1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Don't mess with the Penetrator!, April 20, 2005
This review is from: Penetrator, No. 21: The Supergun Mission (Paperback)
"The Supergun Mission," by Lionel Derrick, is number 21 in "The Penetrator" series. The main character of this action-adventure novel is Mark Hardin, a Vietnam veteran known as "The Penetrator." The back cover describes Hardin as a "one-man strike force against corruption [. . .]. He is a warrior without uniform or rank, pledged to fight anyone-on either side of the law-who seeks to destroy the American way of life." The main action of the book is preceded by a prologue which offers further insights into the series' title character. He is a "combat soldier," a "highly skilled intelligence operative," and a "seasoned assassin" who is skilled in Native American martial arts and medicine ritual.
In this adventure the Penetrator investigates the deaths of 25 Mexican workers. This leads him into the sinister world of those who illegally smuggle workers across the U.S.-Mexican border. His investigation leads him further into a plot to create and sell a deadly new weapon-the "supergun" of the title. As the Penetrator does what he does best, the reader is treated to chase scenes, fights, amorous encounters, and gory death scenes.
Yes, the dialogue and narration are at times incredibly silly. I laughed out loud several times while reading the book. At times it seemed like a parody of an action-adventure novel. But overall "Supergun" is enjoyable light reading, just the right length at 147 pages. There are some genuinely exciting and entertaining passages, and at its best the prose style is remarkably effective. The resourceful Hardin is a character similar in some ways to James Bond-he's a lover and a fighter, although unlike Bond he answers to no government. Despite the Penetrator's brutality he's a surprisingly likeable character, and despite his formidable skills and arsenal he has a curiously down-to-earth quality. An advertisement for other books in the series notes that the Penetrator is "deadly," "unpredictable," and "dedicated." If that's you're type of hero, I recommend this novel.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No