Library Journal
In a familiar banana republic, ''San Carlo,'' ruled by a right-wing tyrant, the Communist insurgency strikes. The country has a new government and the American Embassy is occupied by ''students''actually trained interrogators and intelligence workers who imprison and torture the staff. The American president (also strangely familiar) blockades San Carlo and sends a rescue team led by a maverick black colonel. There is much brave talk among strong men; the baddies are either cartoon villains or incomprehensible; the jingoism is disguised as personal honor and machismo. Unlike real life, the good guys win decisively: they save the embassy staff, recapture the country, get medals, and form lasting male bonds on the basis of ten words exchanged in combat. Only for those who buy every new Executioner novel. Edwin B. Burgess, U.S. Army TRALINET Ctr., Fort Monroe, Va.