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Ryan Mitchell #1
Goliath
ASIN moved from less recent edition here
In 1931, during its maiden voyage, the British Airship Goliath mysteriously disappears without a trace. Hidden deep inside is a secret that could change the world.
Present day, in The Philippines, an attempted kidnapping draws historian Jennifer March and former soldier Ryan Mitchell into a deadly race to find the Goliath before a mysterious figure who threatens to topple governments and the lives of millions. From Alaska, to West Africa to Iceland the hunt for the truth is on.
In 1931, during its maiden voyage, the British Airship Goliath mysteriously disappears without a trace. Hidden deep inside is a secret that could change the world.
Present day, in The Philippines, an attempted kidnapping draws historian Jennifer March and former soldier Ryan Mitchell into a deadly race to find the Goliath before a mysterious figure who threatens to topple governments and the lives of millions. From Alaska, to West Africa to Iceland the hunt for the truth is on.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2013
1877 people are currently reading
2272 people want to read
About the author
Richard Turner
34 books121 followersRichard Turner proudly served in the Armed Forces for more than thirty years. He considers himself fortunate to have had numerous overseas deployments that took him to many varied locations throughout the world, including: Germany, Cyprus, Croatia, Sierra Leone, Bosnia, Egypt, Israel and finally two tours of Afghanistan. Wanting to try something new, he now spends his time writing.
Some of Richard's favourite authors include: James Rollins, Andy McDermmott and the many novels of Clive Cussler.
http://richardturnerauthor.blogspot.ca
Some of Richard's favourite authors include: James Rollins, Andy McDermmott and the many novels of Clive Cussler.
http://richardturnerauthor.blogspot.ca
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 296 reviews
May 14, 2015
This story starts in the 1920s, moves up to the 1930s and finishes in the present. The airship Goliath crashed in the desert in strange circumstances and a member of the Russian royal family is determined to get back what was lost in the Goliath’s hold. This is real, swashbuckling high adventure and is enjoyable in the way an action film is enjoyable, as long as you don’t take it all too seriously.
I found the plot hard to believe – just too many cases of an unlocked door in a building being guarded at the front, or keys left in a vehicle. Too much ‘just as if’ as they say. I also found the writing style a little wearing. People’s names were used when ‘she’ or ‘he’ would have done perfectly well. I’m not sure there are security companies around for whom money is absolutely no object, either, but if you suspend your disbelief it’s a rollicking good action adventure and it kept me reading to the end.
I found the plot hard to believe – just too many cases of an unlocked door in a building being guarded at the front, or keys left in a vehicle. Too much ‘just as if’ as they say. I also found the writing style a little wearing. People’s names were used when ‘she’ or ‘he’ would have done perfectly well. I’m not sure there are security companies around for whom money is absolutely no object, either, but if you suspend your disbelief it’s a rollicking good action adventure and it kept me reading to the end.
August 23, 2015
This is a classic example of a decent story idea ruined by awful, awful writing.
The title Goliath is awfully misleading. Yes, the Goliath airship plays a part in the plot, even an important one. But it's not central - the story revolves around a private security company and their efforts to bring down an evil, half-mad oil tycoon.
It could have been good. It takes some disturbingly plausible conspiracy ideas and stews them together in something that could have been a compelling political & military drama. But the dialogue is so juvenile, and the characters are cardboard cut-outs - there weren't characters so much as tropes.
I would actually encourage someone in Hollywood to buy the rights to this book and give it to a proven screenwriter who could turn it into what it was supposed to be.
The title Goliath is awfully misleading. Yes, the Goliath airship plays a part in the plot, even an important one. But it's not central - the story revolves around a private security company and their efforts to bring down an evil, half-mad oil tycoon.
It could have been good. It takes some disturbingly plausible conspiracy ideas and stews them together in something that could have been a compelling political & military drama. But the dialogue is so juvenile, and the characters are cardboard cut-outs - there weren't characters so much as tropes.
I would actually encourage someone in Hollywood to buy the rights to this book and give it to a proven screenwriter who could turn it into what it was supposed to be.
June 23, 2022
The crash site of the sabotaged airship Goliath holds a key to future world events.
Disclaimer: I read this as a book to fulfil the requirement for a "read outside of your favourite genre" challenge.
I'm so not a fan of violent thrillers and this turned out to be exactly that. However, my three-star rating doesn't reflect that, but other problems I had with this story.
1. The story jumped all over the place in the beginning. Worse, none of the bounces seemed to connect at first.
2. The love interest came out of nowhere.
3. The star of the show, Goliath, was relegated to a walk-on part. I wanted to read the Goliath story and not the one that was written.
4. At times there was too much description. Usually, I complain in the other direction and wish the author had taken the time to paint the picture - absolutely not the case here. In some parts, the story lagged due to wordiness.
5. The violence was out of control. Perhaps this is a "me" problem since, as we discussed, I'm not into this type of story but the team just blazed into most situations without finesse or tact. I would have enjoyed more subterfuge.
Summary: I surprised myself by not absolutely hating the plot. If certain world events weren't occurring currently, I could see this plot as a credible possibility. I probably won't continue this series, but I feel richer for having given this book a chance.
Disclaimer: I read this as a book to fulfil the requirement for a "read outside of your favourite genre" challenge.
I'm so not a fan of violent thrillers and this turned out to be exactly that. However, my three-star rating doesn't reflect that, but other problems I had with this story.
1. The story jumped all over the place in the beginning. Worse, none of the bounces seemed to connect at first.
2. The love interest came out of nowhere.
3. The star of the show, Goliath, was relegated to a walk-on part. I wanted to read the Goliath story and not the one that was written.
4. At times there was too much description. Usually, I complain in the other direction and wish the author had taken the time to paint the picture - absolutely not the case here. In some parts, the story lagged due to wordiness.
5. The violence was out of control. Perhaps this is a "me" problem since, as we discussed, I'm not into this type of story but the team just blazed into most situations without finesse or tact. I would have enjoyed more subterfuge.
Summary: I surprised myself by not absolutely hating the plot. If certain world events weren't occurring currently, I could see this plot as a credible possibility. I probably won't continue this series, but I feel richer for having given this book a chance.
December 23, 2018
Book #1, in the Ryan Mitchell thrillers
After reading the first few chapters that set the stage you fall into a fat-paced and very violent thriller. If you do not like guts and blood and people being killed this intense drama is not for you but if you love never ending action and extreme suspense you will enjoy this one. This thriller is not for everyone but it was mine and I loved it.
In a few words:
Ryan Mitchell, a former special operative is drawn into the race to find the Goliath and her hidden secret and with his team must protect Jennifer March from the deadly and well- finance group that intends to change the world.
My views:
This plot is totally unbelievable but very exciting to follow. Put aside your disbelief and enjoy the ride you will find yourself in a rollicking adventure from cover to cover. This far-fetched drama that brings us around the world is difficult to put down. There is a lot going on and the suspense will kill you (not really) I was flipping the pages at a rapid pace to see how the team will get out of their predicaments…they always did with a bang and a lot of blood. The writing style is very graphic and focuses mainly on action leaving character development aside. For a hard boiled thriller we find neither profanity nor sex scenes. Finally, all this wraps up neatly and this international kidnapping and terrorist saga leaves us with an unexpected surprise……
This is a wild and crazy read I enjoyed immensely
After reading the first few chapters that set the stage you fall into a fat-paced and very violent thriller. If you do not like guts and blood and people being killed this intense drama is not for you but if you love never ending action and extreme suspense you will enjoy this one. This thriller is not for everyone but it was mine and I loved it.
In a few words:
Ryan Mitchell, a former special operative is drawn into the race to find the Goliath and her hidden secret and with his team must protect Jennifer March from the deadly and well- finance group that intends to change the world.
My views:
This plot is totally unbelievable but very exciting to follow. Put aside your disbelief and enjoy the ride you will find yourself in a rollicking adventure from cover to cover. This far-fetched drama that brings us around the world is difficult to put down. There is a lot going on and the suspense will kill you (not really) I was flipping the pages at a rapid pace to see how the team will get out of their predicaments…they always did with a bang and a lot of blood. The writing style is very graphic and focuses mainly on action leaving character development aside. For a hard boiled thriller we find neither profanity nor sex scenes. Finally, all this wraps up neatly and this international kidnapping and terrorist saga leaves us with an unexpected surprise……
This is a wild and crazy read I enjoyed immensely
January 15, 2015
Need to read more from this author.
Nice play on an at times overly written subject. story has all the components of most good story's. Easy read without getting the feeling you've been here before.
Nice play on an at times overly written subject. story has all the components of most good story's. Easy read without getting the feeling you've been here before.
October 29, 2018
When I started reading, I was hooked. I thought this was going to be one of those stay-up-and-read-all-night books.. But I got tired of the way the violence was handled. I don't mind violence in a book if it obviously enhances character or plot, but I began to feel that the confrontations, which occurred often, were too slick to be believable. When the good guys shoot or punch or kick, it's a bullseye every time. First shot right between the eyes. First punch knocks him out. Slam-bang-he's down-might be knocked out or dead-move on. . . .They didn't take the time to see if he was in fact dead, or check pockets, or immediately seek accomplices. . . .It was just knock 'em down and run away.
I felt the same way about the plot. When the story began, I thought it was over-the-top but at least somewhat believable: a kidnapping, we don't know why, inciting incident. Generic spoiler alert: seek-fight-rescue-run, and then again, from the top. I finished it, but I usually read much faster than I read this. I found myself dozing, or getting bored, and eventually just trying to finish it.
I would not recommend unless the slam-bang I described appeals to you. If you prefer character development and a believable plot with no superheroes, this might not be for you.
I felt the same way about the plot. When the story began, I thought it was over-the-top but at least somewhat believable: a kidnapping, we don't know why, inciting incident. Generic spoiler alert: seek-fight-rescue-run, and then again, from the top. I finished it, but I usually read much faster than I read this. I found myself dozing, or getting bored, and eventually just trying to finish it.
I would not recommend unless the slam-bang I described appeals to you. If you prefer character development and a believable plot with no superheroes, this might not be for you.
January 17, 2015
Good read
Got and kept my interest I suggest this book as a good read. Good thrilling book for people who like action/adventure
Got and kept my interest I suggest this book as a good read. Good thrilling book for people who like action/adventure
September 9, 2017
The first book in a new series, in fact the third new series I have started recently, and this was, without doubt, the best. Former soldier Ryan Mitchell rescues a beautiful archaeologist, Jennifer March, whilst on a mission in the Philippines. She is the target for a Russian mercenary, Teplov, one of the nastiest and most violent people that you could come across. He is working on behalf of Dmitry Romanov who sees himself as the next leader, if not Czar, of Russia, who needs Jennifer to help him locate the lost treasure of the Romanov Dynasty, thought to have been lost in the Saharan Desert aboard the British airship, Goliath – hence the title of the book. Throw in two stolen nuclear bombs, twin Romanov daughters who may be very attractive, but are both cold-blooded supporters of their father, a North Korean mercenary named Chang, and a whole raft of other well paid soldiers, and you have a large problem for Mitchell, and his friends, all members of a clandestine American group known as Polaris, and you have all the makings of an exciting book.
That is exactly what this book is – fast-paced, fast-moving around the globe, interesting characters and a well-developed storyline. The overall premise may be a little far-fetched, but what the heck, I found it difficult to put down. Another series in which the first book has whetted my appetite for
more.
That is exactly what this book is – fast-paced, fast-moving around the globe, interesting characters and a well-developed storyline. The overall premise may be a little far-fetched, but what the heck, I found it difficult to put down. Another series in which the first book has whetted my appetite for
more.
July 16, 2025
Technically not a very inspiring read however an interesting, though implausible story line that as mentioned already would be a good basis for a comedy action “James Bond” style movie.
Lots of very “convenient” things seemed to keep happening in the book that helped our hero and his team through the action.
However, that being said, I did enjoy the fast pace and action plus it passed a couple of days by the pool without being excessively taxing.
I may try the second in the series before our holiday ends.
Lots of very “convenient” things seemed to keep happening in the book that helped our hero and his team through the action.
However, that being said, I did enjoy the fast pace and action plus it passed a couple of days by the pool without being excessively taxing.
I may try the second in the series before our holiday ends.
May 14, 2015
In the Philippine jungle a group of workers and college kids along with Forensic archeologists are excavating the a crash site of A WWII aircraft when they are attacked by a ragged band of bandits. Jennifer March the American team leader is captured and spirited away by the leader, a Russian speaking ex soldier. Ryan Mitchel, an employee of a Private Security firm who was in the area with a team teaching a group of Philippine police near by, break up the raid and Ryan and his team manage to rescue Jen. Ryan and Jen make a connection and once pack in the US they get together at a charity event where Jen is again kidnapped. This is the beginning of a cat and mouse game with a self proclaimed Russian descendant of the Romanov line and a wealthy business man intent on taking back the place of top man in Russia. An action/adventure tale that moves right along as Ryan works to rescue Jen and upset the Russian's plans.
August 19, 2018
Title may be a little misleading. This is a total paramilitary violent action thriller. Reminds me a lot of a James Bond story, or even an old Cowboys & Indians movie. Unstoppable ex-military hero and omnipotent support team. Cardboard villains. Faceless bad guys perform like Imperial Stormtroopers. Lead villain keeps hostages alive, usually in his immediate vicinity. Bad guys never seemed prepared for attacks by good guys. Bad guys seem unaware of hero's support team. Lots of very unbelievable actions and situations.
There's a pretty good overall story arc, and effective use of multiple geographic locations and plot threads. And large-scale, violent action to spare. But this story is primarily a good guys vs bad guys shoot-em-up.
There's a pretty good overall story arc, and effective use of multiple geographic locations and plot threads. And large-scale, violent action to spare. But this story is primarily a good guys vs bad guys shoot-em-up.
July 5, 2015
This book was definitely a Goliath, over kill in scenes, and somehow everyone did their action at the speed of "quickly,"which was used so much that I thought this was how they all moved in the book.
I could not believe some of the plot points, when they were actually revealed I was throughly unimpressed. I think this is one of those books you could read on the beach with three beers in you. Sorry to the author and to others who love this kind of stuff.
To the author, who has a number of these and all kind of 5 star rating, good job for keeping at writing this stuff. Someone has to, and if you're making money at it - then good on you!
I for one, will not be reading another.
I could not believe some of the plot points, when they were actually revealed I was throughly unimpressed. I think this is one of those books you could read on the beach with three beers in you. Sorry to the author and to others who love this kind of stuff.
To the author, who has a number of these and all kind of 5 star rating, good job for keeping at writing this stuff. Someone has to, and if you're making money at it - then good on you!
I for one, will not be reading another.
January 27, 2015
This was a fun read. Very much reminded me of the early Dirk Pitt adventures. Same type of thrills and chills to a degree. Maybe in further adventures with Mitchell & Jackson will rival those of Dirk Pitt and his crew. The 4th book in this series is available as a KU book, and I might give it a shot in the future.
November 7, 2017
By Richard Turner
Move over Brad Thor, you have some competition on the horizon in Richard Turner.
The story begins on July 2, 1922 with Patrick, a little boy of ten watched his older brother Liam murdered in Cold blood. Patrick manages to escape Mr. Lewis the man who shot his brother in cold blood, by hiding under some bushes. As we start chapter 2 of Goliath, nine years has passed and we are left guessing at this point as to what was in that wooden crate that justified the execution of Liam. This is the first book by Richard Turner that I have ever read but with the story opening with this much action, I feel certain that I’m in for a treat.
The Goliath becomes an airborne Titanic when its owner causes it to explode and crash into the jungles of darkest Africa. With that the story fast forwards to present day at the start of chapter 3. There appears to be three different story plots here, I’m anxious to see how the author ties them all together.
Get the terminology right. The military call them “Dog Tags,” not identification discs. They’re not even shaped like a disc but are more rectangular with rounded corners, its little mistakes like these that turn a knowledgeable reader off. One can almost forgive Jen for referring to the wheel from the planes control column a steering wheel, but to refer to dog tags as identification discs is just too much.
Another plot to the story has been added with Russian mercenaries and Americans engaging in a running gun battle while the archeology students are held captive. Where is Turner going with all this? Well, at least the suspense builds and this story is anything but boring. On the plus side this author does appear to know his weapons, at least so far.
With all the twists in the plot, this story has me sitting on the edge of my chair. I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen next. Richard Turner is going to end up on my favorite authors list by the time I reach the end of this story.
Mercenaries recovering nuclear bombs from secret underground storage bunkers in South Africa, where is this author taking us? Who were the mercenaries working for that they were paid $50,000,000 for thirty minutes work. I still have no idea about how he is going to tie all these plots together. The suspense is killing me. I haven’t even reached the quarter way mark yet. What’s going to happen next? I can hardly wait to find out.
OK! I still haven’t reached the quarter way marker but the author is starting to pull the various threads together. Now things should really start moving in more understandable manner. We’re at an auction where some items relating to the Goliath are being auctioned off.
Ah ha! I have reached the one-third marker and I now know, or at least I think I know what was in that wooden box that got Patrick’s big brother killed way back in 1922. No, I’m not going to tell you and spoil this great unfolding story for you. All I’m going to say is that the author is tying all the subplots together in a masterful way. Turner is going to end up on my most favored author list by the time I finish this book. I even know what happened to Patrick. This story is taking off like a whirlwind and has me on tenterhooks.
All I’m going to say about the last half of this story is that it couldn’t have gotten any better and the ending will blow you away. You’ve got to read this book before you read any other book. I know that I will read it again and again as time passes. It’s that good.
Move over Brad Thor, you have some competition on the horizon in Richard Turner.
The story begins on July 2, 1922 with Patrick, a little boy of ten watched his older brother Liam murdered in Cold blood. Patrick manages to escape Mr. Lewis the man who shot his brother in cold blood, by hiding under some bushes. As we start chapter 2 of Goliath, nine years has passed and we are left guessing at this point as to what was in that wooden crate that justified the execution of Liam. This is the first book by Richard Turner that I have ever read but with the story opening with this much action, I feel certain that I’m in for a treat.
The Goliath becomes an airborne Titanic when its owner causes it to explode and crash into the jungles of darkest Africa. With that the story fast forwards to present day at the start of chapter 3. There appears to be three different story plots here, I’m anxious to see how the author ties them all together.
Get the terminology right. The military call them “Dog Tags,” not identification discs. They’re not even shaped like a disc but are more rectangular with rounded corners, its little mistakes like these that turn a knowledgeable reader off. One can almost forgive Jen for referring to the wheel from the planes control column a steering wheel, but to refer to dog tags as identification discs is just too much.
Another plot to the story has been added with Russian mercenaries and Americans engaging in a running gun battle while the archeology students are held captive. Where is Turner going with all this? Well, at least the suspense builds and this story is anything but boring. On the plus side this author does appear to know his weapons, at least so far.
With all the twists in the plot, this story has me sitting on the edge of my chair. I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen next. Richard Turner is going to end up on my favorite authors list by the time I reach the end of this story.
Mercenaries recovering nuclear bombs from secret underground storage bunkers in South Africa, where is this author taking us? Who were the mercenaries working for that they were paid $50,000,000 for thirty minutes work. I still have no idea about how he is going to tie all these plots together. The suspense is killing me. I haven’t even reached the quarter way mark yet. What’s going to happen next? I can hardly wait to find out.
OK! I still haven’t reached the quarter way marker but the author is starting to pull the various threads together. Now things should really start moving in more understandable manner. We’re at an auction where some items relating to the Goliath are being auctioned off.
Ah ha! I have reached the one-third marker and I now know, or at least I think I know what was in that wooden box that got Patrick’s big brother killed way back in 1922. No, I’m not going to tell you and spoil this great unfolding story for you. All I’m going to say is that the author is tying all the subplots together in a masterful way. Turner is going to end up on my most favored author list by the time I finish this book. I even know what happened to Patrick. This story is taking off like a whirlwind and has me on tenterhooks.
All I’m going to say about the last half of this story is that it couldn’t have gotten any better and the ending will blow you away. You’ve got to read this book before you read any other book. I know that I will read it again and again as time passes. It’s that good.
May 1, 2019
Brief synopsis from the book cover:
In 1931, during its maiden voyage, the British Airship Goliath mysteriously disappears without a trace. Hidden deep inside is a secret that could change the world.
Present day, in The Philippines, an attempted kidnapping draws historian Jennifer March and former soldier Ryan Mitchell into a deadly race to find the Goliath before a mysterious figure who threatens to topple governments and the lives of millions does. From Alaska, to West Africa to Iceland the hunt for the truth is on.
My rating:
Story: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Review:
The story is fast pasted and entertaining a classic action and adventure novel. The plot was well developed and had a nice tempo so it flows well. The story has the right amount of action and suspense, no slow bits or dull moments. The characters were well the depicted, the good guys were likeable and the bad guys your typical villains. Overall a great story that reminded me of the Dirk Pitt series from Clive Cussler. If you looking for a great and action and adventure story that is suspenseful and fun give this book a try. I enjoyed it.
In 1931, during its maiden voyage, the British Airship Goliath mysteriously disappears without a trace. Hidden deep inside is a secret that could change the world.
Present day, in The Philippines, an attempted kidnapping draws historian Jennifer March and former soldier Ryan Mitchell into a deadly race to find the Goliath before a mysterious figure who threatens to topple governments and the lives of millions does. From Alaska, to West Africa to Iceland the hunt for the truth is on.
My rating:
Story: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Review:
The story is fast pasted and entertaining a classic action and adventure novel. The plot was well developed and had a nice tempo so it flows well. The story has the right amount of action and suspense, no slow bits or dull moments. The characters were well the depicted, the good guys were likeable and the bad guys your typical villains. Overall a great story that reminded me of the Dirk Pitt series from Clive Cussler. If you looking for a great and action and adventure story that is suspenseful and fun give this book a try. I enjoyed it.
April 15, 2025
The first 2 chapters are set in the past and set up the story, and I enjoyed them, but after that it turned into a poorly executed B Movie, The plot itself was ok, but it was executed badly with parts put in for effect without being thought through. For example Professional mercenaries going to capture someone as they are needed alive so they shoot up the cabin they are in with machine guns, riddling one of the people inside with bullets and totally missing the 2 other stood next him, A country who has hidden Nuclear Missiles as a deterrent that no one else knows about, so how is it a deterrent, and how were they so easy to steal. There's a point were a mercenary is shot and falls on one of the main 'bad guys' and pinning him down, unable to move. Many things are added without thought so the plot can roll.
The characters were poor, cliched and juvenile.
I got bored with too much unbelievable stuff going on , I ended up skimming some of it, which seemed to make no difference to the plot. Too many pointless descriptions , too padded.
Shame really as it started with so much promise, i thought of giving up a 1/3 of the way through and probably should have
The characters were poor, cliched and juvenile.
I got bored with too much unbelievable stuff going on , I ended up skimming some of it, which seemed to make no difference to the plot. Too many pointless descriptions , too padded.
Shame really as it started with so much promise, i thought of giving up a 1/3 of the way through and probably should have
April 25, 2018
This was another free find from bookbub. If you're looking for an action packed book that reads like an episode of NCIS:LA or the A-Team, then this may be the book for you. As I read, the thought that this author had watched too much TV came to mind fairly often. From people answering in depth conversations just as they enter a room to cars exploding spectacularly though with little ground in reality, this has a lot of television episodic clichés.
The good guys were likable and skilled in their areas. Sometimes they seemed to know more than they should. The bad guys were generally despicable, although there was one who died that I'd have loved to see in the future if I continued to follow Turner's writing and another who lived that could develop into a thorn in the good guys' sides.
Goliath does play a role in the story, but I'm not sure why the author went with it as the title. While important, it is quickly forgotten after the middle of the novel.
As mentioned above, this is a decent story and a quick chance to escape reality into an A-Teamish adventure.
The good guys were likable and skilled in their areas. Sometimes they seemed to know more than they should. The bad guys were generally despicable, although there was one who died that I'd have loved to see in the future if I continued to follow Turner's writing and another who lived that could develop into a thorn in the good guys' sides.
Goliath does play a role in the story, but I'm not sure why the author went with it as the title. While important, it is quickly forgotten after the middle of the novel.
As mentioned above, this is a decent story and a quick chance to escape reality into an A-Teamish adventure.
November 18, 2021
Great adventure
If you like action packed novels, this one is a keeper. The danger starts in the first chapter and continues to the end. The Polaris Corp. is staffed with ex-military, including those injured in action, and is very much a family. The characters are well thought out and I can't wait to find out more of their backstories. The plot revolves around modern day Romanov descendents and their quest for power at any cost. For us ladies there's a little romance thrown into the mix by the name of Jen. She gets kidnapped by the villains (twice), much to the hero's annoyance. With Ryan in pursuit of the kidnappers the diabolical plot is uncovered. This novel has over the top megalomaniacs, a truly evil and hard to kill henchman, and a mercenary who might not be so evil. Add in the close-knit family of ex-military from Polaris and you have a ripping good yarn! I love these types of thrillers with military action and am looking forward to reading the next installment.
If you like action packed novels, this one is a keeper. The danger starts in the first chapter and continues to the end. The Polaris Corp. is staffed with ex-military, including those injured in action, and is very much a family. The characters are well thought out and I can't wait to find out more of their backstories. The plot revolves around modern day Romanov descendents and their quest for power at any cost. For us ladies there's a little romance thrown into the mix by the name of Jen. She gets kidnapped by the villains (twice), much to the hero's annoyance. With Ryan in pursuit of the kidnappers the diabolical plot is uncovered. This novel has over the top megalomaniacs, a truly evil and hard to kill henchman, and a mercenary who might not be so evil. Add in the close-knit family of ex-military from Polaris and you have a ripping good yarn! I love these types of thrillers with military action and am looking forward to reading the next installment.
September 15, 2023
This is an action/thriller adventure that blends some Indiana Jones with Special Force operators. The premise is the worlds largest airship, The Goliath, disappeared over the western Sahara-desert in 1931. You won’t know initially why finding the wreckage is important until you get well into this novel. So, I won’t spoil the surprise of that now. However, it’s a plausible story and an interesting concept. First a historian is highjacked to assist the bad guys in finding the wreckage (the Indiana Jones aspect of the story) and then former American Military Special Force’s members are sent to rescue the now missing historian. Lots a danger, tension and excitement are intertwined into the two quests. The characters seem realistic, at least as realistic as John McClane in the Die Hard movies. And, they will perform feats of daring do similar to the Die Hard movies. A good story, an enjoyable read, and this just the first book in the series by the author, Richard Turner. So there is plenty to look forward to as Ryan Mitchell finds new adventures in the upcoming books.
June 20, 2020
I don't do book reviews.....
I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way
I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way
January 31, 2018
I'm trying to analyze just why I didn't get into this story. I wanted to. I persevered to the very end. The plot was farfetched - but I have read other far-fetched plots and enjoyed them. And actually, as far as plots go, I think this was reasonably well developed.
I think I didn't enjoy it for two main reasons - first, the conversations between characters were too stilted and not natural. I mean, really, how many of us call people Mr or Mrs EVERY conversation? I normally address the person as my greeting and would never refer to them by name again in that conversation. Second, too many parts of the story were cliched writing.
I think I didn't enjoy it for two main reasons - first, the conversations between characters were too stilted and not natural. I mean, really, how many of us call people Mr or Mrs EVERY conversation? I normally address the person as my greeting and would never refer to them by name again in that conversation. Second, too many parts of the story were cliched writing.
February 5, 2018
This shiuld really be a 3.5 for adventure, world travel, new hero, and evil villain. I did not like the fact the characters were assumed to have lots of esoteric knowledge, and had little character developement. The action scenes were very realistic- so many bad guys died however, that I thought it was overdone. I would have liked more personal info and feelings and thoughts and hopes from and about Ryan - the main protagonist. Also I wanted to know more about Jennifer, who is the subject of a newly develping relationship with Ryan. I thought in general the story/ plot was not as strong as it could have been, but I read it a a real adventure/ thriller.
March 4, 2018
Good, but predictable
Good book. I thought it was written well and was full of action. The only things that I didn’t like were the graphic, intense images he painted about the violence. A lot of violence and you know it’s happening and exactly what is happening to the people. The other thing I was noticing is that after about the second time it gets a little old that 5 guys can someone manage to escape 1,000 trained men in some impossible situation. It happens about 5 times in the book. The 5 good guys get a little scratch while they usually kill all the bad guys. So, a little unrealistic.
Good book. I thought it was written well and was full of action. The only things that I didn’t like were the graphic, intense images he painted about the violence. A lot of violence and you know it’s happening and exactly what is happening to the people. The other thing I was noticing is that after about the second time it gets a little old that 5 guys can someone manage to escape 1,000 trained men in some impossible situation. It happens about 5 times in the book. The 5 good guys get a little scratch while they usually kill all the bad guys. So, a little unrealistic.
December 30, 2019
This book has little to do with Goliath, which was an airship that disappeared years ago. It only figures into the story a bit. The real plot has to do with a villainous russian bad guy from the romanov family who plans on ruling over russia and then the world. Like all super villains, he has nukes and he is going to use them. It's up to our hero and a small band of his to stop the nastiness. I found the plot completely unbelievable. The horrible villain could have killed his hostages early in the book and avoided untold problems, but for some stupid reason, he hauls them all over the world with him. Oh please. That's just one thing that bothered me. I see this is #1 in a series. I won't be getting #2.
August 26, 2020
Maybe Worthy of 4-Stars?
The book’s title is somewhat misleading, as the ‘Goliath’ plays a very minor role in this story — as does the initial, ancient history described before that — and it’s almost not worth the inclusion.
There was a lot of action in this book; perhaps too much, and certainly a lot of it was unbelievable.
The Author feels a need to identify A LOT of the book’s characters as being African-American — an overkill effort I’ve not seen in any other fictional book.
And, finally — the plot has a huge hole in it, because The Author seems to think a large, expensive ocean yacht would have no problems surviving a nearby tsunami ...
The book’s title is somewhat misleading, as the ‘Goliath’ plays a very minor role in this story — as does the initial, ancient history described before that — and it’s almost not worth the inclusion.
There was a lot of action in this book; perhaps too much, and certainly a lot of it was unbelievable.
The Author feels a need to identify A LOT of the book’s characters as being African-American — an overkill effort I’ve not seen in any other fictional book.
And, finally — the plot has a huge hole in it, because The Author seems to think a large, expensive ocean yacht would have no problems surviving a nearby tsunami ...
May 13, 2021
While I did enjoy the story, I must say that the Title and Cover are very misleading. The Goliath plays a part in the story, but it’s definitely not really the focus. The second half of the book basically doesn’t even mention it at all.
I also struggled in the beginning to understand what was going on. There were so many different areas of the plot introduced in a row that did not seem to tie together at all. I almost stopped reading, but I am glad I kept going and gave it a bit more of a chance because it was a good story, just really slow getting into it, then by the end was fast paced and really nice action.
I also struggled in the beginning to understand what was going on. There were so many different areas of the plot introduced in a row that did not seem to tie together at all. I almost stopped reading, but I am glad I kept going and gave it a bit more of a chance because it was a good story, just really slow getting into it, then by the end was fast paced and really nice action.
May 27, 2023
Great read. Full of adventure with likeable and dislikeable characters in equal measure. I will read more of this series.
However, I must point out an anomaly to the author.: At one stage 3 people are holed up in a wood cabin with the 'bad guys' homing in. The lead bad guy tells his goons not the kill the woman, they need her alive, not to kill the old man, he may have information, but go ahead and kill the 'soldier'. And what do they all do????? They rake the building with machine gun fire, continually. !!!
I'm sorry, but that stuck with me throughout the rest of the book.
Otherwise, loved it and can't wait to read more of Ryan Mitchell's adventures.
However, I must point out an anomaly to the author.: At one stage 3 people are holed up in a wood cabin with the 'bad guys' homing in. The lead bad guy tells his goons not the kill the woman, they need her alive, not to kill the old man, he may have information, but go ahead and kill the 'soldier'. And what do they all do????? They rake the building with machine gun fire, continually. !!!
I'm sorry, but that stuck with me throughout the rest of the book.
Otherwise, loved it and can't wait to read more of Ryan Mitchell's adventures.
September 30, 2023
Jennifer March is a historian who becomes the target of Russian mercenary Teplov working for Dmitry Romanov. Dmitry needs Jennifer to locate the lost treasure of the Romanov Dynasty. The treasure is believed to be lost in the Sahara Desert aboard the British Airship the Goliath which disappeared on its maiden voyage in 1931. Former Army Ranger Ryan Mitchell is on a mission in the Philippines with Jennifer to help her find the Goliath before anyone else does. Join Ryan and Jennifer as they travel on a journey all over the world in search of the Goliath. Join I really enjoyed this incredible military thriller novel.
June 15, 2018
Action & Adventure
This book starts with a bang and ends with bang! As the author tells this story and he acquaints you with all kinds of weaponry. The adventure begins in the Philippines, then takes us to Africa and finally to the frozen world of Norway. The characters go from one intense firefight to another in their search for Ryan’s kidnapped friend Jen. There are mega billionaire Russians with all the trappings of wealth, the Romanov’s who believe they are descendants of the Czar, trying to obtain global dominance. This genre isn’t my usual read, but was written well enough to keep my interest.
This book starts with a bang and ends with bang! As the author tells this story and he acquaints you with all kinds of weaponry. The adventure begins in the Philippines, then takes us to Africa and finally to the frozen world of Norway. The characters go from one intense firefight to another in their search for Ryan’s kidnapped friend Jen. There are mega billionaire Russians with all the trappings of wealth, the Romanov’s who believe they are descendants of the Czar, trying to obtain global dominance. This genre isn’t my usual read, but was written well enough to keep my interest.
January 30, 2019
Goliath is an exciting book
I like action-adventure books that start out at 100 miles an hour and just get faster. Goliath did that. Some scenes were incredible, but believable. Mr. Turner keeps the pedal to the metal. I am looking forward to reading more of his Ryan Mitchell books. The plot was scarily quite real in that it is a scenario that could easily be played out in real life. I think that's what made the book that much more exciting to read. Mr. Turner is a good, descriptive writer, which goes a long way to place the reader right in the middle of the action.
I like action-adventure books that start out at 100 miles an hour and just get faster. Goliath did that. Some scenes were incredible, but believable. Mr. Turner keeps the pedal to the metal. I am looking forward to reading more of his Ryan Mitchell books. The plot was scarily quite real in that it is a scenario that could easily be played out in real life. I think that's what made the book that much more exciting to read. Mr. Turner is a good, descriptive writer, which goes a long way to place the reader right in the middle of the action.
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