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Cogar Adventure Series #2
Cogar's Revolt
Violence has descended upon the historic city of Cairo, the streets plunged into chaos as stones thrown by protestors are met with bullets and fire hoses from President Mubarak’s soldiers. Always in the thick of things, wisecracking international news correspondent Grant Cogar quickly finds himself caught between warring political forces in the midst of a brutal fight for control of the country.
Worse, a Syrian mercenary with an insatiable bloodlust and a reputation for limitless violence has Cogar locked unwaveringly in his sights. Befriending a beautiful young woman determined to see the rights of her people restored, Cogar must battle his way through a city turned upon itself to get his story and get out alive.
Worse, a Syrian mercenary with an insatiable bloodlust and a reputation for limitless violence has Cogar locked unwaveringly in his sights. Befriending a beautiful young woman determined to see the rights of her people restored, Cogar must battle his way through a city turned upon itself to get his story and get out alive.
Paperback
First published August 11, 2013
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About the author
Nate Granzow
10 books61 followersAn outdoorsman, award-winning novelist, and editor, Nate Granzow likes the smell of gunpowder, the taste of gin, and the feel of leather-bound books. He won the Clive Cussler Adventure Writer's Competition in 2017 for "The Phaistos Paragon," won a 2019 Best Independent Book Award for "Zimbabwe Hustle," and ranked as a finalist in the 2021 Minnesota Book Awards with "Get Idiota."
Follow Nate Granzow for updates and giveaways at:
www.nategranzow.com
www.facebook.com/NateGranzowAuthor
Follow Nate Granzow for updates and giveaways at:
www.nategranzow.com
www.facebook.com/NateGranzowAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 4, 2022
Book Review – Cogar’s Revolt – Nate Granzow
“Cogar’s Revolt,” Book 2 in the Grant Cogar series, by Indie author Nate Granzow is a solid adventure thriller that is sure to please any action-adventure enthusiast. Always in the thick of things, wisecracking international news correspondent Grant Cogar quickly finds himself caught between belligerent political forces during a brutal fight for control over Egypt. Plus, a Syrian mercenary with a reputation for limitless violence has Cogar locked into his sights. And as usual, trapped between the military forces and the Muslim Brotherhood organization, Cogar must battle his way through the political fighting and the psycho assassin out to kill him to get his story out and himself out of Egypt alive. Cogar’s Revolt is a harsher, more violent tale than then Granzow’s first book, “Cogar’s Despair.” Granzow’s well-researched story sends Cogar deeper into the chaos of a country on the verge of revolution, allowing the reader to experience the news as it happens. Especially impressive is how Granzow manages to raise the stakes without ever sacrificing the action – gun battles, hand-to-hand combat, and the near-death experiences. It is an action-packed read from the outset, and it is consistently tense throughout. And once Cogar opens his mouth to make an unforgettable wisecrack; each sarcastic remark results in more trouble for him. So far, the series is a fresh new perspective on action, especially with a non-traditional protagonist that’s witty, humorous, but delightful to follow. Cogar’s Revolt was a surprisingly good edge of your seat page turner that unexpectedly has me committed to the series. Well worth the time in reading…
“Cogar’s Revolt,” Book 2 in the Grant Cogar series, by Indie author Nate Granzow is a solid adventure thriller that is sure to please any action-adventure enthusiast. Always in the thick of things, wisecracking international news correspondent Grant Cogar quickly finds himself caught between belligerent political forces during a brutal fight for control over Egypt. Plus, a Syrian mercenary with a reputation for limitless violence has Cogar locked into his sights. And as usual, trapped between the military forces and the Muslim Brotherhood organization, Cogar must battle his way through the political fighting and the psycho assassin out to kill him to get his story out and himself out of Egypt alive. Cogar’s Revolt is a harsher, more violent tale than then Granzow’s first book, “Cogar’s Despair.” Granzow’s well-researched story sends Cogar deeper into the chaos of a country on the verge of revolution, allowing the reader to experience the news as it happens. Especially impressive is how Granzow manages to raise the stakes without ever sacrificing the action – gun battles, hand-to-hand combat, and the near-death experiences. It is an action-packed read from the outset, and it is consistently tense throughout. And once Cogar opens his mouth to make an unforgettable wisecrack; each sarcastic remark results in more trouble for him. So far, the series is a fresh new perspective on action, especially with a non-traditional protagonist that’s witty, humorous, but delightful to follow. Cogar’s Revolt was a surprisingly good edge of your seat page turner that unexpectedly has me committed to the series. Well worth the time in reading…
November 24, 2019
The action-adventure genre is filled to the brim with tales of operators, spies, hardboiled cops, and mercenaries going toe-to-toe with bad guys. These are usually the only books of the genre I read, because when I hear about a lawyer or a fireman or another average joe with no tactical training getting into these situations, my automatic reaction is, "Yeah, right, they'd have waxed that guy on page one." Nate Granzow's writing has been the sole exception to that rule. I took a chance with THE SCORPION'S NEST and was pleasantly surprised. That convinced me to pick up COGAR'S DESPAIR, which turned out to be an excellent book, if a little short. COGAR'S REVOLT, Granzow's third book and the sophomore entry in the COGAR series, is all the things his first two books were, but stronger.
COGAR'S REVOLT picks up shortly after its predecessor, with Cogar traveling to Egypt to cover the fermenting Arab Spring uprisings. Stuck with his old rival, Perry Rothko, Cogar immediately finds his way into trouble, evading an Egyptian security services colonel; crossing paths with Aqiylah, a beautiful young woman with wisdom beyond her years and full of zeal; and members of the Muslim Brotherhood, including Kek, a murderous Syrian that gives even the Brotherhood cause for concern. With all of these forces working to their own ends, Cogar dashes from one scrape to another, constantly seeking the truth above all else.
The reason why Grant Cogar is so enjoyable to read is that Granzow acknowledges that Cogar is just an ordinary man. He has no formal martial arts or firearms training. He does not have it in him to kill another person, not readily. Cogar is literally a man one could meet in a bar: a cavalier alcoholic with a razor-sharp wit and enough charm to make Stonehedge blush. When he finds himself against those who are much larger than he is or trained in the killing arts, he uses his mind more than his fists, though he has just enough combative skill to get by. Cogar is also a throwback to heroes of old who would defiantly laugh in the face of danger and always had a wisecrack up his sleeve for just the perfect moment.
All of the above was established in COGAR'S DESPAIR and further reinforced in COGAR'S REVOLT, but another dimension was revealed in the book: Cogar's stomach (or lack thereof) for killing. With an operator, a soldier, a cop, a mercenary, etc, it's a pretty straightforward deal: follow your training, kill your enemy, or die. At one point in the book, Cogar has a clear shot on an enemy who is pursing him, but he does what many people who do not have that inner killer in them do: he freezes up, questions whether he can live with the decision he is about to make. These not only distinct Cogar from other heroes in the genre, but it makes him distinctly relatable and human.
Another plus point was the evolving dynamic between Cogar and his nemesis, Perry Rothko. A good writer keeps dynamics fresh, and Granzow is not a good writer. He is a GREAT writer. Not only do we see how Cogar develops from his interactions with Rothko, but we see a side to Rothko that he haven't seen before, largely because we are seeing the story through Cogar's eyes. This was definitely one of the strongest points of the story, so far as I was concerned.
Another strong point: Granzow knows the journalism field inside and out, and it shows in his writing. When I read Cogar, I feel like I am having a journalist tell me a story of an outrageous adventure he had embarked on while seeking the perfect story. Knowledge of a subject ensnares the reader and keeps them hooked. Simultaneously, Granzow does not bore us with slow details of the journalism trade that would bring the pace to a crawl. He keeps things light, fast, and enjoyable to read. He also researches like a journalist, including details of Arab Spring and Cairo to add that extra authentic feel to the prose.
As for a weak point: aside from a few grammatical errors here and there, my only disdain was Aqiylah, and it was not that big of a disdain. Anybody who knows me knows I can't stand damsels in distress in fiction. However, I do recognize that Aqiylah was only eighteen and also untrained, and it's a personal bias more than anything actually wrong with the book. She doesn't go full damsel, and at some parts, she gets downright scrappy, but there are moments that approach the damsel zone. Your mileage may very, but it warranted mention. Not that it's a sleight against Granzow by any means, just a matter of personal preference, and obviously not severe enough to dock away from his perfect score.
COGAR'S REVOLT is a mile per minute page turner that will have you laughing one moment and at the edge of your seat the next. There is never a boring moment when you're riding with Grant Cogar!
COGAR'S REVOLT picks up shortly after its predecessor, with Cogar traveling to Egypt to cover the fermenting Arab Spring uprisings. Stuck with his old rival, Perry Rothko, Cogar immediately finds his way into trouble, evading an Egyptian security services colonel; crossing paths with Aqiylah, a beautiful young woman with wisdom beyond her years and full of zeal; and members of the Muslim Brotherhood, including Kek, a murderous Syrian that gives even the Brotherhood cause for concern. With all of these forces working to their own ends, Cogar dashes from one scrape to another, constantly seeking the truth above all else.
The reason why Grant Cogar is so enjoyable to read is that Granzow acknowledges that Cogar is just an ordinary man. He has no formal martial arts or firearms training. He does not have it in him to kill another person, not readily. Cogar is literally a man one could meet in a bar: a cavalier alcoholic with a razor-sharp wit and enough charm to make Stonehedge blush. When he finds himself against those who are much larger than he is or trained in the killing arts, he uses his mind more than his fists, though he has just enough combative skill to get by. Cogar is also a throwback to heroes of old who would defiantly laugh in the face of danger and always had a wisecrack up his sleeve for just the perfect moment.
All of the above was established in COGAR'S DESPAIR and further reinforced in COGAR'S REVOLT, but another dimension was revealed in the book: Cogar's stomach (or lack thereof) for killing. With an operator, a soldier, a cop, a mercenary, etc, it's a pretty straightforward deal: follow your training, kill your enemy, or die. At one point in the book, Cogar has a clear shot on an enemy who is pursing him, but he does what many people who do not have that inner killer in them do: he freezes up, questions whether he can live with the decision he is about to make. These not only distinct Cogar from other heroes in the genre, but it makes him distinctly relatable and human.
Another plus point was the evolving dynamic between Cogar and his nemesis, Perry Rothko. A good writer keeps dynamics fresh, and Granzow is not a good writer. He is a GREAT writer. Not only do we see how Cogar develops from his interactions with Rothko, but we see a side to Rothko that he haven't seen before, largely because we are seeing the story through Cogar's eyes. This was definitely one of the strongest points of the story, so far as I was concerned.
Another strong point: Granzow knows the journalism field inside and out, and it shows in his writing. When I read Cogar, I feel like I am having a journalist tell me a story of an outrageous adventure he had embarked on while seeking the perfect story. Knowledge of a subject ensnares the reader and keeps them hooked. Simultaneously, Granzow does not bore us with slow details of the journalism trade that would bring the pace to a crawl. He keeps things light, fast, and enjoyable to read. He also researches like a journalist, including details of Arab Spring and Cairo to add that extra authentic feel to the prose.
As for a weak point: aside from a few grammatical errors here and there, my only disdain was Aqiylah, and it was not that big of a disdain. Anybody who knows me knows I can't stand damsels in distress in fiction. However, I do recognize that Aqiylah was only eighteen and also untrained, and it's a personal bias more than anything actually wrong with the book. She doesn't go full damsel, and at some parts, she gets downright scrappy, but there are moments that approach the damsel zone. Your mileage may very, but it warranted mention. Not that it's a sleight against Granzow by any means, just a matter of personal preference, and obviously not severe enough to dock away from his perfect score.
COGAR'S REVOLT is a mile per minute page turner that will have you laughing one moment and at the edge of your seat the next. There is never a boring moment when you're riding with Grant Cogar!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2013
(I received a free copy of this novel specifically for this review.)
Cogar's Revolt is a solid indie thriller that is sure to please fans of men's adventure. As the Arab Spring sweeps across Egypt, the Chicago Herald sends its finest reporter to cover the downfall of an oppressive regime. Enter Grant Cogar, fearless reporter of the old school, who will chase after a story no matter the cost, with a view to reporting the truth and only the truth without inserting any personal biases.
Cogar is also a hard-charging alcoholic and womaniser. And yet his flaws grow well on him, defining him without crippling him. He is charming and witty, loyal to a fault, ready with a quick soundbite while still prowling for a story. Cogar is also an ordinary man: while he's seen more than his fair share of bloodshed, he hasn't actually killed anyone, and does not have any actual military of self-defence training. While he can handle himself in a scrap, he is also well aware of his weaknesses. Indeed, more than once, he survives a fight only by holding out long enough for a third party to save his skin. Cogar isn't invincible either; bullets very narrowly miss him, street fighters get in blows, and knives find their mark. The fights are shot through with a sense of tension and vulnerability, leaving the reader wondering how Cogar will get himself out of his latest scrape.
Other characters are equally believable. Female lead Aqiylah is a strong young woman torn between her ideals and political necessity. Perry Rothko is Cogar's foil, an all-round sleazebag who landed a prestigious journalism award and a job at the New York Times by stealing Cogar's work. Main antagonist Kek, a Syrian mercenary working for the Muslim Brotherhood, is a chilling embodiment of determined evil.
The plot itself did not rub off on me as well, but it's probably just a matter of personal taste. The first part of the story is about Cogar ducking the military to get his story, and the rest of the story has Cogar dodging the Brotherhood long enough to write it. The chase and evasion scenes are tightly written and action-packed, but occasionally I had the feeling the plot lost the reason that Cogar was in Egypt: to cover the revolution. I expected more from a story with such a politically-charged background, and while there are some titbits and factoids scattered throughout the text, they paint a picture of the Revolution but not the forces underlying it. I also expected Cogar to do more journalism than he actually did -- although, given that Cogar was sent in to do just one story, I suppose he delivered on his promises. For thriller fans looking for an adventure, this plot is perfect; for readers looking for something deeper, it's highly unlikely they will gain any more insight into the Revolution than what has already been reported.
The climax is also a little jarring.
All in all, Cogar's Revolt is a solid action-packed indie novel with unforgettable characters and packs a thrill a minute. I look forward to reading the author's future stories.
Cogar's Revolt is a solid indie thriller that is sure to please fans of men's adventure. As the Arab Spring sweeps across Egypt, the Chicago Herald sends its finest reporter to cover the downfall of an oppressive regime. Enter Grant Cogar, fearless reporter of the old school, who will chase after a story no matter the cost, with a view to reporting the truth and only the truth without inserting any personal biases.
Cogar is also a hard-charging alcoholic and womaniser. And yet his flaws grow well on him, defining him without crippling him. He is charming and witty, loyal to a fault, ready with a quick soundbite while still prowling for a story. Cogar is also an ordinary man: while he's seen more than his fair share of bloodshed, he hasn't actually killed anyone, and does not have any actual military of self-defence training. While he can handle himself in a scrap, he is also well aware of his weaknesses. Indeed, more than once, he survives a fight only by holding out long enough for a third party to save his skin. Cogar isn't invincible either; bullets very narrowly miss him, street fighters get in blows, and knives find their mark. The fights are shot through with a sense of tension and vulnerability, leaving the reader wondering how Cogar will get himself out of his latest scrape.
Other characters are equally believable. Female lead Aqiylah is a strong young woman torn between her ideals and political necessity. Perry Rothko is Cogar's foil, an all-round sleazebag who landed a prestigious journalism award and a job at the New York Times by stealing Cogar's work. Main antagonist Kek, a Syrian mercenary working for the Muslim Brotherhood, is a chilling embodiment of determined evil.
The plot itself did not rub off on me as well, but it's probably just a matter of personal taste. The first part of the story is about Cogar ducking the military to get his story, and the rest of the story has Cogar dodging the Brotherhood long enough to write it. The chase and evasion scenes are tightly written and action-packed, but occasionally I had the feeling the plot lost the reason that Cogar was in Egypt: to cover the revolution. I expected more from a story with such a politically-charged background, and while there are some titbits and factoids scattered throughout the text, they paint a picture of the Revolution but not the forces underlying it. I also expected Cogar to do more journalism than he actually did -- although, given that Cogar was sent in to do just one story, I suppose he delivered on his promises. For thriller fans looking for an adventure, this plot is perfect; for readers looking for something deeper, it's highly unlikely they will gain any more insight into the Revolution than what has already been reported.
The climax is also a little jarring.
All in all, Cogar's Revolt is a solid action-packed indie novel with unforgettable characters and packs a thrill a minute. I look forward to reading the author's future stories.
July 12, 2016
Granzow has created an engaging character in Grant Cogar, a journalist whose wit and charm work against him with each new assignment. Granzow never allows a catchy phrase or Bond-like smile to serve as the key to victory for his protagonist. In fact, he refuses to let Cogar escape from any predicament, large or small, without first torturing the hell out of him - much to the reader's delight. Even when Cogar is given a sex-mate, Granzow encumbers the journalist with an all too-needy woman, bringing fresh perspective and humor to the worn-out ladies man routine.
This well-researched story sends Cogar deeper and deeper into the chaos of a country on the verge of revolution, allowing the reader to experience the news as it happens. The peripheral characters are interchangeable, and one action scene in particular is difficult to follow, but those faults are quickly forgotten the moment Cogar opens his mouth to make another memorable crack; each snide remark results in more trouble for the character. Especially impressive is how Granzow manages to raise the stakes without ever sacrificing plausibility. (I should say, "plausibility" as defined by the action-thriller genre. You know, gunfire...beatings...near death experience - the kind of stuff that happens to everyone.) It is a fun read from the outset, dropping us right into the action, and it is consistently tense throughout.
This well-researched story sends Cogar deeper and deeper into the chaos of a country on the verge of revolution, allowing the reader to experience the news as it happens. The peripheral characters are interchangeable, and one action scene in particular is difficult to follow, but those faults are quickly forgotten the moment Cogar opens his mouth to make another memorable crack; each snide remark results in more trouble for the character. Especially impressive is how Granzow manages to raise the stakes without ever sacrificing plausibility. (I should say, "plausibility" as defined by the action-thriller genre. You know, gunfire...beatings...near death experience - the kind of stuff that happens to everyone.) It is a fun read from the outset, dropping us right into the action, and it is consistently tense throughout.
July 28, 2014
Fresh off his exploits in Korea, Cogar is is sent on assignment to Egypt on the verge of the Arab Spring. True to his nature, upon his arrival he find himself immediately in hot water, trapped between the Military and the Muslim Brotherhood. After escaping his hotel prison our intrepid Journalist finds himself falling head over heels for a beautiful Egyptian that betrays him twice to the Muslim Brotherhood and a psycho assassin hell bent on killing him! Will the third time be the final nail in his coffin?? Nicely written story line moves the plot along and with enough action to keep you on the edge of your seat!!!
September 9, 2015
COUGAR'S REVOLT is another winner from author Nate Granzow. I found REVOLT to be a deeper, grittier and more violent tale than then it's predecessor. Not to give a plot details away, but in this entry, Granzow shows more of the unlikeable side of Cogar. Granzow does manage to keep the character of Cogar on the good side, but by the end of the story, you will know that Grant Cogar has gone very close to the edge of darkness than he'd care to admit. If you care to investigate what I'm referring to, then by all means, pick up this thrilling, edge of your seat page turner.
November 17, 2013
This was my first by author Granzow and I was mildly surprised for such an accomplished piece of work from such a young man. The writing was flawless, the story fast paced and always on track. The subject matter might have come from the headlines, but the story was pure imagination. The hero, a roguish journalist named Cogar may be the author's alter ego, but it works. I'm looking forward to reading more of this author's work.
September 28, 2022
Cogar’s Revolt is the tale of an irascible news reporter caught between the 2011 Egyptian uprising, a mercenary bent on Cogar’s destruction, and a beautiful woman he trusts despite his better instincts. He must survive the deadly chaos and come to terms with Perry, his smooth-talking, story-stealing nemesis. This is the second in a series of three and I can’t wait to read the next adventure. Full of action, danger, and humor, I highly recommend it!
March 2, 2016
This is the type of book that not only puts you on the edge of your seat, it makes you squirm, pace, and make odd noises (as well as laugh) while you're reading it. Grant Cogar is awesome...
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