Rambo 3

I have read the same reviews over and over for this book, “It’s nothing like the movie, and the book is much better than the movie!” I would say these reviews are half right. The book and the movie have similar plot lines, and some scenes from the movie do happen in the book. This is the third and final book in the rambo trilogy, and to be honest, I wasn’t looking forward to reading this one. I think the third movie is the weakest of the whole franchise, so going into the novel, felt like it would be a chore. But this is where I was wrong! The early part of the book gives a great backstory to Rambo after the events of Rambo 2, and how he ended up with the monks. You see his struggle with PTSD and his inner monologue. Before I knew it I was halfway through the novel! In the movie, there was a child who helped Rambo along the way, and in my opinion, was one of the main reasons I disliked the third movie. However; the novel does away with the child and puts a great twist on the story! I won’t spoil what happens but the movie should have followed this path. With that being said, the ending is where the book starts to take a dive. It really starts to drag on at the end. It goes from a HUGE action scene to a large section of just dragging. The ending is very bleh, and left me feeling that the Novel should have taken the movies path. Had the book ended similar to the movie, I would have easily gave this 4 maybe even 5 stars. It’s a shame because is book was on path to being my favorite. Finally, I’m not sure if the author intended to be “preachy” no pun intended about Muslim religion, but it really gets a lot of focus in the Novel. I understand why it was included, but at times it felt a bit much. And before anyone says, “well it’s because it’s Muslim religion” I would have had a problem with any religion being discussed this much for this type of novel. Unfortunately, Rambo 3 falls to being the weakest of the trilogy, but still a very fun read. If you read the first two, definitely read the third!

Co-written by David Morrell (FIRST BLOOD AND RAMBO: FIRST BLOOD PART II). Based on a Screenplay by Sylvester Stallone and Sheldon Lettich.John Rambo. The most dangerous man alive. His country has called him once again -- this time for a mission he will not accept. Living in exile in a Buddist monestary, far from home, he is finished with the glory and the blood of war.Now, his former commanding officer, Colonel Trautman, the only man Rambo trusts, is in trouble. On a mission meant for Rambo, he has been captured by Soviet troops on the Afghan border.For John Rambo it's a call to arms. And an invitation back into Hell...with the help of Afghan rebels.