Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
39(39%)
4 stars
30(30%)
3 stars
31(31%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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Mediocre

This particular piece of work was filled with a great deal of action. However, it was completely lacking in any element of surprise. It felt as if everything was so predictable that it became rather dull. I found myself quickly skimming through the last segment, which was just more of the same no-surprise action, simply to get it done and be able to move on to something else. There was no excitement or anticipation, no moments that made me sit up and take notice. It was a mediocre experience from start to finish, leaving me with a sense of disappointment and a desire for something more engaging and original.

July 15,2025
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Tom Clancy is a renowned name in the world of literature, especially for creating the highly popular Splinter Cell series. However, in this particular instance, it was David Michaels who penned the book that caught my attention.

I had always had an inclination towards Tom Clancy's works, and when I thought I was purchasing a book written by him, I didn't hesitate. I was in the Cosmopolitan Bookstore, a place known for selling used books. Sadly, this bookstore was on the verge of closing, and as a result, paperbacks were being sold at a significantly reduced price of just a couple of dollars.

As I browsed through the shelves, I saw a book with Tom Clancy's name prominently displayed on the cover. Without realizing that he wasn't the actual author, I quickly grabbed it. To my surprise, the book turned out to be quite entertaining. The lead character was a tough government agent tasked with the crucial job of preventing a nuclear strike on Los Angeles.

Despite this pleasant discovery, I'm still eager to read a book that was actually written by Tom Clancy himself. I plan on getting one of his original works, preferably one that hasn't been adapted into a film yet. This way, I can truly experience the essence of his writing and storytelling.

I'm looking forward to delving into the world of Tom Clancy's literature and seeing what other adventures and thrills await me.
July 15,2025
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This book was okay when compared to the first novel. The first one was much more action-packed.

We continue with the members of The Shop, an international arms dealing ring that played a significant role in the first book as they eliminated many splinter cells. In Operation Barracuda, we discover that there is a traitor in the government, which accounts for the leaks. This traitor is involved with The Shop and a Chinese General named Lan Tun. Lan Tun's plan is to invade Taiwan. They intend to use a nuclear bomb to create a tsunami off the coast of California, unless the United States abandons Taiwan when China invades it.

Operative Sam Fisher thwarts the plot, and they are all killed. However, I felt that this book ended rather abruptly and lacked real substance. The plot was simplistic and failed to provide explanations for certain aspects. It left me with a sense of dissatisfaction, as if there could have been more depth and development in the story.

Overall, while the book had its moments, it didn't quite live up to the expectations set by the first novel.
July 15,2025
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Predictable...


The Kindle is often considered better than watching TV.


With a Kindle, you have access to a vast library of books at your fingertips. You can carry it with you wherever you go and read whenever you have a spare moment.


Watching TV, on the other hand, can be a more passive activity. You sit in front of the screen and let the images and sounds wash over you.


Reading on a Kindle, however, engages your mind and imagination. You have to picture the scenes and characters in your head, which can enhance your creativity and mental acuity.


In addition, the Kindle allows you to customize your reading experience. You can adjust the font size, brightness, and background color to suit your preferences.


Overall, while both reading on a Kindle and watching TV have their merits, the Kindle offers a more interactive and engaging experience that can be better for your mind and soul.
July 15,2025
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Action packed thriller!!

The story began in a rather slow-paced manner. At first, it seemed a bit unassuming, with the plot unfolding gradually. However, as the narrative progressed, it took an unexpected turn and led to an exciting and thrilling finish. The build-up was masterfully done, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. It truly turned out to be an interesting and engaging read. The characters were well-developed, and the story had enough twists and turns to keep one guessing. I found myself completely immersed in the world created by the author. Given the quality of this book, I am eagerly looking forward to reading the next book in this series. I have a feeling that it will be just as exciting, if not more so. I can't wait to see what adventures and challenges the characters will face next.
July 15,2025
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Somehow, Sam Fisher, our hidden agent, emerges victorious. However, he endures a great loss as his friends sacrifice their lives to save the city of Los Angeles.

In this thrilling story, we encounter a mole who betrays his country, along with a motley crew of unsavory characters, including some major powers.

The narrative is so captivating that one cannot put it down until the very end. It provides great insights into the technology employed by agents and the Navy.

Rob's writing style keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, eagerly turning the pages to discover what happens next.

The story not only showcases the heroic deeds of Sam Fisher but also delves into the complex web of espionage and political intrigue.

It is a must-read for fans of action-packed thrillers and those interested in the world of covert operations.
July 15,2025
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I truly relished the first book. Its action-packed chapters kept me on the edge of my seat. There were numerous aspects that remained ambiguous until I delved into "Operation Barracuda." However, this book has been an enormous letdown. It feels more like a script for a Hollywood movie, and a rather pitiful one at that.

To showcase that Sam Fisher is a man with emotions, we are presented with a relationship between him and Katia, his Krav Maga instructor. He develops feelings and even purchases a pearl necklace for her. Realizing that his life and job are perilous, he plans to end this short-lived romance. Out of nowhere, a Russian hitman appears, aims at Sam, but Katia takes the bullet and dies. Sam is understandably furious. (I could see this coming from a mile away.)

Sam then heads to LAX to track down a bad guy, but due to a diversion, both he and the FBI lose the person. (Well, the novel couldn't possibly end after just 150 pages - yet another foreseeable scenario.)

Next, Sam travels to Hong Kong to seek help from the Triad leader. This guy listens to him and then promptly throws him out. But when Sam is caught and on the verge of being killed by the Russian hitman, a deafening explosion rocks the Chinese base. And who comes to the rescue? None other than the Lucky Dragon Triad.

Finally, a nuclear bomb is off the coast of L.A. Sam is in no condition to take action and search for it. He is extremely angry. But as fate would have it, a Navy SEAL gets food poisoning, and Sam is invited to step in. The two SEALs and Sam (a former SEAL) are assigned areas to track the device. And who do you think found it? You guessed it! It's all just so predictable and lackluster.

Overall, this book fails to live up to the expectations set by the first one. It's a disappointment that feels more like a recycled Hollywood plot than a captivating novel.
July 15,2025
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Sam Fisher, one of the most perilous men in the United States, might have just encountered his equal.

Currently, time is dwindling, and he has to figure out who has purloined top-secret U.S. weapons and what the thief intends to do with them. All of this and more can be found in David Michael's thrilling novel Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Operation Barracuda.

The protagonist of this book is Sam Fisher, a U.S. spy residing in Maryland. Fisher is in his late 40s yet in excellent physical condition. He lives alone, and the only member of his family still alive is his daughter, who is in her early 20s.

This book is set sometime in the near future, mainly in the U.S. and Asia. The tension between China and Taiwan is at an all-time high, and Chinese general Tun has threatened to invade Taiwan. If anyone intervenes, he will employ his secret weapon on a major U.S. city.

This is the second book in the Splinter Cell series. The story revolves around a conspiracy by Chinese soldiers to invade Taiwan, and due to a secret weapon they possess, no one will disrupt their plan. Now, Sam Fisher must locate and disable this weapon before it's too late. But where did they obtain the weapon? Who is the mole in the U.S. government? Sam has only a few days to find out.

This is one of the finest books I have ever read. I would recommend this book to any enthusiast of a great spy novel. It's essentially an American version of James Bond. I adored this book. It's superior to the first and undoubtedly worth reading. I rate it five out of five stars.

July 15,2025
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I found Splinter Cell Operation Barracuda to be a little less action-packed than the first book.

The way the relationship between Sam and his Kav Magra instructor was written seemed a little awkward and somewhat juvenile.

However, despite these minor drawbacks, this was still a great addition to the novel series.

The story was engaging and filled with enough twists and turns to keep me on the edge of my seat.

The characters were well-developed and the writing was smooth and easy to follow.

I particularly enjoyed the way the author explored Sam's inner turmoil and his struggle to come to terms with his past.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys action-packed thrillers with a touch of mystery.

I look forward to reading Checkmate soon and seeing where the story takes Sam next.
July 15,2025
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The latest installment in this series is not as good as the first book.

It seems that the protagonist gets captured far too frequently, which becomes rather tiresome.

Moreover, the author appears to be relying more on the tropes commonly associated with James Bond rather than the actual gameplay elements of the video games that serve as the basis for this series.

This deviation from the original source material takes away from the authenticity and uniqueness that made the first book so appealing.

Readers who were expecting a continuation of the engaging and immersive experience based on the video games may be disappointed.

It would be beneficial if the author could return to the roots of the series and focus more on the aspects that made the video games successful.

Hopefully, future installments will rectify these issues and bring back the excitement and charm that was present in the initial offering.
July 15,2025
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I have a profound love for the first book in this remarkable series, and thus, I eagerly anticipated reading this particular installment. Right from the very beginning, one is irresistibly drawn into the shadowy and captivating world of Sam Fisher: Splinter Cell. Fisher is truly a force to be reckoned with, almost like a one-man army. Although the idea of agents like him existing may seem a bit far-fetched, it adds an element of excitement and intrigue to the story. Just like in the first book, this one, on occasion, has a slightly `American' perspective when it comes to approaching the world. However, this does not significantly detract from the overall narrative.

Overall, it is a good book. I would not go so far as to claim that it is on par with the first one (which you really should read prior to this one in order to fully understand Fisher's history). Nevertheless, I am filled with anticipation for the next installment from the talented David Michaels.
July 15,2025
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Splinter Cell Operation Barracuda is an absolute masterpiece. With its extremely fluid and highly effective writing, it is filled with moments of pure action and nail-biting suspense. This game perfectly immerses us in the shoes of the secret agent Sam Fisher. It first shows us a man who, despite the burden of years and the scars of tragic experiences, is unwavering in his determination. He is ready for anything and everything in order to protect his beloved home country and his dear loved ones. The way the story unfolds and the intense gameplay make it an unforgettable experience. I cannot recommend it highly enough. It is a must-play for any fan of action and adventure games.

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