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The Project #3
The Seventh Pillar
A fanatical terrorist has visions of the Islamic Mahdi commanding him to begin the Apocalypse and bring about the End of Days. An ancient brotherhood of assassins hidden for centuries reappears to murder and ignite the fires of war. A truck carrying a terrible weapon leaves Sudan for the lawless mountains of Algeria and an unknown destination.
Director Elizabeth Harker of the Project sends Nick Carter and Selena Connor to the burning wastelands of Western Africa, the back streets of San Diego and the bitter mountains of the Hindu Kush, before a final confrontation that will decide the future of Western civilization.
Director Elizabeth Harker of the Project sends Nick Carter and Selena Connor to the burning wastelands of Western Africa, the back streets of San Diego and the bitter mountains of the Hindu Kush, before a final confrontation that will decide the future of Western civilization.
262 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2012
190 people are currently reading
958 people want to read
About the author
Alex Lukeman
27 books206 followersI like Barbados rum, old,fast motorcycles, playing guitar and books by authors like Michael Connelly, Robert Crais, Alex Berenson, Craig Johnson and Lee Child. I write action/adventure thrillers. WHITE JADE is the first in a series featuring the PROJECT, a small, elite counter-terrorism unit. There are currently 23 books in the series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
September 3, 2012
The Seventh Pillar is Mr. Lukeman’s third book in his series about a government group called the Project, and the agents who work there. Director Harker was injured in the previous book and is now on leave, leaving Nick Carter and Stephanie Willits as co-directors. Three other people work closely with them, Selena Connor, a gifted linguist, Ronnie Peete and Lamont Cameron, both ex-military and the muscle of the group.
This time around, the British Foreign Secretary is murdered in London, and a strange symbol is left on his body as a clue. At the same time, Ronnie and Lamont are both injured on an operation in Africa and put out of commission. As Stephanie, Nick and Selena try to figure out why the Secretary was murdered, a US Senator and his entire family are murdered and another symbol left behind. Selena decides the best way to figure out what is going on is to go to Timbuktu where there is an extensive library of 13th century Arabic manuscripts.
Much to Nick’s dismay, Selena takes lead of the operation and off she and Nick fly to Timbuktu to begin their search. In Timbuktu, Nick and Selena discover that they are in the middle of a hornets’ nest and someone doesn’t want them to live much longer. The deeper they dig, attempts are made on their lives and Nick and Selena are once again fighting an unknown enemy against seemingly unbeatable odds.
Mr. Lukeman once again takes us on a ride that’s non-stop thrills from beginning to end. Think Jason Bourne meets James Bond meets Lara Croft, with a little bit of Mission Impossible thrown in, and crank up the action another notch and you’ve got Alex Lukeman’s works. The characters are an eclectic, high octane, live hard group of people, each as interesting as the next. The plot is action packed, full of international intrigue and thought provoking issues.
Nick and Selena are total opposites, yet exactly the same. If you met them at a party, you would never expect them to work, yet they do. Nick is a hardened ex-Marine who has seen and done more than any one person should in a life time. He deals with it well enough, but does have his demons. He isn’t classically handsome. In my head, he’s sort of Daniel Craig with part of an ear missing. He doesn’t have many people skills, but hey, who needs people skills when you have other talents? I sure would like to meet him; I think we would get along. Selena is beautiful, intelligent, can shoot a gun, fight like a ninja, scuba dive, jump out of airplanes and loves a good research project (I’m not sure if she can cook but, no one’s perfect). I truly want to hate her, but she just won’t let me. Together there isn’t much these two can‘t do, except admit out loud how they feel about each other.
The supporting characters are just as interesting, although they aren’t as much a part of the show this time around. There are some interesting developments going on with them and I can’t wait to see where they go, I’m sure it’s going to be fun. As usual, there are some really nasty bad guys to be brought down.
We find ourselves in some interesting places and Mr. Lukeman puts us there so well. We can feel the heat see the sights and hear the sounds of a small African city, experience the all encompassing loneliness of the desert at night and rush through the streets of New York. I felt like I was there with the gang and enjoyed every heart stopping moment of it.
While this is the third book in a series, there is enough background given that it isn’t necessary to read the first two, but I would highly recommend it, if for nothing else but that they are darn good books. I did have a few issues with the first two, but by the time I read this one they had worked themselves out. Selena’s ability to do everything well was a little much for me, but we learn she’s a bit of an adrenaline junky, that explains her constant desire to try new things. Nick’s inability to say how he feels out loud makes me mad enough to spit.
I recommend this book to anyone, male or female, who loves suspense/thrillers, action, kick butt men and women, political intrigue, things that go boom and a little bit of romance thrown in.
Reviewed as a Member of the Paranormal Romance Guild Review Team
This time around, the British Foreign Secretary is murdered in London, and a strange symbol is left on his body as a clue. At the same time, Ronnie and Lamont are both injured on an operation in Africa and put out of commission. As Stephanie, Nick and Selena try to figure out why the Secretary was murdered, a US Senator and his entire family are murdered and another symbol left behind. Selena decides the best way to figure out what is going on is to go to Timbuktu where there is an extensive library of 13th century Arabic manuscripts.
Much to Nick’s dismay, Selena takes lead of the operation and off she and Nick fly to Timbuktu to begin their search. In Timbuktu, Nick and Selena discover that they are in the middle of a hornets’ nest and someone doesn’t want them to live much longer. The deeper they dig, attempts are made on their lives and Nick and Selena are once again fighting an unknown enemy against seemingly unbeatable odds.
Mr. Lukeman once again takes us on a ride that’s non-stop thrills from beginning to end. Think Jason Bourne meets James Bond meets Lara Croft, with a little bit of Mission Impossible thrown in, and crank up the action another notch and you’ve got Alex Lukeman’s works. The characters are an eclectic, high octane, live hard group of people, each as interesting as the next. The plot is action packed, full of international intrigue and thought provoking issues.
Nick and Selena are total opposites, yet exactly the same. If you met them at a party, you would never expect them to work, yet they do. Nick is a hardened ex-Marine who has seen and done more than any one person should in a life time. He deals with it well enough, but does have his demons. He isn’t classically handsome. In my head, he’s sort of Daniel Craig with part of an ear missing. He doesn’t have many people skills, but hey, who needs people skills when you have other talents? I sure would like to meet him; I think we would get along. Selena is beautiful, intelligent, can shoot a gun, fight like a ninja, scuba dive, jump out of airplanes and loves a good research project (I’m not sure if she can cook but, no one’s perfect). I truly want to hate her, but she just won’t let me. Together there isn’t much these two can‘t do, except admit out loud how they feel about each other.
The supporting characters are just as interesting, although they aren’t as much a part of the show this time around. There are some interesting developments going on with them and I can’t wait to see where they go, I’m sure it’s going to be fun. As usual, there are some really nasty bad guys to be brought down.
We find ourselves in some interesting places and Mr. Lukeman puts us there so well. We can feel the heat see the sights and hear the sounds of a small African city, experience the all encompassing loneliness of the desert at night and rush through the streets of New York. I felt like I was there with the gang and enjoyed every heart stopping moment of it.
While this is the third book in a series, there is enough background given that it isn’t necessary to read the first two, but I would highly recommend it, if for nothing else but that they are darn good books. I did have a few issues with the first two, but by the time I read this one they had worked themselves out. Selena’s ability to do everything well was a little much for me, but we learn she’s a bit of an adrenaline junky, that explains her constant desire to try new things. Nick’s inability to say how he feels out loud makes me mad enough to spit.
I recommend this book to anyone, male or female, who loves suspense/thrillers, action, kick butt men and women, political intrigue, things that go boom and a little bit of romance thrown in.
Reviewed as a Member of the Paranormal Romance Guild Review Team
April 3, 2017
Really enjoyed the action, and the love element in the team. The story as good if not as OTT as ever.
November 1, 2018
Awesome book! On to the next in the series!
March 13, 2012
I just finished this book and I need a week’s vacation. I followed Nick and Selena and the guys at the Project in planes, over the dessert, in helicopters, from one end of the continent to the other. I have saved the free world. I am tired and elated as this newest book was everything that I thought it would be.
Nick Carter is my hero. He is dedicated to not stop until he has it right. He has many issues he fights privately, but his love for his country cannot be doubted. Elizabeth Harker, Director of the group has been injured and needs to recover from her injuries sustained in our last book The Lance, needing to sit this one out. Nick and Stephanie Willits (Elizabeth’s second) are jointly running The Project as Co-Directors.
The Project is a very small, not so elite group, which has our Presidents ‘ear.’ We are now at six with Lamont and Ronnie, who are ex military. The ‘quiet surprise’ to our group is Selena Connor, who from the beginning of this series has shown us she can do everything and more! So our group is tough and now has to even tough it up more when Ron and Lamont are injured very early in the game.
The British Foreign Secretary is murdered, and then headlines tell us a US Senator and his family is killed. At the scene of both deaths the murderers have left a Symbol on their bodies. Is it a telling clue? Our Selena takes up the reins since Lamont and Ronnie have been injured in Africa, and she sets out for Timbuktu with Nick. With her background in reading and translating old languages, she feels going to this place that houses a library of 13th Century Arabic Manuscripts might aid them. Now attempts on their lives are made and they come to terms with the fact that their lives are in danger.
These stories Mr. Lukeman tells are any day things that could come out of today’s headlines. We have a story which is so relevant to our times that it hard to decipher what is fact and what is fiction. What is clear as you read, is Mr. Lukeman’s excellence as a story teller, and how he creates a motion picture in your mind.
One of the most impressionable scenes for me was when Nick and Selena were grappling down the side of a precipice to take out some of the bad guys who thought they were in a safe house; the fact that we see sides of Selena since the rich nerdy prima-donna socialite Nick thought he met in White Jade. We stand back in awe as she has guns in both hands blazing, snarling with power. Nick looks over and is appalled at what he thinks they have created.
In the scene that finally takes them to New York City, (where I was born) I “know” in my mind where they are. I travel with them street by street and can see the Majestic City from across the river. I hold my breath at the final scenes of them trying to get to where they need to be, will they get there in time? As a reader I have sweaty palms and am holding my breath. Please do not miss this adrenaline rush. I, as a reviewer, hate to give you too much of the story. I wish you to experience this wild ride you will take as your own.
So Mr. Lukeman, you seem to have given us it all, Mystery, Thriller, Action, Romance. Yes, lovers of romance Selena and Nick have something going, but Nick, baby, even though it shows in your eyes, a woman needs the words.
Our ‘couple’ in the last chapter went to Nick’s remote cabin hideaway to rest and I feel the need to gather my strength for the next one you throw at us as well. Looking forward to it though. Hopefully the whole gang will be there at full strength and we can see what the bad guys can rustle up. As I said when I started, I am exhausted but elated, loved the rush.
Review by Gloria Lakritz
Sr Reviewer and Review Chairperson for the Paranormal Romance Guild
Nick Carter is my hero. He is dedicated to not stop until he has it right. He has many issues he fights privately, but his love for his country cannot be doubted. Elizabeth Harker, Director of the group has been injured and needs to recover from her injuries sustained in our last book The Lance, needing to sit this one out. Nick and Stephanie Willits (Elizabeth’s second) are jointly running The Project as Co-Directors.
The Project is a very small, not so elite group, which has our Presidents ‘ear.’ We are now at six with Lamont and Ronnie, who are ex military. The ‘quiet surprise’ to our group is Selena Connor, who from the beginning of this series has shown us she can do everything and more! So our group is tough and now has to even tough it up more when Ron and Lamont are injured very early in the game.
The British Foreign Secretary is murdered, and then headlines tell us a US Senator and his family is killed. At the scene of both deaths the murderers have left a Symbol on their bodies. Is it a telling clue? Our Selena takes up the reins since Lamont and Ronnie have been injured in Africa, and she sets out for Timbuktu with Nick. With her background in reading and translating old languages, she feels going to this place that houses a library of 13th Century Arabic Manuscripts might aid them. Now attempts on their lives are made and they come to terms with the fact that their lives are in danger.
These stories Mr. Lukeman tells are any day things that could come out of today’s headlines. We have a story which is so relevant to our times that it hard to decipher what is fact and what is fiction. What is clear as you read, is Mr. Lukeman’s excellence as a story teller, and how he creates a motion picture in your mind.
One of the most impressionable scenes for me was when Nick and Selena were grappling down the side of a precipice to take out some of the bad guys who thought they were in a safe house; the fact that we see sides of Selena since the rich nerdy prima-donna socialite Nick thought he met in White Jade. We stand back in awe as she has guns in both hands blazing, snarling with power. Nick looks over and is appalled at what he thinks they have created.
In the scene that finally takes them to New York City, (where I was born) I “know” in my mind where they are. I travel with them street by street and can see the Majestic City from across the river. I hold my breath at the final scenes of them trying to get to where they need to be, will they get there in time? As a reader I have sweaty palms and am holding my breath. Please do not miss this adrenaline rush. I, as a reviewer, hate to give you too much of the story. I wish you to experience this wild ride you will take as your own.
So Mr. Lukeman, you seem to have given us it all, Mystery, Thriller, Action, Romance. Yes, lovers of romance Selena and Nick have something going, but Nick, baby, even though it shows in your eyes, a woman needs the words.
Our ‘couple’ in the last chapter went to Nick’s remote cabin hideaway to rest and I feel the need to gather my strength for the next one you throw at us as well. Looking forward to it though. Hopefully the whole gang will be there at full strength and we can see what the bad guys can rustle up. As I said when I started, I am exhausted but elated, loved the rush.
Review by Gloria Lakritz
Sr Reviewer and Review Chairperson for the Paranormal Romance Guild
April 25, 2015
I’ve listened to book three and book six in the series, the other being “The Nostradamus Files” and I really like them both. They can be listened to as stand alone audiobooks but I would like to listen to the whole series. The stories are good and adventurous and easy to follow.
The British Foreign Secretary is found assassinated in London with a sign on him, an ambigram in Arabic writing. This begins Nick Carter and Selena Conner’s journey through the rough terrain of the Sahara desert. They’re sent to Timbuktu in Western Africa where they encounter a terror cell while searching for hidden artifacts in a cave in the Algerian mountains. They find much more than they intended after being warned in advance by a few people aren’t who they appear to be.
I like these books because they stay with the subject. They’re interesting and keep the listener’s attention with some good twists, good plots, and likeable characters. There’s no deep involvement but rather, exciting perils. I would recommend any of these books for a good conspiracy adventure.
About the narrator: Jack de Golia is perfect in these books. He has a good middle of the road sound. He’s able to differentiate the character’s voices so that the listener always knows whose speaking. He also keeps the story moving at a steady pace.
Audiobook gifted in exchange for review.
The British Foreign Secretary is found assassinated in London with a sign on him, an ambigram in Arabic writing. This begins Nick Carter and Selena Conner’s journey through the rough terrain of the Sahara desert. They’re sent to Timbuktu in Western Africa where they encounter a terror cell while searching for hidden artifacts in a cave in the Algerian mountains. They find much more than they intended after being warned in advance by a few people aren’t who they appear to be.
I like these books because they stay with the subject. They’re interesting and keep the listener’s attention with some good twists, good plots, and likeable characters. There’s no deep involvement but rather, exciting perils. I would recommend any of these books for a good conspiracy adventure.
About the narrator: Jack de Golia is perfect in these books. He has a good middle of the road sound. He’s able to differentiate the character’s voices so that the listener always knows whose speaking. He also keeps the story moving at a steady pace.
Audiobook gifted in exchange for review.
December 6, 2014
Super 'cowboy-&-indian' action and suspense! The story kept me turning the pages. Nick Carter and his girlfriend, Selena, are part of a secret agency called the Project. They are on the hunt for assassins, searching for them at first in the middle of nowhere where villains hide in the caves of the Algerian mountains. Nick is a believable 'Dirty Harry' type of protagonist set in modern day times. I felt like I was right there with him when the plane flies to Taoudenni, and he searches for a highly protected manuscript. The search for a well-guarded ancient manuscript kept me on the edge of my seat. The story would have been just as terrific without the graphic sex scenes. Written in third person narrative, I enjoyed the scene changes, back and forth, from Nick and Selena to the villain, Bausari.
This book is the first book in The Project Series that I read; it is an excellent stand-alone story. Alex Lukeman has structure, dialogue, and plot nailed down to a tee. Alex did a great job showing the horrific nature of a deceptive holy jihad - a real downward spiral from hell. Alex displays a remarkable knowledge of the area and describes the life of a war hero very well. I look forward to reading another one of his books in The Project series.
This book is the first book in The Project Series that I read; it is an excellent stand-alone story. Alex Lukeman has structure, dialogue, and plot nailed down to a tee. Alex did a great job showing the horrific nature of a deceptive holy jihad - a real downward spiral from hell. Alex displays a remarkable knowledge of the area and describes the life of a war hero very well. I look forward to reading another one of his books in The Project series.
June 22, 2012
How wonderful it is to be reunited with Stephanie and Nick, the wonderful and brilliantly "word-painted" characters from master thriller writer Alex Lukeman. As with his previous books, the action is fast and furious and the characters pop off the page!
I was especially facinated by the Ancient Brotherhood of Assassins and how well Mr. Lukeman weaved them into the narrative- thereby lending an air of history to a magnificent modern thriller- The locales are spot on as usual, Western Africa is brilliantly rendered as to make the reader feel as if he/she is actually there! this is another winner by a writer who ranks up there with the very top of thriller writers!!!
AN OFFICIAL JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB MUST READ
Rick Friedman
Founder
THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
I was especially facinated by the Ancient Brotherhood of Assassins and how well Mr. Lukeman weaved them into the narrative- thereby lending an air of history to a magnificent modern thriller- The locales are spot on as usual, Western Africa is brilliantly rendered as to make the reader feel as if he/she is actually there! this is another winner by a writer who ranks up there with the very top of thriller writers!!!
AN OFFICIAL JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB MUST READ
Rick Friedman
Founder
THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
June 1, 2015
In the Seventh Pillar, the team is operating with only half the team due to injuries from their last mission. Elizabeth, the leader of the Project, who has a serious medical condition that could end her life is unable to continue. Nick and Stephanie are made co-directors until or if Elizabeth is able to return.
The team is called up to stop several political murders. At each murder there is a strange sign left on the victims. Selena, Nick's love interest, is a language expert and invaluable in helping to translate these signs. They have to find the terrorist who is planning on causing the End of Times.
Their journey takes them to Africa and Hindu Kish to find all the clues to stop this group. Extremely fast paced. You actually can feel the tension and fear throughout the book.
Fantastic series.
The team is called up to stop several political murders. At each murder there is a strange sign left on the victims. Selena, Nick's love interest, is a language expert and invaluable in helping to translate these signs. They have to find the terrorist who is planning on causing the End of Times.
Their journey takes them to Africa and Hindu Kish to find all the clues to stop this group. Extremely fast paced. You actually can feel the tension and fear throughout the book.
Fantastic series.
Want to read
October 27, 201510/27/15 - Kindle free download.
September 3, 2018
Excellent book. The women are very stereo typical though. Selena is always brushing hair from her forehead and Harker is the stereotypical masculine acting boss. Even the men are stereotyped. Nick is no really good-looking but rugged and there is a handsomeness in this.
Other than severely stereotyping the characters , the book held my interest from start to finish and literally the second I was finished this on, I started the next, and I fully expect the fourth to be better than the last.
Other than severely stereotyping the characters , the book held my interest from start to finish and literally the second I was finished this on, I started the next, and I fully expect the fourth to be better than the last.
May 11, 2024
this is the third book in Alex Lukeman's The Project series and it's as good as the first 2 can't wait to read/listen to more of this series. IF you like spy/mystery/thriller type books give Mr. Lukeman a shot... It feels like no time has passed before the books are done their quick the story line is engaging and the characters will grow on you....You'll find yourself wanting to know what happens next and for a few lucky enough to really get into the story you'll feel like you're right there with the Project Team as they save the day once again...or die trying.
November 30, 2017
Hate to see it end!
Mr. Lukeman is a master storyteller. Having read all of the Project series my fav is.,,all of them. Scenerios, plots, locations keep me locked to the end. Nick, & his team are intriguing characters that I always look forward to running the story with & I'm always relieved when they manage to return from some pretty dire circumstances. Keep them coming Alex! Thank you.
Mr. Lukeman is a master storyteller. Having read all of the Project series my fav is.,,all of them. Scenerios, plots, locations keep me locked to the end. Nick, & his team are intriguing characters that I always look forward to running the story with & I'm always relieved when they manage to return from some pretty dire circumstances. Keep them coming Alex! Thank you.
August 14, 2019
Another fun read.
I really enjoyed this story, my fourth in the Project Series. It is fun reading a series and getting to know the Characters that the author portrayed.
While not a Serial but a series, it’s easy to become involved with the main characters.
The story is fast paced and easy to follow.
Even when it feels like it’s ripped from a Newspaper Headlines. I had to shake my head a few times, to remind myself, this is just fictional.
I really enjoyed this story, my fourth in the Project Series. It is fun reading a series and getting to know the Characters that the author portrayed.
While not a Serial but a series, it’s easy to become involved with the main characters.
The story is fast paced and easy to follow.
Even when it feels like it’s ripped from a Newspaper Headlines. I had to shake my head a few times, to remind myself, this is just fictional.
May 22, 2019
This is the third in the project series and I am totally hooked. Once I start I can’t put the book down. I really hurt for the characters when they get hurt and can physically feel the tension when they are in a bad spot. Thank you Alex for such a wonderful series. I am looking forward to reading the next adventure in the “Project”!
October 31, 2017
ANOTHER FINE PROJECT IT IS...
Hello, these stories keep getting better and better. You find yourself feeling invested in the characters and that is what I want in a story. Damn good stuff. Thanks.
Hello, these stories keep getting better and better. You find yourself feeling invested in the characters and that is what I want in a story. Damn good stuff. Thanks.
April 15, 2018
Another Muslim plot to obliterate Western civilization, foiled by yet another clandestine American agency with 'superhero' personnel. The story is nothing original but is reasonably well written and keeps the reader interested. Another book to read to pass time when one has nothing pressing to do.
December 1, 2019
Another doozie by Lukeman
This was another page turner for Lukeman. The author won’t let your concentration wane. With the constant action and suspense you are assured a good read.
This was another page turner for Lukeman. The author won’t let your concentration wane. With the constant action and suspense you are assured a good read.
February 25, 2020
Almost non-stop action up to the nail-biting conclusion. The book is the perfect length and moves along at a steady pace. I do think I would enjoy this series more if the characters engaged in some banter to break the constant tension.
May 21, 2020
The Elite op group have their next assignment, a British Secretary was murder, the symbols left on the body are what. Part of the team are injured and the others are once again trotting across the globe, hunting for the assissins. Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
April 24, 2024
The Lucky Number
This wasn’t a bad book, but it wasn’t really easy to read either. I’d pick it up, read a while, then it’ll be put down for a longer while. Interesting read, but not captivating.
This wasn’t a bad book, but it wasn’t really easy to read either. I’d pick it up, read a while, then it’ll be put down for a longer while. Interesting read, but not captivating.
December 21, 2017
The story was very formulaic. It’s the kind of book you would pickup if you have nothing else to read.
May 10, 2018
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much . Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much . Shelley MA
February 17, 2020
A fast paced action thriller!I enjoyed it.Jack de Golia was a fine narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
April 3, 2020
The action continues
Each book in the series maintains the action and excitement. It's enough to keep me coming back so far. We'll see how long it lasts.
Each book in the series maintains the action and excitement. It's enough to keep me coming back so far. We'll see how long it lasts.
August 11, 2020
Great combination of action and suspense
Just the right amount of action and suspense to keep you interested throughout the book. Short adventures, looking forward to the next one.
Just the right amount of action and suspense to keep you interested throughout the book. Short adventures, looking forward to the next one.
September 15, 2021
Great Read - Good Characters
At times you need willing suspension of this belief but all in all it is a great action ride that is tough to put down
At times you need willing suspension of this belief but all in all it is a great action ride that is tough to put down
October 10, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. Lots of good action and plot twists. The good guys won in the end but it was a struggle for all of them to do that. They live to fight another day.
April 14, 2024
Wham, bam, get your man...and more in this vein at a breakneck pace.
June 11, 2014
Nick Carter is truly a force to reckon with especially when he is partnered with lover Selena Connor for this 3rd in the Project series. While Director Elizabeth Harker is recovering from her injuries sustained in the previous book, Nick is paired with Stephanie, Harker's right hand (wo)man and extremely efficient second-in-command to direct this small but elite black ops group. The Project answers directly to the president and this time nasty plots are afoot with fanatical terrorists primed with centuries of hate, preparation, and where-with all to detonate a heinous series of crimes calculated to begin the war to end all wars.
The Project is a small group and gets smaller very quickly with the serious injuries dealt Lamont and Ronnie early in the operation, both ex-military and quite adroit at their specialties. Selena is the rookie in the mix and as deadly as she is given her training is now finding herself using Nick's knowledge of survival--kill or be killed--and discovering a talent she'd rather not have known she'd excel in.
Selena brings additional talents to the group with her expert knowledge of ancient languages and quickly translates symbols left on the bodies of the terrorists targets.
Sent to Africa, around the world, and back again has them counting down in a nail-biting climax to find the men and their deadly cargo before it can be unleashed on the world.
Lukeman does it again with this book of the series, continuing character development, expanding their knowledge, and the tight expertise each brings to the Project. Whether Lukeman has been a 007 in a previous career is hard to tell in reading the history he presents and the finely detailed backgrounds--whether men or country--described. Talk about research!--and kudos to his wife for helping to add that feminine sensitivity to his female characters. The book appeals to both sexes equally. Heartily recommended--and I'm looking forward to reading the 4th in the series!
The Project is a small group and gets smaller very quickly with the serious injuries dealt Lamont and Ronnie early in the operation, both ex-military and quite adroit at their specialties. Selena is the rookie in the mix and as deadly as she is given her training is now finding herself using Nick's knowledge of survival--kill or be killed--and discovering a talent she'd rather not have known she'd excel in.
Selena brings additional talents to the group with her expert knowledge of ancient languages and quickly translates symbols left on the bodies of the terrorists targets.
Sent to Africa, around the world, and back again has them counting down in a nail-biting climax to find the men and their deadly cargo before it can be unleashed on the world.
Lukeman does it again with this book of the series, continuing character development, expanding their knowledge, and the tight expertise each brings to the Project. Whether Lukeman has been a 007 in a previous career is hard to tell in reading the history he presents and the finely detailed backgrounds--whether men or country--described. Talk about research!--and kudos to his wife for helping to add that feminine sensitivity to his female characters. The book appeals to both sexes equally. Heartily recommended--and I'm looking forward to reading the 4th in the series!
February 25, 2016
The Seventh Pillar is a textbook espionage thriller, full of shootouts, explosions, high-tech weaponry, and worldwide travel.
This was my second plunge into the Project novels and again it wasn’t easy to enter the middle of a long-running series. Luckily, author Alex Lukeman provides enough background on the key characters to help newer readers avoid confusion.
The narrative has an almost absurd amount of bouncing around to various global locales, at times making the storyline seem like “if it’s Tuesday, we must be in Whereveristan”. Furthermore, protagonists Nick and Selena have seemingly superhuman abilities to escape impossibly dire spots. Only via major injuries--e.g., bullet and stab wounds--does Lukeman return our heroes to earth to walk among mere mortals.
I didn’t care for the somewhat self-serving political message at the end, apparently intended to justify all the death and destruction the Project team leaves in their wake. However, I suppose near-robotic mayhem comes with the territory in covert black ops vs. terrorists tales.
Although The Seventh Pillar seemed more paint-by-number than the other Project book I’ve read, I’ll stick with them if Bookbub continues to tip me to free copies.
This was my second plunge into the Project novels and again it wasn’t easy to enter the middle of a long-running series. Luckily, author Alex Lukeman provides enough background on the key characters to help newer readers avoid confusion.
The narrative has an almost absurd amount of bouncing around to various global locales, at times making the storyline seem like “if it’s Tuesday, we must be in Whereveristan”. Furthermore, protagonists Nick and Selena have seemingly superhuman abilities to escape impossibly dire spots. Only via major injuries--e.g., bullet and stab wounds--does Lukeman return our heroes to earth to walk among mere mortals.
I didn’t care for the somewhat self-serving political message at the end, apparently intended to justify all the death and destruction the Project team leaves in their wake. However, I suppose near-robotic mayhem comes with the territory in covert black ops vs. terrorists tales.
Although The Seventh Pillar seemed more paint-by-number than the other Project book I’ve read, I’ll stick with them if Bookbub continues to tip me to free copies.
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