The Callsign

Pike Logan #0.5

by Brad Taylor

In the first ever short story by Retired Delta Force officer Brad Taylor, the stakes couldn't be higher as operator Pike Logan goes after the first Taskforce target leading a team he can't fully trust.
Includes an exclusive preview of Brad Taylor's hotly anticipated third Pike Logan novel, "Enemy of Mine," coming January 15, 2013.
Commissioned at the highest level of the U.S. government, and designed to operate outside the bounds of U.S. law, a new counter-terrorist unit known as the Taskforce has just been formed, but not fully tested. Until now. Pike Logan has been given a team of operators drawn from the CIA's National Clandestine Service and the military's Special Operations Forces without any say in selecting the men on which he must depend. While executing a full mission profile exercise on U.S. soil, a target of opportunity appears before the Taskforce is deemed mission capable. Forced to execute, Pike and his team are sent to Yemen to track their first real target. The future of the Taskforce depends on their success, but when Pike is challenged by one of his own, their clear-cut mission teeters on the brink of disaster. The price of failure will reverberate much deeper than the loss of the target - straight into the presidency itself.
Propulsive, compelling, and told with unparalleled realism, "The Callsign "brings readers new insight into the origins of the Taskforce as they execute the first Omega operation in a relentless and action-packed short story.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Espionage, Mystery, Action, Short Stories, Mystery Thriller

80 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 20, 2012

About the author

Brad Taylor served for more than twenty-one years in the U.S. Army, retiring in 2010 as a Special Forces Lieutenant colonel. During that time he held numerous infantry and special operations positions, including eight years in 1st Special Forces Operations Detachment—Delta, popularly known as the Delta Force, where he commanded multiple troops and a squadron.

He has conducted operations in support of U.S. national interests in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other classified locations. His final military post was as Assistant Professor of Military Science at The Citadel. He holds a master's of science in defense analysis with a concentration in irregular warfare from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA.

When not writing, Brad serves as a security consultant on asymmetric threats to various agencies. He currently lives in Charleston, SC, with his wife and two daughters.

Reviews

[Jade Saul · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Brad Taylor The Callsign Pike, Logan and new formed Taskforce are training on mission for Yemen but not all the members are ready I really liked it giving us insight on how the Pike and team
It was awesome audiobook to listen too

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first Taskforce mission and it was a bit of a train wreck. Initially I was thinking of giving a three star rating as it was so short and there wasn't much to it until I understood the “callsign” at the end...yes, YES!

[Dianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the story begins, Pike Logan's newly formed Taskforce, is on a training exercise in Charleston. The training involves committing an actual burglary and avoiding arrest. All without any sanction from the 'authorities'-because they are an off the record group.

The new Taskforce is called upon for an urgent mission in Yemen, ready to go, or not to perform. Not all members were 'ready' and the mission goes south.

I know this was a short story to give a little background on the Taskforce, but it was too short to do justice to the author's talent. A bonus at the end is an excerpt from the next full size novel, Enemy of Mine!

This copy was provided by NetGalley and the Penguin Group in exchange for an honest review!

[Scott A. Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

These .5 novellas are great for background so I read them. This one provided a nice little blurb that filled in a few blanks. That’s all you can ask for.

[Tommy · Rating 5 out of 5]

True to color of Brad Taylor's style. Sets the stage well by providing more insight into the development of the Taskforce, Pike Logan, and the other operators. Great flow for a short story, but one that is a MUST READ if you are a Pike Logan fan!

[Pierre Tassé (Enjoying Books) · Rating 2 out of 5]

A solid short story about the evolution of Pike's team member.

[Marc Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another really good novella! Takes us back to the start of The Taskforce, and we get the backstory about how a favorite character of mine got his nickname

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pike, Koko, Retro... and now Knuckles. Nice. Thanks @BradTaylorBooks

[wally · Rating 3 out of 5]

started finished 10th march 2023 good read three stars i liked it kindle library loaner pike logan #2.5 this one is when the task force is forming growing pains questions and answers story involves an exercise...something about role players that i think i understand--actors in the exercise though unknown to the task force. now all they need do is figure out how to infiltrate the mass of former politicians and current wealthy techno-geeks all chasing the dollars by helping the communist chinese party...that and the in-office tribe who exhibit truly bipartisan activity engaged in same...wonder if that long-dead chinese guy covered those bases in the art of war? maybe...but i'll hazard he had no idea of the current mechanics of that game. and it'll likely take as long as the tome is old to develop a strategy to combat...unless some metal a.i. arrives there first. my guess.

[Artie O’Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella, penned by Brad Taylor, serves as a preliminary installment, constituting 0.5 of the series. It provides a concise introduction to the series featuring Pike Logan and his team members. Although the narrative is straightforward, it offers an excellent preview of the series' content, making it an excellent read for those who choose to follow the books in chronological order, which I highly recommend. This engaging and quick read has piqued my interest, and I look forward to proceeding with the series by reading the first book.

[Jo-Ann Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book which could be earlier in the series. It’s a short book.

This flashes back to the start of the task force and how one of the major characters got his call sign which is how this book got its name.

Most of the book is getting history of the group, it it’s the last paragraphs which makes sense and will make you smile.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

In another short-story look back at events before 'One Rough Man', 'The Callsign' details the first mission for Pike Logan and his Taskforce, who are after an Al Qaeda sympathiser in Yemen, and, specifically, how Knuckles got his call-sign.

[Asterope · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Honestly, can be skipped. Nothing too revelatory in this. This is just a shit-show of a mission before the events in book 1. Only thing is we see why Knuckles got his name. But that's not really important in the scheme of things.

[Sabastian Burlison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic short story!! Again Mr. Brad Taylor shows his knowledge of tradecraft and tactical action as a former member of Delta Force. It was great seeing the first mission of the Task Force and the origin of Knuckles nickname. That was a pleasant surprise. 10/10

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brett Taylor is the beginning writer and I’ve been reading this first series. I’m not totally thrilled with it. I think I’m going to take a pass on the rest until later and then try another series or another book by him to see if I like the improvement.

[Ron Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story.

Great story! Reaper? Knuckles? Who knew? So cool to get a safe glimpse into a world you could never stand in. Much appreciation for those that can.

[Drew Widney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love authors who publish short stories. Excited to read the novels and the short stories that fit in between. Very very excited

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great novella. Loved it!

[Jesse Deleon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this story!

It's been a few years since I've read Brad Taylor Taskforce series and after this short story. I'm going to catch up. A fan!

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too short

If you like military books this is a good introduction to the series. I look forward to the next book.

[Terry O. Nickle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poor

I am glad he kept writing to really show his talent. I see now why this effort is not listed in his list of books in his later novels.

[Jerry King · Rating 4 out of 5]

2012

[Edward Berwager · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gets better

Another great story can not wait to start the next one in this series of the Pike Logan and his team

[Colbert L. Boyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

To short

The storyline was good but the development of a full story is missing. This book i# more like a prequel to an untold story.
Disappointed jus as it got interesting.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

These .5 books are great. I enjoy the background and character development. If you enjoy the concept of the Prometheus project, read the .5 books.

[rick incremona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knuckles is the man. I hope he get's to be back in action in "Enemy of Mine"

[Nyssy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good for a short story.

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Callsign review

The Callsign is a short action novella ( # 2.5 ) in the Taskforce series written by author Brad Taylor.

[Erin Wildman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the short stories to provide some background. They are great!

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short story about some of the teams history. I'm now looking for a longer book to keep reading of their adventures.