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INTEL 1 #2
Extraordinary Retribution
MURDER, TORTURE, AND VENGEANCE COLLIDE TO THREATEN THE HIGHEST ECHELONS OF POWER.
"Startlingly dark" -San Francisco Book Reviews
"A labyrinth of highly charged action" -Tome Tender
"A plot that never stops" -ForeWord Reviews
Evil is not born of madness, but madness of evil.
Follow a rogue CIA agent who uncovers a shocking conspiracy deep in the intelligence community. But a shadow follows the investigation: a killer bent on a revenge so terrible, it is only matched by the crimes committed against him. In the end, no one escapes unscathed, no beliefs will go unchallenged, and no wrong will escape the terrible, final, and extraordinaryretribution.
"Stebbins nails it with this book. Just when you think you have the recipe down for international thrillers, an author upends it and creates multifaceted characters and a plot that never stops. Intrigue, murder, ethics, religion, romance, an international setting...the author has packed everything" -ForeWord Reviews
"A fast-paced international thriller...the twists and turns of plot continue right up to the last emotionally-charged paragraph" -Midwest Book Review
"An addictive page turner and heart pounding thrill ride... an absolute must-read. You won´t be able to put it down. -Internet Review of Books
"Startlingly dark" -San Francisco Book Reviews
"A labyrinth of highly charged action" -Tome Tender
"A plot that never stops" -ForeWord Reviews
Evil is not born of madness, but madness of evil.
Follow a rogue CIA agent who uncovers a shocking conspiracy deep in the intelligence community. But a shadow follows the investigation: a killer bent on a revenge so terrible, it is only matched by the crimes committed against him. In the end, no one escapes unscathed, no beliefs will go unchallenged, and no wrong will escape the terrible, final, and extraordinaryretribution.
"Stebbins nails it with this book. Just when you think you have the recipe down for international thrillers, an author upends it and creates multifaceted characters and a plot that never stops. Intrigue, murder, ethics, religion, romance, an international setting...the author has packed everything" -ForeWord Reviews
"A fast-paced international thriller...the twists and turns of plot continue right up to the last emotionally-charged paragraph" -Midwest Book Review
"An addictive page turner and heart pounding thrill ride... an absolute must-read. You won´t be able to put it down. -Internet Review of Books
Book two in the INTEL 1 novels.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2013
156 people are currently reading
2750 people want to read
About the author
Erec Stebbins
25 books146 followersErec Stebbins is a biomedical researcher who writes novels in a variety of genres, focusing on thrillers and science fiction. His work has been praised for its action and thrills alongside a deeper, often philosophical angle. The Internet Review of Books dubbed him "master of the thinking reader's techno thriller".
His novels have been called "unique" and "pulse-pounding" ( The Ragnarök Conspiracy), "altogether profound, reminiscent of Bradbury and Dan Simmons’ Hyperion" (Daughter of Time Trilogy), and "startlingly dark" (Extraordinary Retribution) with five star ratings in Foreword Reviews, San Francisco Book Reviews, Portland Book Review, and others. His Daughter of Time trilogy is a Foreword Reviews' 2015 INDIES Book of the Year Award Finalist.
Amazon Author Page
His novels have been called "unique" and "pulse-pounding" ( The Ragnarök Conspiracy), "altogether profound, reminiscent of Bradbury and Dan Simmons’ Hyperion" (Daughter of Time Trilogy), and "startlingly dark" (Extraordinary Retribution) with five star ratings in Foreword Reviews, San Francisco Book Reviews, Portland Book Review, and others. His Daughter of Time trilogy is a Foreword Reviews' 2015 INDIES Book of the Year Award Finalist.
Amazon Author Page
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
September 18, 2014
“Since governments take the right of death over their people, it is not astonishing if the people should sometimes take the right of death over governments."- said by the most famous French writer of all times, Guy de Maupassant. Erec Stebbins is one such writer who proved retribution is not only meant for vengeance, but for justice, the justice for the unspeakable torture a human has faced in his lifetime, especially when the government makes it look like that it's one of their mission to protect their land. Sometimes government commit grave mistakes unknowingly, leaving away too many loose ends and with their act of protecting their own land, they never know how many people they hurt in this process. And for the person who takes retribution on any government, it takes decades for him to prepare his body and mind in order to prove justice for their activities. Extraordinary Retribution by Erec Stebbins is one such tale of retribution on CIA for justice.
Many many thanks to the author, Erec Stebbins, for providing me with a copy of his incredible book, in return for an honest and unbiased review.
A wraith takes on the lives of some under-cover agents of CIA and the brother, who is a priest, of one such under-cover agent and one former CIA agent takes it all they can to find out who this killer is and what's his motive behind his killing spree. But the path this priest and the CIA agent takes is very dark, without realization, they uncover a very dark and dirty secret of the CIA and of some prominent figures of the United States. Soon they find themselves in the clutches of the architects of the secret mission of the CIA, but as they say under their breath “Lord forgive us for the sins we have done!” And miraculously, they save themselves every time, they fall into their trap. Firstly, they break into the headquarters of CIA, next they becomes the most wanted criminal in the whole country, next they try to find support among their loved ones, but unfortunately, they were brainwashed by the powerful men, then their mission becomes more stronger and many-a-times, they were almost murdered by those architects, but in the end, justice is paid to the lives of the innocent people that the government has killed and the wraith fades into the darkness, from where no one can find him or arrest him or torture him anymore.
I can say how extraordinarily thrilling book it is! Judging by this strong plot, I must admit that the author is a natural when it comes to writing political thrillers. It has got a very cinematic plot. Any political action movie lover will fall in love with this book. It has got everything, power-packed actions, shocking twists-and-turns, adrenaline-rushing chases, especially there is a chase that will totally leave you speechless, and also a slight romantic undercurrent between this priest and the CIA agent and last but not the least, a lot of blood! In fact the characterization by the author is also very strong and powerful. Each and every character has uniqueness about them, and that's what makes the plot more interesting. From the very start, the book will grip you and keep you on your edges till the very end. If only there was bit more romance included between the priest and the CIA agent, it would have been more perfect. In a nutshell, this book highly intriguing pot-boiling political-thriller which will blow your mind till the very end.
A must read for all those political thriller lovers!
P.S. I loved how the author mentioned cigarettes as a cancer-stick!!!
Many many thanks to the author, Erec Stebbins, for providing me with a copy of his incredible book, in return for an honest and unbiased review.
A wraith takes on the lives of some under-cover agents of CIA and the brother, who is a priest, of one such under-cover agent and one former CIA agent takes it all they can to find out who this killer is and what's his motive behind his killing spree. But the path this priest and the CIA agent takes is very dark, without realization, they uncover a very dark and dirty secret of the CIA and of some prominent figures of the United States. Soon they find themselves in the clutches of the architects of the secret mission of the CIA, but as they say under their breath “Lord forgive us for the sins we have done!” And miraculously, they save themselves every time, they fall into their trap. Firstly, they break into the headquarters of CIA, next they becomes the most wanted criminal in the whole country, next they try to find support among their loved ones, but unfortunately, they were brainwashed by the powerful men, then their mission becomes more stronger and many-a-times, they were almost murdered by those architects, but in the end, justice is paid to the lives of the innocent people that the government has killed and the wraith fades into the darkness, from where no one can find him or arrest him or torture him anymore.
I can say how extraordinarily thrilling book it is! Judging by this strong plot, I must admit that the author is a natural when it comes to writing political thrillers. It has got a very cinematic plot. Any political action movie lover will fall in love with this book. It has got everything, power-packed actions, shocking twists-and-turns, adrenaline-rushing chases, especially there is a chase that will totally leave you speechless, and also a slight romantic undercurrent between this priest and the CIA agent and last but not the least, a lot of blood! In fact the characterization by the author is also very strong and powerful. Each and every character has uniqueness about them, and that's what makes the plot more interesting. From the very start, the book will grip you and keep you on your edges till the very end. If only there was bit more romance included between the priest and the CIA agent, it would have been more perfect. In a nutshell, this book highly intriguing pot-boiling political-thriller which will blow your mind till the very end.
A must read for all those political thriller lovers!
P.S. I loved how the author mentioned cigarettes as a cancer-stick!!!
February 21, 2015
Extraordinary Retribution by Erec Stebbins is a fascinating tale with ethical and moral consequences. The character details are exquisite. and very believable. When CIA operatives connect with a simple Parrish priest you know things will never be the same. With the aid of Sarah Houston, an honorable CIA agent, the root out the killer and discover a plot so devious they have a hard time finding honorable men to tell their tale. Then the dirty CIA bosses go on a smear campaign and destroy the good name of Father Francisco Lopez and Sarah..
November 13, 2013
I'll be honest and say that I really didn't think I was going to like this, just another American super spy takes on the world sort of book but what the hell, it was a giveaway and that gave me a chance to take a look for free and then write a review about how predictable and 'average' it was.
Well, OK, I was wrong. For once the Americans weren't saving the world and the CIA weren't gods. I really felt that there was more truth in this novel than we usually get and the 'possibles' herein made this thriller not only thrilling but also frightening.This was not so much a book of black and white as a moral rainbow.
I loved that the central characters were flawed and that they made there own journeys through the book (although their particular ending WAS predictable)and I get the feeling that they will be back. I liked the way the author dealt with the faith issues and, in my opinion, had a real handle on the politicalization and corruption of the Catholic church.
My copy was send to me free via Goodreads giveaways
Well, OK, I was wrong. For once the Americans weren't saving the world and the CIA weren't gods. I really felt that there was more truth in this novel than we usually get and the 'possibles' herein made this thriller not only thrilling but also frightening.This was not so much a book of black and white as a moral rainbow.
I loved that the central characters were flawed and that they made there own journeys through the book (although their particular ending WAS predictable)and I get the feeling that they will be back. I liked the way the author dealt with the faith issues and, in my opinion, had a real handle on the politicalization and corruption of the Catholic church.
My copy was send to me free via Goodreads giveaways
January 17, 2014
I’m relatively new to this genre, so I haven’t read a lot of books with similar themes, but I was very intrigued by the description of Extraordinary Retribution and wanted to know more. Wanting to track down his brother’s killer, Father Lopez joins up with a rogue CIA Agent, and together they begin to uncover a conspiracy, but it soon becomes very dangerous and it may cost them greatly…
I was quickly drawn into what develops into a very fast paced book. I didn’t want to put it down even for a second because I was so hooked to what I was reading. My heart was pounding and although I had tried to guess what would happen, I wasn’t prepared for what followed.
The descriptions were great – I could constantly imagine what was happening and I actually think that this story would make a great movie. It has everything in it – a gripping plot line, lifelike characters and building tension as they move deeper into danger.
Extraordinary Retribution is a thrilling novel full of action, suspense and will have you sat up late at night determined to get to the final page.
I was quickly drawn into what develops into a very fast paced book. I didn’t want to put it down even for a second because I was so hooked to what I was reading. My heart was pounding and although I had tried to guess what would happen, I wasn’t prepared for what followed.
The descriptions were great – I could constantly imagine what was happening and I actually think that this story would make a great movie. It has everything in it – a gripping plot line, lifelike characters and building tension as they move deeper into danger.
Extraordinary Retribution is a thrilling novel full of action, suspense and will have you sat up late at night determined to get to the final page.
July 27, 2021
Enjoyable thriller
Firstly, I didn't read book 1 and to be honest, only a few times did I feel like maybe I should have. Really enjoyed the fast paced thrill of this book. The characters were well written and grew throughout the story too.
Firstly, I didn't read book 1 and to be honest, only a few times did I feel like maybe I should have. Really enjoyed the fast paced thrill of this book. The characters were well written and grew throughout the story too.
October 20, 2013
A mysterious and deadly assassin has reached his limit and it’s time for him to exact revenge and retribution on those who made him the monster he has become. His targets span the globe and he has them in his sights. Politicians, dark ops agents, terrorists, it doesn’t matter, they all must pay. When he kills the brother of a Catholic priest, and the U.S. government tries to cover it up, a rogue CIA operative joins forces with the priest and together, they must beat the odds while uncovering secrets buried so deep, to know them may just end their lives, if the assassin doesn’t find them first.
Extraordinary Retribution by Erec Stebbins is intrigue at its finest as the stage is set from page one for a labyrinth of highly charged action as two unlikely people team up to bring this killer to justice. This is powerful writing, intense and crisp, as each scene plays out in vivid detail. By the time I finished that last page, I wasn’t sure if maybe “the wraith” wasn’t justified in some of his actions.
Erec Stebbins created believable characters often pushing beyond their limits and comfort zones. In the case of the priest, who would think he might be able to ferret out a professional killer and maybe even best him? He would never have stood a chance if Mr. Stebbins hadn’t given him a trained covert ops agent with a good reason to show up when she did, complete with resources, training and determination. The dialogue was true to life, the plot carried elements that fit perfectly, because sometimes it isn’t what you know, but who you know and how they can help you (or maybe hurt you). No one was without flaws or undamaged, answers didn’t come easily and there were no 100% clear consciences.
If you are a fan of deeply engrossing and well-written intrigue that keeps you on the edge of your seat and gives you pause to reflect after that last page, definitely read Extraordinary Retribution.
I received this ARC edition from the author in exchange for my honest review. I only wish I had the “Buy Links” available to share.
Expected Publication Date: December 5, 2013
Publisher: Twice Pi Press
ISBN: 9780989000475
Page Count: 420
Genre: Adult Fiction/Intrigue/Mystery/Thriller
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
Extraordinary Retribution by Erec Stebbins is intrigue at its finest as the stage is set from page one for a labyrinth of highly charged action as two unlikely people team up to bring this killer to justice. This is powerful writing, intense and crisp, as each scene plays out in vivid detail. By the time I finished that last page, I wasn’t sure if maybe “the wraith” wasn’t justified in some of his actions.
Erec Stebbins created believable characters often pushing beyond their limits and comfort zones. In the case of the priest, who would think he might be able to ferret out a professional killer and maybe even best him? He would never have stood a chance if Mr. Stebbins hadn’t given him a trained covert ops agent with a good reason to show up when she did, complete with resources, training and determination. The dialogue was true to life, the plot carried elements that fit perfectly, because sometimes it isn’t what you know, but who you know and how they can help you (or maybe hurt you). No one was without flaws or undamaged, answers didn’t come easily and there were no 100% clear consciences.
If you are a fan of deeply engrossing and well-written intrigue that keeps you on the edge of your seat and gives you pause to reflect after that last page, definitely read Extraordinary Retribution.
I received this ARC edition from the author in exchange for my honest review. I only wish I had the “Buy Links” available to share.
Expected Publication Date: December 5, 2013
Publisher: Twice Pi Press
ISBN: 9780989000475
Page Count: 420
Genre: Adult Fiction/Intrigue/Mystery/Thriller
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
January 29, 2014
“You just read a book and then write a review, this should be easy” I told myself when I was handed Erec Stebbins’ Extraordinary Retribution to read. The problem is it’s not easy especially when the book is as good as this one is. I could just give it 5 stars and write “Superb” underneath but this book deserves more, much more.
The 3 main characters, Father Francisco Lopez, Agent Sara Houston and “the Wraith” manage to portray the best and worst in all of us whilst the organisations they fight against prove the old adage that absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Extraordinary Retribution is not a book about saving a person a nation or the world deep down it’s about saving our humanity. At a time when church attendances are at an all time low and people are becoming more aware of the extreme’s governments will go to in the name of national security it’s fitting that a flawed priest dealing with the loss of his brother and a crisis of faith finds himself helping a disillusioned CIA agent fight against a cartel of power brokers and an evil created by the country she is sworn to protect.
Stebbins has clearly thought about where he wants to take his readers and does so at breakneck speed. I was pulled from the first page to the last word by a thrilling tale which at times, beautifully, blurred the line between protagonist and antagonist of how the more extreme actions in the fight against terrorism could backfire against the perpetrators.
A fantastic read which I hope the author will follow up on.
5/5
The 3 main characters, Father Francisco Lopez, Agent Sara Houston and “the Wraith” manage to portray the best and worst in all of us whilst the organisations they fight against prove the old adage that absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Extraordinary Retribution is not a book about saving a person a nation or the world deep down it’s about saving our humanity. At a time when church attendances are at an all time low and people are becoming more aware of the extreme’s governments will go to in the name of national security it’s fitting that a flawed priest dealing with the loss of his brother and a crisis of faith finds himself helping a disillusioned CIA agent fight against a cartel of power brokers and an evil created by the country she is sworn to protect.
Stebbins has clearly thought about where he wants to take his readers and does so at breakneck speed. I was pulled from the first page to the last word by a thrilling tale which at times, beautifully, blurred the line between protagonist and antagonist of how the more extreme actions in the fight against terrorism could backfire against the perpetrators.
A fantastic read which I hope the author will follow up on.
5/5
January 24, 2014
This isn't my usual kind of book. This is a "political thriller" and I am definitely a romance girl (of any description) and when I wander away from romance, a "political thriller" would probably come close to bottom on my to read list.
However, this book sounded interesting and when given a chance to read it and take part in the blog tour I thought "why not?" And I am SO GLAD I gave it a chance because I really enjoyed this book.
The pace was good, it was well written (incredibly vivid), well edited and the story was utterly captivating.
I always struggle when I read a crime novels, mysteries (and now political thrillers) in that I'm never quite sure how much I can say about the story without letting possible spoilers slip.
Part of the heart-pounding appeal of these novels (in my opinion) is not knowing whats coming next, the constant guessing, the ups and downs of the various twists and turns that lead to the breath stealing finale.
For that reason I'm keeping my mouth firmly shut in regards to the events of the novel beyond saying that it met all of the above criteria as a well as really making me think. Good and evil. Right and wrong. Morality blurs in this book. I was in my mid-late teens when the "war on terror" began and I never really paid much heed to what was going on in the name of protecting us. Now I'm thinking about it and I guarantee if you read this book you'll be thinking about it too!
However, this book sounded interesting and when given a chance to read it and take part in the blog tour I thought "why not?" And I am SO GLAD I gave it a chance because I really enjoyed this book.
The pace was good, it was well written (incredibly vivid), well edited and the story was utterly captivating.
I always struggle when I read a crime novels, mysteries (and now political thrillers) in that I'm never quite sure how much I can say about the story without letting possible spoilers slip.
Part of the heart-pounding appeal of these novels (in my opinion) is not knowing whats coming next, the constant guessing, the ups and downs of the various twists and turns that lead to the breath stealing finale.
For that reason I'm keeping my mouth firmly shut in regards to the events of the novel beyond saying that it met all of the above criteria as a well as really making me think. Good and evil. Right and wrong. Morality blurs in this book. I was in my mid-late teens when the "war on terror" began and I never really paid much heed to what was going on in the name of protecting us. Now I'm thinking about it and I guarantee if you read this book you'll be thinking about it too!
October 31, 2013
(I received this book for free as part of Goodreads First Reads giveaways).
(This review may contain spoilers).
I was a bit surprised at how I was pulled into this book. The storyline was quite an interesting one - people doing bad things for good reasons is always an interesting dilemma to wrestle with and read about. Where should people draw the line?
I liked Lopez and Sara's relationship with each other, though the feelings didn't come across as real as they could have done. I think it was because there was so much action going on, there wasn't enough interaction between the two characters.
I found the Wraith to be quite interesting. I wasn't entirely sure about how things ended up with him, but it probably ended in one of the only ways it could have done.
I did get a bit confused over some of the characters, with all of the nicknames that were used as well. The writing was really good, enough that I could picture the events happening pretty easily in my mind. There were a few mistakes, but nothing major.
I did like the way Lopez evolved over the course of the book. He was probably the best character - and I was more angry about the way his reputation was smeared than Sara's.
I wasn't completely happy with the way the book was ended, but I still liked it enough. I'd be interested in reading more books by this author in the future.
(This review may contain spoilers).
I was a bit surprised at how I was pulled into this book. The storyline was quite an interesting one - people doing bad things for good reasons is always an interesting dilemma to wrestle with and read about. Where should people draw the line?
I liked Lopez and Sara's relationship with each other, though the feelings didn't come across as real as they could have done. I think it was because there was so much action going on, there wasn't enough interaction between the two characters.
I found the Wraith to be quite interesting. I wasn't entirely sure about how things ended up with him, but it probably ended in one of the only ways it could have done.
I did get a bit confused over some of the characters, with all of the nicknames that were used as well. The writing was really good, enough that I could picture the events happening pretty easily in my mind. There were a few mistakes, but nothing major.
I did like the way Lopez evolved over the course of the book. He was probably the best character - and I was more angry about the way his reputation was smeared than Sara's.
I wasn't completely happy with the way the book was ended, but I still liked it enough. I'd be interested in reading more books by this author in the future.
November 23, 2014
Better than average political/action thriller. The writing reminds me of some of the early works of David Morrell.
A victim of the U.S. rendition programs of the early 2000's seeks revenge upon those who ordered and executed his torture. The book is pretty fast paced and very entertaining.
Toward the end it gets a little bit predictable, but if one reads this genre a lot, one recognizes where an author is going with the story.
Worth the read for those who enjoy this type novel.
A victim of the U.S. rendition programs of the early 2000's seeks revenge upon those who ordered and executed his torture. The book is pretty fast paced and very entertaining.
Toward the end it gets a little bit predictable, but if one reads this genre a lot, one recognizes where an author is going with the story.
Worth the read for those who enjoy this type novel.
July 24, 2015
3.5 stars
I love the protagonists, Lopez and Houston, since I read about them in The Anonymous Signal. However, the flow of the story here was harder to follow and a little confusing. But I enjoyed reading their adventures.
Copy received from the author in exchange for an honest opinion
I love the protagonists, Lopez and Houston, since I read about them in The Anonymous Signal. However, the flow of the story here was harder to follow and a little confusing. But I enjoyed reading their adventures.
Copy received from the author in exchange for an honest opinion
November 14, 2013
Great read! I couldn't put it down! Stayed up half the night to finish this! Non stop action! I need to read more from this author!
August 2, 2015
Thought provoking
Good read but lots of background almost too much but needed to make a good read enjoyable.
I highly recommend this for readers who like FBI CIA type adventures.
Good read but lots of background almost too much but needed to make a good read enjoyable.
I highly recommend this for readers who like FBI CIA type adventures.
July 18, 2020
This second book in the Intel 1 Series by Erec Stebbins was definitely on the dark side as it exposed violence and unacceptable physical harm supposedly done in the name of National Security by members and ex-members of the CIA. The darkness comes in the form of the person they call the Wraith who is systematically hunting down specific agents and their supervisors for his personal vengeance. Then there are Houston and Lopez who unwittingly stumble onto the dark and secretive organization within the organization that is more than just the usual deadly black ops as they too seek their own justice. Along the way these two are pitted against many odds and obstacles as they discover their true identity as individuals. There is violence that is described in graphic and grisly detail as the body count is very high in this book. So to is the intensity and suspense and action-adventure aspects that are the main points of the story. There are multiple political and social references in this book that may cause pause for some readers, but they can't say they weren't warned at the very beginning of this series. I am definitely looking forward to reading book 3. This is a voluntary review of this book that was included in an Advanced Reader Copy of the series from Hidden Gems Books.
April 12, 2019
Just finished this book as part two of a four-book box set. I liked the protagonists, Lopez and Houston, and it was fun to follow their death-defying dash from one location to another as they fought to stay alive and to catch the bad guys. This story was way out there with a secret domestic army out to stop all in their way, whether through legal or illegal means. The story was really just one very long action sequence, with hundreds of deaths along the way. I couldn't really get into it, and I found it tiresome to keep picking it up to (hopefully) finish it. I may never read the next two in the box set!
May 10, 2019
This one had lots of action (some of it quite unrealistic). It also had motives that provoked reflection and no gratuitous sex (both pluses) but after a while the frantic action got a bit tedious. By the time I finished it I was very happy to be done. It was good, but I'll take a break before reading the next one.
October 23, 2020
Interesting but...
Interesting story I felt like parts of the story had some weak points. Some of the information the wraith was able to get and other details were pretty far fetched. I also found it disappointing that the author had to resort to extremely foul language later in the book. By then I was hooked into what the outcome might be.
Interesting story I felt like parts of the story had some weak points. Some of the information the wraith was able to get and other details were pretty far fetched. I also found it disappointing that the author had to resort to extremely foul language later in the book. By then I was hooked into what the outcome might be.
July 19, 2019
Awesome military omnibus guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Extraordinary Retribution. It’s a well written pair of reads with tons of great military action and adventure
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Extraordinary Retribution. It’s a well written pair of reads with tons of great military action and adventure
March 13, 2018
Well written and very intriguing. Keeps one on their toes.
Have not enjoyed a book of this nature for a very long time. Can't wait for the next book to come out!
Have not enjoyed a book of this nature for a very long time. Can't wait for the next book to come out!
April 4, 2018
A good read. A bit far fetched in places but riveting all the same.
March 6, 2019
Good book
You people should just read this novel yourselves write your own review on this novel yourselves and I really enjoyed reading this novel very much so. Shelley Ma
You people should just read this novel yourselves write your own review on this novel yourselves and I really enjoyed reading this novel very much so. Shelley Ma
Read
October 27, 2019DNF..It was a nice read, but is not really for me, I guess
November 29, 2022
Good read
Interesting story that could have been real life in today's world. Recommended for a quick read of you like spies and adventure
Interesting story that could have been real life in today's world. Recommended for a quick read of you like spies and adventure
February 9, 2014
One of the most chilling and engrossing thrillers I've read this year is "Extraordinary Retribution" by Erec Stebbins which I won from Goodreads Giveaways. The story opens with multiple assassinations by a psychotic killer and the shocking cover-ups by a secret organization in the intelligence community. To track down the murderer of his brother,a Black Ops operative, Father Francisco Lopez teams up with rogue CIA agent, Sara Houston. Together they will hunt down the assassin and uncover a conspiracy that reaches into the upper echelons of government, but to do so will cost them their careers and reputations. This is a story of dark deeds, lies, secrets and a mystery that seems unsolvable.
The plot is fast-paced, and fascinating as the illusion in society about the glory and prestige of being in the spy business is shattered, and the evil that lies within the deep recesses of corrupt men's hearts is revealed. The language can be graphic as the stage is set in the high-tech world of covert operations where men are challenged between a moral conscience and doing their duty. The characters are realistic and complex as they struggle to find a demented killer. Father Francisco Lopez, a gentle, dedicated priest haunted by the memory of his brother is thrown into a world of flying bullets,bloodshed and death. He becomes skeptical and hardened by the experience and struggles to hold onto his faith and his belief in the Church he serves, but only one of his convictions will survive. His antithesis is the foul-mouthed, intelligent, and resourceful Sara Houston who will pay a steep price for trusting and loving a partner whose faith she doesn't share. I loved the banter between Francisco and Sara which at times is darkly humorous when they're confronted with a challenge. But as the story progresses the reader is struck by how both of these two multifaceted personalities will grow and develop in unexpected ways.
I liked the character of Fred Simon, Ex-Director of the CIA, who already frustrated by lies and secrecy in the organization he once respected becomes alarmed and cautious, although bravely trying to help thwart their plans with the help of trusted colleagues. But it's the antagonists that send a chill up your spine with all their heartlessness and cruelty; like the Wraith, the soulless killer bent on annihilating his tormentors, and the operatives in an illegal and unethical secret counterterrorism organization who have taken their initiative to the streets of America.
In this rollercoaster ride of mystery and intrigue the writer has woven an intricate plot that with the exception of the two main characters makes the reader wonder who is the hero and who the enemy. I thoroughly enjoyed the novel and look forward to reading other books by Erec Stebbins.
The plot is fast-paced, and fascinating as the illusion in society about the glory and prestige of being in the spy business is shattered, and the evil that lies within the deep recesses of corrupt men's hearts is revealed. The language can be graphic as the stage is set in the high-tech world of covert operations where men are challenged between a moral conscience and doing their duty. The characters are realistic and complex as they struggle to find a demented killer. Father Francisco Lopez, a gentle, dedicated priest haunted by the memory of his brother is thrown into a world of flying bullets,bloodshed and death. He becomes skeptical and hardened by the experience and struggles to hold onto his faith and his belief in the Church he serves, but only one of his convictions will survive. His antithesis is the foul-mouthed, intelligent, and resourceful Sara Houston who will pay a steep price for trusting and loving a partner whose faith she doesn't share. I loved the banter between Francisco and Sara which at times is darkly humorous when they're confronted with a challenge. But as the story progresses the reader is struck by how both of these two multifaceted personalities will grow and develop in unexpected ways.
I liked the character of Fred Simon, Ex-Director of the CIA, who already frustrated by lies and secrecy in the organization he once respected becomes alarmed and cautious, although bravely trying to help thwart their plans with the help of trusted colleagues. But it's the antagonists that send a chill up your spine with all their heartlessness and cruelty; like the Wraith, the soulless killer bent on annihilating his tormentors, and the operatives in an illegal and unethical secret counterterrorism organization who have taken their initiative to the streets of America.
In this rollercoaster ride of mystery and intrigue the writer has woven an intricate plot that with the exception of the two main characters makes the reader wonder who is the hero and who the enemy. I thoroughly enjoyed the novel and look forward to reading other books by Erec Stebbins.
February 1, 2014
I'm going to be totally honest and say that when I first saw the blurb for this book I was totally dreading it! I'm not a huge fan of government or terrorism thrillers so I was a little dubious about starting.
This novel has quite a complex plot but the main premise is as follows:
One man is seeking revenge and justice for a huge CIA cover up that ended up killing innocent Americans after 9/11 because they were thought to be terrorists.
Father Lopez, a priest, has just found his brother brutally murdered and wants to find out who could do such a thing. He joins forces with Houston (she's a rogue CIA agent) and together they try to understand why one man is so hell bent on seeking retribution. What follows is a very fast paced plot about racing to save as many people as possible before it becomes too late...
I sat down with this book fully intending to read the first few chapters and then put it down and go to sleep. However, a quarter of the book later I was still wide awake, frantically turning the pages and unaware just how late it was getting! I adore books that have such a gripping narrative that everything else in the world becomes insignificant and unimportant because all that matters is the fictional world you are lost in.
Erec has really mastered the art of 'thrilling' writing and I was constantly on tenterhooks waiting to see what would happen next. There were a fair amount of gory and graphic scenes where people were being killed of tortured so that may be a little off putting for some, but I think the narrative needed it and ergo completely relevant.
This novel had the perfect pace and a smooth transition between scene to scene which was fantastic!
The only small thing I would have wanted more of in this book was character descriptions. The main characters (Lopez & Houston) were at the forefront of everything that was going on but at times I didn't feel like I knew them as much as I would have liked. A little bit of history about both characters and a few more detailed physical descriptions would have made all the difference. (However, I'm hoping Erec might write a sequel and we can then find out much more about them!)
I've learnt a lot from reading this novel. The main lesson is this: NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER!! I'm SO glad I picked this up and gave it a go and even though it's not something I would normally go for, it is something I thoroughly enjoyed and has made me excited about what Erec will write next!
A perfectly paced thriller that grabs your attention and won't let you go until you've turned the very last page.
This novel has quite a complex plot but the main premise is as follows:
One man is seeking revenge and justice for a huge CIA cover up that ended up killing innocent Americans after 9/11 because they were thought to be terrorists.
Father Lopez, a priest, has just found his brother brutally murdered and wants to find out who could do such a thing. He joins forces with Houston (she's a rogue CIA agent) and together they try to understand why one man is so hell bent on seeking retribution. What follows is a very fast paced plot about racing to save as many people as possible before it becomes too late...
I sat down with this book fully intending to read the first few chapters and then put it down and go to sleep. However, a quarter of the book later I was still wide awake, frantically turning the pages and unaware just how late it was getting! I adore books that have such a gripping narrative that everything else in the world becomes insignificant and unimportant because all that matters is the fictional world you are lost in.
Erec has really mastered the art of 'thrilling' writing and I was constantly on tenterhooks waiting to see what would happen next. There were a fair amount of gory and graphic scenes where people were being killed of tortured so that may be a little off putting for some, but I think the narrative needed it and ergo completely relevant.
This novel had the perfect pace and a smooth transition between scene to scene which was fantastic!
The only small thing I would have wanted more of in this book was character descriptions. The main characters (Lopez & Houston) were at the forefront of everything that was going on but at times I didn't feel like I knew them as much as I would have liked. A little bit of history about both characters and a few more detailed physical descriptions would have made all the difference. (However, I'm hoping Erec might write a sequel and we can then find out much more about them!)
I've learnt a lot from reading this novel. The main lesson is this: NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER!! I'm SO glad I picked this up and gave it a go and even though it's not something I would normally go for, it is something I thoroughly enjoyed and has made me excited about what Erec will write next!
A perfectly paced thriller that grabs your attention and won't let you go until you've turned the very last page.
November 28, 2014
I have read several other books by this talented writer and was not disappointed by this book. This story is an almost non-stop action adventure. It is a pure adrenaline rush from cover to cover. There is a bit of a political bent to this story which may bother some people. The story casts a bad light on the federal government and the clandestine doings of the CIA. My opinion is that the author is sending a subtle message that the current administration is acting in a secretive manner in which this type of action is possible. This book may be a treatise that the federal government has become totally non-transparent and the American people need to understand that. Again, this is what I got from the book and may not be the intention of the author.
A bit of a warning to those squeamish readers - there is a fair amount of gore and graphic violence. To be fair to the author, the violence is important to fully develop the "Wraith" character. We gain an insight into the thoughts of this "bad" character which is the driving influence in the story. You hopefully will be disturbed by this evil character but you will slowly learn and understand his mission.
The bad aside, let's look at the other characters. It is a bit amazing that the author can generate such action and a evil character while developing a number of other characters that get the reader rooting strongly for their roles in the story.
I enjoyed the pace and writing style. If you enjoy fast paced books with extreme action, this book is for you.
A bit of a warning to those squeamish readers - there is a fair amount of gore and graphic violence. To be fair to the author, the violence is important to fully develop the "Wraith" character. We gain an insight into the thoughts of this "bad" character which is the driving influence in the story. You hopefully will be disturbed by this evil character but you will slowly learn and understand his mission.
The bad aside, let's look at the other characters. It is a bit amazing that the author can generate such action and a evil character while developing a number of other characters that get the reader rooting strongly for their roles in the story.
I enjoyed the pace and writing style. If you enjoy fast paced books with extreme action, this book is for you.
November 14, 2013
As usual many thanks go to the author, publisher and Goodreads for my free copy of this novel to read and review.
This was a great concept and well executed for a spy thriller but for some reason failed to grab me and make me stay up past bed time to read. I really don't understand why, but for some reason I didn't really feel hooked until the last third of the book.
As pointed out by Stebbins in his author's note, it would seem that the subject matter is a little too plausible and has probably scared some of the larger publishing houses away from this story. I for one could see the potential of abuse in the area of "extreme rendition". No government agency is perfect and they certainly don't want all of their dirty little secrets exposed for all to see. I did certainly enjoy the story and would recommend it to fans of spy thrillers, maybe others will feel the excitement before I did. This just may not have been the right book at the right time for me.
Well polished and edited, the author's style is suited to this genre and I would certainly like to see him develop this book into a series. It would seem that is the plan from the ending (which thankfully wasn't "perfect"). The characters feel very real as they have faults, doubts and flaws. They wrestle with moral and ethical dilemmas which makes them more believable to me. I hope that Stebbins continues to write in this field and I thank him for introducing me to his work.
This was a great concept and well executed for a spy thriller but for some reason failed to grab me and make me stay up past bed time to read. I really don't understand why, but for some reason I didn't really feel hooked until the last third of the book.
As pointed out by Stebbins in his author's note, it would seem that the subject matter is a little too plausible and has probably scared some of the larger publishing houses away from this story. I for one could see the potential of abuse in the area of "extreme rendition". No government agency is perfect and they certainly don't want all of their dirty little secrets exposed for all to see. I did certainly enjoy the story and would recommend it to fans of spy thrillers, maybe others will feel the excitement before I did. This just may not have been the right book at the right time for me.
Well polished and edited, the author's style is suited to this genre and I would certainly like to see him develop this book into a series. It would seem that is the plan from the ending (which thankfully wasn't "perfect"). The characters feel very real as they have faults, doubts and flaws. They wrestle with moral and ethical dilemmas which makes them more believable to me. I hope that Stebbins continues to write in this field and I thank him for introducing me to his work.
October 24, 2015
Another excellent novel from a very good author who is now definetly on my reading list. The authors attention to little details are great, which make the characters and scenarios he is describing more believable and add essence and substance to the storyline.
Again as in the first novel the title cleverly describes the plot and sets the scene for a page turning roller coaster ride where two different sets of characters are looking for revenge for different reasons. It is very easy for an author to write a novel with the same chatacters from a very good first novel but this author has created two more which the reader will fall in love with and follow their journey and share their fears and success. The authors research and knowledge shine through in abundance and he also uses two people from different ends of the spectrum who will live and fight for a cause they deeply care about.
With short sharp chapters packed with action and very strong emotions means it is an easy read and if you need to recap it doesnt take alot of effort. Having a very creative mind the author binds the excellent characters from his first novel into this storyline to add a twist which will keep the reader guessing.
Excellent thriller with mystery and intrigue involved which make for a very good read.
Again as in the first novel the title cleverly describes the plot and sets the scene for a page turning roller coaster ride where two different sets of characters are looking for revenge for different reasons. It is very easy for an author to write a novel with the same chatacters from a very good first novel but this author has created two more which the reader will fall in love with and follow their journey and share their fears and success. The authors research and knowledge shine through in abundance and he also uses two people from different ends of the spectrum who will live and fight for a cause they deeply care about.
With short sharp chapters packed with action and very strong emotions means it is an easy read and if you need to recap it doesnt take alot of effort. Having a very creative mind the author binds the excellent characters from his first novel into this storyline to add a twist which will keep the reader guessing.
Excellent thriller with mystery and intrigue involved which make for a very good read.
July 24, 2014
I was happy to write an honest review of this book for the author in exchange for a free copy of the book.
I have read many novels of a similar venue, but none that I enjoyed as much. This one reached put and grabbed me and did not let go from the first page to the last.
"...the delusion of the irrigated greenery around Damascus..." I love this description. My idea of this area, as it is for many is just a barren desert, so this description immediately caught my attention as did many of his others. His choice of words like dank-soil, and begrimed pick-up truck are very descriptive and allow the reader to truly picture what he is describing. I love a novel where I can see what the author is describing.
His characters are believable because they are not perfect, they have flaws as we all do.
The action is intense, and fast paced and the plot is strong.
I enjoyed this novel and am passing it on to my husband as I know that he will as well.
I have read many novels of a similar venue, but none that I enjoyed as much. This one reached put and grabbed me and did not let go from the first page to the last.
"...the delusion of the irrigated greenery around Damascus..." I love this description. My idea of this area, as it is for many is just a barren desert, so this description immediately caught my attention as did many of his others. His choice of words like dank-soil, and begrimed pick-up truck are very descriptive and allow the reader to truly picture what he is describing. I love a novel where I can see what the author is describing.
His characters are believable because they are not perfect, they have flaws as we all do.
The action is intense, and fast paced and the plot is strong.
I enjoyed this novel and am passing it on to my husband as I know that he will as well.
January 15, 2014
Extraordinary Retribution is a novel that quietly submerges you into the story without you realising, entangling you into the characters’ lives and their search for answers.
This is a brutal look into the supposed fight against terrorism via a series of covert government operations. The basis of the story is incredibly intriguing, and the fact that the operation backfires so spectacularly on the agents/personnel involved gives the book a kind of prophetic feel, which also led me to appreciate the intelligence of the writing.
The way two of the most unlikely characters come together and fight side-by-side for the truth is a little movie-esque but it absolutely works. The conclusion of the story is buried so deep under layers of plot that it takes the entire book to peel away the deceit, and the wait is well worth it.
Review by Charlotte Foreman on behalf of BestChaplit.com
This is a brutal look into the supposed fight against terrorism via a series of covert government operations. The basis of the story is incredibly intriguing, and the fact that the operation backfires so spectacularly on the agents/personnel involved gives the book a kind of prophetic feel, which also led me to appreciate the intelligence of the writing.
The way two of the most unlikely characters come together and fight side-by-side for the truth is a little movie-esque but it absolutely works. The conclusion of the story is buried so deep under layers of plot that it takes the entire book to peel away the deceit, and the wait is well worth it.
Review by Charlotte Foreman on behalf of BestChaplit.com
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