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bort
What in the hell was he thinking? Unlike most of his other books I knew what
would happen about half way through! I'm so sick of hearing the term
"puke" used a an adjective. If he would have written the story using
500 pages instead of a 1000 it might have been worthwhile but I feel reading it
was a waste of time!
Mike
Never has there been a clearer need for an actual, hands on editor for a Clancy book than with The Bear And The Dragon. What could have been a riveting read at 400 pages becomes a Herculean chore at just over 1000. As it is, the main storyline does not even begin until after page 500. Leaving aside Clancy’s simplistic, self-serving politics, the repeated characterizations of multimillionaires as plain, working class folk, the incessant and offensive use of the word “chink” (this book would not be acceptable to anyone if he had used the word “nigger” as frequently) and what are you left with? Not very much. I re-read The Hunt For Red October fairly often and have to force myself not to think about Clancy traded quality for quantity in his subsequent books.
C N P
My only explanation for The Bear and The Dragon, Tom must be a member of the 'amateur submarine captains of American'. My husband is more generous and suggests a possible brain tumor. Whatever the reason, I recommend Clancy discontinue writing fiction and start his own political publication. So that readers can be warned in advance of spending money for his propaganda.
Kay
I have read everyone of Clancy's books up until this end. I will never read another one. I have also requested that my husband and son should no longer purchase or read his work. I stopped at page 500. The book is anti everything I believe in. Clancy showed a hint of his views in Rainbow Six, but really shows his true colors in Bear and Dragon.
Morgan
If you want to read a "techno thriller," skip this book and read "Blindman's Bluff." "The Bear and the Dragon" is not entertainment, it's Tom Clancy's bully pulpit. He's writing to express his personal politics. No wonder his books are no longer made into movies. I'm sure few actors want to play "this" Jack Ryan.
Travis
Another smashing epic from the Titan of the Techno-thriller! Clancy includes rare episodes of romance and seduction to spice up this long awaited adventure. Jack is back in true form, along with a long list of familiar characters, some of whom have been deserving an ass-kicking for several novels! Lets face it, no one does it better than my man T.C.
Mark VW
Nobody has a better grasp on geopolitical intrigue or military operations than Clancy, but he does have a tendency to show off that knowledge in a way that in the words of George Bernard Shaw, "makes the covers of the book too far apart". Such is the case with "The Bear and the Dragon". The story plods along for the first 700 or so pages, and the remainder of the tome discusses operations that only a diehard military buff will appreciate. Anyone who knows Clancy's work, however, should expect this. Clancy is also hardly politically correct, but to be fair, the military is not exactly known for that. If you're sensitive in that way, beware. While "Rainbow Six" was about as predictable as an episode of "Walker, Texas Ranger", Clancy here goes back here to one of his stronger points: plot twists and some human limitations that even his heroes Jack Ryan and John Clark cannot overcome. Clancy has carved his niche for better or worse. Clancy fans should like it, but this book won't win a lot of new converts.
Barney
I was psyched when my wife gave me this book for my birthday. But I am returning the book after reading the first 12 chapters. Why? Odd, uncharacteristic, crude sex, and an incessant use of the f--- word. My wife and friends will assure you that I'm not a prude, and I own everyone of Clancy's books - even the OpCenter series. But this book is different. I could never repeat the Chinese official's thoughts on page 171 in a family environment; and that's never been a problem with Clancy's other novels. I will keep and reread all the other ones, but this one will not be in my collection.
