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Title: Just Ashes
Review: "Betrayal" is less strident than Mr. Johnstone's work, but it is still difficult to read. Rather than draw interesting characters, Mr. Johnstone resorts to trite stereotypes. The protaganist, Ben Raines, offers the only shred of interest in the book. Apparently, he is a brilliant military leader who enjoys risking his life in commando-style warfare behind enemy lines. Anyone who has actual combat experience knows that even the most skilled soldier can have an unluckly day (and greatly shortened life). Given the number of "Ashes" books on the shelf, Mr. Raines has a career only found in comic books. Overall, "Betrayal" was a bit better than "Hunted" or "Breakdown." My only thought is that Mr. Johnstone has found a group of people who will buy his books... no matter what he writes. If so, he is a good salesman, but I cannot possibly describe him as a good writer.
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