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Enemy of the State: How Mitch Rapp Takes on the Saudi Royals in a Thrilling Novel by Vince Flynn and Kyle Mills
Enemy of the State: A Mitch Rapp Novel, Book 16 by Vince Flynn
Introduction
Enemy of the State is a political thriller novel by Vince Flynn and Kyle Mills, published in 2017. It is the 16th book in the Mitch Rapp series, which follows the adventures of a CIA operative who specializes in counterterrorism and covert operations. In this book, Rapp finds himself alone and targeted by a country that is supposed to be one of America's closest allies: Saudi Arabia.
Enemy of the State: A Mitch Rapp Novel, Book 16 Vince Flynn
The plot revolves around a secret deal that was made between the US and Saudi Arabia after 9/11, in which the US agreed to bury the evidence against the powerful Saudis who coordinated the attack in exchange for their promise to keep the oil flowing and deal with the conspirators in their midst. However, when the king's own nephew is discovered funding ISIS, the president suspects that the Saudis never intended to live up to their agreement. He decides that the royalty needs to be sent a message and that Mitch Rapp is just the man to deliver it.
The catch? America can't be seen moving against an ally. Rapp will be on his own. Forced to make a decision that will change his life forever, Rapp quits the CIA and assembles a group of independent contractors to help him complete the mission. They've barely begun unraveling the connections between the Saudi government and ISIS when they are discovered by the new head of the intelligence directorate, who threatens to go public with the details of the post-9/11 deal. Facing an international incident that could end his political career, the president orders America's intelligence agencies to join the Saudis' effort to hunt down Rapp.
Rapp, supported only by a team of mercenaries with dubious allegiances, finds himself at the center of the most elaborate manhunt in history. With white-knuckled twists and turns leading to an explosive climax, Enemy of the State is an unputdownable thrill ride that will keep you guessing until the final page.
Background
The Mitch Rapp series was created by Vince Flynn, a former political consultant and self-published author who became a best-selling phenomenon with his debut novel Term Limits in 1997. Flynn wrote 13 novels featuring Rapp, a character he described as "a modern-day American James Bond". Flynn's books were praised for their realism, accuracy, and fast-paced action, as well as their patriotic tone and conservative values. Flynn died from prostate cancer in 2013 at age 47.
Kyle Mills, another best-selling author of political thrillers, was chosen by Flynn's family and publisher to continue writing Mitch Rapp novels after Flynn's death. Mills had written several books featuring his own character Mark Beamon, a maverick FBI agent who often clashed with his superiors. Mills said he was honored and nervous to take over Flynn's legacy, but he also felt confident that he could capture Rapp's voice and personality. Mills has written four Mitch Rapp novels so far: The Survivor, Order to Kill, Enemy of the State, and Red War.
The Mitch Rapp series belongs to the genre of political thriller, which combines elements of espionage, suspense, action, and intrigue. The books are set in the contemporary world and deal with topics such as terrorism, nuclear weapons, rogue states, and corruption. The books are known for their realistic depiction of the inner workings of the CIA and the US government, as well as their extensive research and technical details. The books are also known for their high-octane action scenes and violent confrontations, which often result in high body counts and graphic descriptions.
The Mitch Rapp series is one of the most popular and successful in its genre, having sold over 20 million copies worldwide and been translated into 20 languages. The books have also been adapted into a movie, American Assassin, which was released in 2017 and starred Dylan O'Brien as Rapp and Michael Keaton as his mentor Stan Hurley. The movie was based on the first book in the series chronologically, which tells the origin story of how Rapp became a CIA operative after his girlfriend was killed in a terrorist attack.
Enemy of the State is the 16th book in the series by publication order, but the 18th book by chronological order. It follows Order to Kill, which was published in 2016 and dealt with Rapp's mission to stop a Pakistani general from launching a nuclear war against India. Enemy of the State is similar to other books in the series in terms of its plot, style, and tone, but it also introduces some new elements and challenges for Rapp, such as working outside the CIA and facing an enemy that is not a traditional adversary.
Analysis
Enemy of the State is a well-written and engaging novel that delivers what fans of the Mitch Rapp series expect: a gripping story, a compelling protagonist, and a thrilling action. The book has many strengths that make it an enjoyable and satisfying read, but it also has some weaknesses that may affect its appeal and credibility for some readers.
Strengths
The book has a strong premise that hooks the reader from the start. The idea of Rapp going rogue and taking on the Saudi royal family is intriguing and original, and it raises many questions and conflicts that keep the reader interested. The book also explores the complex and controversial relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia, which is relevant and timely in light of current events and issues.
The book has a fast-paced and suspenseful plot that keeps the reader on edge. The book is divided into short chapters that switch between different points of view and locations, creating a sense of urgency and movement. The book also has many twists and turns that surprise and challenge the reader, as well as several cliffhangers that make it hard to put down. The book culminates in a climactic showdown that is explosive and satisfying.
The book has a charismatic and formidable protagonist that makes the reader root for him. Rapp is a complex and flawed character who has a dark past, a ruthless streak, and a strong sense of justice. He is also smart, resourceful, and skilled, making him a formidable opponent for anyone who crosses him. He is loyal to his friends and allies, but he is also willing to break the rules and take risks to achieve his goals. He is not afraid to face danger or death, but he also has moments of vulnerability and doubt. He is a hero who is not perfect, but who is admirable and relatable.
The book has a diverse and interesting cast of supporting characters that add depth and flavor to the story. The book features characters from different backgrounds, cultures, professions, and perspectives, creating a rich and realistic world. Some of the characters are familiar from previous books in the series, such as Irene Kennedy, Scott Coleman, Claudia Gould, Joe Maslick, Grisha Azarov, etc., while others are new or expanded from minor roles, such as Donatella Rahn, Grigori Krupin, Prince Talal bin Musaid, etc. The book also has some memorable villains who are cunning, ruthless, and dangerous.
Weaknesses
The book has some unrealistic and implausible aspects that may strain the reader's suspension of disbelief. Some of the aspects include: Rapp's ability to quit the CIA without any consequences or restrictions; Rapp's ability to assemble a team of mercenaries who are loyal to him without any vetting or background checks; Rapp's ability to infiltrate Saudi Arabia without being detected or captured; Rapp's ability to evade an international manhunt with minimal resources; Rapp's ability to kill dozens of enemies without any injuries or remorse; etc.
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The book has some biased and simplistic aspects that may offend or alienate some readers. Some of the aspects include: Rapp's portrayal as a flawless and superior hero who can do no wrong; Rapp's justification of his violent and illegal actions as necessary and patriotic; Rapp's dismissal of any criticism or opposition as weak or corrupt; Rapp's depiction of Saudi Arabia as a monolithic and evil country that deserves to be punished; Rapp's stereotyping of Muslims and Arabs as terrorists or collaborators; etc.
Conclusion
Enemy of the State is a thrilling and entertaining novel that delivers what fans of the Mitch Rapp series expect: a gripping story, a compelling protagonist, and a thrilling action. The book has many strengths that make it an enjoyable and satisfying read, such as its strong premise, its fast-paced plot, its charismatic protagonist, and its diverse supporting characters. However, the book also has some weaknesses that may affect its appeal and credibility for some readers, such as its unrealistic aspects, its repetitive aspects, and its biased aspects.
The book is recommended for readers who enjoy political thrillers, espionage novels, and action stories. The book is also recommended for readers who are familiar with the Mitch Rapp series and who want to follow his latest adventure. The book is not recommended for readers who are looking for a realistic, nuanced, or balanced portrayal of the world and its issues. The book is also not recommended for readers who are sensitive to violence, profanity, or prejudice.
Personally, I enjoyed reading Enemy of the State and I found it to be a fun and exciting read. I liked the premise of the book and I was curious to see how Rapp would handle his mission. I also liked the character of Rapp and I admired his courage and determination. I also liked some of the supporting characters, especially Donatella Rahn, who was a smart and brave female agent. However, I also found some parts of the book to be unrealistic and predictable, and I wished there was more variety and surprise in the story. I also found some parts of the book to be biased and simplistic, and I wished there was more depth and complexity in the portrayal of the world and its people.
I would rate Enemy of the State 4 out of 5 stars. It is a good book that delivers what it promises, but it is not a great book that transcends its genre or challenges its readers.
FAQs
Q: Is Enemy of the State based on a true story?
A: No, Enemy of the State is a fictional story that is not based on any real events or people. However, the book does draw inspiration from some historical facts and current issues, such as the 9/11 attacks, the US-Saudi relations, the rise of ISIS, etc.
Q: Do I need to read the previous books in the Mitch Rapp series before reading Enemy of the State?
A: No, Enemy of the State can be read as a standalone novel without reading the previous books in the series. However, reading the previous books may enhance your understanding and enjoyment of Enemy of the State, as you will be more familiar with Rapp's background, personality, relationships, etc.
Q: Who wrote Enemy of the State?
A: Enemy of the State was written by Vince Flynn and Kyle Mills. Vince Flynn was the original creator and author of the Mitch Rapp series until his death in 2013. Kyle Mills was chosen by Flynn's family and publisher to continue writing Mitch Rapp novels after Flynn's death.
Q: Will there be a movie adaptation of Enemy of the State?
A: There is no official confirmation or announcement about a movie adaptation of Enemy of the State as of now. However, there was a movie adaptation of American Assassin, which was based on another Mitch Rapp novel by Vince Flynn. The movie was released in 2017 and starred Dylan O'Brien as Mitch Rapp and Michael Keaton as Stan Hurley.
Q: What is the next book in the Mitch Rapp series after Enemy of the State?
A: The next book in the Mitch Rapp series after Enemy of the State is Red War, which was published in 2018. It is the 17th book in the series by publication order, but the 19th book by chronological order. It follows Rapp's mission to stop a Russian president who is planning to start a war with NATO.
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