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USAF Pararescue #2
The Empty Quarter by David L. Robbins
ex-library in clamshell, usual library markings
MP3 CD
First published August 1, 2014
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1671 people want to read
About the author
David L. Robbins
40 books140 followersDavid L. Robbins was born in Richmond, Virginia, on March 10, 1954. He grew up in Sandston, a small town east of Richmond out by the airport; his father was among the first to sit behind the new radar scope in the air traffic control tower. Both his parents, Sam and Carol, were veterans of WWII. Sam saw action in the Pacific, especially at Pearl Harbor.
In 1976, David graduated with a B.A. in Theater and Speech from the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Having little actual theatrical talent, he didn't know what to do for a living. David decided to attend what he calls the “great catch-basin of unfocused over-achievers”: law school. He received his Juris Doctorate at William and Mary in 1980, then practiced environmental law in Columbia, S.C. for precisely a year (his father demanded back the money for law school if David practiced for less than one year – he quit two weeks before the anniversary but got Sam to agree that the two weeks' vacation David had accumulated could be included). David decided to attend Psychology school, having an affinity for people's stories and a fascination with woe. However, while waiting for admisison in 1981, he began a successful freelance writing career. He began writing fiction in 1997, and has since published twelve novels. He's currently working on the thirteenth, the third in his U.S. Air Force Pararescuemen series, as well as several scripts for the stage and screen. He has won awards for his essays and screenplays, and has had three stage plays produced.
David is an accomplished guitarist, studying the works of James Taylor and Latin classical. At six feet six inches tall, he stays active with his sailboat, shooting sporting clays, weightlifting, traveling to research his novels. He is the founder of the James River Writers (Jamesriverwriters.org) a non-profit group in his hometown of Richmond that helps aspiring writers and students work and learn together as a writing community. He also co-founded The Podium Foundation (thepodiumfoundation.org), a non-profit which brings writing and critical reasoning programs to the students of Richmond’s city high schools, as well as support programs for city educators. He also teaches advanced creative writing as a visiting professor at Virginia Commonwealth University's Honors College. David resides in Richmond, near the James River.
In 1976, David graduated with a B.A. in Theater and Speech from the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Having little actual theatrical talent, he didn't know what to do for a living. David decided to attend what he calls the “great catch-basin of unfocused over-achievers”: law school. He received his Juris Doctorate at William and Mary in 1980, then practiced environmental law in Columbia, S.C. for precisely a year (his father demanded back the money for law school if David practiced for less than one year – he quit two weeks before the anniversary but got Sam to agree that the two weeks' vacation David had accumulated could be included). David decided to attend Psychology school, having an affinity for people's stories and a fascination with woe. However, while waiting for admisison in 1981, he began a successful freelance writing career. He began writing fiction in 1997, and has since published twelve novels. He's currently working on the thirteenth, the third in his U.S. Air Force Pararescuemen series, as well as several scripts for the stage and screen. He has won awards for his essays and screenplays, and has had three stage plays produced.
David is an accomplished guitarist, studying the works of James Taylor and Latin classical. At six feet six inches tall, he stays active with his sailboat, shooting sporting clays, weightlifting, traveling to research his novels. He is the founder of the James River Writers (Jamesriverwriters.org) a non-profit group in his hometown of Richmond that helps aspiring writers and students work and learn together as a writing community. He also co-founded The Podium Foundation (thepodiumfoundation.org), a non-profit which brings writing and critical reasoning programs to the students of Richmond’s city high schools, as well as support programs for city educators. He also teaches advanced creative writing as a visiting professor at Virginia Commonwealth University's Honors College. David resides in Richmond, near the James River.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
May 6, 2015
This was an Amazon Kindle First monthly pick for me. After seeing (and passing) many a novel about romances involving women pining away for their ideal man, I was excited to see something else. Initially I was going to pass on this particular months read because none actually stood out to me, not even the "Empty Quarter." But then I read the reviews, and one review in particular stood out because it totally panned the author just because they felt like it. I left some comments asking questions to probe why they had left the only one star remark out of the five comments that were left at the time, however, that particular comment chain is deleted. Anyway, I decided then that I would choose this and read it for myself.
Overall, I agree with many of the comments already left- the books is a bit difficult to get started, the pace zigs and zags to such a great extant that it left me wanting to walk away for a good two-thirds of it. But its also unexpected, and even better the book actually delves into nuances and subtitles that many authors writing about terrorism, the US special forces and/or military seem to always get wrong.
This is not to say that the book is not without fault. There are glaring problems with it in terms of the authenticity of cultures, religions and customs that the author is trying to write about. If I may indulge the author in a small bit of advise- first its understandable to use the word "hadji" within the context of a conversation between military personnel, however, to use it within the narrative voice is not simply problematic, but also racist. For all the nuances and insight weaved into the plot about Saudi, Yemeni and Turkish cultures, you totally missed the point when incorporating the term "hadji" within your narrative voice. It not only made me cringe, but it made me want to stop reading that book because it was offensive. It was offensive also because it didn't fit the rest of the enlightened depictions given later on the book. There was something greatly disturbing and wrong about its casual use, especially since you weren't using it to depict a outwardly unrepentant bigoted racist character (or voice).
Like I said, there was a good degree of understanding of Islam (as a religion) and the cultures (and nationalities) that Muslims fall in to. But things as simple as knowing that Muslims do not prostrate in front of their dead, or even on top of their dead during the Janazah (funeral prayers) would be expected knowledge from someone who wrote so intimately about other aspects of Muslim life. As is the fact that the term "MashaAllah" is used, but not in the way you used it, and that there are many other (even regional) variations of similar religious (and secularized) blessings. You could have easily used them, and added the footnote, along with the dozens of other footnotes left for the reader to decipher the multitude of military acronyms you used, and it would have just been fine.
There are more small things I could add, but overall the book was enjoyable and I don't want to take away from that sentiment by driveling over those other aspects. I honestly thought there would be the time tested twist of exotic foreign girl falling for white caucasian prince charming who came to rescue her from her murdering fanatical Arab husband, however, that was not the case. In fact, there was a twist to that tired and useless trope, which I very much appreciated, because you took it to the next level. You explored relationships in the larger context of world events and far off distant policy decisions.
It was relationships between husband and wife, between community, individuals and tribes, societies, as well as relationships built within groups of warriors. This focus made propelled me as a reader forward, creating my own relationship with the characters, to see them through to the resolution of the plot. That was what made the book engaging. It also helped that the dialogue was believable and the representation of people and cultures I am familiar with to be believable and also relatable (I am an American Muslim, with a diversity of friends from around the world, so these cultures aren't foreign to me). There aren't too many books like this one in this genre, so I recommend it to a casual reader.
Overall, I agree with many of the comments already left- the books is a bit difficult to get started, the pace zigs and zags to such a great extant that it left me wanting to walk away for a good two-thirds of it. But its also unexpected, and even better the book actually delves into nuances and subtitles that many authors writing about terrorism, the US special forces and/or military seem to always get wrong.
This is not to say that the book is not without fault. There are glaring problems with it in terms of the authenticity of cultures, religions and customs that the author is trying to write about. If I may indulge the author in a small bit of advise- first its understandable to use the word "hadji" within the context of a conversation between military personnel, however, to use it within the narrative voice is not simply problematic, but also racist. For all the nuances and insight weaved into the plot about Saudi, Yemeni and Turkish cultures, you totally missed the point when incorporating the term "hadji" within your narrative voice. It not only made me cringe, but it made me want to stop reading that book because it was offensive. It was offensive also because it didn't fit the rest of the enlightened depictions given later on the book. There was something greatly disturbing and wrong about its casual use, especially since you weren't using it to depict a outwardly unrepentant bigoted racist character (or voice).
Like I said, there was a good degree of understanding of Islam (as a religion) and the cultures (and nationalities) that Muslims fall in to. But things as simple as knowing that Muslims do not prostrate in front of their dead, or even on top of their dead during the Janazah (funeral prayers) would be expected knowledge from someone who wrote so intimately about other aspects of Muslim life. As is the fact that the term "MashaAllah" is used, but not in the way you used it, and that there are many other (even regional) variations of similar religious (and secularized) blessings. You could have easily used them, and added the footnote, along with the dozens of other footnotes left for the reader to decipher the multitude of military acronyms you used, and it would have just been fine.
There are more small things I could add, but overall the book was enjoyable and I don't want to take away from that sentiment by driveling over those other aspects. I honestly thought there would be the time tested twist of exotic foreign girl falling for white caucasian prince charming who came to rescue her from her murdering fanatical Arab husband, however, that was not the case. In fact, there was a twist to that tired and useless trope, which I very much appreciated, because you took it to the next level. You explored relationships in the larger context of world events and far off distant policy decisions.
It was relationships between husband and wife, between community, individuals and tribes, societies, as well as relationships built within groups of warriors. This focus made propelled me as a reader forward, creating my own relationship with the characters, to see them through to the resolution of the plot. That was what made the book engaging. It also helped that the dialogue was believable and the representation of people and cultures I am familiar with to be believable and also relatable (I am an American Muslim, with a diversity of friends from around the world, so these cultures aren't foreign to me). There aren't too many books like this one in this genre, so I recommend it to a casual reader.
September 30, 2017
This is not a long book but it took me a while to get through it. I don't read a lot of military based fiction. But his one piqued my interest. There was a lot of detail related to equipment and procedure that initially made it a bit of a slog. Once I acclimated to that, it became a military thriller.
The story centers around a Air Force pararescue unit. They are called into pull personnel out of firefights and other dire situations. Being medically trained they also give life saving treatment to those they rescue. In this story they are tasked with rescuing a kidnapped Saudi princess.
The story line was engaging, albeit testosterone-filled. Understanding that I wasn't exactly the book's target audience, I let this go.I enjoyed the look into the Saudi/Yemeni culture, and into the world of military Special Operations. While this is part of a series, I wasn't engaged enough to continue reading anymore. But military buffs will thoroughly enjoy the series I'm sure.
The story centers around a Air Force pararescue unit. They are called into pull personnel out of firefights and other dire situations. Being medically trained they also give life saving treatment to those they rescue. In this story they are tasked with rescuing a kidnapped Saudi princess.
The story line was engaging, albeit testosterone-filled. Understanding that I wasn't exactly the book's target audience, I let this go.I enjoyed the look into the Saudi/Yemeni culture, and into the world of military Special Operations. While this is part of a series, I wasn't engaged enough to continue reading anymore. But military buffs will thoroughly enjoy the series I'm sure.
September 10, 2014
Some might call this a story about the U.S. Military and terrorism, but I'm going to call it a love story.
It is about the love between men... no, not that kind - the brotherly bond of men in a fighting unit; it is about the love between a husband and a wife - and how far they'll go for one another; it is about the love between tribal members - and the entwining fates of groups.
Mr. Robbins does an excellent job of interweaving these different loves into a confluence in the middle of the Arabian Desert - The Empty Quarter.
And yes, it's about the U.S. Military, terrorism, and the manipulations of the rich and powerful, and the CIA.
1 Corinthians 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
It is about the love between men... no, not that kind - the brotherly bond of men in a fighting unit; it is about the love between a husband and a wife - and how far they'll go for one another; it is about the love between tribal members - and the entwining fates of groups.
Mr. Robbins does an excellent job of interweaving these different loves into a confluence in the middle of the Arabian Desert - The Empty Quarter.
And yes, it's about the U.S. Military, terrorism, and the manipulations of the rich and powerful, and the CIA.
1 Corinthians 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
July 8, 2014
The Empty Quarter by David L. Robbins is a riveting military suspense thriller which is way beyond my expectations. When I started out on the book, I knew it was something that I wanted to read but was not aware that I’d be totally absorbed. If you love military suspense, espionage, war or political thriller, this book is a must read.
Author David L. Robbins’ in-depth knowledge of military operations and espionage come to the fore as he crafted a fascinating story revolving around the kidnapping of a Saudi Princess who is a doctor by profession, and married to a semi-retired mujahideen. The CIA comes into the picture when her father sought the help of American Special Ops US Air Force para-rescue jumpers to get her out of Yemen.
It’s a wild, wild ride across the desert with the plot swiftly paced and the action fast and thick. What makes this novel truly fascinating is its unpredictability, as it is full of surprises, all the way to the end. Along the edge of the seat entertainment, you will also enjoy doses of fun as there is enough room for good laughs and romance, skillfully planted into the story by the author. Well-written and gripping, The Empty Quarter is one of those books that will leave you clamoring for more.
Author David L. Robbins’ in-depth knowledge of military operations and espionage come to the fore as he crafted a fascinating story revolving around the kidnapping of a Saudi Princess who is a doctor by profession, and married to a semi-retired mujahideen. The CIA comes into the picture when her father sought the help of American Special Ops US Air Force para-rescue jumpers to get her out of Yemen.
It’s a wild, wild ride across the desert with the plot swiftly paced and the action fast and thick. What makes this novel truly fascinating is its unpredictability, as it is full of surprises, all the way to the end. Along the edge of the seat entertainment, you will also enjoy doses of fun as there is enough room for good laughs and romance, skillfully planted into the story by the author. Well-written and gripping, The Empty Quarter is one of those books that will leave you clamoring for more.
August 9, 2014
I finally slogged my through this novel and FINISHED - thanks to the patience gods! There was so so much jargon and technical information about the PJ's equipment, camp, and other stuff I began to wonder if I was reading a training manual or a piece of fiction. Tom Clancy put a lot of technical information in his books as it related to the storyline, but his prose flowed and didn't have footnotes at the end of each chapter as does The Empty Quarter. And the ending! It was so incredible; it was just plain absurd! The storyline was a good idea, but the execution of it was a dull, dry read with the reader leaving the realms of suspended disbelief.
The storyline is simple. A member of the Royal Saudi family wants his daughter to returned to him without her husband. The princess loves him, but her father does not. He rather see Arif dead rather than in his house. He arranges "a rescue" from the Americans. The elite Pararescue Jumpers go into to action as well as a low level embassy employee whom was a former Army Ranger. None of the rescuers know that the Saudi Prince is actually arranging her kidnapping with the hopeful outcome that Arif is killed during the rescue and Nayada is safely returned to the Kingdom. The desert they have to cross is the deadly desert in Yemen known as The Empty Quarter.
Sounds good, doesn't it? The storyline is a great idea, but the writing did it injustice. And that is never good when reading a thriller. Will I ever read this author again? I doubt it unless there are no footnotes in the novel.
The storyline is simple. A member of the Royal Saudi family wants his daughter to returned to him without her husband. The princess loves him, but her father does not. He rather see Arif dead rather than in his house. He arranges "a rescue" from the Americans. The elite Pararescue Jumpers go into to action as well as a low level embassy employee whom was a former Army Ranger. None of the rescuers know that the Saudi Prince is actually arranging her kidnapping with the hopeful outcome that Arif is killed during the rescue and Nayada is safely returned to the Kingdom. The desert they have to cross is the deadly desert in Yemen known as The Empty Quarter.
Sounds good, doesn't it? The storyline is a great idea, but the writing did it injustice. And that is never good when reading a thriller. Will I ever read this author again? I doubt it unless there are no footnotes in the novel.
July 30, 2014
I guess you'd call this one "Military Thriller"? A para-rescue jump (PJ) team is deployed to a dodgy mission in the "Empty Quarter" desert of Yemen/Saudi Arabia. A Saudi princess is being transported across the border, pursued by her husband - a mujahideen connected ex-Saudi named Afif. A diplomat, the PJs, Al-Qaeda, a Yelemni spy and Saudi intelligence all come along for the ride to a big face-off.
The first half of this book a trudge. The REAL story isn't with the pararescue team, it's with the Saudi man and wife, and so all the pages devoted to the military jargon and military team interplay seemed like wasted time to me. I frankly didn't know, or care to keep track of, the military players until the final 1/3 of the book.
The Saudi side of the story is compelling, emotional and influenced from, reflective of, Arabic culture. The author obviously did major homework with both the military stuff and the Arabic/Islamic way of thinking. It shows. Just seemed like the focus and effort should have remained on the Saudi couple's story.
The military details just re-affirmed my thoughts on the colossal waste of resources we're pouring into the mid-east and gulf areas - all based on misunderstandings, prejudices, pettiness, thousands of years of hatred, blood rivalries, etc. I'm disgusted not only by the waste of money/technology (which is obscene), but more importantly the lives, blood, respect and good will all wasted (infinitely more obscene). Just like water poured into a hole in the desert - doing about as much good.
While I get the macho thrill of driving/flying around a few million dollars of equipment in some sand-ocean on the other side of the world, delivering unexpected, swift death on purported "evil-doers," I fail to see how its doing anything positive. Except for the weapon dealers and bullet manufacturers. I think they are coming out pretty good!
At least the author focuses on the human/healer side of the PJ team, while also describing in detail all their macho chest thumping and bullet slinging.
The first half of this book a trudge. The REAL story isn't with the pararescue team, it's with the Saudi man and wife, and so all the pages devoted to the military jargon and military team interplay seemed like wasted time to me. I frankly didn't know, or care to keep track of, the military players until the final 1/3 of the book.
The Saudi side of the story is compelling, emotional and influenced from, reflective of, Arabic culture. The author obviously did major homework with both the military stuff and the Arabic/Islamic way of thinking. It shows. Just seemed like the focus and effort should have remained on the Saudi couple's story.
The military details just re-affirmed my thoughts on the colossal waste of resources we're pouring into the mid-east and gulf areas - all based on misunderstandings, prejudices, pettiness, thousands of years of hatred, blood rivalries, etc. I'm disgusted not only by the waste of money/technology (which is obscene), but more importantly the lives, blood, respect and good will all wasted (infinitely more obscene). Just like water poured into a hole in the desert - doing about as much good.
While I get the macho thrill of driving/flying around a few million dollars of equipment in some sand-ocean on the other side of the world, delivering unexpected, swift death on purported "evil-doers," I fail to see how its doing anything positive. Except for the weapon dealers and bullet manufacturers. I think they are coming out pretty good!
At least the author focuses on the human/healer side of the PJ team, while also describing in detail all their macho chest thumping and bullet slinging.
August 19, 2014
Once again David Robbins has written an excellent military thriller. I won't bore you with a summary as others have done that. What is really striking about this story is that we are taken into the mind of the "Al Queda" member like no other book I've read does. We see the world from his perspective, the love he and his wife have, and his absolute determination in which he goes about his tasks. Once again I am impressed with David's knowledge of the culture of the middle east, especially the tribal relations that exist. While we see the world through the terrorists eyes, its hard not to pull for him in certain ways because he is made to be a somewhat sympathetic character. The writer does this without bringing up sympathy in general for terrorists or Al Queda. Our hero, once again is primarily LB who seems to be at odds with his boss, Wally, more than with him. However, these men are the leaders of a well oiled and close knit team of para rescue men and they are definitely the good guys.
All I can say is if you like military thrillers with well developed characters you're in for a treat with David Robbins' books. I can hardly wait for the 3rd book in this series.
All I can say is if you like military thrillers with well developed characters you're in for a treat with David Robbins' books. I can hardly wait for the 3rd book in this series.
July 13, 2014
Great military action/adventure!
I had to give this book 5 stars. It is one of the best military action/adventures I've ever read, and that tends to be one of my favorite genres. The story follows Air Force PJs, the Guardian Angels, through a harrowing rescue, with so much more at stake than a couple of lives. Manipulation of the CIA, a semi-rookie diplomat, a newbie PJ team leader, Saudi and Yemini tribesmen, and the brutal desert all take turns holding center stage. It's fun to read all the military jargon and follow along with the field medical care, especially in the heat of battle. I am so looking forward to reading many more titles by this author. GREAT BOOK!
I had to give this book 5 stars. It is one of the best military action/adventures I've ever read, and that tends to be one of my favorite genres. The story follows Air Force PJs, the Guardian Angels, through a harrowing rescue, with so much more at stake than a couple of lives. Manipulation of the CIA, a semi-rookie diplomat, a newbie PJ team leader, Saudi and Yemini tribesmen, and the brutal desert all take turns holding center stage. It's fun to read all the military jargon and follow along with the field medical care, especially in the heat of battle. I am so looking forward to reading many more titles by this author. GREAT BOOK!
September 23, 2014
I dunno about this one... Interesting premise, but the PJ characters tended to blend together. And honestly, I was hoping for a bit more action and, well, jumping. Sadly, I was disappointed on that front. Oh well, I read it and moved on.
October 26, 2014
This is a somewhat unusual thriller because of the depth of the character development, particularly in regards to the antagonist (you can't really call him the "villain"). In fact, you sometimes end up feeling closer to the former mujahadeen than you do to the bad-ass, taciturn heroes.
Because of this development, however, it takes a little while for the actual story to get going. There are some excellently written action scenes early in the book, but they serve mostly to establish the tough-guy credentials of the team of pararescue jumpers (PJ's) rather than to move the plot forward, so in the early pages you have the paradox of a book that's both action packed and slow moving at the same time. But once things start to move, about halfway through, they really move. I devoured the last half of the book in one sitting.
I'll say this for author David L. Robbins: he's really done his homework. There's so much detail about the techniques of the PJ's and the settings in which they work that I had assumed he was a former PJ himself. This can sometimes be a drag on even the most exciting thrillers. I think I've noted elsewhere that in the long run, I really don't care who made the gloves the Navy SEALS are wearing when they kick the door in. Robbins, however, manages to avoid that particular pitfall. Your mileage may vary, however.
All in all, I recommend this one.
Because of this development, however, it takes a little while for the actual story to get going. There are some excellently written action scenes early in the book, but they serve mostly to establish the tough-guy credentials of the team of pararescue jumpers (PJ's) rather than to move the plot forward, so in the early pages you have the paradox of a book that's both action packed and slow moving at the same time. But once things start to move, about halfway through, they really move. I devoured the last half of the book in one sitting.
I'll say this for author David L. Robbins: he's really done his homework. There's so much detail about the techniques of the PJ's and the settings in which they work that I had assumed he was a former PJ himself. This can sometimes be a drag on even the most exciting thrillers. I think I've noted elsewhere that in the long run, I really don't care who made the gloves the Navy SEALS are wearing when they kick the door in. Robbins, however, manages to avoid that particular pitfall. Your mileage may vary, however.
All in all, I recommend this one.
August 2, 2016
The empty quarter by David L Robbins is a mystery and thriller and general fiction read.
Every member of the Special Ops US Air Force pararescue jumpers, the PJs, swears by the motto “That Others May Live.” A top-secret mission to save a kidnapped Saudi princess will put that oath to the ultimate test.
With a force of armed men, a former mujahideen chases across the desert of Yemen to recover his Saudi wife, kidnapped by her powerful father, a prince of the Kingdom. The kidnapping turns violent, she is badly wounded, and the PJs are dropped into the vast sere badlands to rescue the princess and a young American diplomat swept up in the plot. The mission becomes a minute-by-minute race between the pursuing husband’s band of tribal allies and the PJs rushing to the rescue, as the princess’s life seeps away.
Very good read.
I liked the story and the characters.
Lb was my favourite character.
I liked the ending too.
Recommended.
4* from me.
Thanks to netgalley for the arc.
#tbconfb.
Every member of the Special Ops US Air Force pararescue jumpers, the PJs, swears by the motto “That Others May Live.” A top-secret mission to save a kidnapped Saudi princess will put that oath to the ultimate test.
With a force of armed men, a former mujahideen chases across the desert of Yemen to recover his Saudi wife, kidnapped by her powerful father, a prince of the Kingdom. The kidnapping turns violent, she is badly wounded, and the PJs are dropped into the vast sere badlands to rescue the princess and a young American diplomat swept up in the plot. The mission becomes a minute-by-minute race between the pursuing husband’s band of tribal allies and the PJs rushing to the rescue, as the princess’s life seeps away.
Very good read.
I liked the story and the characters.
Lb was my favourite character.
I liked the ending too.
Recommended.
4* from me.
Thanks to netgalley for the arc.
#tbconfb.
July 18, 2014
Although it is definitely worth five stars the only drawback was it took half the book to set up the plot and get the reader to the main conflict. So it is a little slow in the beginning but not in a way thats frustrating or degrades the overall value of the story. This seemingly slow setup is very important later on as the story takes shape and how the different characters interact, although at first the connections are not apparent.
Prior to reading this I didn't even know the PJs existed and the skill set of these men is very impressive. I also thoroughly enjoyed the political manipulations between the Saudis and the CIA to involve the US in something that really had nothing to
Prior to reading this I didn't even know the PJs existed and the skill set of these men is very impressive. I also thoroughly enjoyed the political manipulations between the Saudis and the CIA to involve the US in something that really had nothing to
July 6, 2014
The full quarter
an excellent read,really good plot that tells you a lot of info about special forces extraction teams. these are the ones that go in and pull out the injured while the battle is still raging.the plot is about a kidnapping of a Saudi princess,who is a doctor and married to a semi retired terrorist if there is such a thing. the princesses after who is a wealthy Saudi,Prince asks help of the C.I.A. to help get her out of Yemen and that's when all the fun begins. it's plot is full of twists and turns. it'll keep you turning the pages to the end. A MUST READ!!!
an excellent read,really good plot that tells you a lot of info about special forces extraction teams. these are the ones that go in and pull out the injured while the battle is still raging.the plot is about a kidnapping of a Saudi princess,who is a doctor and married to a semi retired terrorist if there is such a thing. the princesses after who is a wealthy Saudi,Prince asks help of the C.I.A. to help get her out of Yemen and that's when all the fun begins. it's plot is full of twists and turns. it'll keep you turning the pages to the end. A MUST READ!!!
August 19, 2014
I left my comfortable chair and home as I read this book.
I learned much about the geography and customs and religious beliefs as I read this book set in Afghanistan. I did have to slow down and re-read what was happening and who was talking sometimes to understand what I was seeing and hearing and feeling. I was so relieved that one of our guys was still alive as I finished the book. Reading about these guys made me think about our military who are actually out t. here right now trying to survive like circumstances. Me? Here I sit in my favorite chair. good read
I learned much about the geography and customs and religious beliefs as I read this book set in Afghanistan. I did have to slow down and re-read what was happening and who was talking sometimes to understand what I was seeing and hearing and feeling. I was so relieved that one of our guys was still alive as I finished the book. Reading about these guys made me think about our military who are actually out t. here right now trying to survive like circumstances. Me? Here I sit in my favorite chair. good read
July 26, 2014
This book was one of the four choices offered this month as part of my prime membership. I chose it thinking it had potential for an easy summer read. This is a really good military thriller that pleasantly surprised me turning into a book that was tough to put down, the military PJ's are the main characters and while there is a lot of military jargon it is not over done. If you enjoy fast paced military thrillers this is a must read.
June 5, 2018
Thrills and Chills
David Robbins’ second in the USAF Pararescue Thriller series, “The Empty Quarter” was my Amazon Kindle First selection for June and even considering the slow start, it did not disappoint. Never having read Robbins my expectations weren’t high but he delivers a plot laced with political intrigue masquerading as a quasi-rescue/diplomatic mission that goes south. The PJs are an elite Air Force Special Ops rescue group tasked with the “rescue” of a Saudi princess. Well into the mission LB and his team discover that the rescue is in fact a kidnapping and the princess is seriously wounded in a firefight headed by her husband who is a former mujahideen. Their race across the desert is chilling and kept me riveted. I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns and the high-octane power of this story but the truly pleasant surprise was the underlying heart and sensitivity in the writing. Never sappy or gushy, just great depth and exceptionally good writing. That’s a dynamic combination and I’m looking forward to reading more of David Robbins.
David Robbins’ second in the USAF Pararescue Thriller series, “The Empty Quarter” was my Amazon Kindle First selection for June and even considering the slow start, it did not disappoint. Never having read Robbins my expectations weren’t high but he delivers a plot laced with political intrigue masquerading as a quasi-rescue/diplomatic mission that goes south. The PJs are an elite Air Force Special Ops rescue group tasked with the “rescue” of a Saudi princess. Well into the mission LB and his team discover that the rescue is in fact a kidnapping and the princess is seriously wounded in a firefight headed by her husband who is a former mujahideen. Their race across the desert is chilling and kept me riveted. I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns and the high-octane power of this story but the truly pleasant surprise was the underlying heart and sensitivity in the writing. Never sappy or gushy, just great depth and exceptionally good writing. That’s a dynamic combination and I’m looking forward to reading more of David Robbins.
August 30, 2023
I finished the book, but mostly because I wanted to see how it all turned out. (I probably should have just scrolled to the end and read that...) The idea behind the book was good, but the writing was not. The author spends pages describing what could have been done in a few paragraphs. The first several chapters (which are set-up) go on forever. Pointless details are discussed over multiple pages and one important piece of background* is barely mentioned.
Finally, the action of the book starts, but even that is slow and drawn out. The car chase never seems to end. The PJs waiting on the plane goes on for a pointless number of pages. Then once everyone is in the same place, the events get jumbled and the reader cannot always tell what is going on.
And then the book ends. There is a bit of closure, which is a relief.
Overall, skip this book.
(SPOILER)
* The promises and agreements between Arif and the landlord
Finally, the action of the book starts, but even that is slow and drawn out. The car chase never seems to end. The PJs waiting on the plane goes on for a pointless number of pages. Then once everyone is in the same place, the events get jumbled and the reader cannot always tell what is going on.
And then the book ends. There is a bit of closure, which is a relief.
Overall, skip this book.
(SPOILER)
* The promises and agreements between Arif and the landlord
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2017
I got this book for free when Amazon was doing their “monthly firsts” emails. The book was okay. Slow at the beginning, too many characters whose names and details I could barely remember. Too much military jargon. The pararescue men were the least interesting characters by far, and there were like 12 of them, couldn’t keep them straight. The action starts about 1/2-2/3s of the way through the book, and that’s when I really got into it. Probably wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone else.
September 28, 2018
Couldn’t Put It Down
This fast paced thriller had me from page one. The PJs are a rare bunch of heroes that fear nothing and fight hard to save lives. Through all the twists and turns, you will fall in love with these selfless angels and hate to say goodbye, like I did, when the book ends. Looking forward to the next book!
This fast paced thriller had me from page one. The PJs are a rare bunch of heroes that fear nothing and fight hard to save lives. Through all the twists and turns, you will fall in love with these selfless angels and hate to say goodbye, like I did, when the book ends. Looking forward to the next book!
August 29, 2019
Military thrillers aren't my normal genre, but I really liked this book. I'll definitely read more by this author.
Worth mentioning: at the time I read it, I didn't realize it is book two of a series. I didn't feel like I had missed anything, so I guess the continuity is not very important.
Worth mentioning: at the time I read it, I didn't realize it is book two of a series. I didn't feel like I had missed anything, so I guess the continuity is not very important.
October 20, 2017
Thrilling!
This was the second book in the series and was as exciting as the first one. I highly recommend the professional narration, as it makes the story come alive, as well as helps with pronunciations. I'm eager to read the next one!
This was the second book in the series and was as exciting as the first one. I highly recommend the professional narration, as it makes the story come alive, as well as helps with pronunciations. I'm eager to read the next one!
August 22, 2023
A good, fun read.
This book got some bad reviews; I'm not sure why ... I felt it was a fun, well written adventure. I'm not sure why I read this particular book first; but will circle back to #1, and then onto #3.
This book got some bad reviews; I'm not sure why ... I felt it was a fun, well written adventure. I'm not sure why I read this particular book first; but will circle back to #1, and then onto #3.
May 24, 2017
A good one
Better than I expected. A little hard to get into - too many characters and too many acronyms at the beginning, but after we met Arif and Nadya, I got into it.
Better than I expected. A little hard to get into - too many characters and too many acronyms at the beginning, but after we met Arif and Nadya, I got into it.
October 18, 2017
Another original!
The plot was seamless and the suspense addictive. The characters were sympathetic, even the "bad" guys. It will draw you in and capture your imagination.
The plot was seamless and the suspense addictive. The characters were sympathetic, even the "bad" guys. It will draw you in and capture your imagination.
October 26, 2018
Ikn
I knew lots of PJ's when I was a helo mechanic in the Air Force liked most of them was impressed with the mission
I knew lots of PJ's when I was a helo mechanic in the Air Force liked most of them was impressed with the mission
January 29, 2020
The Empty Quarter
Excellent read! The beginning of the book sets the stage and, frankly, for me, it was a bit difficult to get through. Doing so was quite rewarding.
Excellent read! The beginning of the book sets the stage and, frankly, for me, it was a bit difficult to get through. Doing so was quite rewarding.
July 19, 2020
Thriller indeed
Many parts to keep up with until all came together in the end. Hats off to the rescue people in today’s military.
Many parts to keep up with until all came together in the end. Hats off to the rescue people in today’s military.
May 28, 2021
The Best
This story contained every thing needed for a brilliant thriller: intrigue, romance, honor, and humor. It was spectacular. I hated to see it and.
This story contained every thing needed for a brilliant thriller: intrigue, romance, honor, and humor. It was spectacular. I hated to see it and.
July 15, 2021
I like David L. Robbins books but i dont know about this one! Hit and miss i guess. This book has " Unnecessary chatter just to fill the pages " feeling. But thats just me! Ok for time pass! 🙄
September 1, 2021
Zabloing gives this book a solid 7/10
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