Juego de Patriotas
by Tom Clancy
- First published 1987
- 472 pages
- Spanish
While on a working vacation in London, former Marine and historian Jack Ryan finds his family in the crossfire of a brazen terrorist attack. Acting on instinct, he thwarts the assassination of a royal family member, an act of heroism that earns him international acclaim. But his intervention also marks him as a target for the Ulster Liberation Army, a ruthless splinter group that does not forgive or forget. What begins as a random act of violence quickly spirals into a personal vendetta, with a dedicated terrorist vowing to exact revenge on Ryan for his interference.
The fight follows Ryan home to the United States, where the threat against his wife and daughter becomes terrifyingly real. Pulled back into the world of intelligence he tried to leave behind, Ryan must transition from academic to analyst, using his unique skills to hunt the people who are hunting his family. The conflict becomes a deadly game of cat and mouse that stretches from the quiet suburbs of Maryland to the clandestine training camps of international terror. The novel explores the lengths one man will go when his duty as a patriot is eclipsed by his duty as a protector.
The fight follows Ryan home to the United States, where the threat against his wife and daughter becomes terrifyingly real. Pulled back into the world of intelligence he tried to leave behind, Ryan must transition from academic to analyst, using his unique skills to hunt the people who are hunting his family. The conflict becomes a deadly game of cat and mouse that stretches from the quiet suburbs of Maryland to the clandestine training camps of international terror. The novel explores the lengths one man will go when his duty as a patriot is eclipsed by his duty as a protector.
What readers say
4.17
217K ratings across the web 8 in 10 readers loved it
The book is widely praised for its engaging and fast-paced narrative, offering a thrilling adventure that captivates many readers from the outset. Reviewers frequently highlight the author's skill in crafting intense action sequences and building suspense, making it a quintessential "macho 80s adventure." The detailed descriptions and well-evoked 1980s setting contribute to an immersive experience for those who appreciate the genre. Jack Ryan, the protagonist, is often seen as a likeable hero, admired for his strong moral compass, dedication to his family, and belief in justice. Many find the blend of action, intrigue, and even moments of humor to be deftly handled, providing a solid and entertaining introduction to the character and the wider series.
Despite its strengths, the book draws considerable criticism, primarily regarding its pacing and character development. A significant number of reviewers found the narrative slow, dull, and repetitive, particularly in the middle sections, with some feeling it delved into excessive detail resembling a CIA report or encyclopedia. This often included overly long descriptions of weapon specifications, political jargon, and even minor characters' backgrounds, which many felt bogged down the plot. Jack Ryan himself is a frequent target of criticism, often labeled a "Mary Sue" due to his perceived perfection, lacking internal flaws or meaningful personal growth. Reviewers described him as universally loved, incredibly intelligent, and adept at everything, making his challenges feel superficial. The dialogue also received negative feedback for being stilted, repetitive, and at times unbelievable.
Ultimately, the book elicits a mixed response, with readers either finding it a compelling classic thriller or a disappointing read due to its perceived flaws. It is generally considered a quality thriller, albeit one with elements that some found dated or less impactful than other works by the author. This book would likely appeal most to devoted fans of Tom Clancy's signature style, particularly those who enjoy detailed military and political thrillers that prioritize action and procedural accuracy over deep character introspection. It is also recommended for readers seeking a straightforward, heroic narrative with a strong focus on family values and a clear distinction between good and evil, or those looking for a "palette cleanser" from more emotionally complex stories. However, readers who prefer nuanced characters, faster-moving plots, or less technical detail might find it a challenging read.
Despite its strengths, the book draws considerable criticism, primarily regarding its pacing and character development. A significant number of reviewers found the narrative slow, dull, and repetitive, particularly in the middle sections, with some feeling it delved into excessive detail resembling a CIA report or encyclopedia. This often included overly long descriptions of weapon specifications, political jargon, and even minor characters' backgrounds, which many felt bogged down the plot. Jack Ryan himself is a frequent target of criticism, often labeled a "Mary Sue" due to his perceived perfection, lacking internal flaws or meaningful personal growth. Reviewers described him as universally loved, incredibly intelligent, and adept at everything, making his challenges feel superficial. The dialogue also received negative feedback for being stilted, repetitive, and at times unbelievable.
Ultimately, the book elicits a mixed response, with readers either finding it a compelling classic thriller or a disappointing read due to its perceived flaws. It is generally considered a quality thriller, albeit one with elements that some found dated or less impactful than other works by the author. This book would likely appeal most to devoted fans of Tom Clancy's signature style, particularly those who enjoy detailed military and political thrillers that prioritize action and procedural accuracy over deep character introspection. It is also recommended for readers seeking a straightforward, heroic narrative with a strong focus on family values and a clear distinction between good and evil, or those looking for a "palette cleanser" from more emotionally complex stories. However, readers who prefer nuanced characters, faster-moving plots, or less technical detail might find it a challenging read.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- EMECE, 1991
- ISBN
- 9789500408578
- Language
- Spanish
Original edition Patriot Games Originally published in 1987 · English · Random House Audio
