Review by Callie54 -- East Wind, 2nd edition
-
Callie54
- Posts: 2
- Joined: 29 Apr 2020, 09:15
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 2
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-callie54.html
- Latest Review: Eyes of the Predator: by Glenn Trust
- Reading Device: B00JG8GOWU
Review by Callie54 -- East Wind, 2nd edition
[Following is a volunteer review of "East Wind, 2nd edition" by Jack Winnick.]
The book East Wind by Jack Winnick is a spy thriller. Two characters combine their special skills to combat a nuclear threat directed against the United States. Uri is an assassin for the Israeli Mossad, while Lara is an FBI agent and developer of counter-terrorism computer programs. Their relationship is initially based on mutual respect, but a spark of physical attraction grows into a fire.
The bad guys are from the Middle East. They infiltrate American universities and compromise Americans vulnerable to blackmail. Weapons grade nuclear material is obtained, and bombs are built that target large American cities.
This book would appeal to fans of Daniel Silva, Barry Eisler, and Nelson Demille. What separates East Wind from other books in this genre is the author’s special expertise in the area of chemical engineering, which he taught at the university level for many years. Significant detail is provided in the chemical properties of a nuclear weapon and the reactions necessary to make detonation successful. He even writes about the mistakes that a terrorist might make in creating such a weapon due to lack of knowledge that might be classified. I found myself hoping that he hadn’t given away too much.
There is a lot to like about this book. While some authors are heavy-handed about political views, I found the novel well-balanced, creating believable characters on both sides with human strengths and frailties. The plot follows many twists and turns, creating a page turner that begs to be finished. The growing physical relationship between Uri and Lara was also believable and a pleasant diversion. The book contained some explicit violence but not out of proportion to what was happening in the story. The book was well-edited with good story flow.
I have two small criticisms. First, characters in books like this are often placed in positions to literally save the world or America. Here, the nuclear threat was known to the American intelligence world, yet the decision was made to place the fate of America in the hands of an Israeli agent, Uri, and a relatively inexperienced field agent in Lara. The author attempted to bolster that scenario with reasons why America’s fate was delegated to Lara and Uri, but I did not find that explanation compelling. The second criticism is that the book seemed dry in parts and could have used more action or humor.
However, I still rate this book four out of four stars. This is a genre that I read frequently. It compares favorably to best sellers written by authors mentioned earlier in the review.
******
East Wind, 2nd edition
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The book East Wind by Jack Winnick is a spy thriller. Two characters combine their special skills to combat a nuclear threat directed against the United States. Uri is an assassin for the Israeli Mossad, while Lara is an FBI agent and developer of counter-terrorism computer programs. Their relationship is initially based on mutual respect, but a spark of physical attraction grows into a fire.
The bad guys are from the Middle East. They infiltrate American universities and compromise Americans vulnerable to blackmail. Weapons grade nuclear material is obtained, and bombs are built that target large American cities.
This book would appeal to fans of Daniel Silva, Barry Eisler, and Nelson Demille. What separates East Wind from other books in this genre is the author’s special expertise in the area of chemical engineering, which he taught at the university level for many years. Significant detail is provided in the chemical properties of a nuclear weapon and the reactions necessary to make detonation successful. He even writes about the mistakes that a terrorist might make in creating such a weapon due to lack of knowledge that might be classified. I found myself hoping that he hadn’t given away too much.
There is a lot to like about this book. While some authors are heavy-handed about political views, I found the novel well-balanced, creating believable characters on both sides with human strengths and frailties. The plot follows many twists and turns, creating a page turner that begs to be finished. The growing physical relationship between Uri and Lara was also believable and a pleasant diversion. The book contained some explicit violence but not out of proportion to what was happening in the story. The book was well-edited with good story flow.
I have two small criticisms. First, characters in books like this are often placed in positions to literally save the world or America. Here, the nuclear threat was known to the American intelligence world, yet the decision was made to place the fate of America in the hands of an Israeli agent, Uri, and a relatively inexperienced field agent in Lara. The author attempted to bolster that scenario with reasons why America’s fate was delegated to Lara and Uri, but I did not find that explanation compelling. The second criticism is that the book seemed dry in parts and could have used more action or humor.
However, I still rate this book four out of four stars. This is a genre that I read frequently. It compares favorably to best sellers written by authors mentioned earlier in the review.
******
East Wind, 2nd edition
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Eyes of the Predator: by Glenn Trust
