After reading the Kindle edition of HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER, I thought I'd read the follow-up (which I had purchased ages ago in paperback, but never read). I imagine, however, that no one proofed the book before it got posted as a Kindle edition, as the formatting is lousy.

Many Kindle editions suffer from the occasional dropped quotation mark, or awkward joining of paragraphs, but this release has the double-carriage-return problem: each and every paragraph has two to three spaces between it. Not the occasional paragraph -- but

every

single

one.

Now, that may not seem like a big deal, but try this test: don't think about zebras. (Now, what are you thinking about?)

It's distracting to the point that you notice the book rather than lose yourself in it. I borrowed a hardcopy from a friend and have been reading (and thoroughly enjoying) CARDINAL. But I sure wish I could get my money back on the Kindle edition (there is a 7 day return window for Kindle-bought books, but it isn't as easy as a regular return).

So, in summary; it's a great book and well worth your time. But be sure to download a sample first if you're interested in the Kindle edition to see if they've bothered to fix the formatting problem.

The KGB and the CIA face off. This time the struggle for technological superiority between Russia and the United States involves lasers. Clancy jumps around from character to character, forcing us to pay attention or become lost. He develops the cultural characters well. I wonder if his portrayal of the "Russian" is accurate or sensationalized----state centered----eyes and ears everywhere; it is both sad and frightening. The beginning of the book draws you in then it slows throughout till the very end where it draws you back again. Good read, but I think not quite to the level of his say, "Red Storm Rising".

Wish you well
Scott

This book is one of my favorite Tom Clancy books. I have read all his books many times. In this book, we learn about two men who have intel on Communist/Left-wing Soviet Union's emerging missile defense program. One man is CARDINAL, a Soviet Army Colonel who lost his sons to Communist indifference. He is America's highest placed spy. And the KGB is running him down. An American is trying to save this hero and stop a potential war. Nuclear strategies are intertwined in Clancy's best global strategy book to date. Jack Ryan is at his best as an analyst chasing down some unusual structures in the southern Soviet Union - responsible for downing a satellite with a laser. Cardinal is sending details about this program, risking exposure. It was great to see the introduction of Mary Pat, a female CIA operative, who threads through the subsequent Clancy books. The plotting is excellent. The characterization is solid. Clancy is at his best in this fine work.

Michael Mandaville, Author - "Stealing Thunder"

I do not like Tom Clancy. I despise his totalitarian amoral politics and I canNOT stand him slapping his readers with them in his latest oversized and underwritten duds.

However, Tom Clancy was once an EXCELLENT technothriller writer. He might not have invented the genre, yet he launched it into the stratosphere.

This is HIS BEST BOOK and it is actually very good.
The mid-80's Cold-War atmosphere, the paranoia, the double-agents, the clandestine methods and the hardware are all expertly presented.
Now, him being, well...Clancy there still are stereotypes and bigoted characters galore. Deciding to overcome this however, the reader can actually enjoy this one.

Do not judge CARDINAL OF THE KREMLIN based on his deteriorated career.