First half of the book was very slow. Author went too in-depth about carrier operations, somewhat interesting stuff but very dry. I followed it easily. However, there were certain things in the book that were wrong. One thing I'll say for it is this: it is pretty long--14 hours plus. Too long. The main character was naive about the way that the military works. Finished it--couldn't wait to find out the reveal at the end. ( )

F-14 flying ace Sean Woods has been ordered by the military to remain silent about the death of his best friend in a brutal terrorist attack and his government's reluctance to retaliate. But the maniacal leader of a resurrected society of assassins dating back to the eleventh century isn't going to be satisfied with the blood that has already been spilled. And a U.S. ally has offered Sean the opportunity for vengeance that his superiors have denied him -- though it means taking actions without their knowledge that could spark the most devastating air battle since World War II.

James W Huston's Flash Point is a military thriller with very few surprises. Like the military maneuvers described in the story, it is very well executed and, like an air show, very entertaining to watch. Above average, but not exactly brilliant. If you listen to the audio version, George Guidall’s narration adds an extra punch to the story. My rating here reflects the quality of the story alone; add another half star for Mr. Guidall’s performance.

There are two unexpected points to the story, but discussing them will not give away anything major in terms of plot surprises. The first is a fine point of constitutional law involving Congress’ power to declare war. One of the main characters of the story, a Naval Aviator, believes he has a way to allow an all out assault against terrorism to be sanctioned by the US government with the backing of the general population. The point raised is well within the bounds of credibility and this is what allows the plot to go forward.

The unbelievable part of the plot is the Aviator notifies his congressional district representative of this idea, complete with preliminary research, and the congressman’s aide actually passes the letter along and neither the congressman nor the aide try to take credit for the idea! That is stretching the bounds of reality.

Good reading, or listening, for travel or escapist enjoyment. The military characters are well done, as are the covert operatives, but there is nothing really outstanding in their character development. I especially enjoyed the internal conflicts within the American intelligence agency and the conflict between the Americans and the foreign intelligence agent. As is probably really the case, neither side tells the entire truth to the other. Despite these differences, the common goal is accomplished. The ending wraps up all the loose ends and, if you are an imaginative reader, there are no real surprises. The ending definitively closes the circle as the final pieces drop into place. ( )