Executive Orders (Jack Ryan Novels) (Mass Market Paperback)

Tom Clancy writes large, sprawling novels. This one is actually a bit longer than most other Clancy novels, coming in at nearly 900 pages (hardcover). There is a lot of storyline to cover. Clancy likes to have the main plotline with several sub-plots that eventually tie in to the main story and also augment what is going on. Only one of these sub-plots felt truly superfluous (that being the Mountain Men sub-plot) as it did not actually add anything to the main plotline nor did it even touch the main story. It was set up early as something large and fizzled out near the end, as if Clancy forgot that he had that sub-plot going and then realized that he didn't have anywhere for it to go. Otherwise, all the storylines fit into the larger story and with all the detail that Clancy provides, the novel doesn't feel as weighty as it would appear to be.

The detail that Tom Clancy provides gives the novel a sense of realism, that perhaps these events are not so implausible as we might have once thought. After September 11 and with threats of bio-terrorism, this novel has gone from being military/political fiction to a grim vision of what may very well occur in our near future. We see the potential for evil in the world and dishonest men in the United States (and abroad). We see the potential for good men and women to step up in government service and to attempt to do the right thing. Clancy shows both sides of the coin, and if Jack Ryan is an overly honest and morally upright character....we must remember that he is the "hero" of the series. He is exactly the kind of man we want this series of books to revolve around.

The bottom line for this novel is that it is well written, and while it may be long winded at times, it was a quick reading novel despite being around 900 pages. The story is compelling and while we know that our hero and our country will come out alright, we don't know what horrific events Clancy will subject Jack Ryan and America to....and that's why we keep reading.

-Joe Sherry

Tom Clancy does have a habit of having too many sub-plots at times, but I guess I'm used to it and quite like it, particularly as it keeps me interested and thinking.

I have to say I really did not enjoy the book for the last 200 pages or so. I found it very slow, and it took me a week to read the last 150 pages (I would normally expect to do all of that in one night, as he normally weaves together the themes brilliantly in the end)

Another annoying feature at the end was the overuse of military jargon. I don't mind it, and enjoyed Red Storm Rising. However, I did feel that tom was using far too many TLAs (three letter acronyms), which made for EVEN slower reading (some of them were not even explained - which was frustrating to someone as ignorant of current military terms as I am)

I guess overall the book is definitely worth a read - I would give the first 800 pages 5 stars. I guess the disappointing last 200 just ruined the experience for me - I won't hurry to read it again because of that.