Customer Reviews

Engels Extension

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Tom Clancy, move over! E. G. Ross' ENGELS EXTENSION is as fast moving and exciting a techno-thriller as it is thoughtful and disturbingly prophetic in its political commentary. Hidden among the antimatter weapons, lasers and cloaking devices of the next century, a refreshing commentary on the dangers of today's politically-correct "feelgood" philosophy runs throughout the book. The danger of losing our freedom is ever-present; and it is the power of the independent mind and the unlimited abilities of man, unfettered by guilt-ridden rhetoric, that ultimately saves America from total destruction. There are lessons on many levels, and Engles Extension is an exciting and action-filled way to learn them. It's a must read---be sure to schedule some time, because you won't be able to put it down.

Based on my 50 years of professional experience in strategic warfare, Ross is to be congratu- lated for the technical accuracy of this book. In addition, the literary style is excellent. The style is so exciting and compelling that it is difficult to put the book down. It is reminiscent of Tom Clancy's novels. While the "cold war" is often portrayed as finished, in much of the current media presentations, this novel illlustrates the many threatening scenarios that can arise out of a world that is supposedly at peace. Again, an excellent historic and real presen- tation.

Engels Extension grabbed my attention right from the start. International intrigue, advanced weaponry, human conflict -- all there. I wish that those high in the present U.S. Adminisration would read it and ponder.

I'm looking forward to its sequel -- hope it will be available (from AMAZON) soon.

This book got me going from page one. A lot of people say that about a lot of books. But this book has an unbelievable ability to grab you and keep you. I was sweating from the first few minutes! The climax was totally unexpected. It left me literally out of breath. I've read thousands of books. Not many have this effect. While this is a technothriller, one thing I, as a woman, really liked was that it had good character development and a lot of humor. It made me care about the people, and about our country's future. It's patriotic, without being sappy or ridiculously macho. I've recommended it to dozens of people. I'm eager to see how the author will top this one with the rumored sequel! Get it and pass the word. This author's on his way up!

To touch the not so distant "reality" possibilities from our so-called peaceful nations around the world is scaringly more possible than we can imagine. This book amazingly captures the realizm of things to come, shortfalls of our defense system in the United States and oh so close the reality of things at hand in the not so distant future. Complacency is unacceptable when it comes to protecting the U.S.A. You will have a very different outlook on defense strategy after reading this book. You will be astonished, overwhelmed, and highly entertained! Hats off to the new "Clancy"!!!

Many thrillers - no, make that many -books-, lose a lot of credibility by making errors in the details. Ross sets forth a scenario that is original as far as my (active) reading in the thriller genre can see. He maintains credibility for the scenario by not dropping the detail ball. No magazine changes in revolvers here...when someone makes that kind of error and then expects me to believe they know what they're writing about, it falls flat. Ross' work stands tall. Another thing I really liked about the book were the 'everyday heroes' in it. Heroic folk and actions portrayed realistically - neither the 'loser turns over a new leaf' fantasy or cardboard superheroes. A very impressive first effort. One of the great things about reading a great first novel is looking forward to following the writer's career. More, Mr. Ross, more!

The action-techno genre is fast becoming a publishing staple. Authors such as Tom Clancy have pioneered this type of pleasing reading material. E.G. Ross brings the reader into a believable story by combining plausible, interesting, technological staging with interweaving subplots and well-developed characterizations. Time slips away as one tries, but fails, to put the book down.
This is a must read for those hunting for adventure and intrigue with a techy edge.

To put my opinion into words on this man is an obstacle. EGRoss, was not only an amazing author, but an amazing painter (Which, if his artwork were to be sold as prints, would out sell VanGough prints), a columnist, a husband, a uncle, a son, a friend, a cribbage master, a Star Trek fan, and in my opinion..., to put it one word, a genius. His passing came too early in life, when he was at his peak of intellectual capabilities (if not still on the rise.) I'm grateful that I had him in my first 18 years of life on earth, because he made me think during conversations. His books are more complex then Tom Clancy's and more imaginative (Plus, E.G. Ross doesn't pay other people to write his books). Although his books never saw commercial success, they deserve a place in my top 5 favorite books and the rest of the book reading community. I recommend these books to anyone who enjoys an imaginative-thriller with brains. Do NOT be suprised if you see these books made into movies.

Love to the late-great uncle of mine, from a young filmaker.

... ENJOY!

I havent read a lot of techno-thriller fiction, but if Tom Clancy is even half as good as this I might give it a try. Engels Extension is not only a convincing what if scenario, but a pretty good story in general. This is a must read for anyone who thinks the Cold War is over and the United States can now relax its vigilance.
Bottom line is: Ill be buying Ross next book as soon as its available...

I read and enjoyed this book, and agree with the comments of other reviewers who have rated it much higher. However, the book had three failings that caused me to rate it lower. 1) Is it a techno-thriller, or a fantasy? One of the characters has the ability to slow time, somewhat like a superhero in a comic book. This is inappropriate and unnecessary, and detracted from the believability of the story.

2) The author develops some interesting characters, and does it quite well, but doesn't take them far enough. Is there someone like Jack Ryan in Tom Clancy's thrillers that is the main character in this book? No. Instead, there are several minor, but interesting people, but I have no idea who might be included in a sequel.

3) The novel concerns a conflict between the West and a resurrected Soviet Union. The Russians have two surprises for the West; one is a bio-warfare virus, while the other is a new weapons technology. One, it seems, is merely a feint to distract the West's attention from the real attack. But why? There's no reason why one surprise alone wouldn't be sufficient to destroy the West, so why is there unexplained redundance?

Perhaps I'm too picky. The book is well written, and contains more than it's share of surprises for the reader. I would've liked for some of the characters to be developed a bit more, and it seemed very discordant to me when supposedly normal people had comic book hero superpowers. I don't like this mixing of genres.

Even so, the author's next book may be much better, with just a little more discipline in his story telling. If he writes another, I'll probably read it.