The Disciple Book

How long does it take for a thriller writer to become an established brand name? Certainly, Stephen Coonts has paid his dues in this area – though he has yet to achieve the success of his fellow author, Tom Clancy (who generously sings the praises of Coonts’s books). But as The Disciple firmly proves, Coonts has Clancy’s facility for delivering for the reader a very reliable product: weighty and energetic blockbuster epics that utilise high-tec plots, strong (if unnuanced) characterisation and adventure on the grandest scale. In the new book, Coonts has his characters dealing with the highest stakes. Iran is adopting a familiar stance – and it’s an even more pugnacious one than usual. They have inaugurated a series of worrying military manoeuvres on sea, land and air. While (uncharacteristically) the CIA has decided to keep a low profile (and not exacerbate the situation), Coonts’ resourceful protagonists Jake Grafton and Tommy Carmellini are determined to act. And they have a very pressing reason: the two men are party to some incendiary information about Iran’s nuclear programme (the subject of much international concern). The big question – will Israeli and US targets be obliterated within days? There’s another element in the equation: persecuted Iranian dissidents, who just may be a source of help for Grafton and Carmellini, before international catastrophe ensues. What you see is what you get with The Disciple: stripped-down thriller writing that has one purpose: to get the pulse racing. And, as in earlier outings, Stephen Coonts knows exactly how to do that – in sizable measure. --Barry ForshawRead More