Andy McNab vs. Chris Ryan

[Elskeggso]

My Pops has lent me McNab's "Bravo Two Zero" and Ryan's "The One That Got Away" for a read, but I've always wondered - which one bullsts the most? I haven't read either yet, but I've heard the two contradict each other, and I've got the feeling that McNab - being the more 'celebrity' of the two - would be prone to exaggerations in the stories. Would anyone care to shed some light?

[andrewrob]

Slightly O/T but have you noticed how much Chris Ryan talks about his chinos in those books? I swear he has got some sort of deal with a fashion designer to bring them back

[schmalex]

I've read a lot of both of their books. I get the impression that McNab elaborates the most. However, if you take them at face value & enjoy them for what they are, they both write pretty compelling books.

[Elskeggso]

How many books has Ryan published? This is my first read of both books.

[hugo a gogo]

both equally full of st

[playerone]

I seem to remember them both stretching the truth. I think the only remotely accurate recount of that incident was the book written by the New Zealand SAS member of the team.

[RichBurley]

IMHO McNab was more full of st; it did however make for a better read!

[Elskeggso]

I think I'll still read them anyway, I read "Immediate Action" a while ago and enjoyed that.

[Los Palmas 7]

Elskeggso said:

How many books has Ryan published? This is my first read of both books.

He's done loads - moved from non-fiction to fact-based-fiction, as did McNab with his "Nick Stone" series.

I like them both.

[elster]

Both stretch the truth a fair bit. Mainly on publishers request.

Chris Ryan is still more of a lad than Andy McNab.

Andy McNab has gone all soft in his old age.

[Mexico.]

Chris ryan has done about 30+ books don't known about andy mcnab i enjoy reading them all

[Tuska]

playerone said:

I seem to remember them both stretching the truth. I think the only remotely accurate recount of that incident was the book written by the New Zealand SAS member of the team.

Its called 'Soldier 5' and is regarded as the true story (compared with the other two).

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Soldier-Five-Story-Bravo-M...

[escargot]

I'd kick both their arses. Pussies.

[Tuska]

Elskeggso said:

I think I'll still read them anyway, I read "Immediate Action" a while ago and enjoyed that.

Regarded as one of the best accounts of the SAS selection process. A great read....

[Los Palmas 7]

escargot said:

I'd kick both their arses. Pussies.

Yeah!

(I'll hold your coat)

[Elskeggso]

Tuska said:

Elskeggso said:

I think I'll still read them anyway, I read "Immediate Action" a while ago and enjoyed that.

Regarded as one of the best accounts of the SAS selection process. A great read....

He's definately a very compelling writer, at the time it was my chosen 'read whilst soaking in the bath' book, I think I was a little bit wrinklier than normal for a few months...

[WorAl]

Los Palmas 7 said:

escargot said:

I'd kick both their arses. Pussies.

Yeah!

(I'll hold your coat)

Can i bee there to point, laugh and take pictures of your bloodied torso?

[Los Palmas 7]

Elskeggso said:

Tuska said:

Elskeggso said:

I think I'll still read them anyway, I read "Immediate Action" a while ago and enjoyed that.

Regarded as one of the best accounts of the SAS selection process. A great read....

He's definately a very compelling writer, at the time it was my chosen 'read whilst soaking in the bath' book, I think I was a little bit wrinklier than normal for a few months...

The first paragraph of that is brilliant - you think it's describing an SAS mission, but it's just kids messing around on an abandoned building.

[Pesty]

Elskeggso said:

My Pops has lent me McNab's "Bravo Two Zero" and Ryan's "The One That Got Away" for a read, but I've always wondered - which one bullsts the most? I haven't read either yet, but I've heard the two contradict each other, and I've got the feeling that McNab - being the more 'celebrity' of the two - would be prone to exaggerations in the stories. Would anyone care to shed some light?

I read the both of them when they came out.

Mcnabs book was rubished by another SAS bloke and his tactics were also challenged IIRC

The one that got away has a bit towards the end of the book that really stood out as a bit odd ( it went a bit Rambo IIRC he took out a troop transport and a jeep that were chasing him).

funnily enough a few ex sas types also mentioned that none of those exploits were mentioned in the de brief

[elster]

Tuska said:

Elskeggso said:

I think I'll still read them anyway, I read "Immediate Action" a while ago and enjoyed that.

Regarded as one of the best accounts of the SAS selection process. A great read....

There was also a fantastic program on the NZ SAS Selection process on National Geographical. Although I did miss 2 parts due to my stupid sky+