Tsar: A Thriller

I picked up Tsar thinking that it would be similar to Clive Cussler's Dirk Pitt novels. I've always thought that Cussler's books aren't too cerebral, but at least have engaging plots and are loaded with action from page one. Unfortunately, the only similarity I see in Tsar is that it, too, isn't very cerebral. The only action I read in the 100 pages I managed to get through before giving up were two mass murders for no known reason and the main character skinny dipping on the beach and posing nude for a portrait. If that's action, thanks but I'll pass. Other reviewers claim that the book does get better but I have a hard time enjoying a book while gritting my teeth and repeating over and over "What a waste of time. What a waste of time..."

Early this fall, I heard an interview will Ted Bell, and decided that TSAR was a book I wanted to read. Last week I finally cracked it open and drank it in over a three day period. So here's what I think.

I am not a big "Spy Novel" reader, I read the James bond books decades ago, and during the late 80's and 90's I read several of Tom Clancy's "Thriller" type books. I have to be in a mood. I started out very high on this book, and over all I liked it quite a bit, but I did have some issues.

First; the dialogue, was a bit stilted at times, and for me at least, (I lived in the UK for two years as a young man) the British, lines were a bit overly stereotypical, and I didn't quite get the relationship between the US President, and the hero, a Brit Special Ops guy.

Secondly; the overall plot, had a few "Hmmmmm" moments, but had a LOT of "Oh come on!" moments.

Thirdly; the change of empathy toward the antagonist of the story was too over the top dramatic, and too sudden at too near the end of the book for my part.

So what did I think of the book?

Even with the issues I complain about above, It was a fun quick read, and one I will recommend to friends, so.... Here's the deal,

If you enjoy, or know someone who enjoys military/espionage novels, then TSAR is a book to buy and Ted Bell is an author to take note of.

I was provided an advanced reading copy of Tsar by Ted Bell. This is the fifth novel in the Alex Hawke series and it continues the tradition Bell has developed of action and suspense using plausible plots concerning world events.

In Tsar, Alex Hawke, a modern James Bond character, is recuperating on Bermuda after his injuries suffered in the novel Spy. During his recovery, he meets a beautiful Russian artist, Anastasia Korsakov. As the novel progresses, you discover that Anastasia, "Asia" to her friends, is the daughter of the Russian scientist/politician Count Ivan Korsakov. Count Korsakov has designs to return Russia to its former glory, an act which takes the West by surprise. Enter Alex Hawke and his friends. While they are a small group, they are a very formidable and deadly team made more effective as they have the support of the British and United States leadership. The Count has made his intentions known by holding a US city "hostage" to a bomb if they do not allow him to retake the former Eastern Bloc nations. Alex and his team must thwart this aggressive move, rescue hundreds of dignitaries from an airship (think "blimp"), and disable the bombs.

As with the earlier Hawke novels, this one moves at a very fast pace even with the multiple story arcs; Hawke's relationship with Asia, the powerplay in Russia, a Russian bomber on US soil, and the maiden voyage of a luxury airship. Much like James Bond, Hawke is the man that the British and US governments use when world events swirl out of control. Ted Bell does an admirable job of making the premise believable; Russia's return to global dominance. And, I think, the backroom machinations of Russian politics seem to be realistic. While this novel is typical Alex Hawke, there were several scenes that really pushed your belief in the actions of some of the characters. And after the action played out, those characters were not heard from again. I know that this book pushes 500+ pages, but I would have appreciated a little more resolution concerning those characters. Also, there was quite a twist with Asia toward the end. I was surprised that Hawke wasn't able to discern some issue with her, earlier in the novel. It may have had an impact on the second half of the book.

Overall, another excellent book in the Alex Hawke series.

I have read several of Ted Bell's books, and this was my favorite so far. I love the Alex Hawke character, and found the character developement in this book very intriguing. I didn't find the first third as slow as other reviewers, but perhaps that's because I was already familiar with some of the characters from previous books.

This was also a very timely book. With Russia making a resurgence as a world power, the whole idea of another tsar is intriguing. As someone who grew up during the cold war, it brought back old fears and biases.

The love story between Alex and Anastasia was also a nice diversion. Having seen Alex as quite a womanizer in previous books, it was nice to see his heart truly touched. However, the relationship is doomed, and we may not see Alex so vulnerable again.

I really enjoyed this book, and look forward to the next Ted Bell adventure.

Not good- Have no idea what Glen Beck was thinking- Glen; your great on the radio but I will never listen to you again on book recommendations. I actually had to force myself to finish this book it was that bad. Where is Donald Hamilton when you need him?