Review: Mark Taylor Series : Books One and Two
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 7, 2013
No Good Deed:As I'm writing this it's late on 9/11, the ninth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. News, internet discussion, and talk wherever I've gone has been about this. Islamic friends around the US are concerned about rumors of protests outside of mosques and burning of Qur'ans in a country founded on the precept of religious freedom and tolerance.By now you're asking, what does this have to do with "No Good Deed"? Twenty years ago this book couldn't have been written. Partly because the events of 9/11 figure into the plot, but more importantly because the actions of the government would have been unthinkable pre-9/11. "No Good Deed" is both entertaining and suspenseful, but, regardless of your politics, should get you thinking. Are the responses to 9/11 making the US a better or worse place to live? Do we really win when laws are passed making it easier to combat terrorists if it also lessens our rights? Shouldn't the idea of "innocent until proven guilty" still apply today? "No Good Deed" gives you a chance to consider these questions from a perspective many of us haven't.March Into Hell:As a book series progresses you'll ideally get to know the main characters a little better; hopefully watch them grow and learn. During "No Good Deed," Mark was mostly on his own. His powers were secret from most and not totally believed by the few who were aware. In "March into Hell," Mark gets a needed support team (whether he realizes he needs it or even wants it). However, he struggles with his inclination to do what he believes is right while being uncomfortable with the attention he receives. Mark starts to give serious thought as to who or what is behind the power he's been given. In the process, he grows as a person and becomes better equipped to deal with his situation.In "No Good Deed" Taylor was under almost constant stress, both physical and emotional. Without giving spoilers, I can't say how, but think you'll find his experiences in "March into Hell" are almost as intense. McDonald does very well putting you inside Mark's head in a way that jacks up the intensity. Luckily for you she doesn't make you actually feel it.The only quality those who read "No Good Deed" won't find in this latest installment of Mark Taylor's adventures is the political angle. (For first timer's Mark was imprisoned as a post-9/11 "enemy combatant" in that book.) Because of this, the good guys and bad guys are much easier to determine. The real life questions provoked by the politics of Mark's situation aren't there. Instead, for those who want more than just a good thriller, McDonald gives you plenty of opportunity to consider questions of heroism and hero worship. What makes a hero? Does being a hero commit a person to additional obligations? Is it reasonable to consider a hero a public figure with the loss of privacy that implies?**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog.**