One of the reasons I decided to read the 14th
Protocol was because of the number of favorable reviews I had seen. Unfortunately, I didn’t come to the same
conclusion as a number of other readers.
The book is usually referred to as a fast-paced Techno
thriller and I agree it is definitely that.
The basic story is simply that after numerous terrorist attacks, the American people are on edge not
knowing where the next attack will happen; only that it will happen and we need
the FBI to save the day. The plot is a
slightly exaggerated reflection of the times we live in and covers to some
degree false flags, but remains believable.
What I liked:
- The main characters are sympathetic and likeable.
- The plot was believable and fairly fast paced.
What I didn’t like:
- Too many incidental characters. There were times I felt they were there to up
the word count and nothing else.- Awkwardly worded phrases. There were a number of places I had to reread a sentence two, or three times to be clear on the meaning.
- Though fast paced, the book would have benefited from being somewhat shorter. This would have tightened the plot and increased the pace and tension.
- Not finding out until half-way through who the main character actually is.
- Having to order the postquel (no charge) from the author in order to tie up all the loose ends. An original idea yes, but not sure I am a fan.
Overall an okay read that would have benefited from better
editing.
