Book Review: Acid Test

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Acid Test     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Ross LaManna
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Political Intrigue   Thriller
Ballantine, Jul 2001, $19.95, 304 pp.

In the last fifty or so years, no country has risen and expanded faster than the Trans Altaic Alliance. Its leader, the charismatic but deadly Batu Khan, has consolidated eight nations in three years without a drop of blood being shed as he pushes his agenda of reforming the Mongol Empire. However, his methodology dramatically changes when his Kaldum Elite troops overthrow the elected government in Georgia and execute the president, his wife and two small children.

Having ignored the rise of he TAA, the United States President Marsh knows a confrontation is inevitable. As he prepares to drum up support among his allies and the American people, weird homicides occur in which sudden personality change sends a calm normal person over the edge. Air Force Agent Matt Wilder has witnessed the phenomena twice and begins inquiries into it just as he is needed to help in the incident between America and the TAA.

ACID TEST is a fast-paced international thriller that will take readers along for a speed of light ride. The story line is filled with non-stop action, but Ross LaManna provides one too many subplots to his resourceful tale. The elements involving the TAA rise and threat is fabulous and worth the read. The subplot centering on sudden personality change is interesting in its own light, but could have used its own book as it fails to enhance the political thriller. Still, fans of action to the nth degree will delight in ACID TEST, a novel that proves Mr. LaManna more than just passes the writing examination of public approval.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner