Here is my written review of Tom Clancys latest novel Command Authority: The complete title of this book is “Command Authority”. It was written by #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Tom Clancy, with Mark Greaney. The copyright date is 2013. I heard there was a new “Tom Clancy” book out. Since Mr. Clancy passed away in October of 2013, I was curious to learn what a NEW “Tom Clancy” book would be like. The Kenosha Public Library had the Audiobook/Books On Tape version available, so I checked it out, and checked it out. This unabridged Audio book came from the Salem Community Library, and consists of 18 hours of audio entertainment on 14 CDs. I listened to it while walking with the dog, while shoveling snow, while driving, and while just relaxin’. The front cover calls “Command Authority” (quote) “a Jack Ryan Novel, read by Lou Diamond Phillips”. I, personally, find it to be of interest that Lou Diamond Phillips was born at Subic Bay Naval Station in the Philippines. Listening to “Command Authority” gave me a sense of Deja Vu. It begins with a flashback to the Cold War - USA vs. USSR, then jumps to the present day, both in Estonia with an encounter between Russia and NATO, and with a Russian invasion of the Ukraine. The time frames of “Command Authority” alternate between “The Present Day” and “Thirty Years Earlier”, creating a “Back To The Future” type feeling. I have to say that for the first few chapters of “Command Authority” I began to feel that there was too much talk and not enough action. Later on there are well depicted action sequences, although, overall, there’s too much “exposition” for my taste. The Caribbean location in Chapter 21 includes an exciting description of a street fight in an Aikido Freestyle or “Rondori” type configuration, which I enjoyed. At one point the West Indian accents come out sounding very Russian. Lou Diamond Phillips also pronounced (or mispronounced) the German word Uber/EEber as “oober”, which killed me. Characters in “Command Authority” include Jack Ryan (Senior and Junior), John Clark and Ding Chavez. Locations in Switzerland and Germany are included, and there is even a Venezuelan Connection. The “Iron Triangle” of Tehran, Beijing and Moscow is presented, too. The 1972 Munich Olympics play a part in the plot line as well. Chapter 45 provides a lot of action during a Lighthouse Extraction. The military phenomenon known as a “Mustang” is presented and defined. Here are a few of my favorite quotes, from the book: - (Quote) “A Man’s Gotta Do What A Man’s Gotta Do!” “The Russians are coming!” “Welcome to the Dark Side!” “Survival is more painful than death.” “Speed is life, but altitude is life insurance.” “The Real World bites back.” and, “We didn’t lose, we just didn’t win.” (unquote) I’m happy to report that “Command Authority” does include a BIG FINISH! I enjoyed listening to “Command Authority”. Again, for my taste, there’s too much conversation being used to explain the plot twists and turns, but, overall, I liked the book. Current “Real World” news reports do indicate rumblings in Estonia and the other Baltic states, as well as some things heating up in The Ukraine. I recommend “Command Authority” to confirmed followers of Tom Clancy &/or the Jack Ryans. “Command Authority” would also serve as not the worst introductory novel for new inductees into the Tom Clancy cult.
Posted on: Sun, 02 Feb 2014 01:08:25 +0000
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