Review: Read this!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 1, 2012
Title: The Willing (The Crayder Chronicles #2)Author: C.S. SplitterPublisher: Published November 2011 by C.S. SplitterGenre: Thriller/SuspenseFormat: EbookAISN: B006AWYE2MTom Crayder is just like any regular guy that you know. He likes fast food, dirty jokes and airplanes. He also struggles to make ends meet and loves his wife, Jenny.It was the love for his wife, his empty wallet and getting tired of seeing justice get lost in the system that lead him to get involved with a secret, and not always lawful, organization that gives justice a new name.So, when Tom's wife unknowingly finds herself caught in the eye of a dangerous and lethal drug cartel, his newly acquired skills are put to the test.Helping Tom protect his family is Lorena, a tough as nails lady who knows exactly how to keep Tom in line and get a job done. Along with Lorena and Tom is the cast from The Reluctant (Crayder Chronicles #1) as they all work together to take down the baddies that threaten the people Tom hold dearest.As I stated when I wrote the review for The Reluctant (book one in this series) this book is a departure from the YA genre that I usually read. But doesn't it say something that I stepped away from the paranormal and young adult reads that I usually favor to come back to this series? Doesn't it say something about an author who can make you like something that you might not normally like?Tom Crayder is good at delivering justice and staying true to himself just as C.S. Splitter is good at delivering a really great, entertaining read.The Willing delivers a fast-paced, entertaining read that hooks the reader with the plot and characters that might madden you, but inevitably, you love them and root for them to come out on top.One of the best aspects of this book is that the reader never gets bored. The story line moves along with ease and adventure and takes the reader for a ride that they won't soon forget.  It almost felt like I was sitting in the cock pit (okay, not the cock pit cause that only seats two, but maybe in the seats in the back of the plane) with Tom and Lorena and plotting the baddies demise. *rubs hands together* Who doesn't like to plot the downturn of an evil villain - or better yet, a character who deserves the kind of justice that only Tom and his team can dish out.Another highlight of this book is the strong characterization. Let's face it people, characterization is key in a book. It isn't always easy, but C.S. Splitter delivers well-rounded characters with brilliance. How do I know? Because I am married. I have friends who are married. Tom acts like a lot of guys I know. LOL. He is quite frankly the most honest portrayal of a man I have ever read = he is completely maddening and at times I would like to smack him. But you know what? He totally grows on you - you can't help but love him. While I often found myself shaking my head at his sex jokes I still understood where he was coming from because from him it was believable.Every character in this book is solid and not once departures from who they are supposed to be. I really liked Jake in The Reluctant and in The Willing. My like for Jake turned into a little crush. This guy is a good guy, but might not always appear that way on the outside. He is also one tough SOB and you can count on him when the chips are down. I also find it hot he drives a motorcycle. LOL.Another scene stealer was Tom's dog, Sammy. The Chihuahua with an underbite who likes to give Tom a hard time. He he he he.There are also some new characters that are introduced into the book, characters that are of the female variety. I like a man who writes a strong woman who can dupe a man with the bat of her eye.... or a shake of her booty. I hope that these new characters come back for another adventure in book three.The writing in the book is also clean and solid, there were no plot holes and nothing that made me stop and think "Wait a minute..." It all fit together and flowed very well, which created a pleasant reading experience.I would recommend this book for anyone who likes a good adventure, a real peak into a man's head, and anyone who likes to see the bad guy get what they deserve.So what is the verdict here?I am "Willing" and ready to read what happens next in the Crayder Chronicles... rumor has it that Tom's son will be making an appearance in the next book and I am so excited to see what kind of son Tom has raised.I have also two learned a very valuable lessons in life from The Crayder Chronicles. When faced with a situation that needs some creative solutions I ask myself quite simply,"What would Tom Crayder do?"Indeed.The second lesson?True friends help you hide the bodies.There you have it. My opinion.