Quarter Finalist
Assessment:
Robert Garcia is a vigilante known as Paladine, and in this well-written and fast-paced thriller, the author demonstrates skill not only with plot, but with character -- and character is what makes this book stand out. An ill-fated love story and an irresistible dog only deepen what could be just another hit-man-killing-jihadists story. Perhaps fewer first-person messages from the author to the reader would allow the story to stand on its own without explanation.
Date Submitted: September 30, 2016
"To say that Paladine is a typical thriller about terrorism or hit men or even lone wolves is to over-simplify its complexity, which holds its strength in layers of meaning. The result is a satisfyingly original, compelling piece that moves well beyond genre writing and into the realm of military precision, insight, and adventure, linking action into modern-day pursuits and concerns with the precision of a surgeon. Paladine is very highly recommended reading for anyone looking for a protagonist and purpose that goes the extra mile, and then keeps on running." Midwest Book Review