Review of Ridgetown

[Onyinyechi Obi]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Ridgetown" by Jim Tindle.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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It is not uncommon for a substantial number of citizens of various countries to be disgruntled about how their governments run their countries. These grievances sometimes escalate into rebellious factions, and in the case of Jim Tindle's book "Ridgetown," militias emerge. For the most part, these militias are delusional groups that rave about 'freedom fighting' and 'protection from the government'. However, Jim shows us through his book how a certain Roger “Major” Coker (or the Major) and his closest partner Dan “Scope” Hatton seemingly had a more organized plan to overthrow the United States government as they were no longer fit to govern, in his opinion. His methods to achieve this goal were brutal and morally reprehensible, showing a disregard for collateral damage. He had a narcissistic demeanor, and he even saw his colleagues as pawns in the grand scheme of things. He even murdered members of his gang to prove a point.

Arsen is our protagonist. He once served in the army and currently works as a contract assassin for a former CIA personnel named Nils, who was funded by five billionaires. They were primarily concerned with the protection of the United States, its government, and democracy. Nils was uncomfortable with news from Blue Ridge, Georgia, about the rise of the Silent Mirage and their plans to overthrow the government with the help of a few retired and active military generals. Nils requests Arsen to infiltrate the Silent Mirage, gather intelligence on their activities, and thwart their efforts. Initially hesitant, Arsen eventually agrees after some introspection, therapy, and a train journey. The author skillfully presents the story in an engaging manner, keeping readers captivated as they eagerly anticipate Arsen's dangerous mission. Crimson is a member of the Silent Mirage and also worked as a part-time owner of the Boat Dock Bar and Grill. Through Crimson, Arsen is able to access the Major, who screens him and declares him a member of the squad. What follows are a series of adventures, bombings, and assassinations, mostly connected to the Silent Mirage. Arsen is a brilliant man and would soon devise plans to hurt the major and his accomplices without being detected. 

Jim Tindle's "Ridgetown" explores several compelling themes. One of them was the quest for power. This was most evident in Major's approach to attempting to overthrow the government. Insatiable hunger for power drives individuals to commit unspeakable atrocities. The human conscience was another theme that nicely played out in the book. Two broad examples are Arsen and Crimson. The former needed therapy for his 'wrong doings' even though he was serving a good cause, and the latter could not bear the unnecessary 'collateral damage' caused by the militia she was involved with. Tindle skillfully employs these characters to examine humanity's ongoing battle with conscience and the rationalization of morally questionable behavior. The book also touched on themes like lust, trust, and more.

The plot is mostly set in Ridgetown, Georgia, but also spreads across several cities, such as Arizona, Los Angeles, California, Arkansas, Ohio, and Texas, where some of the terrorist operations were carried out. Although the exact timeframe of the storyline is not specified, references to modern technology and AI, including chatGPT, indicate that it is set in the early 2020s. There was nothing to dislike. The book was void of errors. I highly recommend this book to enthusiasts of crime thrillers, those who enjoy war and combat stories, and anyone who appreciates well-written novels. I would rate this book a 5 out of 5.

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Ridgetown
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[Ajain12]

"Ridgetown" by Jim Tindle intricately explores themes of power, conscience, and human behavior within political upheaval. With a gripping plot set across various locations and well-developed characters, the novel captivates crime thriller enthusiasts. Tindle's seamless storytelling, devoid of errors, makes it a compelling read. Highly recommended for those drawn to war stories and well-crafted narratives. A solid 5 out of 5 rating for its engaging portrayal of complex themes and captivating storyline.

[Azaz Raja]

A thorough and insightful review that effectively captures the essence of "Ridgetown" by Jim Tindle. The reviewer adeptly explores the themes of power, morality, and human conscience depicted in the novel, while also highlighting its engaging narrative and well-developed characters. Their recommendation and flawless rating underscore the book's quality and appeal to a wide audience of readers.

[Anil Baade]

You've explained very well about the book and you have mentioned the content of the book very nicely. I'll definitely start reading this book.

[NetMassimo]

This novel seems very interesting for all the ramifications at both personal and national level explored, which include some ethical and moral gray areas. It's a story that includes a lot of fighting and also food for thought. Thank you for your great review!