The Last Patriot by Brad Thor
23 June 2008
I love to read. But there are some authors that I simply refuse to read anymore. Some because they constantly provide new ideas and creative ways for terrorists to attack our country or our citizens; others because they put in WAY too much descriptive detail and far too little story line. But I met Brad Thor before I ever read any of his books; then I read the books he had out; and with “The Last Patriot” I was honored to get a pre-release copy. I consumed the book in less than four days start to finish. Brad Thor’s main character / hero, Scot Harvath proves all too human; all too capable; and more motivated than most men I’ve met who wear a uniform. Let me give you an overview of the storyline and some insights into why I enjoyed this book so much.
Before I get too far into it, let me ask you one question: a simple one to ask but maybe not a simple one to answer: What if a historical document was found that proved to be a section of the Qu'ran and that clearly stated that violence in the name of Allah was wrong? Hmmm...
Tuck that away and let's talk about this book.
Our country has been at odds against fanatical Muslims in some way, shape or form since Thomas Jefferson's presidency. In fact, Thomas Jefferson himself was quite the scholar and studied the Muslim faith extensively so that he could better understand that segment of the population and how best to relate to or negotiate with them.
While trying to enjoy some quiet relaxing time "away", Thor's hero - Scot Harvath - finds himself sucked into the middle of an international drama that has the potential to change the face of the planet. Several scholars and government representatives are researching a lost document. Lost by Thomas Jefferson - or was it just well hidden? - the document may well change the outlook of the entire Muslim faith. Naturally there are those who would welcome such a change: no more fighting; no religious wars; just peace and harmony; CONVERSATION as a means of negotiation.
But there are also those who would rage against such a possibility and would, at all costs, fight to make sure that such a document was either never found, or found and destroyed.
Could such a document exist? If so, how could it remain hidden for hundreds of years?
Against his will, Scot Harvath is sucked into the search for the truth and, as is usual, a large amount of potential world peace rests on how successful - or not - he is. As he fights his way through Europe and on the east coast of the United States, Harvath finds himself unsure of who he can trust; who he owes what allegiance to; and what is the proper patriotic action to take. All the while he's distracted by how he feels about a woman lying in a hospital bed; lying there - he feels - simply because she had been with him at a pivotal moment in time. Had she been somewhere else she'd be whole and well. Instead - because of him - she's hanging on to life and he feels the weight of it.
I can't give away the ending - obviously (because Brad would hunt me down) - but I can tell you that it was far from what I expected. Scot Harvath is depicted as a good man of strong convictions with just as many doubts and insecurities as the rest of us imperfect humans. The story spins across different blocks of geography and scenery and the descriptive passages do a good job of supporting the necessary mental imagery to truly enjoy such a tale.
But I will tell you this: By the time I was done I was wondering whether or not I really would like to meet a man like Scot Harvath. To meet such a patriot would indeed be an honor. But to piss him off would be a really bad thing to do.
Check it out. It's an exceptionally entertaining book full of action and suspense with a few twists and a couple brain-teasers to keep even the most avid reader on his (or her) toes. It's due for release July 1 and you can buy your copy via the link below.
"The Last Patriot" on Amazon.com.
"The Last Patriot" on Barnes & Noble.
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Don't forget to check out our Tactical Equipment Review of an NIMS/ICS Resource DVD.
This week's Feature Article discussing how we may well be teaching our children to be willing victims in an assortment of circumstances.
For a listing of all reviews in chronological order, GO HERE.
