Customer Reviews

Mission Compromised (International Intrigue Trilogy #1)

5 star:		(63)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(14)

 

 

After reading the Publishers Weekly review I was uncertain about diving into a book of over 600 pages. Nevertheless, the sharp-looking cover and intriguing liner notes sucked me into the story...and, boy, am I glad!

Despite a few minor speed bumps, "Mission Compromised" is a fast-paced military thriller. We follow the mission of a Marine, Peter Newman, as he coordinates secretive, UN-appointed teams for quick response in global hotspots. He is particularly motivated to see one team become successful in its assignment to assassinate Aidid, the man responsible for the Mogadishu disaster as documented in "Black Hawk Down." Newman's brother was a victim of the massacre, and Newman wants revenge. He also wants to repair his failing marriage, but has few tools to do so. As the story progresses, other factors--Russian, Iraqi, and American--come into focus and threaten Newman's teams, not to mention his very existence.

"Mission Compromised" is a solid thriller. The scope of the characters and plot never equals the scope of a Tom Clancy novel, but the global ramifications of the story do. To call the plot 'convoluted' is to claim amateur status as a reader of espionage novels. With Joe Musser's co-writing, North communicates clearly and effectively, though never oversimplifying the entanglements of any government operation. North's intimate knowledge of his subject matter adds to the breathlessness of the book, particularly in the last third. Sure, the ponderous military parlance might seem overwhelming, but it also underlines the veracity of the story as a whole.

As for speed bumps? Sections of the story do become evangelistic, but they are tame and far from overwhelming. Characters are believable, but never deeply studied. In fact, the book reads most often with the dispassionate delivery of a nonfiction account; when it does dip into emotionalism, it does so subtly--and managed to catch me off-guard on two separate occasions.

My main question upon completing the last page: Where does fiction end and reality begin? Scary stuff. Maybe I'd be safer not knowing.

Who is better qualified to write a novel about covert missions overseas? Colonel North does an awesome job of explaining military procedure in terms that a civi like me can understand.

The premise of the book circles around covert mission involving the elite British & U.S. Special forces. Their mission: to eliminate terrorists and Saddam Hussein. Their obstacles, besides being killed, corrupt U.N. officials and politicians.

This is also an excellent Christian novel. Colonel North does a realistic job of explaining how a few of the central characters come to know Christ.

If your looking for a novel of full of suspense, action, military missions , and a strong Christian message.... this is the book for you.

Great show Ollie! Look forward to your next work of fiction.

Fantastic book! As I approached the end of the book, however, I was EXTREMELY disappointed in the ending. That changed, however, as I figured out what the author was doing. (Hint: when you read the book, do NOT skip the epilogue; specifically, the next-to-last sentence.) North and his co-author are fantastic story-tellers.

North writes this book from a Christian perspective, which is a breath of fresh air from this type of novel. Several subplots tie themselves in together as the story winds up.

I've read several other books of war-fiction, and this was by far the best. I'm looking forward to the sequel.

Ollie North has written a tremendous book, packed with excitement, human interest, a detailed knowledge of the way things work at "the top," and a deep Christian faith. He and Joe Musser combine these elements into a thriller that keeps you up at night. Moreover, the characters are believable and they grow and develop throughout the book, which is pretty unusual in thrillers of this genre. Mission Compromised is an eerie blend of fact and fiction, leaving the reader unsure which is which. Well done all around.

I enjoyed many things about this book, the development of characters, the story line and especially the lack of profanity. I thought North got his points across very well, without 4 letter words, and this was refreshing. I did have to remind myself that it was a work of fiction; however, so much was based on real life that I had a bit of trouble sorting events out.

I read Clancy, Ludlum, Follet and the rest. This was a great book that ranks right up there with the best of the genre. It held my interest right to the end of a 600+ page thriller. It opens at a fast pace and keeps you hooked all the way through. Some North East liberal media reviewers just can't get past Ollie's politics and admit that this is a great read. As for me, I can't wait for number two!!

I don't know what you think of Oliver North, but you really need to read his latest book: Mission: Compromised; about 500 pages in length but it's one of those great suspense stories that starts rolling slowly and then gets faster and faster until you are almost breathless at the end.

It takes place during the Clinton years: a top secret "non-existent" Special Ops force created by the UN to "Sanction" unwanted political leaders. The hero is Peter J Newman. There is great character development in the story, IMHO. Both Peter and his wife are built up and the villains are brought down.

What I appreciated most about it was the Christian message that North weaves through the story. It's not merely an international thriller but a story of redemption as well. More than once I jumped on Google and typed in some names to see if they really existed. Many did!

I won't give anything away about the plot but you have to read to the very last paragraph to get the full impact.

Ollie North and Joe Musser have crafted a powerful, fast-paced narrative in "Mission Compromised". It's a real page-turner that far outshines many other novels, and features a style that rises above most best-selling faith-based books. The mixture of well-researched detail about the inner-workings of government and its "what if's" makes this fascinating, fun and often very sobering reading. You won't absorb the daily news in the same way after enjoying this book!

Please don't let the number of pages dissuade you from getting this book. Every page drove me to turn to the next and when other obligations called I could not wait to pick up the book again. Col. North does an excellent job at keeping you on the edge of your seat and wanting more. The book is excellent in two folds. Great entertainment and a Great Christian Message. I only wish I had another 600 pages to read.

Novel? Yeah, right. Way ta go, Ollie! I'm hooked. You write it - I'll buy it! I agree with other reviewers, this book is "too true" to be a novel but does allow the author an escape route! Wow! Highly recommended!