OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Medinandi License" by Randall Reneau.]

Mining engineer Trace Brandon is back in the latest (mis)adventure novel from Randall Reneau, the Medinandi License. Trace and his friends Will and Gordon are in Mali, West Africa to mine a promising gold vein near the small village of Medinandi. The area is owned by Russians, leased by a Canadian mobster, infiltrated by Al Qaeda operatives, and inhabited by an illegal arms dealer wanted by the Saudis. Other elements that add to the enjoyment of the novel are a potential love triangle and a French pilot who resembles Humphry Bogart. The first part of the novel involves the protagonists working out the logistics of setting up their mining operation. Then a kidnapping forces a change in the plot's direction and the rest of the novel is a thrill ride rescue attempt.

Reneau includes many ironies in this action/adventure story. Israeli weapons are used by radical Muslim terrorists, illegal bribes are required to ensure the safety of one's merchandise in transit, and there comes a time when the French military's only hope can be found in Little Babba, the illegal arms dealer.

The Medinandi License will appeal to people who like reading action/adventure books set in international locales. The plot carries the heroes to Mali, Toronto, Washington state, Algeria, France and the Canary Islands. Geology, firearms and aviation aficionados will also enjoy the book, as there are many credible descriptions of the land, weapons and aircraft used by the heroes as well as the villains.

People who do not care for combat scenes will not like this book. It is a testosterone-fueled adventure that reads like an A-Team or Rambo movie. Everyone knows how to shoot the wide variety of available weapons, and no one ever misses. Even the local Peace Corps director comes from a family with generations of shooting knowledge. The plot unfolds with an all-male cast with the exception of the two love interests, an elderly restaurant owner and bikini-clad women at the hotel swimming pool. This is not chick lit.

What Reneau does well in the novel is to present the differences between urban and rural West Africa. So often this part of the world is assumed to be only jungle or savannah. Reneau paints a portrait that shows Malian city life as well as the outback. Without including spoilers, I would like to see a different ending to the story; it seems abrupt.

I read this book in pdf format, and it is not at first apparent how to increase the small font size. There are only a handful of grammatical errors, not enough to be distracting. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. Readers who enjoy this book will also enjoy Reneau's four other Trace Brandon novels.

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The Medinandi License
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Great review! I liked that you pointed out that people who don't like combat probably won't like this book. It gives people an idea of whether or not they should actually read it.

Thank you for your response! It was an interesting read.

The book seems interesting. I really like books set in Africa. However, combat scenes discourage me a bit...

Patrisyam wrote:The book seems interesting. I really like books set in Africa. However, combat scenes discourage me a bit...

Thanks for taking the time to read my review and post a response! I like books set in Africa too...there really is no other setting like it. Even with the differences between African countries, there are similarities (good ones and bad ones) to be seen in the stories set in Africa. You are right in that you may not like the book because of the gun fights, though. Fortunately there are lots of other really enjoyable books set on the mother continent! Happy reading...

Good review. This book sounds very interesting. I'll have to check it out. Thanks!

From the review, am already excited to read this book. But I don't like the combat part of the novel.

Thanks for the review!

A French pilot who resembles Humphry Bogart? Sounds amusing. I am glad that you enjoyed the book.

Thank you for the nice review!

Great review, love the detail even if this probably isn't for me.

Great review, and I appreciate that you included comments regarding the lack of strong female characters and the prevalence of shooting scenes. That will help me make my choice about whether to read this one or not.

Not a fan of combat scenes so this may not be for me. Great detailed review though.

The Medinandi License will appeal to people who like reading action/adventure books set in international locales. The plot carries the heroes to Mali, Toronto, Washington state, Algeria, France and the Canary Islands.

Sounds interesting! I've always leaned towards action adventure instead of romance. Great review!

This sounds very interesting! Great review!

Seems good..I always love books that are set in different locales, it gives me a sense of travel, even when I am just sitting in my regular spot. Its wonderful, and takes a lot of imaginative quality and good narrative power to be able to do that...