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Sandstorm by Alan L. Lee
Sandstorm is a thrilling debut novel about an ex-CIA agent and a covert operation designed to derail Iran's nuclear ambitions.Lurking in the shadows, away from any government oversight, a secret partnership has been formed between an Israeli spymaster pulling the strings of the most efficient killing machine the Mossad has to offer and an exclusive billionaire boys club that wants to dictate the New World Order. In their pocket is a powerful U.S. senator who aspires to the presidency. Success means vast wealth and increased power, and they'll stop at nothing to succeed.CIA operative Nora Mossa is trained to kill when the situation calls for it. She's also capable of disappearing into thin air. Being efficient, deadly, and beautiful, however, won't be enough to protect her after her mentor Erica Janway is assassinated in her Maryland home. With everyone in the Agency suspect, Nora turns to the only person capable of keeping her alive while she uncovers the truth behind Janway's demise-her former lover and ex-CIA agent Alex Koves. That is, if he will even speak to her.With danger lurking in every corner of the globe, Koves and Nora must stay alive long enough to piece together the clues to a deadly plot capable of killing thousands in the Middle East. And the clock is ticking....Optioned to be a major motion picture!At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Mass Market Paperback
First published June 4, 2013
42 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
About the author
Alan L. Lee
3 books50 followersAlan L. Lee thought he’d have a stellar career as a Major League Baseball player or point guard in the NBA. He had to settle for thirty-plus years as a TV and print journalist, covering news and sports around the globe. He spent part of that time in Washington, DC, where he cultivated key relationships within the intelligence community. If you can’t be a spy, get to know a few.
An International Thriller Writers member, Lee’s debut novel Sandstorm, received praise from Elmore Leonard and Vince Flynn. A graduate of Purdue University, Lee lives in Southern California with his family.
An International Thriller Writers member, Lee’s debut novel Sandstorm, received praise from Elmore Leonard and Vince Flynn. A graduate of Purdue University, Lee lives in Southern California with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 2, 2020
Alan was a local new anchor here in Detroit, when he was retiring, he mentioned the book. I decided to read it to support him. I really liked the book, it kept me on the edge of my seat to find out what happened next. I could picture it being made into a movie, and I would definitely go see it. I'd love to see what's next from Alan!
June 9, 2013
Alan L. Lee’s Sandstorm, is a fantastic debut novel. What more could you want in an action suspense book then CIA agents, an Israeli spy, a Mossad agent a United States Senator and a billionaire who all appear to be immersed in an Iranian nuclear operation.
The series introduces readers to Alex Koves a former CIA agent and an ex-pro football player. His ex girlfriend and current CIA agent Nora Mossa, hunts Alex down to the St. Thomas islands where he’s enjoying a much needed vacation, begging him to save her life. Agreeing to save Nora from a group of industrialists who believe Nora is onto their devious plot; Alex embarks on a wild mission to save her. They will need to overcome their present and past if there is to be a future together. Add in a Israeli spymaster who controls the Mossad's most lethal assassin and the adventure begins to take hold. Set in the backdrop of Sandstorm takes place against the real life United States and Israel dealings to keep Iran from building up its nuclear abilities.
Sandstorm grabs the reader from the first page to the last for one wild thrilling ride. This book is filled plenty of twists and turns that keep will keep its readers engaged until the last page, and have them wanting to come back for more. Its pages are filled with believable characters and plot lines that make it shine in a sea of action thrillers.
Action thrillers are not my typical genre but as Alan L Lee is a local author I was simply drawn to wanting to check this title out. I found it to be a well written book that kept me engaged in the story right through the last page and wanting to read more. I cannot wait for the follow up to Sandstorm!
Free ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
The series introduces readers to Alex Koves a former CIA agent and an ex-pro football player. His ex girlfriend and current CIA agent Nora Mossa, hunts Alex down to the St. Thomas islands where he’s enjoying a much needed vacation, begging him to save her life. Agreeing to save Nora from a group of industrialists who believe Nora is onto their devious plot; Alex embarks on a wild mission to save her. They will need to overcome their present and past if there is to be a future together. Add in a Israeli spymaster who controls the Mossad's most lethal assassin and the adventure begins to take hold. Set in the backdrop of Sandstorm takes place against the real life United States and Israel dealings to keep Iran from building up its nuclear abilities.
Sandstorm grabs the reader from the first page to the last for one wild thrilling ride. This book is filled plenty of twists and turns that keep will keep its readers engaged until the last page, and have them wanting to come back for more. Its pages are filled with believable characters and plot lines that make it shine in a sea of action thrillers.
Action thrillers are not my typical genre but as Alan L Lee is a local author I was simply drawn to wanting to check this title out. I found it to be a well written book that kept me engaged in the story right through the last page and wanting to read more. I cannot wait for the follow up to Sandstorm!
Free ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
August 1, 2014
To start with, I have a few overall problems with the structure of this book and one of its characters. Everything about this book feels rushed. The plot felt rushed. The character development felt rushed. The pace felt rushed. Also does it bother anybody else that the main character is an ex NFL star? I mean, how is it possible that a CIA undercover agent was an ex-football player. Isn't that a bit of a too public occupation to then parlay into a covert field?
There were smaller issues with the writing of this book as well which go back to my point about it being rushed. For instanced, Alex and Nora open discuss Nevsky in the hotel room as if there was zero thought that others could have bugged the room and were listening to their conversation. Also, a guy nobody knows, tells Alex who the mastermind is, and there was zero independent verification to find out if the guy actually was behind anything.
Those logic leaps and pace issues out of the way, i actually enjoyed the book quite a bit. I thought the two main character (Alex and Nora) were interesting and I enjoyed their dynamic. I also like the Mossad assassin. It is one of those books where if you want to look into it deep enough, you can find a ton of faults; however, if you can get past those little annoyances, its a very enjoyable book and a quick read.
Since this this was Alan's first novel, I'm hoping some of the issues I set forth above will improve over time. I will certainly read Alan's next novel when it comes out, hoping for significant improvement.
There were smaller issues with the writing of this book as well which go back to my point about it being rushed. For instanced, Alex and Nora open discuss Nevsky in the hotel room as if there was zero thought that others could have bugged the room and were listening to their conversation. Also, a guy nobody knows, tells Alex who the mastermind is, and there was zero independent verification to find out if the guy actually was behind anything.
Those logic leaps and pace issues out of the way, i actually enjoyed the book quite a bit. I thought the two main character (Alex and Nora) were interesting and I enjoyed their dynamic. I also like the Mossad assassin. It is one of those books where if you want to look into it deep enough, you can find a ton of faults; however, if you can get past those little annoyances, its a very enjoyable book and a quick read.
Since this this was Alan's first novel, I'm hoping some of the issues I set forth above will improve over time. I will certainly read Alan's next novel when it comes out, hoping for significant improvement.
June 13, 2013
Finished reading Alan L. Lee's 79 Chapter, 317 page, debut spy-thriller novel, "SANDSTORM" in 3 days!!! And WOW!!! I love the mini chapters!
Each chapter describes a scene, so it's perfect to follow and one part doesn't overflow to the next, so there's no confusion...just smooth reading! Between the good and corrupt characters; ex-CIA agent, CIA, FBI, M16, Mossad, FSB, government officials, the plot, and all of the places worldwide where the action takes place; Washington DC, Paris, Brussels, Tehran, really engage the reader! The constant action and suspense makes you want to know what happens next and by the chapters being only a few pages, you find yourself reading chapter after chapter! Bravo, Mr. Lee, BRAVO!!! I'm definitely ready for the sequel!!!! #A2approved
Each chapter describes a scene, so it's perfect to follow and one part doesn't overflow to the next, so there's no confusion...just smooth reading! Between the good and corrupt characters; ex-CIA agent, CIA, FBI, M16, Mossad, FSB, government officials, the plot, and all of the places worldwide where the action takes place; Washington DC, Paris, Brussels, Tehran, really engage the reader! The constant action and suspense makes you want to know what happens next and by the chapters being only a few pages, you find yourself reading chapter after chapter! Bravo, Mr. Lee, BRAVO!!! I'm definitely ready for the sequel!!!! #A2approved
October 20, 2021
I liked the main character and his black friend, Duncan.. The book had suspense but could have been a bit shorter. I thought it was sort of a weird romance and the ending sort of fell out of the bottom of the whole story which went from a 4 star to a quick 3 star.
March 3, 2019
This book has an interesting plot, but it was almost completely lacking in any action, suspense or drama. Most of the book is plodding, slow and boring. The sexual tension between Alex and Nora was not as compelling as the author thinks, and Alex's mystique was simply not that impressive. Neither is nearly enough to carry the book. Only at the climax was there any real excitement, and that finally elevated the book to a 3.
August 3, 2022
If you ever watched Burn Notice, this is it. I love that show.
But, one problem... At one point, the peak of the whole book, the guys were fighting, I thought there was going to be an epic fight, then the next paragraph they were helping each others. 🤔 That could of been explained better, besides "my bad"...
Come to think, some other things could of been explained better.
But definitely, I want the next book.
But, one problem... At one point, the peak of the whole book, the guys were fighting, I thought there was going to be an epic fight, then the next paragraph they were helping each others. 🤔 That could of been explained better, besides "my bad"...
Come to think, some other things could of been explained better.
But definitely, I want the next book.
March 30, 2018
Meh. Quick beach read. Parts of it were fun but I didn't love the backstory of the main character (A-student, good looking, ex-pro football player, ex-CIA/special ops war hero, Millionaire cayman island based money manager) who gets sucked back into the world of espionage to save the day.
Also, I downloaded the wrong sandstorm book. Oops
Also, I downloaded the wrong sandstorm book. Oops
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2025
Interesting plot
So much was deceptive. Nothing was really what it appeared to be. As a former professional athlete and now multi millionaire due to his successful investment company Alex made an impactful CIA agent. Enjoyable plot.
So much was deceptive. Nothing was really what it appeared to be. As a former professional athlete and now multi millionaire due to his successful investment company Alex made an impactful CIA agent. Enjoyable plot.
December 8, 2019
his debut. liked it
February 10, 2022
Some books based on going on in the Middle East get to get heavy on the background details.
Not this book - it is very easy to read!
Excellent summer read - actions and intrigue aplenty.
Not this book - it is very easy to read!
Excellent summer read - actions and intrigue aplenty.
May 16, 2025
The book was a little slow at times, and I have some unanswered questions, but it was a good read.
July 21, 2025
Great story!
This is indeed a well told and intriguing story with great characters, a timely topic and a great feel of time and place. A new author to read and follow.
This is indeed a well told and intriguing story with great characters, a timely topic and a great feel of time and place. A new author to read and follow.
June 16, 2013
First I have to say I'm not much of a thriller reader. Still, Sandstorm grabbed me. It is fast paced and for a debut a solidly crafted novel. At the beginning I had some trouble not getting confused by the many characters appearing in rapid progression and sorting through who is who and who is in what relation to who. I think some more information thrown in about the main characters would do the book good - also to enable the reader to get to know the characters better.
The story jumps locations a lot, so that the reader gets transported across the world - something we expect in a thriller. I personaly would have preferred to know a bit sooner how the several plot lines are related to each other and most of all what the bad guys are planning. That would have spurned my curiousity a lot and I would have identified more with the good guys being eager to find out how they get that cow off the ice.
On the last 30 something pages Lee gave the story a quite unexpected twist. I loved the surprise as this is something I rarely encounter in thrillers.
All in all I can imagine Sandstorm being turned into a movie. Like the end suggests, I expect a second novel in which some loose ends will get taken care off. And for devoted thriller readers I'd say Sandstorm is worth the time spent reading.
The story jumps locations a lot, so that the reader gets transported across the world - something we expect in a thriller. I personaly would have preferred to know a bit sooner how the several plot lines are related to each other and most of all what the bad guys are planning. That would have spurned my curiousity a lot and I would have identified more with the good guys being eager to find out how they get that cow off the ice.
On the last 30 something pages Lee gave the story a quite unexpected twist. I loved the surprise as this is something I rarely encounter in thrillers.
All in all I can imagine Sandstorm being turned into a movie. Like the end suggests, I expect a second novel in which some loose ends will get taken care off. And for devoted thriller readers I'd say Sandstorm is worth the time spent reading.
October 30, 2013
The first half of the story crawls along, crammed with somewhat disjointed happenings whose significance to the overall plot is unclear, a caveat not helped by the story's uneven pacing. However, Lee does a great job bringing the characters to life, and the various storylines tie together very smoothly.
This a quick read. The action involves arms dealers, Iranian nuclear ambitions, professional killers, CIA traitors, sexual tension, and the Mossad, but also clunky writing (e.g., “We’re like pawns on a big-ass chessboard”) and a less-than-credible meandering plot that leads to a fizzle of an ending.
The scene changes are jarring The writing is simplistic, and sometimes really weird: "Both men proudly flashed their guns as if they were holding onto their private parts." What the heck?
Speaking of language, allow me to name some more gruesome examples: Ammunition doesn't "disgorge"; it "discharges" or "fires". Aircraft don't "jettison" through the air; they "jet" or "fly", or a variety of other things, but they sure don't "jettison".
Other than that, this was just generic.
This a quick read. The action involves arms dealers, Iranian nuclear ambitions, professional killers, CIA traitors, sexual tension, and the Mossad, but also clunky writing (e.g., “We’re like pawns on a big-ass chessboard”) and a less-than-credible meandering plot that leads to a fizzle of an ending.
The scene changes are jarring The writing is simplistic, and sometimes really weird: "Both men proudly flashed their guns as if they were holding onto their private parts." What the heck?
Speaking of language, allow me to name some more gruesome examples: Ammunition doesn't "disgorge"; it "discharges" or "fires". Aircraft don't "jettison" through the air; they "jet" or "fly", or a variety of other things, but they sure don't "jettison".
Other than that, this was just generic.
September 4, 2014
I had high hopes, given this was the second book chosen for the WDET Book Club... alas it did not live up to my expectations. In fact I regret prioritizing it over another book (White Teeth by Zadie Smith), since now it will be kind of a crush to finish that one in time for book club meeting next Wednesday. For some reason I seldom give up on books, though! I feel like I need to earn the right to state an opinion, by at least trying to read the whole thing. For me, this was basically a common romance novel, with a focus on nuclear espionage -- laced with bravado. It really didn't make room for alternative viewpoints -- or flesh out any particular viewpoint in a memorable way. The writing was wooden, hollow -- inattentive; there was no 'there' there.
July 10, 2013
From beginning to end, Sandstorm was fast-paced, thrilling, and really kept my interest throughout the entire book. The mini chapters I thought were an interesting way to present the book...but it worked in this case. There were many different characters involved in the storyline and by having shorter chapters, it made it easier to understand what was happening with each one and how they were all connected. The ending was a surprise...certainly not what I had expected. But...isn't that the point? It has left me wanting more from Mr. Lee and eagerly awaiting a sequel to Sandstorm. Maybe a movie version isn't too far behind...?!?!?
March 16, 2013
An Ex–CIA agent, current CIA agents, an Israeli spy, a Mossad agent, a US Senator, and a US billionaire all seem to be involved in an operation involving Iran’s nuclear capabilities that could kill thousands. The question is who authorized the operation and is it really what it seems to be? The thrilling debut novel is a very believable look at how CIA operations are undertaken and an equally believable look at how easy it might be for special interests to have their own agenda. Non-stop action and intrigue make this an espionage novel not to be missed.
July 14, 2013
Fast paced thriller, written by Fox 2 Detroit's Morning News anchor Alan Lee. Enjoyed reading this thriller, which had around the world locales, CIA, ex CIA, nuclear threat, professional assassins and political power brokers. Well written, I chuckled at the well-turned phrases, some light moments to break up the tension, and I kept turning the pages until a satisfying end. I found I liked Sandstorm's hero, Alex Koves, and would definitely look for the next in the series. Who knows, if this keep up, Mr Lee may be able to quit his day job!
May 1, 2014
If you wanted something no too taxing then this is the book for you! It involves the CIA, FBI and other spy organisations involved in wealthy men trying to takeover the world!
Is Israel and the US helping Iran set up there Nuclear Weapons Grade Uranium plant? Could Senator Lipton be involved in this devious plan and make himself President of the US? Why did Nathan Yadin blow up the Nuclear plant?
All of these questions, that you have probably read about in other books gets another run hear.
I think they call them 'pot boilers'.
Is Israel and the US helping Iran set up there Nuclear Weapons Grade Uranium plant? Could Senator Lipton be involved in this devious plan and make himself President of the US? Why did Nathan Yadin blow up the Nuclear plant?
All of these questions, that you have probably read about in other books gets another run hear.
I think they call them 'pot boilers'.
July 8, 2013
Alan Lee's debut novel is a fairly standard spy yarn. Too much of the plot resolves too neatly and the motivations of many characters aren't explored fully or are too simple. Several of the characters are indistinguishable from cardboard cut-outs. Well paced but, again, the pieces come together too neatly for our hero and his team. The sequel is set up at the end. I will read Lee's next book, hopefully it builds on the first and delivers a more satisfying read.
May 30, 2015
CIA agent and ex-CIA agent go about stopping a plot to give Iran nuclear weapons...sort of.
Spoilers...
Did I miss something, but didn't the weapons scam go off basically exactly the way the people plotting wanted it to? Yes, the senator gets caught, but the good guy just acts in place of the removed bad guy and the Iranians get the weapons. Yes, the weapons plant gets blown up, but that was the what the "bad" guys wanted. The hero stops nothing, accomplishes nothing. I feel duped.
Spoilers...
Did I miss something, but didn't the weapons scam go off basically exactly the way the people plotting wanted it to? Yes, the senator gets caught, but the good guy just acts in place of the removed bad guy and the Iranians get the weapons. Yes, the weapons plant gets blown up, but that was the what the "bad" guys wanted. The hero stops nothing, accomplishes nothing. I feel duped.
June 13, 2016
A very good debut novel. Overall a pretty good plot with an international conspiracy involving Israel, a US senator and a couple of billionaires. Good pacing that makes this a pretty quick read. The only problem I had was I kept expecting some twist or surprise. There wasn't any. Important plot details are just spelled out by characters so the reader knows the basic story pretty early on.
June 23, 2013
Excellent debut novel! I can't believe this is the author's first book as he has blown away more experienced authors this year! For fans of David Baldacci and those who write government/CIA type suspense/thriller. Looking forward to the next book in what will hopefully be a series with these characters!
July 25, 2013
I am admittedly not much of a reader; and usually prefer romance novels when I do read; however, I found this to be a great read. I didn't want to put it down; and I still wanted more when it was done. Good story about murder, espionage, friendship, love, involving Washington DC, the CIA, and nuclear weapons.
October 28, 2013
I will admit, i liked the mini chapters....it allows for breaks in between family life etc.
Alan Lee has created some characters that I think I can follow assuming he will pull this group together. Nora and Alex belong together. For a debut novel, this one is a keeper. You will not be disappointed in the action or the outcome. This was a Good Read!
Alan Lee has created some characters that I think I can follow assuming he will pull this group together. Nora and Alex belong together. For a debut novel, this one is a keeper. You will not be disappointed in the action or the outcome. This was a Good Read!
July 2, 2013
Great debut novel. I loved the character development and the fast pace. Having spent a little time in DC, the depiction of government agency life is also very accurate. I can't wait to see what Alex, Duncan, Nora and Sam are up to next!
July 29, 2013
Please tell me this is a series and not a standalone, because I desperately need more of sexy Mossad agent Nathan and ex-CIA agent Alex in my life. Anyhow, more thoughts coming soon, hopefully, maybe....
December 3, 2015
A fast paced, action packed novel that is truly a page turner. An amazingly well written debut novel by Mr. Alan Lee that will leave you in anticipation of the next book in what I hope will be a series. This book is truly for the fan of the conspiracy and action novel.
June 15, 2013
I have enjoyed reading this novel. This is the first novel by this author and I hope that he continues to write more and I am sure that he will have a follow up to this novel with some of the same characters. I will read his next novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews