Saturday, January 25, 2025: 7:39 AM: I recently finished reading Tom Clancy's "Without Remorse", which I found to be another well done work masterfully filled with suspense and storytelling. This novel, which has been adapted into a major motion picture starring Michael B. Jordan, takes readers on a thrilling ride through the life of John Kelly, a man who becomes the enigmatic CIA operative known as Mr. Clark. “The movie isn’t quite like the book.”

The story begins with John Kelly (The Snake) a former Navy SEAL, who is grieving the loss of his three-month pregnant wife after she’s killed by a tractor trailer that had lost its breaks at an intersection. His life takes a dark turn when he becomes entangled in a mission of vengeance against a drug cartel involved in human trafficking after they gang raped and murdered a woman he loved around a year or so later. As Kelly navigates this treacherous path, he crosses the lines of justice and morality, ultimately transforming into the cold-blooded and efficient CIA operative, Mr. Clark.

For those who are concerned about reading something that might be triggering for them, I personally found that Mr. Clancy did an excellent job of conveying what was happening in certain parts of the book in a very tactful manner. “There are no dramatic or graphic descriptions of sexual assault to be found.”

On the other side of that coin, Tom has no problem letting a reader know that a kill shot resulted in someone’s head exploding. He also gives a bit of description as to what some people looked like after being dead a few weeks underwater and so on. So… If hints at sexual brutality or even general descriptions of death are enough to set you off, “This book might not be for you!”

"Without Remorse" delves deep into themes of revenge, justice, and the moral complexities of warfare, part of the story involving the rescue of twenty prisoners of war from a secret camp in Vietnam. Clancy's portrayal of Kelly's transformation is both compelling and chilling, highlighting the thin line between heroism and villainy. The novel also explores the psychological toll of violence and the lengths to which one man will go to seek justice.

John Kelly's character arc is the heart of the novel. Clancy masterfully depicts his evolution from a grieving husband to a ruthless operative. This transformation is not just physical but also emotional and psychological, making Kelly one of Clancy's most complex and intriguing characters.

For those who don’t know, Clancy's writing is known for its meticulous attention to detail and realistic portrayal of military operations. "Without Remorse" is no exception. The narrative is fast-paced and filled with action, yet it also takes the time to delve into the inner workings of its characters, a trademark that makes many of his published works a deeply engaging read.

Some say "Without Remorse" is a must-read for fans of espionage and military thrillers. Personally, I found It to be a rather gripping tale that not only entertains but also provokes thought about the nature of justice and the human capacity for violence. Whether you're a longtime fan of Tom Clancy or new to his work, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Posting that's a little off the trolley at times... Brian is a single Newtonian Gardens Apartments resident, Self-Publishing Author, cPanel WordPress Web Host and Windows 11 powered computer tech. He’s a musician, sailor, hiker, cycler and some women would say, “Magical, too!”