Jean Van Hamme

First two volumes of Largo Winch adventures describing how he inherited the W group from his father.

Interesting story, lots of action and adventure. It paves the way for further look at Largo himself because although he is a rich playboy he sure is capable of picking up the fight with anyone who threatens him.

One thing that annoyed me (and why it is not 4 stars) is a complete mess when it comes to Largo's origins - Yugoslavia. Being familiar with the area I am pretty sure you don't have gypsy circus troupes anywhere over there, and especially no Polish names. As a matter of fact only thing they got correct is woman name Danica (where c = tz in local languages).

But even with all of the above it is enjoyable story, got me looking for volume 2.… (more)

For me this was a re-read of the story after several decades. Story of the amnesiac found on the shore by an elderly couple sounds very much like beginning of Jason Bourne story.

But this is where all similarities end because XIII is involved in something much nastier than even Bourne. And this shows in way that XIII is pretty much on the run from everyone (government official and unofficial services, corrupt cops, unknown killers and mercenaries) from the day he tried to find out more about himself.

XIII's life story is never truly revealed (no flash-backs, nothing; we only follow the information as revealed by other people he encounters along the way), and while he tries to find more about himself he accidentally kicks the hornet's nest and causes all sorts of fallout and people start getting murdered just by being associated with him.

Great start for the series.

Highly recommended for all thriller fans.… (more)