Dragonfire!: (Cody's War 1)

First books are often about an author finding his voice, or him finding what his characters are all about. It was clear this book changed directions several times as the author tried to find out what roles all his characters played. It ended about the only way it could since this was a first book in a ongoing series.

Stephen Mertz will surely be one of the best in near future. His emotional & nature descriptions are excellent. This is my second book penned by him.

I purchased the whole series at once, and that was a mistake. I couldn't make it through the first book. The character development was basically non-existent, and it must have been that way for the writer as well because the main character, Jack Cody (a Mack Bolen wannabe) can't seem to remember his deceased wife's name. First she's Susan, then in a later chapter she's Carol.I'd hoped for more interesting secondary characters but the only ones who bore even a chance of catching my interest were killed within a few paragraphs of introduction. Frequently I can continue a not so great story if the characters are interesting, but these were so cliche that I couldn't find the tolerance to wade through the vague storyline. That mixed with many error (spelling and grammar) as well as continuity issues ended it for me. .I'm aware this author also wrote for the Mack Bolan line, and since I enjoyed the Mack Bolan books and spin offs from that series I had hoped to find something similar here, but that was not the case.

This is as good as an action movie. Hard to put down. This author gets you into the fast pace immediately. What' next? How are we going to get past this challenge. As the reader, I feel right there with the characters. It is an exciting ride.

"Suicide" Jack Cody takes on the mission to find and extract China's top nuclear physicist from mainland China who has reputedly developed a secret wonder weapon. His wife has already been spirited out by the CIA. Along the way there are run-ins with a Hong Kong Triad, murder, treachery, related US-Chinese military incidents, and a personal relationship with the PLA' s Chief of Staff

I analysed "Dragonfire" and "Camp David has Fallen" and, on average, 14 pages of each book is taken up with detailed analysis of every type of weapon used. And..the number of different weapons is overwhelming. All in all 14 pages of rubbish, at least for readers who live in countries where possession of these types of weapons is illegal. I quite like the main character, Cody, but I will not bother with any more books from Stephan Mertz.

I had to give this a 5 because giving it a 4 doesn't do it justice. This book was a pleasant surprise. Cody is likable and the villains are despicable. Hertz writes with a fast pace and plenty of action sequences. I'll definitely read the rest of the series and I'm looking forward to it.

About what you would expect. Fun read, will continue series.Good action. Likable characters that seem human. Hope the rest are as fun.

Not a bad read but not brilliant either ,In the first chapter Cody immobilized an enemy with a Judo Chop ,I couldn't believe what I was reading I haven't come across that phrase since the Avenger's was on tv ( I'm showing my age here ) the Purdy and Steed one I mean not iron man and all the rest ,I don't think Mr Mertz has done any contact sports in his life plus the book could have done with proof reading before publishing there were quite a few mistakes also by a third of the way through the book you will realise if he gives a full background on a character,married,single,kids ambitions in life you can guarantee they will be dead by the end of that chapter,overall it was ok it passed some time.👍👍👍

This is the first book i have read from this Author.i have just bought the second. A good read,fast action and great research.

I read approximately 75 to 100 books a year first time I have picked a book bye Stephen it will not be the last ver good reading

Suggest Cody be given a cloak that makes him invisible to compliment his other superman abilities. Plus perhaps an ability to fly - oops he already has that!

all good