Title: The Last Man
Author: Vince Flynn
First published November 13, 2012
448 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781416595212 (ISBN10: 141659521X)
Rating: 4.36
Overview
Vince Flynn’s heart-pumping novel, The Last Man, follows Mitch Rapp as he embarks on a perilous mission to track down a missing CIA agent in Iraq. Despite the four dead guards, Mitch’s primary concern is Joe Rickman’s absence.
Rickman, who was in charge of the CIA’s covert operations in Iraq, had access to over a quarter billion dollars in cash. Nobody dared ask how he spent it.
While it looks like Rickman has been taken hostage, Mitch suspects something darker is at play. Irene Kennedy, the CIA director, orders Mitch to locate Rickman by any means necessary.
As the Taliban, Iranians, Pakistanis, and Russians all attempt to seize power in Iraq, Mitch must navigate a dangerous and ever-changing landscape. If he has any hope of completing his mission, Mitch must be as brutal as his enemies and as deceitful as his colleagues in the government.
The Last Man is a breathtaking thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.
About the Author
Vince Flynn was born in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1966, the fifth of seven children. He completed his education from the St. Thomas Academy in 1984, and received his degree in economics from the University of St. Thomas in 1988.
After college, Flynn started working as an account and sales marketing specialist for Kraft General Foods. In 1990, he left his job at Kraft to join the United States Marine Corps as an aviation candidate.
Unfortunately, he was medically disqualified from the Marine Aviation Program due to several concussions and convulsive seizures he had experienced while growing up. While trying to obtain a medical waiver for his condition, he discovered his love for writing and started working on a book, an unusual choice for someone who had been diagnosed with dyslexia in grade school and had struggled with reading and writing all his life.
After returning to a regular job at United Properties, a commercial real estate company, Flynn spent his spare time working on his book idea. Two years later, he took a huge risk by quitting his job, moving to Colorado, and dedicating himself to writing full time.
To make ends meet, he bartended at night and wrote during the day. After five years and over sixty rejections, he decided to self-publish his first novel, Term Limits.
The book became a number one bestseller in the Twin Cities and he secured a new agent and a two-book deal with Pocket Books, a Simon & Schuster imprint.
Sadly, Vince Flynn lost his battle with prostate cancer on June 19, 2013, after fighting the disease for three years.
Editoral Review
The Last Man by Vince Flynn is a gripping thriller that delves into the dangerous world of espionage and counter-terrorism. As the last novel written by Flynn before his untimely death in 2013, the book has a poignant significance for fans of the author, who continue to mourn his passing.
Published in November 2012, The Last Man is a fitting tribute to Flynn’s talent, delivering heart-pumping action, complex characters, and a timely political backdrop that is all too relevant today. Flynn is known for his ability to craft taut, suspenseful narratives that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The Last Man is no exception, with a plot that centers on the hunt for a terrorist group that threatens to unleash a devastating attack on American soil. As CIA operative Mitch Rapp races against time to thwart the terrorists, he must navigate a web of deception, double-crosses, and danger, all while grappling with his own vulnerability and grief.
The Last Man is a masterful example of the spy thriller genre, with vividly drawn characters and high-stakes action that will satisfy even the most discerning readers. Flynn’s writing is brisk and efficient, with a clear eye for detail that brings the story to life.
The book is also notable for its geopolitical context, with themes of nationalism, religious extremism, and covert operations that reflect real-world concerns. One of the strengths of The Last Man is its central protagonist, Mitch Rapp.
Rapp is a complex character, driven by a fierce sense of loyalty to his country and his comrades, yet also grappling with the aftermath of personal tragedy. Flynn’s skillful portrayal of Rapp imbues the character with a sense of authenticity and depth that elevates the book above its genre peers.
The supporting characters are also well-drawn, providing moments of levity and humanity amidst the high-stakes action. Another impressive aspect of The Last Man is its pacing.
Flynn keeps the story moving at a breakneck speed, with numerous twists and turns that keep readers guessing. The action sequences are expertly choreographed, with a satisfying blend of hand-to-hand combat and high-tech gadgetry.
Yet despite the rapid tempo, Flynn never sacrifices character development or emotional resonance, creating a truly immersive reading experience. While there are some minor limitations to the book, such as occasional lapses in believability and some predictable plot elements, these pale in comparison to its overall quality.
The Last Man is a fitting conclusion to Flynn’s impressive body of work, showcasing his talents as a writer and storyteller. For fans of spy thrillers and political fiction, this book is a must-read.
In conclusion, The Last Man by Vince Flynn is a riveting, thought-provoking novel that delivers both thrills and substance. The book’s fast pace, well-drawn characters, and timely themes make it a standout in its genre.
Fans of Flynn’s previous works will find much to appreciate here, while newcomers to his writing will be drawn in by the high-stakes action and compelling plot. With its geopolitical relevance and expertly crafted narrative, The Last Man is a testament to Flynn’s legacy as a master of the spy thriller.
Highly recommended. 4.5/5.
