toiletoctopus's Full Review: Vince Flynn - Consent to Kill
From my title most would surmise that I didn't like this book. That is incorrect, as I really enjoyed reading it, although it was the worst book that Mr. Flynn has written. Vince Flynn is the author of the following books: "Term Limits"(1998), "Transfer of Power"(1999), "Third Option"(2000), "Seperation of Power"(2001), "Executive Power"(2003), "Memorial Day"(2004), and this one in 2006. Later this fall he is releasing "The Act of Treason", which will be available in hardcover around October.
Vince Flynn is one of America's best fiction writers, and his books are always on the New York Times Bestsellers List. His books are all fast paced, action loaded thrillers, that will keep you up all night to finish each story. I recommend reading them in order, as listed, so you don't miss any crucial details in the storylines. All of his books involve subjects such as espionage, intelligence services, special forces, suspense, terrorism, and military strategy. If you like the television show 24, you will like his books, as he's one of the writers for that popular tv series.
This Book
Consent to Kill is 465 pages long, and it is possible to finish it in two days. Just like his other publications it is highly addictive, and it takes a lot of inner strength to put the book down for even a short time. This book is about the usual protagonist Mitch Rapp, and a power change in Washington involving intelligence agencies.(Think John Negroponte as the Intelligence Czar) The CIA and Mitch's boss, Director Kennedy, are under a lot of political pressure with this new arrangement.
At the same time of these power politics games, there are a lot of "behind the scenes actions" being started by certain members of the Saudi Arabian kingdom. Mitch Rapp, who is an expert counterintelligence officer with much experience, is targeted for some of his previous work. This eventually sets up an international market for asassin teams, and a worldwide game of "cat and mouse." There are a lot of different agencies involved in this thriller, and a lot of political decisionmakers as well.
The Beginning is all Politics
Usually Vince Flynn's books grab me from the first page, but this one took a little while to get into. The first fifty pages are a bit of a drag, and there's just a little too much politics for my taste here.(Especially involving two senators, who reminded me of the "dunces" on Capitol Hill) There is a lot of behind the scene wrangling, and formalities that I'm not too interested in. However, once the action picks up, its off to the races.
Mitch Rapp
There's no other way to put it, other than Mitch Rapp is the man. I hope and pray that there is a guy like this in our intelligence services, because this is a true American hero. He is well trained, tough as nails, and a decent human being who is nothing short of ultra-patriotic. There is nothing that he won't do to preserve liberty, life, and freedom, and I admire his toughness through this book and the whole series. Once again, he proves his dedication to this country, and I admire what he does with terrorists. It's a pretty good idea actually.
Mrs.Rapp
I'm not trying to say she wasn't a good character, as I actually thought she was a genuinely decent person. However, I got tired of her from the beginning, as she was always kind of annoying and selfish. I think Vince Flynn was trying to show that Mitch Rapp has a soft side, but he went a little too far with him and the ol' lady. Some of the dialogue here was unbelievably amateur.
Dialogue
This book was the worst in the series for this, although all of the books are not known for award winning dialogue. The author took a step back here, and a lot of the conversations were nothing short of "elementary grade" stuff. A lot of these terrible pieces involved Mr and Mrs. Rapp, but I was disappointed in the "warm and fuzzy" conversations by a former Stasi and KGB member. Totally weak, and the dialogue between a Saudi and MS13 gang member provided a few laughs.
What I specifically Liked
Just like other Flynn novels, this one is fast paced with a lot of action. There are so many characters from different backgrounds, but he always manages to make sure all of their issues/actions tie in perfectly with each story. I really liked the character development in this book, as each person was believable and relevant to the story. His descriptions of places will make you feel as if you are there.
I don't want to give too much away, as this is a great book, but I liked his assasin team from France. They were solid, and I admired the skill of them as well. It was well set up, and their talents were impressive. I liked how he showed how they have incredible tracking skills, and what kind of training that they had to become who they were. There are all kinds of neat weapons as well, and techniques on how these people use them to complete their missions.
Final Thoughts
Buy this book. I purchased it for $24.00 when it came out, and the only option was the hardcover edition. It was just recently released in paperback form, and it can be bought for $8-$10. If you like thrillers, then pick of any of his books and this one. Just make sure you read them in order, as there are little clues/facts from each book, that are much more enjoyable if read in sequence. Just be advised that you will lose sleep, as this book will have you completely engrossed in a matter of minutes!
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