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Scot Harvath #4
Blowback
When a mysterious new weapon tips the balance against American and Allied forces throughout the Middle East, the only person the president can call for help is the man the administration has just fired - Navy SEAL turned covert Homeland Security operative, Scot Harvath. Caught live on Al Jazeera in an off-the-books operation, Harvath is forced to go to ground, as a senator with presidential aspirations, turns her sights on the White House and forces President Jack Rutledge to publicly end the career of America's number one counter-terrorism operative. But when the tide in the war against terror suddenly turns against the West, the president has no choice but to bring Harvath back inside.
Ducking a congressional subpoena, Harvath travels to Cyprus where he learns about a weapon called The Sword of Allah, which terrorists intend to use to rid all Muslim lands of Western infidels. As the layers of truth unfold, Harvath is witness to realities more menacing than he ever could have imagined and must rely solely on his instincts to confront a new evil closing in on the United States.
With his characteristic precision in describing military technology, high-voltage action, and sweeping international sensibility, Brad Thor has created another supercharged novel that is sure to readers on the edge of their seats.
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First published June 28, 2005
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About the author
Brad Thor
48 books7,470 followersBRAD THOR is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-six thrillers, including COLD ZERO, EDGE OF HONOR, SHADOW OF DOUBT, BLACK ICE (ThrillerFix Best Thriller of the Year), NEAR DARK (one of Suspense Magazine’s Best Books of the Year), BACKLASH (nominated for the Barry Award for Best Thriller of the Year), SPYMASTER (“One of the all-time best thriller novels” —The Washington Times), THE LAST PATRIOT (nominated Best Thriller of the Year by the International Thriller Writers Association), and BLOWBACK (one of the “Top 100 Killer Thrillers of All Time” —NPR).
COLD ZERO is on sale now. For more information, visit BradThor.com.
COLD ZERO is on sale now. For more information, visit BradThor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 683 reviews
August 12, 2016
Archaeologists make a stunning discovery in a pass high in the French – Italian Alps, but do not live to tell the tale. A year later, Islamic scientists begin dying in seeming accidents or outright assassinations and kidnappings all around the world. And then a US army unit moves into the peaceful, multi-religion village of Asalaam near Mosul in Iraq. They are checking up on some Christian missionaries who haven't been heard of but are startled to find half the village dead from a horrible, flu like disease with some very nasty symptoms. Scott Harvath is a Navy SEAL turned covert counter-terrorism agent who authorities turn to when the connections between these events start to become clear. Harvath, and through him The President of the US, have other problems as well as Democrat Senator Helen Cunningham is on the trail of both of them, trying to prove that there is something else going on with covert operations.
Harvath must go out alone and try to stop a deadly biological weapon from being distributed in America. He must also stop his arch enemy Khalid Sheik Alomari, a high-ranking al-Qaeda operative and ruthless assassin. Alomari is killing Muslim scientists who may have unlocked the key to a devastating super weapon.
There are two broad classifications into which thrillers that I read seem to fit. The totally over the top, almost cartoon like, take your disbelief and hang it in the wardrobe, wild ride type – along the lines of Austin Powers, Colin Forbes', even James Bond to a certain degree. Then there are the psychological, the creepy, the leave the lights on, fasten your seatbelts, things could get hairy here types – in this category Tom Clancy, Len Deighton, John LeCarre, Robert Ludlum, Scott Turow and Frederick Forsyth and many many others. If you get lucky occasionally some of these books can switch between the two categories seamlessly without affecting your overall enjoyment of any of the book. No matter how much I think about BLOWBACK I simply can't decide which category it was aiming for.
It's a great premise – a biological weapon that once threatened the Roman Empire is back with the potential to wipe out huge parts of the world. Perhaps a bit far-fetched in some people's minds, but the premise of the book really appealed to me. I didn't even mind the movie-script like style and could have forgiven some of the frankly utterly outlandish scenes - a supposedly disgraced and in hiding operative not all that hard to spot and certainly in communication with a lot of people; sensationalist paragliding across borders; suddenly producing large numbers of gliders out of nowhere; European countries that didn't seem to mind a heavily armed one man revenge band charging around over their borders; a seemingly never ending stream of money to bribe everyone and a scientist who just suddenly manages to climb a huge ice-covered mountain, having never even attempted anything remotely like this (not even the climbing of a small rock in the backyard) with just the hero to “carry her through”.
Where the book was greatly underwhelming, and I think, the premise poorly served, was that the whole thing was presented in way too black and white a manner with too much predictability and bland characterisation. No doubt about it, many of the the action scenes were exciting and well written, but the existence of the weapon and how it survived was brush stroke and questionable at best, the connection between the weapon and the intra-Muslim faith tensions too self-serving; and the various political conspiracies way too convenient. The whole thing reeked of a one sided partisan cheer squad.
Perhaps your political perspective can affect summation of this book, but I felt that it was a great idea, muddied by a whole lot of convenient nefarious goings on, which contributed little to the thrill and nothing to the action.
Harvath must go out alone and try to stop a deadly biological weapon from being distributed in America. He must also stop his arch enemy Khalid Sheik Alomari, a high-ranking al-Qaeda operative and ruthless assassin. Alomari is killing Muslim scientists who may have unlocked the key to a devastating super weapon.
There are two broad classifications into which thrillers that I read seem to fit. The totally over the top, almost cartoon like, take your disbelief and hang it in the wardrobe, wild ride type – along the lines of Austin Powers, Colin Forbes', even James Bond to a certain degree. Then there are the psychological, the creepy, the leave the lights on, fasten your seatbelts, things could get hairy here types – in this category Tom Clancy, Len Deighton, John LeCarre, Robert Ludlum, Scott Turow and Frederick Forsyth and many many others. If you get lucky occasionally some of these books can switch between the two categories seamlessly without affecting your overall enjoyment of any of the book. No matter how much I think about BLOWBACK I simply can't decide which category it was aiming for.
It's a great premise – a biological weapon that once threatened the Roman Empire is back with the potential to wipe out huge parts of the world. Perhaps a bit far-fetched in some people's minds, but the premise of the book really appealed to me. I didn't even mind the movie-script like style and could have forgiven some of the frankly utterly outlandish scenes - a supposedly disgraced and in hiding operative not all that hard to spot and certainly in communication with a lot of people; sensationalist paragliding across borders; suddenly producing large numbers of gliders out of nowhere; European countries that didn't seem to mind a heavily armed one man revenge band charging around over their borders; a seemingly never ending stream of money to bribe everyone and a scientist who just suddenly manages to climb a huge ice-covered mountain, having never even attempted anything remotely like this (not even the climbing of a small rock in the backyard) with just the hero to “carry her through”.
Where the book was greatly underwhelming, and I think, the premise poorly served, was that the whole thing was presented in way too black and white a manner with too much predictability and bland characterisation. No doubt about it, many of the the action scenes were exciting and well written, but the existence of the weapon and how it survived was brush stroke and questionable at best, the connection between the weapon and the intra-Muslim faith tensions too self-serving; and the various political conspiracies way too convenient. The whole thing reeked of a one sided partisan cheer squad.
Perhaps your political perspective can affect summation of this book, but I felt that it was a great idea, muddied by a whole lot of convenient nefarious goings on, which contributed little to the thrill and nothing to the action.
January 15, 2018
This author keeps coming up with ways to keep the story fresh. In a James Rollins/Dan Brown type plot, an ancient weapon linked to Hannibal has been resurrected and is being used to kill non-Muslims, while leaving true believers unscathed, in a selective and horrifying manner. The plot twists and turns develop as much like a mystery as a thriller. The author’s political views slip through occasionally, which is fine, and impact the character development and interaction.
The main character, Scot Harvarth, is likable and blessed with the gift of survival. Terrorist plot meets ancient mystery here. It’s fun following Harvarth’s progress around the globe. As he learns what is happening, so do we. As always, military knowledge reigns supreme and the tech and toys have a realistic feel. This author keeps me coming back.
4.5 stars
The main character, Scot Harvarth, is likable and blessed with the gift of survival. Terrorist plot meets ancient mystery here. It’s fun following Harvarth’s progress around the globe. As he learns what is happening, so do we. As always, military knowledge reigns supreme and the tech and toys have a realistic feel. This author keeps me coming back.
4.5 stars
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June 25, 2017
Audio book 1 star out of 5 DNF
I expected to enjoy this book, but sadly, I did not. I did persevere because Brad Thor is a pretty good novelist and I had enjoyed Scot Harvath #3, State of the Union, but after listening to about 60% of the book, I decided it was a could not finish and onto the DNF shelf it flew. The story started out well enough but throughout its telling, there was simply too much, too detailed, Ancient History. While this provided evidence and background related to the deadly illness about to be released upon the world, it was more like puffery to me and caused me to lose grip of the narrative.
The shame is that over the past seven years I have downloaded 15 Harvath novels and while #1 and #2 were abridged, which means I DNF'd them but not because they were badly written, and I enjoyed #3, I now have to decide whether or not to tackle #5 and onwards. I'll leave it for a while and try again in the New Year.
I expected to enjoy this book, but sadly, I did not. I did persevere because Brad Thor is a pretty good novelist and I had enjoyed Scot Harvath #3, State of the Union, but after listening to about 60% of the book, I decided it was a could not finish and onto the DNF shelf it flew. The story started out well enough but throughout its telling, there was simply too much, too detailed, Ancient History. While this provided evidence and background related to the deadly illness about to be released upon the world, it was more like puffery to me and caused me to lose grip of the narrative.
The shame is that over the past seven years I have downloaded 15 Harvath novels and while #1 and #2 were abridged, which means I DNF'd them but not because they were badly written, and I enjoyed #3, I now have to decide whether or not to tackle #5 and onwards. I'll leave it for a while and try again in the New Year.
November 5, 2013
First off, I'd heard that Brad Thor wrote thrillers with a "Republican angle" and was a contributor to Glenn Beck. Brad Thor Movies are in the works. Internet speculation rages over who will play Scot Harvath.
Next off, apparently this book has been voted one of the "100 Best Ever Killer Thrillers" by NPR listeners! WTF!?
Now, I have to read this book!
At its core, this is another trendy cliffhanger for the Mile-High-Book-Club. This time about how Islamist terrorists intend to rid the world of everyone who is not a true believer using an ancient technology that Hannibal intended to use on the Romans in 218 B.C. [Spoiler alert: it's rabies]
The protagonist, Scot Harvath, is some kind of consummate killing machine who's worked for just about every organization of He-Men in the U.S. gov'ment and military. His nickname is "Norseman" for crying out loud!
He says things like, “Every Muslim is not a terrorist, but every terrorist is a Muslim.”
He lives only to "protect the values of the America he loves". He is not confused about what's right and wrong, or, about his own sexuality. He's NOT gay*. He just can't be tied down to a single lady.
However, when he meets an old girlfriend's new boyfriend, Harvath sprouts a bro'-boner:
"Shroeder had to be at least six-foot-three and two hundred and fifty pounds of pure muscle. Though he was no judge of man flesh, Harvath couldn't help but notice how handsome the guy was. With his strong, square jaw, solid nose, and broad forehead, the man's face looked as if it had been chiseled from a solid block of granite."
This books falls well within the wide but shallow da Vinci Code genre. Lots of historic name-dropping and mumbo-jumbo about conspiracies and historical footnotes.
Harvath can name every firearm he sees. And he does. He also lets us know what kind of watch he wears. He prefers low class entertainment: No opera, no wine, no tiny food.
He knows what "danse macabre" means, but not what "memento mori" means. See! He's not some kind of elitist. He’s just like the rest of us rugged guys, only more rugged.
And everybody respects the hell out of Scot Harvath. He's saved the lives of like 50 people! He has friends he can call upon to open any door in Washington. Everybody owes him something.
But, he does have at least ONE domestic enemy: a woman Democratic Senator with the initials H. R. C. (Helen Remington Carmichael) who is widely know as a "ball-busting-bitch" who only got ahead with the help of her politically savvy husband. [Wink, wink, nudge, nudge]
Lots of routine plot boiling keeps this book bubbling along.
Early on, when one villain is about to shoot Harvath, Brad Thor re-issues this hoary cliché
"If you're going to shoot me, [says Harvath] go ahead and pull the trigger."
"That would be too easy. I have something else in mind for you."
Poor schlub never gets around to the "something else" and Harvath escapes.
Eventually, the whole scheme gets scrubbed and swaddled up like a newborn. The evil Senator H.R.C. is forced to resign (for some damn reason) and all Harvath wants as reward is another Negra Modelo Beer. Now, that's one thing he and I have in common.
*Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Next off, apparently this book has been voted one of the "100 Best Ever Killer Thrillers" by NPR listeners! WTF!?
Now, I have to read this book!
At its core, this is another trendy cliffhanger for the Mile-High-Book-Club. This time about how Islamist terrorists intend to rid the world of everyone who is not a true believer using an ancient technology that Hannibal intended to use on the Romans in 218 B.C. [Spoiler alert: it's rabies]
The protagonist, Scot Harvath, is some kind of consummate killing machine who's worked for just about every organization of He-Men in the U.S. gov'ment and military. His nickname is "Norseman" for crying out loud!
He says things like, “Every Muslim is not a terrorist, but every terrorist is a Muslim.”
He lives only to "protect the values of the America he loves". He is not confused about what's right and wrong, or, about his own sexuality. He's NOT gay*. He just can't be tied down to a single lady.
However, when he meets an old girlfriend's new boyfriend, Harvath sprouts a bro'-boner:
"Shroeder had to be at least six-foot-three and two hundred and fifty pounds of pure muscle. Though he was no judge of man flesh, Harvath couldn't help but notice how handsome the guy was. With his strong, square jaw, solid nose, and broad forehead, the man's face looked as if it had been chiseled from a solid block of granite."
This books falls well within the wide but shallow da Vinci Code genre. Lots of historic name-dropping and mumbo-jumbo about conspiracies and historical footnotes.
Harvath can name every firearm he sees. And he does. He also lets us know what kind of watch he wears. He prefers low class entertainment: No opera, no wine, no tiny food.
He knows what "danse macabre" means, but not what "memento mori" means. See! He's not some kind of elitist. He’s just like the rest of us rugged guys, only more rugged.
And everybody respects the hell out of Scot Harvath. He's saved the lives of like 50 people! He has friends he can call upon to open any door in Washington. Everybody owes him something.
But, he does have at least ONE domestic enemy: a woman Democratic Senator with the initials H. R. C. (Helen Remington Carmichael) who is widely know as a "ball-busting-bitch" who only got ahead with the help of her politically savvy husband. [Wink, wink, nudge, nudge]
Lots of routine plot boiling keeps this book bubbling along.
Early on, when one villain is about to shoot Harvath, Brad Thor re-issues this hoary cliché
"If you're going to shoot me, [says Harvath] go ahead and pull the trigger."
"That would be too easy. I have something else in mind for you."
Poor schlub never gets around to the "something else" and Harvath escapes.
Eventually, the whole scheme gets scrubbed and swaddled up like a newborn. The evil Senator H.R.C. is forced to resign (for some damn reason) and all Harvath wants as reward is another Negra Modelo Beer. Now, that's one thing he and I have in common.
*Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2019
If you are a fan of Ludlum, you may like Brad Thor. If you are a fan of "24" & "Burn Notice" you may like Thor's novels. If you are a right-wing conservative who believes in "might is right", then you'll like Brad Thor's novels. I like Thor because he writes a good thriller & keeps the criticism of liberalism on the down low (totally unlike author Vince Flynn's novels).
In this thriller, counter-terrorism operative, Scot Harvath, sets out to prevent a Muslim caliphate from becoming a reality by stopping a virus from wiping out all non-Muslims. It's a very sci-fi like plot (I know what you are thinking: "How does a virus target a person's religious beliefs?") &, with patience, Thor manages to get every question answered--no matter how far fetched the plot device is. Again: fans of "24" will love this type of thriller.
I enjoyed it but its not the best of its kind--Harvath is no Jason Bourne but then, who is? It's also better than a Daniel Silva thriller which is saying a lot. Will I read more of Thor? Yes. Why? Because he keeps the plot moving, provides a lot of action & his main character is not impervious to getting hurt (unlike Vince Flynn's characters). Does Brad Thor hate liberals & kiss GOP ass? Oh Lord, yes. But if the GOP are good for anything, they write fun thrillers if you can get past the right wing, flag waving politics.
In this thriller, counter-terrorism operative, Scot Harvath, sets out to prevent a Muslim caliphate from becoming a reality by stopping a virus from wiping out all non-Muslims. It's a very sci-fi like plot (I know what you are thinking: "How does a virus target a person's religious beliefs?") &, with patience, Thor manages to get every question answered--no matter how far fetched the plot device is. Again: fans of "24" will love this type of thriller.
I enjoyed it but its not the best of its kind--Harvath is no Jason Bourne but then, who is? It's also better than a Daniel Silva thriller which is saying a lot. Will I read more of Thor? Yes. Why? Because he keeps the plot moving, provides a lot of action & his main character is not impervious to getting hurt (unlike Vince Flynn's characters). Does Brad Thor hate liberals & kiss GOP ass? Oh Lord, yes. But if the GOP are good for anything, they write fun thrillers if you can get past the right wing, flag waving politics.
June 19, 2013
This book crushed any joy I had left in the Scot Harvath series. The arrogance and annoying, childish attitude of this character was certainly written to make him likable in a roguish sort of way.
Nothing could be further from reality. I found myself openly rooting against the protagonist. The writing is inconsistent and common. The story is utterly unbelievable as well.
There are too many other quality writers in this space (like Vince Flynn) for me to waste any more time with this series.
Nothing could be further from reality. I found myself openly rooting against the protagonist. The writing is inconsistent and common. The story is utterly unbelievable as well.
There are too many other quality writers in this space (like Vince Flynn) for me to waste any more time with this series.
March 5, 2020
I love a thriller where I really learn something. Thor was great in this one, creating a core based on history so interesting that I didn’t want to stop. I had no idea how far back bio and chemical weapons went. Harvath is a great character. Thor manages to give him a worthy sidekick in each of the four books of his that I have now read. It’s a nice touch.
August 6, 2012
A nice medical twist.
May 24, 2012
BLOWBACK
Function: noun
: an unforeseen and unwanted effect, result, or set of repercussions
: CIA code name for an agent or operation that has turned on its
creators
: botched covert action
Former Navy SEAL Scot Harvath in an instant realizes he's blown and many fatwa will be placed upon his head. Al Jazeera has captured him beating a poor, helpless Iraqi, not his nemesis Khalid Sheik Alomari, a superior and ruthless Al Qaeda assassin he has been tracking for months. Though his face is not seen, the American Flag patch on his camouflaged fatigues is. He is immediately recalled to D.C. He is forced to resign from the Office of International Investigative Assistance at DHS by popular President Jack Rutledge. He's stunned to learn that his years of service and loyalty to this President mean nothing. Or do they?
Ripped from the Headlines, Thor delivers a chilling fast-paced plot that is both smart and frightening. Entombed in an Alpine glacier, an ancient weapon designed to annihilate the Roman Empire has been found. A group with Al Qaeda links led by the Scorpion intends to use it to bring America to her knees.
A group of Islamic scientists working on the miracle of the 'Sword of Allah' are dying in accidents arranged by Khalid Sheik Alomari while villagers and Christian Missionaries in Northwest Iraq die a slow painful death as do the Soldiers from Arrowhead Brigade SBCT who discover this diseased village devoured by "Algul!! Algul! Algul!" (vampire) leaving only the Sunni. The Christians and Shiites all are dead. Scot reluctantly accepts a Black Operation to find the only surviving scientist who may know the connection between the deaths, the deadly biochemical, and the 'Sword of Allah, because he must avoid a subpoena from the powerful obdurate Senator Helen Carmichael. Bring down Rutledge, and become the first woman POTUS, no matter the cost to the country or allies her secret dossiers.
Without support from his government, Harvath must accept help from the Uncle of the kidnapped scientist (whom he doesn't trust) and beautiful Molecular Biologist Jillian Alcott. Jillian and Scot soon discover a possible connection to the missing scientist and the biological weapon as they evade Khalid Sheik Alomari and murder charges. As they race across Europe, and the Middle East, the reader delves into the terrifying world of Wahhabism, the Royal Saudi family, and the Profit's lineage to stop the pandemic that is about to released upon the world, while Harvath's former bosses try to stop the Senator.
Function: noun
: an unforeseen and unwanted effect, result, or set of repercussions
: CIA code name for an agent or operation that has turned on its
creators
: botched covert action
Former Navy SEAL Scot Harvath in an instant realizes he's blown and many fatwa will be placed upon his head. Al Jazeera has captured him beating a poor, helpless Iraqi, not his nemesis Khalid Sheik Alomari, a superior and ruthless Al Qaeda assassin he has been tracking for months. Though his face is not seen, the American Flag patch on his camouflaged fatigues is. He is immediately recalled to D.C. He is forced to resign from the Office of International Investigative Assistance at DHS by popular President Jack Rutledge. He's stunned to learn that his years of service and loyalty to this President mean nothing. Or do they?
Ripped from the Headlines, Thor delivers a chilling fast-paced plot that is both smart and frightening. Entombed in an Alpine glacier, an ancient weapon designed to annihilate the Roman Empire has been found. A group with Al Qaeda links led by the Scorpion intends to use it to bring America to her knees.
A group of Islamic scientists working on the miracle of the 'Sword of Allah' are dying in accidents arranged by Khalid Sheik Alomari while villagers and Christian Missionaries in Northwest Iraq die a slow painful death as do the Soldiers from Arrowhead Brigade SBCT who discover this diseased village devoured by "Algul!! Algul! Algul!" (vampire) leaving only the Sunni. The Christians and Shiites all are dead. Scot reluctantly accepts a Black Operation to find the only surviving scientist who may know the connection between the deaths, the deadly biochemical, and the 'Sword of Allah, because he must avoid a subpoena from the powerful obdurate Senator Helen Carmichael. Bring down Rutledge, and become the first woman POTUS, no matter the cost to the country or allies her secret dossiers.
Without support from his government, Harvath must accept help from the Uncle of the kidnapped scientist (whom he doesn't trust) and beautiful Molecular Biologist Jillian Alcott. Jillian and Scot soon discover a possible connection to the missing scientist and the biological weapon as they evade Khalid Sheik Alomari and murder charges. As they race across Europe, and the Middle East, the reader delves into the terrifying world of Wahhabism, the Royal Saudi family, and the Profit's lineage to stop the pandemic that is about to released upon the world, while Harvath's former bosses try to stop the Senator.
December 14, 2021
This premise is interesting, but it lacks the action and stamina of the first books. The descriptions are (way) too long, and it takes ages to get to the point. Although wend it gets to that point, the scenes, especially the action ones, are up to the challenge.
I find this book to be behind the others in the series, although a must-read if you wanna go more in deep into the skin of Scot Harvath.
I find this book to be behind the others in the series, although a must-read if you wanna go more in deep into the skin of Scot Harvath.
May 21, 2015
Typical American anti terrorist evil Muslim one dimensional story.
US hero saves the world from decedent hypocritical Arabs.
There's has to be more to "thrillers" than this.
Do authors in the Middle East write the same styles of book where the Americans are portrayed as prime evil trying to force their way of life and religion on unsuspecting people
I hope they have more maturity as a comunity than the tripe produced in the book.
We need to get over this type of story.
US hero saves the world from decedent hypocritical Arabs.
There's has to be more to "thrillers" than this.
Do authors in the Middle East write the same styles of book where the Americans are portrayed as prime evil trying to force their way of life and religion on unsuspecting people
I hope they have more maturity as a comunity than the tripe produced in the book.
We need to get over this type of story.
April 12, 2019
This is a terrific continuation of Brad Thor’s Scott Horvath series (No. 4). A great patriotic hero, excellent believable plot, well developed supporting characters, politicians with integrity and an evil senator whose only value is her ambition and will do anything to achieve it (and I mean anything). The title is very appropriate in more ways than one.
January 27, 2009
Scot Harvath #4. Nasty Washington politics. Harvath saves the smokin' scientist and does battle to prevent biochemical weapon from killing millions in U.S. and to prevent a new caliph from unifying Islam world.
April 5, 2019
It is not unusual when reading a long book to find parts that are slow! This book was not slow, and would have been hard pressed to have told its story with less pages. This was action packed, with an exciting plot to the end. Very enjoyable read!
September 8, 2018
Brad Thor may have just created Mitch Rapp's replacement, (no offense or disrespect to Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp series, I love that series just as much as this series). Scot Harvath returns to kick some more ass in this action-packed adventure!
Harvath's career as a field agent is in total jeopardy, with a ruthless senator who has her eyes on the White House, and has a dream of becoming the next President of the United States, and intending to bring down the current President, using a mole in the CIA who is digging up information on Harvath and his past top-secret black ops assignments. At the same time, America's War on Terror continues, and secretly the President sends Harvath back out into the field on his most dangerous mission yet, he is sent to the Swiss Alps to uncover an ancient weapon designed to decimate the Roman Empire, and is about to fall into the hands of terrorists who will use the weapon to obliterate the US and the rest of the world, and Harvath is the only man who can stop them!
Plenty of action and gunfights, and Harvath has enough ammunition to take on 007!
Harvath's career as a field agent is in total jeopardy, with a ruthless senator who has her eyes on the White House, and has a dream of becoming the next President of the United States, and intending to bring down the current President, using a mole in the CIA who is digging up information on Harvath and his past top-secret black ops assignments. At the same time, America's War on Terror continues, and secretly the President sends Harvath back out into the field on his most dangerous mission yet, he is sent to the Swiss Alps to uncover an ancient weapon designed to decimate the Roman Empire, and is about to fall into the hands of terrorists who will use the weapon to obliterate the US and the rest of the world, and Harvath is the only man who can stop them!
Plenty of action and gunfights, and Harvath has enough ammunition to take on 007!
October 12, 2020
Scot Harvath is the President's secret weapon against terrorist plots and harrowing plans to ruin the US. But, a ruthless senator with selfish plans to win a ticket as VP on the next ballot, wants to expose the president's unauthorized incursions on foreign countries using Scot Harvath. Which of course would make him a target of terrorists around the world.
Meanwhile, an old bioweapon has been discovered under a glacier in the Alps which had been designed to destroy the Roman Empire. A shadowy organization has been working to unleash the weapon on the world.
It is a race around the world to stop the destruction and Scot is the only one that can do it.
A bit of history, James Bond, Clive Cussler and away you go. Wild ride!
Meanwhile, an old bioweapon has been discovered under a glacier in the Alps which had been designed to destroy the Roman Empire. A shadowy organization has been working to unleash the weapon on the world.
It is a race around the world to stop the destruction and Scot is the only one that can do it.
A bit of history, James Bond, Clive Cussler and away you go. Wild ride!
January 28, 2020
This time, Harvath is in hot water with his government, due to his beating of a merchant broadcast on TV. His superiors try to hide him with another project out-of-country, and it leads to an ancient biological weapon rediscovered in the Alps.
Throw in an unscrupulous Senator willing to sacrifice Scot on the altar to forward her presidential ambitions, and you have an action packed adventure.
Throw in an unscrupulous Senator willing to sacrifice Scot on the altar to forward her presidential ambitions, and you have an action packed adventure.
February 11, 2010
I can’t use the work ‘blow’ any more. Lets face it—‘blow’ is a lot more funny than it used to be. It has taken on new multiple meanings since the 1970s indicating either drug use or highly entertaining sexual act. Mostly, these days we are on our own deciphering the correct connotation, if any. Can you imagine how confused I became when I realized the movie ‘Blow’ was not the biography of Linda Lovelace and ‘Come Blow Your Horn’ was not about doing toot at band camp? ‘Blowback’ is a real word—applying to a military operation gone wrong, or the shell ejaculation after firing a rifle, or a trendy women’s hair style. One of those definitions applies to this book—even though it makes a completely silly title for a thriller not involving cocaine or people subjugated to their knees. This is the continuation of uber-hero macho man Scot Harvath who is faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than . . . etc. etc. Harvath will save the world from destruction again—this time from an ancient Roman biological weapon the badie guys found in the Alps. The novel is full of dashing rescues, narrow escapes, improbable cliffhangers and of course . . . wait for it . . . the stunning beautiful scientist femme fetal who beds the hero only after they escape an avalanche and hang glide across international borders. Why not? Would our hero have bothered to prevent Armageddon if he was paired with a sixty-three year old 5’2” 371 lb grandmother named Fido? I think not. Horvath and Pitt should give up saving the Planet, settle down together offering stud service to female academics (who always seem to be in need of a good lay). The novel is entertaining. It’s full of testosterone (my favorite essence). In the midst of the complete absurdness of it all the author gives an interesting lecture on the history of ancient biological warfare. I kid you not—it is actually worth the read just for that. I mock – but really, it’s not bad. Had me singing “blow, blow, blow the man down.”
April 3, 2016
In the rating system within GR, I must say that a 2 is what I must give this story....I try to start each book I read with a five and allow the author to downgrade from that lofty level. The manner in which this story is told, with stories within the story, ie, switching to one part of the tale to another part wherein they climax toward the end, is a favorite method for me....Fine so far, but then it drops quickly to a four due to the writing skills of the author, to me lacking in composition. in other words, ordinary prose. Then it hit the three level with an over abundance of historical attention paid to this new weapon of Allah....the sword. And it just drug on forever, at least a 100 pages morethan needed.....Finally, it hit the two level as I simply could not say that I enjoyed it. Simply not for me. This was the fifth Brad Thor book I've read and there's no improvement in my pleasure scale of his works.
No doubt others think differently and that's the way it should be. During my read of this book I was also reading a novel by Stephen King that I am enjoying. Contrasting the weird world of King's book, Duma Key, and this one, I not so sure that I did not find King's work more believable.
No doubt others think differently and that's the way it should be. During my read of this book I was also reading a novel by Stephen King that I am enjoying. Contrasting the weird world of King's book, Duma Key, and this one, I not so sure that I did not find King's work more believable.
May 29, 2013
A militant Islamic faction has discovered a 2,400 year old WMD developed during the wars between Carthage and the Roman empire. The faction now desires to use the weapon to rebuild the Ottoman Empire. Apparently, only one man can stop them: you guessed it, Agent Scot Harvath. This thriller (I use the word loosely) stretched credulity and I found it somewhat plodding and tedious. Author Thor can do better than this. It is the 4th tome(and I felt the weakest so far) in his Scot Harvath series.
September 21, 2013
Maybe I'm getting tired of thrillers, but my reaction to this book has been underwhelming. I was looking forward to it with much enthusiasm, it having won a prestigious "best thriller of the year" award, and it IS a great yarn - but is buried under an avalanche of dizzying detail. Detail that, at least in my opinion, almost obliterates the story. Thor's research is admirable, down to brand names and minute detail, but this one seemed over the top to me. For a complete change of pace, I'm going to read Jim Bouton's "Ball Four" next.
November 3, 2009
This series has the same premise as the Vince Flynn books, but lacks in readability. Thor's writing is elementary in nature and I found myself thinking, "I'm not in 1st grade, why are you writing like I am." I was so annoyed with his style that I stopped reading the series. Scot Harvath also isn't nearlly as BA as Mitch Rapp.
January 27, 2015
Brad Thor has good taste regarding 70s funk from the Ohio Players "Love Rollercoaster," to Parliament's "Flashlight and Give up the Funk." Oh yea, and Scot Harvath's one bad motha..... 7 of 10 stars
April 24, 2020
Long and tedious too much focus on historical.. should’ve been shorter
January 21, 2023
Not my fav Brad Thor novel.. the number of times the main character just “had a gut feeling” or “something in the back of his mind bugged him” about a problem… pls! Also some murky waters with the way he describes the Muslim population at times - i think this being from 2006 gives context but still
August 3, 2024
Love this series! Fast paced and suspenseful!
October 19, 2017
Read the full review at my site Digital Amrit
They might burn our flag for the cameras, but throw a handful of green cards in the air and they’d cut each other’s throats to get their hands on them.
Introduction
‘Blowback’ is written by Brad Thor. It is the fourth book in the ‘Scot Harvath’ series. It is an action thriller and it stars the eponymous ‘Scot Harvath’.
The overall synopsis of the book is as follows. An old weapon exists that has bought down empires in the past. A shadowy terrorist group has its hands on it to bring about a new Caliphate. All this, while a female senator (who is a poorly disguised Hillary) tries to expose Scot Harvath and the US President.
Recommendation
‘Blowback’ is a decent read provided you can get past the casual racism and poor historical references. Since Brad Thor brings back Islamic terrorists as the bad guys, there are numerous slurs and misconceptions that are repeated again. At times, this book feels like it was written for the ‘Trump’ crowd.
Beyond this veneer of hoo-rah American Nationalism lies the kernel of a good action thriller. Scot Harvath is vulnerable in this book and is in a team up with a badass woman character (yet again but this time she is not a trained agent).
Overall, ‘Blowback’ is a decent read. Go for it.
Read the full review at my site Digital Amrit
They might burn our flag for the cameras, but throw a handful of green cards in the air and they’d cut each other’s throats to get their hands on them.
Introduction
‘Blowback’ is written by Brad Thor. It is the fourth book in the ‘Scot Harvath’ series. It is an action thriller and it stars the eponymous ‘Scot Harvath’.
The overall synopsis of the book is as follows. An old weapon exists that has bought down empires in the past. A shadowy terrorist group has its hands on it to bring about a new Caliphate. All this, while a female senator (who is a poorly disguised Hillary) tries to expose Scot Harvath and the US President.
Recommendation
‘Blowback’ is a decent read provided you can get past the casual racism and poor historical references. Since Brad Thor brings back Islamic terrorists as the bad guys, there are numerous slurs and misconceptions that are repeated again. At times, this book feels like it was written for the ‘Trump’ crowd.
Beyond this veneer of hoo-rah American Nationalism lies the kernel of a good action thriller. Scot Harvath is vulnerable in this book and is in a team up with a badass woman character (yet again but this time she is not a trained agent).
Overall, ‘Blowback’ is a decent read. Go for it.
Read the full review at my site Digital Amrit
November 12, 2022
The worst Scot Harvath book yet. The last 3 were quite excellent.
The author let his inner anti-democrat out while writing this one. His political views were quite subdued in the previous books.
This had a lot of ramblings about left wingers and islam which bogged the book down. It was also crass and gratuitous in parts.
The whole historical/sci fi mystery about the ancient biochemical weapon was hit and miss.
It should have been about 125 pages shorter because the entire investigation into the bio weapon and the history of Islamic terrorism was yawn inducing.
The author is definitely no Michael Crichton.
Hardly enough thrills in there.
Also, why did it take everyone so long to figure out that the patients exhibited symptoms of rabies?!
The details about Arthshastra were laughable, seemed to lack research and frankly a bit insulting but I can ignore that for the sake of fiction.
The saving grace were the last 40 percent which had breakneck pacing and brought back the Scot Harvath magic that we're used to. The action was crisp and fun.
I'll try the next book because when the author focuses on action, he is very good.
Hopefully he doesn't get too carried away with jignoism.
More importantly, I hope the book is fun. There's just so much anger in this book. The previous books had danger too but they were a bit light hearted. I want to see that again.
The author let his inner anti-democrat out while writing this one. His political views were quite subdued in the previous books.
This had a lot of ramblings about left wingers and islam which bogged the book down. It was also crass and gratuitous in parts.
The whole historical/sci fi mystery about the ancient biochemical weapon was hit and miss.
It should have been about 125 pages shorter because the entire investigation into the bio weapon and the history of Islamic terrorism was yawn inducing.
The author is definitely no Michael Crichton.
Hardly enough thrills in there.
Also, why did it take everyone so long to figure out that the patients exhibited symptoms of rabies?!
The details about Arthshastra were laughable, seemed to lack research and frankly a bit insulting but I can ignore that for the sake of fiction.
The saving grace were the last 40 percent which had breakneck pacing and brought back the Scot Harvath magic that we're used to. The action was crisp and fun.
I'll try the next book because when the author focuses on action, he is very good.
Hopefully he doesn't get too carried away with jignoism.
More importantly, I hope the book is fun. There's just so much anger in this book. The previous books had danger too but they were a bit light hearted. I want to see that again.
April 28, 2013
Brad Thor is back on track with Blowback.
This was a super interesting storyline - albeit full of stereotypes and biases that are likely much easier seen post 9-11, it was none-the-less a true page turner.
The story lines follow two distinct plots. Firstly the attempted political and career discrediting of the main character, Scot Harvarth, by a US Senator who has her sights set on the Vice-Presidential and ultimately Presidential nomination though the destroying of the current sitting President.
The second and primary story line follows the plot of radical terrorists to decimate the US through an ancient and extremely deadly biohazard that will see all but true believers die a painful and horrible death as their brains turn to liquid.
I particularly loved the story tie-ins to the famous Carthaginian General Hannibal and to ancient forms of warfare.
This was a super interesting storyline - albeit full of stereotypes and biases that are likely much easier seen post 9-11, it was none-the-less a true page turner.
The story lines follow two distinct plots. Firstly the attempted political and career discrediting of the main character, Scot Harvarth, by a US Senator who has her sights set on the Vice-Presidential and ultimately Presidential nomination though the destroying of the current sitting President.
The second and primary story line follows the plot of radical terrorists to decimate the US through an ancient and extremely deadly biohazard that will see all but true believers die a painful and horrible death as their brains turn to liquid.
I particularly loved the story tie-ins to the famous Carthaginian General Hannibal and to ancient forms of warfare.
July 22, 2009
Brad Thor's main character, Scot Harvath, is a man to behold. While I found his antics a little too much to believe in this book, I found myself engaged by the storyline. Middle Eastern politics, mixed in with historical war figures and bioterrorism from books over 3000 years old. It has my mind leaping at parts. Thor did bring his character back to reality a couple of times, when right in the middle of dangerous stunts he would wonder where his life was heading and if he was taking his career too seriously. seriously? Oh well, I like this author and I'll definitely read on. And one other thing, the author's references have caused me to look up more things on the internet to learn about Middle Eastern politics than I have with other authors.
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