Once again, I find myself in a unique position.
Recently, because I’m always looking for something new to read, I decided to give the long running series the Destroyer a shot.
I downloaded Destroyer 100: Last Rites.
I won’t lie. I had no real idea what to expect from the series. I know of it from only two sources. First, the movie that was made back in the 80’s starring Fred Ward. Remo Williams: the adventure begins.
Secondly, I’m familiar with Warren Murphy, the creator of the series. It doesn’t mean that I’ve ever read anything he’s written, it’s just that his name is well known in the action adventure novel circle.
After all these years, I decided to take the plunge and give one of his novels a shot.
As it turns out I now wish that I would have started reading the series many years ago. I had no idea just how much fun it was!
For me, all I knew about the series was that Remo Williams was a cop who was framed for murder, and then forced to join an ultra secret government organization. He was put under the tutelage of a ancient Korean master who taught him to become the master of a martial arts known only to that man, Chiun.
I missed out on years of humour, satire, and just plain strange situations.
Although I’m not a huge fan of humour in novels, I have to say that this novel made me laugh numerous times. You know - the fact that I don’t read more humour like this is my loss.
But it’s not just the humour that attracted me to the novel. It was, as I’ve stated in various reviews, the characterization.
I really enjoyed the way Chiun and Remo sparred. They argued and bickered, but at the same time I could see how much they actually cared for one another, like a true Father and Son.
Kind of reminds me of my own relationship with my son. As usual, I digress…
Another thing that totally took me by surprise was the weaving of mythology into the novel. It’s something of course that I’ve grown to expect from the Outlanders series, but to be honest; this was the last place I expected to see it.
I really enjoyed how Chiun managed to weave the entire myth (which I’m leaving out on purpose as I don’t want to put any spoilers in this review), as part of Remo’s training.
It wasn’t until Remo’s boss, Smith, brought it up that I realized what was going on. Kudo’s to Warren Murphy.
I have discovered, after talking to a few different people, that a lot of what I read is typical. The whole bit with Remo having to practically fight off horny stewardesses is a regular occurrence, having something to do with his being a master, and producing pheromones which make him desirable.
Same with the whole sexual thing, the – what was it, 32 steps to bringing a woman to sexual bliss? I remember the wrist tapping thing from the movie, so that scene made me laugh. I guess that’s one of the longest running gags in the whole series.
Not only did I enjoy the interaction between Remo and Chiun, but I also got a kick out of how he interacted with other characters in the novel. Getting into an insult match with a long dead master? I’d never have expected that!
Consider this – I’ve stated before I’m not a huge fan of fantasy. I like it, but it’s not my favourite genre. I found that the whole Martial Arts in the novel was based far more in fantasy than in reality.
When you take into account the entire premise of the series, and the tongue in cheek humour, it works out well. Of course it reminds me greatly of all the old Hong Kong martial arts flicks, being able to fly through the air, walk on water, kill with a pinkie… hey, it works for the novels!
If all the novels are like this, filled with humour, and tongue firmly planted in cheek martial arts, I’m going to have to now go out of my way to find the books and start reading them, or at the very least download the better novels and listen to them while I’m driving.
After all, how can I not love the god Bingo, ditzy African warlord princesses, even more stupid warlords, and actresses named after Rogue Elephants?
Now, as for the production quality – as usual, GA did a great job. The voice acting was fun to listen to, and the use of music made for a great deal of laughter in the appropriate scenes… like the cheesy 70’s porno movie music whenever Remo had to deal with the stewardesses.
Speaking of, the different stewardesses from different countries was well done!
Finally, this novel hit home for me. Remo, searching for his real father and the end results. Something I can relate to.
A solid 5 out of 5.
Either we suck or hes really that good! - Hertz from Shoot em up.
