Customer Reviews

AGAINST ALL ENEMIES

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

It's a novel with a fascinating cast of characters and a complex web of betrayal, violence, and corruption. At the heart of the novel, we find attorney Hank Sutherland prosecuting an Air Force court martial case against an African American captain. The appears to be a slam dunk, but Sutherland starts to dig deep into the case in his efforts to rule out counter-arguments from the defense. Ironically, in his pursuit to create a strong case for the prosectuion, Sutherland comes across evidence of a dangerous conspiracy. The drama that unfolds from there is chilling and pure pulse-pounding suspense.

And the backdrop to the legal drama includes heart-racing scenes from the Sudan, where two American fighter pilots are captured, and the Delta Force rescue operation headed by the fascinating and mega-rich Nelson Durant. Throughout the novel, we also become acquainted with power-hungry Jonathan Meredith, head of the fanatical First Brigade, and his volunteer army, and a character that readers won't soon forget.

The most common comparison one conjurs up is that between Herman and Clancy. It's a deserved comparison, and with Against All Enemies, Herman proves (not that he needed to, after the success of Power Curve) that he can hold his own in this genre. Indeed, he breathes new light and energy into it. Fans of the military and political thriller sub-genre are in for a treat.

Since Clancy's the 500-lb. gorilla of this genre, everyone must work in his shadow. I suppose that several decades hence, if the genre survives, technothriller writers will invariably be compared to Tom in much the same way that today's private eye novelists must forever be held to the standards of Raymond Chandler and John MacDonald. Anyway, Herman delivers solid suspense and some furious action scenes in a volume that can't double as a bank vault doorstop. (hello, Tom?) The courtroom scenes are as good as anything Grisham has done. (Another annoying comparison) Sorry to be picky, but where are the proofreaders/editors at Avon. It can really break the spell (pun) to see the popular Japanese roadster called a "Miyata" (3 times) And O.K. the civilian defence attorney might naturally use the term "court martials" rather than the proper "courts-martial" (martial is an adjective referring to military/war matters), but to have the veteran military lawyer Maj. Blasedale say it incorrectly, come on! Lastly, a little too much reliance on extreme coincidence and a so-so ending.

I thought that this book was of a much lower quality than his previous novels. The editing was sloppy (at least two different characters in two different settings used the expression "like stink on a skunk"). In one instance a character's name was replaced with different character's name, leading to some confusion. Plot and character development were superficial. This book was an obvious "quicky", both in writing & editing.

Started reading and just couldn't put it down. The second book away from his earlier cast of characters. Though some keep reappearing they are not the main stay. Am eagerly awaiting his next and one after that.

I understood the basic concept. I understood the idea that in attempting to blow up a Sudanese sight, two B-2 pilots were captured, tortured, and a rescue was planned. I even understood the minute intricacies of the rescue plan. But why was the character called "Meredith" never explained or developed? What was his part in the whole thing? Were there two stories going on? I think the author attempted to mix politics with action/adventure and failed. Technicalities and legalese were mixed and confusing as well. In all, it was a very difficult story to follow. Many pages I read just because they were there, and I felt as though if I read them over and over again I still wouldn't get it. If you are truly bored to tears and there is no other book available, you might enjoy some of this book. Otherwise, forget it. It sucks.

This is my first time to read this author. I enjoyed the book very much. It is very interesting and although it was difficult to keep some of the characters straight, because of the many sub-plots, I never wanted to put it down. His characters are likeable and his plots intriguing. I'm looking forward to reading more of his books.

This book reads just like today's headlines. Invaluable....! A great vacation read.

An enjoyable read. If you like the stories of Clancy, or similar authors, you'll like this. You do have to be prepared for some annoyingly sloppy editing, however.

Richard Hermann comes through again with a great story concept. Although not as tight a read as his previous works, I still found this an outstanding book.

I was very disappointed in this book. Too many characters with too many hang-ups. The only thing I found Clancy-like was the fact that he used a similar sub-plot (terrorists and a strain of the Ebola virus)as Clancy in Rainbow-Six.

This book was a chore to finish.