Still cannot say what role the "execution channel" plays
in the plot. ( )

When I read the description of this book it grasped my interest, but by the end I found myself disappointed. The premise was great and some of the characters were well written, but in the end there were too many loose ends. I also found the ending to be extremely far fetched and unexpected. I thought the writting was great and still give the book 4 stars, but the tag line just didn't fit the book. ( )

The Execution Channel never really delivers on its promises. The plot is convoluted, the characters not particularly likeable and the narrative style makes it hard work to read. The final third picks up some pace, which will help you get to the end, however it is not a satisfying read. The actual plot elements should have produced an action thriller, however MacLeod shows his preference for politics and misses the mark. There is some good hints at sci-fi in there, however they are not a solid enough reason to recommend this book. ( )

A near-future thriller taking place in a slightly alternate history. An explosion that destroys an air base in Scotland is quickly followed by several terrorist attacks against British infrastructure. The attacks drag the Travis family into the intelligence plots of the Western governments as various agencies try to figure out what happened, and to hide the truth.

I really enjoyed the book. It is a fast-paced quick read that kept my interest throughout. The way in which the history differs from our own, and how little difference it actually makes is interesting. Unlike MacLeod's other books, there is not much actual science fiction content for most of the book, although he does stick with his familiar ideas that the Western governments seem to be dooming themselves with their increasing paranoia about security and attempts at control. I did feel that the ending went a little over the top as it suddenly veers off in a direction that was hinted at throughout the book, but which also seems like something out of more of a pulp novel. ( )

http://nhw.livejournal.com/1078028.ht...

A departure from MacLeod's previous space-opera stamping grounds, this is a thriller set in the present or near future of a slightly alternate earth - Gore was elected in 2000, 9/11 hit Boston, and the War on Terror resulted in military operations in Iran and Central Asia as well as Afghanistan and Iraq. Secret technologies, disinformation through blogging, and confused but lethal rivalry between intelligence services all play a part, but the emotional dynamic that drives the narrative is the father-daughter relationship between the two key characters, perhaps the most successful characterisation in any of MacLeod's novels. There is a very memorable climactic scene set in the main square in Oslo as well. Really good stuff.

Bechdel test: scrapes a pass. The daughter has numerous conversations with other women, of which almost but not quite all are about men. ( )