Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
Charon's Landing
Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Jack B. DuBrul
Class/Genre: Mystery Amateur Sleuth Adventure Espionage
Series: Philip Mercer # 2
Forge, May 1999, $24.95, 382 pp.
Into his first term, and already tired and wary, the President of the United States has decided not to run for a second term. Instead, he will concentrate on pushing his energy agenda even though the media pundits consider his plan political suicide. His strategic goal is a ten year plan to clean up the environment through the increased use of cleaner alternate energy sources. The President remains concerned that the global economy and his plan do not collapse. He obtains Congressional agreement to allow the extremely powerful "Seven Sisters" oil companies to explore the abundant Alaskan oil in the previously environmentally protected Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Ajman Oil Minister Hasaan bin-Rufti and former KGB Science Division chief Ivan Kerikov have formed a partnership to stop the American plan before it can gain a foothold. Hasaan plans to become the head of his nation and OPEC while Ivan expects to earn millions of dollars. Only Ivan's arch enemy, geologist Philip Mercer, accompanied by extreme environmentalist Aggie Johnston, stands in the way.
In an incredibly short span of time, Jack Du Brul has earned a reputation for some of the best eco-thrillers on the market. Fans and critics enjoyed his previous Mercer novel, VULCAN'S FORGE. His current Mercer tale, CHARON'S LANDING, will also be held in high esteem by readers and reviewers. The story line is exciting and crisp, but provides no easy answers to the environment-energy debate. Mercer remains an intelligent character, whose field exploits are becoming legendary among the sub-genre audience. Aggie softens Mercer and his arch foe Ivan adds the strong villainous element that turns this novel into one of the most entertaining tales of the year.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
If you enjoy this website, a link would be appreciated. |