The Beirut Protocol By Joel Rosenberg

The physical and psychological danger in The Beirut Protocol is constant and readers know that eventually... everyone breaks. The question is how long can Marcus Ryker hold out and what will he give up in the end?  

Joel Rosenberg is a master at intertwining multiple complicated plotlines and has an unquestionable level of expertise regarding the Middle Eastern. Though a slight departure from the previous books in the Marcus Ryker series, The Beirut Protocol is a well constructed story of capture and survival. When Ryker, Kailea Curtis, and their Israeli chaperone are abducted in an unexpected and daring raid, the recent gains in Arab-Israeli relations are put to the test. Combined with a dramatic shift in the power dynamics of Tehran, the entire region is hurtled towards the precipice of war.  

The usual high octane action scenes and shootouts against enemy actors are replaced by perilous psychological situations that hostages must endure and overcome. The physical abuse and likelihood of death has never been higher for Ryker, but as a man accustomed to dodging bullets... how will he fair when he is at the mercy of his captors? 

This book takes us deeper into Ryker's mind under extreme duress as he is forced to rely heavily on his training and his faith. I personally believe the exploration of Marcus as a character bodes well for the long term success of the series and gives readers a firmer understanding of the driving forces behind Ryker's decision making paradigm.  

I did feel there were some general areas left wanting. A missed opportunity for me was the failure to include more on the true identity of the third hostage and the dramatic issue that would have caused. While I also enjoyed the finale, I felt Rosenberg had done such a great job consistently turning the screws and heightening the tension and suspense, but then all of a sudden Ryker seems not to be phased by his ordeal and the old Ryker comes out. This seemed a bit rushed to me and took slightly away from what was an otherwise enjoyable read. 

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2034 By Ackerman & Stavridis

2034 is an intriguing work of speculative fiction that requires anyone with a passing interest in geopolitics to pick up this book and dive in. Set in the near future, Ackermand and Stavridis envelope readers quickly in the new world they envision and the events leading to its creation. 

What if China possessed cyber weapons that could shut down US strategic assets? How would the US respond? Would other powers like Russia and Iran take advantage of the opportunity? Which nation would step up to help calm the escalating tension that could easily lead to nuclear disaster? All of these questions are explored within this gripping tale told at the personal level.

Including a diverse cast of characters that I easily identified and sympathized with, the story is ripe with conflicting interests, personality clashes, and life and death decisions further emphasized with the gut wrenching impact on the individuals living through the experiences.

 Not since Red War in 2019 have I enjoyed a large-scale warfare book like this. 

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The Outside Man By Don Bentley

When people say a book is a 'rollercoaster ride' there is the expectation of a series of highs and lows. That description would be inaccurate for Don Bentley's second book The Outside Man.

Sticking with the rollercoaster analogy, The Outside Man is closer to starting the ride with a big drop (opening scene), riding up a short hill (establishing the players involved), and then once you crest that hill... it's a heart in your throat, white knuckle plunge until the last page.

The book begins with the reader finding Matt Drake's past actions in the Middle East catching up with him in the least expected place, his hometown of Austin, TX. For those of us lucky enough to spend any time in the city that 'keeps it weird', it's easy to put yourself right in the situation and visualize how the events unfolded and the how the resulting ramifications put Drake on his path.

From there, Bentley takes us on a high octane ride full of speed, violence, and the perfect number of 80s movie references. In describing the various shootouts, he deftly touches on all five sense to immerse the reader in the moment. While the action scenes are as good as it gets in the thriller genre, Bentley does a masterful job of intertwining deeply emotional plotlines and a real sense of danger for every character.

If I hadn't already known, there is no chance I would have imagined this was Bentley's second novel. The thriller genre has another must read series on it's hands, from an author who is an proficient at his trade as his main character is at his chosen profession.

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Dark Sky By C.J. Box

They say that "all politics is local", but can the same be said about murder and revenge? In Dark Sky we are forced to ask ourselves very simple questions. How would I respond? What would I do?

When a social media mogul and his entourage come to his valley for an elk hunt, Joe Pickett is tapped to guide the group. Faced with political pressure from the highest levels in the state and countless colleagues depending on him for their livelihoods, Joe is thrust into the uneasy position of deciding whether frontier justice reigns supreme in Wyoming or not. All the while his friend Nate Romanowski pursues his own form of retribution against a Falconer who has broken the unwritten rules of their profession.

C.J. Box does an exquisite job of crafting two concurrent storylines that had me openly rooting for opposing philosophical stances based on which character was doling out justice. Only a true master of his craft can achieve that.

Dark Sky is a wild ride of survival and self reflection that forces its readers to determine who has the moral high ground when the modern world meets the traditions of our past.

This is a must read in 2021!

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The Kaiser's Web By Steve Berry

The Kaiser’s Web is a tense and tightly written story that spans three continents. With all of the historical mystery and plot twists that Steve Berry’s fans have come to love and expect, this book is entertaining and informative from the opening page.

When the two leading candidates for the Chancellor of Germany ratchet up the political pressure in the final days before the election, details from the past will shape the country's future. Cotton Malone and Cassiopeia Vitt are conscripted into unraveling the mystery of what actually happened surrounding Hitler's final moments in the Fürherbunker. The truth could have dire consequences, not just for those involved, but for the entire continent.

With the beautiful and detailed description of each local and setting, readers are immersed in the sights, sounds, and smells of various high range valleys of the Alps and Andes to the sun soaked fields of Africa. Reading Berry's descriptions is often like closing your eyes and picturing a postcard. The level of attention to the surrounding environment is always appreciated.

Berry also deftly inserts and discusses one of the most pressing political issues of modern Europe, the rise of the 'New-Right' political parties across the continent.

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Relentless By Mark Greaney

Relentless is a word that can easily describe both the protagonist and the author who brings him to life on the page.

In his 10th Gray Man novel, Mark Greaney does not disappoint and has crafted another high paced, action packed thriller that keep readers engrossed in the increasingly dire circumstances Court Gentry and his team finds themselves in.

Relentless takes us from the outskirts of Caracas to the very heart of power in Germany, with stops across the Middle East.

Still recovering in a CIA hospital bed, the Gray Man is sent out by his handlers to track down a former NSA employee who made off with an all powerful facial recognition program capable of outing any and all U.S. intelligence officers. From there things only get more complex and dangerous, both physically and emotionally, as a variety of intelligence services and their shooters see shifting alliances change from moment to moment. Just when you think you have it sorted out, Greaney fires a plot twist that will have you scrambling to identify the real danger.

The only way the Poison Apple team will survive is to band together and continue to track down their targets and unravel the parties responsible. All that matters is the end result. They cannot let exhaustion, illness, or wounds stop them from achieving their goals. In other words, they must be... RELENTLESS.

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Prodigal Son By Gregg Hurwitz

Gregg Hurwitz brings his top notch action writing style to the pages of Prodigal Son, while also making readers feel each and every emotional shot to the heart like it was a round from Smoak's ARES 1911 pistol.

For fans of the Orphan X series, this one is going to hit a little different than previous books. While it comes with all of the danger and general awesomeness that we expect from Evan Smoak, the 6th installment touches on something much more dangerous for the protagonist... his past and his lineage.

After receiving a call from an unknown number from Argentina, Evan must decide if he wants to continue his transition into "normal life" or take one last mission as The Nowhere Man. That decision catapults him down an unexpected and perilous road, both physically and mentally.

The overall storyline, weaponry description, and technological advancements are absolutely fantastic. We also see more character development from the other important individuals in Evan's life. Joey, Dog, Mia, and Peter all play key roles in this book. This is an added layer to the book and I think ratchets the series up a notch.

If you've never read anything from the Orphan X series, I'd recommend you read at least one of the earlier books before picking this one up. As a stand alone book, it was highly entertaining and enjoyable, but after talking with long time fans of the series, with their historical knowledge of the characters... it was heart wrenching for them.

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The Breaker By Nick Petrie

For me, The Breaker is the perfect blend of a psychological, military, and techno thriller wrapped into one. On every page the tension is high, the emotions raw, and the action heart pounding.

Peter Ash's unwillingness to be a spectator when he spots a potential mass shooter while on his lunch break sends him hurling down a dangerous path full of bleeding edge tech and national security implications, all with the most perilous threats hitting close to home and to those most important in his life.

Nick Petrie does a magnificent job of taking a terrifying and realistic look into the future of military tech and the powerful forces looking to control it. Coupled with the sincerity and humor that June and Lewis bring to the mix; die hard fans and those just picking up the Ash series for the first time will be extremely happy.

Like all long standing series, new readers need to be introduced to the main characters, including their idiosyncrasies and unique features. For me personally, it took a little bit of time (only about 10% of the way in) for the main storyline to really get rolling. That being said, once the pieces were all set out on the board... it was lights out the rest of the book.

Definitely go out and preorder this book ASAP!

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American Traitor By Brad Taylor

Brad Taylor is known for his high intensity, action packed thrillers, but American Traitor brings another (and welcome) component to the storyline. While there is plenty of 'Pike being Pike' on display throughout the book, American Traitor drops the Taskforce squarely in a new type of fight, under a new type of mandate. 

Gone are the days of Pike Logan and company being focused solely on rooting out terrorists across the globe and putting them in the ground. With geopolitical considerations now front and center, the Taskforce finds itself hot on the trail of a genius AI programmer who has stolen data crucial to the defensive capabilities of Taiwan as they see China continue to escalate their 'gray war' in the South China Sea. A single wrong step could plunge the world's two superpowers into all out war.

Along with the evolution of the Taskforce's operating parameters, Taylor continues to tease out the psychological impact their missions have on the team members. The exploration of the subtle changes in Jennifer (Koko) Cahill's demeanor and outlook were a bonus in this book. While Pike continues to rely on both her judgement and moral fortitude, there is an underlying worry that while she is clearly a positive influence on him, he (and their work) may be changing her.

I would have to say this is my favorite Pike Logan book. The combination of action, espionage, and nuanced character development can all be found in American Traitor. Taylor continues to up his game and show us why his books are required reading for any thriller fan.

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Savage Road By Chris Hauty

"What!?" "Wow!" "Oh sh*t!" are all words I uttered out loud as I was reading Savage Road.

As if channeling his ruthlessly effective protagonist, author Chris Hauty took one look at the second Book Slump cliché and destroyed it with a barrage of lightning fast pacing, emotional body blows, and plot twists that might as well jump off the page and slap you across the face.

In Savage Road, Hayley Chill is torn between her instincts to help unravel a series of increasingly dangerous cyber attacks and her unwavering dedication to her nearly impossible duties as a "Deeper State" agent as the U.S. barrels full steam towards all out war. When she discovers new information regarding the defining event in her life, she is forced to question everything and decide who she really is.

I have to admit I was unsure if Hauty could duplicate the insanely high level of suspense and surprise of his first novel Deep State. So many authors who have dynamic debuts fail to live up to the hype on the second book. Well... this is not one of those times. As an avid reader of thrillers and mysteries, I pride myself on having a pretty solid idea of where a book may be headed. Chris manages to throw in plot twist after plot twist that had me second guessing my every assumption.

I had said in November of 2019 (when I was lucky enough to receive an ARC) that Deep State would be one of the best books of 2020. I have it currently ranked in my top 3. I have recommended Deep State more than any book in 2020. I see no reason not to make another bold statement and say that Savage Road will be vying for #1 thriller of 2021.

I honestly wish I could say more, but I want each and every fan of the thriller genre to enjoy this book the same way I did... going in blind and holding on for the ride.

*P.S. I also want to publicly comment on how much I love the way Chris builds out the future paths of seemingly inconsequential characters. I love this unique bit of story development in his books.

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Drone Strike By David Austin

Drone Strike takes off with instant action and Dave Austin keeps the engines revved until the very end. Readers are propelled through this story with a combination of interesting characters, tight writing, and an audacious, but plausible plot.

With a bit of brilliant imagination, Dave Austin crafts a fast paced novel around a completely believable, yet horrific “what if” scenario that would absolutely wreak havoc for security professionals across the globe. With a pragmatic look at potential threats to the US drone program, Austin explores both the larger ramifications if those vulnerabilities were exploited and the personal consequences for the men and women on the ground responsible for limiting the fallout.

Protagonist Joe Matthews and his merry band of sarcastic operators are forced to meet the enemy wherever necessary, whether that is a boulder strewn hill in Syria or in the heart of a European city. With a supporting cast each worthy of their own standalone series, Austin has created relatable personalities that leaves me anxiously awaiting the next installment in the series.

With the wealth of talent and great books in the thriller genre these days, readers are spoiled for choice. While there are many great authors on the scene, if you’re debating on whether to pick up this book… just know that Dave Austin and his Joe Matthews series has moved up my list to the “must buy/read” level. It’s that good.

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Shadow Of The Dragon By Marc Cameron

Marc Cameron continues to entertain, intrigue, and amaze in his latest Jack Ryan Sr. novel.

Exploring what might occur when global powers battle for the supremacy in the ever changing Arctic waters and the technology necessary to do so, Cameron takes us on a sweeping journey stretching from the government offices of Washington D.C. to the wilds of Northwestern China.

Readers follow members of The Campus as they track down a pair of high value targets, including a 10 year old girl, as they evade various police and military operatives in the unparalleled surveillance state that is modern day China. All the while, unknown forces are actively looking to uncover the identity of the NOC agent leading the hunt.

With the skill that only the likes of Cameron can bring to the page, readers are transported amongst various viewpoints including how events are playing out on the global scale to the very person relationships amongst the cast of characters.

Make sure to pick up a copy ASAP.

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Time To Hunt By Simon Gervais

In a year full of outstanding thrillers,Time to Hunt is one of my top 3. No question. It's that good.

The pacing was breakneck, the plot gripping, and the characters inspiring, yet relatable. I found myself unable to find a suitable place to stop reading at any part of the book. I was literally late to an event because I needed to know what happened next.

I described Time to Hunt to a fellow reader as a combination of a Matthew Betley action sequence with the character endangerment of George R.R. Martin. That's extremely high praise on both accounts in my book.

In just about any scene, bullets and/or blows are flying and you honestly don't know who's safe and that's what me love the story even more.

I will fully admit that this was my first introduction to Simon Gervais and his protagonist Pierce Hunt. Let's just say that I slammed through this book so fast that I went ahead and ordered the previous two books in the series. I'm mad it took me this long to read him for the first time.

If you like a healthy mix of intense action and intrigue, then this is the book for you.

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Assault By Fire By Rip Rawlings

"What would I do?"

That's the question I kept asking myself as I flipped through the pages of Assault by Fire. A modern twist on the classic 80s film Red Dawn, Rip Rawlings presents scenarios that should make each reader question their preparedness and willingness to defend their country at the local level. Would you join the resistance or try and appease the invaders?

One thing is for sure, Tyce Asher isn't sitting idly by when there is a fighting chance. Scrapping together a mixed unit of folks from all walks of life to fight back however they can, Tyce is reluctantly forced into a command position and must lead his men and women against a superior force. Their only advantages are their wits, being on home soil, and lessons learned from years of fighting insurgents in Afghanistan and Iraq.

On a personal note, I had been waiting on Rip's first solo book ever since he and Mark Greaney released Red Metal (one of my best books of 2019) together. Few authors do a better job of crafting larger scale military operation scenarios while keeping the reader grounded and concerned about each individual involved. Rip does not disappoint on that front in Assault by Fire.

Asher is a welcome addition to the military thriller world and I look forward to learning more about his past and even more about his future as this series develops. I'm also hoping to see more from the Russian General and his AI who spurred the entire invasion of the US. Will we see them in the next book? I certainly hope so. A man vs. machine wrinkle could add some additional drama in future books.

This is a series you're going to want to read from the beginning. Can't wait for The Kill Box out Sep 2021.

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Adverse Effects By Joel Shulkin

In Adverse Effects, Joel Shulkin brings his medical expertise to the page. Combining his professional knowledge with solid writing and a unique premise, fans of medical thrillers will be happy they picked a copy of this book up. 

There is no greater driving force in psychiatrist Cristina Silva’s life than helping her amnesiac patients recover their lives. Suffering memory loss herself, Silva enrolls her patients in a trial for a new miracle drug said to help recover lost memories. When a patient of hers meets a violent end, her world (and mind) begin to fall apart. The miracle drug may not be such a miracle, as violence visions and voices are just some of the adverse effects. 

The pacing in this book is quick, with rapid fire chapters that will continually leave you wanting to read just one more to find out what happens next. With a plot revolving around multiple identities and personalities, you will want to pay close attention to the names and relationship of each character. There is a lot going on, but that’s something I personally enjoyed about it. 

As a person who doesn’t read a ton of medical thrillers, I enjoyed this one and will continue to check out more books from this author in the future.

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Total Power By Kyle Mills (Vince Flynn)

With all the action and excitement we've come to expect of a Mitch Rapp novel, Kyle Mills brings his absolutely best to Total Power.

America is thrown in to chaos when the weaknesses inherent in the modern world's dependency electricity is exposed. With the federal government handcuffed and hamstrung, individuals are left to their own survival and things spiral out of control exponential.

Like all great books in the thriller genre, Total Power not only bring the heat of incredible action sequences, but it gently forces the reader to examine what their response would be when faced with similar circumstances. As is Kyle Mills almost prophetic way, he establishes a very probable potential future and then takes Mitch on a physical and mental roller coaster ride with the reader buckled in next to him.

With hints of the philosophical dilemma of Cormac McCarthy's "The Road" and the question of self reliance and resourcefulness we've come to expect from a Jack Carr novel, Kyle Mills continues to impress and amaze in every book he writes.

This is a fantastic book and you definitely want to get your hands on it.

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Assassin's Strike By Ward Larsen

Assassin's Strike is a beautiful mix of action and anticipation.

Ward Larsen manages to perfectly blend what I love most about pure spy/espionage and military/operator thrillers via gripping plot lines full of fantastic characters.

As we follow David Slaton, the world's greatest assassin, on a distinctly unique mission for him, we're able to see more into his motivations that drive him and the decision making process required by his new role as an off-the-books asset for the CIA.

This is definitely a one sitting read for fans of the thriller genre.

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Near Dark By Brad Thor

When the bounty on your head is the most expensive ever, you either resign yourself to your fate... or... you have to find a reason to want to survive at all costs.

Whether it's starting off the book just south of me in the Florida Keys or across the pond at one of the most beautiful building on the planet, Brad Thor leads his readers on an epic journey filled with twists and turns, ups and (serious) downs on a mission the likes of which Harvath hasn't seen.

Everyone from The Real Book Spy to The Crew Reviews kept saying that this was Brad Thor's best novel, I was almost expecting the hype to overshadow the book. How could he possibly out do Spymaster or Backlash?

I. WAS. WRONG!

The term "lean" has been thrown around a lot in regards to this book. This is also an accurate description. Near Dark is written in a tight, no nonsense, strictly business style that is heavy on the best parts of we've come to love in a Scot Harvath book. Action, strategy, intrigue, and a cast of characters we love to root for.

In Near Dark, Thor also dives much deeper into the emotional and mental state of his protagonist than previous novels and that is what makes us connect to and sympathize with Scot all the more. When he in facing impossible situations, we know that they're that much more difficult than they have ever been.

With any author, I struggle to say that any particular novel in a series is their "best"... but anyone saying Near Dark is Brad Thor's best novel will not hear a word of contradiction from me.

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Blacktop Wasteland By S.A. Cosby

The combination of beautiful prose, high octane action, and deeply relatable characters makes Blacktop Wasteland one of the best books of 2020 and it's author S.A. Cosby is a must read for me.

Beauregard Montage is a loving father and husband, a loyal friend, and honest mechanic. Bug, like his father before him, is a virtuoso wheelman and adrenaline junky who is prone to fits of violence.

In artistically described settings that touch on each of our five senses, we watch the internal battle between Beauregard and Bug play out. Readers are treated to a variety of action sequences worthy of their own summer blockbuster on the big screen, with muscle cars rocketing down the road, meticulously planned heists, and ever changing allies and foes.

Underneath all the kinetic energy of the men and machines, the deep connection between Beauregard and his family is constantly felt, bubbling just below the surface...raising the stakes and spiking our emotional tachometer into the red.

I will admit that this novel had slipped down my To Be Read pile for some inexplicable reason, it wasn't until the other reviewers at Best Thriller Books nearly kicked me out of the group that I quickly got my copy and slammed through it in under 24 hours.

Don't be like me... read this book ASAP!

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The Order By Daniel Silva

Daniel Silva continues to earn his title as "master of the genre".

Once again, Silva manages to weave engaging story lines with philosophical discussion about incredibly complex and nuanced topics, all the while challenging our notions of what we think about a range of subject matter.

As we follow Gabriel and Donati (a personal favorite) through some of my (and Gabriel's) favorite cities, they unravel mysteries pertaining to both ancient and not so distant history, in an attempt to fend off an internal attack at the very heart of Catholicism. The political game of chess both within and without the church is riveting.

Silva also brings his almost professorial style to the novel as he delves into the possible root of antisemitism and the philosophical battles The Church and it's followers must face. Do we hold to the interpretations of traditional doctrines or evolve our beliefs to fit the modern world?

As a bit of icing on the cake, we are also able to catch a glimpse into a possible future for Gabriel and his wonderful family once his term at the helm of The Office is over. The return to a previous career/hobby has me anxiously waiting for the next installment.

It is an exciting time in the Allon universe and I can't wait to see what my favorite author has in store for us.

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