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Nick Flynn #4
The Devil's Fortress
The fourth book in the Nick Flynn series from Dale Brown and Patrick Larkin, this page-turning military thriller is perfect for fans of Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum, and James Bond. Nick Flynn and his Quartet Directorate special action team launch a daring, high-risk mission deep into Russia itself--a mission aimed at destroying the threat posed by Russian oligarch Pavel Voronin once and for all. Backed by Russia's autocratic president, Piotr Zhdanov, mercenary oligarch Pavel Voronin readies another deadly covert assault on the United States and its allies. Previously in the series, Nick Flynn and his team managed to thwart Voronin--though only at the last minute and at a high cost. Now, however, Flynn, daring pilot and agent Laura Van Horn, and the others are no longer playing defense. They're coming for Voronin--determined to take the fight directly to their dangerous foe in a high-stakes, all-or-nothing strike deep into enemy territory.
340 pages, Hardcover
First published May 28, 2024
347 people are currently reading
3455 people want to read
About the author
Dale Brown
154 books1,135 followersFormer U.S. Air Force captain Dale Brown is the superstar author of 25 consecutive New York Times best-selling military-action-aviation adventure novels: FLIGHT OF THE OLD DOG (1987), SILVER TOWER (1988), DAY OF THE CHEETAH (1989), HAMMERHEADS (1990), SKY MASTERS (1991), NIGHT OF THE HAWK (1992), CHAINS OF COMMAND (1993), STORMING HEAVEN (1994), SHADOWS OF STEEL (1996) and FATAL TERRAIN (1997), THE TIN MAN (1998), BATTLE BORN (1999), and WARRIOR CLASS (2001). His Fourteenth Novel AIRBATTLE FORCE will be published in late Spring 2003... Dale's novels are published in 11 languages and distributed to over 70 countries. Worldwide sales of his novels, audiobooks and computer games exceed 10 million copies.
Dale was born in Buffalo, New York on November 2, 1956. He graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Western European History and received an Air Force commission in 1978. He was a navigator-bombardier in the B-52G Stratofortress heavy bomber and the FB-111A supersonic medium bomber, and is the recipient of several military decorations and awards including the Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Combat Crew Award, and the Marksmanship ribbon.
Dale was also one of the nation's first Air Force ROTC cadets to qualify for and complete the grueling three-week U.S. Army Airborne Infantry paratrooper training course.
Dale is a director and volunteer pilot for AirLifeLine, a non-profit national charitable medical transportation organization who fly needy persons free of charge to receive treatment. He also supports a number of organizations to support and promote law enforcement and reading.
Dale Brown is a member of The Writers Guild and a Life Member of the Air Force Association and U.S. Naval Institute. He is a multi-engine and instrument-rated private pilot and can often be found in the skies all across the United States, piloting his own plane. On the ground, Dale enjoys tennis, skiing, scuba diving, and hockey. Dale, his wife Diane, and son Hunter live near the shores of Lake Tahoe, Nevada.
Dale was born in Buffalo, New York on November 2, 1956. He graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Western European History and received an Air Force commission in 1978. He was a navigator-bombardier in the B-52G Stratofortress heavy bomber and the FB-111A supersonic medium bomber, and is the recipient of several military decorations and awards including the Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Combat Crew Award, and the Marksmanship ribbon.
Dale was also one of the nation's first Air Force ROTC cadets to qualify for and complete the grueling three-week U.S. Army Airborne Infantry paratrooper training course.
Dale is a director and volunteer pilot for AirLifeLine, a non-profit national charitable medical transportation organization who fly needy persons free of charge to receive treatment. He also supports a number of organizations to support and promote law enforcement and reading.
Dale Brown is a member of The Writers Guild and a Life Member of the Air Force Association and U.S. Naval Institute. He is a multi-engine and instrument-rated private pilot and can often be found in the skies all across the United States, piloting his own plane. On the ground, Dale enjoys tennis, skiing, scuba diving, and hockey. Dale, his wife Diane, and son Hunter live near the shores of Lake Tahoe, Nevada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
August 31, 2024
An excellent read or listen.
May 21, 2024
Nick Flynn—a former Air Force officer—is a member of the ultra-secret organization Quartet Directorate. The directorate exists to act decisively against threats to the world. The Raven Syndicate is that threat and has been for a while. With the direct backing of the Russian president, the syndicate has tried twice to unleash weapons of mass destruction in the U.S. and failed twice thanks to the Quartet Directorate. Russia may be embarrassed, but Flynn and the Quartet know the syndicate isn’t about to quit and decide to meet them at their house. Simple in theory; almost impossible in reality.
Dale Brown has been great for a long time and has never struggled in the imagination department. The Devil’s Fortress’ high-flying action and wild scenes would seem preposterous if written by anyone else. From Brown’s pen, it feels right, like a warm hug.
Crop modification isn’t a sexy subject to base a thriller on. That didn’t stop Brown from turning a mundane topic for most into something else to worry about. Thanks for that.
The Devil’s Fortress is a daring, forward-thinking rush of action and cool planes and weaponry, you should check it out. Nay, the series. I can’t recommend The Devil’s Fortress enough.
Thank you to BlackStone Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Devil’s Fortress.
Don't forget! Come back to your Review on the pub date, May 28 2024, to post to retailers.
Dale Brown has been great for a long time and has never struggled in the imagination department. The Devil’s Fortress’ high-flying action and wild scenes would seem preposterous if written by anyone else. From Brown’s pen, it feels right, like a warm hug.
Crop modification isn’t a sexy subject to base a thriller on. That didn’t stop Brown from turning a mundane topic for most into something else to worry about. Thanks for that.
The Devil’s Fortress is a daring, forward-thinking rush of action and cool planes and weaponry, you should check it out. Nay, the series. I can’t recommend The Devil’s Fortress enough.
Thank you to BlackStone Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Devil’s Fortress.
Don't forget! Come back to your Review on the pub date, May 28 2024, to post to retailers.
July 2, 2024
Action, good action, suspense some, characters good... stereotypical of the save the world genre yes. Guns, knives, bombs and all the evil that needs curtailing one could ever hope for.
December 31, 2023
"The Devil's Fortress" is the fourth book in the Nick Flynn Series by the well known writer of technofiction, Dale Brown. It is being published by Blackstone Publishing who kindly provided me with an ARC for the purposes of this review. I have been following this author for many years, so you can safely assume that I am appreciative of his work, both in terms of its imaginative content and Brown's careful editing and technical skill in creating compelling fiction. That said, this book is no exception to my experience of Brown's work to date; it is a fun read
with roots deep in the history of our time, and anyone following the news, particularly from the Ukraine, will immediately respond to the echoes of those events in this series of books. The action revolves around the same Russian oligarch so prominent in every volume of this series, Pavel Voronin, who has created a mercenary force designed to undertake tasks too risky for the Russian government to undertake without plausible deniability. This organization, with obvious cognates in modern Russia, is here referred to as the Raven Syndicate. In this volume they have concocted yet another wild scheme to cripple the United States while avoiding a full on nuclear exchange. After putting up with these wild schemes throughout the series, Nick Flynn, our protagonist, is chosen to lead a team to terminate Voronin and hopefully end his endless scheming. This turns out to be a task much complicated by the heavy defenses deployed to protect his adversary and provides the basis of a fast paced and thrilling narrative, heavy on action, if occasionally over the top. I found it to be a quick and rewarding read for those seeking escapist fiction still anchored in the ominous realities of our world. It is a stand alone volume although knowledge of the earlier books enriches the reader's experience. I am happy to endorse it without reservation.
with roots deep in the history of our time, and anyone following the news, particularly from the Ukraine, will immediately respond to the echoes of those events in this series of books. The action revolves around the same Russian oligarch so prominent in every volume of this series, Pavel Voronin, who has created a mercenary force designed to undertake tasks too risky for the Russian government to undertake without plausible deniability. This organization, with obvious cognates in modern Russia, is here referred to as the Raven Syndicate. In this volume they have concocted yet another wild scheme to cripple the United States while avoiding a full on nuclear exchange. After putting up with these wild schemes throughout the series, Nick Flynn, our protagonist, is chosen to lead a team to terminate Voronin and hopefully end his endless scheming. This turns out to be a task much complicated by the heavy defenses deployed to protect his adversary and provides the basis of a fast paced and thrilling narrative, heavy on action, if occasionally over the top. I found it to be a quick and rewarding read for those seeking escapist fiction still anchored in the ominous realities of our world. It is a stand alone volume although knowledge of the earlier books enriches the reader's experience. I am happy to endorse it without reservation.
October 2, 2024
Dale Brown's Nick Flynn series has been one of my international thriller favorites from the jump...Not Clancy, Carr, Greaney, et alia, but right there...In "Devil's Fortress," Flynn and his Quartet Directorate colleagues target a wealthy Russian oligarch, Pavel Voronin, who heads the mercenary organization the Raven Syndicate...Voronin has schemed to bring down the America before and the Directorate was successful in stymieing the plans...Now, the Quartet Directorate decides that it is time to remove him...Great Stuff!!!
June 11, 2024
Great read, edge of seat. Love Dale Brown Books.
April 29, 2024
Brown is batting a thousand with this fabulous next edition of the Nick Flynn and the Quartet Directorate stories.
Nick and his team ate once again in Russia attempting to capture or
kill Patel Voronin, mastermind of Russia's ruthless and deadly Raven Syndicate.
Voronin, with the backing of Russia's President Zhdanov has one mission and that
is to destroy the US and its place on top of the world order.
Knowing he has this only mission in his life, the Directorate needs to stop him in his tracks.
Great story with the usual spellbinding dynamics of high tech weaponry, identitiy takeovers and incredibly fascinating infiltration plans as the plot moves along with speed, definition and riveting suspense.
The characters, as always, are clearly defined, infinitely interesting and amazingly easy to follow in their assumed roles, as they undertake a highly improbable and extremely dangerous search and kill of the Raven Syndicate mastermind.
Can not wait for the story to continue.
Nick and his team ate once again in Russia attempting to capture or
kill Patel Voronin, mastermind of Russia's ruthless and deadly Raven Syndicate.
Voronin, with the backing of Russia's President Zhdanov has one mission and that
is to destroy the US and its place on top of the world order.
Knowing he has this only mission in his life, the Directorate needs to stop him in his tracks.
Great story with the usual spellbinding dynamics of high tech weaponry, identitiy takeovers and incredibly fascinating infiltration plans as the plot moves along with speed, definition and riveting suspense.
The characters, as always, are clearly defined, infinitely interesting and amazingly easy to follow in their assumed roles, as they undertake a highly improbable and extremely dangerous search and kill of the Raven Syndicate mastermind.
Can not wait for the story to continue.
September 14, 2025
Fun, easy read if you like espionage books and stories about defeating communism 💪🏻🇺🇸
September 10, 2024
"The Devil's Fortress" by Dale Brown is a gripping military thriller that plunges readers into a world of high-stakes conflict, breathtaking suspense, and cutting-edge technology. Centered around the character of Nick Flynn, a seasoned U.S. Air Force intelligence officer, the novel expertly weaves together elements of espionage, political intrigue, and intense aerial combat.
From the opening pages, the reader is immediately drawn into a fast-paced narrative that doesn't let up until the final chapter. Brown's writing is sharp and evocative, pulling the reader into the heart of the action as Flynn navigates a web of global threats and dangerous adversaries.
The Raven Syndicate, headed by the Russian Oligarch Pavel Voronian and backed by Russian President Piotr Zhdanov, has been a threat to the US for quite some time. Thanks to the Quartet Directorate’s special action team and Nick Flynn, the US was successful twice in thwarting a deadly attack by weapons of mass destruction on its soil. Embarrassed with failures and fear of backlash from the ruthless Russian Premier, the syndicate is planning another assault on the US, but this time, the magnanimity of the attack is almost certain to impact the global food supply chain. Across the continent, Nick Flynn, Laura Van Horn and the Quartet Directorate have decided that defence is not always the course of action.
Nick is planning a surgical strike on Pavel Voronian’s headquarters in Moscow, but he and the team know very well, that his office is one of the most secure places in the whole of Russia and getting there to either take him hostage or to assassinate him would mean striking deep into the devil’s fortress.
Nick Flynn is a compelling protagonist whose blend of military expertise and moral complexity makes him a formidable and relatable character. As Flynn races against time to unravel a sinister plot that could have devastating consequences, readers are drawn into his personal struggles and ethical dilemmas, rooting for him every step of the way.
The supporting cast of characters is equally well-drawn, each playing a crucial role in the unfolding drama. From Flynn's trusted comrades to his cunning adversaries, every character feels distinct and fully realized, adding depth and nuance to the story.
Brown's skill at building tension and suspense is on full display in "The Devil's Fortress." As Flynn and his team face mounting odds and ever-increasing dangers, the stakes are raised to a fever pitch, keeping readers on the edge of their seats throughout. The novel's climactic showdown is a tour de force of action and excitement, delivering pulse-pounding thrills and unexpected twists that will leave readers breathless.
Dale Brown's skill as a storyteller is evident on every page, cementing his status as one of the premier authors in the genre. Fans of military fiction and high-octane thrillers will find plenty to love in this electrifying novel featuring the unforgettable Nick Flynn.
From the opening pages, the reader is immediately drawn into a fast-paced narrative that doesn't let up until the final chapter. Brown's writing is sharp and evocative, pulling the reader into the heart of the action as Flynn navigates a web of global threats and dangerous adversaries.
The Raven Syndicate, headed by the Russian Oligarch Pavel Voronian and backed by Russian President Piotr Zhdanov, has been a threat to the US for quite some time. Thanks to the Quartet Directorate’s special action team and Nick Flynn, the US was successful twice in thwarting a deadly attack by weapons of mass destruction on its soil. Embarrassed with failures and fear of backlash from the ruthless Russian Premier, the syndicate is planning another assault on the US, but this time, the magnanimity of the attack is almost certain to impact the global food supply chain. Across the continent, Nick Flynn, Laura Van Horn and the Quartet Directorate have decided that defence is not always the course of action.
Nick is planning a surgical strike on Pavel Voronian’s headquarters in Moscow, but he and the team know very well, that his office is one of the most secure places in the whole of Russia and getting there to either take him hostage or to assassinate him would mean striking deep into the devil’s fortress.
Nick Flynn is a compelling protagonist whose blend of military expertise and moral complexity makes him a formidable and relatable character. As Flynn races against time to unravel a sinister plot that could have devastating consequences, readers are drawn into his personal struggles and ethical dilemmas, rooting for him every step of the way.
The supporting cast of characters is equally well-drawn, each playing a crucial role in the unfolding drama. From Flynn's trusted comrades to his cunning adversaries, every character feels distinct and fully realized, adding depth and nuance to the story.
Brown's skill at building tension and suspense is on full display in "The Devil's Fortress." As Flynn and his team face mounting odds and ever-increasing dangers, the stakes are raised to a fever pitch, keeping readers on the edge of their seats throughout. The novel's climactic showdown is a tour de force of action and excitement, delivering pulse-pounding thrills and unexpected twists that will leave readers breathless.
Dale Brown's skill as a storyteller is evident on every page, cementing his status as one of the premier authors in the genre. Fans of military fiction and high-octane thrillers will find plenty to love in this electrifying novel featuring the unforgettable Nick Flynn.
June 15, 2024
COMPETES WITH TOM CLANCY
This novel's plot, action, and strategy are so realistic that the reader could forget it is fiction. The places are described so a reader can follow them like a map. All aircraft and weapons are described down to the model and catalog numbers—a trait that a casual civilian reader might find unnecessary and cumbersome but which a former military veteran like me can appreciate as authenticating the military combat scenarios depicted. The story has screenplay potential if embellished with slightly more romantic action between Nick Flynn and Laura Van Horn.
My two favorite lines:
From Chapter 5: "In matters of politics and government, power fed perception and perception fed power."
From chapter 7: "Treason doth never prosper: what's the reason? For if it prosper, none dare call it treason."
This novel's plot, action, and strategy are so realistic that the reader could forget it is fiction. The places are described so a reader can follow them like a map. All aircraft and weapons are described down to the model and catalog numbers—a trait that a casual civilian reader might find unnecessary and cumbersome but which a former military veteran like me can appreciate as authenticating the military combat scenarios depicted. The story has screenplay potential if embellished with slightly more romantic action between Nick Flynn and Laura Van Horn.
My two favorite lines:
From Chapter 5: "In matters of politics and government, power fed perception and perception fed power."
From chapter 7: "Treason doth never prosper: what's the reason? For if it prosper, none dare call it treason."
June 24, 2024
Love the technology and intricate planning
Also love the Trans Siberian railroad from Russia's Far East through so many time zones - all for confrontation with the bad guys. All very interesting as good confronts evil. Fully funded, independent good guys join forces from around the globe in search of peace and health.
Also love the Trans Siberian railroad from Russia's Far East through so many time zones - all for confrontation with the bad guys. All very interesting as good confronts evil. Fully funded, independent good guys join forces from around the globe in search of peace and health.
August 11, 2024
This is his fourth book in this series, and I think it is the best one yet. The plot and action are believable, and the ops strategy is well explained and suspenseful. The author could have been a little more succinct with less description in a few places, but the pace of the story was still fast due to a well-crafted story.
Overall, 4.5 stars but I rounded up because the plot is strong, and the characters are solid. Hopefully this is not the end of this series. The epilogue gives me hope that there might be a sequel.
Overall, 4.5 stars but I rounded up because the plot is strong, and the characters are solid. Hopefully this is not the end of this series. The epilogue gives me hope that there might be a sequel.
June 18, 2024
Terrific Thriller
Another fantastic thriller in the Nick Flynn series. Plenty of twists and turns. Plenty of surprises. A heart pounding climax. All the things we have come to expect from these books.
Another fantastic thriller in the Nick Flynn series. Plenty of twists and turns. Plenty of surprises. A heart pounding climax. All the things we have come to expect from these books.
June 19, 2024
Excellent storyline with fast action, great characters and a believable plot. I’ve read Dale Brown books for over 30 years. Nick Flynn is a newer character but may be some of his best work. The story does involve some specialized flying but it’s not ONLY about flying. Cutting edge weapons & tech. Fast read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2024
Dale Brown brings it home again! I've really enjoyed his Nick Flynn series.
When Flynn and his operatives fail an attempt to assassinate the big bad from earlier books at his dacha in Russia they need to come up with a new plan. And what a caper it turns into.
When Flynn and his operatives fail an attempt to assassinate the big bad from earlier books at his dacha in Russia they need to come up with a new plan. And what a caper it turns into.
August 19, 2024
Solid espionage/operator thriller from Dale Brown. A quick and easy read.
There are a lot of characters to keep track of, but it's a necessary evil for an action plot that is complicated and at scale. This isn't one of those lone character working his or her fieldcraft magic books. The plot takes a team, and Brown uses them all as necessary.
The first part of the book features the villain a lot, and I found myself wanting to skip over that and get back to the "good guys." But, I suppose it was something that had to be done to progress the story.
Anyway, a good read for fans of the genre.
There are a lot of characters to keep track of, but it's a necessary evil for an action plot that is complicated and at scale. This isn't one of those lone character working his or her fieldcraft magic books. The plot takes a team, and Brown uses them all as necessary.
The first part of the book features the villain a lot, and I found myself wanting to skip over that and get back to the "good guys." But, I suppose it was something that had to be done to progress the story.
Anyway, a good read for fans of the genre.
July 18, 2024
Outstanding
This is another Outstanding Book in an Outstanding Series!! Really Sorry to see it end. All the Books were exciting and hard to put down.
This is another Outstanding Book in an Outstanding Series!! Really Sorry to see it end. All the Books were exciting and hard to put down.
July 24, 2024
this guy is good.
August 7, 2024
Enjoyable read for fans of Nick Flynn!
Plot summary: Voronin is trying to create a famine through the use of weaponized fungus spores. Flynn is sent to kill Voronin…and succeeds. Wade is killed on the mission. The Russian President takes over the Raven Syndicate and renames it the 13th Bureau. He puts his man, Kiril Rodin, in charge.
Plot summary: Voronin is trying to create a famine through the use of weaponized fungus spores. Flynn is sent to kill Voronin…and succeeds. Wade is killed on the mission. The Russian President takes over the Raven Syndicate and renames it the 13th Bureau. He puts his man, Kiril Rodin, in charge.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2024
Dale Brown really knows how to write a Shoot Em Up!
January 20, 2025
3-1/2 stars. Fairly good but mostly more of the same. Nothing to set it apart from all the other military thrillers. Good guys stop the bad guy and save the world.
March 2, 2025
I did not finish. Just did not capture my interest.
September 11, 2024
Nick Flynn series The Devil’s Fortress
Dale Brown strikes again. The Devil’s Fortress high action story that’s been executed beautifully. The character are strong and believable.. A lot of late night reading was expended. Read it. You’ll enjoy it. I can’t wait for volume five.
Dale Brown strikes again. The Devil’s Fortress high action story that’s been executed beautifully. The character are strong and believable.. A lot of late night reading was expended. Read it. You’ll enjoy it. I can’t wait for volume five.
August 5, 2024
A great read and adventure
August 26, 2024
Another 4-star review for Dale Brown's Nick Flynn series. I have been a long-time Dale Brown fan going back to Dreamland over 20 years ago, and Nick Flynn follows in the long line of great reads.
August 27, 2024
Great action, good read.
December 1, 2024
Another excellent book in the Nick Flynn series
August 26, 2024
Great read and great series, Dale Brown can write,, dont miss this
October 3, 2024
Very good plot.
December 23, 2025
The Nick Flynn series never disappoints.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews