Oliver North

Overall I rate Heroes Proved as average, maybe slightly better than that. Even though the plot lacked energy and the central characters failed to engage my interest, Oliver North sends an important message that needs to be taken seriously by all who treasure liberty and Western Civilization.
A terrorist attack in Houston in 2032 sees prominent scientist and retired Admiral Martin Cohen kidnapped by Islamist jihadists. Thankfully for Dr. Cohen, he has friends (particularly the Newman family show more and Senator Mack Caperton) who are more than adequately equipped and motivated to bring him back and do battle against America's enemies -- foreign and domestic.
Oliver North shows his expertise in national security and military operations throughout this story. The firefights involving the principle hero, James Newman, pulsated with tension and realism, made credible by the author's personal heroic background under fire.
North paints a frightening picture of what America and the world may look like in the near future if the Progressive agenda holds power in the White House. His message needs to be taken seriously as Americans choose leaders who will either continue on the path set by Progressive elites or patriots who will strengthen their country against external threats and enemies of liberty. show less

The Iran Contra affair seems like such old news now, but it was somewhat interesting reading this account of it from one of the principal players. It is written in a very straightforward manner and is not particularly engaging. North pleads his case in several points, attesting to his innocence by explaining how he got swept up in the events that lead up to the scandal. Judge him how you may this book is in interesting case study in the working of our modern day political system. Sadly, show more things haven't gotten any better since North's day--the philosophy that "the end justifies the means" is still alive and well! show less

If you enjoy action/adventure/military/intrigue sort of books, then you'll like this one. I was a little confused by the tags I saw here for this book at LT, namely the ones referring to "Christian" books. The character of Lt. Col. Peter Newman is helped out of his impossible predicament by Christian Arabs. Also, the Colonel's wife contemplates divorce vs. a Christian conversion and recommitment to her marriage. Religion isn't a huge aspect of this book, but if you're put off by Christian show more references, then you probably won't like the book; or if you roll that way then you probably will. No mystery.

I've read a lot of Tom Clancy books, and I'm struggling with whether or not to call this one "Clancy-lite." I think that's pretty accurate, although I don't mean it so much of a slam as a description. Frankly, a lot of what Clancy does is a bit too much for me, so Clancy-lite isn't necessarily a bad thing.

North and his co-author, Joe Musser, give a very helpful Glossary of Abbreviations at the beginning of the book. Not having worked in gov't or been in the military, I really needed this list to follow what was happening in the book.

The story is what-you-see-is-what-you-get: Mission Compromised. Lt. Col. Newman is chosen to head up a clandestine operation as head of the White House Special Projects Office. The mission goes badly wrong, and it becomes evident to those involved that the betrayal is coming from someone in or near the top brass in the White House.

This is a good story with a very likeable protagonist. There are three in the series with Lt. Col. Newman, and based on this one, I would give the next one a try. 3.5 stars, an entertaining, solid read. show less

This isn't my kind of book, but I can appreciate the writing. Oliver North did a great job with details and making this story seem crazy, but believable. It was fast paced and a quick read.