Reviewed:
"G.I. rescues naked teenager from Russian KGB. She in turn saves his life and goes on to become youngest general and most decorated veteran in history". That's what you're told about the story. I want to add : "... and they lived happily ever after".
In case you might be wondering, the hero this time is a female. And what a female ! After a traumatic year in the KGB's hands being used with the same care we would a rag doll, Kelly Jackson finally finds some freedom when she is rescued by Mike Callahan. But here's the catch : she's no damsel in distress. On the contrary, she plans to take her fate in her own hands and make sure it bends to her will. And with her fate, one step at a time, the world will follow as she will lead by example. For she only knows that way and wouldn't choose the easy path even if it was offered.
This is the first story I've had the pleasure to read from the author, Morgan. Be it the length or the content (37 chapters epilogue included), the whole seems to have been well thought out. The plot doesn't lose its breath mid-way like so many stories do but still allows enough space to develop secondary characters. The only thing we could regret was Mike being overshadowed by his wonder of a partner but it wouldn't be really justified. From the beginning to the end, this story was about Kelly Jackson and her accomplishments.
Now, for the marks, two things :
- I'm a french reader. You won't see me give a Technical Quality rating. It would be preposterous.
- I don't use 10. 9 is the greatest compliment I can give. There is no enjoyment in perfection. It's in flaws that I thrive; flaws that give me the height of a person's talent.
This time, things are a little different. I don't know if all the stories from this author carry this tone, but I felt that such an attitude wouldn't be fair or deserved. While reading about Kelly Jackson, you have the feeling that nothing really bad can happen to her... and you're glad that it's like that. Knowing such a thing, you are then free to follow in her endeavors and rejoice whenever a new breakthrough is made. You don't really care what happens to her : you just want to enjoy the ride alongside her, and you would be right to do so.