What do you think?
Rate this book
The Project #2
The Lance
In the frozen wastes of Antarctica the Lance, an ancient weapon of unthinkable power--once lost and legendary--has been recovered.
In the terrorized streets of Jerusalem, devastation is unleashed upon the eve of international peace.
In the halls of power of Washington, D.C. a desperate plot set in motion during the final days of World War II has begun to unfold.
Now Nick Carter and his team of deep black operatives from the PROJECT must race against time to stop events that will lead to the next World War. But to do that they must first stop those who already wield the Lance.
In the terrorized streets of Jerusalem, devastation is unleashed upon the eve of international peace.
In the halls of power of Washington, D.C. a desperate plot set in motion during the final days of World War II has begun to unfold.
Now Nick Carter and his team of deep black operatives from the PROJECT must race against time to stop events that will lead to the next World War. But to do that they must first stop those who already wield the Lance.
256 pages, Paperback
First published August 17, 2011
615 people are currently reading
1366 people want to read
About the author
Alex Lukeman
27 books206 followersI like Barbados rum, old,fast motorcycles, playing guitar and books by authors like Michael Connelly, Robert Crais, Alex Berenson, Craig Johnson and Lee Child. I write action/adventure thrillers. WHITE JADE is the first in a series featuring the PROJECT, a small, elite counter-terrorism unit. There are currently 23 books in the series.
href="http://www.goodreads.com">ale...
href="http://www.goodreads.com">ale...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
June 17, 2014
A decent action/political thriller that moves right along while reading. It doesn't bog the reader down with Nick Carter's (the main character) back story. It feeds a little, but nothing that can be taken as 'just there for filler'.
Those who like their political thrillers to have high ranking government officials involved in the story, this will not disappoint. Those who like action thrillers will find some of the action sequences to be just a little bit familiar. "What the heck was he thinking when he went into that room?" type thing.
To use a cliche that is very much over used at this time of year, it makes for a great 'beach read' or something to read on the airplane while getting to the beach.
Those who like their political thrillers to have high ranking government officials involved in the story, this will not disappoint. Those who like action thrillers will find some of the action sequences to be just a little bit familiar. "What the heck was he thinking when he went into that room?" type thing.
To use a cliche that is very much over used at this time of year, it makes for a great 'beach read' or something to read on the airplane while getting to the beach.
January 10, 2021
Nick Carter is a badass and has joined my list of great secret agents. I will read more from this author. The pacing was good, the characters interesting and developed. A well constructed plot where the good guys win and the bad guys lose. Killing Nazis and upending their plans to rule the world is always a good ending to a story.
Edit: Elizabeth the "Projects" leader is everything you would want in a badass boss. (I've used the term 'badass' twice in this review... it means I liked it). I hope she remains as the series progresses.
Edit: Elizabeth the "Projects" leader is everything you would want in a badass boss. (I've used the term 'badass' twice in this review... it means I liked it). I hope she remains as the series progresses.
March 2, 2017
Really enjoyed, didn't go off track at all. Appropriately involved with the agencies and intrigue. Looking forward to more in the series.
February 21, 2013
Nick Carter is the hero of this thriller, a member of the Project, a clandestine group that answers only to the President of the United States.
He is pitted against a motley crew that wields the Lance, an ancient weapon which chills the blood of the modern world.
It may be an ancient weapon, but we're not talking battering rams or slings and arrows here. The Lance is in fact the spear that pierced Christ's side when he was crucified. It is not so much the physical power of the weapon which people dread, more the belief that simply owning this weapon would render the holder unstoppableallow the owner total destiny of the world. This is certainly a theory subscribed to by Himmler in the second world war.
That's why it was hidden by the Nazis in the frozen wastelands of Antartica.
It is found by the bad guys, who discover what it can do and all hell is let loose.
The action starts as Carter is enjoying a morning coffee in Jerusalem. Let battle commence! The whole square erupts in smoke and flames.
The action rarely abates from thereon, as a group of nazis try to kill the President and irrevocably upset the equilibrium in the Middle East by bombing the most sacred Mosque of Muslims.
Alex Lukeman's writing style is sharp, punchy and easy to read.His powers of description are immense and succeed with the minimum of words. This brief extract illustrates what I mean:
'Broken glass and smashed furniture littered the plaza. There was blood on him, but it wasn't his. Carter took a step and tripped. He looked down at a child's foot in a blue shoe. It was just a small foot. A piece of white bone stuck out of a pink sock. He bent over and threw up the espresso in a yellow brown stream. The acrid, coppery stench of blood poisoned the clean night air.'
He has you hooked early on and it's then difficult to put the book down. I enjoyed every minute of it and can't wait to explore the other books in the Project series: White Jade, The Seventh Pillar, Black Harvest and The Tesla Secret.
He is pitted against a motley crew that wields the Lance, an ancient weapon which chills the blood of the modern world.
It may be an ancient weapon, but we're not talking battering rams or slings and arrows here. The Lance is in fact the spear that pierced Christ's side when he was crucified. It is not so much the physical power of the weapon which people dread, more the belief that simply owning this weapon would render the holder unstoppableallow the owner total destiny of the world. This is certainly a theory subscribed to by Himmler in the second world war.
That's why it was hidden by the Nazis in the frozen wastelands of Antartica.
It is found by the bad guys, who discover what it can do and all hell is let loose.
The action starts as Carter is enjoying a morning coffee in Jerusalem. Let battle commence! The whole square erupts in smoke and flames.
The action rarely abates from thereon, as a group of nazis try to kill the President and irrevocably upset the equilibrium in the Middle East by bombing the most sacred Mosque of Muslims.
Alex Lukeman's writing style is sharp, punchy and easy to read.His powers of description are immense and succeed with the minimum of words. This brief extract illustrates what I mean:
'Broken glass and smashed furniture littered the plaza. There was blood on him, but it wasn't his. Carter took a step and tripped. He looked down at a child's foot in a blue shoe. It was just a small foot. A piece of white bone stuck out of a pink sock. He bent over and threw up the espresso in a yellow brown stream. The acrid, coppery stench of blood poisoned the clean night air.'
He has you hooked early on and it's then difficult to put the book down. I enjoyed every minute of it and can't wait to explore the other books in the Project series: White Jade, The Seventh Pillar, Black Harvest and The Tesla Secret.
January 23, 2012
"Aside from losing part of his ear and taking a few bullets over the years, former Marine Nick Carter is in pretty good shape. He works for an elite intelligence unit reporting to the President. But Nick is still having trouble getting over his fiancée, even though she's been dead eight years and he's sleeping with Selena Connor, one of his team. He's keeping his feelings about Selena locked up tight. When the Project sends him to Jerusalem on a routine assignment his contact turns up dead and someone keeps trying to kill him. Nick has stumbled into the end game of a dark conspiracy that reaches all the way from the ruins of Nazi Germany to the halls of power in modern day Washington. And if the PROJECT can't find a way to stop it, a lot of people are going to die."
In these days of character driven thrillers, few stand out. While often the stories are appealing, the lead characters lack that edge which begs for more books featuring him or her. Happily that is far from the case in The Lance by the wonderful Alex Lukeman. Nick Carter- no relation the famous radio detective of years past!- has been so well "word-painted" by Mr. Lukeman, that his strengths and weaknesses- and there are several as a person- not a character!- are deeply felt and appreciated by the reader. This is not an easy feat - yet a writer as skilled as Alex Lukeman seems to pull it off perfectly.
Thrillers should excite- and THE LANCE certainly succeeds in that- but it also educates and informs- about different cultures and locations- and that is quite a bonus for a book that is already quite a success as a thriller. The information gleamed about the Holy Land is a facinating addition to a must read novel. Very highly recommended for those who love their books exciting yet substantial!
AN OFFICIAL JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB MUST READ
RICK FRIEDMAN
FOUNDER
THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
In these days of character driven thrillers, few stand out. While often the stories are appealing, the lead characters lack that edge which begs for more books featuring him or her. Happily that is far from the case in The Lance by the wonderful Alex Lukeman. Nick Carter- no relation the famous radio detective of years past!- has been so well "word-painted" by Mr. Lukeman, that his strengths and weaknesses- and there are several as a person- not a character!- are deeply felt and appreciated by the reader. This is not an easy feat - yet a writer as skilled as Alex Lukeman seems to pull it off perfectly.
Thrillers should excite- and THE LANCE certainly succeeds in that- but it also educates and informs- about different cultures and locations- and that is quite a bonus for a book that is already quite a success as a thriller. The information gleamed about the Holy Land is a facinating addition to a must read novel. Very highly recommended for those who love their books exciting yet substantial!
AN OFFICIAL JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB MUST READ
RICK FRIEDMAN
FOUNDER
THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
March 30, 2012
This would actually be 4.5 stars if possible. Bought on kindle. A marked improvement over the first book in the series and a great read.
As a shadowy organization recovers a mystical lance, Nick Carter of the Project is in Israel. He gets caught up in what seems to be a normal bombing, and is targeted for killing by a potent and increasingly knowing enemy. As violence erupts during a presidential visit, the stakes keep rising higher and higher. It's soon apparent than a deadly enemy is in the highest levels of the US Government, and a puppet of an evil thought long dead.
A lot of the criticisms I had about the first book have been addressed. Alex's style is much less choppy and much more readable, as is the plot. Characters are well designed and each have their own personality, and act intelligently. The book isn't overlong, and it doesn't stall. The good aspects of the first book remain as well. Nick and Serena still have a good, realistic relationship, and he fleshes out other Project characters, like Elizabeth Harker. The research especially is well done, adding a lot of authenticity to the book.
The only downside is that the enemies have a great backstory, but seem perfunctory. They really just show up one day without much motivation and act evil, where the henchmen seem more real characters, with their own motivations and ideas. The idea of them is excellent, but just a little more meat to characters like General Dysart and having them speak in their own voice would have been good. Showing more than telling. But it's still a brisk, fun thriller read and well worth the price.
As a shadowy organization recovers a mystical lance, Nick Carter of the Project is in Israel. He gets caught up in what seems to be a normal bombing, and is targeted for killing by a potent and increasingly knowing enemy. As violence erupts during a presidential visit, the stakes keep rising higher and higher. It's soon apparent than a deadly enemy is in the highest levels of the US Government, and a puppet of an evil thought long dead.
A lot of the criticisms I had about the first book have been addressed. Alex's style is much less choppy and much more readable, as is the plot. Characters are well designed and each have their own personality, and act intelligently. The book isn't overlong, and it doesn't stall. The good aspects of the first book remain as well. Nick and Serena still have a good, realistic relationship, and he fleshes out other Project characters, like Elizabeth Harker. The research especially is well done, adding a lot of authenticity to the book.
The only downside is that the enemies have a great backstory, but seem perfunctory. They really just show up one day without much motivation and act evil, where the henchmen seem more real characters, with their own motivations and ideas. The idea of them is excellent, but just a little more meat to characters like General Dysart and having them speak in their own voice would have been good. Showing more than telling. But it's still a brisk, fun thriller read and well worth the price.
January 28, 2012
Currently reading this magnificent book- so well written and engaging. Not surpised as I loved Mr. Lukeman's previous book- White Jade.
This is a writer with an immense skill at formulating both characters and plot!! A must read for those who love great adventure- very well written!
Rick Friedman
Founder
The James Mason Community Book Club
This is a writer with an immense skill at formulating both characters and plot!! A must read for those who love great adventure- very well written!
Rick Friedman
Founder
The James Mason Community Book Club
July 27, 2014
The hunt for the Lance (the spear used to wound Jesus on the cross) by a group of Nazis who are working to bring about a new Reich in the present day. Ownership of the lance purportedly grants special powers and they want is for their ceremony's.. Thriller across borders with political consequences.
December 7, 2020
SS Reichsfuehrer Heinrich Himmler met with SS General Reinhardt.
The Holy Lance was being admired.
Only the Knights of the Grand Council knew SS Reichsfuehrer Himmler had the Lance.
SS General Reinhardt had a job to do.
2/19/1945, Princess Martha Coast, Antarctica South Pole Fenris Mts. Base # 211. SS General Dieter Reinhardt watched the crewmen in the U-886 cleared the ice/snow.
BANG! BANG!
SS General Reinhardt got on the sled & headed back to the sub.
3 days later, British depth charges blew up the U-886 as she approached the Argentine coast.
Damascus, capital, Syria. Visitor (aka) came to get his explosive device from Ibrahim (Syrian, bomb maker).
Deputy Elizabeth Harker (the Project covert counter-terrorism unit, Presidential Official Joint Exercise in Counter Terrorism head) was Nicholas “Nick” Carter (Irish, the Project covert counter-terrorism unit team member, retired USMC Force Recon Major, South America, Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, Iraq) boss.
The discussion was about Arshak Arslanian who has a shop in the Armenian Quarter.
Elizabeth was introduced to General Dysart (NSA Director).
Ronnie Peete (Navajo, the Project covert counter-terrorism unit team member, retired USMC Force Recon, Afghanistan, Iraq) took Selena to the rifle range.
What were Deputy Harker & Asst. Deputy Stephanie Willits (the Project covert counter-terrorism unit) discussing?
What was Senator Greenwood discussing with Selena?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written International terrorist thriller book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another International terrorist thriller great movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; Wednesday Books; paperback book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
The Holy Lance was being admired.
Only the Knights of the Grand Council knew SS Reichsfuehrer Himmler had the Lance.
SS General Reinhardt had a job to do.
2/19/1945, Princess Martha Coast, Antarctica South Pole Fenris Mts. Base # 211. SS General Dieter Reinhardt watched the crewmen in the U-886 cleared the ice/snow.
BANG! BANG!
SS General Reinhardt got on the sled & headed back to the sub.
3 days later, British depth charges blew up the U-886 as she approached the Argentine coast.
Damascus, capital, Syria. Visitor (aka) came to get his explosive device from Ibrahim (Syrian, bomb maker).
Deputy Elizabeth Harker (the Project covert counter-terrorism unit, Presidential Official Joint Exercise in Counter Terrorism head) was Nicholas “Nick” Carter (Irish, the Project covert counter-terrorism unit team member, retired USMC Force Recon Major, South America, Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, Iraq) boss.
The discussion was about Arshak Arslanian who has a shop in the Armenian Quarter.
Elizabeth was introduced to General Dysart (NSA Director).
Ronnie Peete (Navajo, the Project covert counter-terrorism unit team member, retired USMC Force Recon, Afghanistan, Iraq) took Selena to the rifle range.
What were Deputy Harker & Asst. Deputy Stephanie Willits (the Project covert counter-terrorism unit) discussing?
What was Senator Greenwood discussing with Selena?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written International terrorist thriller book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another International terrorist thriller great movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; Wednesday Books; paperback book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
April 30, 2019
Another well written and exciting
This is my third novel, I’ve read about thr “Project” and enjoying them All,
Although I started on Book one- the author kindly sent me another in the series, but it was Book 4.
So in order to batch up, I believe bought Books 2 and 3.
Then jump to book five.
Often difficult to realize these are fictional stories. The characters are, but the stories, Bert close to reality.
Which carries the reader along. And wondering how will get out of this dilemma. Thankfully they do, battered and often maimed.
But always successful.
Don’t start reading late at night before bed, if you only have a chapter or two left. You’ll have to carry on to the finished last word. Definitely a must read.
This is my third novel, I’ve read about thr “Project” and enjoying them All,
Although I started on Book one- the author kindly sent me another in the series, but it was Book 4.
So in order to batch up, I believe bought Books 2 and 3.
Then jump to book five.
Often difficult to realize these are fictional stories. The characters are, but the stories, Bert close to reality.
Which carries the reader along. And wondering how will get out of this dilemma. Thankfully they do, battered and often maimed.
But always successful.
Don’t start reading late at night before bed, if you only have a chapter or two left. You’ll have to carry on to the finished last word. Definitely a must read.
September 3, 2024
Chilling and exciting
This was my first delve into the Alex Lukeman collection of novels. I found it to be a real page-turner, with a robust plot and superb characters. With the re-emergence of the far-right in Europe and the USA, it is well for rational and liberal sections of our populations to be aware of the kind of symbolism that is so potent to those who still revere the hate filled policies and actions of the Third Reich. As the band Chumbawamba put it in their song “They’re Here, They’re There, They’re Everywhere” - ‘The thing about the Nazis is they never went away.’ I look forward to reading more of the prolific Mr Lukeman’s novels. The Audible version is well worth listening to, and expertly read by the narrator.
This was my first delve into the Alex Lukeman collection of novels. I found it to be a real page-turner, with a robust plot and superb characters. With the re-emergence of the far-right in Europe and the USA, it is well for rational and liberal sections of our populations to be aware of the kind of symbolism that is so potent to those who still revere the hate filled policies and actions of the Third Reich. As the band Chumbawamba put it in their song “They’re Here, They’re There, They’re Everywhere” - ‘The thing about the Nazis is they never went away.’ I look forward to reading more of the prolific Mr Lukeman’s novels. The Audible version is well worth listening to, and expertly read by the narrator.
August 1, 2021
Saving the World
The sword has been buried in a vault for decades when it is rediscovered. It was going to be the start if the fourth Reich. They were going to bring the world to.war by killing many dignitaries, including a president Rice, but the plot didn't go as planned and people that price trusted was going to see that their plan didn't succeed. This was a goid book and a fast read.
The sword has been buried in a vault for decades when it is rediscovered. It was going to be the start if the fourth Reich. They were going to bring the world to.war by killing many dignitaries, including a president Rice, but the plot didn't go as planned and people that price trusted was going to see that their plan didn't succeed. This was a goid book and a fast read.
November 22, 2016
Very intriguing and a thought provoking story!
I had trouble putting the book down. It is very fast paced and full of action. With the way things are happening in the world today, it is very realistic and thought provoking. I would recommend this to readers that enjoy a great plot and good character development.
I had trouble putting the book down. It is very fast paced and full of action. With the way things are happening in the world today, it is very realistic and thought provoking. I would recommend this to readers that enjoy a great plot and good character development.
February 20, 2020
Another cracking adventure, this time with Nazis
Book 2 of the Project series sees Nick Carter and team fighting off "Neo-Nazis" plotting war within the Middle East and further afield. Well written and researched again by Alex Lukeman, very engrossing with plenty of action. The Project Series is shaping up well
Book 2 of the Project series sees Nick Carter and team fighting off "Neo-Nazis" plotting war within the Middle East and further afield. Well written and researched again by Alex Lukeman, very engrossing with plenty of action. The Project Series is shaping up well
February 25, 2020
As thrilling as it is intriguing. A story which, although being fictitious, has the element of truth about it. A truly Luis a ting storyline weh
A story which, although being fictitious, has the element of truth about it, as if it"could have bèen how it may well have transpired just as it was written. A definite hard hitting, exciting look at what might have been.
A story which, although being fictitious, has the element of truth about it, as if it"could have bèen how it may well have transpired just as it was written. A definite hard hitting, exciting look at what might have been.
May 21, 2020
Following the first book, we have men who will stop at nothing to gain power, even a war, From the vast land of Antarctica a sword of power is found to Jerusalem the op group goes to stop them before it accelerates out of control. Action from the first page. Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
October 30, 2017
ANOTHER FINE PROJECT IT IS.....
Hello, these are really neat stories. Very enjoyable. Very well written. I really liked the super natural aspect of this one and hope there are more. Good stuff. Thanks.
Hello, these are really neat stories. Very enjoyable. Very well written. I really liked the super natural aspect of this one and hope there are more. Good stuff. Thanks.
May 30, 2018
Awesome Read
Another president only knows covert special ops team takes on an organized group of nazis who have infiltrated our government. Engaging cast of characters, interesting story line and loads of intrigue and action. A real page turner that I couldn’t put down !
Another president only knows covert special ops team takes on an organized group of nazis who have infiltrated our government. Engaging cast of characters, interesting story line and loads of intrigue and action. A real page turner that I couldn’t put down !
March 31, 2019
This is book 2 in The Project series of action adventures. It is in a class with David Wood and Boyd Morrison, in my opinion. This book was a quick read, but it packed a lot of good quality plot into not a lot of pages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2020
Great suspense. Kept me reading for hours non-stop.
Very interesting concept and believable. Great imagination and very professional in portraying possible real -life circumstances. Will definitely follow the author.
Very interesting concept and believable. Great imagination and very professional in portraying possible real -life circumstances. Will definitely follow the author.
February 20, 2020
Good action/adventure
This is a good action/adventure story. It is full of good strong characters and there is plenty of action, beginning to end. And who doesn't enjoy the Nazis get beaten again.
This is a good action/adventure story. It is full of good strong characters and there is plenty of action, beginning to end. And who doesn't enjoy the Nazis get beaten again.
February 22, 2020
Is interesting from beginning to end. At the end, the author gives information about the historical significance to the details he uses. I highly recommend if you like spy and conspiracy type books.
February 24, 2020
Chilling
This book was fascinating. The threat of white supremacy is real. The online paper said it I worse than isis. I hear remarks that make me cringe. I enjoyed this book tremendously. The way the plot was laid out and the characters working together to prevent wwIII
This book was fascinating. The threat of white supremacy is real. The online paper said it I worse than isis. I hear remarks that make me cringe. I enjoyed this book tremendously. The way the plot was laid out and the characters working together to prevent wwIII
April 3, 2020
Amazing
I was hooked from the first chapter. The writer takes inside the story as it unfolds and you feel a part of it and can't help but want to read more, long after the books has finished
I was hooked from the first chapter. The writer takes inside the story as it unfolds and you feel a part of it and can't help but want to read more, long after the books has finished
April 17, 2020
Fast paced
Excellent storyline, well written, superb character development, fast paced action that keeps you hooked. One of my new favorite authors and I look forward to reading several more of his works.
Excellent storyline, well written, superb character development, fast paced action that keeps you hooked. One of my new favorite authors and I look forward to reading several more of his works.
March 3, 2021
An exciting plot
The author has done in-depth research to craft an exciting, believable plot and cast of characters. I’d read until my eyes were exhausted and then couldn’t wait until I could start reading again. I can’t wait to start the next book in the series.
The author has done in-depth research to craft an exciting, believable plot and cast of characters. I’d read until my eyes were exhausted and then couldn’t wait until I could start reading again. I can’t wait to start the next book in the series.
January 19, 2017
I like the cast of characters and the story is frightening. This could all be possible and, who knows? It may have some actuality to it. However, I would hope not so organized.
No spoilers here. If you like a good thriller...it kept me reading.
No spoilers here. If you like a good thriller...it kept me reading.
May 8, 2017
Really enjoyed this book . Easy to read and fast paced action. I'm starting to get into the series now as getting to know the characters . Looking forward to the next one!
June 18, 2017
A rollicking good summer read. Second in a series but can stand alone. Explosions, firefights and Nazi conspiracies who could ask for more?
September 6, 2017
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews