A master storyteller is at work in this first book in a new series. New characters are introduced, and given flesh and blood. The general plot is established. There is a huge hurry-up in the last 50 pages which is similar to many of this author's other books. ( )

Unlike other W.E.B. Griffin books, this book got off to a very slow start...in fact, it might be a slow start to a seven book series. It chronicles the beginning of the OSS with Wild Bill Donovan, with a salute to the American Volunteer Group (Flying Tigers) and some preparation for the Manhattan Project and the Operation Torch, the invasion of North Africa. As usual, there is a considerable amount of "soap opera." Our heroes are impressed into the OSS and begin their work. The dialogue is quintessential Griffin...he reads to you every written document so that it becomes conversation. I'm amazed that the POTUS and MacArthur are personally involved with some wet behind the ears Lieutenants...but Griffin can write anything he wants. On to book #2. ( )

Griffin keeps turning up as a recommended author if you have read [author:Dean R. Koontz|6926240], [author:Larry Bond|19636] or [author:Tom Clancy|3892] and I decided to take a look at what he is writing. Since most books belong to long series I had to go back far in time to find the start of one.

This is the first book in the series "Men at War". It reminds me of [author:Herman Wouk|9020]'s [book:The Winds of War|21484] and then I haven't actually read that book, only seen the mini series. There are lots of characters. They are all related to each other or friends, or at worst a friend of a friend. The book starts rather interestingly with two fighter pilots bantering and flying, but then the next chapter is about someone else, and the next chapter about a third person and so on until you have no idea who anyone is anymore.

The Last Heroes is well written to a degree, but the story, or maybe it's storytelling is just not there.

In all fairness this is an early book. With some luck Griffin got similar feedback at the time and improved later on. I will probably give him another chance since the books seem easy and fast to read, but this book was really not good.
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This book isn't particularly deep or impressive, but as a break from college studies, it was nice. Overall, the plot reads like a really long intro chapter, as there's no greater story arc. Just a few guys getting sent into various parts of a war. Hopefully the rest of the series will flesh it out more. ( )

Yup a wholly different WW2 soap opera. I own book 3 so I thought I'd start on the series. Nothing special. ( )