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Liam Scott #1
The New Recruit
What if your prank killed your best friend. Could you live with yourself?
You try to forget and move on; you enrol in Army training, you want to make something of your life. The training is tough and it almost breaks you. But you survive; you know you'll make a good soldier.
Finally, when you're out in Afghanistan, under enemy fire, you come face-to-face with your best friend's brother. He still blames you for his brother's death. You now have more to fear than just enemy soldiers . . .
You try to forget and move on; you enrol in Army training, you want to make something of your life. The training is tough and it almost breaks you. But you survive; you know you'll make a good soldier.
Finally, when you're out in Afghanistan, under enemy fire, you come face-to-face with your best friend's brother. He still blames you for his brother's death. You now have more to fear than just enemy soldiers . . .
272 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2012
74 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
About the author
Andy McNab
205 books1,161 followersAndy McNab joined the infantry in 1976 as a boy soldier. In 1984 he was badged as a member of 22 SAS Regiment. He served in B Squadron 22 SAS for ten years and worked on both covert and overt special operations worldwide, including anti-terrorist and anti-drug operations in the Middle and Far East, South and Central America and Northern Ireland.
Trained as a specialist in counter terrorism, prime target elimination, demolitions, weapons and tactics, covert surveillance and information gathering in hostile environments, and VIP protection, McNab worked on cooperative operations with police forces, prison services, anti-drug forces and western backed guerrilla movements as well as on conventional special operations. In Northern Ireland he spent two years working as an undercover operator with 14th Intelligence Group, going on to become an instructor.
McNab also worked as an instructor on the SAS selection and training team and instructed foreign special forces in counter terrorism, hostage rescue and survival training.
Andy McNab has written about his experiences in the SAS in two bestselling books, Bravo Two Zero (1993) and Immediate Action (1995). Bravo Two Zero is the highest selling war book of all time and has sold over 1.7 million copies in the UK. To date it has been published in 17 countries and translated into 16 languages. The CD spoken word version of Bravo Two Zero, narrated by McNab, sold over 60,000 copies and earned a silver disc. The BBC's film of Bravo Two Zero, starring Sean Bean, was shown on primetime BBC 1 television in 1999 and released on DVD in 2000.
Immediate Action, McNab's autobiography, spent 18 weeks at the top of the bestseller lists following the lifting on an ex-parte injunction granted to the Ministry of Defence in September 1995. To date, Immediate Action has now sold over 1.4 million copies in the UK.
McNab is the author of seven fast action thrillers, highly acclaimed for their authenticity and all Sunday Times bestsellers. Published in 1997, Remote Control was hailed as the most authentic thriller ever written and has sold over half a million copies in the UK. McNab's subsequent thrillers, Crisis Four, Firewall, Last Light , Liberation Day , Dark Winter , Deep Black and Aggressor have all gone on to sell equally well. The central character in all the books is Nick Stone, a tough ex-SAS operative working as a 'K' on deniable operations for British Intelligence.
McNab's fiction draws extensively on his experiences and knowledge of Special Forces soldiering. He has been officially registered by Neilsen Bookscan as the bestselling British thriller writer of the last year.
Trained as a specialist in counter terrorism, prime target elimination, demolitions, weapons and tactics, covert surveillance and information gathering in hostile environments, and VIP protection, McNab worked on cooperative operations with police forces, prison services, anti-drug forces and western backed guerrilla movements as well as on conventional special operations. In Northern Ireland he spent two years working as an undercover operator with 14th Intelligence Group, going on to become an instructor.
McNab also worked as an instructor on the SAS selection and training team and instructed foreign special forces in counter terrorism, hostage rescue and survival training.
Andy McNab has written about his experiences in the SAS in two bestselling books, Bravo Two Zero (1993) and Immediate Action (1995). Bravo Two Zero is the highest selling war book of all time and has sold over 1.7 million copies in the UK. To date it has been published in 17 countries and translated into 16 languages. The CD spoken word version of Bravo Two Zero, narrated by McNab, sold over 60,000 copies and earned a silver disc. The BBC's film of Bravo Two Zero, starring Sean Bean, was shown on primetime BBC 1 television in 1999 and released on DVD in 2000.
Immediate Action, McNab's autobiography, spent 18 weeks at the top of the bestseller lists following the lifting on an ex-parte injunction granted to the Ministry of Defence in September 1995. To date, Immediate Action has now sold over 1.4 million copies in the UK.
McNab is the author of seven fast action thrillers, highly acclaimed for their authenticity and all Sunday Times bestsellers. Published in 1997, Remote Control was hailed as the most authentic thriller ever written and has sold over half a million copies in the UK. McNab's subsequent thrillers, Crisis Four, Firewall, Last Light , Liberation Day , Dark Winter , Deep Black and Aggressor have all gone on to sell equally well. The central character in all the books is Nick Stone, a tough ex-SAS operative working as a 'K' on deniable operations for British Intelligence.
McNab's fiction draws extensively on his experiences and knowledge of Special Forces soldiering. He has been officially registered by Neilsen Bookscan as the bestselling British thriller writer of the last year.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 10, 2016
actual rating: 3.5
this book was good, i enjoyed how the story played out during my reading of the book but i don't think i will be continuing on with this series. I'm not saying this book was bad but i just didn't like the genre very much but i think if you love these types of war stories then it will be right up your alley.
thank you to the author for putting the glossary at the beginning of the book because it helped with all the confusing terms that were in through out the book.
this book was good, i enjoyed how the story played out during my reading of the book but i don't think i will be continuing on with this series. I'm not saying this book was bad but i just didn't like the genre very much but i think if you love these types of war stories then it will be right up your alley.
thank you to the author for putting the glossary at the beginning of the book because it helped with all the confusing terms that were in through out the book.
July 18, 2018
I enjoyed this book because it had a load of cliffhangers and was very exciting
September 10, 2018
The genre was war . It is the first book in the series. I really enjoyed as I am really into war stories and it was a real page turner. I would recommend this book to 13-16 year olds.
September 28, 2018
I haven’t read a whole lot by the Author but out of the few I have read, this was one of the better one. I think it was more to do with the subject matter and situation. It reminded me a lot of Our Girl. It took you from him going through basic training, infantry training and being stationed in Afghanistan.
It took you gradually through the process, it didn’t rush to the full-on action in Afghanistan. The Author showed a great deal of knowledge and know-how of the British Army. You felt like you were there with them training.
The drama side of the book wasn’t all that in your face. Not until the end when it all heated up.
It took you gradually through the process, it didn’t rush to the full-on action in Afghanistan. The Author showed a great deal of knowledge and know-how of the British Army. You felt like you were there with them training.
The drama side of the book wasn’t all that in your face. Not until the end when it all heated up.
March 24, 2020
A young Londoner in his sixteen joins the army to fight with his inner sorrows. He completes his junior soldier training, moves on to being a soldier in the Rifles, gets deployed to Afghanistan and fights his way to Buckingham to get a medal from HM the Queen.
The book follows from Liam’s very first days in the army to his days as a battle hardened veteran. The theme and plot revolves around army life and is very accurate and detail. The author himself being a veteran could portray training sessions, rugged instructors, the psychology of the recruits etc. in an excellent manner. Anyone with inner knowledge about the army life will get goosebumps for sure.
The second part of the book focuses on Liam’s deployment to Afghanistan. Once again life in an FOB deep inside enemy territory is portrayed in a detailed way. Combat situations are drawn from first hand experiences.
Character development from a young boy to a hardened man is the central theme of many books, but this book is certainly one of the best in this genre. If you are a fan of Bravo Two Zero by the same author this is a must.
The book follows from Liam’s very first days in the army to his days as a battle hardened veteran. The theme and plot revolves around army life and is very accurate and detail. The author himself being a veteran could portray training sessions, rugged instructors, the psychology of the recruits etc. in an excellent manner. Anyone with inner knowledge about the army life will get goosebumps for sure.
The second part of the book focuses on Liam’s deployment to Afghanistan. Once again life in an FOB deep inside enemy territory is portrayed in a detailed way. Combat situations are drawn from first hand experiences.
Character development from a young boy to a hardened man is the central theme of many books, but this book is certainly one of the best in this genre. If you are a fan of Bravo Two Zero by the same author this is a must.
January 29, 2015
I was surprised I enjoyed it as much as I did, I'm usually into magic, fantasy and the likes. But yeah I really enjoyed it.
I was apprehensive before reading thinking that I'd be easily confused by army vocab but the way McNab wrote made it easier to understand (the index at the front also helped a great deal).
As a first time reader of anything army related I found it really interesting to learn about all of the equipment, ranks and procedures. McNab writes it with the enthusiasm of a first time soldier and so makes it easy to see the army from Liam's point of view, as new and exciting with so much to learn.
The characters were easy to like and Liam's relationships as well as his story were interesting and kept me wanting to read more. The dialogue wasn't forced and really helped me to see the characters as real soldiers instead of fictional, adding to the emotions when continuing to read and learn about each one.
It was fun in parts, exciting in others and upsetting when necessary. All in all a good read.
I was apprehensive before reading thinking that I'd be easily confused by army vocab but the way McNab wrote made it easier to understand (the index at the front also helped a great deal).
As a first time reader of anything army related I found it really interesting to learn about all of the equipment, ranks and procedures. McNab writes it with the enthusiasm of a first time soldier and so makes it easy to see the army from Liam's point of view, as new and exciting with so much to learn.
The characters were easy to like and Liam's relationships as well as his story were interesting and kept me wanting to read more. The dialogue wasn't forced and really helped me to see the characters as real soldiers instead of fictional, adding to the emotions when continuing to read and learn about each one.
It was fun in parts, exciting in others and upsetting when necessary. All in all a good read.
September 7, 2017
I was very bored throughout the whole book.
It's basically a guide on how to get into the army and be a soldier. With a stupid revenge plot that made no sense, where a character acted like a total idiot, and got a pathetic resolution.
So bad. So boring. Never again.
It's basically a guide on how to get into the army and be a soldier. With a stupid revenge plot that made no sense, where a character acted like a total idiot, and got a pathetic resolution.
So bad. So boring. Never again.
June 1, 2022
Audio book
The narrator was excellent.
I felt this book gives you a little insight into the horrifying life of a soldier when in Afghanistan.
At times I felt I was there alongside Liam Scott the new recruit.
The narrator was excellent.
I felt this book gives you a little insight into the horrifying life of a soldier when in Afghanistan.
At times I felt I was there alongside Liam Scott the new recruit.
July 2, 2017
A good short punchy novel. It captures brilliantly what the coalition forces face daily in Stan and the many acts of bravery facing the Taliban Forces. Mnab as his best.
May 14, 2018
what an emotional rollercoaster, but also an amazing insight into what it's like to get in the British army. I loved it.
June 1, 2019
2.5 Stars
October 12, 2019
Easy to read book about army life. Great if you are looking for a thrill but in the same Genre I much prefer Chris Ryan because he writes much more in detail.
May 10, 2021
Very fascinating and it tells you the pain of joining the army. Must read book
June 21, 2021
Easy to read and good for teens looking at uniformed public services
August 17, 2021
First half is boring as bat shite, but the second is extremely intense and interesting. Great book to pick up for year 6 and 7's.
October 1, 2021
58th book of the year out of 104.
December 12, 2021
It was OK, nothing special and not up to this author's standard.
September 23, 2022
OMG what can I say. Really brings home what the soldiers went through in Afghanistan. Well worth a read
October 4, 2022
Brilliant insight into joining the armed forces, with a underlying story
October 24, 2023
Audiobook unabridged with Jack Hawkins as narrator,excellent !
August 27, 2024
... Come, mister Taliban man, tally me granata
Daylight come and me wan' go home...
Daylight come and me wan' go home...
January 31, 2025
Easy rrad
November 30, 2025
I found this one as I was clearing out some old books to take to the charity shop. I probably enjoyed it more when I was a teenager but since that’s the target demographic I can’t complain too much!
March 22, 2017
I like how there was a glossary at the front so I knew what a lot of the stuff was
October 10, 2016
I chose to read this book because I have read one or two books from the same author but not in the same series. Andy McNab writes spy and military books based of true stories. Great for people who have nothing to do on a rainy Sunday. When I went to the library I went straight to the "Teen Reads" shelf and saw heaps of books I had read. I saw this book and realised it was from a author I am familiar with so I picked it up and flicked through a couple of pages and thought it was going to be a very interesting book, so I got it out. The main character Liam, was the classic Hero who saves people from getting blown up and cares for others and all that happy, happy stuff. What I did find interesting about him though was the fact that he also looked after his sworn enemies. He is a very fair character who won't strike if the opponent is down or play dirty. But if someone messes with him and he doesn't like it... It's hammer time! My favorite quote from this book is said by Major Edwards, the commandant of 2 rifles ( Liam's Battalion ) "Mark my words gentlemen, we will be prepared. None of you will go to Afghanistan unable to implement your training above and beyond the best of your ability. You will be ready." I chose this quote because it introduces the main scenario of the story (The tour to Afghanistan). Books can teach you very important life lessons, and I have learnt a major one from this novel. Never take anything for granted, not food, not water, not hygiene, not even people, because if you do... Life will bite you back for it.
April 2, 2013
Who knew a war book could be so good? i would of given it 5 stars if i was more attached to the characters, but with the way the author wrote it that was pretty much impossible, which in itself isnt a bad thing being that its about war and the soldiers have to close them selves off - but then this is a book not not a biography.
the details about all the SMG's, BASHA, ASM and etc would of been a pain in the ass but McNab managed to write it in a way where someone like me (who understands NOTHING about guns) understood what the hell was going on so Good Job!! *thumbs up*
if i was more emotionally invested in this book i prob would of felt like i was there experiencing everything that happened, but im quiet happy i didnt, that would of been a massive strain to my brain and prob made an emotional wreck for about a week. lol. so thanks for sparing me that McNab.
i would recommend this book to everyone thinking about enlisting with the army - its just a bit of a heads up on what actually happens and how it effects people.
also heads up - some pretty insane.... gory (gory nice lets go with gory) details.
the details about all the SMG's, BASHA, ASM and etc would of been a pain in the ass but McNab managed to write it in a way where someone like me (who understands NOTHING about guns) understood what the hell was going on so Good Job!! *thumbs up*
if i was more emotionally invested in this book i prob would of felt like i was there experiencing everything that happened, but im quiet happy i didnt, that would of been a massive strain to my brain and prob made an emotional wreck for about a week. lol. so thanks for sparing me that McNab.
i would recommend this book to everyone thinking about enlisting with the army - its just a bit of a heads up on what actually happens and how it effects people.
also heads up - some pretty insane.... gory (gory nice lets go with gory) details.
February 13, 2014
The start of a new series by McNab follows the story of a young soldier through his training and then into the thick of things in Afghanistan. The first half may seem a little slow to develop, but it gives insight into what new recruits have to go through as it also develops the new character and his difficult past, some of which catches up with him later in the book. The second half is more intense and very much the more familiar McNab style. A very easy read, somewhat predictable, but thoroughly enjoyable.
October 9, 2015
The beginning dragged a little for me but once training was over, oh, my, word!
What an adrenaline filled race to the end!
You watch these things on film and the heroes come home, but this is reality and not everyone comes home. And those who do, will never be the same again.
I could not put it down In the end and desperately wanted to know what happens when the pressure and danger kept mounting. When those you must trust are not trustworthy, what is left?
I am glad I persevered through training, it was worth it!
What an adrenaline filled race to the end!
You watch these things on film and the heroes come home, but this is reality and not everyone comes home. And those who do, will never be the same again.
I could not put it down In the end and desperately wanted to know what happens when the pressure and danger kept mounting. When those you must trust are not trustworthy, what is left?
I am glad I persevered through training, it was worth it!
September 3, 2016
I have to be honest, I did not expect to enjoy this as much as I did. It wasn't as brutal and gut wrenching as the more 'authobiographical' Bravo Two Zero. But then this is a fiction, though it's written by a guy who is rather familiar with British military life. I found this genuinely easy reading.
June 1, 2015
It was good not great. Being a soldier Andy McNab's description of the training and of combat in Afghanistan was excellent. However, the underlying story of the brother who blaimed the recruit for his brother's death was a bit of let down otherwise I would have given it more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews