Gray Justice (Tom Gray #1) [Versión Kindle]

I downloaded this to my Kindle after reading the sample and getting hooked. When a writer puts together a technothriller (i.e. a thriller with a strong technical thread holding much of the storyline together), he or she takes on a certain obligation: whether they know the technical specs or not, they need to deliver on the authenticity. "Gray Justice" delivers. Alan McDermott weaves us an intricate tale of military preparedness with devilish and cunning accuracy. Still, he does not fall into the trap of getting TOO technical--McDermott's prose is easy to understand while still delivering the thriller punch!

The word "heart" applies here as well--the author puts together a current, relevant storyline about a hero who cares; a protagonist who is willing to risk everything he is for the sake of his friends, his family, and his country. Tom Gray is a hero you will believe in!

Bravo, Alan McDermott. You've got me awaiting your next effort with high anticipation! Read this outstanding first novel; you won't be disappointed!

There are certain books which are thinly disguised vehicles through which an author expresses specific, personal philosophical, political or moral views. I find such vehicles annoying, because, if I want to read an OP/ED article, I can easily find one, and a nonfiction book or article on these subject seems more straightforward and honest. For a good bit of this book, I thought I was dealing with such a vehicle, and at times felt it was little more than a kind of political fantasy/wish fulfillment piece. But, having begun the book, I finished it, and I'm glad I did, because, at the very least, I was partially wrong.

much of the personal value of this book came gradually, after I had finished it, and spent some time considering it. The very fact that it led me to thinking and examination indicated to me that I had found something of more depth than I first realized, and that would be enough for me to recommend it.

I do not intend to discuss the author's expressed opinions, nor do I wish to debate their merit. What I do want to do is look at how those ideas are expressed, and how well the author uses the format of fiction to do so. The author's writing style lends itself nicely to action fiction. He is able, in one or 2 sentences to both tell what is happening in a completely understandable way, and convey other descriptive information concerning setting and characters without missing one flying bullet, and that requires tight discipline and discernment. The words seem to race off the page ...but I doubt seriously that they raced on to the page; they are too well crafted to have been done by impulse or in haste. While the characterizations are developed only to the extent that they need to be to compliment the action, we are given enough to get a very good idea of who the people in this story are, and why they do what they do, and react in the ways that they do. Sometimes, one critical trait or character flaw can speak volumes, and again, the author uses this technique very well.

I admit that I didn't see how the plot would unfold, and, while sometimes I found the "message" a bit heavy handed, I couldn't see any other way the author could have unfolded his plot; one that turned out to be stunningly surprising, and worked out with near brilliance. All in all, this extremely fast paced action novel is satisfying on many levels, and dismissing it as "another action thriller"would do a disservice to both author and reader. I decided, despite my initial reaction to buy the next book, and I look forward to reading it.

After meeting Alan in Twitter, I decided that I could read his book. Why not?? I have a Kindle and the price was quite good. When I started reading it, I was very surprised. Gray Justice has surprised me quite a lot. When I normally read a thriller, more or less at the middle of the book I start suspecting what the ending is going to be. In this case it was impossible. The quick pace and rhythm of the story keeps on moving and turning in really unexpected ways, making the story so enthralling and making impossible for the reader to put the book aside. Very interesting story, quite close to the reader since we live through similar stories every day: through the news, TV, and in our cities. A wonderful story of a desolate man who loses his family and chooses to do something to change the world where he lives in.
Very well done, Alan!! I can't wait to read the sequel!!