The Paragon of Man; Smokepit Fairytales Part III

What I love the most about these books is that although narratively they all follow an overarching story; the tale of Hank and Doc, a Marine and a member of the Navy who have some seriously messed up things thrown their way; every book so far is unique enough, with it's own distinct feel to it, to make reading them an absolute treat. Part of the twisted enjoyment that comes from reading these novels, is just how the protagonists are able to adapt, overcome and walk away (sometimes crawl away) from the terrible situations that life keeps throwing at them. Without going into the plot, this book is a fantastic, enjoyable, and downright haunting at times, tale of two men and their unit doing everything they can to return back to their homes after facing some truly horrific things during their deployment. It reminded me a lot of a mixture of Mad Max and The Road, and the characters, situations and locations that are visited throughout are all gripping in their own right. The story also gave me serious Rambo: First Blood vibes in the second half of this story, and I was all the way invested and wanting to see how everything turned out for the characters. From the first book to here, Tripp is just going from strength to strength and it shows in his writing, which at this point incorporates many epic qualities from all walks of literature. If you loved the first two books then I highly recommend this. And if you haven't read any of the Smokepit Fairytales then you should go and pick up number one. If you're into military fiction, heck, if you enjoy sci-fi, romance, adult, pop culture, historical and fantasy stories, then this will be right up your street.

The epic saga continues as Hank and the surviving Marines find themselves cut off and isolated in Russia. With no contact with the outside world, they break into smaller groups to search for a way home. The Paragon of Man is another action packed book in the Smokepit series. Just like all the others it's filled with moments of sorrow and joy, blood, guts and plenty of cigarettes. From savage cannibals to ruthless bounty hunters, the author continues to do a fantastic job of creating a story that entertains and sucks you in. I look forward to diving straight into book 4.

*** Fair warning the violence and language used here in is not for the easily offended or faint of heart** The author tackles one of my favorite Greek myths in this book retelling the Oddessy in a sci fi setting with US marines. This is a high point ion the series for me, I have loved the story of Ulysses as a kid, so this one was a real treat. He weaves the story damn well and does not disappoint. The adventures of Doc & Hank are fantastic and told in such a real way it stays with you. This does not sanitize or Hollywood the violence, it is brutal realistic and chuck full of consequence. Characters regular have to deal with the fallout of acting impetuously. But definitely keeps you hooked.

Once again, I came into this book not fully knowing what to expect. What it gave me was a crushing weight on my soul, as if I were actually there with Hank and Doc. I felt their pain and sorrow, their joy and elation, and their feelings of utter dread and despair. I don't know that I've ever come across such a writing style before, but what it lacks in polish it more than makes up for it with its sheer, raw emotions and ability to glue your attention to every page. Every word sings its own note and once it's at its crescendo, it drop kicks you in the nuts with the force of a loaded freight train.

This book took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions. The battles are furiously detailed and personal in this one. Really makes you question what you just read and re-read again. This one is darker than the soul of a SNCO on 24 hr during a holiday. This very though-out adventure couldn’t be any better! It really makes you understand the characters in this journey. This series is by far one of the best series in the market for OIF/OEF vets. The Paragon Of Man is indeed a very well written book that leaves you asking for more.

Our brave Marines, Hank & Doc, are back with what’s left of their group adding in a few other survivors from other units. Their world has been nuked & all they want to do is get back home from Russia. Prepare for the long walk & join them in their seemingly-impossible odyssey back to California. A Russian mech with a crazed pilot, a village of cannibals, a haven in Scotland so comfortable that they might not ever leave...Who lives? Who dies? Who makes it to what’s left of home? The characters are well-written & engaging. The plot mixes modern times with an Ancient Greek epic that blend in a formula that captivates you until the very last lines of the novel.

This book made me so mad. And I loved every minute of it I was excited for Kodak and utterly destroyed by the end. Started following trip on Instagram and messaged him about leaving us hanging so hard in the end only because book 4-6 aren’t here yet I never expected I’d read 3 books in a week. Tripp great series hope it can find its way to film