Review of The Last Rival
Posted: 07 Jun 2025, 07:52
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Last Rival" by Kyle Palmer.]
“The Last Rival” by Kyle Palmer is a historical fiction Novel set in the aftermath of World War2 when the whole world was trying to rebuild.
The story starts with President Truman’s strategy to deal with the difficulties posed by Nazis led by Adolf Hitler. To deal with them, he forms a secret organization with former OSS agents, General George Marshall, William Donovan "Wild Bill", and Dr. Stanley Lovell. Their main task is to lead the secret organization and give training to the new recruits. The main characters of the story are Jim Bolden, Lew Weinmann, Al Meyers, and Jack Powell, along with other characters. In the starting chapters, we get to know the back story of important characters so that we can connect with them.
I like the Writing style of the author. It is notable how the author combines History with fiction making people wonder if everything happening in the book is real. What makes the story unique is how real and complex the characters are. Jim Bolden and Lew Weinmann whose mission is to stop the remnants of Nazi regime while battling with their own moral conflicts, aren't perfect Heroes. They are wounded and deeply human, burdened by their own past baggage. The novel blends thrilling spy drama with thoughtful reflections on War, Peace and Humanity.
It is a lengthy book but worth reading. Also, I like the quotes we get to read at the start of each chapter making it a worthy read. I rate this book 5 out of 5.
If you are a fan of Historical Fiction. It is a must-read; you will definitely enjoy this book.
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The Last Rival
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
“The Last Rival” by Kyle Palmer is a historical fiction Novel set in the aftermath of World War2 when the whole world was trying to rebuild.
The story starts with President Truman’s strategy to deal with the difficulties posed by Nazis led by Adolf Hitler. To deal with them, he forms a secret organization with former OSS agents, General George Marshall, William Donovan "Wild Bill", and Dr. Stanley Lovell. Their main task is to lead the secret organization and give training to the new recruits. The main characters of the story are Jim Bolden, Lew Weinmann, Al Meyers, and Jack Powell, along with other characters. In the starting chapters, we get to know the back story of important characters so that we can connect with them.
I like the Writing style of the author. It is notable how the author combines History with fiction making people wonder if everything happening in the book is real. What makes the story unique is how real and complex the characters are. Jim Bolden and Lew Weinmann whose mission is to stop the remnants of Nazi regime while battling with their own moral conflicts, aren't perfect Heroes. They are wounded and deeply human, burdened by their own past baggage. The novel blends thrilling spy drama with thoughtful reflections on War, Peace and Humanity.
It is a lengthy book but worth reading. Also, I like the quotes we get to read at the start of each chapter making it a worthy read. I rate this book 5 out of 5.
If you are a fan of Historical Fiction. It is a must-read; you will definitely enjoy this book.
******
The Last Rival
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon