Review and Giveaway - Iron Man 2 by Alexander Irvine

Title: Iron Man 2
Author: Alexander Irvine
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing; 1 edition (April 1, 2010)
ISBN-10: 0446564583
ISBN-13: 978-0446564588

Hard to rate - For literature it would be lower but for fun, entertaining read I’ll be generous and give it a 3.75.

    Product Description

    "I am Iron Man." With those words, billionaire industrialist Tony Stark revealed his secret identity. Now a famous high-tech superhero, he uses his powers to protect mankind. Yet things are not going well for Tony Stark. The U.S. military demands control of the most powerful weapon on earth--the Iron Man suit. His beautiful new assistant has a strange, mysterious agenda while his best friend, Rhodey, has betrayed him. And Tony is hunted by a vengeful Russian criminal armed with a lethal technology that may be stronger than Tony's suit. But even as he fights his demons, the hero faces his greatest threat--one that no armor can defend against . . .

REVIEW: This is a fast and entertaining read.
I find Tony Stark to be a hard character for me to like.  He is the epitome of a wealthy, self absorbed playboy.  At least he is a good scientist so he isn’t “playing” all the time.  Also, I don’t care that he is hiding a secret, he doesn’t treat his top executive, Pepper Potts, nor his good friend, Lt. Col “Rhodey”, as good friends should be treated.

As I noted, this book is entertaining but it does have a cartoon-like quality. The hero is bigger than life and always steps in (arrogantly I might add) to save the day against what would appear to be impossible odds.  There is a lot of action and some good snipping dialogue. There is some techno jargon that you may or may not understand but... who cares?  It’s a superhero story after all.

The Russian criminal Ivan is a single minded, fanatical genius who is focused on taking revenge against Tony for “stealing” his father’s technology. Ivan does make a good villain/enemy.  Meanwhile, Tony’s old competitor, Justin Hammer, is just a truly greedy idiot who allows a clearly dangerous Ivan to take over his laboratory!

Sounds like a mix for explosive trouble? Yep,  it is.  This isn’t a book for a “literature lover” or “romance lover” but if you want a quick action packed romp - this will work.

THANKS ONCE AGAIN TO HACHETTE AND ANNA for the opportunity to give away my copy of this book.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for my copy of the Book:

1. For your main entry tell me your favorite superhero! Don't forget to leave your email so I can easily contact you.

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For another entry, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Three total entries possible.)  MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* This contest will close Midnight (Central) on June 4, 2010. The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.