David McCaleb

Reload by David McCaleb
Red Ops Thriller #2

Before reading this book I searched online to find out what the first book in the series was about and found that Tony “Red” Harmon was in an elite spec ops group, had his mind “washed” of his brain enhancements and thought he was just the average guy with a wife, three children and a house in suburbia until an encounter in a parking lot triggered memories that must have caused much to happen because…

Beginning book two, the one I am reviewing, Red and his family were visiting the home they were leaving to start a new life. Why leaving? Three weeks earlier a wet team came in to wipe them out but first they wanted to say goodbye to the place that had been home. While there Red finds a gun that he then asks Detective Carter to start investigating. He also asks Carter to try to find out who might have sent the wet team in. He is now the team leader of DET: 5 – his team of spec ops and we find out that his wife also works for the government but is employed by the CIA chasing financial trails.

While settling into their new home trying the investigating begins to pay off but also brings more trouble to Red and his family. Throw in two side stories that are taking place in China and Korea that will eventually intersect with Red’s next Op and you have an intriguing story that concludes but without the “bad guy” found or brought in SO there will be another story in the series.

This is an action-packed fast-paced book with much going on. It all comes together in the end but at times I wondered how it would all be tied together. As I read I felt this is probably a “guy story” – one that might make more sense to a guy…but I still enjoyed it and would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books-Lyrical Underground for the ARC – this is my honest review.

3-4 Stars… (plus d'informations)

The first half of "Recall" reminds me of the movie, "Total Recall" with Arnold S. The protagonist was more than capable of protecting himself and his family, as evidenced at the local Walmart where he killed two of three robbers who threatened his family. Not only was he surprised, but the event also garnered the attention of others. Red Harmon didn't know that he was a top special operations Operator who had his memory changed to help him settle down into civilian life as a result of the punishment he received from his prior adventure - almost dying. But then his wife is kidnapped and his former Red Ops Group recalls him back into service and partially restores his memory for this operation.

The story stalls out afterward and seems to lose its page-turning excitement. It doesn't take long for the spy networks to pinpoint her location and the name of the group holding her. Planning and more planning, then the mission begins.

There are some nifty gadgets used for infil into Iran to rescue Red's wife and it doesn't take long for the battle to begin. There are some surprises presented by the author during the story - particularly involving Red's wife and the local Sheriff's Deputy of his local hometown. Who survives this special operation? Will Red Harmon's memory be fully restored? Will they be able to get out of Dodge?

The story has a good plot and is worth reading. Great job Mr. McCaleb!

John Podlaski, author
"Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel" and "When Can I Stop Running?"… (plus d'informations)