neko_cam's review
5.0
Delta Green: The Rules of Engagement is a wonderfully stark presentation of the procedural side of a typical DG operation. This sense of factuality, missing from most other Delta Green stories, is enriched by the depth and frank humanity of its characters - even those who are no longer strictly human. The intermingling and contrasting of procedural explanation and fantastical action is one of the novel's greatest strengths - it is finely managed and well executed.
It was initially difficult keeping track of so many characters - each referred to by a few different names - but once the story really kicked off that quickly became a nonissue. But I felt that the greatest weakness of the novel is the ending. It somehow felt simultaneously too messy and too convenient, but I won't say anything further for fear of spoilers.
Delta Green: The Rules of Engagement well worth the price of admission for anyone with an interest in the delicious Delta Green flavor of horror/mystery/conspiratorial/mythos fiction.
It was initially difficult keeping track of so many characters - each referred to by a few different names - but once the story really kicked off that quickly became a nonissue. But I felt that the greatest weakness of the novel is the ending. It somehow felt simultaneously too messy and too convenient, but I won't say anything further for fear of spoilers.
Delta Green: The Rules of Engagement well worth the price of admission for anyone with an interest in the delicious Delta Green flavor of horror/mystery/conspiratorial/mythos fiction.
johnwillson's review
3.0
A pretty good novel. This is a re-read for me. This review is mainly for my future self. I'll assume you're familiar with the Cthulhu mythos and the Delta Green conceit.
Pro's: A good twisty plot that moves along at a good pace. Interesting characters. The conflict between Delta Green and MAJESTIC-12 is highlighted. The neotissue thing is really cool. Not all questions are answered, which contributes to the feeling of manifold conspiracies.
Cons: Not a lot of mythos content, besides mi-go/little grey men. One of the "heroes" spends most of the story in prison for beating a woman, which doesn't make me want to see him in the hero's role (I know, extenuating circumstances; still).
I actually read this novel as part of [b:Delta Green: Strange Authorities|13627606|Delta Green Strange Authorities|John Scott Tynes|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1335752009l/13627606._SY75_.jpg|19233514], which collects this novel along with four short stories, which you should absolutely skip. They suffer from the same malady as most other Delta Green short pieces, that being the focus on DG agents murdering innocents, other agents and themselves to emphasize the importance of "containing" knowledge of the mythos. It's frankly sickening to read about.
Pro's: A good twisty plot that moves along at a good pace. Interesting characters. The conflict between Delta Green and MAJESTIC-12 is highlighted. The neotissue thing is really cool. Not all questions are answered, which contributes to the feeling of manifold conspiracies.
Cons: Not a lot of mythos content, besides mi-go/little grey men. One of the "heroes" spends most of the story in prison for beating a woman, which doesn't make me want to see him in the hero's role (I know, extenuating circumstances; still).
I actually read this novel as part of [b:Delta Green: Strange Authorities|13627606|Delta Green Strange Authorities|John Scott Tynes|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1335752009l/13627606._SY75_.jpg|19233514], which collects this novel along with four short stories, which you should absolutely skip. They suffer from the same malady as most other Delta Green short pieces, that being the focus on DG agents murdering innocents, other agents and themselves to emphasize the importance of "containing" knowledge of the mythos. It's frankly sickening to read about.
halski's review
4.0
I was a huge John Tynes fanboy back when this novel came out, but somehow never got to reading it until now. I have to say, he knows his business and this is fine stuff for a first novel. I like his style and his pacing; I was also impressed by the structure.
Compared to Lovecraft, without whom this novel wouldn't exist, Tynes actually has believable and likable characters. They feel human, they have problems, their very human psychologies lead to decisions that shape the story. I quite liked that bit. But I was less enthused by the horror being less cosmic and more grotesque and gore; and I felt that the cosmic bits felt somehow out of place and un-unsettling.
Compared to Lovecraft, without whom this novel wouldn't exist, Tynes actually has believable and likable characters. They feel human, they have problems, their very human psychologies lead to decisions that shape the story. I quite liked that bit. But I was less enthused by the horror being less cosmic and more grotesque and gore; and I felt that the cosmic bits felt somehow out of place and un-unsettling.
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