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The Rizwan Sabir Mysteries #2
Danger Close
Rizwan Sabir returns. And this time his enemy has a familiar face. According to confidential reports, elements of the Metropolitan Police have been penetrated by a violent terror group. With rising tension within the police force, time is quickly running out for Riz. His task: to identify the target. And neutralise the enemy before they strike. But before he can begin, there is a desperate mission that must be completed, at all costs. Riz must find his fiancee, dead or alive. Do the Americans have her body? Is she in Gitmo or a "Black Site"? Who or what is the Fox Princess? Can Riz find his fiancée, bring back his team, and once again take out the terrorist threat? Bad things are going to happen and the only people who can stop them are Riz and his gang...
'Danger Close' is the explosive second installment of the Riz Sabir series. A roller-coaster contemporary thriller, it packs plenty of punch and is perfect for fans of Andy McNab, Robert Ludlum, and Tom Clancy. "Absolutely rocks. Every line reeks with the raw authenticity of a writer who knows first-hand what the hell he's talking about." - Tom Cain, bestselling author of the Sam Carver thrillers.
'One of the most realistic depictions of how these operations work in real life. Forget about the "Hollywoodization" that seems to be the mark of most other books- this is the very real deal.' - Mubin Shaikh, counter-terrorism consultant and former covert operative, Canadian Security Services
Charlie Flowers is an author and an adviser on terrorism and extremism.
Hard Kill was originally published as 'The Fox Princess'.
'Danger Close' is the explosive second installment of the Riz Sabir series. A roller-coaster contemporary thriller, it packs plenty of punch and is perfect for fans of Andy McNab, Robert Ludlum, and Tom Clancy. "Absolutely rocks. Every line reeks with the raw authenticity of a writer who knows first-hand what the hell he's talking about." - Tom Cain, bestselling author of the Sam Carver thrillers.
'One of the most realistic depictions of how these operations work in real life. Forget about the "Hollywoodization" that seems to be the mark of most other books- this is the very real deal.' - Mubin Shaikh, counter-terrorism consultant and former covert operative, Canadian Security Services
Charlie Flowers is an author and an adviser on terrorism and extremism.
Hard Kill was originally published as 'The Fox Princess'.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2012
1 person is currently reading
294 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Flowers
27 books81 followersCharlie Flowers is the author of the bestselling "Riz" thriller series.
Charlie was born in Eastern Europe sometime in the late Sixties and arrived with his family in Britain in 1975. After training as a journalist in London he had a varied career as reporter, roadie, truck driver and record label boss. He is a member of the Crime Writers' Association and International Thriller Writers Inc., and is published by Lume Books and Black Dove Books.
Charlie was born in Eastern Europe sometime in the late Sixties and arrived with his family in Britain in 1975. After training as a journalist in London he had a varied career as reporter, roadie, truck driver and record label boss. He is a member of the Crime Writers' Association and International Thriller Writers Inc., and is published by Lume Books and Black Dove Books.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 7, 2013
Certainly, Mr. Flowers is not a one-hit wonder! In this follow up to Riz, Flowers kicks this ride in gear and leaves a path of broken bad guys littering the urban and desert roads.
If you want to know what it is really like on the inside, then you will definitely not want to miss this book. The only thing I can think of that would give an ever greater jolt to the system: the movie! :)
If you want to know what it is really like on the inside, then you will definitely not want to miss this book. The only thing I can think of that would give an ever greater jolt to the system: the movie! :)
April 21, 2015
Volcanic comedy : Telling a story that is both compelling and topical . Styled with meticulous detail . Tautly paced and savagely anarchic .Controversy is alive and kicking . Flowers combines restless unstoppable action with surreal comedy and mischievous commentary excellent .
August 30, 2013
*I was sent this book to review after leaving a highly positive review on the first book (much-deserved it was too).
I thought the first book was amazing, but 'Danger Close' takes 'amazing' to a whole new level. The writing is meatier and there's more depth. There's the same degree of humour and craziness, but the finale of horrors is a massacre that Mr Flowers describes skilfully so as not to come across as a frivolous celebration of death and destruction. Basically there is no total victory against fanatics because there are always too many innocent casualties.
The novel starts where the last one left off. Rizwan Sabir's fiancée Holly (Bang Bang) Kirpachi has been abducted and he doesn't know if she's dead or alive. He is determined to find out and get her back. Meanwhile, rumblings are coming in over the cyber airwaves that a bunch of fanatics is preparing something huge either in Paris or the UK.
The Black-eyed Girls are integrated into the MOD's offshoot branch of covert activities which gives them access to even more fire power and opportunities to smash things up, to their absolute joy! They are as crazy, funny, skilful, efficient, intelligent and deadly as ever, and now they have a branch in Birmingham too!
Riz's search takes him to Afghanistan where he gets banged up in a vast American prison. Mysterious cyber raccoons keep popping up online and eventually carry out their own version of 21st century cyber warfare. Very effectively too! Thanks to them, the action then moves to Paris and from there back to the UK and a desperate race across country to Birmingham.
These books would make brilliant films. There is so much action, humour and excellent dialogue. The characters are likeable, intelligent, courageous and well-rounded. The baddies are fanatics of every hue and Riz will fight them all to destroy these dangerous loonies. The quality of the writing and extent of the knowledge of arms, cyber warfare, military operations, and computers makes these books irresistible. They are an absolute joy to read.
I thought the first book was amazing, but 'Danger Close' takes 'amazing' to a whole new level. The writing is meatier and there's more depth. There's the same degree of humour and craziness, but the finale of horrors is a massacre that Mr Flowers describes skilfully so as not to come across as a frivolous celebration of death and destruction. Basically there is no total victory against fanatics because there are always too many innocent casualties.
The novel starts where the last one left off. Rizwan Sabir's fiancée Holly (Bang Bang) Kirpachi has been abducted and he doesn't know if she's dead or alive. He is determined to find out and get her back. Meanwhile, rumblings are coming in over the cyber airwaves that a bunch of fanatics is preparing something huge either in Paris or the UK.
The Black-eyed Girls are integrated into the MOD's offshoot branch of covert activities which gives them access to even more fire power and opportunities to smash things up, to their absolute joy! They are as crazy, funny, skilful, efficient, intelligent and deadly as ever, and now they have a branch in Birmingham too!
Riz's search takes him to Afghanistan where he gets banged up in a vast American prison. Mysterious cyber raccoons keep popping up online and eventually carry out their own version of 21st century cyber warfare. Very effectively too! Thanks to them, the action then moves to Paris and from there back to the UK and a desperate race across country to Birmingham.
These books would make brilliant films. There is so much action, humour and excellent dialogue. The characters are likeable, intelligent, courageous and well-rounded. The baddies are fanatics of every hue and Riz will fight them all to destroy these dangerous loonies. The quality of the writing and extent of the knowledge of arms, cyber warfare, military operations, and computers makes these books irresistible. They are an absolute joy to read.
March 15, 2015
Action packed thriller is an understatement when describing “Danger Close” by Charlie Flowers. As a follow up to Flowers “Hard Kill” it picks up with Rizwan Sabir desperately searching for his fiancée Holly (Bang Bang) Kirpachi. But the book also reads well as a stand alone adventure. Sabir is dropped into foreign territory in order to infiltrate an American prison in Afghanistan on the hunt for Bang Bang. The action starts there and doesn’t stop throughout the story.
Flowers has a knack for setting up military operations making the reader feel as though he is in the midst of battle. With incredible insight into the activities of terrorists and the British military he creates a story that is in line with current events. Woven throughout the battles and fighting the relationship between Riz and Bang Bang continues to evolve.
The Black Eye Girls return and this time they are working closely with MOD’s secret group giving them access to better weapons and information. They accomplish amazing acts of bravery all the while maintaining their humorous interchanges. The losses and deaths are heart breaking as the softer side of some of these girls is brought to the forefront by the tragedies they encounter.
From England to Afghanistan, from Paris and back to England Riz and Bang Bang form a dynamic duo British style. It’s a no hold barred examination of how terrorism affects us all and even the most innocent become victims of the madness. This is a book for those who appreciate a good spy story with more bombs and blow ups than any James Bond film could contain. I’m definitely hooked and ready for the next adventure of Riz, Bang Bang, and the Black Eye Girls.
Flowers has a knack for setting up military operations making the reader feel as though he is in the midst of battle. With incredible insight into the activities of terrorists and the British military he creates a story that is in line with current events. Woven throughout the battles and fighting the relationship between Riz and Bang Bang continues to evolve.
The Black Eye Girls return and this time they are working closely with MOD’s secret group giving them access to better weapons and information. They accomplish amazing acts of bravery all the while maintaining their humorous interchanges. The losses and deaths are heart breaking as the softer side of some of these girls is brought to the forefront by the tragedies they encounter.
From England to Afghanistan, from Paris and back to England Riz and Bang Bang form a dynamic duo British style. It’s a no hold barred examination of how terrorism affects us all and even the most innocent become victims of the madness. This is a book for those who appreciate a good spy story with more bombs and blow ups than any James Bond film could contain. I’m definitely hooked and ready for the next adventure of Riz, Bang Bang, and the Black Eye Girls.
Read
June 27, 2013The Fox Princess was a book I have been eagerly waiting to read since I met Charlie Flowers’ beautifully crafted series of books. Riz is back! That in itself is enough to make the most die-hard reader weak at the knees, and he is back with a vengeance!
Charlie Flowers, author of the epic Riz series of books, has turned out three of the most intensely wonderful spy novels. This is what you get when you get a talented writer and put him to work writing a spy series that matters. The second instalment, The Fox Princess, does not disappoint at all.
Riz is searching for the body of his fiancé…. He doesn’t know where she is, but he is determined to find out. I want to warn those responsible for the disappearance of the body- watch out! Riz will get you!
With worldwide settings, breakneck action and beautifully crafted words, “The Fox Princess” is a winner and you WILL want to read more! Read “Riz” first if you have not already devoured that one- then read “The Fox Princess”.
You will not be disappointed. No, sir!
Charlie Flowers, author of the epic Riz series of books, has turned out three of the most intensely wonderful spy novels. This is what you get when you get a talented writer and put him to work writing a spy series that matters. The second instalment, The Fox Princess, does not disappoint at all.
Riz is searching for the body of his fiancé…. He doesn’t know where she is, but he is determined to find out. I want to warn those responsible for the disappearance of the body- watch out! Riz will get you!
With worldwide settings, breakneck action and beautifully crafted words, “The Fox Princess” is a winner and you WILL want to read more! Read “Riz” first if you have not already devoured that one- then read “The Fox Princess”.
You will not be disappointed. No, sir!
May 11, 2013
I had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of this book and thoroughly enjoyed it, reading it in only a couple of sittings. The attention to detail is fantastic and the realism is there, something I greatly appreciated. Sure plenty will not like this book as it paints a picture of a world they are uncomfortable with... or maybe they just don't like the author, regardless this book isn't for them. Instead, this book is for those who like a good read about a topic that get's very little 'real' coverage in the world.
My only criticism is it fell a little flat a couple of times during the combat parts, hence the four stars. But as Mr Flower's himself acknowledges depicting 21st century combat is a hard nut to crack at best and as someone who has written at least two absolutely terrible combat scenes himself I can say he did a great job regardless!
My only criticism is it fell a little flat a couple of times during the combat parts, hence the four stars. But as Mr Flower's himself acknowledges depicting 21st century combat is a hard nut to crack at best and as someone who has written at least two absolutely terrible combat scenes himself I can say he did a great job regardless!
October 7, 2013
Rizwan Sabir and his gang of oddball female operatives are part of a shady arm of the MOD and on the frontline of the war on terror. It's kind of Frederick Forsyth meets Bravo Two Zero with a dash of the Baker Street irregulars.
The action moves at a cracking pace as it shifts from London to Afghanistan, to Paris and to Birmingham. There's a gritty feel which is helped by grounding the action in real events such as the Anders Brevik shootings. The overall message is that there really are no winners in the fight against fanaticism.
The book is littered with military terms and acronyms which can be a bit off-putting. There is a glossary at the end but it would have been nice to have had it hyperlinked to the text.
If you want a fast-moving action thriller that doesn't shy away from brutal realities and innocent victims this is well worth a look.
The action moves at a cracking pace as it shifts from London to Afghanistan, to Paris and to Birmingham. There's a gritty feel which is helped by grounding the action in real events such as the Anders Brevik shootings. The overall message is that there really are no winners in the fight against fanaticism.
The book is littered with military terms and acronyms which can be a bit off-putting. There is a glossary at the end but it would have been nice to have had it hyperlinked to the text.
If you want a fast-moving action thriller that doesn't shy away from brutal realities and innocent victims this is well worth a look.
September 26, 2013
I knew this was going to be a great series! Book #2 did not disappoint, it picked up from book #1 and the action never stopped. Charlie Flowers has a definite winner with Riz and the blackeyed girls. This book will appeal to the action CIA/spec ops junkies. Relax your mind and have fun with it, let yourself laugh and take the book for what it is...a guilty pleasure that's easy to read and hard to put down. I definitely recommend the series... Now I'm on to Kill Order the 3rd in the Riz Sabir series. A very solid 4.5 stars... Give it a read!
July 21, 2016
The sequel to Hard Kill and once again this 'licensed to kill' bunch of special agents run amok with their shoot first, answer questions after style of hunting down the terrorists. Thankfully it's all fantasy. If our forces of law and order worked this way they'd soon be seen as the terrorists though it would, if continued, be a sure way of reducing the population. Another fast-paced shoot-em-up thriller from Charlie Flowers.
February 5, 2014
Danger Close starts where the last one left off. Rizwan Sabir's fiancée has been abducted. Riz has no idea if she is dead or alive but he is going to her her back one way or the other.
Paris and the UK are gripped in fear of some sort of imminent attack.
The book is better in many ways than the first. The action is more driven.
Paris and the UK are gripped in fear of some sort of imminent attack.
The book is better in many ways than the first. The action is more driven.
February 6, 2014
Riz is BACK!
I am soooo glad.
This time he is facing a terrorist group, and worse, his fiancee has been abducted.
He is struggling to stop the terrorist and find his love while the clock ticks out.
A thrilling NON STOP action!
I am soooo glad.
This time he is facing a terrorist group, and worse, his fiancee has been abducted.
He is struggling to stop the terrorist and find his love while the clock ticks out.
A thrilling NON STOP action!
October 6, 2013
Has potential
I will admit, I wanted to like this book. So much so that I pushed past the point that I would have given up. I got 32% in and had to stop. I'm a strong believer that if it doesn't pick up to what you want by 25% then just stop, unless you are emotionally invested. I wasn't.
Let's start with my issues on the book. This book had so much potential but the military jargon and sporadic jumping in the story was a bit too much for me. First of all, I was raised in a military family and I didn't understand most of the abbreviations. Next, there were a lot of letters, recipes and e-mails/documents that were listed that just made me have to feel like I was doing homework rather than reading. Finally there were jumps in the story that I had to wait until I was a good ways in before I knew where they were and what they were doing.
The good, fast paced and action packed. I mean, the ideas and situations in this novel were enough to make my trigger finger twitch and make my mouth water. I love action. The fast paced story line and bullets flying... Give me More! The whole book was just grade 'A' in this aspect of the novel and would be enough to keep any lover of books reading to see what the hell happens next.
I believe that for me to have liked it more, I would have needed quick, short explanations of the all the military references (especially for those that might chose this book as their first plunge into the genre.) I also wouldnt need all the documents, recipes and letters written in, recaps would have worked for me and not made such an abrupt stop in the story line. Finally, a sentence or two to let me know that the scene had changed would have been nice as well. The latter I wouldn't have cared about if the first two would have been done. Maybe it was just me. If it was done just a bit different I would have listed five stars. However, because of the massive potential and the fact that I gave it till 32% before stopping I'm giving it three stars because I know that there are folks out there that would be all over this in a hot minute and understand it without needing to pull up Google every five minutes like me.
I will admit, I wanted to like this book. So much so that I pushed past the point that I would have given up. I got 32% in and had to stop. I'm a strong believer that if it doesn't pick up to what you want by 25% then just stop, unless you are emotionally invested. I wasn't.
Let's start with my issues on the book. This book had so much potential but the military jargon and sporadic jumping in the story was a bit too much for me. First of all, I was raised in a military family and I didn't understand most of the abbreviations. Next, there were a lot of letters, recipes and e-mails/documents that were listed that just made me have to feel like I was doing homework rather than reading. Finally there were jumps in the story that I had to wait until I was a good ways in before I knew where they were and what they were doing.
The good, fast paced and action packed. I mean, the ideas and situations in this novel were enough to make my trigger finger twitch and make my mouth water. I love action. The fast paced story line and bullets flying... Give me More! The whole book was just grade 'A' in this aspect of the novel and would be enough to keep any lover of books reading to see what the hell happens next.
I believe that for me to have liked it more, I would have needed quick, short explanations of the all the military references (especially for those that might chose this book as their first plunge into the genre.) I also wouldnt need all the documents, recipes and letters written in, recaps would have worked for me and not made such an abrupt stop in the story line. Finally, a sentence or two to let me know that the scene had changed would have been nice as well. The latter I wouldn't have cared about if the first two would have been done. Maybe it was just me. If it was done just a bit different I would have listed five stars. However, because of the massive potential and the fact that I gave it till 32% before stopping I'm giving it three stars because I know that there are folks out there that would be all over this in a hot minute and understand it without needing to pull up Google every five minutes like me.
Read
January 15, 2014I had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of this book (back when it was called The Fox Princess) and thoroughly enjoyed it, reading it in only a couple of sittings. The attention to detail is fantastic and the realism is there, something I greatly appreciated. Sure plenty will not like this book as it paints a picture of a world they are uncomfortable with... or maybe they just don't like the author, regardless this book isn't for them. Instead, this book is for those who like a good read about a topic that get's very little 'real' coverage in the world.
My only criticism is it fell a little flat a couple of times during the combat parts, hence the four stars. But as Mr Flower's himself acknowledges depicting 21st century combat is a hard nut to crack at best and as someone who has written at least two absolutely terrible combat scenes himself I can say he did a great job regardless!
My only criticism is it fell a little flat a couple of times during the combat parts, hence the four stars. But as Mr Flower's himself acknowledges depicting 21st century combat is a hard nut to crack at best and as someone who has written at least two absolutely terrible combat scenes himself I can say he did a great job regardless!
June 1, 2019
I had not read the first book in this series, so I was a bit confused at the start of the book. If you like fast action thrillers with a political/religious bent, then you will enjoy this book
April 7, 2024
The plot is good but the execution of how its resolved is ridiculous. I think I'll end my journey here with Riz Sabir and wish the author all the best
August 24, 2016
Really enjoying this series. Kind of like potato chips -- hard to stop reading!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews