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Ever_Reading wrote: ↑05 Feb 2019, 00:11 Jacko's roots definitely helped with getting the mission done. This is further emphasized when Sarah comes into the picture. It's clear to see that it's the skills that they learned from a young age that makes survival almost intrinsic to them.

I agree that Sarah's entrance in the book made it all clear that their skills and abilities are innate and are very useful in the mission.

Ferdinand_otieno wrote: ↑05 Feb 2019, 01:54 His roots were a big part of the story, even the book's title should be informative in who to follow most.

Yes I agree, though Jamie seems to be the main character, I think the whole book tries to highlight Jacko's roots. Even in the second book, it is still Jacko's origins that are being portrayed.

Jacko's greatest asset is his ability to blend in. That's the greatest reason why the locals opened up to him so easily.

Jacko's roots definitely played a major role in the war: he was easily able to blend in with the locals in Egypt, and his tracking skills and those of his sister were pivotal in locating the criminals at the end. The book's title underlines his importance in the story.

Charlyt wrote: ↑04 Feb 2019, 01:15 Jacko was definitely a huge asset in their mission especially the fact that he can blend in easily. But in the instance that Jacko didn't bacome part of their team, I think they still would have found a successful way to spy on the enemies to help win the war. Jaime also had good abilities, and they would've probably relied more on the girls they hired.

Oh, good point! While I understand the book being Jacko's story, the ladies would definitely have been an asset if he hadn't been involved.

Anna Maria 86 wrote: ↑03 Feb 2019, 13:57 I was just wondering whether the mission in Egypt would have been successful if it weren't for Jacko's aboriginal roots. I think non of the others could blend in as easily. Also, his unique abilities played a big role. Do you think they could have helped in winning the desert war as much as they did had Jacko not been a part of the team?

It is said that there are several ways to kill a rat.
Even though Jacko's aboriginal roots and abilities contributed greatly to their success, I think they would have found another way to get the victory if he wasn't in the team. His presence only made their success come easier and faster.

Natural gifts always help the spies. But if you are a spy, you know how to manipulate what you have got, and get the same advantage that another spy with a natural gift might get

The ability to bond quickly and form connections with the local was a nice strategy which I believe led to the eventual success of the war. Jacko's presence, therefore, meant much. However, I am sure that even in his absence, other strategies would have been employed that would have led to victory.

I do not want to spoil any of the other books of this series for anyone. But to answer the question in this book I do not believe that the mission would have been successful without Jacko. But, each character does their own significants in this as well as throughout the other stories/missions arise.

As well as blending in with the locals, Jacko's roots would have equipped him with some finely tuned instincts that are quite unknown to Westerners and I think the author used this to great effect when writing this book. Jacko's efforts, as well as the help received from Sarah, gave the war effort an added dimension in literary terms. It must be said that with or without these characters, I believe the final result would have been the same but not quite as interesting!

Samy Lax wrote: ↑06 Feb 2019, 23:00 Jacko's greatest asset is his ability to blend in. That's the greatest reason why the locals opened up to him so easily.

His character helps the team very well. No wonder why Jamie made him his companion going to Cairo. Jamie might knew that his buddy perfectly fits in.

Miercoles wrote: ↑09 Feb 2019, 00:08 Jacko's roots definitely played a major role in the war: he was easily able to blend in with the locals in Egypt, and his tracking skills and those of his sister were pivotal in locating the criminals at the end. The book's title underlines his importance in the story.

Very well said! His root makes the title more interesting. I thought the story flows more on Jamie as the introductory character is. A very big help in the history; fighting those Germans a character like Jacko.

Kibetious wrote: ↑20 Feb 2019, 04:58 The ability to bond quickly and form connections with the local was a nice strategy which I believe led to the eventual success of the war. Jacko's presence, therefore, meant much. However, I am sure that even in his absence, other strategies would have been employed that would have led to victory.

A character like him helps the dreadful war in halt; we are now experiencing freedom. Hoping for no WWIII will arise, the story seems kindling nowadays.

Sushan wrote: ↑20 Feb 2019, 02:34 Natural gifts always help the spies. But if you are a spy, you know how to manipulate what you have got, and get the same advantage that another spy with a natural gift might get

I guess even without the natural gifts, a spy could learn them just by being manupulative. It would take years of experience before mastering these natural skills.

I think the author added Jacko's character in order to make the book have more depth and a touch of humor. Although Jamie is the protagonist, Jacko definintly takes a lead role in my opinion.