I have noticed a steady decline in the quality of Tom Clancy's work. His early books were some of the best I've ever read. However, as time progresses, it is clear his well of ideas is drying up. His books are beginning to look the same. The same basic story line read over and over again.Having said that, I think The Bear and the Dragon would have been an interesting read if it wasn't for the extreme racism prevalent throughout the novel. He insults almost every religious and ethnic group he can.I'd say its time for Tom Clancy to retire gracefully before he causes any more damage to his reputation.