KCR: The Gray Man (novel)

The Gray Man is the first in the Gray Man series by Mark Greaney, and it's a very interesting debut. The idea of "killer for hire" is nothing new. Killer for hire with a conscience is not new either, but this one is very well done, esp. for a first novel.

Premise: In the trade, he's simply known as "The Gray Man". He is a lone operator, able to get into almost anywhere, and get out, and few if any will see him coming. He used to work for the CIA as an ultimate termination team. When he was "burned", he became a lone operator, but he is specific: he only kills those who he consider is worth killing. He had just killed a target in Syria, and escaped into Iraq, when he was betrayed. The team that was supposed to pick him up wanted to kill him instead. He was able to escape. However, he soon realized that vast forces are arrayed against him... Hit teams from all over the world, and a ruthless man with almost limitless resources, are in his way. He could just disappear, but his conscience demands otherwise...

The action is relentless, as The Gray Man dodged one after another attempt on his life, and the stakes are raised. On the other hand, there are a few close scrapes that are just... too convenient. On the other hand, this guy can be hurt. He's not Rambo, and he can get grievously wounded, but he will get things done... or die trying.  The bad guys are a bit 'thin' and shallow, but they are okay as villains.

I am definitely buying the next book in the series.

Related articles

• KCR: Extreme Measures, a Mitch Rapp novel (terrorism) (crankyreviews.blogspot.com)
• KCR: Shooter (autobiography, sniper, non-fiction, war) (crankyreviews.blogspot.com)

KCR: Countdown, the Liberators (modern, war, novel)

Countdown is a new series from Tom Kratman, and Liberators is the first volume (next is "M day"). It is a completely self-contained novel so don't fret about not getting the picture. My main problem with it is there is a LOT of setup for a few bits of action.

Basically, Wes Stauer was a retired soldier, with a girl who likes him, but is bored out of his skull. When the young son of an African tribal chief (a rich one) was kidnapped by a rival tribe, Stauer was recruited to head a rescue. What instead happened is the creation of a new mercenary force, complete with armor, infantry, and close air support. Light armor from South Africa, infantry from all over (mostly ex-Western powers), and quite a few Soviet-bloc helicopters. The novel deals mainly with the formation and training of the force, the few actions the force was sent on (defeating some pirates in the area for recon) and how the "prince" learned the reality of life in Africa (he grew up in the US).

The book is slow, because the cast was a huge ensemble, with crew from all over doing various different things. Even Stauer's girlfriend (ER nurse) had to get survival and weapons training, and you can imagine a pampered city girl may not do too well in such a situation.

If you like the sort of "build-up" Countdown may be for you. If you prefer right into the action, something by Dale Brown may be more up your alley.

Rating: Try it

Countdown: The Liberators (on Amazon)