Blood Trade

This authors first release in the combined series and it is little wonder he has gone on from this title to be one of the best and most respected authors in these series. If I may suggest one of the most important reasons is the ROCK SOLID knowledge of what he is actually writing about regarding the characters their past experiences they have gone through and a wonderful writing style which bring a fresh approach to what may have been getting a bit jaded in the series. If you have not read this title you really should from the characters introduced and the plot/story line and the action scenes to be had well you would be struggling to find any better elsewhere in the series. Excellent title on debut and very worth a solid eight stars.

Everything has been said that needs to be said about this book. I could personally find very few faults with this one. I think the only thing I had a hard time getting through was all of the technical details about hardware. But it wasn't anything bad enough to detract from the overall experience. All things considered, it didn't read much like a "first effort" book. And if the rest of Doug's efforts only show improvement, then I can't wait to read the next one.

This is a classic Executioner novel. It weaves past and present together in a way that uses Bolan's history to give the reader a fuller sense of his motivation. It also features an interesting cast of characters that are fully developed (or as fully developed as is possible with the constraints of the space available), something that has become sort of Doug's trademark. All-in-all, this is one of my all-time favorite Executioner novels.

This time around there is absolutely no doubt that Bolan is human. But you can be damn sure he's way above average. The book shows a side of Mack beyond the killing machine that he is, a peek into his soul. The only thing that annoyed me alittle was the authors habit of using the same describing words and terms over and over. He could have left them out in many places and improved the flow of the story.

Douglas P Wojtowicz’s “Blood Trade” novel takes on child-sex slavery rings in the Southeast. For Bolan, who draws upon the memory of his sister, the mission quickly becomes personal. The Thai warlord he is pitted against is General Chang Chi Fu. His heroin operations were previously destroyed by Phoenix Force in the Paul Glen Neuman’s “Slow Death.” Chang barely escaped at the very end of the novel. Neuman stopped writing Phoenix Force novels after two more installments. General Chang Chi Fu became a forgotten footnote for sixteen years, until Wojtowicz revisited him. To reintroduce this back story, Katz makes one of his last appearances in the series. So does a few other Stony Man regulars to make the first act of the novel a collaborative effort among protagonists. “Blood Trade” has a huge amount of violence and combat situations, far more than an average entry. Bolan is presented here as a three-dimensional character who remembers his previous adventures. Wojtowicz’s characterization of Bolan is one of the better ones. In fact, I would rank it second only to Mike Newton’s contemporary Bolan. This is a very well done entry of the series. His first effort does not have the polish of his later novels. I give him a lot of credit for trying something special in the tradition of this series.

Now THIS is a great Story. This one had all the right ingredients to make this a perfect ten. First off, I love Doug because he is one of the best writers. He is right up there with Mike Newton, Chuck Rogers and of course, Don Pendelton Himself. Secondly, this story is pure, classic Mack Bolan Action, War Against The Mafia Style. This was almost a back to basics books. The whole feel of the story was summed up in chapter 16, page 117: Grimaldi: "Your face just broke into the biggest smile for a moment." Bolan: Being hunted by the law and the underworld. A price on my head. An enemy whose tentacles are wrapped around the soul of a nation. It's just like old times, Jack." Just reading that line proved to me that some great things never ever change. Next up, the characters were all really great. Katz was cool as ice as always and even at sixty, he was the best the was at what he did. The interrogation of the perp by Calvin and Carl was absolutly classic. Jack was really kick ass and all of the guest stars were great too. Finally, the action was terrific that would make even the most jaded reader proud. This book is one of my favorites and I will fight you if you say differently.

I have read all of Doug's later books and really enjoyed them so I wanted to read this one as well. I can see why you have kept him on, this book kicked ass. The way Bolan did away with the French woman was proof that no one escapes Mack's vengence. Keep up the good work Doug, you and Chuck Rogers are the main two reasons why I love this series.

This story features REAL Mack Bolon. Ending for bad guy was much fitting. Body count was bit too high to be beliavable. Very good read all in all

I had never read a Mack Bolan book before this one. My cousin, who is known as GUNN on this website (even though that is not his last name!) bugged me and bugged me until I read it. I didn't really think I'd like it since it seemed more like a guy thing, but I really ended up enjoying it a whole bunch. The character of Mack Bolan is really cool, an old fashion hero sort of like a John Wayne or something for modern times. And the other reviewers are right, this book had me on the EDGE OF MY SEAT! And yes, Michelle Lam was a awesome character and I won't spoil anything, but I just want to say that I cried about what happened to Michelle! This is just a awesome book all around! And it doesn't matter if you have never read another in the series, you don't need to! You can get caught up in this wonderful story right away without knowing anything about Mack Bolan! So if you're thinking about picking up a Mack Bolan book, I suggest you try this one! You won't regret it! Douglas P. Wojtowicz is a great writer!!!

What a fantastic novel by a first time Mack novelist. From fanfic to published novelist - a rare and excellent feat. As others wrote Mack was human. He could get hurt. I think he was shot twice in the arm, once in the body but protected by armor and a foot injury. Wow! Too often Mack is seen as a uberhuman. The characters of Trahn and Michelle were great. I was heartbroken when Michelle died but it ended for her realistically. Tranh what Cindy would have been like? Fiesty yet ever so tragic. The closest to a daughter Mack could have had. I love referencing previous novels. A rare, rare event in the series. Something that should be done more instead of having each book exist in a vacuum - post 101 is bad on this. This novel did not. Also on a pure visceral level it was so good. Lets face it no villians have a more universal hatred then pedophiles. Something on a gut reaction you just want to destroy these people. The scene with the Cal in the hospital when the agent said he did it because of "love". Sure the guy was defenseless but Cal did what the vast majority just dreams of. After I read this scene was in reality the following would happen: Psychologist pundit on TV: "Yes this was a extrajudicial execution. The man had an illness and insead of getting the treatment he needed he was killed in cold blood." The action scenes were very well written and planned out. I liked the scene in the slave farm. I did have to reread a paragraph with the truck but I figured it out. I also loved the reference to Sticker - so many maybe 200 novels hae gone by since that reference to Leo. Heck any novel with Leo is really nice - he is one of my favorites. Also Sgt Mercy another reference so rarely used. So nice to read a novel that you know is written by a hardcore fan of the series that really understands the full back story. The only downside was the scene with Carl, Mack and Cal with the interrogation. Too clownish for my taste. I prefer the typical serious way Mack interrogates. Still a very solid 10.

HE IS HUMAN!!!! Doug, gotta say that this is a great book. You captured Bolan in a way rarely seen. Sgt. Mercy came into view just enough to show the readers something more than a killing machine. I've read about twenty of the books and this by and far my favorite. I hope to see your name again. Keep up the great work.

Terrific read!!!! Great storyline as child prostitution is something any decent human being is sickened by. Mack had a very interesting crew in his corner this time around.And any book with Dragon Slayer in it is worth reading.Loved the addition of Peter's .45 Win Mag,kind of reminds you of the old days.

Well Doug this is an excellent first effort, however I cannot give it a full 10 stars. First of all the good. Excellent well thought out plot line that deals with something that makes us all sick -"Child Prostitution". Excellent well rounded supporting charecters my favourite of which is Choi Tranh, this young plucky girl really made me feel for her plight and I loved her involvement in the climax, which was both suspenseful and satisfying. I would also love to see Mick Hayes in action again after some plastic surgery paid for by the United States government, he would make an excellent "sometimes" Stony Man operative. Nice continuity touches which demonstrate both a sound knowledge and affection for the charecters. The "Not so good". While the continuity touches were overall a nice touch, there were also to many "in"references,for instance while familiar with the charecter Leo Turrin I cannot recall any books in which he was called Sticker. This obviously demonstrates my limited knowledge of the charecters through the comparitively small selection of titles I have read so far however I don't feel that Turrin should have been identified as Sticker first of all and only by his real name after this.While on this subject I have to further show my ignorance in asking is Phoenix Force's previous clash with Chang Chi Fu a chronicled adventure and if so which book is it or is it an "untold Tale". Doug you need to learn to tread the fine line between satisfying the long time readers and recognising that your Bolan story could be somebodies 1st Bolan story.Being a fellow comic fan I am sure you realise that this has been a problem which has turned off many a potential new reader for years in that industry. The 2nd point which prevented this book earning a full 10 star rating from me were a number of confusing lines throughout the book which if not picked up by yourself should have been picked up by the editors. Eg. on page 216 there is line "and whatever weapons that these 2 might pull on him". All other surrounding paragraphs would indicate that Rain and Tranh are one and the same, however this line indicates otherwise. "I'm confused". Finally I know I am in the minority on this board but I would much rather see descriptions such as Machine Pistol, six-shooter, automatic etc. than the lengthy description of guns used all of which one of were absolutely meaningless to me [even I know what a Tommy gun is]. All in all though these were only minor annoyances and I thouroughly enjoyed the book overall. Keep at it Doug.

Very good Bolan book. Being only 16, I wasn't around back when Pendleton wrote them, but I've read a few, and this book is written like Pendleton would have. It was one of the few times Bolan has ever killed a woman (the rich bitch on the boat who he whacked). In the end, Bolan came out barely alive and beat up pretty badly, but that's just Mack. My personal favorite part was when Bolan killed the Spider monkey and ate it raw. Rare Bolan moment. Keep up the awesome work Doug!!

Blood Trade: Fucking hard as a fuck nut. With a heart. And world-weary soul. This book burns. It bleeds. And near the end, it will break your fucking heart. The world is now, officially, Douglas P. Wojtowicz's personal bitch. Gather around, my people, and I'll tell ya what makes Blood Trade so damn special: This is pure Mack Bolan, one hundred proof, Sergeant Mercy living every bit as large as the Bastard. This is not Mack the Robot, but Mack Samuel Bolan, human fucking being, still the world's premier fighting man, but a man who thinks and feels and breathes and bleeds in addition to piling up mountains of ass well and justly kicked. We're inside Mack's head here and we know his heart, the heart that has sometimes seemed absent in certain novels, but has always truly been at the very core of Mack's War Everlasting. It was, after all, the shattering of that good heart that sent Mack down this long and lonely road in the first place. Throughout Blood Trade, Mack is expertly drawn and constantly true, so close to the bone you can almost taste the marrow. There is superb characterization for other Stony Man regulars, as well. We get a dose of classic, brilliant, bad ass Katz. Katz has been misused at times, but not here. This is the Katz of my youth and my only complaint about this novel is that there was not more of him, though it was awesome to see how Katz and the rest of Phoenix Force still haunted Chang Chi Fu after all these years. And Carl Lyons, nutting up in spectacular fashion, gets an extended cameo in which he is allowed to shine. Ironman's personality has too often been made of cardboard, but Wojtowicz lets us see behind the mask. Calvin James and Jack Grimaldi also take part and both are in fine form. The "Dysfunctional Spy Agency Theater" scene with Calvin and Ironman is truly classic and worth its weight in gold. Wojtowicz has brought a shitload of personality and a healthy helping of humor to all of the characters in Blood Trade, including the wonderful supporting cast he created. Michelle Lam, Cowboy Mick Hayes, Alvin Warren, Choi Tranh, Dandy Chuck Brewer, and Chang Chi Fu, among others, are all spectacular additions to the chronicles of the Executioner. Mick Hayes is just too cool and I can't wait to see the big bastard again. Alvin Warren was a real treat, a character that truly surprised me and turned out to be not at all like what I expected him to be. Chang is the perfect villain, heinous and despicable without going over the top and becoming a cartoon. And Michelle Lam, well, I fell in love with Michelle---her bravery and decency, her compassion and fighting spirit, such a magnificent character. And did I mention this book is fucking hard as a fuck nut? You want action, people? Here it is. This is a mean, gigantic, sweltering beast of an action/adventure novel. The suspense is riveting and keeps you turning the pages. The action is rollicking from page one and rarely slows down. The plot is tight, big enough to seem epic, but personal enough to haunt your dreams. The good guys persevere despite harrowing, hellish trials and terrible hardship. Blood Trade is an action junkie's dream come true. It is also an important novel filled with compassion and concern for the human condition. Mack Bolan would never tolerate the abuse and slaughter of children anywhere and I am thrilled Wojtowicz sent the Executioner on this mission. Sweet Jesus, this is good stuff. Douglas P. Wojtowicz has begun climbing the mountain, people. I'm going to be there every step of the way. I believe Don Pendleton would have been proud of Blood Trade and its author and I think it is a fantastic and important addition to the legacy of the Exectuioner. More, please!

Like Chuck, I also believe it's up to the fans to rate books--I don't presume to quantify a fellow writer's work, good, bad or indifferent. But since Doug took the trouble to send me an autographed copy with a very nice inscription, I feel it's incumbent on me to at least give my opinion on it. I do this clearly remembering what it feels like holding that first book in your hands, so here it is. Doug did a first class job in capturing the spirit of the Executioner mythos, and some of the humorous points (i.e. the psuedo threat of torturing a closemouthed hard case) were classic. This left me nostalgic for the early PF/AT books a la "second generation" of Bolan writers. The action was punchy and the dialogue (at times) reminiscent of techniques used quite effectively by Hammett and Spillane. Most of all throughout the writing, Doug shows he "really" cares about Bolan and the Stony Man allies by simply telling a good story. If I were to provide any CONSTRUCTIVE criticism (something I'd love to see much more of on this site), I think there were moments Doug imparted an idea in twenty words he could have done in ten or less. He wasn't expositional; quite the opposite is true! But that sort of thing can ensnare any writer of action-adventure fiction now and again when crafting the quieter scenes. I speak from experience. Nonetheless, this is a solid first effort, an entertaining read, and wholly deserving to be a title in The Executioner annals. Thanks, Doug, and keep up the great work!

I did not actually leave stars, because as an author in the series, I, (personal choice here), believe that it is up to the fans to make or break a book on a fan site. That said, unofficially, I would rate "Blood Trade" a solid eight. Story was good, the heroes brave and the villains bad, as well as a bit different than the usual Bolan bad guys, and the nature of their evil so rotten you really wanted to see them all go down. Pace was good, action flowed. The good guys took a beating, (no one was Superman), and there was tragedy amongst the good guys, which always adds impact in a book. References to the past were good and added depth. Liked the Peters character, it is always nice to see the UN, much less Canadian UN, doing something constructive. Hmmm. The character seemed vaguely, familiar somehow . . . Some of the action was "over-written" as was some of the dialogue. There was also dialogue that came off as a little too cute and unrealistic, but only some. Bolan seemed awfully preachy. This can probably be attributed to the authors youthful, (youthful as in published works), exuberance and wanting to "get it all in." Sometimes less is more. I could go English Teacher and red-pen a lot of pages with what I might change, but most of it would be nit-picking. Over all a very solid effort. To give a book a ten I think the author has to genuinely slam it all the way out of the ballpark. I do believe however Doug did slam it into the stands on his very first attempt, and Bolan fans have every reason to go wild, and eagerly await his next one.

Dougs book "BLood Trade" was interesting and exciting--much better than average. Some of the good points:1)Doug gives Bolan witty one-liners just before or after shooting one of the bad guys. One of mulitple examples is how Doug wrote Bolan's response to a villain's asking "Who are you to judge me?" Doug makes Bolan's response clever, witty and indicative of what Mack is to the villians since D.Pendleton 2)Doug pays attention to the secondary characters without ignoring Bolan (though I did think he should have been more persistent in focusing on Bolan as a character). 3)I like the small look into Grimaldi's mind PLUS the feelings of friendship that are expressed between Mack and Grimaldi. Its about time we've seen good character interaction involving the main hero (Bolan) and his comrades. This also holds true for the slightly more humorous interplay between Bolan and his pal Carl Lyons earlier in the book. 4)Instead of opening with the cliched first Bolan chapter, Doug showcases Mack Bolan, how he deals with the opening situation and looks at him through Yakov's eyes. 5) Mack's determination to end the slave trade and concern for the children is nicely done and shows Bolan is caring and conscientious. 6)Doug's portrayal of Bolan as tolerant towards one of the homosexual characters in the book is accurate. Having read much of the Pendleton "Bolans", Bolan IS the type to be MATURE enough to gracefully accept the different lifestyles of other human beings (so long as they don't involve crimes, of course). So Doug's portrayal of Bolan is very consistent with Don Pendleton's take on the Executioner. The only problem with the book is that Doug merely has Mack SAY he has been thinking of his sister lately. However Doug doesn't SHOW Bolan doing that. Doug could have taken us deep into Bolan's memories of his sister and show how it enables him to select certain approaches to the current problem and how it motivates him to continue the fight. More indepth character study was needed here which is why I withold an extra star. The strong vigilante theme was great, the moralizing fantastic. Overall a good read.

Everyone else has said what I wanted to say (Doug put his writing where his mouth is; he can walk the walk). This is one fine book. Characterization. References to history that helps seam together continuity. Doug shows that Bolan is not an autonatom, but rather a human being like us, with emotions. I'd write more but I hate writing reviews (brings back memories of writing book reports back in high school).

What is there left to say except;" You make Pendleton proud!!" This is a rip roaring, suspense filled hit! Guest stars like Carl Lyons, Yakov Katzenbogenlogen,Calvin James, and new stars were great. Doug really showed he knew the Bolan legend with lots of references to some old Bolan stories fronm the continutiy. MORE BOLANS SHOULD BE LIKE THIS!!!!!!!! Mack was a bad ass, but still human! He thought about his sister Cindy, which brought us back to his roots. 9 outta 10 stars!

For a first time effort, Doug stepped up to the plate and hit it out of the park. Great job! The plot was 'old school' and harked back to all that we love about Mack. I didn't think the re-edit involving Yakov for Jack was a problem at all. Han & Chang have conversation about dark-haired guy and guy with stiff right arm after the first fight. Chang thinks he recognizes Bolan and Yakov from years before. Later after the airport fight, Han says the one-armed man was injured and a bloody mess. Folks-since Chang didn't get himself any decent intel, he assumed and let Han assume that Yakov would be coming over w/Mack. Since they don't know you Jack is, they think he's Yakov. It's a simple case of mistaken identity and assumption. Great job Doug, considering all those of us still in the pre-writing stages and for you to have actually done it-I give you a ten for a very memorable story and one that everybody will rmember when they hear the title.

Whoa, Doug! I'm impressed! With the characerizations, this one brought me back to the heyday of Mack (the early to mid 1980's) Great action writing and even loved the gore descriptions--(one of the reasons I started to read Mack Bolan in the first place. Probably not the best reason, but hey..) I wish Lyons would have had a bigger part (another dead-on take of Ironman from the old days), but having Grimaldi, Dragon Slayer, all the carnage, villains from PF's past, and a killer ending made this one a kick-ass experience. Great job!

I don't read many Mack Bolan's anymore, I love the series I just don't have enough reading time to squeeze one in every once in a while. It was with great excitement though that I purchased Blood Trade, I had been eagerly awaiting it based on Doug's fan fics. It did not disappoint me at all. It was great to see a more emotional Bolan, one who felt truly connected to those he was helping. I also loved the appearance of Sgt. Mercy many times, it was refreshing to see a more complete range of emotions from Bolan and the actions scenes were fantastic also. I look forward to more books from Doug and will always make time for them.

Have to say this book was far better than what I have come to expect from a Bolan story. I can't say to much that hasn't already been said other than the plot did seem a bit thin. Doug made up for it with very well written characters and action sequences. Bolan was back to be more believable. It was good to see his humanity and the emotions behind his actions being returned, as these things have been missing for the Bolan cahracter for quite sometime now. It was nice to see an enemy that wasn't Arab or part of some Drug cartel. This book though preachy at times did bring to light that there are other threats to human life around the globe, that are just are dangerous. The few negative things I have are just my own peaves. Gun descriptions were just too drawn out and the few small errors that apparently where do more to last moment editorial changes than to any fault of Doug. These few things kept this book for getting a 10. But over all I enjoyed the book treamdously. Dougs first offical Bolan contribution is well worth reading!!

I just finished reading this book and rather enjoyed and even thought there are a few misplaced facts it was adventuresome and exciting. I like to admit to the fact the Mack too is human and he bleeds just like the rest of us. Like the time that he got dragged by the car that as just a little too reminicent to Die Hard wih Bruce Willis. I also like the story line with the gay guy that was cool.

I have mixed feelings about this novel. For the one part, I found this an excellent adventure for which the Executioner to pit his ass-kicking skills against. The slaughter of baby rapers is always a good thing. And while this book has a lot of energy, Doug just was trying too hard to make this the perfect Bolan book, trying to incorporate all the best things from various eras of the Executioner. Instead, we got too much icing. We got all kinds of action. We got all kinds of character study and introspection. We got villains and supporting cast. But the thread of the plot just feels weak and strained. I really don't see how the Executioner could have gotten so much leeway in the beginning from the Prime Minister, and yet be under such constant attack when in Thailand. Plus, while reading this, there just seemed too many leaps of narration where conclusions were made without any actual correlation, and it doesn't look like a break for editorial reasons as much as the author knew everything he was talking about, but forgot to put the entire process down on paper. It's still a likeable and fun book, full of piss and vinegar, spirit and thunder, but it's got far more chrome than it has bumper. It's like a Corvette with a 4 cylindar engine. Looks good, economical, but not top performance.

Douglas has made an fantastic debut with his Blood Trade adventure. The story moves along at an excellent pace, the action is well described (although the description of the guns sometimes lasted to long) and Bolan's pain and wounds are extremely evident. By the end of the novel Bolan looked pretty much like Bruce Willis at the end of Die Hard, in other words, a really mess, and I think that Bolan will be out of action for sometime (or at least until his next adventure). The sub characters were 3 dimensional and not cardboard cutouts lacking in personality. I did occasionally get mixed up with which ally was which (was he the gay mercenary or the little CIA guy?) but that is my error and not Doug's. It has been commented that there was to much Soap Box Preaching. I did come across that and sometimes it lasted too long, but it was no where near as bad as I expected it to be after reading that review. There were some errors in the novel, due to last minute changes that Doug had to make. Katz was removed from the second half of the novel, and yet there are several references to him being in Thailand. These little errors have kept this novel from receiving a perfect ten. But, well done Doug, and I a looking forward to your next novel.

I'm kinda new to this series so I can't really address any heir-to-Pendleton issues, but I agree with nearly all the pros and cons other reviewers have already put forth. This was a well-balanced story in terms of keeping up the action without sacrificing characterizaton, something most writers of these kinds of books are guilty of. Sometimes the philosophizing went a step or two too far, but it was nice to at least see something going on between the ears of the characters besides 'Kill Kill Kill!!!'. My biggest quarrel was with the pacing and some of the choreography in terms of moving characters around. I was hard to follow at times. I know some people are saying it's the editor's faults but I dunno, that seems like some pretty easy scapegoating. Seems to me for these books to have been around so long someboddy upstairs must know what they're doing. Anyway, this is a solid 8 and I will definately check out Doug W.'s next entry. Meantime, I'll check out some of the other new stuff and see how it compares.

I just finished reading the book fifteen minutes ago (Doug, you know who I am since you went to my website) and I just feel like using one of the Rogue Warrior Richard Marcinko's acronyms right now: KATN. For the non-Roguish among you, this means Kick Ass and Take Names. Emphasis on KICK ASS! This is hands down, the best damn Bolan book I've read. I haven't read any of the original Pendelton books, but out of the new people, this is the best. There were a few errors here and there, but the action covered that pretty quickly. There was a lot of characterization, some humor, Alvin Warren was a funny character (LOL) but kicked ass when the time called for it, and I see involvement from the other elite from Stony Man: Able Team's Carl "IRONMAN" Lyons, and the Black Badass, Calvin James. I spent $3.75 on this (that's the advantage of having a military ID at a Post Exchange) and I say this book was worth every frickin penny. I can't wait to see the next novel from Doug. Maybe my rating is biased since I sorta know Doug, but I've seen his writings before on this very website. He has the potential to take something to hardcover (maybe not Bolan, since I've never seen a hardcover Executioner, SuperBolan, or Stony Man, but something for sure). Great job, Doug. Keep it up, and I hope you make a decent amount for your first novel.

I don't know what else can be said for this book than what has already been said. This is a 10 for Mack and for Doug's writing. I would probably agree this book does not belong in the top 5 of the list. But Doug gives the Mack series some blood in it's veins that has so long been lacking. And with that I hope others can follow suit and provide some renewed energy. Don Pendleton would be very proud. Although, The one thing this book did lack was a Gil Cohen cover. The characterisation was great. The action was supurb. And to top it off, Mack is real again with memories and ties to the past. A nice touch that I enjoyed and evidently everyone else did too. And again with everyone else, the editors attempted to screw up this book. But the writing is great and it shows.

Having loose ends finally tied up in a book different from the original is a new thing for me to see. Actually there was a lot in the book I haven't seen before and I was thrilled with it. After seeing Mack go into a battle on automatic mode I find Doug's portrayal of his human side, his memories of his personal pain a refreshing thing. It was also good to see Carl and Calvin even for a brief time and as always Grimaldi and Dragonslayer. The action was terrific and I was impressed all the way around by this book and certainly can't wait for Doug's next one!

I just finished Blood Trade. What a pleasure to read a book that provided not only lots of action but well developed characters as well. I don't get much lasting enjoyment from reading a book with flat, throw-away secondary characters who are so shallow their fates are meaningless. The secondary characters not only moved the plot along but had enough individuality and personality to keep me turning the pages to see what would happen to them. I also found the Mack Bolan of Blood Trade to be, not just a killing machine, but a three-dementional character with emotions and humanity....while still kicking some serious ass. All in all, it was a great book, well plotted, fast paced with enough twists and turns to provide some surprises. The only inconsistancies that I saw where things that appeared to be editing revisions. Great job!

Now Doug is a fellow Chicagoian, so I'm rather partial in his favour. However, that doesn't mean a damn thing in reviewing this book. I'm sure that when Doug was writing, if he had just glanced up fast enough, he would have seen the ghost of Don Pendeleton standing nearby reading over his shoudler and nodding in agreement. Solid characterization. Deft visuals. Excellent plot. Very well written. This is a very well done book. Doubly so for a first-timer. Atta, boy, Dougie! Time for some deep dish on Sheridan. Nick

There's no way this book is in the top 5 Executioners. It's no different for any of the other retreads of the same kinds of missions Mack usually has except that it gets more melodramatic and even preachy at times. I don't know about anyone else, but I don't read Bolans to hear about morals and other people concepts of right and wrong, I read them for action. Can't believe this book was rated #1.

This book deals with a loose end from the thrilling PF novel Slow Death. General Chang makes the mistake of drawing Bolan's attention and he finally gets a long overdue beatdown in this novel. Carl Lyons and Calvin James, as well as Katz, get some time in here, something that is rare in any Bolan's I've read so far. And Grimaldi, along with Dragonslayer too. Doug proves he is worthy of being the latest Bolan storyteller, as Blackstone and Mark Ellis explain in their reviews. Doug seems to have injected the blood of Don Pendleton and William Fieldhouse into his veins, he really has a good grasp of the nucleus of Bolan's character, the Mack Bolan in here is more accurate than some "Bolans" in this series. The action goes full throttle, with one action scene after another, no part of the book is boring. With a little more seasoning of experience, this first time Bolan writer should only get better. Great job Doug, good to know someone from my age group can write a kick butt Bolan novel!

The fact that this bok got a 10 rom me is significant because there were one or two moments when reading the bok that I wanted to do no less than throw it across the room! Now, before you get steamed up and think I'm dissing the author, let me just say that Doug is the reason this bok got a 10 despite those moments. Those moments had nothing to do with the writing and, I'm willing to bet money, everything to do with the editing of the bok. I know Doug from e-mails. I haven't read the "uncut" version, though I'd love to do so. I don't know any of the behind-the-scenes stuff that went on in the writing of this bok. Hell, I didn't even know the bok was coming out until it sat in my hand, and imagine my surprise when I recognized the writer's name! There were times, particularly in the first half, where I had to look back and see "Wait, why is Bolan at such-and-such a place again?", where the action moved from one locale to another so fast that it was difficult to keep things straight as to why he went from Point A to Point B. Also, it would seem that Grimaldi was substituted for Katz in at least one area, and some editing was forgotten so that we get mention of Katz where he wasnt to be found. Despite these problems, the bok is amazing. Characterization here is top-knotch, with Bolan actually being portrayed as human, and not some mindless killing machine. The subject is one close to my heart, which helped. I always love watching Bolan undertake a personal mission, with little or no help from Stony Man Farm. Doug delivered there as well. Hopefully in Doug's next book, the editors won't take such a hack-saw to it as I suspect they did in this case. Oh yeah, I orgot...Bolan kicks major ass in this bok as well. The action is relentless! Definitely recommended as one of the best Bolans I've read. Period. I've not read any of the original 38 by Don Pendleton himself, but it's obvious Doug has, and respects that vision. On the whole, a most refreshing Bolan entry!

I read this one months ago so i know i can;t wait to buy it and i can;t wait for dougs number two, I think thta one is due about 2004. this one was great becuase for one. its a fan standing up and being counted ampong the greats. Two it brought bolan back for the people. and it wasn;t our same old same old bad guys it was soemthing new and exciting. all i got to say is ITS A 10 ITS A 10

Well, okay--Doug invited a colostomy to be performed on him for perpetrating "Blood Trade" on the action-adventure readers of America, so out comes my scalpel and bag. First off, why does "Blood Trade" have such a strong moralistic thread running through it instead of the usual neutral "just a-doin' mah job" approach? I mean, if I wanted philosophy mixed in with my recreational reading, I'd read Kant...or at least Lester Dent. And then we have to deal with his characters...I mean, come on! In a couple of them I counted almost three dimensions! Why does the character of Mack Bolan seem almost like the Pendleton version...you know, the one who exhibited a sense of humor and got hurt and fatigued and even questioned himself? And on top of that--(Huh? What? What a minute...) Oh, okay. I've just been reliably informed that I LIKE all of that stuff(which is why I don't like most Bolan books)! Those were actually just a few of the reasons I was able to read "Blood Trade" without drifting into a boredom-induced coma or guessing the ending by page 6. Nor did I ever put the book down to find something more interesting to do...like Loofaing my foot calluses. A short list of why I enjoyed "Blood Trade" so much includes (a) Simple surprise. I didn't expect it to be so good and plausible. In fact, it can and should stand on its own as a first-rate action thriller without being judged as only a small entry in a series that has been running since the Devonian period. (b) The characters are actually honest-to-gosh characters, not just names with a set of tedious mannerisms and catch-phrases slapped on to them. (3) The refreshing, almost startling lack of stereotypes, even in the portrayal of Chang Chi Fu, who in the word-processors of a lot of other writers would be just a half-assed updating of the moldly old "Yellow Peril" characterization ("Yippee! Me make hambugah out of Amellican Yankee pig-dog!!") (4) The plot itself, though not a big menace kind of story was important. It dealt with a relatively original situation in the "Bolanverse" and it strikes very deeply into the core of what turned Mack Bolan from a grunt into an Executioner. "Blood Trade" is a terrific debut novel and hopefully we'll see more books of this caliber, with this kind of energy from Doug. He has a very unique voice, but it fits in seamlessly with the series as a whole. Congratulations, Doug.

To dust off an overused cliché: he can talk the talk and he can walk the walk. In the 2000s, two writers have broughtme back to Bolan: Gerard Montgomery and Douglas P. Wojtowicz. I read the full on hardcore DVD director's cut of this book-and the version that will get published. Love them both. This has everything a Bolan book should have: action, mayhem, nasty and irredeemable bad guys and SOUL. This is PERSONAL for Bolan. Let us not forget that Bolan is not just some personality impaired drone, not just some faceless, nameless, cold-war tool, not just some got totting spook: he is Judgement, he is Justice, he is Vengeance-he is the Executioner. This is the return of cool, the original American Badass, Mack Bolan. The Incarnation of Retribution-he gets shot, beat up, blown up, dragged accross pavement-keep it comin'. he can take it...and return it in kind. And Bolan has to reach deep down into the root of his War Everlasting to keep going. And guess what, despite the serious backdrop, there is some funny banter in this. What makes this Bolan better than most? CHARACTERIZATION. Bolan is funny, sad, angry, tired, hurt...you know, he's actually a THREE DIMENSIONAL CHARACTER, here. I already read his next one. Expect more of the same, people: breakneck pacing, bone-crunching action, funny lines, big guns and a reminder that this Bolan guy is one bad mother-shut your mouth with brains, balls and a SOUL.

Our own Doug puts his money where his mouth is and proves to be a millionairre. I had to actually break my usual anal rule to read the books in order and it was well worth it. Damn fine book. One of my favorites of the modern books, probably because it's old school Mack. This time he's on a mission that he takes personally. Cleaning out the child sex trade in Thailand (remember Mack's origin and you'll know why it's so personal). And he even brings in my favorite character that never gets used, Leo! Very appropriate considering the child sex trade issue. Great action, some truly funny/inspired bits, especially the garage interogation. Just wish he could have been allowed to keep Katz in for his full intended role, then it probably would have been a 10 (but it was pretty close anyway). Can't wait for his next one.