Michael J. Stedman

A for Argonaut is a book about an American soldier, Mack Maran, who is set up and disgraced while trying to executing a rescue mission. Problem for those that set him up, he's not going to just lay down and take it. He is determined to find the truth and clear his name. If you like books by Vince Flynn the Mitch Rapp series, C. G. Cooper the Corps Justice series or Lee Child the Jack Reacher series (I haven't started this one but I understand it fits into the theme) then you should enjoy A for Argonaut. Unlike the books by Mr. Flynn and Mr. Cooper though there is a lot of military jargon ie. acronyms, but considering Mr. Stedman's background in the military this isn't surprising it's what he is use to. Though it is part of the reason for my rating, it would probably have been easier to listen to this book. I first read this book back in 2014 and have just finished rereading it. Both times took me some time to read just because there are so many people and so much information and details to remember. Having my new Kindle Paperwhite with it's x-ray feature really helped this time around. Despite the rating I gave if Mr. Stedman ever released a sequel (which was implied he was thinking of doing back in 2012) I would purchase and read it.

Terrorism, money, treason, arms dealing and blood diamonds that is basically what's going on in this book. Mack Maran was thrown under the bus in order to cover up what was really going on. Problem, like in most stories they should have made sure to kill him, but we wouldn't have a story then would we. During his time in the Army he was lucky to make friends with some people that came in handy to help him find the truth and clear his name. With the help of those friends he starts an investigation business BANG! and using everything he was trained for in the Army he sets out on his mission. His goal find out who set him up and stop one of the worst terrorists leaders in Africa, Grigol Rakhmonov Boyko a.k.a. The Animal and his goon Slang Vangaler. Along the way he meets a woman, Amber Cu, who's son is being held by Grigol in order to make her help him with the smuggling of his diamonds. These are most of the main characters, unfortunately there are many more almost to many to keep up with but most actually play an important role in the storytelling and a few give an opening to sequels. Don't worry though everything gets tied up by the end of the book so your not left hanging.

Be warned the book can get a bit graphic at times with blood, sexual acts or speaking of rapes and mutilation. So if these are topics that are sensitive for you then you might want to rethink reading it.

It did take me two readings to fully understand and appreciate this story. But a second reading didn't change my rating just my review. I can't give this story more than three stars because I don't think it's a book for the everyday casual reader. If you have been in the military or have a better understanding of it then it will make it easier. There is just to much information at times that makes this book a difficult read. Though there are only small parts that don't really eventually lead to a better understanding down the road. If you're going to need to be ready to dedicate some time. What I mean is it's not a book to read while reading something else. Nor is it a book so say I'll read a little bit here and there. To keep everything fresh you need to be able to read it quickly, unless that just isn't a problem for you. If you have a Kindle that has the x-ray feature that will help otherwise it might not hurt to take notes along the way.… (altro)

Tons of well-researched detail; never really grabbed me. Competent writing and obviously well-researched, I was frustrated over the explaining (often and at length) and the continuing time jumps. Frustrating because I really wanted to get into the characters and the story but never really did. There's some good writing in here and the topic is interesting; I would try again if the author reworked the basic construction, perhaps allowing us to move in a more linear fashion and finding ways to fill us in without jerking us out of the ongoing story by explaining histories (we could take a certain amount of this more easily if presented as a briefing, for example, where we're sticking with the central character and seeing/hearing along with him).

That said, there are readers who won't mind these flaws. My frustration stems from the knowledge that if the author reworked this to keep us solidly with one central character's experiences as they happen, this could be dynamite.… (altro)