Review: Fantastic deal - some great authors to be sure.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 25, 2014
I purchased this collection as soon as it was published. I have read Ethan Jones and Ty Hutchinson so I will leave reviews of what I have read that is in this collection.The following review is for the Diplomat.I was fortunate to receive an ARC of the Diplomat in the hopes that I would post an honest review. I have read everything that the author has published so I was happy to get a jump on this novella.Ethan Jones writes special operations novels starring Justin Hall of the Canadian Intelligence Series. His novels are well crafted with the depth necessary for the adventure/thriller genre. I was a bit concerned when he announced that he was writing a Justin Hall novella. Ethan ran several risks in writing a novella. Would the story seem rushed? Would it be a bit trite for the genre? Would he be able to establish the pace of the longer books? Would a reader new to the series be able to associate with the characters?Fortunately for readers, especially his fans, Ethan was successful on all points. The one thought that I had while reading this story, was that Ethan is clearly showing his journeyman status as an author. One of my all time favorite authors is Daniel Silva who writes a similar genre of books that have the Mossad as the intelligence service. I have read all his books and froth at the mouth when Mr. Silva publishes a new novel. I bring up Daniel Silva because Ethan Jones matches up well with him. I enjoy them both almost equally as well.I know that I gave no background of the storyline. That was by design as I am sure other reviewers will do that. I felt it was more important to address the quality of the writing to aid new and existing readers in deciding to shell out a few dollars for this worthwhile novella. Highly recommended.The following review is for Arctic Wargame.Another GREAT debut novel. This time from a Canadian lawyer. I only read indie authors and continue to be highly impressed by the fine offerings by the newbies.This book is about an invasion of Arctic Canada by an implausible aggressive European mini-country. Ethan makes that implausible plot line work using a twist on the aggressors. The Canadian characters, including the indigenous arctic dwellers,are well crafted. You can actually "feel" them and the relationships between them.The storyline is very fast paced and never really lapses. I was engrossed in the story and found myself withing it was much longer so I could keep reading. The Arctic Wargame is highly recommended for anyone that enjoys a good action tale.Buy this book and support this author. I want him to continue writing.This review is for Russian Hill by Ty Hutchinson.The petite Chinese FBI agent Abby Kane is back for another entertaining mystery. That is a very good thing for us and a reason for those unfamiliar with Ty Hutchinson to get on board reading this fine author.Russian Hill refers to a San Francisco neighborhood. Most of this story takes place in Chinatown where Abby and a SFPD detective team up to solve an apparent series of serial killer murders. I particularly enjoy the continuous action whether it be on the job or at home with her kids and Po Po. Even the normally mundane events of home life are entertaining.Ty has crafted a character that the reader will fully understand and care about. She is not the invincible physically super woman of so many heroines. Abby is a woman that uses her fine mind to transcend her physical limitations. She is, however, the mental equal (or more) of the men that surround her.What is really great about this book is a two-fer. I mentioned the serial killer theme. That takes about two thirds of the story and is a great stand-alone yarn. Once solved, Abby (and only Abby) realizes that there is a subplot. I won't create a spoiler so you will have to read this excellent book to find out.My recommendation is to get some good green oolong tea, and few rice cakes, and sit back and start reading.