This is a rollicking debut, the first book in a series. In it, Hines dexterously keeps each of his many plot elements moving along furiously…Throughout this multilayered narrative, he particularly demonstrates a unique talent for realistic dialogue… which complements the story well as characters find themselves embroiled in a seemingly endless streak of deadly ordeals. Hines shows himself to be masterful at pacing and plot progression as well as effective at supplying gritty characterization. Fans of suspense fiction will find much to appreciate here… It’s a provocative, densely plotted action tale even if it’s not for the squeamish. A consistently thrilling opening installment.
Not for the faint of heart, Bishop’s War had us breathlessly grasping pages as they seemed to almost vanish at lightning speed. Rafael Amadeus Hines is clearly a master storyteller, which begs the question–– where the heck is the next book?
Bishop’s War by Rafael Amadeus Hines is about as good of a debut as the author could have hoped for, bringing to life a thrilling action story with an ever-increasing rhythm, piloted by John Bishop whom I hope will become a mainstay character. If you enjoy action books with multiple plotlines, terrorists, corrupt government officials, Afghan warlords, and a bit of the mafia, then I highly recommend you give this book a try.
Since the far too early demise of my favorite author, Vince Flynn, I have waited, and longed, for someone who could write realistic, action-oriented novels, with compelling characters. That wait ended when I received “Bishop’s War,” the debut of Rafael Amadeus Hines’ (what a fantastic name, by the way) amazingly unique character-driven, action series. It was a one-sitting, page-turner of a read (I read slowly, so it was a long, very worthwhile sit), and I loved every page of it. I truly believe my now second-favorite author, Vince Flynn, would love the world of John Bishop, and would tip his hat to Rafael for his splendid storytelling, and varied and deep personalities. He takes the reader into an otherwise unknown world of tangled webs, situated on the Lower East Side of NYC.
My only regret about Bishop’s War is that there wasn’t a second and third book in the series ready and waiting for me to devour when I completed the first, so, once again I wait… and long for the sequel.
Tim Clemente (Counter-Terrorism Expert, Retired FBI Special Agent, Swat Team Member, Producer and Author)
Bishop’s War isn’t just a great read, it’s a journey into the center of a world you never knew existed. The world created by Rafael Hines is so vivid you can hear it, smell it, and be horrified by it. Mostly set in the Manhattan’s East Village, ranging from the 1970s to present day, the characters, situations and steamrolling plot are masterfully crafted, and the details will leave you wondering how the author was able to get it all down on paper. The man at the center of it all, juvenile delinquent turned local legend war hero John Bishop, is a tapestry of loyalty, love, heroism, pride and intelligence. Bishop is also a complicated character, with flaws as real as the violence that tore a hole through his life. After reading Bishop’s War, it changes the way you look at Rafael Hines’ lifelong home, Manhattan’s Lower East Side, which he describes like one discusses an old friend. Be warned; you will never walk through Union Square again without looking over your shoulder. You may never get in a cab without wondering how many things are going on out there that you don’t know about, and never will, except if you read this entertaining, aggressive, frightening and triumphant novel.
Tade Reen, Author of Glad Tidings
Bishop’s War is not an old lady’s cozy mystery. I liked this military thriller, and enjoyed the large cast of characters. Some of the players are active young men, who are drinkers and ribald at times. I appreciated the details in the book; we learn about military weapons and tactics. Bishop’s War is an exciting story. Men fight wars, but the most dangerous enemy is the one within their hearts and minds.
Jena C. Henry, Author of The Golden Age of Charli Series
Bishop’s War is a great suspense-thriller, definitely a page turner that reminded me of some of my favorite books by guys like Baldacci, Grisham, Patterson and Connelly. The subject matter combines elements of the classic war hero comes home story, mixed in with terrorist activity on American soil, government corruption, and the involvement of a powerful organized crime family – really very timely subject matter with everything going on in the world today! I really loved how it all came together, and every step along the way I found myself rooting for the protagonist John Bishop and his colorful mix of buddies and family members. Likewise, there’s some terrible bad guys in the book and they really are quite despicable! There’s really some great character development, complimented with a lot of sharp and funny dialogue and interactions amongst the major players. Another aspect of the book that I really appreciated was the detailed descriptions of the various settings where everything takes place. Most of the action is in New York City…and specifically on the Lower East Side (or the LES, as it’s affectionately called). You can definitely tell this is the place the author was born and raised, and he pays great homage to the neighborhood with vivid descriptions of its past and present and how it’s changed over the years to become the thriving borough that it is now. You can almost imagine what it would be like to hang out in the LES on a beautiful summer day, and if you did you could probably expect to run into some guys that reminded you of John Bishop, his cousin Felix, and a huge guy named Bunny.
Mike Barrett
From the moment you begin reading Bishop’s War you are transfixed and riveted into the story plot and anticipation of what is yet to come. I couldn’t put the book down. I was swept away and captivated by the main character John Bishop. It’s full of action, suspense and funny at the right moments. I laughed, I cried and didn’t want it to end. I can’t wait for the next Bishop novel!
Linda Matias
As backdrop for his enthralling thriller, Rafael Hines really nails the uniquely frenetic, intense “street-level” energy and pulse of life on the Lower East Side. Speaking as a native New Yorker, I had as much fun laughing at the dialogue of the richly relatable and warped, true-to-life characters as I did following their frightening story of peril and terror. Hard to believe Bishop’s War is Rafael’s first novel.
Rick Bellusci
