A review by jules_cr
The Apocalypse Watch by Robert Ludlum

1.0

This book was terrible. Somewhere in the 750 pages the plot jumped the shark from being an amusing spy novel to something with 50+ minor characters with random, but very convenient skills or back stories that show up in the nick of time to assist the amazing Drew Laytham, hockey player and spy extraordinaire, avenge his brother and save the broad- I mean lady. Maybe because the book was written in the 80s (based on my reading), but I found the insistence on equal treatment/abilities of women patronising and the constant reminders of Knox Talbot's blackness smacked of the 'but I have black friends!' defense. I was too confused by the end to react to the twist, but relieved that everything was tied up neatly so there was no real prospect for a mind numbing sequel.