OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Bishop's War" by Rafael Amadeus Hines.]

John Bishop is a killing machine and the most decorated soldier in recent U.S. military history. When he retires from 14 years in the special forces he comes home to live the quiet life in Manhattan with his childhood sweetheart Maria. The quiet life is not ready for him, however, and he ends up being confronted by the same terrorist operatives he was fighting in Afghanistan. When he prevents a suicide bombing by the Afghan terrorists in Union Square he makes himself and his family the terrorist's new target. The operatives get more than they've bargained for, though, because John's family is not ordinary. They are the Valdez family, New York City's most notorious mob.

Through a series of unfortunate events John and the entire Valdez clan end up in a two-week-long war with the Afghan terrorists in the heart of New York City. They also find themselves at war with the Deputy Director of Homeland Security Michael Meecham. He is a self-important psychopath convinced he will be the next president of the United States. When he is insulted by John's hot-tempered cousin Felix in front of a room full of military personnel, he vows to destroy John, Felix and Gonzalo, the head of the Valdez family. What ensues is a fast-paced action thriller that takes the reader to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Mexico, Greece and the United States. It is an exciting ride that the reader won't want to disembark until they've reached the end of the book.

Bishop's War is the debut novel by Rafael Amadeus Hines. It is the first in a series of books centered on John Bishop, but it is far from amateur. The writing quality is comparable to bestselling authors on the market today. Reading this story is like watching a Hollywood action thriller complete with a fast-moving plot, believable characters, a compelling story and some comic relief. All that's missing are the popcorn and the Red Vines. Mr. Hines develops characters that readers can easily relate to, like John, Felix and Maria. Even though they are part of a crime family, they are likeable, fiercely loyal, self-sacrificing and true to their word. It is easy to root for them. There are also characters readers will love to hate, like Meecham. He is a detestable man. People will long for his comeuppance.

Even with the great writing and captivating scenes, readers with weak constitutions will not enjoy this book, as there is abundant graphic violence and gore in the story. Some people may also find the profanity in the book excessive.

Action thriller fans will love this story. Mr. Hines writes a great novel, with smart dialogue and well-written emotional scenes that are not overdone or cliché. It is engaging and has the reader invested in the outcome of events. There are only a handful of grammatical errors which is impressive for a book nearly 450 pages long. I rate Bishop's War 4 out of 4 stars. Read this novel and then look forward to the next book in the series, Bishop's Law.

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Bishop's War
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Although not typically something I am interested in reading, it sounds very interesting! Thank you for sharing!

Thank you for your response! I wasn't sure about this one at first, either, but it turned out to be really entertaining.

Sounds like an action-packed and very engaging book However, I might be bothered by 'abundant graphic violence and gore'. Good job on the review. Congratulations to Rafael Amadeus Hines on such an obviously well written book.

Thank you for your response!

Thank you for the great review! A book that is "...like watching a Hollywood action thriller complete with a fast-moving plot, believable characters, a compelling story and some comic relief." sounds exciting! Though I'm not sure about the gory and graphic scenes, the rest of the book sounds interesting. Congratulations to the author for the positive review!

Well written, "smart dialogue, well-written emotional scenes, a fast-moving plot, believable characters, a compelling story" and free! Sounds like an action-packed and exciting tale. I will definitely check it out, especially as this is the BOTD. Great job on the review!

Wow this sounds great! It's reminiscent of a James Patterson thriller, my favorite author. Great review, I can't wait to read it myself!

John Bishop's complicated story makes reading meaningful. He leads us to the secret life of men in uniform. Since this is a great read, I can't wait to have a copy.

Great Review. This book sounds like it will be action packed. I don't normally read these books but when I get a wild hair I sometimes go for a different genre. This sounds like it would make a great movie!

This sounds like a great book. I love books that keep you on the edge of your seat. Bishop sings like a fabulous character too.

You had me at the synopsis. A mob family against terrorists? Sounds exciting! Thanks for your honest review!

It sounds intriguing. It sounds like a thrilling novel with lots of great action scenes in it!

Wow, the review drew me into a book that I generally would not pick up. However, it does sound like a movie I would watch and that alone makes me want to read it. Filled with action, heroism, terrorism, and the mob? I mean what else do you need in a movie...I mean book.

Great rewiev and I like the concept of the mobile vs terrorits. Sound like it's lots of actions.