Customer Reviews

Ignition

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

The space shuttle Atlantis is nearing the final countdown before lifting off into space. Since a decade has passed since the Challenger accident, the public has become complacent towards the shuttle program and there is no reason to believe that this lift off will any different from those of any other shuttle in the nineties. However, unbeknownst to American and Russian astronauts on board waiting for the final IGNITION, and the millions watching on TV around the world, this trip has been aborted. A team of terrorists has seized control of the launch center. ...... The leader, Mr. Phillips will sell the shuttle back to America for a case filled with gems and a helicopter within four hours or else. Only one man might be able to abort the upcoming disaster. Colonel "Iceberg" Friese was the former commander of this particular mission until he broke his foot. He knows his crew is in deep trouble unless he can not stop Phillips and his gang. If he fails, the degree of the disaster could match that of the Challenger or perhaps even worse. ....... IGNITION is a by the book thriller that provides no new twists and has an action hero that has been seen in many a novel and movie. Yet the Anderson and Beason collaboration still grabs the reader by the throat and never lets up until the tale is finished. Anyone who enjoys action packed thrillers like the DIE HARD series or the space program (the insight into NASA by two former insiders is intriguing) will find this novel immensely satisfying. .......Harriet Klausner

This book is packed with a whole bunch of fun loving stunts. The writers went to make it as realistic a possible, but just enough to make interesting. Mr. Anderson and Mr. Beason use the ever so popular terrorist plot, but with a major twist. This group of terrorists siezes control of something thought to be totally secure, NASA's Kennedy Space Ceter. Colonel Adam "Iceberg" Friese is our protagonist in this story. His icey cool actions allow him to think clearly while under pressure. He is shot at with bullets and even missiles, bunched, kicked, and all around beaten. He does this all with a broken ankle. While Iceberg is roaming around the complex fighting off terrorists, his off and on lover affair, Nicole Hunter, is captured in the Launch Command building by the terrorist leader. Along with her is the entire launch staff, a senator, and a Russian delagate. As if thing could not get any worse, a shuttle crew is being held hostage within the shuttle sitting on top of millions of pounds of solid and liquid rocket fuel. Will Iceberg save the day? See for yourself in Ignition by Kevin Anderson and Doug Beason.

I agree with another reviewer that when I got into this book, I could easily see Bruce Willis taking another stab at the "Die Hard" formula in this one--but getting it right again (after that third movie flopped). One man against an army of terrorists who hold several hostages, including the man's love interest...sound familiar? Well, it works anyway. This is a fast-paced book that never really slows down once it gets started. Its breathless pace will keep your interest until the end. No, there aren't many surprises here, but the fact that the hero has a broken foot is an interesting twist.

There are a few "Oh, come on" moments in here where the hero ignores the obvious solution to a problem and goes for the grand-stand play, but if you can overlook those, you get a great story. Despite its weak points, this is an interesting story and worth the time to read it. Recommended.

Kevin J. Anderson and Doug Beason struck gold when the wrote the action-packed book, Ignition. Terrorists take control of the space shuttle, Atlantis, at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Join Col. Adam "Iceberg" Friese, Nicole "Panther" Hunter, and other fun characters in their quest to save the shuttle and it's crew from being blown up by the terrorists. This task would be a lot easier for "Iceberg" if he wasn't alone and didn't have a broken foot.

The plot- well, you have your usual bunch of bad terrorists, two from France, an Australian, plus other red shirt wearers who get killed in no time at all, led by a slimey leader. You have the good guys, led by "Iceburg", his nerdy brother, and his ex girl friend. Iceburg has a broken foot. The leader of the hostages is pain, and argues with Iceburg. Iceburg has to rescue his girlfriend. He does that by stealing a chopper. Its cliche city in other words. You name the stereo type, plot device seen in any number of action movies and books and it is here.

Having said all that, you will probably enjoy the read. Its face paced, frantic, and has even a few one liners that will make you laugh out loud. The characters have no depth at all, but who cares, this is an action thriller, not war and peace. And if you do want fast paced, exciting action, this is a great book for it.

You will probably enjoy this one, gentle reader, but take it for what it is- a few hours of light entertainment ( i read it in three days, and that was for a few hours a day), that will be put on your shelf and probably not touched again.

Grade: C

This is a book with action on every page. I couldn't put it down and was forced to stay up late to finish it. The only weakness is that the lead character's broken foot would not permit him to do the things he does. But that aside, the story is exciting, the reading is easy, and this is definitely a book to read and enjoy.

Not his best writing to date. I would equate the story as a "Die Hard Lite." Half the action and suspense without all the calories. I found the villian to be a regurtitated Hans-like villian ala Die Hard, with all the gun toting half-cocked henchmen in tow. The plot was intriguing in holding the astronauts and space shuttle hostage. The story fails in a predictable plot, a improbable hero, and tired ending. I'd recommend this book for beach reading only.

Picture an older Bruce Willis running to save the day before the shuttle is blown to pieces. Instead of going shoeless, this time he has a cast around his broken ankle. Yep, the rest of it is as predictable. It's fun. It's not a mind bender, in fact it's probably more exciting to see if what you think is going to happen does. Guess what, it does. Read it, then go see the movie when it comes out to see what changes. If you're a bus passenger this is perfect.

OK, folks. I know the book had many cliches and predictable plot twists. Actually, I didn't know until after I finished the book that it was being made into a movie, but while I was reading, the similiarities between Ignition and any number of action movies did cross my mind. However, when I picked up the book I knew I wasn't picking up a particularly cerebral book, but an action thriller, just like the cover said. I liked the way the book took us on a virtual tour of (a somewhat deliberately modified version of) the KSC, and the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Lots of action, even if it did get somewhat predictable. I felt the Jacques-Yvette incest thing was pretty pointless, didn't contribute anything to the story, and probably should have been axed by the editor. Still, I'd recommend the book for anyone looking to have some fun reading a book.

Thoroughly enjoyable story of an armed takeover of the Kennedy Space Center by terrorists. The plot has many holes, but is doen not distract from the enjoyment. A modern Rambo story set in high-tech setting. Plenty of blood and explosions.