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The Green Berets #3
Synbat
Over 1 million copies of the Green Beret series have been sold.
Kirkus Reviews. “Action packed entertainment. An atavistic milieu plausibly conjured up by Mayer.”
Dave Riley and his Green Beret A-Team must defeat a threat shockingly inhuman. Set in the shadowy world of genetic research, Synbat, stands for Synthetic Battle form.
The Top Secret research is conducted at a lab in the deep woods of western Tennessee, under the Pentagon's Black Budget. But the subjects of the experiment escape. The Synbats are now roaming the countryside, acting out what they were designed to do: kill.
Riley and his team are called in for 'damage control.' Easier said than done. They follow the deadly trail to Chicago, where long abandoned tunnels are a lair for the Synbats to do what could well spell the end of mankind: procreate at incredible speed. It's a race against time as Riley must destroy mankind's greatest threat-- our own genes spliced with that of another species.
Kirkus Reviews. “Action packed entertainment. An atavistic milieu plausibly conjured up by Mayer.”
Dave Riley and his Green Beret A-Team must defeat a threat shockingly inhuman. Set in the shadowy world of genetic research, Synbat, stands for Synthetic Battle form.
The Top Secret research is conducted at a lab in the deep woods of western Tennessee, under the Pentagon's Black Budget. But the subjects of the experiment escape. The Synbats are now roaming the countryside, acting out what they were designed to do: kill.
Riley and his team are called in for 'damage control.' Easier said than done. They follow the deadly trail to Chicago, where long abandoned tunnels are a lair for the Synbats to do what could well spell the end of mankind: procreate at incredible speed. It's a race against time as Riley must destroy mankind's greatest threat-- our own genes spliced with that of another species.
248 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 1994
199 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
Bob Mayer
209 books47.9k followersBesides my own interests, I read whatever my wife tells me to read-- she's a voracious reader and has wide-ranging tastes as my reviews show (she also always has the TV remote and she's always right about what to watch). I read a lot of nonfiction, mostly for research. Some of my favorite books are Lonesome Dove, Mystic River, LOTR, and an array of science fiction classics including the Foundation series. Our house is covered with books, although I finally broke down and started reading eBooks, strangely enough on my iPhone. Since I carry it pretty much everywhere, it means I always have an entire library of books with me.
I'm a West Point graduate, former Green Beret and a New York Times Bestselling Author. I've sold over five million books. My newest series begins with New York Minute, a thriller set in New York City in 1977.
I love using history and science in my books. My Area 51 series pretty much had me rewriting our entire history of civilization.
I'm a West Point graduate, former Green Beret and a New York Times Bestselling Author. I've sold over five million books. My newest series begins with New York Minute, a thriller set in New York City in 1977.
I love using history and science in my books. My Area 51 series pretty much had me rewriting our entire history of civilization.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 24, 2013
Synbat by Bob Mayer is a story off the beaten track. Genetic engineers, Drs. Ward and Merritt play God using apes, mixing Their Dna with human Dna to create a battle ape that is super strong, smart with human like hands, teachable they can fire and use weapons that are short lived but breed and grow fast. They are very aggressive and have massive jaws with pointy teeth. After the synbats are freed from their containment they attack people. They kill and eat people. Despite a massive search effort, they escape to Chicago with backpacks with embryos that will reach maturity in 6 weeks. All the government wants is to kill them and cover it up. That's the job for the DIA. In Chicago, Detective Giovanni is put as the liaison between the police and the Feds. Riley and Giovanni work together trailing the synbats. Can the synbats be stopped? Will the embryos survive? Read and discover for yourself.
July 7, 2016
Fantastic blend of sci-fi and reality! Well written and extremely entertaining!
September 12, 2024
This was my introduction to Bob's work.
For some reason, I struggled with the reading of it, and, in those days, I read everything, whereas, now, it is audio books, almost as a rule.
I don't know why, the reading of this was so difficult. At the time, I thought it was the writing, the ebb and flow of it, and I remember finding it jarring. It took a bit to get into it, but once I was in, I became a strong Bob Mayer fan.
Some of his books, such as the, "The Green Beret" series, and, "Burners" ( I loved the Burner books. Absolutely loved them).
Bob Mayer's work was my first real introduction to the military sci-fi genre. Though, "The Green Beret" is all set in a near modern era, with very real, earthy, gritty, themes and settings. Will Kain is a character I couldn't get enough of, until one particular book, so real and visceral, raising powerful issues (for me). Things that speak to, and touch, lives.
Its fiction, right?
But after a difficult start, I couldn't get enough of this man's writing, and he is all over, exploring so much.
Coming back, to write reviews, as I peruse my reading history, is a strong reminder that there remain books, a great many books, still to read.
For some reason, I struggled with the reading of it, and, in those days, I read everything, whereas, now, it is audio books, almost as a rule.
I don't know why, the reading of this was so difficult. At the time, I thought it was the writing, the ebb and flow of it, and I remember finding it jarring. It took a bit to get into it, but once I was in, I became a strong Bob Mayer fan.
Some of his books, such as the, "The Green Beret" series, and, "Burners" ( I loved the Burner books. Absolutely loved them).
Bob Mayer's work was my first real introduction to the military sci-fi genre. Though, "The Green Beret" is all set in a near modern era, with very real, earthy, gritty, themes and settings. Will Kain is a character I couldn't get enough of, until one particular book, so real and visceral, raising powerful issues (for me). Things that speak to, and touch, lives.
Its fiction, right?
But after a difficult start, I couldn't get enough of this man's writing, and he is all over, exploring so much.
Coming back, to write reviews, as I peruse my reading history, is a strong reminder that there remain books, a great many books, still to read.
May 6, 2024
Very enjoyable genetic/monster thriller in the vein of Michael Crichton with a special forces flair. Author Bob Mayer's Dave Riley series was written in the early 90s and they hold up quite well, actually. Some computer tech is dated, of course, but it the storylines are all really solid.
Riley is a Green Beret (as was the author, so his novels are a bit operations detail heavy, which I skim over sometimes tbh) and has had missions in Colombia (Book 1, Eyes of the Hammer), China (Book 2, Dragon Sim-13), Antarctica (Book 5, Eternity Base), and this one in Virginia and Chicago. Book 4, Cut Out, is next on my reading list. I like the variety of settings and scenarios. Synbat = 4.5 stars.
If you're up for some good ol' fashioned special forces black ops style thrillers, Mayer's books are worth tracking down. I think you can get a few for free on his website: https://bobmayer.com/fiction/
Riley is a Green Beret (as was the author, so his novels are a bit operations detail heavy, which I skim over sometimes tbh) and has had missions in Colombia (Book 1, Eyes of the Hammer), China (Book 2, Dragon Sim-13), Antarctica (Book 5, Eternity Base), and this one in Virginia and Chicago. Book 4, Cut Out, is next on my reading list. I like the variety of settings and scenarios. Synbat = 4.5 stars.
If you're up for some good ol' fashioned special forces black ops style thrillers, Mayer's books are worth tracking down. I think you can get a few for free on his website: https://bobmayer.com/fiction/
October 24, 2024
Dave Riley again demonstrates how he is the Special in Forces
Bob Mayer writes a gripping story about a possible scenario which will be problematic to us mere mortals. Fortunately we have Dave Riley who leads his well trained crew with clear, concise thinking in battling a powerful foe of his own government's creation.
The writing is well done, keeping the reader absorbed in the tale from beginning to end.
Furthermore, Riley is a likeable hero and worthy of the attention given him in these series of stories. He always carries out his assignments creatively and successfully in spite of many bureaucratic obstacles that invariably seem destined to derail Dave and his crew from accomplishing their mission. However, as a former president announced - inaccurately in that case, but not in SYNBAT- MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.
Bob Mayer writes a gripping story about a possible scenario which will be problematic to us mere mortals. Fortunately we have Dave Riley who leads his well trained crew with clear, concise thinking in battling a powerful foe of his own government's creation.
The writing is well done, keeping the reader absorbed in the tale from beginning to end.
Furthermore, Riley is a likeable hero and worthy of the attention given him in these series of stories. He always carries out his assignments creatively and successfully in spite of many bureaucratic obstacles that invariably seem destined to derail Dave and his crew from accomplishing their mission. However, as a former president announced - inaccurately in that case, but not in SYNBAT- MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.
March 22, 2018
Excellent
I live near Ft. Campbell. It was very cool and a lot creepy to read about creatures like Synbats being so close to home. The more I read the happier I was that it was a novel!
Bob Mayer is a great story teller. The attention to detail about LBL made the story so real. The mention of the airedale in the woods was a great touch that only a long time resident would recognize. I can remember seeing one of those airedales every Sunday at church.
I can’t wait to see what kind of trouble Riley gets into now.
I live near Ft. Campbell. It was very cool and a lot creepy to read about creatures like Synbats being so close to home. The more I read the happier I was that it was a novel!
Bob Mayer is a great story teller. The attention to detail about LBL made the story so real. The mention of the airedale in the woods was a great touch that only a long time resident would recognize. I can remember seeing one of those airedales every Sunday at church.
I can’t wait to see what kind of trouble Riley gets into now.
September 12, 2017
Still a great series but...
The general in charge of this kerfuffle had a name change between Trainors and Trollers nearly every time he was mentioned. I would think that would be something caught. Otherwise the story was good with justy a hint of realism to think somebody must have done something like it.
The general in charge of this kerfuffle had a name change between Trainors and Trollers nearly every time he was mentioned. I would think that would be something caught. Otherwise the story was good with justy a hint of realism to think somebody must have done something like it.
August 9, 2021
Hair Raising
Once again Bob Mayer has written a super story. A frightening, exciting, believable, unbelievable, action packed thriller. Science? Science fiction? What with Covid-19 right now. How much genetic manipulation goes on by governments without ethical or moral oversight in the name of war? What if it’s only mildly close to reality? Brilliant Mr Mayer, brilliant.
Once again Bob Mayer has written a super story. A frightening, exciting, believable, unbelievable, action packed thriller. Science? Science fiction? What with Covid-19 right now. How much genetic manipulation goes on by governments without ethical or moral oversight in the name of war? What if it’s only mildly close to reality? Brilliant Mr Mayer, brilliant.
May 28, 2024
A great mash-up of two thriller genres-military and SF. What if Major Alan "Dutch" Schaefer's special ops unit teamed up with Lt. Mike Harrigan to take down the Predator terrorizing Los Angeles?
However, the locale in this book is Chicago, and the threat is not an extraterrestrial Yautja (Predator) but rather a troop of genetically modified baboons known as Synbats (Synthetic Battle Forms).
However, the locale in this book is Chicago, and the threat is not an extraterrestrial Yautja (Predator) but rather a troop of genetically modified baboons known as Synbats (Synthetic Battle Forms).
January 6, 2018
This book had a good idea for a storyline, but the execution was just so-so. There was plenty of action, the writing was ok, but the book just seemed to drag on. I feel parts could have been shortened or left out and it would have been better. Overall, it was ok, but not great.
April 28, 2018
#1
Let's put this book as #1 on my reading list. Suspenseful, vivid and wildly exciting. Bob writes his books like newspapers, at a 4th grade level. Maybe that's why I can read it so easily. Great story by a great writer.
Let's put this book as #1 on my reading list. Suspenseful, vivid and wildly exciting. Bob writes his books like newspapers, at a 4th grade level. Maybe that's why I can read it so easily. Great story by a great writer.
August 21, 2025
Really Interesting
Third one in the series, but can be read as a standalone. Very creative in the plot. Well written with plenty of excitement. Without giving spoilers, just read it. One of the better books I’ve read in a while.
Third one in the series, but can be read as a standalone. Very creative in the plot. Well written with plenty of excitement. Without giving spoilers, just read it. One of the better books I’ve read in a while.
July 1, 2018
Not his usual level
This was not up to his usual level. It was actually not to my liking at all. And the foul language this time was ramped up way more than usual.
This was not up to his usual level. It was actually not to my liking at all. And the foul language this time was ramped up way more than usual.
July 4, 2022
Too good put down
Once again the author has woven a great story with strong characters and a captivating plot while keeping technical aspects true and accurate.
Once again the author has woven a great story with strong characters and a captivating plot while keeping technical aspects true and accurate.
January 16, 2025
good technical details
Long read. Action got slow in last third of book. Good surprise ending with a different character finishing off the bad life forms.
Long read. Action got slow in last third of book. Good surprise ending with a different character finishing off the bad life forms.
May 30, 2025
A coming of age story for genetically enhanced monsters and the people who taught them about survival of the smartest
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2013
A Synbat is a cloned body that has been trained to kill under a black military program. What could go wrong with that?
While totally off the wall as to military (Special Forces) operations, it was a pleasant change from Mayer's earlier two Green Beret series books.
I don't usually read 'creature' novels, but this one captured my attention early because of the secret government project involved. And I had to remind myself that this was written 20 or so years ago, before the day of the internet, when every other person became a conspiracy expert.
Also, having been written 20 years ago, the technology is pretty outdated. Imagine going through a couple paragraph description of what a Humvee is and having the operators being ferried around via Huey.
Even if a person is not a military novel fan, but a fan of the work of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, they might find this a good read. In fact the chase through Chicago after the Synbats is reminiscent of the movie Relic. The book itself, written by Preston & Child, was set in New York, but they set the movie in Chicago to make use of the coal tunnel system.
While totally off the wall as to military (Special Forces) operations, it was a pleasant change from Mayer's earlier two Green Beret series books.
I don't usually read 'creature' novels, but this one captured my attention early because of the secret government project involved. And I had to remind myself that this was written 20 or so years ago, before the day of the internet, when every other person became a conspiracy expert.
Also, having been written 20 years ago, the technology is pretty outdated. Imagine going through a couple paragraph description of what a Humvee is and having the operators being ferried around via Huey.
Even if a person is not a military novel fan, but a fan of the work of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, they might find this a good read. In fact the chase through Chicago after the Synbats is reminiscent of the movie Relic. The book itself, written by Preston & Child, was set in New York, but they set the movie in Chicago to make use of the coal tunnel system.
August 5, 2014
A fast-paced gruesome, yet skillfully fascinating narrative. If you like action this would be the book to read. I can't hardly put it down.
SYNBAT or (Synthetic Battle Form) a Pentagon sixty-eight billion dollar budget, which funded Biotech Engineering, upon research into mutating various viruses in pursuit cures for the effect of the original virus. The known biological weapon viruses assuming to find mutated form that might act against the pure form as an antidote.
Apparently, Monkeys/Baboons are genetically modified creatures to advance an organic form that could function on the battlefield. It turned-out badly, when the SYNBAT breakout from their cage, and start killing innocent people. Dr. Merrit has request Riley to execute any SYNBAT's escapee, before it will exterminate another life.
SYNBAT or (Synthetic Battle Form) a Pentagon sixty-eight billion dollar budget, which funded Biotech Engineering, upon research into mutating various viruses in pursuit cures for the effect of the original virus. The known biological weapon viruses assuming to find mutated form that might act against the pure form as an antidote.
Apparently, Monkeys/Baboons are genetically modified creatures to advance an organic form that could function on the battlefield. It turned-out badly, when the SYNBAT breakout from their cage, and start killing innocent people. Dr. Merrit has request Riley to execute any SYNBAT's escapee, before it will exterminate another life.
September 28, 2013
An accident happens in a highly secret government lab and something escapes. Dave Riley and his team must find "it", but they aren't told what's out there. Too many secrets and stonewalling equal disaster.
As with most of his books, Bob Mayer goes into a lot of detail setting up the situation. For me, it's too much detail, but I'm not the target audience. Bob writes military action/mystery. [generalization ahead] Men like to read detail. Once the action starts, the reader's interest is held right to the end.
As with most of his books, Bob Mayer goes into a lot of detail setting up the situation. For me, it's too much detail, but I'm not the target audience. Bob writes military action/mystery. [generalization ahead] Men like to read detail. Once the action starts, the reader's interest is held right to the end.
February 11, 2010
This was an unremarkable book. These half-human, half-baboon creatures escape from a lab, so they send in a special forces team to get them. They are killing machines and must be STOPPED! They kill everyone in their path. There is no character development to speak of. Of course we know the ending way in advance...
June 14, 2013
Very interesting story, well done. New characters as well as old nicely developed. I like the Dave Riley character. I wish Audiobooks.com would pick up more of this author (gets a little pricey per book). I look forward to the next Riley novel as well as looking for any of Mayer's other series; Atlantis, Black Ops, The Cellar, and more.
May 17, 2014
Another hit by Mayer. Adventure from the woods of Tennessee to the underground of Chicago. Even with the issues of editing of the Kindle version (which I over look anyway) I still recommend this book to those who like military adventure.
December 31, 2016
Early Bob Mayer, pretty good action and plotting.
August 8, 2013
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this story. Well done !
August 11, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. I however felt some of the plot lines was a little forced. All and all I thought the book was a good read and I will read more of his stuff.
April 28, 2014
Good book well done a couple little surprises and a fine example of a typical storyline. It was worth the read.
April 1, 2017
Bob Mayer writes excellent military action adventure/sci-fi stuff. If you like shoot-em-ups that know their military hardware and procedures, this former Green Beret knows his stuff. I'm definitely a fan.
May 3, 2017
I was actually surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I was frankly surprised it was my checkout when we emptied the library book bag, it's much more my veteran husband's taste. But I did in fact order it, and I enjoyed it. Quick read, great combo of characters, tech, action. I kept picturing it as a good action movie and wondering why it hadn't been made into one.
Passed it to my husband and he liked it as much.
Passed it to my husband and he liked it as much.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews