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Scot Harvath #12
Hidden Order
The most secretive organization in America operates without accountability to the American people. Hiding in the shadows, pretending to be part of the United States Government, its power is beyond measure. Control of this organization has just been lost and the future of the nation has been thrust into peril.
When the five candidates being considered to head this mysterious agency suddenly go missing, covert counter-terrorism operative, Scot Harvath is summoned to Washington and set loose on the most dangerous chase ever to play out on American soil. But as the candidates begin turning up murdered, the chase becomes an all-too-public spectacle with every indicator suggesting that the plot has its roots in a shadowy American cabal founded in the 1700’s.
With the United States on the verge of collapse, Harvath must untangle a web of conspiracy centuries in the making and head off the greatest threat America has ever seen.
This is thriller writing at its absolute best where the stakes have never been higher, nor the line between good and evil so hard to discern.
377 pages, Hardcover
First published July 9, 2013
2412 people are currently reading
7573 people want to read
About the author
Brad Thor
46 books7,354 followersBRAD THOR is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-five thrillers, including EDGE OF HONOR, SHADOW OF DOUBT, BLACK ICE (ThrillerFix Best Thriller of the Year), NEAR DARK (one of Suspense Magazine’s Best Books of the Year), BACKLASH (nominated for the Barry Award for Best Thriller of the Year), SPYMASTER (“One of the all-time best thriller novels” —The Washington Times), THE LAST PATRIOT (nominated Best Thriller of the Year by the International Thriller Writers Association), and BLOWBACK (one of the “Top 100 Killer Thrillers of All Time” —NPR).
EDGE OF HONOR is on sale now. For more information, visit BradThor.com.
EDGE OF HONOR is on sale now. For more information, visit BradThor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 974 reviews
October 1, 2018
With apologies to Brad Thor, this book was not for me – at all! In the past I have either enjoyed or at least kind of liked Thor’s novels. But, for me, this book was a mess. It was bad enough that I just went to check to see if this was his last book with a publisher, in which case he was trying to write his way out of a contract (it wasn’t). I see it is actually rated pretty high on Goodreads, so I wonder if I read the same book everyone else did!?
The plot was just so convenient and convoluted. On top of that, nothing made much sense. There was a bunch of jumping around between two plot lines and I am not quite sure how they related to each other in the end. Of all the characters, I was only sure of what two of them were doing. Usually I have no issue getting into and understanding the conspiracy plot in these political thrillers, but I was lost. In the end, they explain the motivation of the bad guys and I could not piece together how that related to the events in the novel.
Also, another thing that is kind of becoming laughable because Thor leans on it so much is the "person tied to a chair" torture scene. There were two of them in this book! And, when I texted a friend of mine, who also reads Thor he was like, "yup, Thor must have had some more writers block so it was time to tie another person to a chair!" I get that a torture scene can be suspenseful or help move the plot along, but it gets kind of silly when you have too many of them.
So, based on other reviews it sounds like other Thor fans have had a better experience with this one. If you are a Thor fan and are about to give this one a shot, I wish you well and when you are done you wonder what I was thinking when I wrote this review! I still plan to read Thor, I just hope he goes back to his old ways from here!
The plot was just so convenient and convoluted. On top of that, nothing made much sense. There was a bunch of jumping around between two plot lines and I am not quite sure how they related to each other in the end. Of all the characters, I was only sure of what two of them were doing. Usually I have no issue getting into and understanding the conspiracy plot in these political thrillers, but I was lost. In the end, they explain the motivation of the bad guys and I could not piece together how that related to the events in the novel.
Also, another thing that is kind of becoming laughable because Thor leans on it so much is the "person tied to a chair" torture scene. There were two of them in this book! And, when I texted a friend of mine, who also reads Thor he was like, "yup, Thor must have had some more writers block so it was time to tie another person to a chair!" I get that a torture scene can be suspenseful or help move the plot along, but it gets kind of silly when you have too many of them.
So, based on other reviews it sounds like other Thor fans have had a better experience with this one. If you are a Thor fan and are about to give this one a shot, I wish you well and when you are done you wonder what I was thinking when I wrote this review! I still plan to read Thor, I just hope he goes back to his old ways from here!
May 12, 2023
I have several authors whose newest books I always make sure I read, so I don't miss anything. Somehow Thor's Hidden Order got by in 2013 which makes the find all the more enjoyable.
Scott Horvath is saving the world again. Sadly, the bad guys are Americans but the topic is very much aligned with today's challenges: The Federal Reserve and FBI management.
Like most of Thor's novels he manages to wind two plots that come together, and, in the end, get the bad guys off the street. Lot's of action. An almost love interest. And great characters.
If you missed this one, pick it up. Your local library probably has a copy.
~Tom L.
Find a Copy at Scottsdale Public Library
Scott Horvath is saving the world again. Sadly, the bad guys are Americans but the topic is very much aligned with today's challenges: The Federal Reserve and FBI management.
Like most of Thor's novels he manages to wind two plots that come together, and, in the end, get the bad guys off the street. Lot's of action. An almost love interest. And great characters.
If you missed this one, pick it up. Your local library probably has a copy.
~Tom L.
Find a Copy at Scottsdale Public Library
October 10, 2013
I was in the mood recently for something sort of Jack Bauer-ish/Jason Bourne-esque (or is it "Jack Bauer-esque/Jason Bourne-ish?"), some kind of military/espionage/thriller deal, along that vein. I was vaguely aware of Brad Thor and his Scot Harvath series, but never had a real interest to check it out, mainly because I generally think that Brad Thor is full of shit. Nevertheless, Hidden Order, latest in the series, was at eye-level at my local library, so I picked it up on a whim. And who knows? Maybe the guy can write a good thriller. Well, maybe he can, but Hidden Order ain't it.
Bear in mind, to me there are two kinds of 1-star books. Some are so bad and so goofy, but are still sort of fun. The other kind of 1-star book is the kind that's just plain dumb. This one's the latter. I just had to add that clarification to be fair to other 1-star books that I enjoy in a B-movie sort of way. Hidden Order is the answer for those who have ever had the burning question, "What do middle-aged extreme conservative males daydream about when they're not attending Tea Party rallies?"
From the dust jacket copy:
That organization is none other than the Federal Reserve Bank! When the five candidates being considered to head the Fed are kidnapped, Scott Harvath, a former Navy SEAL and Secret Service guy now working for a shadowy private organization, gets the assignment to investigate these kidnappings before they each are murdered by a madman.
Scot Harvath, despite his credentials, has to be one of the least effective and square "action heroes" I've ever seen. Most of the novel he spends looking up stuff in books or on the internet and questions hookers in Boston while the killer is always one step ahead of him. At one point the smokin' hot female Boston detective named Cordero (who, of course, has the hots for Harvath) and Harvath have a telling exchange:
When we want you to shoot someone, Harvath, we'll wake you up.
And Harvath is such a square that he is amazed when he hears the "F-word" peppering an interviewee's statement. "Not even in the military had Harvath heard someone's speech so peppered with it." I call bullshit. As a seventeen year-old private E-nothing I distinctly remember the drill sergeant using some variation of the F-bomb literally every other word. And he was just instructing us how to make our bunks. I remember being amazed at the versatility of the word. I find it hard to believe that this veteran Navy SEAL is so impressed by a little cursing. Isn't that what sailors do?
Speaking of Harvath's naivety, this segues well into the second major fail of Hidden Order. After learning that his client is the Federal Reserve Bank, Harvath goes to some veteran CIA dude, Bill Wise, to get educated on the subject and Wise is all like, "Dude, the Fed, they wanna turn your children into Miley Cyrus twerking zombies and then eat them while they take all your cash to spend on drugs and whores while America collapses!," and Harvath is shaking his head and like all, "No way, dude, that totally blows. Why don't the American people do something about it?" and Wise is like, "Dude, they don't even know!"
Of course, I'm paraphrasing. But the point is, a major portion of the setup is Thor clobbering you over the head with his own political views. I'm not one to rag on a book just because I disagree with its politics, but I don't like being clobbered over the head with an author's personal agenda, especially in such an artless and clumsy manner. For what it's worth, the Federal Reserve bank is the least of my worries. But it could have been an interesting premise maybe. Dan Brown does a much better job of this tin-foil-hat conspiracy stuff, and if you know my opinion of Brown that's saying something. Take a note, Thor.
Thirdly, Hidden Order is just so ridiculously ethnocentric that it could be a spoof-- but it isn't! In the only parallel story thread that's vaguely interesting, CIA officer Lydia Myers is on the run from persons unknown (this eventually ties in with the main thread). When she first catches on that enemy agents are out to get her, she considers the enemy's tactics:
This, of course, begs the question: what does a Muslim look like?
Then ask yourself, what does a Christian look like? Or a Jew? Or a Buddhist? What does an atheist look like? A vegetarian? A conservative? A liberal? A college professor? A librarian? A writer or artist? What does a father, mother, sister or brother look like? You get my point (I hope).
In conclusion, Hidden Order was stupid, pedantic and ignorant. My feeling that Brad Thor is generally full of shit ("shadowed a black ops team in Afghanistan." Please. Get real.) did not factor at all into this review. The book just plain sucked. There are twelve other Scot Harvath books, but life's too short for me to give them a chance.
Bear in mind, to me there are two kinds of 1-star books. Some are so bad and so goofy, but are still sort of fun. The other kind of 1-star book is the kind that's just plain dumb. This one's the latter. I just had to add that clarification to be fair to other 1-star books that I enjoy in a B-movie sort of way. Hidden Order is the answer for those who have ever had the burning question, "What do middle-aged extreme conservative males daydream about when they're not attending Tea Party rallies?"
From the dust jacket copy:
The most secretive organization in America operates without any accountability to the American people. Hiding in the shadows, pretending to be a part of the United States government, its power is beyond measure.
That organization is none other than the Federal Reserve Bank! When the five candidates being considered to head the Fed are kidnapped, Scott Harvath, a former Navy SEAL and Secret Service guy now working for a shadowy private organization, gets the assignment to investigate these kidnappings before they each are murdered by a madman.
Scot Harvath, despite his credentials, has to be one of the least effective and square "action heroes" I've ever seen. Most of the novel he spends looking up stuff in books or on the internet and questions hookers in Boston while the killer is always one step ahead of him. At one point the smokin' hot female Boston detective named Cordero (who, of course, has the hots for Harvath) and Harvath have a telling exchange:
"What can I do?" asked Harvath.
"Do you have any forensics experience?"
He shook his head. "Not much."
"Then I have the perfect job for you," she replied. "Go out to the car and bring those two Rubbermaid bins in."
"Then what?"
"Then you're really going to prove your worth to this investigation."
"How?" he asked.
"You're going to find us coffee somewhere in this neighborhood."
When we want you to shoot someone, Harvath, we'll wake you up.
And Harvath is such a square that he is amazed when he hears the "F-word" peppering an interviewee's statement. "Not even in the military had Harvath heard someone's speech so peppered with it." I call bullshit. As a seventeen year-old private E-nothing I distinctly remember the drill sergeant using some variation of the F-bomb literally every other word. And he was just instructing us how to make our bunks. I remember being amazed at the versatility of the word. I find it hard to believe that this veteran Navy SEAL is so impressed by a little cursing. Isn't that what sailors do?
Speaking of Harvath's naivety, this segues well into the second major fail of Hidden Order. After learning that his client is the Federal Reserve Bank, Harvath goes to some veteran CIA dude, Bill Wise, to get educated on the subject and Wise is all like, "Dude, the Fed, they wanna turn your children into Miley Cyrus twerking zombies and then eat them while they take all your cash to spend on drugs and whores while America collapses!," and Harvath is shaking his head and like all, "No way, dude, that totally blows. Why don't the American people do something about it?" and Wise is like, "Dude, they don't even know!"
Of course, I'm paraphrasing. But the point is, a major portion of the setup is Thor clobbering you over the head with his own political views. I'm not one to rag on a book just because I disagree with its politics, but I don't like being clobbered over the head with an author's personal agenda, especially in such an artless and clumsy manner. For what it's worth, the Federal Reserve bank is the least of my worries. But it could have been an interesting premise maybe. Dan Brown does a much better job of this tin-foil-hat conspiracy stuff, and if you know my opinion of Brown that's saying something. Take a note, Thor.
Thirdly, Hidden Order is just so ridiculously ethnocentric that it could be a spoof-- but it isn't! In the only parallel story thread that's vaguely interesting, CIA officer Lydia Myers is on the run from persons unknown (this eventually ties in with the main thread). When she first catches on that enemy agents are out to get her, she considers the enemy's tactics:
She ran through her mind the long list of people around the world she had pissed off badly enough to want to come get her. The fact that the attack had been carried out by two young Caucasians worried the hell out of her, as it could very well be an Islamic operation. As box-of-rocks stupid as so many Muslim foot soldiers were, the men in the organizational structures of the more aggressive terror organizations tended to be rather intelligent. If one of those groups had the wherewithal to track her down like this, they'd never be dumb enough to send a Muslim man, or even a Muslim woman to lure her out of her apartment. The minute she saw either on her doorstep, her antennae would be up. The tipsy blonde with the fender-bender story was the perfect ploy.
This, of course, begs the question: what does a Muslim look like?
Then ask yourself, what does a Christian look like? Or a Jew? Or a Buddhist? What does an atheist look like? A vegetarian? A conservative? A liberal? A college professor? A librarian? A writer or artist? What does a father, mother, sister or brother look like? You get my point (I hope).
In conclusion, Hidden Order was stupid, pedantic and ignorant. My feeling that Brad Thor is generally full of shit ("shadowed a black ops team in Afghanistan." Please. Get real.) did not factor at all into this review. The book just plain sucked. There are twelve other Scot Harvath books, but life's too short for me to give them a chance.
July 23, 2013
To start off, I must issue the disclaimer that halfway through this book I saw brad Thor in an interview in Chicago where he offered to buy George Zimmerman a gun. I have read all of Brad Thor 's books and consider myself a fan. However, I was greatly disturbed by his comments. While I don't think he is a racist, his propensity and endorsement of firearms was disturbing. I guess considering the genre that he writes I shouldn't be surprised although it is fiction. As a Canadian who lives in a country without stand your ground laws, and who watched the footage as parents buried 2o innocent children in December, I find it frightening that when an unarmed boy is killed (regardless of color) we revert back to the 2 nd amendment. Seems like more innocents are being killed with these guns than criminals. So while I hope my review was not tainted by this interview, I wanted to be honest.
This was by far the worst Brad Thor I've ever read. When I pick up a Scot Harvath novel I want shootouts chase's and non stop action. I actually noted that as I was on page 350 Scott was still playing gum shoe and cracking wise with his new lady friend. While I appreciated the insight into the federal Reserve, overall this book was boring. I enjoyed Mcgee Ryan and Wise and wanted to light a fire under scot. The end felt like he was headed for retirement and was setting up chase Sanchez et al to take his place. I truly wanted to sob when I finished this book. RIP Vince Flynn I will miss mitch Rapp even more after reading this book.
This was by far the worst Brad Thor I've ever read. When I pick up a Scot Harvath novel I want shootouts chase's and non stop action. I actually noted that as I was on page 350 Scott was still playing gum shoe and cracking wise with his new lady friend. While I appreciated the insight into the federal Reserve, overall this book was boring. I enjoyed Mcgee Ryan and Wise and wanted to light a fire under scot. The end felt like he was headed for retirement and was setting up chase Sanchez et al to take his place. I truly wanted to sob when I finished this book. RIP Vince Flynn I will miss mitch Rapp even more after reading this book.
November 8, 2019
Another winner by Mr. Brad Thor!
After 5 candidates who are selected to head the US Federal Reserve mysteriously disappear Superspy Scot Harvath is assigned to track down the culprits, leading Harvath to the city of Boston, where he teams up with beautiful Boston PD Detective. As Harvath searches for the whereabouts of the 5 missing candidates, he slowly realizes he's facing a deadly conspiracy that has been years in the making, and must solve one of the darkest mysteries he and the country may have ever faced.
The only thing preventing me from giving this entry in the series 5 stars, I enjoyed the storyline, the majority of it taking place in Boston (where I'm a New Englander), and the History surrounding Boston during the days of the Colonies, I felt Hidden Order was kind of a departure for Harvath's character, in this entry he felt more of a detective than a counter-terrorist expert. But other than that, a good addition to the series, and can be read as a stand-alone.
After 5 candidates who are selected to head the US Federal Reserve mysteriously disappear Superspy Scot Harvath is assigned to track down the culprits, leading Harvath to the city of Boston, where he teams up with beautiful Boston PD Detective. As Harvath searches for the whereabouts of the 5 missing candidates, he slowly realizes he's facing a deadly conspiracy that has been years in the making, and must solve one of the darkest mysteries he and the country may have ever faced.
The only thing preventing me from giving this entry in the series 5 stars, I enjoyed the storyline, the majority of it taking place in Boston (where I'm a New Englander), and the History surrounding Boston during the days of the Colonies, I felt Hidden Order was kind of a departure for Harvath's character, in this entry he felt more of a detective than a counter-terrorist expert. But other than that, a good addition to the series, and can be read as a stand-alone.
May 16, 2014
Woah... what just happened? Brad Thor is pretty good about plot holes. He usually doesn't have any big ones. This book has a gaping one.
Ummm... so all these people on this super secret list are kidnapped and start showing up dead. I'm not really spilling the beans, it happens in the first 20 pages or so. And Scot gets hired to find these kidnapped people. And he never, ever asks who had access to the list? He runs this entire investigation without once trying to figure out who could have seen the list that could have done this? Whaaaaat????
I've liked the Scot Harvath books so far, but this one has such gaping plot holes that its almost like its written by a different person.
Ummm... so all these people on this super secret list are kidnapped and start showing up dead. I'm not really spilling the beans, it happens in the first 20 pages or so. And Scot gets hired to find these kidnapped people. And he never, ever asks who had access to the list? He runs this entire investigation without once trying to figure out who could have seen the list that could have done this? Whaaaaat????
I've liked the Scot Harvath books so far, but this one has such gaping plot holes that its almost like its written by a different person.
July 23, 2013
Ugh. Do men really think women talk like this? Does the middle finger equal clever repartee? This book featured two storylines that you know are going to merge, but you wait and wait and finally they collide and it's like a car accident...you can't help but look at the horrible mess as you drive by but you think "I'm so glad I'm not responsible for THAT." The way it wraps up is beyond ridiculous. I did learn some interesting stuff about the Federal Reserve, so that's why it gets 1 star.
January 30, 2014
I bumped this up my reading list after reading the prequel short story, Free Fall, which was action-packed and left off on a cliffhanger, and was then a bit disappointed reading this, as that story was more exhilarating than this novel.
This novel -- after wrapping up the cliffhanger of the prelude short story, which had nothing to do with novel's the main plot -- centered on Fed conspiracies, CIA black projects, a Dan Brown-like historical tour of Boston, and a killer eerily reminiscent of Dexter. Also, as far as the Fed bit goes, there were a few infodumps on its history, as well as a fair amount of soapboxing about how evil they are. Note that I am not saying the Fed is or isn't evil, just that these portions were not very deftly inserted into the text.
This story left very little for super-spy Scot Harvath to do except follow around a Boston police detective (who was super sexy and exotic looking, of course), which is fine, except for the fact that was allegedly a Scot Harvath thriller. The other plot thread that ran concurrently was much more interesting, and did eventually converge into an engaging third act, although after that it wrapped up just a bit too neatly in a meeting with the president and an epilogue on the beach.
Update: Brad Thor just released a second epilogue to the book as a bonus chapter, and it's really good. It can be found here.
This novel -- after wrapping up the cliffhanger of the prelude short story, which had nothing to do with novel's the main plot -- centered on Fed conspiracies, CIA black projects, a Dan Brown-like historical tour of Boston, and a killer eerily reminiscent of Dexter. Also, as far as the Fed bit goes, there were a few infodumps on its history, as well as a fair amount of soapboxing about how evil they are. Note that I am not saying the Fed is or isn't evil, just that these portions were not very deftly inserted into the text.
This story left very little for super-spy Scot Harvath to do except follow around a Boston police detective (who was super sexy and exotic looking, of course), which is fine, except for the fact that was allegedly a Scot Harvath thriller. The other plot thread that ran concurrently was much more interesting, and did eventually converge into an engaging third act, although after that it wrapped up just a bit too neatly in a meeting with the president and an epilogue on the beach.
Update: Brad Thor just released a second epilogue to the book as a bonus chapter, and it's really good. It can be found here.
November 22, 2017
Fast paced read! Feels like I'm breezing through this book; Love it! I really enjoyed this book. It was my first read of Brad Thor's. The story moved along at a brisk pace, irrespective of the extra historic detail about the Fed 9which I enjoyed). The only thing I didn't enjoy was what I perceived to be a gap in detail near the end of the book. I felt a bit more detail was needed to really tie things together. Nonetheless, this was a great book to read. I will definitely be read the other Scot Harvath books for sure!
April 16, 2021
Another excellent Scott Harvath adventure from Brad Thor. I really enjoy this series.
July 11, 2013
I read a lot of thriller/espionage fiction. When asked who my favorite author is, my response is always "Brad Thor." I then recommend that friends read the Scot Harvath series in order so as to not miss a moment. It was therefore very exciting to wake up to my email on Tuesday morning and see that my Audible pre-order of "Hidden Order" was ready for download. I had spent the weekend re-reading "Black List" to refresh the chronology of characters in my mind.
Turns out that I didn't need to refresh because "Hidden Order" is a true stand-alone novel (not that I minded re-reading "Black List" which is one of my favorite books of this genre). The story travels from Somalia to Washington D.C. To Boston to South America. It travels fast, it travels with beautiful imagery and it is scarily on point. Mr. Thor's books are always scarily on point. The topic is the history of the Federal Reserve and Colonial American History is a sub-theme that truly makes the novel flow. I majored in history and am a lifelong student of the subject. I learned new things about the events that preceded the American Revolution. Any author who can teach me new historical facts is worth reading,
My sole disappointment (and I'd give the book ten stars if I could) is that Nicholas a/k/a "The Troll" was not included. I enjoy his character and would have liked to read further adventures. That is my only critique though. The characters, story, writing and plot twists were beyond comparison to any contemporary author.
I expected nothing less. Brad Thor delivers every time.
Turns out that I didn't need to refresh because "Hidden Order" is a true stand-alone novel (not that I minded re-reading "Black List" which is one of my favorite books of this genre). The story travels from Somalia to Washington D.C. To Boston to South America. It travels fast, it travels with beautiful imagery and it is scarily on point. Mr. Thor's books are always scarily on point. The topic is the history of the Federal Reserve and Colonial American History is a sub-theme that truly makes the novel flow. I majored in history and am a lifelong student of the subject. I learned new things about the events that preceded the American Revolution. Any author who can teach me new historical facts is worth reading,
My sole disappointment (and I'd give the book ten stars if I could) is that Nicholas a/k/a "The Troll" was not included. I enjoy his character and would have liked to read further adventures. That is my only critique though. The characters, story, writing and plot twists were beyond comparison to any contemporary author.
I expected nothing less. Brad Thor delivers every time.
September 24, 2013
Scot Harvath is one of my favorite characters, except when he does not get to do what he does best, which is put down bad guys. He left the Secret Service because he didn't want to play defense. This story is about chasing vicious murders after they occur instead of preventing them. There is little redeeming value here unlike most of Brad Thor's novels. Easily my least favorite Horvath read to date. 2 of 10 stars
June 3, 2018
It is the first time I read Brad Thor and I enjoyed the fast paced action, the colourful characters and mostly the historical background given regarding different aspects of the History of the United States and the whole imbroglio of the Federal reserve. Certainly a good read.
Maria Carmo,
Lisbon, 01 June 2018.
Maria Carmo,
Lisbon, 01 June 2018.
August 3, 2013
Not your typical Brad Thor/Scot Harvath book. We follow Scot's story. Having entered the "private sector" he's now involved in a (another) plot against the American people.
While there is plenty of action here it's not as central to the story as action is in some of the books. This is more of an investigative read up until the last quarter or so when the climax brings about a series of violent confrontations.
I liked the book, I found some of the historical conversations involving. If your not aware of some of the things discussed it might also be informative. I knew most of what came across here already but it's still an interesting story.
So, well done, well written very interesting. It's a little different but that only gives the series a little variety.
5 stars, recommended.
While there is plenty of action here it's not as central to the story as action is in some of the books. This is more of an investigative read up until the last quarter or so when the climax brings about a series of violent confrontations.
I liked the book, I found some of the historical conversations involving. If your not aware of some of the things discussed it might also be informative. I knew most of what came across here already but it's still an interesting story.
So, well done, well written very interesting. It's a little different but that only gives the series a little variety.
5 stars, recommended.
December 28, 2019
A fast-paced thriller with a touch of history.
November 23, 2019
Harvath doing detective work in this one with more action later in the book.
April 25, 2022
Not my favorite. I'd give it 3 stars but I found the information about the Federal Reserve interesting enough to jack it up a star.
August 15, 2013
I don't believe i reveal any "spoilers", anyway. Reading it was the equivalent of watching "National Treasure" with Nicholas Cage, except without the poor acting skills of Cage and disappointment of "studio cost cutting". It had the attention grabbing of any action film with the good/bad "Dexter" character cop hidden within but not clarified as such. Over all the book made you wonder if you even remotely received a poorly saturated history class as compared to the main characters interest and college background about American History. Also, a brief lesson in; Economics, The Federal Reserve, Contract companies for DoD, CIA (among other agencies), historical and current threats foreign and domestic. It also demonstrated that a person with such knowledge and military skills sill didn't know that the American debt is climbing at an astonishing rate, further to demonstrate a current parallel few American news media covered the misprint of $100 bills but Russian television covered it ( http://rt.com/usa/100-dollar-bills-mi... ). AND some think CNN might mean Communist News Network. Would love to read a followup on how the United States of America reacts/deals with and pursues the Presidents new directive (given in the book), i think it would be a real eye opener and prep book if such a directive where to happen.
October 28, 2013
Scot Harvath and his boss, Reed Carlton, are hired by the Federal Reserve when all five members of the short list of candidates for the top job are kidnapped in one evening. Harvath is sent to Boston when the second turns up dead, and the killings seem to be seeped in the Sons of Liberty. Scot joins forces with Boston detective Lara Cordero, but seem to be one step behind. Meanwhile, a CIA operative is approached by a Jordanian spy asking about a disbanded "dark op" group, which is destabilizing Middle East countries. The two investigations come together as the killer(s) are run by the same CIA sociopath.
February 26, 2014
Brad Thor returns with another great Scot Harvath novel, this time keeping the thrills on this side of the Atlantic. With the death of the Chairman of the Federal Reserve, a secret list of potential appointees is drawn up and delivered to the US president. One by one, they turn up murdered across the US, with literature from the Sons of Liberty strewn around them. The Sons, a throwback group from the Revolutionary War, will stop at nothing to rid America of the financial tyranny it sees and how the 'little man' is left to swallow the decisions of the powerful. Harvath is tasked with not only shutting down this vigilanteism, but also stop a killer whose sole focus is murder, no matter the cost or who stands in his way. That said, there is a larger scheme going on within the Intelligence agencies, specifically a covert group working with rogue agents; another problem Harvath must decipher before enjoying his newly flourishing frienship. A great novel with a wonderful twist that keeps Harvath fans on their toes from beginning to end.
I have come to see that this sub-genre (former military operatives working as 'black ops') chooses to focus much of its attention on Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, or the two Wars on Terror. These topics have been over -analysed and using them as backdrops have become somewhat tiresome. The books are good and the characters are great, but the plots become repetitive quite quickly. With this novel, I see new and interesting takes on the genre; ones that keep the action fresh and the ideas interesting. Perhaps Thor will begin the trend away from the Middle East focus, which has become nothing if not boring, and injected something closer to home on which to focus.
Kudos, Mr. Thor for such a great novel with wonderful character and plot development.
I have come to see that this sub-genre (former military operatives working as 'black ops') chooses to focus much of its attention on Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, or the two Wars on Terror. These topics have been over -analysed and using them as backdrops have become somewhat tiresome. The books are good and the characters are great, but the plots become repetitive quite quickly. With this novel, I see new and interesting takes on the genre; ones that keep the action fresh and the ideas interesting. Perhaps Thor will begin the trend away from the Middle East focus, which has become nothing if not boring, and injected something closer to home on which to focus.
Kudos, Mr. Thor for such a great novel with wonderful character and plot development.
December 20, 2023
“It is said that power corrupts, but actually it’s more true that power attracts the corruptible.” – David Brin
Power beyond measure? That is, without a doubt, the most terrifying of thoughts. Why is it that so often, the intentions of a few, which start out cloaked in good and espoused to benefit the many, turn out when the layers are peeled back to reveal exactly the opposite?
With all the scandals currently fouling the atmosphere of our Nation’s Capital, I get where Mr. Thor was going. If you’re going to write this kind of book, you are going to have to tiptoe around in politics.
It was a very interesting insight into the workings of the Federal Reserve, and at times, I almost felt this was an entertaining textbook, one that veered off to include murder and intrigue.
It’s always hard to fill in the back story without the narration beginning to sound like a history lesson. When I become aware this is happening, I start mentally urging the author to hurry up, tell it faster, and get back to the action; in other words, I get bogged down; it frustrates me and detracts from my reading pleasure.
There were so many characters that I found I wasn’t invested in any of them. This might be cured by reading the other books in the series. With the recurring protagonist theme of a series, it would have given me the insight about the lead characters that I didn’t get in the quick overview the author accorded to each in this particular book.
With my few criticisms aligned all in a row, it sounds as though I didn’t enjoy the book, but I did, and I fully intend to start the series from the beginning when I get a chance.
Review by Shelley Riley, author of Casual Lies-A Triple Crown Adventure
Power beyond measure? That is, without a doubt, the most terrifying of thoughts. Why is it that so often, the intentions of a few, which start out cloaked in good and espoused to benefit the many, turn out when the layers are peeled back to reveal exactly the opposite?
With all the scandals currently fouling the atmosphere of our Nation’s Capital, I get where Mr. Thor was going. If you’re going to write this kind of book, you are going to have to tiptoe around in politics.
It was a very interesting insight into the workings of the Federal Reserve, and at times, I almost felt this was an entertaining textbook, one that veered off to include murder and intrigue.
It’s always hard to fill in the back story without the narration beginning to sound like a history lesson. When I become aware this is happening, I start mentally urging the author to hurry up, tell it faster, and get back to the action; in other words, I get bogged down; it frustrates me and detracts from my reading pleasure.
There were so many characters that I found I wasn’t invested in any of them. This might be cured by reading the other books in the series. With the recurring protagonist theme of a series, it would have given me the insight about the lead characters that I didn’t get in the quick overview the author accorded to each in this particular book.
With my few criticisms aligned all in a row, it sounds as though I didn’t enjoy the book, but I did, and I fully intend to start the series from the beginning when I get a chance.
Review by Shelley Riley, author of Casual Lies-A Triple Crown Adventure
June 13, 2024
Book Review - Hidden Order - Brad Thor
I happen to be a great fan of Brad Thor's novels. I love Scot Harvath and his adventures. However, this was more of a police procedural and history lesson (which is great, as long as that is what you like). The story was very interesting and the information, which I am certain is true, is frightening, however I like Scot Harvath in action and kicking a little a**. He seemed too domesticated in this novel, sort of a back seat character instead of the action hero saving the day. Hidden Order was the first Brad Thor novel that I read that was just not up to his normal standard in my opinion. Too much history and a general lack of action. It was more of a Hardy Boys mystery combined with a history class. I appreciated the lesson on the Federal Reserve and American History, however, there was virtually no suspense and no action. I expected more from a Scot Harvath novel. I've read all of Brad Thor's novels and this is probably my least favorite of the series. I liked it, I just wasn't in love with it like the other novels.
I happen to be a great fan of Brad Thor's novels. I love Scot Harvath and his adventures. However, this was more of a police procedural and history lesson (which is great, as long as that is what you like). The story was very interesting and the information, which I am certain is true, is frightening, however I like Scot Harvath in action and kicking a little a**. He seemed too domesticated in this novel, sort of a back seat character instead of the action hero saving the day. Hidden Order was the first Brad Thor novel that I read that was just not up to his normal standard in my opinion. Too much history and a general lack of action. It was more of a Hardy Boys mystery combined with a history class. I appreciated the lesson on the Federal Reserve and American History, however, there was virtually no suspense and no action. I expected more from a Scot Harvath novel. I've read all of Brad Thor's novels and this is probably my least favorite of the series. I liked it, I just wasn't in love with it like the other novels.
September 18, 2013
Brad Thor created an intricate plot following multiple groups to conclusion. Characters battled unknown forces controlling dangerous assassins through multiple routes. The current nature of the political aspect was thought provoking. Hidden Order is a great thriller that compels you to keep reading.
June 23, 2017
I enjoy Brad Thor's books on Scott Harvath. Are they way out there with some of the plots and missions. I believe so, but I enjoy the black op missions and seeing where the main characters go on wither lives. I'm sure this is not for everyone....but I enjoy them and will continue reading them.
July 12, 2013
Not his best. Way too much historical detail about the federal reserve, blah, blah, blah.
October 21, 2024
Scot Harvath is a detective in this one. Less politics and more thriller. I enjoyed it very much!
July 8, 2020
6/10 Slightly above average book. I’ve been a fan of Thor’s books for a while, but, for me, this wasn’t one of his best.
January 2, 2014
*Genre* Mystery, Thriller
*Rating* 3-3.5
*My Thoughts*
Scot Harvath is back in action and this time the main focus is on the Federal Reserve, which I have to tell you, was very, very interesting to read about and makes me wonder why other people don't chirp in for more awareness of what this non branch of government actually does with OUR money. You could say that Thor once again rips his story from the headlines and tosses his character into the middle of it.
Whenever I read one of these books, I am immediately called a right wing nut job. That is a false statement to say the least, but, you sometimes have to be a duck and let the shit roll off your back. I enjoy reading these books because they are escapism. They allow you to cheer for a character who has gone from being a Navy SEAL, to a member of the Secret Service, to a part of a highly secretive group of operators who are tasked to bring the war to terrorists and those who threaten the US, and is the best at what he does. End finis.
The main part of the story focuses on the aspect that FIVE would be successors to the Chairmanship of the Federal Reserve, who apparently died of a heart attack, are kidnapped and there are no ransom demands. When the body of a woman candidate is found in Georgia, Harvath and boss Reed Carlton are tasked by the Federal Reserve to find out who is responsible for taking them. Hidden Order takes Harvath from Somalia, to DC, to Boston where most of the action for Scot takes place.
I loved how Thor mixes history about the revolutionary war era along with the history of the Federal Reserve to tell this story and to explain about the Sons of Liberty and important historical spots around Boston. I think Hidden Order, while interesting enough, wasn't what I expected. I didn't expect to see Scot become a detective running around a step behind the would be kidnappers and killers in an effort to stop them. I am so used to Scot kicking in doors, and beating the crap out of the enemies, that this was more tame in comparison.
I also didn't expect to like the secondary characters in Sloane Ashby, Lydia Ryan, William Wise, & Bob McGee. Thor has a tendency to have separate stories told at the same time as Harvath's. In this case, Lydia is at the center of the parallel story when a Jordanian Intelligence officer gives her some bits and pieces about the Arab Spring and Jordan's own future. She also learns more about so called wet teams that are apparently still together even though they were "broken" up.
In the end, they all tie up nicely together. I also liked where Thor took the new President and his views about not too big to fail, and allow the Federal Reserve to collapse. I liked that he apparently has some new rules and guidelines and Scot is one of the center pieces. I guess we will have to be patient and allow Thor to flex his creative muscle.
Published July 9th 2013 by Atria/Emily Bestler (first published July 1st 2013)
*Rating* 3-3.5
*My Thoughts*
Scot Harvath is back in action and this time the main focus is on the Federal Reserve, which I have to tell you, was very, very interesting to read about and makes me wonder why other people don't chirp in for more awareness of what this non branch of government actually does with OUR money. You could say that Thor once again rips his story from the headlines and tosses his character into the middle of it.
Whenever I read one of these books, I am immediately called a right wing nut job. That is a false statement to say the least, but, you sometimes have to be a duck and let the shit roll off your back. I enjoy reading these books because they are escapism. They allow you to cheer for a character who has gone from being a Navy SEAL, to a member of the Secret Service, to a part of a highly secretive group of operators who are tasked to bring the war to terrorists and those who threaten the US, and is the best at what he does. End finis.
The main part of the story focuses on the aspect that FIVE would be successors to the Chairmanship of the Federal Reserve, who apparently died of a heart attack, are kidnapped and there are no ransom demands. When the body of a woman candidate is found in Georgia, Harvath and boss Reed Carlton are tasked by the Federal Reserve to find out who is responsible for taking them. Hidden Order takes Harvath from Somalia, to DC, to Boston where most of the action for Scot takes place.
I loved how Thor mixes history about the revolutionary war era along with the history of the Federal Reserve to tell this story and to explain about the Sons of Liberty and important historical spots around Boston. I think Hidden Order, while interesting enough, wasn't what I expected. I didn't expect to see Scot become a detective running around a step behind the would be kidnappers and killers in an effort to stop them. I am so used to Scot kicking in doors, and beating the crap out of the enemies, that this was more tame in comparison.
I also didn't expect to like the secondary characters in Sloane Ashby, Lydia Ryan, William Wise, & Bob McGee. Thor has a tendency to have separate stories told at the same time as Harvath's. In this case, Lydia is at the center of the parallel story when a Jordanian Intelligence officer gives her some bits and pieces about the Arab Spring and Jordan's own future. She also learns more about so called wet teams that are apparently still together even though they were "broken" up.
In the end, they all tie up nicely together. I also liked where Thor took the new President and his views about not too big to fail, and allow the Federal Reserve to collapse. I liked that he apparently has some new rules and guidelines and Scot is one of the center pieces. I guess we will have to be patient and allow Thor to flex his creative muscle.
Published July 9th 2013 by Atria/Emily Bestler (first published July 1st 2013)
July 17, 2013
How do I begin. Well I guess I will begin by saying that 75% of the way in this book I was majorly disappointed. I was thinking to myself that this was more of a history book than a thriller. I love history, don't get me wrong. But when I buy a thriller, I expect to be thrilled. So I wasn't too enthused most of the book. But the last 5-6 chapters made up for it. They made up for the rest of the book.
This book was different from Brad Thor's last three books in that it's a completely stand alone story. It reminded me of The Apostle, which was a transition time for Scot from his glory days as the President's hit man, to the days of contract killing and Kidnapping and Rescue response. The Apostle was my favorite Brad Thor book until Full Black came along. Foreign Influence, Full Black, and Black List really need to be read back to back as a series within the Scot Harvath world. Hidden Order to me isn't the beginning on a new miniseries in Scot Harvath's world, but another transition like The Apostle. I won't give it away, but the end of the book is what causes me to call this a "transition" book.
I'm also a fan of Lee Child's protagonist Jack Reacher. Scot acted more like him in this novel. Most of the book was a mystery and he was in "investigator" mode instead of assassin "pipe hitter" mode. I always thought of Scot Harvath as being more like Jack Bauer...but Brad Thor brought out another side of him here in this novel. He was a little like this in The Last Patriot, but I really can't describe it...Scot was just different in this book. Not in a bad way, but different. Only a true fan of Brad Thor would notice this though. So if you don't want to read all of Brad Thor's books, you don't have to. I highly suggest you do because they're EPIC and worthy of my top shelf (where they are) in my library. But if you're just starting on Brad Thor books then this will be a good one to start on.
Lastly...this book scared the crap out of me more than I already was. I've been studying history,news, media, and current events and absolutely terrified on what is on the horizon. America is crumbling because of the jackassery in Washington and America is truly in distress. The problems in this book directly reflect the centralized problem here right now...That evil prevails when good men do nothing. The whole book will scare you but the last 5-6 chapters will do you in. Darkness is coming for all of us. Scot Harvath, The Old Man, Dr. Wise (whom I think Brad Thor modeled after LtCol Dave Grossman..Epic American), Lydia Ryan, and Detective Cordero are all examples of the type of men and women needed right now.
I won't give anymore away because I hate spoilers. Thank you Brad for writing another excellent book and standing up for our freedom of speech in your books. Keep up the good work and keep sharpening away, Proverbs 27:17.
This book was different from Brad Thor's last three books in that it's a completely stand alone story. It reminded me of The Apostle, which was a transition time for Scot from his glory days as the President's hit man, to the days of contract killing and Kidnapping and Rescue response. The Apostle was my favorite Brad Thor book until Full Black came along. Foreign Influence, Full Black, and Black List really need to be read back to back as a series within the Scot Harvath world. Hidden Order to me isn't the beginning on a new miniseries in Scot Harvath's world, but another transition like The Apostle. I won't give it away, but the end of the book is what causes me to call this a "transition" book.
I'm also a fan of Lee Child's protagonist Jack Reacher. Scot acted more like him in this novel. Most of the book was a mystery and he was in "investigator" mode instead of assassin "pipe hitter" mode. I always thought of Scot Harvath as being more like Jack Bauer...but Brad Thor brought out another side of him here in this novel. He was a little like this in The Last Patriot, but I really can't describe it...Scot was just different in this book. Not in a bad way, but different. Only a true fan of Brad Thor would notice this though. So if you don't want to read all of Brad Thor's books, you don't have to. I highly suggest you do because they're EPIC and worthy of my top shelf (where they are) in my library. But if you're just starting on Brad Thor books then this will be a good one to start on.
Lastly...this book scared the crap out of me more than I already was. I've been studying history,news, media, and current events and absolutely terrified on what is on the horizon. America is crumbling because of the jackassery in Washington and America is truly in distress. The problems in this book directly reflect the centralized problem here right now...That evil prevails when good men do nothing. The whole book will scare you but the last 5-6 chapters will do you in. Darkness is coming for all of us. Scot Harvath, The Old Man, Dr. Wise (whom I think Brad Thor modeled after LtCol Dave Grossman..Epic American), Lydia Ryan, and Detective Cordero are all examples of the type of men and women needed right now.
I won't give anymore away because I hate spoilers. Thank you Brad for writing another excellent book and standing up for our freedom of speech in your books. Keep up the good work and keep sharpening away, Proverbs 27:17.
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