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Dec 30, 2015 Gavin rated it really liked it
The Equalizer is apparently based on the classic 1980s US TV series of the same name and is wrote by Michael Sloan who was the co-creator of that show. I must admit that I've never seen the old TV show that inspired this story, but I did watch the recent movie adaption staring Denzel Washington. It was a fun action movie and so when I was in the mood to read a vigilante style thriller I picked this tale. It was a good decision as the book actually
turned out to be a whole lot better than the mov The Equalizer is apparently based on the classic 1980s US TV series of the same name and is wrote by Michael Sloan who was the co-creator of that show. I must admit that I've never seen the old TV show that inspired this story, but I did watch the recent movie adaption staring Denzel Washington. It was a fun action movie and so when I was in the mood to read a vigilante style thriller I picked this
tale. It was a good decision as the book actually turned out to be a whole lot better than the movie. It had more depth and the length of the story gave me plenty of time to grow attached to the characters and caught up in the happenings. Like most vigilante stories this read a whole lot like a superhero origin story. Like Batman without the fancy costume! That is not a criticism of this book as the exact same thing can be said for everything from the Jason Bourne books right through to the
Death Wish movies. Robert McCall is a retired ex-spy who is trying to live the quiet life in New York. He manages it for a while, but soon discovers he cannot turn a blind eye to some of the injustices occurring all around him. After saving a young prostitute from a beating he finds himself a target of her pimp and his gang. After dealing with that problem McCall soon finds other people who are in need of his unique brand of assistance. His past comes back to both haunt and help him as he
unwittingly stumbles across some old enemies and some of his former spy colleagues. The story was fast paced, action packed, and fun. McCall even developed a bit as a character over the course of the story which is usually something that never happens in this genre. That said, The Equalizer was not a book without flaws. On the whole Michael Sloan had a fairly engaging writing style, but you could tell he was mainly a script writer in Hollywood as he loved his descriptions of clothing and
set pieces a bit too much. Another slight irritation was the fact that pretty much all of the female characters were only in the story as eye candy or damsels in distress. All in all I enjoyed this and would read a sequel if one ever appears. It might even have reignited some enthusiasm in me for the thriller genre on the whole which is an unexpected plus. Rating: 4 stars. Audio Note: Jeff Gurner gave a fantastic performance. I'll be happy to listen to him narrate more
audiobooks for sure.
Dec 14, 2021 Barry rated it it was ok Could not finish it. Not horrible but I just couldn’t get interested in the story.
Sep 23, 2014 Joss rated it it was ok Frankly, I gave
it up after about 100 pages as over-detailed. Then I ran out of other books and just picked a spot about 150 pages in and tried again. I finished it but, by the end, I just wanted to be done. Sure it's a thrilling thriller, but it is seriously reality challenged. The hero just bounces (and bleeds) like a pinball through countless certain death situations, against insurmountable odds. After a while it got tiresome. At nearly 500 pages, it was perhaps 150 pages, three beautiful dam Sure it's a thrilling thriller, but it is seriously reality challenged. The hero just bounces (and bleeds) like a pinball through countless certain death situations, against insurmountable odds. After a while it got tiresome. At nearly 500
pages, it was perhaps 150 pages, three beautiful damsels in distress, six gun fights and four hand to hand fights too long.
I was amazing how the writer was able to use so many character and yet was able to make them come alive and relatable. This one book I would love to see what happens next. I prefere the book
to the movie even though I love the movie.
Feb 11, 2021 Jim A rated it really liked it
One of those books where I, as the reader, had to pay attention to all of the little things early in the book. Many of them come back to be important during the last quarter. Sloan is either very well traveled in Russia and eastern Europe or he did a hell of a lot of research. An inordinate amount of prose dedicated to many things in Czechoslovakia and Russia. Almost to distraction. Several sub plots during the story that do come
together later on. And McCall is not the typical thriller hero. He Sloan is either very well traveled in Russia and eastern Europe or he did a hell of a lot of research. An inordinate amount of prose dedicated to many things in Czechoslovakia and Russia. Almost to
distraction. Several sub plots during the story that do come together later on. And McCall is not the typical thriller hero. He makes mistakes that lead to some interesting fights.
SPARROW'S THOUGHTS: Have you ever wondered, what it would be like to see Batman's dark side fully unleashed? Or have you ever considered what it would actually take to see Batman break his own rules and ste SPARROW'S THOUGHTS: Have you ever wondered, what it would be like to see Batman's dark side fully unleashed? Or have you ever considered what it would actually take to see Batman break his own rules and step beyond his moral standards? I for one, have. On numerous occasions, I have pondered on (and discussed with my Ben who is a Batman admirer) these presumed display of emotions from our Caped Crusader, but it has never satisfied, because I know without a shadow of a doubt, that Batman will never fully
embrace his thirst for retribution despite how horrid Gotham is, because to do so, would prove the Joker right; everyone has a dark side. Well if you, like me, have pondered on these very presumptions, ponder no more! What Michael Sloan has accomplished through The Equalizer is actually quite clever. Allow me to elaborate, what Mr. Sloan has succeeded to deliver is: a New York City turned Gotham City, and a Caped Crusader turned Robert McCall; a true Dark Knight; a vigilante who
hands over a plate full of vengeful satisfaction. Take for example, these few comparisons: Batman & Robert McCall Comparisons I realize that to make such a bold comparison between the two is an exaggeration in my part, and quite possibly an offense to the radical Batman enthusiasts, but can you honestly argue the evidence!? Well, you'll have to read the
novel to find out ;) More to the book though, The Equalizer is a blend of four very distinct plot lines, that flawlessly interlace with one another. The main plot line, which revolves around Robert McCall's arch enemies: Diablo, a ruthless assassin especially skilled with the sniper, and Alexei Berezovsky, a onetime FTB agent, owner of the popular nightclub Dolls, and leader of the Russian mafia whose chilling influence is reshaping the streets of New York City. Then, there are the
damsels in distress: Karen Armstrong, an attractive paralegal who falls victim to stalking; Katia Rossovkaya, a Russian native dancer for the popular nightclub Dolls, and a single mother to Natalya. And finally, Margaret who is presented at the very beginning of the novel as the prostitute that is rescued by the valiant Robert McCall. We experience each story line through a third person narration while getting a plethora of commercialism, merchandising, and lessons on medical terminology.
This was namely my main complaint with the novel, as I felt it stole the spotlight from an incredible amount of heroic scenes such as this one: McCall knelt in the elongated hut on the platform and took out the revolver tear gas shell launcher and loaded six 38 mm tear gas shells into it. He didn’t put on the stabilizing stock; it made the weapon 720 mm in length and that was too long. It only weighed 3.5 kg in weight . He knew the effects would be temporary. CS gas caused dizziness ,
nausea, restricted breathing, burning in the eyes, and disorientation . But that would be enough. He put the tear gas revolver into his belt. ....He made a minor adjustment to the MARS6-WPT night-vision scope and looked through it. and this one: He heaved back , strangling McCall , but he was off-balance. McCall used three vicious elbow strikes against the femoral artery at the top of the guard’s left leg that weakened his grip. Using his same right elbow, McCall slammed it
back into the guard’s solar plexus, causing his diaphragm to spasm. His hold on McCall’s throat loosened more. McCall jerked free. A revolver tear gas shell launcher? Stabilizing stock? MARS6-WP night-vision scope? Femoral artery? Solar plexus? Gah! Okay, I admit that I lack an extensive amount of knowledge with handguns, pistols, revolvers, scopes, silencers, and medical terms. Not to mention, I was tempted on so many accounts to Google search all these fascinating terminologies, but then
I convinced myself that with the amount of weaponry references this novel has (all the way down to the ending), and with me scouring the net, my IP address would most certainly pop up as suspicious with the intelligence agency database; which would then result with the FBI banging at my door! Which then led me to speculate if FBI agents arrived at Mr. Sloan's front door while he researched all these weapons for the novel! Unless. . .Mr. Sloan is truly a vigilante writing about his
extravagant escapes! Gah! My mind! All this to say that, this is the type of novel that will leave those who have a deep commitment in ridding the world of dark and corrupt city crime, completely satisfied. :) AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: A very lengthy audiobook yes, but so worth the listen. Jeff Gurner delivers an outstanding performance and gives the plot credibility. The
tone of his narration is a perfect fit for the premise of this novel. His characterizations of Robert McCall were extremely impressive; he naturally sounds like an intelligent entrepreneur; however, there were some parts (particularly the female parts) that did feel forced, but this is a minor quibble compared to his overall performance! Further, Gurner's performance is so effective that not once does he overshadow the characters; in fact, there were more than a few times, where his
narration got lost; this is a good thing. Gurner's instinctive skill carried the production well delivering an engrossing listen; I highly recommend this audiobook. IN A NUTSHELL: » This is the type of novel that any reader would
naturally appreciate because the work and effort placed within each story line is evident. Michael Sloan is the type of author that does not rush his work, but genuinely appreciates it. You can feel the sense of pride in his penmanship through the drawn-out research the novel presents » The novel left me longing for a Robert McCall in my town :( » Also, I thought up this very neat theme song and it goes a little something like this: "Who you gonna call!? Robert McCall! Who you gonna
call!? Robert McCall!" . . .hmm, that didn't turn out as expected; boo! If you were to hear it in person you'd thoroughly enjoy it though ;) » Goodbye Steven Seagal, Jean-Claude Van Damme & Charles Bronson. . .hello Robert McCall! » In some ways, the novel read as a comic book, and this wasn't a bad thing; hence, the Batman comparison » Michael Sloan illustrated great growth and closure for each character, and by the end of the novel you are left grinning, satisfied and
craving for more! » The choices Robert McCall makes will surprise you! I was left disappointed with two out of. . .oh gosh, the 90 that he made. Oh, and you will most definitely catch yourself smirking, sneering, brushing off, rooting and fist pumping during the reading of this novel :) » The Book Cover fits the overall book so well! However, the blurb fails to appeal » I enjoyed the book! It entertained on an elevated scale; although, there were some issues in a couple of
places that did lose my interest. That aside, I would recommend this novel to the spy-novel, suspense, crime fighting bunch. Oh, and to anyone who has an eye for weaponry; guns in particular ;) 3 Things I liked: + The
four plot developments for each story line seriously blew me away; four! I was impressed, and I sense that these words are failing to express just how satisfied I truly am. Look, I have never written a novel, although, I can confidently attest that with the short stories I have written, the writing process is very demanding and calls for craftiness. In other words, it takes expertism and finesse to deliver four solid story lines in one book the way Mr. Sloan has. Having said that, I am almost
certain that anyone who reads The Equalizer will naturally appreciate the dedication and extensive work that Michael Sloan has put into this novel. It shows and I thoroughly applaud his efforts. + Chapters 27 & 28! Why? Because they obviously made me remember all the endless hours I poured into the Metal Gear series. Needless to say, I was able to identify with every single movement, tactic, game plan, strategy Robert McCall executed in order to fulfill the specific mission in
these two chapters; it was epic! 3 Things I Did Not Like: - I personally felt as though the opening of the novel was not easily communicated and it dragged A.LOT. I was not immediately engaged, and I somewhat abandoned the book because I lost interest. Eventually, I managed to push through the first ten chapters, and then finally (sigh) everything connected. I couldn't put the book down after chapter ten. - The ever-expanded exalting consumerism/merchandising/commercialism (i.e. M92 semiautomatic
pistol, Breitling Chronomat 44 GMT, 2007 Cadillac XLR Convertible in metallic silver, Glock 17, a sweatshirt with Lea Michele and the late Cory Monteith on it, singing a duet, Nike pink and gray Dual Fusion shoes, M16 assault rifle, Sig Sauer P238, Beretta Storm 9 mm, 1966 black Ford Mustang convertible, her faux Louis Vuitton handbag with the intricately embroidered sequins on it, Smith & Wesson SP9 VE handgun with a 10 + 1 capacity, Maroon 5 moving like Jagger, Les Misérables, Sports
Illustrated, the Beatles, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Pink, Madonna, Beyoncé, Starbucks, pre-1900 Remingtons and Colt revolvers, Single-Action Cavalry Standard, A Chorus Line, Cats, Phantom of the Opera, Rent, The Lion King, Pinot Grigio, Schiopetto Rivarossa, Dr. Who, Sherlock, Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Nike Ken Griffey high-top basketball shoes, Mizuno Wave Creation Anthracite/ Orange Nikes,Montreal Canadiens, Vancouver Canucks, Colt Model P Peacemaker Single-Action Cavalry
Standard revolver, Taurus 740 G2 Slim pistol, M&M's, Diet Pepsi, Smith & Wesson 500, Sobranie Black Russian cigarettes, Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, 60 Minutes, Glenfiddich 21, Tiffany's, Louis Royer Force 53 VSOP cognac, John Lennon, Chase Bank, Apple Inc., 2005 Domaine Ramonet Chardonnay, Dior, Dolce Gabbana, Facebook, Harry Potter, Ritz-Carlton Hotel, ect.) to name a few. . .and most, if not all, of these products are mentioned more than three times throughout the entire novel. To
say that it dominated and overwhelmed the novel, is an understatement. Read full review here!
Dec 06, 2020 Soo rated it really liked it Notes: Totally over the top but it's basically the movie in book form. Not
sure if I will read the sequel but I had fun listening to this one. Lots of action and a man embracing his desire to do good from the shadows. Totally over the top but it's basically the movie in book form. Not sure if I will read the sequel but I had fun listening to this one. Lots of action and a man embracing his desire to do good from the shadows.
Sep 01, 2014 Kate rated it it was ok *MILD SPOILERS* Gets two stars because it is so thoroughly sexist and it's main character so (unintentionally, I think) creepy and patronizing, that it transforms into something like dark comedy. This is a world in which no woman can handle her own problems. Good thing McCall is around to help them out. An example of his help: a woman is being forced into prostitution and her daughter has
been implicitly threatened by the mobsters trying to put her to work. McCall's advice: tell them "no". Firmly Gets two stars because it is so thoroughly sexist and it's main character so (unintentionally, I think) creepy and patronizing, that it transforms into something like dark comedy. This is a world in which no woman can handle her own problems. Good thing McCall is around to help them out. An example of his help: a woman
is being forced into prostitution and her daughter has been implicitly threatened by the mobsters trying to put her to work. McCall's advice: tell them "no". Firmly. That's right--a firm "no" will solve that problem. Only, wait, no, they actually do kidnap the daughter and she is nearly raped by one of her captors. In another scene the main character is trying to make the point to a woman that she isn't safe in her own apartment. He makes this point by leading her to understand that he's
been in her apartment. He describes the apartment. He describes the tiles on her bathroom floor. He tells her that he knows that she showers with the shower door open. (You're about two stops past where you should have gotten off the creepy train, McCall). Then he describes her naked body, managing to mention both her breasts and her butt. I could list examples of the book's tone-deaf treatment of women all day. The last I'll mention is when McCall is talking to a man who is helping him
out. The man's female employee is in another room. The relationship between the friend and the employee is several times described as being like father-daughter. McCall asks the friend what he thinks the employee looks like when she's having sex. Then they both stare at the employee, pondering this. That . . . is a thing that happens in this book. The employee later finds out about this conversation and finds it entertaining, just like any woman would when discovering that a man who is like a
father to her has been spending time thinking about her naked body. I was looking for dumb action fun, but this one overshot the "dumb" mark for me. The whole story plays out like a white, middle-aged male fantasy, in which the only people of color are (1) a gang of violent, ruthless pimps, (2) a jolly homeless man who lives in a subway tunnel, and (3) a basketball playing friend of the main character's son. Women exist only to be victims. Even the smart, brave spies in McCall's world are
just there to be hurt in order to get McCall all fired up. I listened to this book as an audiobook, but I could have saved myself a lot of time by just chanting the words "Breasts, breasts, breasts, pendulous breasts. Panties, panties, panties. Gun." to myself. If you'd have told me that the word "panties" was the word I would hear most in a book about a hard-core ex-spy making things right on the big city, I wouldn't have believed you. But just like every woman in Robert McCall's
universe, now I know better.
Aug 20, 2014 Jim rated it really liked it Robert McCall had been a top field agent for a secret division within the CIA, called the Company, up until nine months ago. At that time, he became angered at the system and resigned. He believed that a fellow
agent, a woman he had become close to, had been killed because their rendezvous site had been compromised. McCall suspected a leak. As the story begins he is living a quiet life in New York, but then his white knight instincts kick back in and he starts taking on bad guys and helping out Robert McCall had been a top field agent for a secret division within the CIA, called the Company, up until nine months ago. At that time, he became angered at the
system and resigned. He believed that a fellow agent, a woman he had become close to, had been killed because their rendezvous site had been compromised. McCall suspected a leak. As the story begins he is living a quiet life in New York, but then his white knight instincts kick back in and he starts taking on bad guys and helping out some damsels in distress. Although McCall is a pretty impressive force all by himself, he does find that he needs help now and then. When that happens, he calls on
some of the people he used to work with, people with very special skills, that he thinks he can trust to give him a hand. I don’t remember the TV show, but I liked the concept of this book. The Equalizer is a champion for those who need one. As his ad says, “GOT A PROBLEM?, ODDS AGAINST YOU?, CALL THE EQUALIZER”. Michael Sloan has created a Paladin for the modern age whose story unfolds in the pages of a very satisfying thriller. If you are looking for a new literary hero for the twenty first
century the Equalizer could fit the bill.
Sep 28, 2014 gert rated it liked it this is a tough one for me to rate. love the storyline - pretty much as described by the summary on here. but the author has a serious need of a ruthless editor. SO much useless info, that it totally drags the story down.
i really don't care which type of nike's everyone's wearing right down to the colour of the swoosh. (and i mean everyone - i was starting to get a product placement vibe. seriously) we don't need to know what brand of purse she's carrying - small and black is enough info, thank this is a tough one for me to rate. love the storyline - pretty much as described by the summary on here. but the author has a serious need of a ruthless editor. SO much
useless info, that it totally drags the story down. i really don't care which type of nike's everyone's wearing right down to the colour of the swoosh. (and i mean everyone - i was starting to get a product placement vibe. seriously) we don't need to know what brand of purse she's carrying - small and black is enough info, thank you - or a laundry list of the contents of his apartment. it felt like super silly filler. filler that just wasn't necessary. that said - it is what it is. a good
action packed yarn with the benefit of the mainstay: good guy, standing on a blurred line between good guy and bad guy, helping out those who can't help themselves (or least those who are unable to beat up 5 guys at the same time). would i recommend? sure. as long as you are good at skimming every time you read the word NIKE.
Sep 25, 2014 Ricky rated it it was amazing I hope there's gonna be more in this series. And is the movie based on this story? I hope there's gonna be more in this series. And is the movie based on this story? ...more
Aug 14, 2018 Cody Lamont rated it it was amazing Very exciting and thrilling action-espionage book. I really enjoyed the writing style, prose, and speed of the book. Sloan didn't waste many words, pages or time in this book. All stories, seemed to me, to come to be relevant and come together by the close. I
did find that there seemed to be an absolute abundance of attractive female characters described generally as "attractive with great breasts", with almost no female characters described as ugly in any way. I really enjoyed the writing style, prose, and speed of the book. Sloan didn't waste many words, pages or time in this book. All stories, seemed to me, to come to be relevant and come
together by the close. I did find that there seemed to be an absolute abundance of attractive female characters described generally as "attractive with great breasts", with almost no female characters described as ugly in any way.
Jan 28, 2018 Chris rated it liked it I loved the Equalizer TV show from the 80s and that is what drew me to the book. Unfortunately, the book was not as good as it could have been. It is full of errors and really needs an editor. I hate to be pedantic but details really bother me. They are often so easy to get right that when an author gets them wrong it just looks like a lack of effort. For instance, there is a scene in the book where McCall and a woman that he has rescued are supposed to be extracted by helicopter. The helicopter I loved the Equalizer TV show from the 80s and that is what drew me to the book. Unfortunately, the book was not as good as it could have been. It is full of errors and really needs an editor. I hate to be pedantic but details really bother me. They are often so easy to get right that when an author gets them wrong it just looks like a lack of effort. For instance, there is a scene in the book where McCall and a woman that he has rescued are supposed to be extracted by helicopter. The helicopter in question is an AH-64 Apache. The AH-64 only has two seats. I would let that go if the author just didn't know anything about helicopters, but he got the weapons systems right. I'm confused as to how that got into the book. There are several other such examples, like when McCall is in the Czech Republic and both he and the bad guy drive cars that aren't available in Europe. The bad guy's Ford Escape I can let slide, but McCall renting a Pontiac Grand Prix in Prague just made me laugh. The other thing that drove me crazy comes down to editing because there are details that change from one page to the next. On one page, someone is shot in the shoulder and on the very next page the wound changes to his lung. On one page McCall puts a diamond stud earring in his right ear and on the next page it is in his left ear. That sort of thing happened all over this book and it drove me batty. The last complaint is that Sloan repeatedly said things like "3:00 pm in the afternoon." That's just stupid. All of that aside, I love this character and it was still a good story despite one particular part that really stretched the suspension of disbelief to its utmost limits. This example is the entire subplot that contains the AH-64. McCall infiltrates a secret Russian compound by impersonating a guy so well that he convinced the man's lover/constant companion. Come on. ...more
This is a top notch thriller novel featuring Robert McCall, an ex-C.I.A. operative, who evens the odds for innocent victims of heinous crimes. If you are old enough to remember the television series, The Equalizer, you will already be a leg up on this book, written by the co-creator of the show. Your mental image will be of the great actor, Edward Woodward, whose powerful portrayal defined the role of the Equalizer. McCall is skilled, confident, unflappable, seemingly aloof, yet with a soft spot This is a top notch thriller novel featuring Robert McCall, an ex-C.I.A. operative, who evens the odds for innocent victims of heinous crimes. If you are old enough to remember the television series, The Equalizer, you will already be a leg up on this book, written by the co-creator of the show. Your mental image will be of the great actor, Edward Woodward, whose powerful portrayal defined the role of the Equalizer. McCall is skilled, confident, unflappable, seemingly aloof, yet with a soft spot for the underdog. If you are new to the character you have a a great opportunity to learn the origins of one of the coolest ex-secret agents to walk the streets of New York. After too many missions, too many lost friends, and lovers, McCall has quit the C.I.A. He is trying to blend in, lose himself, and maybe even settle down in New York. The more he learns about the community he has chosen to live in, the more crime and corruption he comes across. Although he tries, he just can’t turn his head and ignore the plight of the innocents around him. McCall has to step in even if it means he will be caught on the radar of the C.I.A. It seems the agency doesn’t take kindly to it’s agents walking out on them. McCall soon finds himself embroiled with a Chechen mob running nightclubs and forcing young women to prostitute themselves to gain information from influential clients. Little does McCall know that the people heading the Chechen mob are also involved in assassinations throughout the world and are under surveillance by the C.I. A. The Chechens may have been involved in the murder of McCall’s girl friend, who was also a C.I.A. agent. This is a great book resurrecting a character who has been in retirement too long. The book was provided for review by St. Martin’s Press. ...more
Feb 18, 2021 Willa rated it really liked it I probably should have rated this three stars. However, there's just
so much bang for the buck in this book, I'm giving it an extra star. Have you ever read a book and finished it thinking you got more than your money's worth? It's rare. This is book left me with that feeling. (I felt the same way about "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo".) Quick synopsis: Man with mad skills fights for underdogs. It's action packed. Just when you think you can relax, something else crops up and the action begins aga Have you ever read a book and finished it thinking you got more than your money's worth? It's rare. This is book left me with that feeling. (I felt the same way about "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo".) Quick synopsis: Man with mad skills fights for underdogs. It's action packed. Just when you think you can relax, something else crops up and the action begins again. The dialogue is mostly okay, a little lacking in parts, especially near the end. It's pretty obvious the author is a screenwriter. Men would love this book. I loved it, too. However, I'm going to take a short rest and dive into something a little more cerebral as I'm exhausted. ...more
Sep 09, 2014 John rated it did not like it I wanted to like this book. I like this genre, and I enjoyed some of the episodes of the original tv series, but this book needs editing. I too found the endless product endorsements annoying, the supporting characters to be flat, the opposing villains to be one dimensional, and the main character's physical invincibility was just too much. He gets punched, kicked, poked, choked, lacerated, shot, pistol whipped, and otherwise concussed, yet still jogs about shooting flawlessly while leaking bloo I wanted to like this book. I like this genre, and I enjoyed some of the episodes of the original tv series, but this book needs editing. I too found the endless product endorsements annoying, the supporting characters to be flat, the opposing villains to be one dimensional, and the main character's physical invincibility was just too much. He gets punched, kicked, poked, choked, lacerated, shot, pistol whipped, and otherwise concussed, yet still jogs about shooting flawlessly while leaking blood. I remember the original character as being more mysterious, more aloof and tactical, and not so reliant on his physical abilities. ...more
I was a big fan of the TV series on which this book is based. And I looked forward to the typical comeuppance that former spook Robert McCall always dished out in the TV show. But this book just rambles and jumps around here and there without a lot of cohesive direction. And the author and editor are either not well versed in military hardware and even civilian firearms or poorly researched this book. At one point the author writes that an AH64 Apache gunship with co-pilot/gunner and pilot is us I was a big fan of the TV series on which this book is based. And I looked forward to the typical comeuppance that former spook Robert McCall always dished out in the TV show. But this book just rambles and jumps around here and there without a lot of cohesive direction. And the author and editor are either not well versed in military hardware and even civilian firearms or poorly researched this book. At one point the author writes that an AH64 Apache gunship with co-pilot/gunner and pilot is used to aid in an escape attempt and also perform an extraction of two people. The Apache gunship has two seats in a very tight tandem cockpit where the occupants cannot even extend their arms left and right. It is like sitting in a short refrigerator crate. Where were they to put these two extra people? Lash them down to the weapons pylons on the outboard sub wings with bungee cords? And forget for the moment that a CIA officer has the highly specialized training to fly, operate and attack from the most advanced and complicated rotor-wing aircraft on the planet using the extremely difficult to master IHAADS helmet-mounted heads-up monocle system... while wearing "granny glasses." It takes Apache pilots months to become competent and years to master flying while using one eye to scan forward and one eye to watch the data feedback on the IHAADS monocle. There is a reason there is a pilot and gunner in this gunship. It is more difficult to master flying than almost any other airborne weapons platform on the planet. The author also has a fascination with budget versions of Smith & Wesson handguns with characters wielding the cheap Glock knock, S&W SD9VE and its cheap predecessor S&W Sigma. Either gun can be purchased brand new for about $250. Not exactly the go-to handgun for CIA operators and assassins. Another issue of ignorance by the author is the Ginsu knife. That is a brand name of TV marketed knives created by the Scott Fetzer Company, a division of Berkshire Hathaway. These are not fine Japanese craftsmanship, but mass-produced "As Seen on TV" knives with a marketing gimmick. SMDH. I kept asking myself throughout the book, "Who is that character and where did they come from?" because the character had only been scantly mentioned eight chapters prior. I really wanted to like this book and it had its moments but had a hard time finishing it. ...more
Apr 27, 2022 Danielle rated it really liked it I went back and forth on what I wanted to rate this but
settled on 4. The author definitely did his research about various cultures and included references to them throughout the book. I also appreciated that he did not 'dumb' the book down so to speak - he assumed his audience could keep up with the various plots and sub plots and did not hesitate to include detail and complex thoughts. However, and I agree with a lot of other reviews I've seen, the detail was at times...way too much. Several br The author definitely did his research about various cultures and included references to them throughout the book. I also appreciated that he did not 'dumb' the book down so to speak - he assumed his audience could keep up with the various plots and sub plots and did not hesitate to include detail and complex thoughts. However, and I agree with a lot of other reviews I've seen,
the detail was at times...way too much. Several brands started to scream 'product placement' - even in a book. (Those who have read this book will forever giggle when Nike or Glennfiddich appears in real life now.) While I appreciate a good character/scene description, at times it seemed to drag on. (I don't think we need over half a page describing what types of weapons a helicopter has when that information is never needed again and does not influence the storyline at all.) There were
also points in the book that became flashbacks, without any warning whatsoever. Those portions took a reread or two to understand where to place them in the narrative context. I also thought to myself several times in the book 'how is this guy not dead yet?' But, I think that gives credit to how detailed/accurately portrayed the fighting/action sequences are - you can perfectly visualize them as you read. All that being said, I did enjoy reading this. Several of the subplots came together
in the end and I think it had a satisfying conclusion - leaving the storyline open for more.
If anyone is on the fence, take a chance on this book. It’s good stuff. It’s long as hell. But that’s mainly because it is like three short novels in a series. It’s worth the time
investment. Modeled somewhat on the Denzel version of the character, it moreso takes after the old 1980s series, which is a good thing for all us fans (Denzel is great but there is something of the unfinished business lingering from the older series). One of the cool things about Equalizer is its take on the impervious One of the cool things about Equalizer is its take on the impervious action man, who is here more of a thinking prankster, in some ways. Why take on an army head on when you can make them
kill each other? Yet there is plenty of hand to hand combat, too. Also appreciated is the old Miami Vice era meditation of loneliness and unrequited love. The man who has loved and lost because of who he is and so chooses to love by keeping himself away from the objects of his love, lest they be hurt, etc. That sorta thing. Not entirely original in any form, but exciting in how these elements are collaged together by a writer who loved the subject and genre.
Jan 08, 2017 Sheldon Wiebe rated it really liked it Engaging, detailed tale that is,
essentially, the origin of The Equalizer (the one from the Edward Woodward-starring TV series, not the movie), the novel, by series co-creator Michael Sloan, chronicles a number of instances in which Robert McCall helps friends/acquaintances with problems - stumbling into a massive assassination plot involving the assassin who killed a woman he once loved. Fans of the TV series will enjoy seeing pre-series Mickey Kostmayer again for the first time - and several ot Fans of the TV series will enjoy seeing pre-series Mickey Kostmayer
again for the first time - and several other colorful characters (including some underground dwellers in New York City) bring intrigue as well. The villains are appropriately evil and tend to be more of the 'money & Power' variety than the 'let's blow up the world' sort. Sloan does a solid job of relating action sequences and definitely knows his way around an arsenal. The Equalizer: A Novel is a solid, fun read.
Sep 24, 2018 Gina Gallo rated it it was amazing 8hrs19m--Only due to falling asleep with the phone on my chest. In reality--this book was a quick read and one of my new absolute favorites!!! Fantastic read. You can't put the book down. It's so well-written. There is constantly something happening and little clues and little signs that you have to be constantly on alert. McCall was cool in the movies, but McCall in the books is a freaking GOD! He is one of my new favorite literary characters, he and Creasy would have been absolute best friends 8hrs19m--Only due to falling asleep with the phone on my chest. In reality--this book was a quick read and one of my new absolute favorites!!! Fantastic read. You can't put the book down. It's so well-written. There is constantly something happening and little clues and little signs that you have to be constantly on alert. McCall was cool in the movies, but McCall in the books is a freaking GOD! He is one of my new favorite literary characters, he and Creasy would have been absolute best friends. I loved all of the side characters in this book. None of them were throw-away characters--they were all 3-dimensional characters with actual motives, lives, hopes--the writing in this was just so well-done. It really reminds me of Quinnell, in that, the action is quick, but always understandable. The pictures are clear in your head like a movie. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!! ...more
Great sense of place, convoluted plot, Great details on locations, you are there, NYC, Prague, Sleepy hollow, sometimes maybe too much detail. Plot goes back and forth
unnecessarily. The organization McCall works for is not believable. Correctable errors on technical details. An AH-64 has two seats for slim people of average height. No way it is an extraction aircraft. Use a UH-60 with door guns. No National intelligence organization has responsibilities that cut across overseas operations, dome Great details on locations, you are there, NYC, Prague,
Sleepy hollow, sometimes maybe too much detail. Plot goes back and forth unnecessarily. The organization McCall works for is not believable. Correctable errors on technical details. An AH-64 has two seats for slim people of average height. No way it is an extraction aircraft. Use a UH-60 with door guns. No National intelligence organization has responsibilities that cut across overseas operations, domestic counterintelligence, and personal security for us senior officials. Also McCall has the
stamina of Superman, extreme luck and unlimited amounts of money on a civil service and bartenders salary. At times while reading, oh no not another fight and a McCall cracked rib. And then he sits through a high school music concert? Not even Superman could do that.
Feb 20, 2021 Terry rated it it was amazing Its strange, as I am not really sure why I selected this novel. I really enjoyed the Denzel Washington movies, but haven't watch the new TV series with Queen Latifa yet. In fact, even though I was a child in the 80s, I don't remember the TV series that Michael Sloan wrote for. Regardless, this book came up somewhere (Twitter? Goodreads? BookBub?) and I decided to purchase it for my Kindle. I am glad I did. I won't go into much detail about the plot as there were several storylines weaved togethe Its strange, as I am not really sure why I selected this novel. I really enjoyed the Denzel Washington movies, but haven't watch the new TV series with Queen Latifa yet. In fact, even though I was a child in the 80s, I don't remember the TV series that Michael Sloan wrote for. Regardless, this book came up somewhere (Twitter? Goodreads? BookBub?) and I decided to purchase it for my Kindle. I am glad I did. I won't go into much detail about the plot as there were several storylines weaved together to make this novel a success. Although it was somewhat lengthy, the pace of the book held my interest, and Robert McCall is a fascinating character. In the book, he is almost has a James Bond quality, without the fancy gadgets. I am looking forward to reading the second book in the series "Killed in Action" sometime this spring. ...more
Feb 22, 2021 Brian Goodwin rated it did not like it On the advice of a nice old lady in
the Sally Ann thrift store (and against my inner voice screaming "Put it back!") I figured what the heck, the money goes to the food bank.
Apr 25, 2018 Tom rated it really liked it This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here. A good book, but there were a few problems. Spoiler alert: 1) McCall knows when everyone is sneaking up on him. He sensed a spy in his apartment before he sees him. Yet three pimps break into his apartment
and completely surprise him. 2) There was a bit too much going on at once. Could have taken out a side story or two. 3) He has some awful instincts. He lets a rapist go free, and when the rapist basically asks if he is allowed to do it again, McCall says he doesn't care. 4) Apparently he is a ladi Spoiler alert: 1) McCall knows when everyone is sneaking up on him. He sensed a
spy in his apartment before he sees him. Yet three pimps break into his apartment and completely surprise him. 2) There was a bit too much going on at once. Could have taken out a side story or two. 3) He has some awful instincts. He lets a rapist go free, and when the rapist basically asks if he is allowed to do it again, McCall says he doesn't care. 4) Apparently he is a ladies man who all the women want to sleep with, but he doesn't come across as charismatic or anything
like that.
Nov 10, 2020 Brian rated it liked it Let me start by saying Michael Sloan is a talented writer. He does a good job of providing sufficient background and although the story was far-fetched, you understand the motivation behind the character's actions. My issue is regarding the length of the book. Appropriate background and various story lines are fine, but I felt like this story could have been told in half the time. By the last third of the book, I just wanted it to be over. I would only consider the next book if there was an abri Let me start by saying Michael Sloan is a talented writer. He does a good job of providing sufficient background and although the story was far-fetched, you understand the motivation behind the character's actions. My issue is regarding the length of the book. Appropriate background and various story lines are fine, but I felt like this story could have been told in half the time. By the last third of the book, I just wanted it to be over. I would only consider the next book if there was an abridged version. ...more
Good, Entertaining, Not Great Some backgound: I really liked the original series. Tried the first movie and found it disappointing. Did not even try to watch the second. The new series
is looking good. Some backgound: I really liked the original series. Tried the first movie and
found it disappointing. Did not even try to watch the second. The new series is looking good.
I actually enjoyed this. It had atmosphere and the reading was very solid. It was very reminiscent of the 80s TV series because there was sort of an old tech feel to it. The McCall character was involved in a lot of more action than I remember Edward Woodward doing in the old series, but it was definitely enjoyable. One thing that bothered me, the author's description of martial arts and moves was a little off. For example, he describes things in Japanese that are clearly Chinese martial arts (W I actually enjoyed this. It had atmosphere and the reading was very solid. It was very reminiscent of the 80s TV series because there was sort of an old tech feel to it. The McCall character was involved in a lot of more action than I remember Edward Woodward doing in the old series, but it was definitely enjoyable. One thing that bothered me, the author's description of martial arts and moves was a little off. For example, he describes things in Japanese that are clearly Chinese martial arts (White Crane karate?) But that's a tiny thing. Otherwise, enjoyed listening to it. ...more
Apr 12, 2019 Bret Kinghorn rated it really liked it As a fan of the original television series I was interested in reading this to see what it was like. I found myself envisioning McCall the way he was in that show, but I also found the story to be rather well done. The plot was something that is somewhat overdone, yet I didn't
feel stale to me.
Jan 28, 2018 Bob rated it it was amazing A deep, deep look into the life and motivations of Robert McCall...a very cool
character who has withstood the test of time. Other books in the seriesNews & InterviewsHere at Goodreads World Headquarters, we ascribe to a hivemind system when it comes to books. Science has long known that the best method for... “There was a terrific movie made in the sixties called Zulu. It was Michael Caine’s first movie role. A regiment of British troops are surrounded in a remote African post called Rourke’s Drift by two thousand Zulu warriors. They’re facing certain death.” — 0 likes More quotes…Welcome back. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. What books are mentioned in The Equalizer?It at least includes the three books mentioned in the movie: The top 100 books of all time– Take a look at a list of the top 100 books of all time, nominated by writers from around the world, from Things Fall Apart to Mrs Dalloway, and from Pride and Prejudice to Don Quixote.
What books was Denzel reading in the equalizer 2?The book that McCall is reading on the train at the beginning of the film is "Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates. It won the 2015 National Book Award for Nonfiction.
What book is Alina reading in The Equalizer?The book Robert reads after “The Old Man and the Sea” is “Don Quixote”. The only time we hear about this book is when Alina is walking him home and asks what he is reading now. His description is that the book is about a knight, but in a time when knights do not exist anymore.
Are The Equalizer movies based on books?You must know the story of the Equalizer. There are the books, the old tv show, the movies, and the new tv show. This is the original novel.
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What books does the equalizer read?
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