Ochoco Reach

I won a print copy of Ochoco Reach by Jim Stewart in a Goodreads Giveaway.

Ochoco Reach is a highly entertaining mix (I think the current buzzword is "mash-up") of many sub-genres of the main action/adventure genre.

There are aspects of military, Native American spiritualism, political corruption, and international tension, to name a few. Author Jim Stewart (I have to wonder, any relation?) does an outstanding job of weaving all these threads into the fabric of a story that grabs the readers attention and doesn't let go.

Ochoco Reach is action/adventure to the max. It appears that this may be the first in a series, the cover identifies Ochoco Reach as "An Ironwood Novel". This would definitely be a good thing.

However, I would suggest (respectfully) to the author; Take it easy on this poor guy if you want him to be around for an extended run. Mike Ironwood (our hero) is a hero-warrior in the best tradition, the guy you want on your side to be sure. I know it is part of the great action we read, but, this guy has got to look like a jigsaw puzzle when he takes off his shirt, and it has only been one book!

Ironwood has a dog, Bucket (a Catahoula Leopard Dog, I had to Google it), that rivals Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, and Yukon King combined for intelligence. An awesome sidekick. His other partner, Daniel, his half-brother (and Native American connection) adds a whole different dimension.

It may sound like Ironwood is an over the top character, but not really. He's not as ego driven as other characters in the genre. He is smart and tenacious, a deadly adversary to be sure, but he is also well aware of, and true to, his inherent humanity.

Ochoco Reach is not a one note adventure at all. There are drug cartel baddies, government alphabet organizations (as the author identifies them) both true and corrupt, international activities, shoot 'em up violence and bloodshed a plenty.

There is also romance, compassion, tenderness, and love. Very well balanced. Vengeance is a main aspect of the story, and it is brutal at times, but it is also tempered with our hero's sense of justice.

Over all, Ochoco Reach by Jim Stewart is a great action/adventure, with romance, sex, humanity, morality and honor. Enjoy!


Mike