The Camel Club

As the opening chapter of a series, David Baldacci's The Camel Club did exactly what a good first chapter should do while still surpassing my expectations. It introduces a myriad of characters and a compelling concept that will keep the reader engaged from beginning to end while also providing an authentic real-world scenario that makes the reader contemplate issues that plague humanity to this day. It's so effective in its execution that it may actually rival science-fiction novels in its ability to make the reader question our world and those who run it.The central issue of scrutiny which Baldacci comments upon focuses on the mutual hypocrisies involving the United States government's War on Terror, and the holy war jihad used to justify the violent actions of Islamic terrorists. As a disclaimer, please take note that Baldacci does not pull any punches here. While the story and characters are fictional, the events that he references from the past and present are real and add a great deal of motivation for the characters, as well as personal moral contemplation for the reader. I'll admit, as a reader I often found it difficult to read The Camel Club at times, not due to any form of literary difficulty, but due to the book forcing me to open my eyes to a far greater picture with no black and white lines. Baldacci isn't taking sides in the matter, after all he has written some very patriotic books in the past. Rather, he's merely demonstrating just how twisted our world truly is and how superficial barriers created through differences on race, language, ideologies and religion can create these significant rifts between different nations and people. It's one thing to craft a compelling thriller set in modern day reality, considering the fact that most readers (myself included) are often seeking escapism from the bore which is every-day life. Yet it's another achievement entirely too deeply galvanize the reader while providing such effective social commentary that truly moves them into deep contemplation. It's a dichotomy that I haven't seen realized so effectively since reading Orson Scott Card's magnum opus Ender's Game, which is an acknowledgement I don't say lightly.A stark difference from the Baldacci books I've read in the past is that The Camel Club places emphasis on a larger cast of characters as opposed to Baldacci's usual format featuring a single protagonist paired with a smaller cast of supporting characters. I initially had some skepticism to this change in direction, yet Baldacci pulled through by illustrating an excellent cast of characters that included several memorable standouts. The leader of the Camel Club, Oliver Stone is a character wrapped in such a great deal of mystery that you can't help but obsess over his true identity. His unkempt exterior and primitive living arrangement serve as a mask for his astute intellect and set of skills that come as a surprise to even his closest colleagues. The secret service agent Alex Ford demonstrates how doing one's duty to one's country isn't always as simply as it sounds when government bureaucrats and convoluted jurisdiction are constantly interfering with the greater good. I also enjoyed the romance that sparked between him and another character that I won't spoil; it gave the book some extra emotional investment, which is something authors of other technothrillers often struggle with effectively illustrating. The final character I'd like to highlight is one of the antagonists of the book Carter Gray, who to my surprise rose above the stereotypical government bureaucrat/politician archetype of looking to make a career for himself through less than honorable means. He's an impressive morally grey character that helps build upon the aforementioned moral center of the book's social-political commentary. His character essentially carries two burdening questions: how far would you go to protect what you love and when does it cross the ethical line and become something far more sinister? Which leads to an even direr question: can this line even be identified if you're put into this position of responsibility and power? He's a great antagonist to the book who never believes he's anything other than a hero doing what is necessary for the safety of his country and his fellow countrymen. The moral dilemmas that surround his character are extremely thought-provoking and a poignant reminder that doing the right thing isn't always a simple choice between right and wrong. I definitely hope to see Gray return in a sequel.The last third of the book also needs special attention because of just how enthralling it is. Without spoiling anything, I'll say that what the book is building up as the climax actually serves as the catalyst for cataclysmic events that give the book a far greater sense of scale than you'd initially believe. It's common practice for a book or movie's synopsis to glorify the plot and make it seem far more epic than it can possibly hope to become. Yet in the case of The Camel Club, it actually succeeds and lives up to what it advertises. It concludes with an absolutely phenomenal climax that is equal parts emotional as it is action-packed. Needless to say I was hooked for the finale as the characters seemingly went through hell and the cryptic plot came full circle.However, the book does have a few minor detriments. The first being that there are moments where the narrative begins to drag, due largely to extended periods of time where emphasis is being placed on minor characters instead of the protagonists. Fortunately, the book is able to overcome this demerit mostly unscathed since the plot is so enthralling. The other issue is that some of the characters feel a tad underdeveloped, particularly Milton and Caleb. They're both likable characters with interesting personalities, yet they don't have the same level of depth or purpose within the story as Oliver and Alex. I hope to see Baldacci develop them more in later installments.The Camel Club is easily one of my favorite Baldacci novels and the start of a promising series that I plan on revisiting. The majority of characters are very memorable, the plot is exciting and emotional, and the manner in which it portrays its social-political commentary by showcasing the sins of both sides is worthy of envy. It's a book that gives the reader exactly what it advertises and then gives even more. Baldacci has once again proven himself to be the king among the modern technothriller novelists.

Definitely in Baldacci’s top 10, I cannot go higher as I have not read all his books! This one hit home as it pitted autocracy, democracy, and dictatorship definitions against, the bigotry of religion and political factions.Lots of mystery, action, sorrow and excitement. As well as lots of characters, had to rewind many times to keep them straight, but they were necessary to define the plot. Will start the process of of obtaining the next book of this series!

This was a very interesting book. There were a lot of different characters that kept your interest, and that you had to remember. It was very interesting to see all the different characters that were mentioned in the first part of the book connect with each other in the latter parts of the book. It was also a thoughtful book that's relevant to today's world. A lot to think about.

Thoroughly enjoyable. Fast moving. Wonderful character development. Tight plot. Scary, as it takes into account the pressures of today's world.

I have read several of the Camel Club stories and really do enjoy them. I've read many other stories by this author and really liked them as well.My problem with them is a great big gaping hole in the Camel Club series and, to a lesser extent, all of his othr books. He seems to be unaware that it is completely illegal for the CIA to operate in ANY capacity within the territory of the United States. Any reader of good spy fiction is aware of this. The FBI, in fact, would actively oppose any involvement of te CIA and would never cooperate with them. Not only do these stories ignore this he actually invests the CIA with the power of criminal investigatonand arrest within the USA. Epic Fail on the part of these stories. This is way too big a departure from reality to be put down to poetic license for a story of this genre. I hope it was done in ignorance of the rules because otherwise he's countimg on his readers to be too igmotant to notice and care.I'm one of tbe later books in this series a character instslls an electronic devise in a computer that will cause the CPU to fail in such a way as exlplode and kill anyone within 15 feet. You do realize that computer savy people are among those most likely to read books, right? And that that scenario is laughably silly?It's true that fiction requires the suspension of disbelief on the part of the reader and these moments (except the CIA thing) are relatively minor plot devices to make the storyline work. I'm generally OK with that but, like Tom Cruise's motorcycle tires magically changing from street tread to knobbies as he goes from pavement to asphalt and back again, some of these requests of the reader stretch the patience and tolerance.All that being said I find his work entertaining with good, well written characters and situations, the above notwithstanding, well thoughtout and fast paced with the right mix of humor thrown in thanks to the interesting and unlikely mix of characters in the club.I very much recommend these books but, due the flaw in the basic premise I can't give it 5 stars

Just started this series about the members of the Camel Club and it is good thus far. On to book #2.

Baldacci is one of my favorite authors. He creates very interesting characters and story line.I highly recommend this and any of his books.

He leído los 5 títulos, y todos me han gustado muchiiiisiiiiimo!

Moves with speed and thoroughly enjoyable. The plot is a bit explosive and a little extreme, but still grips you

Up to his usual standard. Unfortunately I read the Camel Club series out of sequence but it did not spoil my enjoyment as each book stands up on it's own. Glad to have discovered this series and David Baldacci.

Along a different line to the other Baldacci books I've read, but just as enjoyable.I nice theme and some outstanding characters, I look forward to reading more from the Camel Club series.Highly recommended.

plot rather clumsy