Dead Zero (Bob Lee Swagger, #7; Ray Cruz, #1) in SSG: Spy/Spec-Ops Group

Apr 06, 2012 Mike (the Paladin) rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: action

I just finished this book and the one that follows it in the "series" (if I may call them a series) Soft Target (review to follow, LOL). I've now read all but one of the books considered part of the Bob Lee Swagger series except one. I somehow missed the third in the series (Time To Hunt) I'm about halfway through that one. These books are a mixed bag.

I know someone's out there shaking their head thinking (or yelling at the screen), "yeah but I came here for a review on THIS book."

Okay, valid po I just finished this book and the one that follows it in the "series" (if I may call them a series) Soft Target (review to follow, LOL). I've now read all but one of the books considered part of the Bob Lee Swagger series except one. I somehow missed the third in the series (Time To Hunt) I'm about halfway through that one. These books are a mixed bag.

I know someone's out there shaking their head thinking (or yelling at the screen), "yeah but I came here for a review on THIS book."

Okay, valid point but I do need to give some context as to what I'm going to say. See, I think this is one of the two weakest in the series, yet I also see why Mr. Hunter went the way he did in some places.

This is a fast moving book with a pretty good plot a well drawn cast of characters (if some are a bit shallow, but come on this is an action novel, not One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich: A Novel). You get plenty of fireworks. So for that I like it it comes close to getting the 4 stars. The problem here is that it's not quite as good as the books by Mr. Hunter I've rated a 4....leaves me with a conundrum.

So what are the negatives here? A couple I'll mention below under a spoiler tag, but the "in general" answer is that this Bob Lee is not the Bob Lee I know in many ways. Also there is a bit of strained story telling (though, as I mentioned above I see the reason for it). There is also a continuing story or plot thread that just gripes me... so while it's a good, slam bang action read I liked most of the series better. As a matter of fact the book that proceeds this I, Sniper I gave 5 stars and put on my favorites list.

Okay bottom line before spoilers, 3 stars but a high 3, maybe 3.5 and a good read. I can safely recommend this to anyone who likes a good action read.

(view spoiler) ...more

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Mar 24, 2013 Mark rated it really liked it

Shelves: politics, military, political-thriller, spy-thriller

Having read "Soft Target" featuring Ray Cruz, I was interested in the introduction of the character & I wasn't disappointed...an on-the-edge-of-your-seat thriller of a sniper whose mission has been stymied by internal traitorous CIA actions, but is committed to "Charlie Mike" the original mission...both Swagger & Cruz rise to the occasion...fun read! ...more

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