The Target (Will Robie Series, 3)

When David Baldacci released what I consider his magnum opus, The Innocent, out into the wild; it did more than turn me into a huge fan of his writing. It single-handedly redefined my perception of the modern-day technothriller genre as a whole through its sublime combination of quality, nearly flawless pacing and unforgettable characters amalgamated into a plot that was so brilliantly constructed that it always kept me on my toes wondering what would happen next. In one stroke, the book went on to become one of my all-time favorite books of any genre and would serve as the genesis for what I’ve come to love and expect from Baldacci as a writer. Which is why I was disappointed when the follow-up, The Hit, failed to live up to its predecessor’s greatness. It was by no means a bad book; in fact it still was cut above the rest in the genre. Yet as a sequel to one of my all-time favorite novels, I feel it didn’t quite measure up to the same level of quality. Fortunately, all is forgiven in Baldacci’s latest novel in the series, The Target. As a writer, Baldacci is at his absolute best when he constructs a narrative that nails the balancing act of illustrating both the high-stakes political intrigue that occurs behind closed doors in places of power, particularly in factual government agencies and officials of the sort, while complementing this substantially with memorable characters that serve to give Baldacci’s writing its humanity, something I feel many authors of technothrillers don’t always succeed at doing. In this regard, Baldacci is spot on, for in The Target, the characters are portrayed as far more than mere tools of their respective governments tasked with performing their country’s classified dirty work. While these characters certainly bare the cold demeanor and inner-discipline one would reasonably expect from someone of the profession, they also come off feeling believably human and in some regards, dare I say genuinely relatable. These aren’t superheroes; they’re humans with real personal issues and problems. Seeing how they persevere and overcome them, as well as how they inspire others plays a large part of the book’s appeal. Will Robie’s character is at its best when he’s interacting with other characters. After all, possessing a predominantly stoic demeanor doesn’t always guarantee that the protagonist clicks with the reader. Baldacci circumvents this issue by illustrating some exceptionally entertaining dialogue between Robie and the supporting characters, particularly Jessica Reel who despite having the same profession and training as Robie doesn’t share the same jaded personality. Reel’s snarky retorts to government bureaucracy in juxtaposition with Robie’s controlled stoicism is great, and the back-and-forth banter between the two assassins greatly exacerbates both their presence as equally nuanced characters, and as one formidable duo. Along with tangible moments of guilt and vulnerability, the relationship between Robie and Reel is substantially reinforced from the last book and I’m very excited to see where Baldacci takes in it in the next sequel. Of course the greatest villains in fiction are the ones with flashes of humanity or feelings of doubt and internal angst. Where Baldacci succeeds in developing Robie and Reel, he absolutely nails it out of the park with the new antagonist Chung-cha, their North Korean counterpart. Having an horrific, and at times tear-jerking upbringing in one of North Korea’s most infamous prison camp and then being forced into the service of a thankless totalitarian regime, it’s easy to become attached to Chung-cha as she struggles to find her own semblance of self-worth and identity in what is a predominantly patriarchal society run by fascist dictators. With Chung-cha’s story arc, Baldacci once again showcases one of his greatest talents as a writer: his ability to connect the reader to the sufferings of real-life people living far less fortunate lives in different countries around the world. Whether this is the middle-east or some other third-world country, he makes us question everything we take for granted while opening our eyes towards the misery of those less fortunate who weren’t born in a country that exercises the same rights and liberties that we often nonchalantly take for granted. You can’t help but feel sorry for Chung-cha and the actual people who she serves as a surrogate for. Everything she and the real-life people she is meant to represent were made into what they are by their twisted government. I won’t spoil anything, yet I’d almost go as far to say that Chung-cha’s story nearly steals the show from Robie and Reel. So much so that I feel it was almost a missed opportunity that she wasn’t the star of her own novel. In contrast to the sympathy the reader is meant to exude for Chung-cha; Evan Tucker is an antagonist who we’re meant to despise, and in that regard he’s another success. He’s a typical bureaucratic weasel with a misguided vendetta against Reel after the stunt she pulled in The Target. Between his desire to bury Reel and anyone who assists her, along with the insurmountable odds facing the two assassins from outside forces; it creates a palpable amount of anxiety which gives the book’s premise a lot of necessary tension. The characters are always unsure of who to trust and whether their demise could come from their opposition, or from the select few within their own government who want them dead. Top that off with the possibility of all-out nuclear war if they fail their mission and Robie and Reel have a lot to on their plate. While I was unsure of the direction the series was taking after The Hit, this latest offering from Baldacci has completely eradicated any lingering doubts. Like The Innocent before it, The Target lays the blueprint for how to craft an exciting, emotionally-engaging technothriller that feels grounded in the realms of plausibility. The characters are better than ever, the plot is sublime and Chung-cha’s story arc alone is enough for the price of admission.

The character development id interesting and well done. Likable and deadly protagonists. Good story. Well worth your reading time. Enjoy!

Robie and Reel are called back to a meeting at Langley with the new CIA DD, Amanda Marks. She informs them that there they both must go to the Burner Box for "recalibration". This is to ensure their willingness to follow orders. This training is both physical as well as psychological in nature. Reel's explanation on following orders is excellent: "I have to execute the assignment in the best way I see fit". A part of Reel's past life comes to surface which could create immense problems to those closest to her. The action is fast paced and takes place on many fronts. It starts with an order to kill in France and progresses to a North Korean Gulag for an attempted rescue of two individuals. And, the end finds Robie and Reel at Nantucket with the First Lady and her two children. A North Korean agent named Chung - Cha (Comrade Yie) also has an immense role in this book. She was raised in Yodok or Camp 15, one of the Gulags. A most interesting glimpse into the life of North Koreans for me. I found it to be an intense novel to read with well defined characters. Lots of twists and turns and a captivating read. And, there isn't much quiet time to wait for the next action scene. So, take a deep breath and buckle your seat belts up for this one. Most highly recommended.

Wow, what a great story. While I could not live a life like Robie and Reel and Chang-Cha, our world probably needs people like this to keep the rest of the world safe. The emotions that these folks feel is really strong, taking out really bad people who pose a threat to the whole world, but also having the ability to connect with people, good or bad, to push back against their superiors to make the right decision for the greater good. Incredible story.

David Baldacci writes exciting books. This is no exception. He sets up the tension and suspense in the story and follows through with exciting and fast-paced narrative. This book is almost three separate short stories with a common thread, Will Robie and Jessica Reel, two American super-secret assassins who work for the CIA, as the main characters. From a previous exploit they have gotten on the wrong side of their boss and are forced to go through a life threatening boot camp like experience as a form of punishment. Then they are sent on what is thought to be a couple of virtual suicide missions which they somehow survive and finally after their boss has seen the light and forgiven their "transgressions" they are given a soft first-family protection job which brings the whole story to a conclusion in a hail of bullets and a surprise ending. I particularly liked the character, Yie Chung Cha, their North Korean counterpart and arch enemy, who is involved in several segments of the story. As usual with Baldacci the story is a bit jingoistic but none-the-less a good read for fans of the genre.

Great "Will Robie" series #3 Book. Easy to read a good page turner. Would Recommend this book.

Hard to put down. Several sub-plots that could have been full fledged stories in themselves. I always thought that Baldacci's books would all make great action movies and this was no exception.

A great story - or stories actually. In the middle of this book is a side story with Robie's partner, Jessica Reel, as the central character. It is a riveting piece that doesn't really add anything to the main plot which I thought was well-researched, imaginative and believable. I haven't run into many novels that touch on North Korea, much less have it front and centre to the story. But The Target breaks this ground and takes you places that you never thought you would go. Baldacci writes his characters so well. They are engaging and credible and the more you read the more you like them and feel you know them. This is a gripping story, although the ending was a little predictable several chapters from the end. But this did not appreciably detract from the enjoyment of the novel. Waiting now expectantly for Will Robie #4, with hopes that Baldacci deals with the underlying complications around Robie's relationships with Reel and Vance.

David Baldacci comme à chaque fois se montre passionnant j'ai toujours grand plaisir à le lire et j'apprend même si c'est une fiction à connaître des faits proche de la réalité.je suis donc une lectrice déjà fan de cet auteur.

Great read, multiple stories throughout the book, typical Will Robbie, very fast paced , drama , intrigue, suspense and as per usual a fine ending.

Es como leer tres novelas al mismo tiempo sin perder el interés en ninguna y terminar satisfecho por haber leído.