The First Commandment

I went straight from Takedown (my first exposure to Thor) to the 1st Commandment. Although coming late to the ranks of the Thor readership, I am at least benefiting from being able to read them back-to-back in rapid succession. The 1st Commandment picks up right where the previous book left off, in the wake of the terrorist attack on New York City. Protagonist Scot Horath finds that he is being targeting through family and friends by an unknown killer. The action is fact and furious as Horvath pursues his nemesis, while simultaneously doing battle with others in his own government. Having truly enjoyed Takedown, I was happy to find that I liked Thor's latest even more. Perhaps it was the growing affinity with the character set. Perhaps it was the ability to read the two books back-to-back. Most likely, however, it was the simple fact that the 1st Commandment was a great, suspenseful read.

Okay, the plot is implausible. Many of the characters are stereotypes and the ones who aren't are not necessarily developed to any great depth. Further, those who believe that the world is really a place where evil exists only because the United States exists will find this novel reprehensible because the hero, Scot [sic] Harvath is a patriot who tries to protect the US. Worse yet, so do his friends. Scot Harvath has nebulous job in the US government, ostensibly with the Department of Homeland Security. But he reports to the President, whom he also regularly saves from the plots of evildoers. (In other Thor novels, Harvath has rescued the kidnapped President and saved New York from an al-Queda attack.) If you don't like overblown heroes and plots that go beyond plausibility, you probably won't like Brad Thor's work. For example, Mitch Rapp, the creation of Vince Flynn, is far more believable than Scot Harvath. And Fynn's plotting has more substance than Thor's. But when it comes to rip-roaring, old-fashioned patriotism, Thor goes over the top - which adds to the entertainment value of "The First Commandment". The story begins with five major terrorists being released from Guantanamo. There's a murky backstory behind the release of these five men which I will not reveal here. Suffice it to say that the backstory, as it is disclosed in the novel, has more holes than a Swiss Cheese. But that's not really important now or ever. What counts is President Rutledge telling his one-man army, Scot Harvath, to keep his nose out of the matter. This, of course, offends Harvath who promptly disobeys the President because he and his girlfriend have been attacked by person or persons unknown. The girlfriend, Tracy, is in a coma as a result of an assasination attempt. Harvath sets out to find the shooter. Harvath stops at nothing. Torture - which is meticulously described - is simply a tool to Harvath. Harvath's mother is attacked. Harvath gets angrier and more determined to find the attacker(s). He calls upon powerful friends with tremendous intelligence resources. He also calls upon the Troll, an unlikely dwarf (really) who has played a part in another novel. The Troll is a lonely dwarf who deals in information to anyone with a check that won't bounce. It is an unlikely pairing. The key element in a Thor novel is action. Unremitting action in the name of America, truth, justice and good guys everywhere. Thor writes breast pounding heroic stuff. It is not for the weak or squeamish. It is for those who like their action two-fisted, unforgiving and patriotic. Brad Thor treats plot and characters much as Clive Cussler does. Both are frequently unbelievable, but because both men are such phenomenal storytellers, the reader simply doesn't care. This is just plain great thriller action. I have one tiny bone to pick. I do wish Brad Thor and other authors would realize that some in their audience really do understand computer technology and

Another hit for lovers of fast paced, exciting action. The plot moves along briskly and keeps you going from start to finish.

This was my first book by Brad Thor and I am very happy that I "found" him! I love books that are fast paced and action packed and this one had it. This book had me from the opening quote! This is a very well written political, miliary, real-world thriller by a very talented author. Brad's other books have just jumped on my "to read" list. Extremely highly recommended!!!!

President Jack Rutledge authorizes a deal with terrorists. Although the American government leaders always insist they will never negotiate with terrorists even for the release of hostages, he secretly releases five hardcore known terrorists locked away at Guantomino as part of a deal to protect at risk children. In fairness his advisors told them they can keep this quintet under control with monitoring of the isotope they put in the blood of these killers. The President's advisors missed another slammed dunk when they lose sight of the fearsome five. Just under six months later, an assassin shoots Homeland Security agent Scot Harvath's girlfriend Tracy Hastings (see TAKEDOWN), leaving her comatose and he furious as isotopic blood is found at the crime scene. Soon afterward, his mother is attacked by locusts and some friends of Harvath murdered. He knows someone is coming for him, through his loved ones. Harvath begins to make inquiries, but is told to stay out of it. Even before these incidents he knew the leadership saw him as an expendable renegade so he ignores the order to take no action against the person methodically destroying his loved ones. TAKEDOWN is an exciting action-packed frightening thriller; THE FIRST COMMANDMENT is as exhilarating and action-packed, but even more frightening as the plausibility of the plot will not be questioned. Harvath is at his anguished best in this often violent tale as he is ordered to do nothing although his counter terrorist instincts are screaming to go on the offense. The return of several characters from previous books enhances the feel of the long term concept of the war against terrorism as Brad Thor raises the adrenalin with this terrific thriller. Harriet Klausner