The Gamma Option: Blaine McCracken, Book 3

Blaine McCracken #3

by Jon Land

When his estranged son is kidnapped, Blaine McCracken goes to work for a group of Arab militants to recover the child he never knew Since he first went behind enemy lines in Vietnam, Blaine McCracken has faced death on every continent. In the line of fire he is an iron man, but now he faces a different fatherhood.

His son, Matt, is 13 - the unknown product of a long ago tryst. When the boy’s mother dies, McCracken goes to England to meet him. He finds a son cut in his father’s a young athlete determined to put his body at risk to serve his country. But before Blaine can explain their relationship, Matt is snatched away, kidnapped by a band of Arab nationals intent on using McCracken’s strength to serve their own cause. The target? An Israeli weapon that they claim threatens the entire Arab world. To recover his son, McCracken must bring the Middle East back from the brink of war.

Genres: Thriller, Action, Mystery, Adventure, Fiction

Audible Audio

First published October 30, 1989

About the author

Jon Land is an American author of thriller novels and a screenwriter. He graduated from Brown University in 1979 Phi Beta Kappa and Magna cum Laude. He often bases his novels and scripts on extensive travel and research as well as a twenty-five year career in martial arts. He is an associate member of the US Special Forces and is an emeritus board member the International Thriller Writers. John currently lives in Providence, Rhode Island.

Reviews

[Jim McCulloch · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't get passed the first sixty or so pages. The author starts out stating how important correct details are to a story, and thanks all those who helped him. Then he writes pure nonsense.

Paint your Uzi submachine gun with Teflon to get it through airport security scans? A hand grenade that only blows off your arm when it explodes in your hand? Incorrect military rank and associated responsibilities? I could go on but you get the idea.

The author has no concept of reality, military, weapons, or security issues yet feels compelled to make them central to his plot. It is insulting to anyone who can fog a mirror. As to his editors and technical experts . . . well, lets just say they let him down.

Then there are the significant POV issues which make the story awkward to read and follow.

[Wenzel Roessler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here is my review from his last book. Except for number four, Land includes five of the six expected plot items:

Things to expect when you read a Jon Land novel:
1. A tremendous amount of action on a global scale.
2. At least one character that is incredibly tall.
3. Somebody who was missing a hand.
4. Somebody who has a physical deformity.
5. Characters who are "supposed to be dead."
6. Somebody who's being chased on a worldwide level and everybody is the enemy.

[John Loy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my first time reading Jon Land,and I did enjoy the Blaine Character. Unfortunately, it felt like there were too many moving pieces for me in this novel. There are too many names and places to keep track of. A nice surprise twist in the end, but it was not enough for me to get too excited about reading another Land book.

[James Hein · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great series and book 3 is one of the better ones.

[Gregory Lamb · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this one up off a relative's paperback shelf as a quick travel read. It was entertaining but not the genre for me these days. The story was totally plot driven and had it not been for including the USS Indiana's sunken cargo, it would have lacked the intrigue that kept the plot moving. Battle and fighting passages were too long and too detailed for me and they detracted from and distorted the main plot. I will however read a Jon Land novel again. I think he has the talent for spinning good yarns.

[Tom Britton · Rating 4 out of 5]

great made thriller

[Jody · Rating 4 out of 5]

New series for me for this author.....action packed to the very last page. Recommended!