The Hijack

Stratton #2

by Duncan Falconer

Palestinian freedom fighter Abed Abu Omar and 20 men are preparing for their most daring mission yet: the hijack of a five-story supertanker laden with oil. Meanwhile, SBS operative Stratton has been assigned to bodyguard work and is bored by the lack of challenge. When Omar’s plot is revealed, Stratton is quickly whisked away by helicopter to assist in a daring rescue. With a rich cast of characters ranging from Russian secret service operatives to Al Qaeda terrorists and the Israeli military, this is a gripping thrill-ride packed with authentic detail and heart-stopping narrative.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Ebooks, War, Adventure, Action, Military Fiction

470 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Emma Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Here was me thinking that ‘The Hostage’ would be a hard act to follow but boy—if Falconer doesn’t blow this one out of the water (quite literally)

Falconer’s use of being able to expertly blend dark humour, tension and suspense certainly does not leave the reader wanting. The hijack is an immediate page turner from the word go—again written in such a way (much as ‘The Hostage’) that even those with no military training or expertise, can still enjoy the story within its pages. This was the second book I read of Falconer’s John Stratton series and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

One things for sure, every-time I see tanker ships now—all I can think about is this is book and that amazingly well written yet totally insane scene ;)

10/10

[Hamada Cena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 1st time to read a novel by Duncan Falconer. But I'm certain it won't be the last. This book is truly amazing. I liked the way The Author dealing with the details and that drove me to read the novel as quickly as possible just to know how it ends. BTW, I liked the part when Raz confessed to Abed that he is his father. It's pretty similar to the scene between Vader and Luke in Star Wars.

[Jeff King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one. The suspense was good and Falconer is a clear rival to McNab/Ryan. The plot was good but let down by the inclusion of *spoiler alert* the silly remote viewer/psychic, Gabriel. I feel this character was drafted in to fill in the plot holes and provide the continuity. It reduced the story to a Scooby Doo cartoon. I liked the historical facts about the Nuclear weapons caches. In fact, I guessed the location of this long before Stratton did. The numpty. The title of the book, The Hijack, is odd because that's a fairly short prelude story and over in a couple of chapters. The revenge plot by the ex-Spetznaz Russian is a bit draconian for a killed brother but he makes a good villain. I liked it that there wasn't a clunky romantic plot woven into the plot like McNab and Chris Ryan seem to add. The front cover is rubbish too. I have the older version with celebrity chef James Martin-lookalike trying too hard to look militaristic. He just looks an idiot. Falconer's new covers are much better. To be even better, I'd like Falconer to be more Frederick Forysth-like in the detail of the event planning. I lot of the Russian's work went unwritten. That's the best bits....

[Debparna Saha · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Novel of 2021. A very well narrated tale. Although, the chapters are bit too long, which I do not prefer in thrillers. But the attention to details, work on building a character and its role were immensely taken care of. Eager to read the next two books soon!

[Barry Filter · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really tried to get into it. However it went from hijacking a tanker to a portable/dirty atom bomb to bringing in a medium hallway trough.
It just got all do confusing leaving me wanting more structure and less medium running through Greece.

[Neville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stratton is tasked by MI6 to track down an ex Russian Spetsnaz agent who intent is to kill as many Islamic Jihad fighters as he can, by detonating a nuclear bomb that will create a war between the West and East.

[Jonathan M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Love this series, lead role is compelling and deep. Can't wait to read the next one! Thank you Duran Falconer!

[Marna · Rating 3 out of 5]

not enough action, I've been married 30 years and even I see more action,

[Ronnie Laws · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written could not put this down.

[Chromatic Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

You would want Stratton on your side, plenty of adventure, a mix of Jack Reacher meets Ben Hope, what more could you ask for ?

[Paschalis]

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[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stratton helps prevent a nuclear explosion in the Middle East planned by an ex-SPETNAZ soldier.

[Suresh Vijendran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had just 3 primary characters and no deviation from them. Well written and enjoyed it.

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hijack is my favourite of the Stratton novels so far, the plot was so engaging! Stratton is insane, but at the same time so restrained. There was also no slapped together romantic subplot in this novel, which is something I certainly appreciate.

The Hijack brought up the conflict between west vs east and the war on terror and mixed all these different players in an interesting combination. There was a Al Qaeda spy who helped save the day, which was kinda cool. Not simply Muslim bashing.

The way that Falconer approaches these stories is different to McNab or Ryan, as they are always sea and ocean based. There are more scenes involving boats and ships then aircraft. It is interesting to see how the SBS operate.

[Fraser Cook · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a massive disappointment! I loved this book right up until page 144 when they introduce a psychic 'remote viewer' as if it's a real thing! Utterly destroying all credibility. This books is supposed to be exaggerated reality with action and Daring do. Not fantasy. I am happy to read fantasy and surreal books but not when it's supposed to be a reflection of the real world. I couldn't get passed the remote viewer. Tried to read in skipping the bits with him in it but gave up and angrily threw the book in the bin unfinished. A real waste of a good set start and a real waste of my time and money.

[Dee Haddrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stratton is back and in a much bigger role than in the first book. From the start, the story twists and turns, but keeps you thoroughly intrigued as to where it is going. The introduction of "remote viewers" was really interesting, and the constant battle between Israel and Palestine features prominently. I'm really loving this series. The action scenes are tightly written and don't go on for too long, and the characters are well thought out and not stereotypical. Looking forward to reading the next one.

[ab · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think it was better than The Hostage, again, it wasn't a challenge of any sort, entertaining yes, but deserves a better review, because of all the subplots in this story. The story is better than the narration of it, like before, still loved the characters with their misery and talents, with their humor and secrets, with their human behaviour. As for the remote viewing, which I can't give away, there's nothing, absolutely nothing wrong with bringing that into the mix,.. It actually made the story telling better, for it helped the characters to evolve. / *grief

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duncan Falconer once again puts together a work that never stops moving forward. Gritty, relevant and thought provoking, this story opens the eyes to a side of world conflicts many of us are sheltered from. In great careful detail he builds a world you can actually imagine yourself in during all the sometimes gruesome action as these characters fight for survival.


This is a very well thought out story and I especially loved the human element he created. Well done!

[Christopher Dodds · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this fast paced book that had both well written characters, action scenes and plot. The author Duncan Falconer has done a great job in writing a story that had me hooked whenever I picked the book up to read it, and he shows that his time spent in the forces has served him in creating a good but flawed character in Stratton.

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Delving into a light, fast paced thriller is fun, especially on holidays. These books of Falconers satisfy a craving for the action-packed, and while this doesn't contain much in the way of literary merit or original plot twists, it doesn't try to either. It is an unpretentious romp, and a really fun read.

[M.J. Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fine action packed novel but not on the same level as The Hostage for me. Plenty to like but the odd passage which lost my interest and consequently the 5 star rating. I'd still rec it to those who like military thrillers though. Falconer clearly knows his stuff and it shows.

[Harry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having read the first Stratton book I was anxious to get onto the second but what a strange book compared to the first in the series. A pyschic? Really? Could have done without the mumbo jumbo. I'll try the next one but it had better step up.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is shaping very well. Action-filled easy read, but well constructed with characterisation and story line above a lot of others in this genre. I will continue with this series for, at least, another instalment. Entertaining.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read this book before, it is a good story very enjoyable.

[Rank1n77 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

Run-of-the-mill action adventure type of thing with a splash of hocus-pocus, grand for the beach or just before you go to bed.

[Jawher · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit too much James Bond-ish, Without the class though. A rather dull rhythm picked up only too late.

[Cathy Cameron-dow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book was action pack from start to finish- excellent