The Korean Intercept

by Stephen Mertz

Tensions between the United States and North Korea are escalating to the crisis point. And the U.S. space shuttle Liberty may prove to be the spark that ignites the tinderbox. Soon after launching, the shuttle lost contact with NASA and was forced to crash-land--in the mountainous frontier between North Korea and China.

Aboard the shuttle is a defense satellite created with the latest American technology. The North Korean government has stated that an American search-and-rescue mission would be considered an act of aggression. But the U.S. president cannot let the precious payload be lost so easily. As he orders American forces to prepare for a military incursion, the race begins...

Genres: Thriller

Hardcover

First published November 28, 2006

About the author

Pen name - Stephen Brett, Don Pendleton, Jack Buchanan, Jim Case, Cliff Banks.

Reviews

[Michael Musungu · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a fan of espionage and covert operations stories I somewhat liked this book. It had a very solid story line but could have used a little more meat on the bones. I think the main character was well developed but his escapades in saving the day were a little bit too on the nose. But my biggest criticism was the ending I found it rather flat.

[FredM2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

KOREAN INTERCEPT: This story puts a different spin on action and suspense. It was a thought provoking book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. It had action and suspense and was very hard to put down. I was into it from the very start, it made you think if something like this could really happen. It kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. I recommend this book to action junkies.

[Walt Mccluskey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Korean intercept

Very different story with the use actual parts like Liberty shuttle and the innovative intercept and grandiose scheme. Typical Japanese logic and reasoning for the tale.

[Chaplain Stanley Chapin · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like superhero's

I prefer the hero's and stories to be more believable. It also could use stronger editing, as there were times they things were not the same.

[Ronald Babcock · Rating 4 out of 5]

only just beginning but seems interesting,

[Phyllis Rile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding Writing

Stephen Mertz is a creator of some of best reading I have found. I plan to read every one of his books.

[Bonnie Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

I like these kind of books gritty,some blood but not overly gory. I will have three people read this book.

[Dan Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Story

I enjoyed this book very much. The story is interesting because it is something that could happen in today's world.

[Scott Holstad · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting thriller that was so improbable as to make it seems virtually impossible, unlike many other thriller books out there. The book centers around the space shuttle Liberty. Its mission is aborted and it's forced to return and land, not in the US, but in North Korea. While the few survivors try to survive, the North Koreans, Chinese, and Americans are in a desperate race against time to find the shuttle and the survivors in order to avert a potential nuclear war.

Okay, now that that's out of the way, aside from how the shuttle is diverted, it's by whom that strikes me as absurd. I just can't buy it. I won't spoil it for possible readers by divulging it here, but it's really rather stupid, in my opinion. Then, there's the larger than life superhero of the novel, Trev Galt. He's actually an asshole who refuses to take orders from anyone, including the president of the United States, and is capable of leaping single buildings in a bound and taking on 400 men with one swing. Okay, I'm exaggerating, but the author really makes him out to be some kind of superhero, and that got old. Make him realistic, please. How about John Wells or Bob Lee Swagger? Trev Galt? Unbelievable moron.

This book had a lot of potential and it's still fairly decent. There's some good action in it. But the author makes some mistakes along the way that bring the book down a couple of stars. Cautiously recommended.

[Nick Benge · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a very good book. It is about an international espionage thriller. It begins with the United States Space Shuttle Liberty. The shuttle received a coded message from Houston to abort and go to a high-tech Stealth mode. They are suppose to land on an isolated runway in the worst place possible, North Korea. They overshoot the runway, and crash land. It is the best book if you like a high-paced, action, espionage thriller.

[Angus · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry, Stephen Mertz, but you don't know how to write. The basic laws of writing, the fundamentals that every middle schooler learns, seem to elude you.
A word of warning to the populace of the world: don't pick up this book.
If you are still not convinced and need some specifics, here they are: terrible characters, completely unconvincing dialogue, pathetically cliched plot, cardboard emotional scenes... need I go on?

[PATRICIA BATES · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written action packed and exciting. I look forward to reading more of his books. I had to be concerned at one of our space shuttle could have been hijacked

Here exciting book and I look forward to reading more of his books. The only fault I had was the hijacked space shuttle was a little unbelievable

[Coco · Rating 2 out of 5]

An espionage thriller that was entertaining enough, although wildly improbable.

[Sheila · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty violent action, a little too much machismo for me, but the premise was interesting.

[Roch · Rating 5 out of 5]

All i can say is what an amazing book! if you are into government and action this books is for you. read the book!!!!!!

[Alexes Hourigan]

A five star excellent book from the first page to the last page.