The 47th Samurai: A Bob Lee Swagger Novel (Bob Lee Swagger Novels)
by Stephen Hunter
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Book Reviews of The 47th Samurai: A Bob Lee Swagger Novel (Bob Lee Swagger Novels)
Book Review: Not bad for only one shot fired.
Summary: 4 Stars
And that one shot wasn't fired by Bob Lee. The dichotomy of a trained sniper wielding only a sword invites a groan from Hunter's many "gun" fans, who rightly wonder why Swagger wouldn't want to bring a gun to a knife fight.
Yet while reading, it becomes oddly satisfying. Candidly admitting minor inconsistencies, Hunter skillfully uses this tale to reveal new details about how Earl won his Medal of Honor on Iwo Jima, which details are at the heart of it all. When I finished, it was like a good dinner at a fine Japanese restaurant--an hour later I was hungry again. Pass the bullets, please.
Book Review: Disappointing, but an adequate story
Summary: 3 Stars
I believe I've read all the Swaggert stories and certainly liked some more than others. This is, however, the first I've had to say disappointed me. Part of the allure of Bob Lee is his marksmanship and the technique behind it. In this offering, there is nary a trigger to be pulled. Actually he does grasp a Glock, but only to unload it. The book read like The Last Samurai (of Tom Cruise "fame") written by Robert Ludlem. Not a bad combination, perhaps, but not why one waits eagerly for Mr. Hunter's next offering.
I'll wait eager for his next one...but then I've already read this one.
Book Review: ON THE CUTTING EDGE SO TO SPEAK
Summary: 5 Stars
Well, the jury is in. If Bob Lee had to face up to James Bond, Bond is toast.
My first impression was that a book delving into Japanese culture would be difficult as I would be a historical novice. That did not particularly change but this book is a page turner.
Granted some of it is not plausible but what the heck. Bad Bob gets it done with no baloney. Other than the ultimate hero you have to like the fact that Swagger takes no prisoners, but does not a conscience, and always cuts to the chase.
Read this book, lots of fun. Hunter did a great job in my opinion.
Book Review: The Sword might be sharp, but this novel is the dullest
Summary: 1 Stars
After reading this novel I can only surmise that the author was paid according to the number of words written. He managed to stretch a mediocre yarn to "yawn" lengths. We are even given page after page of the Japanese version of "The Karate KId" (remember that one?). Then there is the endless gushing about the behavior of men of honor, bravery, duty, ad nauseum. At times such filler makes one forget just where the storyline is headed.
Of course what REALLY annoys me is that I just kept on reading this thing long after I had given up hope for it.
Book Review: Another great book by Hunter.
Summary: 5 Stars
How does Stephen Hunter keep inventing these wonderful, exciting, and interesting novels? Start at the beginning and read them in order. The first chapter of "Point of Impact" is a masterpiece, and everything thereafter is at the same high level of interest, suspense, and surprise. 47th Samurai goes to Japan for a look at a different world, but Hunter masters the complex world he invents without the apparance of a formula. But there is one: brilliant writing, interesting technical detail, subtle surprise, and enduring values. He's the best.