The Enemy (Jack Reacher, No. 8)
by Lee Child
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Book Reviews of The Enemy (Jack Reacher, No. 8)
Book Review: I'll Keep Reaching for Child's Books
Summary: 5 Stars
Lee Child is hands down the best thriller writer out there right now. This is my fourth Lee Child book, and I become more sold on his writing with each one. While I agree somewhat with other reviewers' comments that the book drags a bit more than his others, I still enjoyed every bit of it. I thought actually that the police procedural work was reminiscent of Lawrence Sanders' "Deadly Sins" Series. Furthermore, it was nice to see Jack Reacher's older brother, Joe, who first made a brief appearance in Child's first and stunning effort, "The Killing Floor." It was also good to see Reacher's military background illuminated.
Child's skill at characterization is first-rate, as we get to know this flawed but fascinating hero better with each book. Not only does Reacher come to life in each new book, but Child creates some truly heinous villains who he delights in serving their comeuppance. Furthermore, this author's pacing, suspense, and knack for witty, winning dialogue all seal the deal for me. (I am wondering where Hollywood has been on all of this...)
Although I have not read them in order, I will be soon seeking out the Reacher novels I've missed for more vicarious thrills. Kep 'em coming, Mr. Child!
Book Review: Revelation!!!
Summary: 1 Stars
I hate to say this, but Child ripped the main structure of the plot, as well as the precise ending, from, of all things, an episode of KNIGHT RIDER titled 'Dangerous Maneuvers' from the fall of 1982. Everything is there: the army brats bonded together by accident,the love interest being not entirely white,
the MPs dealing in crooked merchandise,one of the MPs being the father of one of the two main characters...but the weirdest part is the climax...I was sitting there in a state of shock, gasping at the tv,since right in front of me was the ending of The Enemy. Maybe it isn't exactly identical, but it's so close it's really strange...You won't believe it at first. I didn't.
This was just yesterday too! The Sleuth network...
Then I remembered that Child worked in TV for many years.
By the way, except for the baby face and easy smile, Hasselhoff
would make a credible Reacher, he's about the right size. Too young, of course.
Anyway, it was very creepy. It could be coincidence, but I
doubt it. The climax is almost an identical scene.
Yet I don't think it would be legally plagiarism, since there are dissimilarities as well. Interesting to think about.
Book Review: Lee Child is Spot on in this Book
Summary: 5 Stars
I have read 7 of the Reacher series books and I liked this one as one the best; they are all great, but this one was well thought out and the pacing was quick, the plot points were believable, the character of Reacher was developed more and he started to become a rounder character. There was good use of military proceedures without being obnoxious about the acronyms or the military jargon.
This prequel to the other Reacher novels gives a great background on who Jack Reacher is. I love when Child writes in the first person, and he has done that in a couple of other books, but it was especially good here as we get to sit next to Jack and listen to him as he narrates the story to us, creating a sense drama, and showing us Reacher as a human character.
For me the better parts of the book was the previously untold relationship Jack had with his mother and his brother. The scenes of when he is in Paris visiting his mother were heartfelt and poingnent.
A very well conceived book, if you only want to choose one, start here. You will be hooked on Jack Reacher.
Book Review: Loved it
Summary: 5 Stars
Oh, Jack Reacher - if only you were real!
Jack Reacher is one of my all time favorite fictional characters. He's competent without being arrogant, intelligent without being cerebral, tough without being vicious, snarky without being a pain in the a** and calm without being boring. Basically, he's the type of guy you wish is on YOUR side. Because you do not want to anger Jack Reacher. Not a good idea, folks. The man will disarm you or kill you or just plain kick your butt without remotely breaking a sweat.
I agree with the other readers who enjoyed the dialogue: the way Reacher calmly makes his moronic and rude superiors look stupid is just hilarious. (Reacher actually does have superiors in this book, as it takes place back when he was still in the Army and his brother Joe is still alive)
I actually find myself taking note of the techniques he uses when fighting someone. Great self defense ideas!
Lee Child is brilliant and he has hit another home run with this book. It's an excellent prequel and a must read for Reacher fans.
Book Review: My first encounter with Jack Reacher
Summary: 4 Stars
This was my first Jack Reacher novel, and I have to say, I came away very satisfied.
Yes, the story is a little far-fetched, but it's a book! It's entertainment. Who cares if the motives behind the bad guys' actions are a little unrealistic? They make for an interesting story and the last few chapters were incredibly exciting as Reacher slowly unraveled the mystery for the reader.
My only real complaint is that sometimes Child gets a little too wrapped up in details. When the details have something to do with the plot, that's fine, but sometimes the reader has to endure lengthy descriptions of the streets of Paris, what Reacher ate for breakfast, and the history of tanks. I found myself basically skipping paragraphs that appeared to be nothing but a play-by-play of activities unrelated to the plot. But it's a small price to pay for such an entertaining story.
I'm looking forward to reading more Reacher novels and I can't help but wonder when we'll see the first Jack Reacher movie.