part, the last 40 or so pages were some of the most intense pages I have ever read in my life. It's just...you have to read it. You honestly do not know how Bolan is going to make it. You know he will because the series isn't cancelled. Otherwise...damn. I was worried for the big guy. For both his physical and PSYCHOLOGICAL well being. Oh, yeah. PSYCHOLOGICAL. Read it, you'll know what I mean. The confrontations between Ice and Bolan...Just AMAZING. Can't say more without spoiling it. And Bolan takes a pounding in this one. Chuck Rogers abuses Bolan as much as Doug did in BLOOD TRADE. This book is hardcore. With a capital HARD.

To dust off an overused cliché: he can talk the talk and he can walk the walk. In the 2000s, two writers have broughtme back to Bolan: Gerard Montgomery and Douglas P. Wojtowicz. I read the full on hardcore DVD director's cut of this book-and the version that will get published. Love them both. This has everything a Bolan book should have: action, mayhem, nasty and irredeemable bad guys and SOUL. This is PERSONAL for Bolan. Let us not forget that Bolan is not just some personality impaired drone, not just some faceless, nameless, cold-war tool, not just some got totting spook: he is Judgement, he is Justice, he is Vengeance-he is the Executioner. This is the return of cool, the original American Badass, Mack Bolan. The Incarnation of Retribution-he gets shot, beat up, blown up, dragged accross pavement-keep it comin'. he can take it...and return it in kind. And Bolan has to reach deep down into the root of his War Everlasting to keep going. And guess what, despite the serious backdrop, there is some funny banter in this. What makes this Bolan better than most? CHARACTERIZATION. Bolan is funny, sad, angry, tired, hurt...you know, he's actually a THREE DIMENSIONAL CHARACTER, here. I already read his next one. Expect more of the same, people: breakneck pacing, bone-crunching action, funny lines, big guns and a reminder that this Bolan guy is one bad mother-shut your mouth with brains, balls and a SOUL.

I don't care about technical mistakes. I care about the story. The story was damn good. There was an earnest-ad succesful- attempt to steer away from the typical ex-KGB steals nukes, evil Muslims Hate America, overdone clichés. The characterization was excellent. The Stony Man warriors were all enraged by the atrocities they were witnessing, one could feel their outrage. I liked the action. Hard core and kick-ass brawls and firefights. Some of the dialogue between Hal and POTUS was very entertaining. And I liked Mack Bolan's absence. Do not get me wrong, I am a Mack Bolan fan, first and foremost, however, I really enjoyed how he was written out of the story: He had to clear a personal debt in Madagascar. That captured the essence of Bolan: a man who fights his own war, his way, on his terms. And IF he wants to, if he can, he will help Stony Man out. An entertaining read. And to hell with technical mistakes. Mr Pollota is an engaging STORYTELLER. THAT is what matters.

Mobsters...spooks...gang bangers....Sea monsters...loose cannon lady feds...Leo Turrin actually being a useful character...Johnny Bolan kicking ass...the return of certain demented journalist...oh,my! Like the COMCON books, written by Gerald Montgomery-one of the people who put EXECUTE back in the EXECUTIONER-this breaks new grounds, and boldly goes where no STONYMAN has gone before.(Except PATRIOT,who has written a BOLAN fanfic with supernatural overtones in it,quite cool one,I might add and has done that later one with his own crew, EXODUS) Did I like it! I did, a great deal. It had plenty of thrills and chills, but, again, it all boils down to characterization. When Bolan shows up,in this books, you almost feel sorry for the villains. Mack Bolan in full Evil Smashing mode. Not just a spook or an operative, but a hardcore Spirit Of Vengeance. Also, a cool supporting cast, including and especially agent Mallory Harmon (picture Agent Dana Scully, with some Clarice Sterling and a touch of La Femme Nikita, with a Fox Mulder-like system of beliefs)And the interactions between the characters were great. I like Mack hooking up with Johnny towards the end. A favorite moment of mine in what I'vae read of the series so far. And, Johnny Bolan shows up, briefly, but better than not at all. And IRONMAN joins in on the monster killing fun. My only reservations: Mack does not kill enough people and the book is a bit crowded with all those characters, but hell, its like having a party with all your best friends, except the appartment is too small to hold all these people: no room, but still plenty of fun. And besides, Mack uses the 50 AE DE!!!!!WOOHOOO!!!! In short: carange,chaos,mayhem, snappy dialogue,big guns,cool babes, great use of the cast, and great characterization. This book might rekindle the whole sci-fi in Mack's world debate...I just say...Don't sing it...BRING IT!

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.

I remember THE MACK laying the smackdown on some candy ass gangbangers in this action packed story. And the return of Barney Gibson and Bill Philips is also mentionned, characters created by the Don himself,back in the day.So I appreaciated the sense of history ,if you will.Also, Mack is really in his vigilante mode here, barely backed,barely sanctionned. And he is pretty street smart as well. There are some clasic "Newtonisms":playing both gangs against each other, kidnapped girl,etc...But it's still a glimpse at old school Bolan the Bastard. Solid.

The Stony Men in space. Why the heck not?(MINOR SPOILERS,BEWARE) This was a fresh,original concept(except for the evil Red Chinese) and there was a charming little gunfight in the last part of the novel. The whole crew went cowboy at the end-behind Hal's back- which I thought was nice. Everybody had plenty of "screen time",the villains were solid, though somewhat stereoyped and there was enough action and suspense to make this a solid entry. NOTE.:I like how Bolan does not hog the whole book in Kasner's Stony Mans,but is still the "leader",as no decision is made without his all-important silent nods.

Action-packed,sure,they all are.The bridge scene was great. The BLACKSUIT story,well...Listen,the guys complain about being bored.Didn't the FARM get raided a bunch of times?The last time by ABLE TEAM?ABLE damn near KILLED half of the BLACKSUITS.I know that between all of the writers it is hard to maintain continuity, but still... Also,in Russian,no mention of GROMYLKO.Who?The Russian cop from BLOOD STAR.How come he was not contacted?Small details,but... You know,I am starting to wonder if the FARM should not be moved. With all the raids and JAMES GORDON(a wink to BATMAN fans maybe?) on the loose,it isn't that top secret anymore. But despite all of that,yes,I did like the book overall.

"BLOODSTAR IS NOTHING NEW.HOWEVER,IT PACKED A PUNCH,AND I GOT A KICK OUT OF HAWK'S WISECRACKS.PLUS,A NICE LOVEMAKING SCENE AT THE FARM BETWEEN PRICE AND BOLAN.I SAY NICE,BECAUSE,IT DOES NOT SHOW BOLAN AS THE JAMES BOND-TYPE INEXHAUSTABLE LADYKILLER,BUT A NORMAL GUY.

This was a decent entry in the series. Not unforgettable, but strong. ( MINOR SPOILERS, BEWARE.) This was wall to wall Mack Bolan. His cover was even blown at one point. I found it hard to believe when one of the villans did not know who Mack Bolan was. Where had HE been? There were several interesting supporting characters (the two native american cops, Doug Handler, etc...)and some interesting villains. Though the Militia thing had been done several times before, I really enjoyed this book, beacuse of the storytelling. This was vintage EXECUTIONER: One man blitz attacks, BOLAN fighting off ambushes, not really listening to Hal and laying his smackdown on the bad guys. And Bolan getting a few scratches along the way. One little flaw though: the bad guy leaders had this bad habit of killing their own henchmen. But an otherwise qiuick,entertaining read.

Read REBEL AND HOSTILES (A KASNER SUPERBOLAN also featuring MILITIANS)and see what I meant in my post:"I agree but however..." on the board. Same basic story:BOLAN vs GOV'T HATING MILITIANS two TOTALLT different books.

Yes,plenty of action,more hand to hand combat than we are used to,the Bolan-Lyons brawl was spectacular.But,little characterisation and NO MENTION of BOLAN's homicide/suicide.SAM BOLAN -Mack's father-was driven insane and decimated the family.A lot like the incidents in the book. That was the whole reason we have an EXECUTIONER today.But, a quick fun read overall.

BEING A BLACK HAITIAN-CANADIAN,I LIKED BOLAN'S (THIRD?AM I RIGHT)TRIP TO HAITI.NOT TOO MANY STEREOTYPES,PLENTY OF ASSKICKING.A GOOD READ. ALSO.CARLISLE SHOULD JOIN ABLE TEAM:A TOUGH,SMART, SLIGHTLY DISILLUSIONED BLACK COP WOULD BE A GREAT ADDITION IF YOU NEED TO SED HIM UNDERCOVER IN "DA HOOD" AS WE "BROTHERS" SAY.

Finally found this S.O.B. Okay. There has been a lot of contreversy about this book. Bottom line:did I like it? Sure,it has plenty of action and carnage and mayhem,and some suspense, it is not a bad action novel. Is it a good EXECUTIONER novel? Hmmm...well... Bolan is a jerk in this book.Leo sees him as a self-centered @$$hole...and I don't really like that. Furthermore,Leo is a whinny,two-faced pr*ck(excuse my french) Also, Bolan is not James Bond:he may be a little macho,but he won't just have sex with a young girl and seduce her and use her as a cover. That characterisation does not sit well with me. There are dozens of Bolan writers out there now...Nobody characterized him like that. I don't wanna hear about originality and creativity as an excuse,Bolan was out of character many times in this book,I found... Anybody can write sex and violence...That alone is not enough to write a good novel...Bolan deserved a little better.