Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 92 votes)
5 stars
22(24%)
4 stars
35(38%)
3 stars
35(38%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
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92 reviews
July 15,2025
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This is the most awful book of the whole series.

Don't waste your time reading this one. I really like this series, but all the books after Operation Barracuda are written by a different person who doesn't bother to edit his work.

This book somehow made it to print with several spelling errors. The author tries his best to explain the way a situation is happening but fails miserably, making it nearly impossible to picture the way the author is explaining an action scene.

The next book in the series is much better than Check Mate, but the author still struggles to explain a fight scene so that a reader can picture it.

The author's use of the word "picking" instead of "making his way" is extremely annoying and takes away from the story.

It seems that the new author lacks the necessary skills to bring the story to life in a vivid and engaging way.

The spelling errors and poor explanations not only detract from the reading experience but also make it difficult to fully understand and enjoy the story.

Hopefully, the author will improve in future installments and give fans of the series a better reading experience.
July 15,2025
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The games are definitely better than the books, and this is especially obvious in this case. It's clear that this particular one is not canon because Third Echelon didn't exist in the year that this story takes place in.

I have a deep love for Splinter Cell, so I admit I'm a bit biased. However, it seems that everyone really dislikes this book. Despite that, I still thought the mission set in Dubai was really cool.

The action and the setting in Dubai added an interesting dimension to the story. It had a certain charm and excitement that kept me engaged. Even though the overall book might not have been well-received, that one aspect stood out for me.

Perhaps if the book had been more in line with the canon and had developed the story and characters in a more satisfying way, it would have been better received. But as it is, it falls short in many aspects.

Nonetheless, I'll still hold onto my love for the Splinter Cell games and hope that future adaptations or stories do a better job of capturing the essence of the franchise.
July 15,2025
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Straight action oriented. It truly feels like a captivating video game where the heroic protagonist embarks on a thrilling journey to various places. Along the way, the hero acquires new and powerful equipment, which serves as a crucial asset in the battles against the formidable bad guys. Despite the intense action, the main story is actually quite good. It weaves an engaging narrative that keeps the player or reader hooked from start to finish. The different locations add an element of diversity and excitement, making each new area a new adventure waiting to be explored. The acquisition of new equipment not only enhances the hero's abilities but also provides a sense of progression and achievement. Overall, it's a combination of action-packed gameplay and a well-crafted story that makes this experience truly enjoyable.

July 15,2025
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We come back with Sam Fisher from the first two parts.

He is yet again called for a crucial mission. The task at hand is to find a man who released a virus that has claimed the lives of nearly 5,300 people.

Sam embarks on this dangerous journey, making his way through various encounters and infiltrations in his pursuit of the perpetrator.

This book offers a wealth of story, in contrast to the second part. I was truly captivated by the action-packed sequences that are a prominent feature of this novel.

There is also a great deal of adventure. Sam constantly has to deal with new and unfamiliar locations, which adds an element of excitement.

It is fascinating to observe how Sam manages to find a solution to every situation he encounters. His skills and expertise are truly remarkable.

Overall, I found this book to be pretty good. It kept me engaged from start to finish and left me eager to see what Sam Fisher will do next.
July 15,2025
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I do see similarities with the original Tom Clancy authored books.

There is lots of action, and there are lots of dead people, both good and bad.

It did hold my interest, which was a positive aspect.

However, all the spelling errors were very annoying and disruptive to the flow of my reading.

I didn't think this book was so old that there wasn't spellcheck available yet.

It's quite frustrating to come across so many mistakes while trying to enjoy the story.

Despite the interesting plot and action-packed scenes, the spelling errors really detracted from the overall experience.

It makes me wonder if more care could have been taken during the editing process to ensure a smoother reading experience for the readers.

Nonetheless, I still found some aspects of the book engaging, but the spelling issues are something that could have been easily avoided.

Hopefully, future editions of this book will address these problems and provide a more polished reading experience.
July 15,2025
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This is a nice action book, but it's a bit of a "more of the same" situation.

It doesn't really manage to take Sam Fisher and his team in a fresh direction.

If you have enjoyed the previous installments in this series, then you'll likely find more of what you liked here.

The story follows a somewhat familiar pattern, with the usual action-packed sequences and thrilling moments.

However, for those hoping for something truly innovative and different, this book might not quite hit the mark.

Still, it's an enjoyable read for fans of the genre and of Sam Fisher specifically.

It offers enough excitement and entertainment to keep you engaged from start to finish.

But if you're looking for a game-changer or a radical departure from the norm, you might want to look elsewhere.

Overall, it's a solid addition to the series, but perhaps not the most memorable or groundbreaking one.

July 15,2025
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I liked this book to a certain extent. It is a shameless spinoff series from a top author.

Although it doesn't come close to being as well written as Clancy's original works. Full disclosure: I used this book to test out my new Kobo, and it functioned well.

The novel itself offers escapist spy-fiction reading. The story is a page turner, but it skips over a lot of the detail that makes Clancy's novels so long, great, and interesting.

There isn't much to say about character development. The protagonist is basically a one-man spec-ops team who operates rather mechanically, like a robot.

There are one or two brief glimpses of humanity throughout the story. However, I believe this is more of a means to sell novels and video games rather than a profound comment on soldiers and modern warfare.

Having Clancy's name prominently displayed all over it surely helps in both those endeavors. Read it if you're looking for something quick, easy, and relatively predictable.

July 15,2025
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Chess is a game that demands strategy and skill. But imagine if the opponent was a terrorist. That's the premise of Splinter Cell: Checkmate, yet another installment in the Splinter Cell series. Tom Clancy, the mastermind behind this series, has once again outdone himself with this captivating and action-packed novel.

As mentioned earlier, the book is filled with numerous action scenes. When Fisher is targeted and fired at by snipers, it leaves the readers with a palpable sense of adrenaline. It's almost a tradition by now that there are moments of intense suspense that keep the readers on the edge of their seats. For instance, when Fisher is hiding just four feet above one of the Trego soldiers, trying his best not to be detected.

Moreover, this addition provides the reader with a rich variety of imagery of the places Fisher visits. There's a lush jungle in Dakar, a luxurious hotel in Dubai, and even a water base in Virginia. This book, and the Splinter Cell series as a whole, is primarily aimed at those who have a penchant for action-suspense or military-themed books. However, it's still a great read for anyone else looking for an exciting and engaging story.
July 15,2025
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I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first two.



The first books were written in the first person, which made it feel more personal and engaging. However, the author changed his style to the third person in this book.



As a result, the plot was sometimes hard to follow. It lacked the immediacy and intimacy that the first-person narrative provided.



In comparison, the first two books were way better. They had a stronger storyline, more developed characters, and a more immersive writing style.



Overall, while this book wasn't terrible, it didn't live up to the expectations set by the first two installments. I hope the author will consider returning to the first-person perspective in future books.
July 15,2025
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James Bond is often associated with a certain charm and allure that appeals to boys. He is the epitome of a suave and sophisticated secret agent. However, Sam Fisher is in a league of his own. He is a true MAN.

Sam Fisher is a highly skilled and experienced operative. His missions are intense and require a level of expertise and courage that only a real man can possess.

The plot of this particular story involving Sam Fisher would have been an absolute gem in the series. It had the potential to be a cool game that would keep players on the edge of their seats.

With its thrilling twists and turns, it would have offered an immersive and exciting experience. The challenges that Sam Fisher would have faced would have tested his mettle and made for an unforgettable adventure.

Overall, while James Bond may have his fans among the boys, Sam Fisher is the choice for those who truly appreciate the qualities of a real man and a captivating gaming experience.
July 15,2025
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The story presented in this book wasn't on par with the excellence of the first two books. There were numerous editing mistakes that unfortunately detracted from the overall reading experience.

However, despite these flaws, I still managed to find enjoyment in the story itself. It had a certain charm and engaging quality that made it a good choice for a quick read.

Perhaps if the editing had been more meticulous, this book could have reached the same high standards as its predecessors. Nevertheless, it still offered some entertainment value and was able to hold my attention for the duration of the read.

Overall, while it may not have been a perfect book, it was still an enjoyable one that I would recommend to those looking for a light and easy read.
July 15,2025
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Blech. This piece of writing is truly terrible. It is so poorly written that it makes it a chore to read. The flow is choppy, the grammar is incorrect in places, and the ideas are not presented in a clear and coherent manner. I really don't know why I persisted and read all the way to the end. Maybe it was out of some strange sense of obligation or curiosity to see if it would get better. But alas, it did not. It is a prime example of what not to do when writing. I would not recommend this to anyone. It is a waste of time and effort.

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