Customer Reviews

Rogue Warrior: Seal Force Alpha- From Vietnam's Phoenix Program to Central America's Drug Wars

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've read a lot of Marcinko's books and I have to admit they're starting to bore me. It's the same formula every time; Dick discovers a dirty politician or evil tycoon, has a verbal confrontation with him, goes away, comes back, kills the bad guy's ex-special ops bodyguards, and finally kills the bad guy. Somewhere in there he stops to talk about the size of his unit (and I don't mean the number of guys on his team). What makes Seal Force Alpha a little different from the norm is the amount of effort Marcinko has spent on setting up the enemy this time. The "ex-special ops bodyguards" that he usually chews through without much trouble are actually fearsome in this book! They're the Chinese equivalent of SEALs and Marcinko & Weissman really make them seem like they could give Marcinko trouble. The way Marcinko describes his fight in the river and his encounters with the Chinese commander are quite interesting and he manages to throw in some real surprises. The inclusion of obscure tradecraft details also makes these sequences quite thrilling. It's a good thing they're here, too--the rest of the book ranges from mildly intriguing to downright sloppy (the ending is very rushed). An average Marcinko book with slightly above average action scenes.

Marcinko delivers, once again, with Seal Team Alpha. The story picks up where previous books have left off, offering the reader a familar style that is as much of an education on tactics and the special operation community, as it is an exciting story. Marcinko utlizes a writing style that involves the reader in all aspects of the plot. Often The author will break into the story to explain something of historical or strategic significance to the plot, this allows even a neophite to the technothriller to feel comfortable and educated about an often secretive world. Having read much material relating to the special operations community, I can vouch for the acuracy of the methods, equipment and tactics used in this book. The stories are well crafted and fun to read. Marcinko's "Rouge" humor, although shocking, is quite entertaining. This is a no holds barred, street fight of a book with no scared cows and no end to the action.

This is a must read story if you like UDT, BUD's SEAL's or other millitary related topics. The gun descriptions and strategy based story is outstanding. I've also read some of his other books, and they were almost as good. Skipper, if you are reading, here is a one finger salute! I can't wait for your next book.

Marcinko is a Kick A** Commander! He writes books true to life, on intense subjects. He has been places and seen things that most people have only read about in books such as this one. His books really keep you on the edge, and all you want to do is read more! Exciting and action packed just as all of his previous books!

Once again, Dick Marcinko comes up with a highly readable action-packed tale. In Green Team, Task Force Blue and Designation Gold, we began to see Dick being the one to screw up on ops (or maybe he just had Mr. Murphy in his combat vest). In this case, it looks like Dick is back in form.

An interesting sidebar; for the first time, two of the operators in the book are female. And guess what ... he's less interested in getting laid than in seeing the right thing done.

I'm looking forward to reading about Pinky' retirement in the next installment!

Once again, Mr.Marcinko has succeeded in keeping his fans up to date on current events. In between action sequences, he manages to raise some interesting questions about President Clinton's policy towards China. In these politically correct times we live in, it is good to hear one irreverent voice contradict the liberal's view of the world.

I loved the first Rogue Warrior. Both of Marcinko's business books were excellent, though one was enough). Red Cell was pretty good, but after that they began declining in quality. I mean, there is the obvious formula to his books (which a commentor below mentions, it's amazing how he can never parachute out of a plane without something going wrong with his chute. I mean, I understand that things go wrong, but every time? And the things the character Marcinko does, I mean, there is no way that he would get away with it that many times. I respect Marcinko for who he is and what he has done, but I think he and Weisman need to get together and change things up for the next installment, or maybe write something different (i know i'd like to see more nonficiton like Rogue Warrior).

Another review mentioned that Richard Marchinko uses the same formula in all of his novels. I agree--and that's part of what makes his books so much fun to read. These are action novels where you'll actually learn something if you are willing to pay attention, as well as fun examples of what we'd all love to do to the people who give us orders and have no earthly idea what they're talking about (no, not kill them--the former SEAL saves that for terrorists and traitors--but expose their stupidity and embarrass them). Any RM book has colorful characters, more real life resonance than any Dale Brown tome, tons of acronyms, a few huge plausibility leaps, and the idea that viewers will take in all these items and enjoy the ride. Mission Accomplished. 4/5.

With another taste of marcinko's great story telling im once again inspired. Being in the Navy already marcinko inspired me to make my attempt at BUD/S for those of you whove been there wish me luck on my trip through hell ;)

Marcinko all the way. With Dick and his band of merry mauraders, China doesn't stand a chance. Following the ten commandments of spec war is a must, especially: "Thou shalt, in thy Warrior's Mind and Soul, always remember My ultimate and final Commandment. There Are No Rules-Thou Shalt Win At All Cost." Basicaly in KISS(keep it simple stupid) terms: get the book!