First Blood book review

 

One of those books I always wanted to read but always forgot to look for when I was at a book store. First Blood inspired the movie by the same name and kicked off the entire Rambo franchise. I've seen many people talk highly about this story so when one came into the used book shop that I now work at I snagged it up. 

I must say it lived up to the hype that I heard. Within less than a day I was finished reading, probably about three to four hours total. It's an action thriller that really hooks you and keeps on running. It doesn't let up at all right up to the very end. 

Most folks know the basics of the story, a veteran with some issues runs into a Sherriff who is a bit of an ass to him and it's just the straw that breaks the camels back. Leading Rambo on a fight with the local police that escalates further than what either expected. With the book you get a glimpse into Rambo's head a hell of a lot more, he's got some severe mental issues dealing with some equally severe past trauma. You understand him a bit more and why he finally pushes back. 

One main difference between the book and the movie is the body count. Rambo kills a lot more people in his print version, not just by accident either, it's straight up murder in most cases. But when transferring this to the screen I feel it would have made him look more like the ultimate bad guy because you couldn't really get the idea of what's going on inside his head. 

Lots of changes did happen. But a lot of the same situations were still there. Some things were probably changed due to budget constraints and limitation of filming locations. Others to tone down the violence of what is happening. 

But the writing, damn the writing. This is the definition of fast paced reading. The words pull you along without letting you go. You don't want to set the book down. The characters are well developed with the main centers of the story getting most of the details, but even those who are only in there momentarily feel unique and stand out on their own. 

Rambo, Sherriff Teasle, Orval, Trautman, they are all given some time. Some given a whole lot more depth than I ever expected, especially compared to what they got in the movie. You even understand why Teasle is the way he is and understand his actions. All of this takes place in just a hand full of days, from the jailbreak to a final confrontation near where it all started. 

So in the end two thumbs up. Highly recommended to those who want action that is fast paced in their reading. 

If you enjoyed this review you can always show some support via my Kofi page. If you want to read this book then head over to Amazon where you can find it in multiple formats including on audible. Or you can just look around your local used book store if you are lucky enough to have one.