Review of The Last Rival

Post by **Bethel Saint Bright** » 21 Jan 2025, 06:43

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Last Rival" by Kyle Palmer.]

5 out of 5 stars

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“The Last Rival” by Kyle Palmer is a historical fiction story about President Truman’s strategy for dealing with the Adolf Hitler problem. In this book, President Truman comes to a point where he needs to deal decisively with the challenges posed by the Hitler-led Nazis. He recruits former OSS operatives to form a secret agency to carry out a task codenamed “Operation Louveterie.” William “Wild Bill” Donovan, General George Marshall, and Dr. Stanley Lovell will spearhead this secret agency. The team’s core members are James “Jim” Bolden, Lewis “Lew” Weinman, Al Myers, Carl Toms, Harry Marshak, and Jack Powell. Others include Charles Berg, Frank Morrison, Hans Von Fischer, and Felix Winger. Does this team have the capacity to help President Truman take care of Adolf Hitler?

I am a fan of history and never fail to seize any opportunity to take a trip down history lane. When I read the description of this book, I was intrigued and could not wait to get into it. Before now, I already read about President Truman’s escapades: his coming into power two weeks before the death of Hitler, the creation of the CIA, and the authorization to use the atomic bomb. It was amazing how the author used these elements of history to create a fictional story. If you aren’t familiar with historical events, you might stand the risk of assuming everything that happened in this book was not fictional. However, if you are a history buff, you will be thrilled by the author’s depiction of pivotal historical moments in American history. The author deserves all the accolades he can get for this book.

I liked how the author used the first few chapters to introduce key characters early in the story before the action kicked in. The author showed their backstories and what unique nature they would bring into the story. That way, I could connect with the characters and their proclivities. For instance, Weinman had a weakness for women. If you ever suspected someone was flirting with a lady in the story, that would most likely be Weinman. This was his response to Al’s request to go to Washington: “Al, my dear friend, you should know better by now. I’m not going to Washington for the politics. I’m going for the prostitutes.” There were other unpredictable characters, like Hans Von Fischer. His role was such that you’d find it hard to figure out where his allegiance was.

Even though this book is lengthy, readers won’t feel it because of the author’s skillful writing. I can’t find anything to fault the book with. Therefore, I rate it a 5 out of 5. Lovers of fictional historical narratives will enjoy this book.

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The Last Rival
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Kelvin Omollo · Post by **Kelvin Omollo** » 24 Jan 2025, 05:38

I guess we have something in common about history. I am a history enthusiast too, especially politics. Your review is well detailed, making me want to explore this Truman-designed mission.

Muhammad Tamoor Jan · Post by **Muhammad Tamoor Jan** » 25 Jan 2025, 12:35

Kyle Palmer zeroed in on his historical fiction novel "The Last Rival" about President Truman's calculating drive to do battle with Adolf Hitler. Weave of three well-formed characters, and historical fact arts, fiction, offered zu zahlen ubac, story hvad jeg have knitting. A great read for history lovers and fiction fans!

Louis Donald · Post by **Louis Donald** » 17 Feb 2025, 08:57

I love how historical events are woven into a fictional narrative like this. The blend of real history with imaginative elements sounds fascinating, especially the way characters’ unique traits are introduced. I’m definitely intrigued by how the author brings the past to life, and I’ll be checking this one out to see how Truman’s challenges unfold in such an engaging way.

Pearl Flourish · Post by **Pearl Flourish** » 20 Feb 2025, 12:23

Kyle Palmer’s “The Last Rival” masterfully intertwines post-WWII espionage with profound moral dilemmas, offering a gripping narrative that challenges readers to reflect on the true cost of peace and redemption.

Lauren Stjohn · Post by **Lauren Stjohn** » 02 Apr 2025, 05:56

"The Last Rival" has been added to my must-read list. The genre of historical novels captivates my interest. The circle of events surrounding President Truman and his decisions is engaging, filling the pages with espionage, security, romance, and the intrigue of political choices. The reviewer enhanced the interest with the inclusion of the many characters and their diverse personalities and weaknesses. Wonderful review.

Leen282 · Post by **Leen282** » 02 Apr 2025, 06:00

The description: 'taking care of the Hitler problem' made me chuckle. I am intrigued by everything surrounding the second World War, be it facts or fiction. I look forward to reading this book, and to be honest, it seems so well written that the length is only an added benefit.

Christopher Mundi · Post by **Christopher Mundi** » 02 Apr 2025, 06:20

"Am a fan of history and never fail to seize any opportunity to take a trip down history lane. When I read the description of this book, I was intrigued and could not wait to get into it. Before now, I already read about President Truman’s escapades: his coming into power two weeks before the death of Hitler, the creation of the CIA, and the authorization to use the atomic bomb. It was amazing how the author used these elements of history to create a fictional story. If you aren’t familiar with historical events, you might stand the risk of assuming everything that happened in this book was not fictional. However, if you are a history buff, you will be thrilled by the author’s depiction of pivotal historical moments in American history. The author deserves all the accolades he can get for this book." Honestly I love this part

Goitsemodimo B · Post by **Goitsemodimo B** » 02 Apr 2025, 06:25

This is a very good and revolutionary book based on courage, hope and hardwork which is inline with historic events,reading the book requires one to be a critical thinker

Post by **Mr Benj** » 02 Apr 2025, 06:30

"The Last Rival" by Kyle Palmer, a book that features a story about Hitler and a former US president. It will be interesting to read about how this particular president(Truman) was able to cope during this time in history. This is an interesting book to read.

Abhishek Kumar Mishra · Post by **Abhishek Kumar Mishra** » 02 Apr 2025, 06:32

As a history lover, this review makes me excited to read The Last Rival. The mix of real history and fiction sounds interesting. I like that the book introduces the main characters early, making it easier to understand them before the action starts. The story also has surprising characters like Hans Von Fischer, which makes it even more exciting. This review shows that the book is well-written and enjoyable.

Cynthia Duran · Post by **Cynthia Duran** » 02 Apr 2025, 07:13

For someone like me who is not well versed in history, the review of this book is extremely helpful. I do sometimes fail to separate what’s fact from fiction in these novels, and it’s good to read a fair warning. I sampled the first few pages of the book and indeed, time went by without me noticing. The book’s narrative is very good.

Chi Chiu Michael Mak · Post by **Chi Chiu Michael Mak** » 02 Apr 2025, 07:16

I have never heard of or learnt history related to President Truman and his role in the world war. I am excited to read about him, Hans and the other likeable characters in The Last Rival.

Post by **Rebecca De Figueiredo** » 02 Apr 2025, 07:25

The reviewer had described the plot and tone of this book perfectly. I also love history, and with wars raging around us in the world today, it’s interesting to read about strategies which would have saved innocent people from Hitler, at that time. From the outset, the book is inviting.

Post by **Seetha E** » 02 Apr 2025, 07:34

Your great summary and praise for the writing have convinced me to add it to my TBR list. Thank you for the wonderful review. This book seems perfect for fans of historical fiction. The first few pages of the sample read were engaging.