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Area 51: The Nightstalkers #2
The Book of Truths
Building off the world first seen in Bob Mayer’s AREA 51 novels, the NIGHTSTALKER series explores a new covert force dedicated to moving unseen in their fight against the unknown.
A little truth is a dangerous thing.
A lot could kill us all.
The Nightstalkers are back, and the world needs them now more than ever.
When a real-life truth serum, an unauthorized military cabal, and the nuclear football—which contains the authorization the President needs to launch the nation’s missiles—all converge, the Nightstalkers suit up for another deadly job. Joining forces with the Cellar, the covert world’s police force, the team might be mankind’s last hope.
With the President infected by an out-of-control pathogen, the Nightstalkers’ primary mission becomes finding a hidden stash of nuclear missiles before a secret group can launch a pre-emptive strike against America’s enemies. Because a rogue general has taken control of the operation center beneath the White House, and all hell’s about to break loose.
The Book of Truths builds and builds before roaring to a breathless showdown that could mean the beginning of the end for everyone.
A little truth is a dangerous thing.
A lot could kill us all.
The Nightstalkers are back, and the world needs them now more than ever.
When a real-life truth serum, an unauthorized military cabal, and the nuclear football—which contains the authorization the President needs to launch the nation’s missiles—all converge, the Nightstalkers suit up for another deadly job. Joining forces with the Cellar, the covert world’s police force, the team might be mankind’s last hope.
With the President infected by an out-of-control pathogen, the Nightstalkers’ primary mission becomes finding a hidden stash of nuclear missiles before a secret group can launch a pre-emptive strike against America’s enemies. Because a rogue general has taken control of the operation center beneath the White House, and all hell’s about to break loose.
The Book of Truths builds and builds before roaring to a breathless showdown that could mean the beginning of the end for everyone.
274 pages, ebook
First published July 30, 2013
160 people are currently reading
779 people want to read
About the author
Bob Mayer
211 books47.9k followersBesides my own interests, I read whatever my wife tells me to read-- she's a voracious reader and has wide-ranging tastes as my reviews show (she also always has the TV remote and she's always right about what to watch). I read a lot of nonfiction, mostly for research. Some of my favorite books are Lonesome Dove, Mystic River, LOTR, and an array of science fiction classics including the Foundation series. Our house is covered with books, although I finally broke down and started reading eBooks, strangely enough on my iPhone. Since I carry it pretty much everywhere, it means I always have an entire library of books with me.
I'm a West Point graduate, former Green Beret and a New York Times Bestselling Author. I've sold over five million books. My newest series begins with New York Minute, a thriller set in New York City in 1977.
I love using history and science in my books. My Area 51 series pretty much had me rewriting our entire history of civilization.
I'm a West Point graduate, former Green Beret and a New York Times Bestselling Author. I've sold over five million books. My newest series begins with New York Minute, a thriller set in New York City in 1977.
I love using history and science in my books. My Area 51 series pretty much had me rewriting our entire history of civilization.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 20, 2018
I'm still surprised how good these books are. Worthwhile for the historical trivia alone.
May 18, 2017
Nightstalkers respond to weird stuff, sometimes other worldly stuff. In this case, there is a warning light in an old nuclear silo that is currently occupied by Doomsdayers who bought it for themselves. Nightstalkers descend into the bunker to check out things and find an old nuke that was listed as destroyed. Now it's set to fire. On another front there is Cherry Tree, a new truth serum that makes you tell the truth for 4 hours and you can't stop. That might be OK if only used for interrogations but somehow it's out of the interrogation room. Great stories, lots of action and interesting characters. I've already started Book 3 of this series.
July 4, 2017
Starts off a bit slowly but gears up nicely
Few rifts like the first in the series, but a nice little tale of the "Cherry Tree" virus, an interrogation tool developed by the U.S. to make detainees feel the truth (get it?). Trouble is it turns out to be very contagious and runs rampant through the government, causing our leaders to want to be truthful about everything. The horror...... Naturally the Nightstalkers get involved and save the world. from nuclear war, since it turns out a general sincerely believes he wants to launch a nuke.
Not as fun as the first in the series, but still a good read and the Audible narration is only $1.99, so it's a good listen too!
Few rifts like the first in the series, but a nice little tale of the "Cherry Tree" virus, an interrogation tool developed by the U.S. to make detainees feel the truth (get it?). Trouble is it turns out to be very contagious and runs rampant through the government, causing our leaders to want to be truthful about everything. The horror...... Naturally the Nightstalkers get involved and save the world. from nuclear war, since it turns out a general sincerely believes he wants to launch a nuke.
Not as fun as the first in the series, but still a good read and the Audible narration is only $1.99, so it's a good listen too!
April 19, 2020
Definitely a new idea!
I wasn’t sure if this book would be that good. Due to the book summary. At the first hint of the storyline seems to be flimsy. Then from there, it was a white rabbit chase. Wow, I’m impressed by how the author thought this idea up. It seems improbable but who knows...I like it. I’m just surprised there weren’t many more secrets came out of president’s mouth...I want to know!!!
I wasn’t sure if this book would be that good. Due to the book summary. At the first hint of the storyline seems to be flimsy. Then from there, it was a white rabbit chase. Wow, I’m impressed by how the author thought this idea up. It seems improbable but who knows...I like it. I’m just surprised there weren’t many more secrets came out of president’s mouth...I want to know!!!
October 8, 2022
Everybody needs a Cherry Tree
What an amazing concept. The night stickers badest of the bad ultimatum problem solvers. I really like the part about truth surrounded and guarded by a pack of lies. What an apt description of the Open Society Foundations meddling in the affairs of the world. Will we survive them? Only the time travelers will be able to say
Thanks for an enjoyable read
I am continuing on to your next one
Steven
What an amazing concept. The night stickers badest of the bad ultimatum problem solvers. I really like the part about truth surrounded and guarded by a pack of lies. What an apt description of the Open Society Foundations meddling in the affairs of the world. Will we survive them? Only the time travelers will be able to say
Thanks for an enjoyable read
I am continuing on to your next one
Steven
May 1, 2018
Book #2 has NOTHING to do with NighStalkers but enable a “cross-over” to another Series
For a Reader trying to follow the sequence of a Series, this Book #2 of NightStalkers was a waste of time and effort — Bob Mayer should have simply been honest and written it as a stand-alone novel.
For a Reader trying to follow the sequence of a Series, this Book #2 of NightStalkers was a waste of time and effort — Bob Mayer should have simply been honest and written it as a stand-alone novel.
January 8, 2023
It started out kind of slow, but it picks up about half way through. And then it pulls you in and doesn’t let you go till the end. The ending is anti climactic compared to the action leading up to it. This one doesn’t have any riffs or fireflies in it at all. They just mention them a few times. But overall it’s still a pretty solid read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2018
Another hit!
I like that even when you have little knowledge of all the fancy military guns -or the inner workings of the government -or nuclear weapons - Mayer educates as part of the story, and does a right fine job of it!
I like that even when you have little knowledge of all the fancy military guns -or the inner workings of the government -or nuclear weapons - Mayer educates as part of the story, and does a right fine job of it!
November 8, 2020
Enlightening read
The story was very different from any outer novel that used nuclear weapons in it and the obscure historical references where great helping to pull me with the story.
The story was very different from any outer novel that used nuclear weapons in it and the obscure historical references where great helping to pull me with the story.
May 30, 2018
Some SciFy with no aliens. Easy world to get involved in by readers. Military SciFy? Speculation about Area 51. Action. Fun to read!
August 30, 2018
Loved reading/listening to both books.
Both books included some history in the story. Not sure how factual the information was but it gave it historical and human context.
Both books included some history in the story. Not sure how factual the information was but it gave it historical and human context.
October 22, 2018
On to book 3 for me! Enjoyable and held exciting moments.
September 12, 2019
This is the second book in the Nightstalkers series, although they do not seem to be the main characters this time. Still a good book and interesting story.
November 30, 2013
Superb Action from Start to Finish!
If you want some fast paced action that makes a book very hard to put down, then this is the book for you. It is done in the same exciting fashion as the first book only this seems to be involving real things, real people and very real danger. I cannot imagine this stuff happening for real without the entire country freaking out!
So some smart, well, not so smart scientist develops a very toxic "truth" serum which unfortunately can and does get spread around during it's first real out of the lab trial. It works, but boy does it work. Not only does the person infected with this "truth" serum start telling the truth, they don't shut up talking until four hours later. And it doesn't appear you have to be asking any specific question. They just start telling you everything they have done which they lied about or any thoughts they might have wanted to get off their mind. This is a dangerous serum!
So, how does this "truth" serum which obviously could be used on our most deadly enemies, get passed to not only a four star General who is a secret megalomaniac, but eventually reaches the President of the United States and his family. Sure, we would like for the President to tell us the truth most of the time, but do we really want to know all the secrets that office holds? He is a politician after all and they of all groups of people have the worst record of telling anyone the truth. That means, they have a lot to say when infected with this "truth" serum.
So what does this have to do with the Nightstalkers? Everything and then some. We get more details on the US Black Ops organization and find out there are others out there doing what needs to be done and doing it just as well. It's good to read about the same team as in the last book but this one also introduces some more characters which are just as interesting. You also get a good dose of historical happenings or at least a fictional account of how they could have gone.
Read this book and you may actually start thinking about who we elect to be President of the United States. Good thing we believe in checks and balances.
If you want some fast paced action that makes a book very hard to put down, then this is the book for you. It is done in the same exciting fashion as the first book only this seems to be involving real things, real people and very real danger. I cannot imagine this stuff happening for real without the entire country freaking out!
So some smart, well, not so smart scientist develops a very toxic "truth" serum which unfortunately can and does get spread around during it's first real out of the lab trial. It works, but boy does it work. Not only does the person infected with this "truth" serum start telling the truth, they don't shut up talking until four hours later. And it doesn't appear you have to be asking any specific question. They just start telling you everything they have done which they lied about or any thoughts they might have wanted to get off their mind. This is a dangerous serum!
So, how does this "truth" serum which obviously could be used on our most deadly enemies, get passed to not only a four star General who is a secret megalomaniac, but eventually reaches the President of the United States and his family. Sure, we would like for the President to tell us the truth most of the time, but do we really want to know all the secrets that office holds? He is a politician after all and they of all groups of people have the worst record of telling anyone the truth. That means, they have a lot to say when infected with this "truth" serum.
So what does this have to do with the Nightstalkers? Everything and then some. We get more details on the US Black Ops organization and find out there are others out there doing what needs to be done and doing it just as well. It's good to read about the same team as in the last book but this one also introduces some more characters which are just as interesting. You also get a good dose of historical happenings or at least a fictional account of how they could have gone.
Read this book and you may actually start thinking about who we elect to be President of the United States. Good thing we believe in checks and balances.
July 22, 2013
I really enjoyed the second book in Bob Mayer's Nightstalkers series. The story itself was interesting with a mix of different things going on (nuclear weapons, a pathogen, and the different groups). I liked the cross over between his "Cellar" books that occurred in this novel and I believe any fan of Bob Mayer's work would be pleased with how it went.
This story didn't have the "supernatural" type element as the first one did with the Rifts and Fireflies, but still worked well with the more realistic nuclear weapons and pathogen stuff. People see the "Area 51" and will probably think it's about aliens and stuff, but it's not. Book of Truths is a well done thriller novel involving an elite military group based in/near "Area 51".
Overall a very fun and entertaining thriller novel. The only thing that I would have liked to see was more action from the Nightstalkers. This novel kind of had a lack of them doing much during the middle 50% of the book. They sat around a bit while the other characters did stuff. The book started off with them and ended with them in action, but had a lot of time with most of the members doing not much.
Great sequel and I look forward to more from the Nightstalkers.
This story didn't have the "supernatural" type element as the first one did with the Rifts and Fireflies, but still worked well with the more realistic nuclear weapons and pathogen stuff. People see the "Area 51" and will probably think it's about aliens and stuff, but it's not. Book of Truths is a well done thriller novel involving an elite military group based in/near "Area 51".
Overall a very fun and entertaining thriller novel. The only thing that I would have liked to see was more action from the Nightstalkers. This novel kind of had a lack of them doing much during the middle 50% of the book. They sat around a bit while the other characters did stuff. The book started off with them and ended with them in action, but had a lot of time with most of the members doing not much.
Great sequel and I look forward to more from the Nightstalkers.
September 10, 2016
It's rare that I find a science fiction novel that I feel is so real that I believe it is likely to happen. Mayer has a way of doing that.
Summary:
In the second installment of this series, a rogue General has taken over the command center in the White House. The president has been incapacitated by a disease and the Nightstalkers need to find a solution before missiles are launched. Teaming up with the Cellar, the groups must save us before war breaks out.
My thoughts:
This is a book you can't put down. The pacing is brilliant and the chapter ends leave you at that spot where you must keep reading! I found the political commentary to be adequate without being overpowering. I found the truth serum epidemic to be hilarious even though it is not portrayed that way in the novel. Perhaps that is a little tongue in cheek humor. Anyways, the crazy General is by far the greatest villain I've read this month. Mayer takes you for a thrill ride and doesn't let you go. I can't recommend the series enough.
Summary:
In the second installment of this series, a rogue General has taken over the command center in the White House. The president has been incapacitated by a disease and the Nightstalkers need to find a solution before missiles are launched. Teaming up with the Cellar, the groups must save us before war breaks out.
My thoughts:
This is a book you can't put down. The pacing is brilliant and the chapter ends leave you at that spot where you must keep reading! I found the political commentary to be adequate without being overpowering. I found the truth serum epidemic to be hilarious even though it is not portrayed that way in the novel. Perhaps that is a little tongue in cheek humor. Anyways, the crazy General is by far the greatest villain I've read this month. Mayer takes you for a thrill ride and doesn't let you go. I can't recommend the series enough.
July 4, 2013
The Nightstalkers aren't dealing with a rift and the fireflies this time around. It's a man-made hell that's about to destroy the world.
A new "truth" serum is rushed into use without adequate testing and proves to be an easily transferred pathogen that affects the White House and the people in charge of America's nuclear arsenal. There's even a splinter group controlling weapons thought lost.
Think about that.
Politicians that tell the truth and can't stop talking.
A nice little thrill ride that author Bob Mayer keeps moving along nicely as the world teeters on the brink.
A new "truth" serum is rushed into use without adequate testing and proves to be an easily transferred pathogen that affects the White House and the people in charge of America's nuclear arsenal. There's even a splinter group controlling weapons thought lost.
Think about that.
Politicians that tell the truth and can't stop talking.
A nice little thrill ride that author Bob Mayer keeps moving along nicely as the world teeters on the brink.
August 18, 2013
I liked this second Nighstalkers book much more than the first one...we learn a little more about the characters; the action is fast and furious; there are a lot of fun references to movies/music that are fun to identify, and politicians have to NOT LIE (there's the SF element). I did have a bit of a problem with a Cellar character and some confusing non-story action...but it was minor. Have fun!
February 26, 2015
The book of truths
Too deep in the philosophy expressed by the all-knowing individuals who are supposed to be in charge of out of control situations. The rifts were more believable as no one seemed to understand them or control the outcome when they appeared. I plan to try another but not soon.
Too deep in the philosophy expressed by the all-knowing individuals who are supposed to be in charge of out of control situations. The rifts were more believable as no one seemed to understand them or control the outcome when they appeared. I plan to try another but not soon.
March 21, 2016
Well this was quite a bit of fun. Less action than the first area 51 book, but it did a great job at setting up the world and introducing characters form other parallel book series.
It felt a little like a national treasure movie, but with the characters from the area 51 series.
Overall a lot of fun, and worth reading if you have time.
It felt a little like a national treasure movie, but with the characters from the area 51 series.
Overall a lot of fun, and worth reading if you have time.
May 25, 2016
THE YOU KNOW WHAT HITS THE FAN AGAIN, IT DOES.....
Hello, everyone knows or should know that honesty is the best policy. Politicians, however, feel that honesty is, at best, whatever they think it should be. They would catch hell if they had to tell the truth. Very unique story and very well written. Good stuff. Thanks.
Hello, everyone knows or should know that honesty is the best policy. Politicians, however, feel that honesty is, at best, whatever they think it should be. They would catch hell if they had to tell the truth. Very unique story and very well written. Good stuff. Thanks.
February 26, 2014
It was ok. Entertaining enough, but nothing to write home about. If you like your fiction closer to fantasy than realism, you may find it more enjoyable than I did. It's an easy and quick read, I'll give it that.
March 5, 2014
Totally not what I was expecting from a Nightstalkers book. Same team. Same base of operations. Entirely different mission and a great story. A new department introduced and "extended family". Highly recommended.
December 12, 2015
Enjoyable read, but I liked the first one better. This one felt more like a doomsday scenario novel with the Nightstalker team making a cameo appearance. They don't play a central role in the novel. Still, I enjoyed the story and the pace. I'll keep going with the third one.
February 26, 2015
Simple awesome
Theses books are just such a great read and wonderfully written much just the right amount of humor. I would recommend them to a tone who loves these type of books like I do.
Theses books are just such a great read and wonderfully written much just the right amount of humor. I would recommend them to a tone who loves these type of books like I do.
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August 26, 2015Interesting book.
In my opinion it should have been book #1, as it makes the whole story line clearer to me.
That's why I did not really like book # 1; but now, after the fact it makes sense.
Looking forward to reading books #, etc. ...
In my opinion it should have been book #1, as it makes the whole story line clearer to me.
That's why I did not really like book # 1; but now, after the fact it makes sense.
Looking forward to reading books #, etc. ...
May 22, 2015
This is great. An aerosol truth serum released in the White House and a rogue General taking control to launch nuke missiles and the special team sent to stop it all. Good strong characters and action from start to end.
January 6, 2016
I had expected this to be like the nightstalkers book, fast paced and full of action, with the same characters, but it wasn't. It had its moments, and was a good read, but it wasn't the same. Interesting reading. Good story
September 6, 2016
Not as good as the first book in the series but a good read with an ending I didn't expect. I agree with another review that the Nightstalkers seemed like an afterthought in this plot. Hopefully they go front and center again in book 3.
September 20, 2016
Another excellent story written by Bob Mayer in his usual fast paced style. I do like the way he writes factual novels in that he interweaves actual facts and events into the story and wraps them up with the fiction that makes the story so exciting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews