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Adam Drake #2
Oath to Defend (Adam Drake series) (Volume 2) by Scott Matthews
When the trail of America’s most wanted terrorist goes cold in Tijuana, and radiation from a nuclear device is detected in San Diego, one man has a hunch the hunted terrorist and the nuke are connected, and will ultimately wind up in the same place.Adam Drake thinks he knows where that place is. The only question is whether he can find them both in time to prevent an unimaginable catastrophe.
Mass Market Paperback
First published May 31, 2013
573 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
About the author
Scott Matthews
11 books63 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 10, 2015
Disclaimer: I won this book through the Goodreads First Reads Contest.
I was not a fan of this book. While the over arching storyline of an ex-military, current lawyer, guy tracking down a terrorist was interesting the execution of the story was lacking.
The first problem with the book is the fact that every setting in the book is basically the same, a luxurious house or hotel next to a golf course. I thought it was strange that terrorists trying to lay low would hang out in these more public and exposed types of places. The other problem with the settings is that the characters are almost always doing the same thing in these redundant settings, eating! Every chapter involves the characters eating. I realize the author is trying to make one of the secondary characters endearing by joking about the amount he eats, but everyone is eating and that is their main activity in the book. The book even goes into detail about the components of each meal. The process of discussing the upcoming mission over a meal in one chapter and then immediately coming back in the next chapter to have a meal and discuss what happened on the mission gets old quickly.
While the obsession of the luxury lifestyle and constant eating helped make the book dull, the political and sexist jabs sprinkled throughout the book made the story terrible. While I won't get into the specifics of the politics involved, the jabs only took me out of the story and never added anything. The secret agenda of the author to assert his political beliefs only helps to potentially alienate at least half of a potential audience and weaken the story. While the topic of national security somewhat requires the need to be somewhat political, the blatant bashing of the political party you disagree with only ensures your readership will remain small or shrink. Additionally, there are several rather sexist remarks that also have this same effect. Again, they don't add to the story and also make your main character look like a jerk.
Despite all this, I do have to admit that the last few chapters, where the main characters are actually chasing the terrorists, kept me entertained. Had the rest of the book been more like this minus the political and sexist jabs, I would have liked the book a lot more.
I was not a fan of this book. While the over arching storyline of an ex-military, current lawyer, guy tracking down a terrorist was interesting the execution of the story was lacking.
The first problem with the book is the fact that every setting in the book is basically the same, a luxurious house or hotel next to a golf course. I thought it was strange that terrorists trying to lay low would hang out in these more public and exposed types of places. The other problem with the settings is that the characters are almost always doing the same thing in these redundant settings, eating! Every chapter involves the characters eating. I realize the author is trying to make one of the secondary characters endearing by joking about the amount he eats, but everyone is eating and that is their main activity in the book. The book even goes into detail about the components of each meal. The process of discussing the upcoming mission over a meal in one chapter and then immediately coming back in the next chapter to have a meal and discuss what happened on the mission gets old quickly.
While the obsession of the luxury lifestyle and constant eating helped make the book dull, the political and sexist jabs sprinkled throughout the book made the story terrible. While I won't get into the specifics of the politics involved, the jabs only took me out of the story and never added anything. The secret agenda of the author to assert his political beliefs only helps to potentially alienate at least half of a potential audience and weaken the story. While the topic of national security somewhat requires the need to be somewhat political, the blatant bashing of the political party you disagree with only ensures your readership will remain small or shrink. Additionally, there are several rather sexist remarks that also have this same effect. Again, they don't add to the story and also make your main character look like a jerk.
Despite all this, I do have to admit that the last few chapters, where the main characters are actually chasing the terrorists, kept me entertained. Had the rest of the book been more like this minus the political and sexist jabs, I would have liked the book a lot more.
April 15, 2015
Story that's plausible.
Jihadist cell known as Brotherhood, Mexican cartels, Hezbollah all working together advance their businesses and the destroying America. Russian Special Atomic Demolition Device, vulnerable infrastructure in USA, our dams. Terrifying story, but learned some things, like war with Muslim terrorists started while back when Thomas Jefferson was president at Tripoli.
Jihadist cell known as Brotherhood, Mexican cartels, Hezbollah all working together advance their businesses and the destroying America. Russian Special Atomic Demolition Device, vulnerable infrastructure in USA, our dams. Terrifying story, but learned some things, like war with Muslim terrorists started while back when Thomas Jefferson was president at Tripoli.
September 8, 2019
Forgettable espionage novel about the usual Muslim terrorist who is going to explode a nuke in the US. The usual agent has to stop them.
All the ingredients are here for an exciting novel, but the author never really generates any tension. He uses a breezy sort of style that doesn't seem to fit the genre.
All the ingredients are here for an exciting novel, but the author never really generates any tension. He uses a breezy sort of style that doesn't seem to fit the genre.
November 3, 2020
Where do I begin? My rating is 2.5 - between it was okay and I liked it. The first half was much better than the rest of the book. It all fell apart for me around 75% and I couldn't wait to finish it (and not in a good way). This is the third book I've read in this series, and the only one I thought was really good was "Special Counsel".
January 27, 2024
Book 2 in.this series and finishes the story in book 1. The group mis back.in action and it is a good group.
Polo takes partnof the story and you get to learn a bit about the sport.
Some of the action in Mexico seems out there, but probably closer to truth than many know.
Barak, the bad guy, makes a creative escape in Mexico. Well done!
Lots of action. Terrorism attack seems very plausible and scarry.
Liz baxk in the story and yet I appreciate that the relationship is slow to develop.
Look forward to.book 3.
Polo takes partnof the story and you get to learn a bit about the sport.
Some of the action in Mexico seems out there, but probably closer to truth than many know.
Barak, the bad guy, makes a creative escape in Mexico. Well done!
Lots of action. Terrorism attack seems very plausible and scarry.
Liz baxk in the story and yet I appreciate that the relationship is slow to develop.
Look forward to.book 3.
May 20, 2024
slow read
All the evidence punched them in the face yet all they did was talk about eating, then eat, then watch a place or thing of interest, then say, we’ll look into it tomorrow…literally after a nuke, see a trailer with a bunch of known suspects and never once think to break into the ranch, do little recon to see what’s in the trailer…spoiler alert..it was the nuke. Stupid, sloppy story..literally skimmed every other page because the sheer idiocy of the so called tier 1 operators enraged me.
All the evidence punched them in the face yet all they did was talk about eating, then eat, then watch a place or thing of interest, then say, we’ll look into it tomorrow…literally after a nuke, see a trailer with a bunch of known suspects and never once think to break into the ranch, do little recon to see what’s in the trailer…spoiler alert..it was the nuke. Stupid, sloppy story..literally skimmed every other page because the sheer idiocy of the so called tier 1 operators enraged me.
October 9, 2023
Great New series for action thriller oficianados
Scott Mathew's Adam Blake series has started out with two fast flowing easy to read thrillers that are developing into a straight read them all in a row series!! Great Characters & plots leave you eager to turn the pages to keep the action flowing! From the First ( Assasins List) to the second Oath to Defend, you are drawn I to the characters, the relationships and the wonder of what's next! I know what's next for me! Book 3
Scott Mathew's Adam Blake series has started out with two fast flowing easy to read thrillers that are developing into a straight read them all in a row series!! Great Characters & plots leave you eager to turn the pages to keep the action flowing! From the First ( Assasins List) to the second Oath to Defend, you are drawn I to the characters, the relationships and the wonder of what's next! I know what's next for me! Book 3
April 1, 2025
Another Great Book
Book #2 in the series "oath to Defend" is the sequel to book 1 and has a quality surprise ending with the demise of the terrorist leader. Again, as I mentioned in my review of book 1, this story line is very believable and very well written. I'm off to read book #3.
Book #2 in the series "oath to Defend" is the sequel to book 1 and has a quality surprise ending with the demise of the terrorist leader. Again, as I mentioned in my review of book 1, this story line is very believable and very well written. I'm off to read book #3.
September 13, 2018
An exciting and scary read!!
Love the Adam Drake series! Just purchased book 3. The best part about these books is that it's something that can actually happen here in America if not for the diligence of our homeland security! Bravo Scott Matthews!!
Love the Adam Drake series! Just purchased book 3. The best part about these books is that it's something that can actually happen here in America if not for the diligence of our homeland security! Bravo Scott Matthews!!
January 14, 2022
A New Hero!
The Adam Drake series promises to be the next Mitch Rapp or Dewey Andreas. The characters are believable and well written. I enjoyed this story and will continue to look for these books.
The Adam Drake series promises to be the next Mitch Rapp or Dewey Andreas. The characters are believable and well written. I enjoyed this story and will continue to look for these books.
August 19, 2024
Oath to Defend
Very well written and terrifyingly believable storyline. The author paints a good picture of the surrounding lanscape, etc. Great lead and supporting characters. Intense action! Looking forward to Book 3 and hopefully beyond!!
Very well written and terrifyingly believable storyline. The author paints a good picture of the surrounding lanscape, etc. Great lead and supporting characters. Intense action! Looking forward to Book 3 and hopefully beyond!!
March 2, 2025
oath to Defend
All action thriller that gripped the reader from beginning to end. Adam Drake and his ex military friends step up to the plate to successfully foil a plot by terrorists. Greatvread.
All action thriller that gripped the reader from beginning to end. Adam Drake and his ex military friends step up to the plate to successfully foil a plot by terrorists. Greatvread.
April 10, 2025
Oath to Defend -
Book 2 of the series and another good read. Drake and Co help Liz chase the bad guy from book 1, with him planning a massive terrorist attack on the US. The book was good but I felt had less action than the first. 4.75 out of 5 for this one.
Book 2 of the series and another good read. Drake and Co help Liz chase the bad guy from book 1, with him planning a massive terrorist attack on the US. The book was good but I felt had less action than the first. 4.75 out of 5 for this one.
June 21, 2025
Another Excellent Story
Another excellent story by Scott Matthews in the Adam Drake series. Great cast of characters and an excellent storyline with action from start to finish.Looking forward to reading more.
Another excellent story by Scott Matthews in the Adam Drake series. Great cast of characters and an excellent storyline with action from start to finish.Looking forward to reading more.
July 1, 2025
Action from start to finish.
Totally believable story .Could almost see this story line being used by a jehad group somewhere around the country at some point in time . Greg story and really enjoyed it
Totally believable story .Could almost see this story line being used by a jehad group somewhere around the country at some point in time . Greg story and really enjoyed it
December 29, 2017
Great read. Good action. Fantastic storyline. Excellent characters. Engaging pace. Superb settings. Adam Drake is my new favorite literary hero.
June 8, 2022
Exciting from start to finish!
The second book of the Adam Drake series is excellent just like the first. Hard to put down. Can't wait to read more.
The second book of the Adam Drake series is excellent just like the first. Hard to put down. Can't wait to read more.
September 6, 2022
A good read. Looking forward
to continuing the series.
to continuing the series.
October 12, 2023
Really enjoyed this second book in the Adam Drake series. Highly recommended 👍🏻
March 19, 2024
Excellent
This was yet another excellent Adam Drake novel. The plots are interesting and the main characters are very likable. On to book three.
This was yet another excellent Adam Drake novel. The plots are interesting and the main characters are very likable. On to book three.
August 22, 2024
tense from start to finish
Excellent read, keeps you gripped throughout. Been really impressed with both books so far, hope this continues with future reads
Excellent read, keeps you gripped throughout. Been really impressed with both books so far, hope this continues with future reads
April 22, 2025
Excellent read!
Enjoyed this book very much. I'm a fan of Grisham, Baldacci, Thor. and Ryan. I can now add Matthew's to the list!
Enjoyed this book very much. I'm a fan of Grisham, Baldacci, Thor. and Ryan. I can now add Matthew's to the list!
May 31, 2025
great read
Can’t wait to read the next book fast moving action packed. Highly recommended read and a fantastic author.A must read
Can’t wait to read the next book fast moving action packed. Highly recommended read and a fantastic author.A must read
July 15, 2025
Adam Drake series
This is the second book in the Drake series. Interesting characters and enough action to keep you wanting more. I'll definitely continue on to book three.
This is the second book in the Drake series. Interesting characters and enough action to keep you wanting more. I'll definitely continue on to book three.
September 14, 2025
get ready to rumble
Exciting book, easy read, a good thriller that had enough victims and hero’s to keep you happy. I hope you enjoy!
Exciting book, easy read, a good thriller that had enough victims and hero’s to keep you happy. I hope you enjoy!
October 3, 2025
Addictive series
So glad I discovered this series. Even tho the MLB playoffs are on now, I can't stop reading to watch.
So glad I discovered this series. Even tho the MLB playoffs are on now, I can't stop reading to watch.
January 3, 2017
Good book, my only problem with this and Adam Drake #1 is that for such a brilliant hero, his lack of confidence in his findings is aggravating. I like a lead character that has the charisma and a skill level to actually believe in that skill level and not act so wimpy in pushing forward his findings as is done in these books. The third book a little more backbone is found so I will continue with the series. Overall though good book.
July 22, 2015
When I acquired "Oath to Defend", I was unaware that it was book #2 in a series. Before starting it, I was concerned that I might have trouble following the story because I missed the previous installment. I found the concern unwarranted, the story makes reference to occurrences in book #1, but it was a great stand-alone story.
Oath to Defend takes readers into the world of smuggling, espionage, drug cartels and fanatical terrorists where death is an everyday occurrence and consciences are non-existent. Now the United States is targeted - suicide bombers looking forward to martyr themselves and then joining their 72 virgins in paradise. The terrorist seem to always be a step ahead of the people looking for them. It's a game of cat and mouse...hundreds of Americans have already died needlessly - hundreds of thousands more will perish if the terrorists succeed in their mission! Adam Drake and his team of operatives must find them and stop them from detonating a nuclear bomb.
I sat on the edge of my seat intrigued and sometimes holding my breath while watching this story unfold...aware that something like this could very well happen in the near future. The characters are well developed and the story moves smoothly. Great job Mr. Matthews! I have already downloaded book #3 and can't wait to begin that adventure. Highly recommended!
John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel
Oath to Defend takes readers into the world of smuggling, espionage, drug cartels and fanatical terrorists where death is an everyday occurrence and consciences are non-existent. Now the United States is targeted - suicide bombers looking forward to martyr themselves and then joining their 72 virgins in paradise. The terrorist seem to always be a step ahead of the people looking for them. It's a game of cat and mouse...hundreds of Americans have already died needlessly - hundreds of thousands more will perish if the terrorists succeed in their mission! Adam Drake and his team of operatives must find them and stop them from detonating a nuclear bomb.
I sat on the edge of my seat intrigued and sometimes holding my breath while watching this story unfold...aware that something like this could very well happen in the near future. The characters are well developed and the story moves smoothly. Great job Mr. Matthews! I have already downloaded book #3 and can't wait to begin that adventure. Highly recommended!
John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel
June 13, 2013
I've been waiting with baited breath for this sequel to The Assassin's List, and the cat and mouse game played out between Drake and Barak did not disappoint. Barak's agenda is not clear until about half way through the book - a clever ploy to keep you reading late into the night. Drake's agenda is personal - he needs to see Barak pay for his past actions - that is until his gut tells him Barak is planning an act even more horrendous. As Drake's pledge to protect his country is called upon once again, the supporting characters we met before return to give him solid assistance. The camaraderie with Mike is entertaining and there are promises of an interesting relationship with Liz to come in future books. A key strength of the Adam Drake books is their frightening plausibility. The knowledge that the chilling depictions could be tomorrow's news never fails to disturb, while thoroughly entertaining the reader. Oath To Defend is an expertly crafted thriller, one which makes you pray that a hero like Drake is out there somewhere.
August 7, 2015
Another GREAT GETAWAY!
I don't read a lot of "action" books. They usually are too brutally descriptive and lose me but this book is just a great exciting story. It speaks to the patriotism in you as well as so n e sit on the edge of your seat excitement. These are not Tolstoy but they are very enjoyable reads with characters easy to get to know and like. After I read the first Holm-schwartz stand alone as are all this author's line-up couldn't wait to read the next book in the series so I could find out what was going on with my wonderful characters. I am able to lose myself in these stories and really don't want to put t he book down until I'm finished. I would recommend this book to all. It's a thrilling action packed story without resorting to language or gory descriptions which bore me. From the beginning it hooks you and doesn't let go until t :) e end-to-end and then you still want to jump nacho on the hook for more by this author. :)
HIGHLY RECOMMEND. :)
I don't read a lot of "action" books. They usually are too brutally descriptive and lose me but this book is just a great exciting story. It speaks to the patriotism in you as well as so n e sit on the edge of your seat excitement. These are not Tolstoy but they are very enjoyable reads with characters easy to get to know and like. After I read the first Holm-schwartz stand alone as are all this author's line-up couldn't wait to read the next book in the series so I could find out what was going on with my wonderful characters. I am able to lose myself in these stories and really don't want to put t he book down until I'm finished. I would recommend this book to all. It's a thrilling action packed story without resorting to language or gory descriptions which bore me. From the beginning it hooks you and doesn't let go until t :) e end-to-end and then you still want to jump nacho on the hook for more by this author. :)
HIGHLY RECOMMEND. :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews