Hong Kong

This was actually my first Stephen Coonts novel I have read, and I loved it. There were so many changes in what was going on, and so many interesting characters to follow. I really liked the story line in this book, and I would reccommend it to anyone.

As an Englishman who remembers Hong Kong under the British flag, Stephen Coonts has got the balance absolutely right. Characterization, plotting, settings - all really first class. This (as another reviewer has remarked) is an improvement on his last "Cuba". The only other writer I know in the league of Coonts is another ex-flyer and a Brit, John Templeton Smith - read his 'White Lie'. Seems these pilots with a turn of phrase are a pretty exceptional bunch.

This is a truly visionary tale, well-told of what might happen if a popular uprising were able to topple the corrupt, vicious and venal Communist Chinese regime. A quick read, it is a mach 2 ride into the possiblities of the end of Communist rule in Hong Kong and perhaps, all of mainland China.The author, Stephen Coonts once again reprises Jake Grafton and his wife, Callie in this combination techno-political thriller that also resurrects Jake's bombardier/navigator Virgil 'Tiger' Cole from FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER. All of the scene, style, atmosphere and pacing that readers familiar with Coonts' Jake Grafton novels expect is here. However, instead of jets roaring off the catapults of carriers, he puts Grafton and the intrigue and dangers he faces ashore. Without an F-14 or an A-6 under him, RADM Grafton must use all of his skill to determine if his old friend Tiger Cole is involved in revolutionary activities that pose a threat to American/Chinese relations. While Jake has not seen Tiger Cole in years, the reader finds out that Cole left the navy after he and Jake were rescued from the North Vietnamese jungle after their shoot-down. He went back to grad school and has become filthy rich in the hi-tech whirlwind of Silicon Valley. Over the years, his political donations paid off and a recent administration has appointed him Consul General at the American Consulate in Hong Kong. Coonts does yeoman's work portraying the corruption and tyranny of the Communist government that replaced the last British Colonial Administration. It is obvious where Mr. Coonts' own views are and yet, this does not interfere with his moving the story toward its conclusion. As one reads this book, it makes the reader stop and consider the fall of communism in China. After all, it happened in Russia and the corruption, cruelty, human rights violations, and other crimes all beg the case for the ruthless government in Beijing. It is also obvious that the good of the people is no longer the watchword of any communist government. Rather, it is conservation of the status quo and the maintenance of a dictatorship of an elite few in power. Coonts also does an outstanding job of describing the yearning of all people everywhere to be free. Just as Leonidas I and the 300 Spartans stood against Xerxes and his Persian horde at the pass at Thermopylae in defense of Greek freedom, so too do the residents of Hong Kong stand against the tyranny they face from Beijing. As Coonts so eloquently points out, Hong Kong was the first free area turned over to Communist rule by negotiation and without a shot being fired. It was a cowardly act and was accomplished without the consent of the people most affected by the transfer from a free capitalist system to a dictatorial totalitarian one. Read this book because it is a fast thrilling ride. But when you're done, sit back and contemplate the possibilities posed by the idea of the end of one of the world's most cruel and tyra

Stephen Coonts is a shining example of an author whose writing ability has not degraded over the years. Unlike Tom Clancy or Dale Brown, who began as good thriller writers but have recently degraded to being too long winded and repetitive to write good books. This book is easily one of his best, which ranks with Flight of the Intruder and Fortunes of War as one of his best. It is a marked improvement over his previous book, Cuba. It is really the first book that I was unable to put down. I read it all night. It is exactly what a thriller should be lean, to the point, action packed, and with characters that are believable. Finally, there are complaints from some critics about a technology that is used in the book; it is perfectly realistic if you read about the technology that the US armed forces are coming out with in the near future, it is just a step from what is already planned.

See Storyline above.This, in my opinion,is one of those rare 5 star books. It packs a ton of action with an outstanding locale. You'll actually find yourself cheering for the good guys with enthusiasm. The two different plots in the book are weaved together with a fine touch. Jake Grafton must rescue his wife from a greedy criminal while at the same time rebels are trying to overrun the communists. This is one heck of a good read, and if action is on your list, don't miss this one.Highly recommended.