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jillyrabb101's review against another edition
3.0
Decent read
Enjoyed having a bit of romance for the first time in a few books but it was easy to anticipate that Jolaine's behavior would take a turn for the worse. Interesting dynamic with past characters.
Enjoyed having a bit of romance for the first time in a few books but it was easy to anticipate that Jolaine's behavior would take a turn for the worse. Interesting dynamic with past characters.
abibliofob's review against another edition
3.0
Another Jonathan Grave book done, I'm getting close to being updated. This one is Against All Enemies by John Gilstrap. This was not the best one in the series but what really blew my mind was that it was released in 2015 and the story is that a group of people are not satisfied with the elected president. It is also one of the blodiest books so far I think. Still I will keep on reading them.
avid_read's review
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
zipperhead's review against another edition
5.0
A few days ago Goodreads had this quote on their homepage by George R.R. Martin, "Sleep is good, he said, and books are better". That is true with this book. I could not put it down once the last half started. I have enjoyed all of John Gilstrap's book. I am looking forward to his next book, next year.
scott_a_miller's review against another edition
4.0
This was different but just as good. Saved more than individuals. Saved a bad guy even when you get down to it. There were cracks in the team that were fixed quickly. The core even had a few issues but they should be fine.
Something is coming with the Darmond administration. Hope we find out in the next one.
Something is coming with the Darmond administration. Hope we find out in the next one.
sunny76's review against another edition
4.0
I had trouble putting this one down, typical with a book about Jonathan Graves and Big Guy. My only reservation was, as I was reading the part of the assault on the electrical facility, I thought this was in an earlier book. Definitely recommended for anyone that likes rescue stories and spy type novels.
booksmy's review against another edition
3.0
Really mixed feelings on this one. In general, a good story, fast paced and interesting. The political hatred and bias was heavy handed - not as bad as Brad Thor, but the author was pretty up front about it. The big climax involved the wholesale, overly-enthusiastic, slaughter of a bunch of young, misguided, probably brainwashed young people. This seemed unnecessary, and out of character for a protaganist that usually busts in, grabs who they want, and back out again. The plot to overthrow the government was disturbing, particularly how easily the characters/victims bought into it.
3.5-ish
3.5-ish
brettt's review
2.0
John Gilstrap's tales of Jonathan Grave, a former super-secret commando and currently an off-the-books rescuer of hostages and the like, can be frustrating. Gilstrap's great at creating main characters that you like and want to read about, and in 2015's Against All Enemies, he even gives some depth and dimension to his villain. He writes great action scenes, crisp dialogue and funny buddy bickering.
But he also can be very talky and Enemies has that quality on 10,000 candlepower display -- his heroes actually share many of the views of the villains who want to overthrow the government but their commitment to the rule of law and their ability to spot the flaw in the overthrow plan keep them on the side of the good guys. Which they tell us, over and over again.
So when Grave and his main partner, Boxers, track down a former colleague who's gone rogue, and find he's less of a problem than the people he was seeking out, they have to suss out the proper course of action even though it won't necessarily be the legal one. That lets them lecture various and sundry characters, including each other, on why what they're doing is right.
Gilstrap also throws in some left turns in a couple of characters for what seems to be no real reason other than he can, which jars the narrative and actually leaves a sour taste on what should be a much more satisfying finale. More than once, Grave and Boxers have provided a high-octane and satisfying thrill ride, but with Against All Enemies, as with too many of the series, there are enough stumbles to make you wish someone would have tinkered with the motor a little bit more.
Original available here.
But he also can be very talky and Enemies has that quality on 10,000 candlepower display -- his heroes actually share many of the views of the villains who want to overthrow the government but their commitment to the rule of law and their ability to spot the flaw in the overthrow plan keep them on the side of the good guys. Which they tell us, over and over again.
So when Grave and his main partner, Boxers, track down a former colleague who's gone rogue, and find he's less of a problem than the people he was seeking out, they have to suss out the proper course of action even though it won't necessarily be the legal one. That lets them lecture various and sundry characters, including each other, on why what they're doing is right.
Gilstrap also throws in some left turns in a couple of characters for what seems to be no real reason other than he can, which jars the narrative and actually leaves a sour taste on what should be a much more satisfying finale. More than once, Grave and Boxers have provided a high-octane and satisfying thrill ride, but with Against All Enemies, as with too many of the series, there are enough stumbles to make you wish someone would have tinkered with the motor a little bit more.
Original available here.
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