I've never read Dale Brown before, but I picked this one up because it looked less imbued with military jargon than the other stuff he's written. Props to him for attempting to expand his story-telling capabilities into something more dramatic, but after reading Tin Man I'm convinced that Brown should stay as far away from dramatic elements as possible and just stick to delivering high-tech gadgetry and giant explosions. Brown is a master at researching his novels, but the guy doesn't have a clue how to portray an honest emotion. Whenever he tries to write something tender, the unrelenting corniness of it almost makes you want to drop-kick the book into the nearest wastebasket. Additionally, his hero, Patrick McClanahan, seems way out of his league for most of the story. Somehow, I was expecting more of a Jack Bauer-type character. In The Tin Man, policemen discussing his secret identity talk about how stupid and sloppy his methods are and underscore his lack of professionalism. Some hero, eh? Brown does a much better job with the villains, though, making them tough and sophisticated. On another topic, the story makes some weird jumps at times, giving you the impression that Brown forgot to submit all the chapters to his publishing company. There were a couple of times when I though Brown was doing a dream sequence because he dropped me into a crucial scene without any kind of segue from what had happened previously. Still, despite all its flaws--including a weak, stereotypical ending--The Tin Man is as amusing an entry as you're likely to get in a genre that's been pretty much done to death. If you've seen any of the Death Wish movies, The Brave One, Harry Brown, Death Sentence, or Robocop, then the only surprises in store for you in The Tin Man will be in regard to Brown's use of technology, which, for better or worse, drives the heart of the story, despite Brown's attempts to inject it with a touch of genuine humanity.
I didn't like this book. The premise sounded so exciting, and I kept thinking it has to get better when it gets to the action. There were so many instances of Dale Brown using outrageous scenarios that just aren't realistic. The main character is like a wimp that doesn't have any common sense, yet he works with his friend on these outrageous experiements that never really do any good.At the time of reading the book, I was on a underway on a Navy ship working over 18 hours a day / 7 days a week. I threw the book across the room when I came to a section that was something like this:The police officers met in the briefing room. Their clothes were ragged, most of them hadn't combed their hair or even showered. It was no wonder with them working more than 12 hour days for 2 weeks.12 hour days for 2 weeks? Are you serious? I looked at information about the author and he's a retired Captain in the Air Force. Well no wonder 12 hour days for 2 weeks seem like hell to him. Things like this go on and on - I ended up tearing up this book at the end and flinging pages all over the mess decks. Several times while reading it I threw it down and stomped on it.Why did I keep reading? It's like watching a bad movie... I just can't stop and I wonder how it's going to end. I've swore off Dale Brown books and I swore to punch him in the face if I ever met him (though I don't think I could cause he looks like a nice guy). I've been told this is not his best work.
What do You think about The Tin Man (1999)?
The Tin Man is a fast read. Very plot driven and readers that have some understanding of previous books as references to certain experiences are made throughout, will have a more enjoyable time recalling plots from previous Dale Brown novels. However, knowing the intricate details of these books is not required to enjoy the page turner that is The Tin Man. It reminds me a lot of Iron Man with regards to the suit, though obviously that's where the comparisons end. I'd recommend this book for anyone with a day or two to kill approximately 370 pages The Tin Man contains.
—Victor
