• click here to return to the homepage •
Home > Categories > Books > Fiction > The Wrecking Crew review
Pirates used to kill with cutlasses and cannons - now they use sub-machine-guns and the Internet. The result is the same - a murderous reign of terror.
Philip Hamnet left port at the helm of the MV Shawould, apparently master of his vessel and his destiny... but others had a different agenda on that evil night in the South China Sea.
Drug warlord Janac has turned to piracy to fund his battle for control of the Austrlian narcotics trade, and Hamnet is faced with a fatal decision. As Janac forces one brutal choice after another, Hamnet is drawn deep into the nightmare world of a man who thrives on psychological terror.
Mark Chisnell's powerful tale of modern-day piracy sweeps from the teeming ports of Singapore and Bangkok, deep into the jungle valleys of the Golden Triangle and back to the lawless seas. Some debts are written in blood, and Philip Hamnet will collect, whatever the cost...
Mathematical Origami
My Dream : Listen to the Children
The 8-week Training Programme - Level 1 Maths
Dreaming In Amber #1 - The Amber Legacy 
The Wayfarer Redemption : 1 : Sinner
My Dad (Mini Book & Mug Set) 
Simon Gault Homemade
Naked in Death
The ANZAC Puppy
Birthdays for the Dead
A Taste of Magic
E Oma, Rapeti - Te Wa Takaro. Run, Rabbit - Playtime
Why Not?Product reviews...
Review by: tucker (Karl)
Dated: 14th of May, 2004
Ever had something you liked, and when it was all gone, you wanted more... it just didn't feel complete yet, with too many unanswered questions? This book is a bit like this... the ending leaves you keen for the next story, so you can see what's just around the corner.
Not having read the previous story, The Defector, which introduced the main Adversary, I was not prepared for the sheer practical malice displayed by Janac. This character provides almost all of the motivation. From the initial attack that started it all, to the final showdown, Janac goads and drives Hamnet every step of the way. From outright prediction of Hamnet's reactions after only a single brief encounter, to probing at Hamnet's ethics and mind and setting up the hoops for Hamnet to jump through, Janac is always the one to make the cause, and the most ready for the effect.
Hamnet, on the other hand, displays some quick thinking, but always bound up in wanting to do the least harm, and massive guilt at the deaths the lead him up to the final confrontation. But, as always, blood comes first. His wife and children's blood before his, which comes before all others. And all to repay Janac, for so many, many things...
Overall, I was quite taken with this one. A good quick read, with a steady pace (which softens it in places that could use a bit more spark) and some detailed characters, this story does however leave some blanks, loose ends at the last page that leave you wondering "So what now?"... you turn the last page and are shocked at the sterile blankness of the rear dust sheet. "But there needs to be more words here!" is a natural thought.
Despite the hanging end, or maybe even because of it, I am going to want to read The Defector to find out more about our intrepid "drug-baron turned pirate", Janac. Well done Mark & HarperCollins. :)
Random listing from 'Books'...
Walter and Manaaki are teenage takahe. They are curious. They are adventurous. They are TROUBLESOME!
In October 2019, a wayward takahe couple was recaptured ten days after escaping from their predator-free sanctuary at Tawharanui Regional Park. Their adventure provided the inspiration for Sally Sutton's humorous story.
Children will delight in the cheeky and daring spirit of Walter and Manaaki. The book is beautifully illustrated by Jenny Cooper, and includes interesting facts about the takahe at the end of the story.
All trademarks, images and copyrights on this site are owned by their respective companies.
KIWIreviews is an independent entity, part of the Knock Out News Group. This is a free public forum presenting user opinions on selected products, and as such the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinion of kiwireviews.nz and are protected under New Zealand law by the "Honest Opinion" clause of the Defamation Act of 1992. KIWIreviews accepts no liability for statements made on this site, on the premise that they have been submitted as the true and honest opinions of the individual posters. In most cases, prices and dates stated are approximate and should be considered as only guidelines.
"Why does your Obstetrician or Gynaecologist leave the room when you get undressed if they are going to look up there anyway?"
unattributed
