SOURCE: A paperback copy received for review as part of a Book Tour (Details and other blog reviews here) from the publishers whose autumn catalogue can be found here.
THE BOOK {According to the
publisher's website}: One legendary hero. One epic series.
Sentenced to death for a crime he didn't commit, ex-cop Remo Williams is rescued from the electric chair at the eleventh hour and recruited by a secret government organisation named CURE. From this moment, he ceases to officially exist.
From now on, he will be an assassin, targeting criminals who are beyond the law. Remo's trainer is a grouchy old Korean named Chiun, whose mastery of the terrifyingly powerful martial art of Sinanju makes him the deadliest man alive.
Together Remo and Chiun set forth on their epic, impossible mission to vanquish every enemy of democracy - every bad guy who thinks they can escape justice.
This is a new era in man's fight against the forces of evil.
This is the time of the Destroyer.
FIRST SENTENCE {Chapter One}: Everyone knew why Remo Williams was going to die.
MEMORABLE MOMENT: {Pages were unnumbered}:The final insult. They would try to save his mortal soul because it was spelled out in the state's penal code.
MY THOUGHTS: First released in the early nineteen-seventies the series is now enjoying a re-release as an e-book with a movie deal having just been announced.
Somehow deliciously old fashioned and yet at the same time full of a political satire much of which is still relevant today. Though an entertaining enough read I felt that as part one in an incredibly long series of 145 books there really was so much more to come, that this really was the author setting out his stall so to speak.
Starting out well - I was intrigued as to just who the 'confessor', an aftershave wearing, foul mouthed monk with tobacco stained teeth and a hook instead of hand, was, of just how Remo would fare with his first mission - but I'm afraid by the end I found my enthusiasm waning ever so slightly.
Less to do with the plot which rumbled on at a brisk, adventure filled pace, the body count mounting up nicely, and everything to do with the increasingly enigmatic Remo who, whilst likeable enough to begin with, I quickly found myself cooling towards.
What I surprisingly enough really enjoyed about Created, The Destroyer was all the martial arts. Wonderfully captivating stuff, I adored Chiun, an odd mix of The Karate Kid's Mr Miyagi and Star Wars' Yoda.
A short read of just over 170 pages that I suspect may well appeal more to male readers. Whilst its by no means guaranteed that I'll be reading all the remaining 144 books in the series I'm eager to find out just what other missions are in store for The Destroyer.
16 comments:
I like the first sentence, it's intriguing. I didn't know about this one I confess but it can be interesting. But I wonder if I would be interested by the martial art.
New to me but glad it got you thinking and curious about the other missions
I knew this wasn't a new series, but had no idea it was from the 70s. I can guarantee that with 145 installments, I won't be setting out to read the entire series. I certainly wouldn't be opposed to reading a couple, though, and presume they don't have to be read in order.
Interesting that it's been revived because of a movie deal. I wonder what took so long for Hollywood to take interest?
I think to get the best out of the series you at least have to start with book one as for the main part it gives the background of Remo Williams - of how he got to be the Destroyer/his training - with only a relatively small bit given over to his first assignment. After that, I'm presuming each book is given over to a different assignment and therefore it might be possible to read as a stand-alone novel.
145 books? This one sounds interesting, but wow, that's a long series.
Now I was a big fan of the original Remo Williams film. I just could never figure out why they cast Joel Grey as his mentor. While I loved the film at the time, I must confess it hasn't aged overly well. Exciting that another film is in the works, though.
I've never read any of the books, although, I have to say, 145 book long series is intimidating and likely to keep me from giving it a try.
144 books in the series??? Wow! That is a lot.
Interesting that the book is being re-released and there is a movie deal.
Thanks for sharing!
Must be a great story since they are doing a movie with it.
Doesn't sound like one I'd pick up anytime soon though it's good news for the author and publisher how its ebook release has sparked Hollywood interest.
this doesn't sound like the right fit for me, but that's cool you enjoyed many aspects of it. :)
I have to be honest... I wouldn't have been drawn in by the cover. However, your review makes me think I would enjoy this one. Oh I might have to try! I like the sound of Chiun.
144 book. Yeeee Gads!
Something like this would need a lot of satire for it to work for me.
I've heard these books described as a male version of a romance, should that be bromance, novel.
My hubby's been reading them for years. He has over thirty of them and I'm always looking for more.
I'm not sure this is mt type of book (or series), but I enjoyed your well-written review, Tracy.
Books like this can be so much fun if done right. This reminds me of one of my dad's favorite series that I got hooked on when I was a teen. I loved the action packed scenes most. :-)
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