Katerina Plota Plota itibaren Trévron, France
A poor man's Tom Clancy. A far-fetched story line populated with characters that aren't developed, scenes that aren't well researched, and action that isn't detailed. It was (I believe) his first book so I'm giving him another chance. Not a bad read if you're passing the time on a transcontinental flight I guess.
Loved the descriptions of boxing and some of the philosophical musings of the novel. There were some great character studies, too, though unfortunately the central protag didn't quite convince me. In fact, the main plot seemed unconvincing and I think the author may have done better had he gone deeper into the boxing world iwthout using a 'straight' outsider character. The resolution was quite competently sewn up, but somethign seemed missing. Perhaps it was the pretty common lapses into exposition, I really wish an editor or someone had suggested toning those down a bit. Large important bits of the story were rushed through in full on telling mode. Still, I enjoyed the read and I wasn't disappointed with the ending- quite an elegant finish. And some of the settings and ideas will stay with me.