7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
improved in some ways, slipping in others, December 4, 2000
This review is from: Force 10: USA vs. Militia (Mass Market Paperback)
In Slater's latest _USA vs. Militia_ novel, we are taken almost completely away from Freeman and his commandos and introduced to a new protagonist. Here we find a decent adventure story in which Slater has corrected some historical weaknesses but has evolved new ones.
From the reader's standpoint, the exchange of Slater's traditional commando protagonists for a new one carries with it one major problem: the new protagonist manages to see a novelful of action and interaction without ever once experiencing character development. At the end of the book, I still didn't feel I knew anything meaningful about him except what I knew in the beginning: that he was an ex-SEAL. Freeman and the SAS/Delta commandos, whose appearances here are brief, may be less than credible, but they are well developed. Poor trade from the reader's standpoint.
As ever, Slater demonstrates very good local geographical knowledge. He has corrected the tendency to misportray locals (mostly by not portraying them much), and is now much less prone to the monotonous repeating of a 'pet theme' than in past books. While the storyline isn't very plausible, it is at least pretty fast-moving and exciting--always a Slater strength. And he seems to have finally learned not to superimpose Australian slang on American characters. The title, it turns out, has hardly any real signficance as to the story.
Not a very charismatic book, but exciting enough to please most Slater fans. Worth considering, especially for readers of many Slater books who are tiring of the cast of characters that has been with us since the precursor _World War III_ series, but best read without high expectations.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
1.0 out of 5 stars
Slater is Stuck on Stupid!, October 22, 2011
This review is from: Force 10: USA vs. Militia (Mass Market Paperback)
Slater writes OK, however, he knows just about ZERO with regard to his subject matter. For just two tiny examples, he has the hero using a Glock pistol and COCKING THE HAMMER. Problem is, Glocks don't have any hammers. They are striker fired with no external or internal hammer. He also has the hero physically manipulating the Glock's safety. Problem is, Glocks don't have any manual safeties. None!
Slater, you would do well to spend a few hours researching before making a fool out of yourself.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Cheezy but great fun!!!!, February 2, 2001
By A Customer
This review is from: Force 10: USA vs. Militia (Mass Market Paperback)
Every avid reader has to have at least one cheezy authur that they love and Ian Slater is mine. His books are fast moving and so in accuarte that i can't help but, think that it is intentional. I love the pulp fiction feel of his books. I'm sure my I.Q. drops 10 points while I'm reading these things. I love these books and I'm proud of and want to let the world know. Signed, Anonymous
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No