Customer Reviews

Sonora

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I mean really bad. I like novels usually. I could not read more than 10 or 15 pages of this book. It seemed like it was not written by a real writer.

... but then I get many free books from my job.

The action is interesting enough, and I may finish it when I get really bored. However, Mr. Hunt doesn't know a whole lot about civilian aviation, though I read he was a naval aviator. He really should learn this stuff before writing the book. i.e. Twin Comanchee with a wet bar! It only has enough room for the four seats, and what about the Grumman [sic] Skyhalk with an eight-cylinder engine? I'm afraid not. 8 cylinders is not done much (cooling problems) except in the 400 Hp version of the single-engine Piper Comanchee. It goes on like that.

Secondly, though this is only a novel, I think the author's views on the drug war are irksome, to say the least. The pilot/DEA man narrator of the story is pretty full of himself as the savior of the Mexican priests, etc. He thinks nothing wrong with making use of all the airplanes and motor vehicle's that the DEA has illegally siezed, many from people only remotely connected with drug crimes. His character feels it's OK to torture, firebomb people's ranches, etc. in the name of "Just Say No". The US Constitution (and missionaries in Cessna 185s in Peru) be damned, I guess.

Well, I hope Mr. Novak, the DEA man, gets shot in the back before the end of the book. I don't think it's gonna happen though (wouldn't want to spoil the ending anyway), and if it does, it won't be soon, as I put the book on a big pile.

Mr. Hunt does not take himself too seriously. The Jack Novak series is meant to be a fun read with some terrific, realistic facts that only a former CIA man could provide. Great summer fare.

I have to agree with the fellow from NY city below. I read only through chapter 5 before I got tired of it. I'll tell you why:

First, the style of writing is readable but not high-quality. It's a step below that of most paperback novels.

Secondly, the author shouldn't have written about things he hasn't researched. His understanding of general aviation aircraft is way off - too many wrong things for me to correct right now. I really doubt he was a naval aviator, just because he would be a more professional writer if he had been one.

Lastly, even though this is a fiction book, I think the author has his opinions on the drug war (as do a couple of reviewers). They are wrong by a long shot. Nope, I'm not a lefty. In fact I'm a libertarian, so I could not be called politically correct. I doubt all of the illegal searches, tortures, stealing etc. done by Agent Novak could happen in real life, but it is getting really close to that. So, I would say this part is pretty realistic at least. But, if I ever see a DEA man wandering around my airplane with those intentions, some other "authorities" may find him buried underneath the localizer antenna with tow-bar indentations in his puny head. Why don't you write in something like that into your next novel, Howard? I may purchase a copy or two ;-}

This story is fast paced, excitting, and full of 007 style adventure. Only it a lot more hard edged than the bond series and more violent.
If Jack Novak was incharge of the drug war we would have a better chance of winning! The author and his character have a healthy, but seldom heard view point in this age of left wing, political correct, do-gooders who only bring society closer to the brink!

Thrilling adventure of a DEA agent who actually wants to win the war on drugs. Fast paced, realisticly gripping, and full of hot steamy relationships!