Sniper’s Honor: A Bob Lee Swagger Novel by Stephen Hunter
Simon & Schuster; First Edition edition (May 20, 2014)
ISBN: 978-1451640212 (Hardcover)
Author Stephen Hunter obviously did his research for this, his (third) ninth adventure with ex-sniper Bob Lee Swagger. He excellently describes the historical aspects of the World War as well as the contemporary underside of a mafia-influenced Russian government.
Hunter illustrates very well the main characters—Bob Lee Swagger and Kathy Reilly—although Swagger seems a bit old for some of the physical action. I also understood Ludmilla and her motivation to fight for her country, even though she mistrusted the Soviet goverment and viewed it with contempt.
Something the author understands is that a great sniper becomes the geography. Where others see streets, buildings, and debris (or trees, rocks, and brush) a sniper sees opportunity and camouflage. On the one hand, they instinctively and intellectually understand how to reach their target using those elements of the environment. On the other hand, they can calculate the ballistics of a shot in their heads—wind, moisture, motion, distance, and threats.
Some amazing coincidences were a little too much, but this isn’t a documentary, it’s a novel. The reader must wait patiently for some of the adventure to unfold, too, but I’m not describing it as “non-stop action.”
The book includes aspects of mystery, action/adventure, and politics, which all tied together in the plot. Pacing was great—it was definitely a page-turner in all the right ways. The story’s ending was also satisfactory and left plenty of room for more in the series. I am definitely going to snag the first book and start catching up.
Highly recommended for those interested in military history and tactics, WWII, action thrillers.
[Simon and Schuster sent me this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. Thank you!]
