"Excellent"
This was a very enlightening read. I learned much that the press never covered. I felt frustration at the indecision that came from the Brass out of Washington DC who sat in comfort instead of the hot desert sands The narrative flows at times like a documentary and like at times like a novel but the two come together without distraction. The narration was very well done. At the limited times of 'combat conversation'' Mr. Dean did not try to give voices to each person which in this case I thought was the best approach. I thought it very well worth a credit. And at some later date will probably listen to it again just to keep the facts straight.
"Brave Hearts"
Great story and a great way of telling it. I loved the parts where we get to hear what Maggie is thinking and feeling. These dogs are not always able to be re-trained for police work since they do suffer PTSD as well their handlers. I loved the bonding between Maggie and her new Alpha after the loss of Pete. The ending I wont spoil but I will say my heart was just up in my throat. I was not familiar with this narrator but he has a great voice and knows how to perk up or slow down to fit the scene. Great all around effort. Totally enjoyable.
"For This I Waited!"
This is not Baldacci's best work. Honestly, it's not even close and having read his work I was frankly disappointed. I felt the plot was very weak most of the time. There were not the hair pin twists and turns I have come to expect from this author. Most times this narration duo can carry a book that has it's weak spots, however, this time was they were bit off as well. I am not saying it was a total waste of my time but it was just not one of those I was eager to resume listening because I know Baldacci is capable of better.
"Attention Getter"
If you are looking for action you will find it in this book. The way it is written it could be a movie script. The only thing I found objectionable are the sound effects and back ground music. The Duo of McLarty and Cassidy work well together but that does take a bit of getting used to. For me this was classic Baldacci and held my attention even if some of the dialog betweeen the One Star and John was a big corney at times. An enjoyable read.
"Working the Clues"
Here Reacher is in his element as master detective since he already has his mind made up at the beginning. He is totally certain this man did the deed. But did he? Looking though this series list I see there is a different narrator on some and I am very glad I bought the Dick Hill versions. Hill gives Reacher alot of depth of feeling. I am not sure about seeing movie. Tom Cruise as Reacher? I just dont think he is up to the task.
"But Here TODAY!"
I did not buy nor read the series in the order of writing so I am going back and re-reading them. A few I did not buy at all due to what the fans of the series had to say about them. I thought Mr.Child did a much better job with weaving a more complex plot with this one and with leaving his own political views just out of reach on the back burner. Reacher really had the deck stacked against him in this one. You can see the ending coming but it still runs over you like a Mac Truck. Dick Hill is just magnicifant as a narrator!
"Slow Burn"
This was a reach even for Reacher. Not one of Child's best efforts. Dick Hill was great with what he had to work with which was pretty flat. I have read most all of the Reacher series. Some I just didnt buy because I read what the fans write and trust that judgement. I will still read Jack's adventures but this one wont even be an Echo.
"Wild Ride"
I can not even imagin riding those mountain trails and then into battle. I thought this book was very well written and well read. Today when we think of Cavalry it's usually 1st Air Cav sweeping in to save the day not men on actual horses. Warfare on a horse seems like it would be something those who put together this engagement would have to go back a 150 years or so and relearn. It was a good thing in this book to see the modern American Soldier and a Afgan man and his horses come together for a common purpose. I thank Mr. Stanton for doing this book otherwise these men and their story might have been lost to us. I was not familiar with this narrator but I thought he did a great read and I would enjoy hearing more from him.
"OK! More like the Clancy of Old"
The pairing of Clancy and Greaney hit a home run with this one. This is more like the work of Clancy back during his "Hunt For Red October" Days and I totally enjoyed it. Since he seems to heading toward phasing John Clark out due to his 'age' I would like to see a younger version brought in, but for us old timers who have been reading Clancy for years, tread lightly and let us see flashes of the Old John Clark in the New One! Now, Mr, Phillips, while I have admired your abilities as an actor for a long time, I must say you need some lessons from people like Brick and Guildall or a better editor. I could hear every BREATH you took and it was very annoying. I had to try very hard to shut it out. You never hear Scott Brick nor George Guidall take a breath much less a sharp intake because they have run out of air. You have a good voice learn to use it better.
"Comparing The Two"
Two? Yes Two. I recently read this account of the taking of Fallujah and some months back I read " No True Glory". Since they both deal with the same event in this war I thought it only fair to make a short comparision. With this book my main complaint was the narrarator. The pitch of his voice was just not appealing to my ears and his delievery at times was harsh and rapid. A good narrator gives his listener time to fully understand what he has just said! As for as the stories both are good. Both books are well written. Having said all that, In my opnion are far as description and depth of feeling No True Glory would have to come in #1
"Sitting In A Fish Bowl"
Here it is the wee hours of the morning and I just finished this book and I am searching for words for this review. The ANA reminded very much of the ARVN in Viet Nam; that our young men and women are even sent out alongside men that are cowards such as the ANA in this book really made me angry. Tapper did not pull his punches. He gave a bold.truthful look at situational SNAFU's the men of Camp Keating had to endure. Endured from the land, the enemy, the villigers,and the fools somewhere up the Chain of Command who thought this was a good location even for an Outhouse much less an Outpost. Tapper introduces us to real people and true events not invented characters and made up missions.
This narrator is new to me but I thought his voice was pleasing and his style of delivery smooth. I am very glad he did not try to give these men 'voices' for that would have distracted from the meat of the story.
If you are looking for a Vince Flynn or Brad Thor type book then "The Outpost" is not for you but if you want a honest account of this one slice of the Afghan War then you will really appreciate this book.