Covert Warriors: Presidential Agent Series, Book 7

I've followed the Charlie Castillo series since its inception. This novel seemed to have a

One of Griffin's strengths is character development. Where that was present in this book, it was cut and pasted from previous volumes.
Second, the language was over the top - or more accurately- in the sewer. It was so difficult to listen to, I had to turn it off a few times just to take a break. (Some is expected, but this? Come on.) Much of the foul language had nothing to do with the story. It was petty and not in keeping with the consistency of the other books in the series.
It was no longer fun: it became a chore. I don't read fiction for the intellectual challenge, but if I need chores, I'll check the honey-do list.

The Castillo series should continue, but I would encourage that Griffin returns to his original principles and style.

I hope the next one isn't as flat. It's unlikely that I'll invest in another book by this author.

As an avid Charlie Castillo fan, I couldn't wait to get my hands (ears?) on this new book. Another reviewer called it ragged and I have to agree. The authors' styles didn't mesh very well... and whoever was in charge of crafting the ending-- well, I hope he does a better job on the next one. Even with a sequel in mind, too many loose ends stayed unravelled to call this book enjoyable. Sure, it left me wanting more- but not in a good way... much like dropping the last, best bite of your jelly donut on the floor. The good news: narrator-extraordinaire, Dick Hill NEVER disappoints.

I've been a huge fan of W.E.B. Griffin for more than 20 years and I'm sad to say that since he's started writing with his son the books have become much less enjoyable. The Presidential Agents series started off as enjoyable, though not up to his earlier series, but as each book in this series has come out it has gotten steadily more rote and repetitive. It seems unlikely that I will continue to read this series.

I love the genre and I love Griffin's earlier works. I'll likely just go back and revisit those wonderful books.

The acting of the book was fine for what it was. It was easy to follow who was speaking as the reader had distinctive voices for everyone. I will say that weather he was written that way or it was the readers interpretation, the President was such an SOB that I found myself not being able to wait until the chapter was over every time the story switched to the Presidential POV.

No, not really.

I think followers of W.E.B. Griffin know that usually his books are all about the interactions between the characters and not necessarily about the action. That being said, all of the interaction in this book are boring and repetitive. They basically sit around for the whole book talking about the same things over and over and then resolve the major plot point in a couple of paragraphs. I came away with the impression that the authors are working to turn out as many books as possible with not a lot of thought to the quality and the enjoyment of fans.

All the voices seem strident and overbearing. Sometimes it's like iistening to Foghorn Leghorn argue with himself. I think DIck Hill could tone it down a bit, but the story itself plows SO much of the same ground over and over, and he has to read what's written.

How many times does a plot development have to be repeated to each character almost verbatim? I had to take breaks to rest before listening to more.

Strident, loud, and combative.

I wouldn't cut a character, but I might try to give each character's personality more nuance. Many of the conversations sound like old cops telling war stories after one too many drinks....war stories they've repeated a thousand times...and being a bit too coarse in the presence of other characters who should be treated with more respect...like Abuela.

I think I'm done with this series.

I liked hearing about the characters in a new plot.

but there were dropped threads and shoddy attention to detail. The duo need to hone their partnership style.

Charlie

Yes

The style should improve. The first Dick Francis/Felix Francis novel was not as good as usual too.

The story was disconnected and the ending was terrible. Just mad no sense. what is going on? The quality of the last 2 books has really fallen.....

No

Dick Hill is a master and is the only positive part of this audio book.

Disappointment

W. E. B. Griffin is letting his fans down....

This book is an absolute joke. After investing in a continually exciting series, I had higher expectations. The story certainly builds to a great picture of an emotionally wrecked and president who is portrayed by the narrator as truly out of his mind. But that is about all you will get from this book. Plot lines that never really wrap up and so much

I will, from now on, avoid ALL books with Author or Co-Author William E. Butterworth IV. He should stick to pancake syrup.

In the other books, the narrator did a great job. His portrayal of a bizarre and paranoid president was so extreme that as a listener, you can't wait to find out how his world finally get unraveled or fixed. But in the end, the narrator, producer, etc. All made the big character build for nothing.

Not a character, I would certainly fire William E. Butterworth IV and send him back to the mail room. Clearly his involvement in this series is a true mistake.

Save your money. This book is not even in the same league as the others. Just pretend this on doesn't exist.

This is a waste. Poor story and poor performance. Come on. If this was the first book there wouldn't be a second.
I wasted a credit here. This is not up to Griffin's standards. And Dick hill has done a better job before as well.
Don't waste your time and money.

Incomplete story with out much input from the main characters.

To over the top. Need to go easy on those accents.

I would send it back and ask for a rewite.

I'm going to sample the next one before I buy it. I enjoyed the series till now.

Yes.

This is book 7 - the people and their characters are developed. This story is kind of half baked. Not quite done. Book is ~13hrs long and should have been 25+ to take this to the level it should have been.

None... None of the story line is as complete as it should be. Dick Hill done his usual great job with the telling of the story, it's just not complete.

Dick Hill does a great job narrating the book. Since Griffin has been writing with his son the story seems a bit ragged. I hope as they work together the son learns more from his father and can carry the writing forward. There was a lot of repetition of the prior books of the series which interfered with the current story. The story built up with lots of suspense then the ending was a total let down. At first I thought there was an error in the downloading of the book, it seemed as if a whole section of the ending was missing. I would have liked a lot more detail for the ending. Maybe it will be filled in with the next book of the series. I love the series and will keep listening and hope they improve writing together.