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Blaine McCracken #1
The Omega Command
A space shuttle is destroyed during flight, and the CIA recalls disgraced agent Blaine McCracken to uncover the people responsible. A space shuttle disappears during a routine repair mission, 180 miles above Earth’s surface. An intelligence operative with a dark secret is murdered, his car set ablaze, while he is in the middle of fulfilling a depraved fantasy. And a reporter receives a message from a dying man that suggests the organization responsible may be one of the world’s most prestigious corporations. The government knows just one man who can untangle this a throwaway on the deactivated list. Exiled to a desk job in Paris for stepping on the wrong toes, Blaine McCracken is a killer—a ruthless pursuer of truth who will let no one, friend or enemy, stand in his way when civilian lives are in danger. McCracken gets results, and his country needs him now more than ever.
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First published September 12, 1986
83 people are currently reading
393 people want to read
About the author
Jon Land
128 books407 followersJon Land is an American author of thriller novels and a screenwriter. He graduated from Brown University in 1979 Phi Beta Kappa and Magna cum Laude. He often bases his novels and scripts on extensive travel and research as well as a twenty-five year career in martial arts. He is an associate member of the US Special Forces and is an emeritus board member the International Thriller Writers. John currently lives in Providence, Rhode Island.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 31, 2023
Wow! That was fun, exciting, and terrifying all at once. Don’t get me wrong….parts were completely ridiculous liken to a James Bond variety of novel and/or movie. However, if you can leave reality behind and get swept up in the story it’s a really fun novel. I mean an untrained person going into space and not passing out is completely ludicrous. But it was still really fun. McCracken balls has a new cheerleader. Count me in!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2021
Parts of this book were a little slow but the last few chapters were a roller coaster ride!
November 6, 2023
I have very mixed feelings about this book. First of all it was entertaining and enjoyable. But only because it was so absurd as well. I can tell you the characters are one-dimensional and at times stereotypical but knowing our main character name is Blaine McCracken should tell you everything you need to know. And talk about a unbelievable plot! There are scenes in here that even Hollywood would have the good sense not to incorporate. But somehow the author finds a way to make it entertaining.
July 13, 2018
Here we have techno-thriller that is a real mess in my opinion. Our hero is a smart aleck "Superman" who I found tiresome. The action scenes were plentiful and seemed contrived and lacked credibility. I couldn't find any redeeming features.
May 3, 2011
Pretty decent thriller from the 80s. A bit dated--the line "Have you ever heard of a computer virus?" brought a smile to my face and caused me to LOL. Ah, the innocent 80s.
January 24, 2024
My first McCracken thriller, and it was indeed a thriller. Ridiculous, over the top and crazy are good terms that describe this yarn, and it’s meant as a compliment. If you want a realistic, steeped in actual spycraft type of story this isn’t it. It’s a balls-out thrill ride that doesn’t pull its punches, nor does it take itself too seriously. Blaine McCracken is my new action hero main man, and I’ll definitely be reading more. Recommended.
September 10, 2017
The Omega Command is a good, fun read with a great character in Blaine McCracken.
McCracken is a tarnished CIA agent recalled to investigate why a space shuttle is destroyed in flight.
Non-stop action; a sexy, intelligent, heroine; cold-blooded men; Terrorist, and quarreling federal agencies make this an entertaining read. Jon Land fan’s don’t want to miss this.
McCracken is a tarnished CIA agent recalled to investigate why a space shuttle is destroyed in flight.
Non-stop action; a sexy, intelligent, heroine; cold-blooded men; Terrorist, and quarreling federal agencies make this an entertaining read. Jon Land fan’s don’t want to miss this.
July 28, 2020
Good Story
The first few pages made me want to put this book back on the shelf. I’m glad I didn’t. This ends up being a good read. Some far fetched happenings, but, that is fiction. There is power behind the power! Even now!
The first few pages made me want to put this book back on the shelf. I’m glad I didn’t. This ends up being a good read. Some far fetched happenings, but, that is fiction. There is power behind the power! Even now!
April 16, 2022
A little dated in parts discussing old technology.
I do not mind authors taking liberties and letting their imagination run wild, but hijacking the space shuttle....really???
An easy read, keeps you interested even through the over the top scenarios.
I do not mind authors taking liberties and letting their imagination run wild, but hijacking the space shuttle....really???
An easy read, keeps you interested even through the over the top scenarios.
September 2, 2017
Jon Land is a good writer and this is right at the start of his career.
August 11, 2020
Started off ok then got fanciful, I'll stick with his Catlin Strong books
July 10, 2025
Interesting read. Storey main character is little to indestructible. Plot has several interesting twists
February 4, 2017
Great trip down nostalgia road here....book was written in the 80s and boy oh boy is it ever there.
I enjoyed the story which was good but it was very retro with tech and probably would have been a better book if I read it 20 years ago.
I enjoyed the story which was good but it was very retro with tech and probably would have been a better book if I read it 20 years ago.
December 21, 2022
Not as bad as I thought it'd be, being an old thriller. LOL.
There were some dated elements - floppy disks, computer viruses being something one has to explain, etc. But it wasn't too bad. There were times, when I was like, geez, they could have really used a drone or satellite to spy on an area (as we do now), instead of this complicated insertion of the MC into the island. Some plot elements were far fetched, but I just looked at it like any other 80s or early 90s action flick and it wasn't too different.
The MC, McCracken wasn't bad. I liked him enough. Sort of reminded me of Steve McGarrett (new series) - like that going into crazy situations and somehow coming out (mostly) unscathed.
Though because him being a Vietnam vet was mentioned often, I kept picturing a guy my dad's current age - he too is a vet of the Vietnam War - but I realize this was written 34 years ago, so McCracken must be in his 30s, not 60s LOL.
The one thing that did give me pause - the IMO too detailed scene involving the (eventually) dead spy with the kids before he died. I did not need to read what that pervert was doing with those 13 year olds and though the scene wasn't written as erotica or anything like that, I did feel given the ages of the kids and the actions that were occurring - it was too detailed for my tastes. We could have been told in more vague ways that we was a creepy, pedo is all I'm saying.
There were some dated elements - floppy disks, computer viruses being something one has to explain, etc. But it wasn't too bad. There were times, when I was like, geez, they could have really used a drone or satellite to spy on an area (as we do now), instead of this complicated insertion of the MC into the island. Some plot elements were far fetched, but I just looked at it like any other 80s or early 90s action flick and it wasn't too different.
The MC, McCracken wasn't bad. I liked him enough. Sort of reminded me of Steve McGarrett (new series) - like that going into crazy situations and somehow coming out (mostly) unscathed.
Though because him being a Vietnam vet was mentioned often, I kept picturing a guy my dad's current age - he too is a vet of the Vietnam War - but I realize this was written 34 years ago, so McCracken must be in his 30s, not 60s LOL.
The one thing that did give me pause - the IMO too detailed scene involving the (eventually) dead spy with the kids before he died. I did not need to read what that pervert was doing with those 13 year olds and though the scene wasn't written as erotica or anything like that, I did feel given the ages of the kids and the actions that were occurring - it was too detailed for my tastes. We could have been told in more vague ways that we was a creepy, pedo is all I'm saying.
February 18, 2013
With a large time gap since I last read Omega Command, it was just as good and fresh as the first time I read it!
One of the early scenes is nauseating by anyone's standards, but it shows the 'reality' of what goes on behind closed doors, when people have the power and right connections.. People now believe if they don't hear/read about it, it doesn't exist.. Sorry to say it does, probably more so than in the past. Nearly thirty years on, the scene would be 'inferred', but whitewashing the depraved reality makes the crime out of sight out of mind. I applaud the author in making what was probably a difficult decision in making the reader face cold hard truths about life.
Some of the scenarios brought a smile to my face when it made me realise how old I am, and how far we have come technology wise in the twenty seven years since it’s first release.
Even so, aside from some of the technology, the storyline and action isn’t dated at all. If anything the main premise is more realistic. I can forgive Blaine’s unrealistic situations, as his sense of humour all the way through makes me chuckle. It’s nice to read a book that hasn’t been censored to the hilt and made ‘politically correct’
One of the early scenes is nauseating by anyone's standards, but it shows the 'reality' of what goes on behind closed doors, when people have the power and right connections.. People now believe if they don't hear/read about it, it doesn't exist.. Sorry to say it does, probably more so than in the past. Nearly thirty years on, the scene would be 'inferred', but whitewashing the depraved reality makes the crime out of sight out of mind. I applaud the author in making what was probably a difficult decision in making the reader face cold hard truths about life.
Some of the scenarios brought a smile to my face when it made me realise how old I am, and how far we have come technology wise in the twenty seven years since it’s first release.
Even so, aside from some of the technology, the storyline and action isn’t dated at all. If anything the main premise is more realistic. I can forgive Blaine’s unrealistic situations, as his sense of humour all the way through makes me chuckle. It’s nice to read a book that hasn’t been censored to the hilt and made ‘politically correct’
January 31, 2014
Another great book with Blaine McCracken. I love the action in these books, it's not overdone to make it look out of place or just ridiculous, it's just enough to give a good mix of awesome and gritty clench your teeth and hope to make it out alive type of feel. The book's main character is Blaine McCracken who is a no exceptions for collateral damage kind of guy and always gets the job done. He and another character, news reporter and famed TV icon Sandy Lister, weave themselves into a vast conspiracy that goes all the way up and into the upper echelons of a national corporation that holds one of the greatest powers in the country, the power of advanced technology. McCracken jumps through multiple hoops to learn about his enemies and what their plan is and every step of the way you'll want to know just a little bit more. I love guessing at books and movies like these at who was the bad guy and who had done what, and I always like the book or movie that much more when I can't figure it out. This is one of those books. Each time I thought I figured it out the conspiracy grew wider and in the end the book turned out to be an awesome, thrilling, fast-paced adventure full of mystery and intrigue.
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October 7, 2013Uncompleted due to BLATANT CHILD ABUSE:
I am leaving this as read, otherwise I am unable to leave my opinion. I am also leaving it unrated. It's not worthy to be completed or rated. I had read through the prologue and almost half way into the first chapter and was intrigued. Then, the author had to add a scene so REPULSIVE AND WRONG involving children I nearly threw my book away, but had to remember I was reading on my eReader. I HATE not completing a book I start. However, a first time inevitably comes along. I don't care that an author is trying to establish that a character is flawed and depraved. Using children in this way and with such detail is NOT acceptable!!!!
I am leaving this as read, otherwise I am unable to leave my opinion. I am also leaving it unrated. It's not worthy to be completed or rated. I had read through the prologue and almost half way into the first chapter and was intrigued. Then, the author had to add a scene so REPULSIVE AND WRONG involving children I nearly threw my book away, but had to remember I was reading on my eReader. I HATE not completing a book I start. However, a first time inevitably comes along. I don't care that an author is trying to establish that a character is flawed and depraved. Using children in this way and with such detail is NOT acceptable!!!!
October 12, 2015
I quite enjoyed most of this book. I had to skip a bit at the beginning as I wasn't willing to read the quite awful scene that was being written. Missing out the details of it did not detract from the rest of the book.
I did however, become a little bit tired/bored of the similar scenarios that the main character encountered. On the whole, for me, it was just 'ok'.
I did however, become a little bit tired/bored of the similar scenarios that the main character encountered. On the whole, for me, it was just 'ok'.
January 11, 2013
couldn't finish it, too much action hero bravado, shallow characters and not even making fun of itself.
November 1, 2020
Decent read. Blaine McCracken is yet another super operative taking down yet another nefarious group bent on world domination.
February 4, 2014
Blaine McCracken book #1. Fast-paced with never a dull moment.
Book #2 "The Alpha Deception" is now on my to-read list.
Good stuff. 5 stars
Book #2 "The Alpha Deception" is now on my to-read list.
Good stuff. 5 stars
May 19, 2015
The same type of plot, and the same characters, as lots of other thrillers out there. Too predictable and nonsensical.
November 7, 2015
A pretty decent read! I'm glad I discovered this author, because he has written a lot of books and I look forward to reading many more books.
October 26, 2019
Introduces Blaine McCracken and Johnny War Eagle. Edge-of-your seat suspense, action-packed scenes, and the witty dialog you love from McCracken Balls! What's not to like?
May 26, 2022
Good read
Nice "conspiracy" book. A bit like James Bond - doing the impossible in every scenario. A fun read if you're ok with that.
Nice "conspiracy" book. A bit like James Bond - doing the impossible in every scenario. A fun read if you're ok with that.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews