DEX

Injustice and Evil Exist: Dex learns first-hand about both as prisoner of the Viet Cong, then as a victim of crooked politicians back home. Captured, he is forced to carry his own bamboo cage along the Thu Bon River towards captivity. Having killed large numbers of their soldiers, he is kept alive for questioning and punishment.

Abused constantly by the psycho nurse, Tuyen, he is given hope, companionship and extra food by a tiny Vietnamese girl, Sunni, with whom he soon develops a strong bond. Dex eventually emerges from his ordeal in the jungles of Vietnam larger than life. Handsome, brilliant, devoid of feeling for those who cross him, and allied with a small âplatoon' of pre-adolescent, armed-to-the-teeth, dedicated followers. Together they evolve into a fighting unit that defends the weak and rains hell on their adversaries.

There is no ambivalence in Dex - he loves women, protects children and animals, and kills his enemies with cold efficiency - from Vietnam to Los Angeles to Paris. His young âplatoon' stands ready to help. So does Aiko, the beautiful and deadly enforcer for Abi Fukuhara's 900 strong Yakuza gang.

O'Brien not only gives a vivid picture of the ruthlessness and depravity of imprisonment, but of the beauty and love of freedom. He depravity of imprisonment, but of the beauty and love of freedom. He spins a saga encompassing the globe - rich in romance, violence and adventure. Men will love this for the gut-wrenching terror of captivity; women readers for the loyalty and romance, tenderness and, yes, love.

Don't expect a lot of meaningless background. As the author says, he doesn't give a darn what color socks the killer is wearing.