Assassin (Hawke) (ISBN 159737363X)

Great book -- comic book character or not!:
This was the third Alexander Hawke book I've read (previously Spy and Pirate: A Thriller (Hawke)) and this was my favorite so far. I see the critics talk about how Hawke's larger than life persona has reached comic book status. I say pour on some more Mr. Bell! Bell brings a very plausible plot (terror, nukes, pox, etc.) togtether in an interesting international adventure story. I can hardly wait for the new book! Wish I could get a copy of "Hawke" the original book.

fast-paced and frightening.:
Ted Bell can really write. This series is exciting and somewhat scary. He's created a great heroic figure in Alex Hawke. The storyline is, hopefully, not out of tomorrow's headlines. We'd better start paying much more attention to the Islamic radical jihad against our Western way of life. Good book, but very scary in its implications and possibilities.

This is the "Hawke" series title that really got me HOOKED:
As the second in the "Hawke" series, this novel fleshes out the lead character's history and back stories, as well as giving us more insight into the engaging cast of supporting characters. It's what really pulled me into the concept of these characters in an ongoing series, and hopefully, a feature film or two. Bell takes the reader to exotic locations worldwide and paints a detailed picture masterfully. He has an ability to maintain a proper build of suspense while switching back and forth between sub-plots that reminds me of my favorite Stephen King novel, The Stand. This is one of the best series in the international spy thriller genre ever written, and I can hardly wait to receive my copy of the upcoming release of the series' latest title - Tsar.

A Book that Even "Institutionalized Morons" Will Enjoy:
A great "airplane book". I was intrigued by a previous reviewer who motivated me to make a purchase when he commented something to the effect that "if you are an insitutionalized moron, buy this book". If being a graduate of Stanford, Georgetown and Rhode Island College(institutioanlized or not) makes me a moron - so be it. I found the story line better company in the middle seat of a 737 from BOS to ATL than most of my fellow passengers. The yarn was interesting, at some points even riviting and throughout told in the manner of a Celtic Shanachie. Shakespear Mr. Bell is not; but nowhere in all his blurbs do I see that he, his editors or his publishers make that claim. Buy the volume and enjoy.

Verbose:
Mr. Bell certainly likes to see himself write. He could have cut out a hundred pages and still have too many. It was very difficult getting through the overuse of adjectives. I will not be reading any other Bell tomes.