OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Commander" by Dan E. Hendrickson.]

Two years after the attacks of 9/11 happened, the American people and politicians are mindful of the domestic terrorist threat. As the newly promoted Commander Jacob Edwards of the United States Coast Guard assumes his new position as top-dog on the Hamilton-class cutter in the Gulf of Mexico, he is on high alert for any threats to American soil. No ordinary officer of the Coast Guard, however, Edwards has special forces training and is a part of an ultra-sensitive, top-secret, inter-service task force underneath Naval Intelligence. Hopefully, this will be enough to counter whoever is planning an attack on American oil production in the Gulf of Mexico.

Special operatives, United States Coast Guard and Navy personnel, terrorists, martial arts, high-tech sabotage, political blackmail, and much more await the reader of The Commander by Dan E. Hendrickson. The reader is taken on a ride, mostly following Commander Edwards, as he tries to thwart the plans of those threatening the United States. However, as the book is written from multiple perspectives, we also get to watch the terrorists plan, plot, coerce and kill their way to their ultimate end goal. Grab a copy of this one and a cup of coffee while you're at it because you won't want to put it down.

For lovers of the action/thriller genre, especially those that enjoy an entertaining military story, you will be right at home with this one. I loved that the action kept coming, the plot moved quickly, and that there was just enough intrigue to keep me engaged. Besides the action, since the book took place in 2003, I liked the nod to the present day. For example, Commander Edwards had to learn how to use and operate some sort of newfangled piece of technology called a smartphone. What I enjoyed the most about the book was the attention to detail. It shows the author did his homework when it comes to the Coast Guard and their equipment. Between the classes of ships, the firepower on board, and even the command structure of the organization, the writing was spot on.

There was only one minor point that I didn't like about the book. What I disliked the most was how Hendrickson lays everything out in the open for the reader. When following the perspectives of the "bad guys", the reader is exposed to every detail of their plan. Although there is nothing technically wrong with this, I prefer to have a bit more mystery in my novels and enjoy a gradual and deliberate release of details.

The Commander was an excellent read that kept me glued to the pages the entire time. It had just enough action and adventure to quench the thirst of this genre's lovers, and for that reason, I give it 4 out of 4 stars. There were very few editing errors and the minor point mentioned above was nowhere near enough for me to take away a star. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to lovers of military action stories. If action isn't your genre or if you don't like books about the armed forces, you can probably pass on this one.

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The Commander
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This book definitely sounds interesting and well worth the read. I always appreciate it when an author does their homework and manages to accurately portray a detailed story. Thanks for your review!

From the first paragraph, I already knew the book would be interesting. Well detailed review. The commander was ready for anything. He was a commander for real. Nice one. Thanks.

Although this book is not the type of book I like to read, I enjoyed reading your review. Lovers of action thrillers would definitely enjoy this one. Great job!

Cool! Sounds like a great read for Tom Clancy fans.

Commander Edwards had to learn how to use and operate some sort of newfangled piece of technology called a smartphone.

I love this detail. Thanks for your review.

I really love reading such kind of novels. Thanks for the review.

This seems a great action thriller that uses historical facts to obtain a greater realism. The idea of a character having to learn how to use a new device called a smartphone is funny and connects you to those years. Thank you for your terrific review!

This sounds like an action-packed adventure just waiting to take the reader on a thrill ride. I like the idea of seeing things from the perspectives of the terrorists as well. It gives the reader insight into the motives of both sides. Thanks for an honest review.

I love the review, the commander is an action-packed novel. I read it two weeks ago and I loved the storyline. I can't wait to see what Boris is going to do in the next book.

This book definitely sounds interesting and well worth the read. I always appreciate it when an author does their homework and manages to accurately portray a detailed story.

The commander is a work of fiction that focused on counter terrorism. This newly promoted commander must put in place strategies for protection of American oil industry. I'll love to read this book. Thanks for the review.

I never tried books of action thriller genre but detailed terrorists plot and plans intrigues me. Great review!!

This certainly sounds like an action-packed story! However, I am not too keen on books about the military or terrorists. Especially those on terrorism as I find them disturbing. Thanks for the excellent review!

This sounds right up my alley. I am looking forward to reading this. I think I am familiar with Commander Edwards, having read in another book. Thanks for your review.

This book is a fantastic action thriller story which keenly describes various aspects of military life.
It's a must read.
The review is great.
Congratulations on Botd