Executive Power (Mitch Rapp) by Vince Flynn
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Book Reviews of Executive Power (Mitch Rapp)
Book Review: Not Flynn's best
Summary: 3 Stars
An operative has a grand scheme to bring down the Jewish state and establish Palestine in the eyes of the world that would make the producers of 24 glow with pride if they thought of it. It's a multifaceted, complicated design that unfolds so slowly that the good guys don't even realize what they're up against until the 11th hour. If the entire book was about this story I would have loved it, as it completely works. Unfortunately, the first half of the book, dealing with an American family kidnapped and being held hostage in the Phillipines, adds nothing to the story except, seemingly, to give Rapp some action.
I usually enjoy Flynn's books, but this one left me unsatisfied. On one hand, the action is very well written, easily understood, and really exciting. On the other hand, the first half of the book wastes a lot of time on a story that has nothing to do with the plot, but seems to exist merely to set up Rapp's problems with his wife, who, at this point, has become a hindrance to the series, as she seems to exist solely to be pointed out by men as beautiful and to pout that her husband (whom she knew full well engaged in gun play for a living when she got involved with him) is out engaging in gun play.
I thought Flynn's grasp of Middle East politics was impressive. It was clear and well stated, making the motivations of the various players easily understood, which is not a simple thing to do when dealing with the complex alliances that exist in that part of the world. I just wish he had spent more time fleshing out that end of the story rather than giving us the unnecessary Phillipines story.
If you're reading the series as a whole, which I recommend, this one is certainly one you'd want to read, as it is clearly important for the characters and where they're going. I just think this is the weakest one in the series that I've come across so far. Flynn is certainly capable of a lot better.
Book Review: Good but lacking...
Summary: 3 Stars
This book is entertaining and fast-paced; however, I do agree that the two plots in the story are completely unrelated and throws the reader back. I think the hostage plot was an attempt to fill space and to build Rapp into a more of a macho hero. Of the two plots, neither is fully developed. The Palestinian/Israeli conflict is more interesting. David's character is fascinating and an equal match for Rapp. I was expecting the climax to be some kind of David/Rapp faceoff, which never happened. This was a disappointment. The ending was a cheap shot, it's as if Flynn didn't know how to end the book. At the end the reader feels manipulated.
I love the Mitch Rapp character but in this book, he is at times, too over the top. He makes everyone seems moronic. And what is that fear he has of his wife?
The book does a good job in portraying two sides of the coins in issues. Overall it was exciting and a page turner. I liked Memorial Day better.
Book Review: Entertaining, if you like short stories
Summary: 3 Stars
I don't think Vince Flynn is capable of writing a boring novel. Executive Power is fast paced and Mitch Rapp is deadly efficient (as usual). The big issue I have is that the separate story lines are just that, entirely separate. You have Rapp in the Phillipines, pursuing Islamic extremists who have kidnapped an American family, and then you have Rapp back in the U.S. tracking down a shadowy Mid-Eastern terrorist, and the two story lines have nothing in common (aside from Rapp's involvement). What you end up with is a couple of short stories that move quickly to a somewhat predictable (but still satisfying) conclusion. My guess would be that Flynn had a couple of ideas for stories and instead of expanding them or integrating them in some way, he just plugged them into the same book.Book Review: A page-turning novel of international intrigue.
Summary: 3 Stars
Vince Flynn does an excellent job of holding interest in this novel cast around the formidable but likable protagonist, Mitch Rapp. Rapp's rough character, sharp mind, and thirst for action round out his well-written interactions with frustrating bureaucrats and his tender, but tough, wife. Highlights of the novel include the insider looks into the minds of assassins, the complex and interwoven politics of America and the Middle East (and the Philippines), and the drama of the oval office in tense situations. A couple of editorial errors and a few weaker dialogue points brought its star rating down for me, but it was overall a captivating read.Book Review: Great Flynn book, but the weakest in the Rapp series
Summary: 3 Stars
I enjoyed this book, but I have to say that it seemed thrown together from several ideas. The strongest new character, David, was a fascinating character that I thought could have used more attention. Prince Omar's character was too cliché for me, and the ending of this book seemed to be too abrupt (I think Flynn realized he was coming up on the 500 page mark :-)). This book really does not add anything to the series' story line, and it could be skipped. I guess that is unacceptable to me as I enjoy every time I crack a Flynn book. This is the weakest of the series, but it is still a good read for the genre.