Soft Target

Ray Cruz, Book 1

By: Stephen Hunter

Narrated by: Phil Gigante

Length: 7 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times best-selling author Stephen Hunter is back with another breakneck thriller, in which ex-Marine sniper, Ray Kruz, must outwit a group of murderous Somali terrorists who’ve laid siege to the Mall of America.

Recently retired marine sergeant Ray Kruz has been talked into a mall trip by his fiancé, the beautiful Molly Chan. For Ray, Molly represents a way to reconnect with normal life, something his 20 years in the service and five tours in two combat zones have prevented. But now he finds himself in the middle of the softest target of all, a huge consumer mall where a self-styled “Mumbai Brigade” has come to bring massive death to the heartland. They just didn’t know Ray Cruz was in the building….

©2011 Stephen Hunter (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Hunter Knows

Stephen hit the nail on the money with this one. When the real truth comes out, no contravention to the false narrative. Excellent story, exposing what has been happening in Minnesota and D.C. for years. Thanks!

great book great author

I read my first Stephen Hunter book many years ago. I found this to be another great book. Highly recommended.

Excellent branch story to the Swagger legacy.

This is an excellent intro to continue the Swagger leniage. Cruz processes the same duty and honor traits of his father.
Looking forward to more.

Bubble Gum Basic

This has the ear markings of a hundred or more "Good and Worthy" Action books. Before you think this is one of those novels; stop.
I believe it has a dozen or so paragraphs from each great novel of the Great writers of action and adventure rolled into one book. I would never state that there is a verbatim sequence of these other great novels because that would be plain illegal.
This book is fine if you need a quick pick; you see it, and time is ticking before you lose your hot spot WIFI connection.
To have it to hear in the background while you shop or multitask this is a good book. But if it costs a credit or more than $5 please spend a little time to find something else.
I listened to it all so there is some attraction and basic plot at work. It's just is a plot with a hero and nemesis that is comic book 101. There is nothing of substance in the whole book. But who said that is a bad thing?

Needed a little more

Would you try another book from Stephen Hunter and/or Phil Gigante?

I am willing to try out another book for comparison to best see if this is an author I will continue to listen to

Action Packed with Mediocre Story

What did you like best about Soft Target? What did you like least?

The book is filled with action packed scenes which keep your interest but the story is based on an unusual premise that is beyond reality.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Another action packed thriller.

Which character – as performed by Phil Gigante – was your favorite?

Ray Cruz.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Yes. The action scenes would make it worth while.

Any additional comments?

The performance by Phil Gigante was very good and as always, it's great to hear the firearms expertise by Stephen Hunter - something lacking in many other novels in this genre. In one scene, he describes the nuances of downhill shooting perfectly - it reminded me of my first miss from a tree stand looking downhill at a buck. Anyway, the action scenes really peaked my interest despite the unusual

Fast paced but a little disappointing

Would you try another book from Stephen Hunter and/or Phil Gigante?

I love Stephen Hunter's books and have read many of them. I enjoyed Soft Target but it was less intense than his usual fair so it did not meet my expectations.

Would you be willing to try another book from Stephen Hunter? Why or why not?

See comments above.

What three words best describe Phil Gigante???s voice?

Pleasant, well spoken

Do you think Soft Target needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

I liked the main character and would like to see a story more focused on him. I think the venue of soft target did not really lend to the character development that Hunter's prior stories have.

Any additional comments?

I consider this story an average read. I liked it but did not love it.

Great book

This is a great book. It takes a little while to get started but once the ride starts it is nonstop action. The little verbal digs is so true.

Mall of America - could this happen?

Would you listen to Soft Target again? Why?

What a great "short" book- 8hrs. In today's world this could happen. A big Ben Coes fan, This book held my interest with a twist coming from someone you would not expect.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I like espionage and thrillers . This takes place not all over the world but right here in the largest mall. Ray Kruz is great.

What about Phil Gigante’s performance did you like?

absolutely, hard to press the stop button

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Keep the narrator ! transfer to the listener emotion and excitement.

Any additional comments?

For a short listen, buy today,

Great Reality Check and Terrifying Possibility..

What did you love best about Soft Target?

I really enjoyed the strength and conviction demonstrated in the Ray's character. Being retired military I can relate to his sense of HCC.

What did you like best about this story?

The details, I thought the author did a great job at revealing the brave men and women who also serve our country, but receive no recommendation for their efforts. (FBI, police etc.) In addition, Hunter did a great job at exposing the very true nature of how politics can hinder the extraordinary efforts of these courageous heroes.

Have you listened to any of Phil Gigante’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my first time listening to Gigante's and he is definitely very good at what he does. He has a firm understanding of the importance of providing each character their own personality as well as a unique voice. Well done!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Without a doubt!