Like I said before, the Task Force Valor series is one of those series that goes from one character to the next and fixes them up. Next in line is Bobby Sweeney.
While in Ukraine investigating the Dead Zone in Chernobyl, the Task Valor Force begins hearing about terror threats back in their home country. These threats just happen to have something to do with their investigation.
CIA agent Mary Walker accompanies them on this mission again. You would think that after the last book, she would have retired. But no, she's back and as annoying as ever. Her character is just obnoxious.
The reason for Bobby's atheism is his "bad family life". His family went to church but they weren't a good example of Christianity to him.
Rip Rubio, new convert from Island Inferno has gone from loudmouth "pagan" to Bible-toting, Scripture-quoting, constant prayer warrior. It's really pretty cheesy.
Bearing all these facts, the book has more potential than Island Inferno. Believe it or not, the enemy is not a Muslim terrorist. Also, as far as I could tell, there was no last chapter conversion by Bobby or Mary.
However, Chuck needs to stop this series immediately and try something more original next time.
1.5 stars
Showing posts with label chuck holton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chuck holton. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Island Inferno by Chuck Holton
Seargent "Rip" Rubio is sent on a special mission with Task Force Valor to a Pacific island to try and recover a stolen military device. Back in the States, Rip's sister is falling under the influence of local gangs. Rip is powerless to help her.
Fernanda Lerida is a grad student on vacation with her fellow students on the very same island. She, of course, gets caught up in the action with Rip.
It's obvious that this book lacks the interesting plot of Allah's Fire. Gone is the original weapon idea and in comes typical suspense. Hostage scenes, explosions, jungle chases, gunfire, and more litter the plot and make it very mediocre and mindless.
The Task Force Valor series is one of those series that goes from one character to the next and fixes them up, makes them perfect. Allah's Fire did John Cooper; Island Inferno did Rip Rubio.
Rip Rubio, atheist at first, whole-hearted Christian in the end, with a free girlfriend to go with his purchase. It's just so typical and clear cut it's ridiculous.
Chuck Holton needs to try something different.
1 star
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Allah's Fire by Chuck Holton
Probably the best thing about Chuck Holton is the experience he has that fuels his writing. He has captured the scene of the War on Terror like no other author has. And he has an excellent writing style.
The plot of Allah's Fire follows an ambassador and a soldier in Lebanon as their paths cross. She is searching for her lost sister, he is just doing his job as the perfect male lead. But chasing both of them is a group of Muslim terrorists with a dangerous new weapon.
The biggest problem with the story is its impossible scenario. There's no other way he could have ended it and still be sane. The other problem is the bad characters. Typical storyline with a troubled female lead being protected by a perfect male lead. It probably would have been much better if the two of them hadn't gotten together at the end.
All in all, it's good for a debut novel and worth your time.
2.5 stars
The plot of Allah's Fire follows an ambassador and a soldier in Lebanon as their paths cross. She is searching for her lost sister, he is just doing his job as the perfect male lead. But chasing both of them is a group of Muslim terrorists with a dangerous new weapon.
The biggest problem with the story is its impossible scenario. There's no other way he could have ended it and still be sane. The other problem is the bad characters. Typical storyline with a troubled female lead being protected by a perfect male lead. It probably would have been much better if the two of them hadn't gotten together at the end.
All in all, it's good for a debut novel and worth your time.
2.5 stars
Allah's Fire by Chuck Holton
Probably the best thing about Chuck Holton is the experience he has that fuels his writing. He has captured the scene of the War on Terror like no other author has. And he has an excellent writing style.
The plot of Allah's Fire follows an ambassador and a soldier in Lebanon as their paths cross. She is searching for her lost sister, he is just doing his job as the perfect male lead. But chasing both of them is a group of Muslim terrorists with a dangerous new weapon.
The biggest problem with the story is its impossible scenario. There's no other way he could have ended it and still be sane. The other problem is the bad characters. Typical storyline with a troubled female lead being protected by a perfect male lead. It probably would have been much better if the two of them hadn't gotten together at the end.
All in all, it's good for a debut novel and worth your time.
2.5 stars
The plot of Allah's Fire follows an ambassador and a soldier in Lebanon as their paths cross. She is searching for her lost sister, he is just doing his job as the perfect male lead. But chasing both of them is a group of Muslim terrorists with a dangerous new weapon.
The biggest problem with the story is its impossible scenario. There's no other way he could have ended it and still be sane. The other problem is the bad characters. Typical storyline with a troubled female lead being protected by a perfect male lead. It probably would have been much better if the two of them hadn't gotten together at the end.
All in all, it's good for a debut novel and worth your time.
2.5 stars
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