Blackout

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Chris Ryan

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Pages: 288 (Mass Market Paperback)

ISBN: 0099465787

Pub: Arrow Books Ltd

Pub date: 2008-05-22

Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 101720

Editorial Review:

Chris Ryan's time has come. For years now, the ex-SAS writer has been turning out flint-edged, fast-moving novels without a trace of subcutaneous fat: barrelling narratives that handled characterisation with extreme economy (too much economy for some tastes), but never cheated on the pulse-accelerating tension that is his hallmark. But with Blackout, Ryan's key subject -- the threat of terrorism to all our lives -- could not be more à propos, and that old journalistic cliché, 'ripped from today's headlines', actually gets it just right with this one.
When three major cities lose all electrical power, there is, surprisingly, no claim of responsibility from any terrorist group. But a grim paranoia grips the nation. In the deserts of Arizona, a badly wounded SAS operative is found, his mind wiped clean. But this soldier is the key to crucial information about the terrorist threat: his amnesia is blocking the knowledge of a computer hacker with access to dangerous secrets, double agents who have been turned by Al Qaeda and even top-level government corruption. It's up to SAS man Josh Harding to unlock his mind before the people tracking him down pull the trigger.

For 10 years, Chris Ryan put his life on the line in real-life SAS operations, and his subsequent literary career has drawn heavily on his knowledge of the tradecraft and danger of those days. What makes his no-frills thrillers so compelling is this sense of verisimilitude. Ryan will never be a literary stylist, but one doesn't turn to his books for elegant prose -- it's the steadily accelerating tension and frighteningly plausible plots that have made him quite as successful author as he ever was an SAS commander. --Barry Forshaw

Reader Reviews:

Another solid Ryan read. (1/2 people found this helpful)

Whilst not Ryan at his absolute best, the book is still very good, with typical Chris Ryan action scenes to keep you reading. However, my main criticism (which has been picked up by others) is that of the plot and the fact that the ending could be quite predictable to you.

Better than Stand by, stand by... (1/3 people found this helpful)

Well, after reading all of McNab's Nick Stone novels I decided to branch out to Chris Ryan. Unsure of what to expect, I had a look at the reviews here on Amazon and chose Stand by, stand by due to the glowing reviews. All I can say is that I was disappointed. Now reading the reviews about Blackout, I see that the majority of readers disapprove whereas I disagree. May be this says something about what I like to read.

This book isn't a literary masterpiece, but then again it probably isn't meant to be. Ryan is not as good as McNab for me because his writing is not as consistant, that is, Ryan sometimes jumps between past and present tense and also first and third person, which can be a bit off putting. Nevertheless, I will have a go at Greed, which people seem to rave about; hopefully they're right...

Please come back Chris (11/12 people found this helpful)

As an avid reader of your books, I can only assume you were under some time pressure to meet a publisher's contracted deadline. I would have given up after the first chapter but ploughed on in the (increasingly faint) hope of you coming up with the goods. Thin plot, totally implausible, wholly contrived.

I did think at one stage you must have employed a shadow writer whilst you'd gone walkabout. Sorry, but I'm thoroughly disappointed. You're better than this - hope the next one comes up to your usual brilliant standard. Recommend you get a new editor.....

it was ok (1/11 people found this helpful)

This book was ok even thou it was - i'm shot to hell but can still do any thing type of book. Not the best I've read, but at least i finished it so i can form my own opinion on it.
So basically it was an ok book, only a few gripping moments, a bit of a twist, but so macho man like, it became a wee bit boring.

Worst Chris Ryan Book Ever! (12/12 people found this helpful)

I love Chris Ryans books, the fast pace and action dialogue that uses is brilliant. I bought Bloackout and saved it for my holiday...i now wish i hadn't. What total and utter rubbish. To those who have said "why caryy on if it was no good?" I say "to see how such an laughably awful book ends." I think Chris must have a checklist of stuff he has to include in each book: 1. An attractive woman who he sleeps with, who will then double cross and try to kill him. 2. A constant supply of food and drink to "throw down his neck" 3. A scene where there are a group of soliders/mercenaries/hells angels who try to shoot him and miss, he runs towards them, and kills all 22 of them with a single bullet or some equally over heroic means.

The whole Bourne Identity theme of the book didnt work and the the whole plot of the book doenst stand up to interrogation. I wont spoil it but its predictable, boring and the ending is crap.

I seems as if this book was written by someone else, the language and style of writing is so different to what he's good at and to what we're used to. His next book, Ultimate Weapon is brilliant; back to what he did before this sorry affair.

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