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Cauldron of Wrath
A terror group led by Hezbollah zealot Abu Hadi al-Maliki smuggles two nuclear bombs into the United States through a Mexican drug tunnel in a bold plot to destroy the United States.
While world attention is riveted on the fiery destruction they aim to bring to downtown Los Angeles with the first nuke, Maliki intends to detonate the second bomb at the bottom of an experimental NASA geothermal well located in a remote corner of Yellowstone National Park. The nuclear blast will rip open Yellowstone’s sizzling caldera, triggering a massive eruption that will obliterate half of the United States.
FBI agent Malcolm Hendricks, special agent in charge of a counterterrorism task force in Los Angeles, thwarts the LA bomb only seconds before two of Maliki’s suicide bombers can detonate it near USC where the agent's daughter is giving her PhD thesis defense. He has learned Maliki’s identity through actions he took in defiance of his superiors in Washington. In recognition of his bold work, the president puts him in charge of finding Maliki and the second nuke, but the only clue Hendricks has to go on is a trail of bodies that ends in Idaho near Yellowstone.
As Hendricks unleashes every resource available to find Maliki and the second bomb, the terror leader and his zealots attack the geothermal site, killing most of the drilling rig workers and many of the journalists who arrive by bus to report on the project.
All that stands in the way of the fanatical plot to destroy America are Hendricks’ relentless efforts to find him, the resourcefulness of the NASA spokeswoman who brought the doomed journalists to the site, and the brave resistance of the few rig workers who survive Maliki’s brutal assault.
While world attention is riveted on the fiery destruction they aim to bring to downtown Los Angeles with the first nuke, Maliki intends to detonate the second bomb at the bottom of an experimental NASA geothermal well located in a remote corner of Yellowstone National Park. The nuclear blast will rip open Yellowstone’s sizzling caldera, triggering a massive eruption that will obliterate half of the United States.
FBI agent Malcolm Hendricks, special agent in charge of a counterterrorism task force in Los Angeles, thwarts the LA bomb only seconds before two of Maliki’s suicide bombers can detonate it near USC where the agent's daughter is giving her PhD thesis defense. He has learned Maliki’s identity through actions he took in defiance of his superiors in Washington. In recognition of his bold work, the president puts him in charge of finding Maliki and the second nuke, but the only clue Hendricks has to go on is a trail of bodies that ends in Idaho near Yellowstone.
As Hendricks unleashes every resource available to find Maliki and the second bomb, the terror leader and his zealots attack the geothermal site, killing most of the drilling rig workers and many of the journalists who arrive by bus to report on the project.
All that stands in the way of the fanatical plot to destroy America are Hendricks’ relentless efforts to find him, the resourcefulness of the NASA spokeswoman who brought the doomed journalists to the site, and the brave resistance of the few rig workers who survive Maliki’s brutal assault.
332 pages, Paperback
First published July 15, 2024
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788 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 18, 2025
3.94
Solid, this was a giveaway win for the kindle
Terrorism at its.....finest?
I guess terrorism is a matter of perspective and this book does an ok job of showing that
Solid, this was a giveaway win for the kindle
Terrorism at its.....finest?
I guess terrorism is a matter of perspective and this book does an ok job of showing that
July 18, 2024
When Malcolm Hendricks questions his ability to lead the FBI's Southern California Joint Terrorism Task Force, he is unprepared for the extreme challenges that await him. Lebanese terrorists, organized, ruthless, and determined, have committed an unthinkable act. Smuggling two nuclear devices into the United States via Mexico, they aim to execute a grand plan that threatens not only the country but potentially the entire world. Hendricks finds himself in a frantic race against time, as death looms ever closer to an unsuspecting group of workers at a crucial drilling site.
Terrence Poppa’s Cauldron of Wrath is a fast-paced, action-packed thriller that takes readers on a gripping journey from beyond the Mexican border to Los Angeles and Yellowstone National Park. The stakes are high, with the potential destruction of the United States hanging in the balance. The plot is meticulously developed and paced, creating a palpable sense of desperation as law enforcement and terrorists engage in a tense cat-and-mouse chase.
The FBI's use of spy movie-esque tools adds an edge to their efforts, but the terrorists' cunning ensures that the outcome remains uncertain, heightening the suspense at key moments. The plot's plausibility is commendable, though I feel it does have a distinctly United States-centric perspective. While this focus is understandable given the setting, the global implications of the terrorists' plan present an opportunity to escalate the stakes further, which sometimes feels underexplored. The characters driving the narrative largely fit into clearly defined roles of heroes and villains. However, there are instances of moral ambiguity, with some characters' arcs aiming for emotional depth, and I believe this occasionally detracts from the overall momentum of an otherwise riveting story.
Cauldron of Wrath is a compelling thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Its high-stakes plot, well-matched adversaries, and relentless pacing make it a standout in the genre. This book is particularly well-suited for fans of action-packed narratives and those interested in espionage and terrorism-themed stories.
Terrence Poppa’s Cauldron of Wrath is a fast-paced, action-packed thriller that takes readers on a gripping journey from beyond the Mexican border to Los Angeles and Yellowstone National Park. The stakes are high, with the potential destruction of the United States hanging in the balance. The plot is meticulously developed and paced, creating a palpable sense of desperation as law enforcement and terrorists engage in a tense cat-and-mouse chase.
The FBI's use of spy movie-esque tools adds an edge to their efforts, but the terrorists' cunning ensures that the outcome remains uncertain, heightening the suspense at key moments. The plot's plausibility is commendable, though I feel it does have a distinctly United States-centric perspective. While this focus is understandable given the setting, the global implications of the terrorists' plan present an opportunity to escalate the stakes further, which sometimes feels underexplored. The characters driving the narrative largely fit into clearly defined roles of heroes and villains. However, there are instances of moral ambiguity, with some characters' arcs aiming for emotional depth, and I believe this occasionally detracts from the overall momentum of an otherwise riveting story.
Cauldron of Wrath is a compelling thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Its high-stakes plot, well-matched adversaries, and relentless pacing make it a standout in the genre. This book is particularly well-suited for fans of action-packed narratives and those interested in espionage and terrorism-themed stories.
October 12, 2024
I’ll start off by saying that in spite of the less than glowing rating, I liked the story told here. However, the number of proofreading issues I saw exceeded what I’ll let slide. These ranged from missing words to extra words to the wrong word. We even had my personal favorite case of using the wrong word two times when someone “waived” their hands. As I like to joke, you can only waive your hands once and then you’ll never be able to do it again. But if you’re okay occasionally getting thrown out of the story as you try to figure out what a sentence should have said then this is a pretty intense and entertaining thriller.
The book’s description gives a pretty high-level idea of what happens although how it all turns out and the many tense situations the good guys have to deal with to figure things out and hopefully prevent the majority of the US from being wiped out keeps the reader engaged. The concept of the damage the Yellowstone Caldera could do if it exploded, either naturally or induced to do so as this book imagines is one I’ve seen before. A short story collection called “A Land of Ash” that I read several years ago had multiple authors imagine this happening and writing short stories based on it. That book prepared me to understand just how high the stakes were in this book. The story was driven home for me too because the terrorists and those trying to find and stop them traveled through places I’ve lived so I could picture myself there as the author described an area.
In the end, if you’re into thrillers, able to overlook a fair number of proofreading misses, and the book description sounds interesting, this is a good read that you should give a try.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
The book’s description gives a pretty high-level idea of what happens although how it all turns out and the many tense situations the good guys have to deal with to figure things out and hopefully prevent the majority of the US from being wiped out keeps the reader engaged. The concept of the damage the Yellowstone Caldera could do if it exploded, either naturally or induced to do so as this book imagines is one I’ve seen before. A short story collection called “A Land of Ash” that I read several years ago had multiple authors imagine this happening and writing short stories based on it. That book prepared me to understand just how high the stakes were in this book. The story was driven home for me too because the terrorists and those trying to find and stop them traveled through places I’ve lived so I could picture myself there as the author described an area.
In the end, if you’re into thrillers, able to overlook a fair number of proofreading misses, and the book description sounds interesting, this is a good read that you should give a try.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
July 27, 2024
“Cauldron of Wrath” by Terrence Poppa is a well-conceived page-turner that throws everything at the reader, ranging from Iranian terrorists to nuclear Armageddon that threatens to destroy the USA.
Author Poppa has crafted a tight, clean story that is breathlessly propelled forward by believable action scenes and crisp dialogue, while always exuding an air of authenticity. One gets the feeling he has actually been there, “on the inside,” and knows that of which he writes regarding the fight against terror.
The characters that drive this story are all well executed and believable, from antacid-chewing FBI agent Malcolm Hendricks to terrorist kingpin Abu Hadi Al-Maliki. Adding to the reader’s enjoyment is Poppa’s deft use of different POVs, allowing a deeper understanding of the different sides of this drama.
The story revolves around the race by a US antiterrorism honcho to head off the reported threat of nuclear bombs that have been smuggled into the USA from Mexico. But where are they, in whose hands, and what are the targets? Those are questions Hendricks must solve before the clock is ticking.
I just wish this work had embedded more description, allowing readers to use their senses while more fully while enjoying the story ... "seeing" the characters and settings. As it is, something is missing, like listening to a great movie soundtrack without seeing the picture. Sense-based descriptions would have immeasurably added to the reading experience.
But overall, I quite enjoyed this story and strongly recommend it to thriller fans.
Author Poppa has crafted a tight, clean story that is breathlessly propelled forward by believable action scenes and crisp dialogue, while always exuding an air of authenticity. One gets the feeling he has actually been there, “on the inside,” and knows that of which he writes regarding the fight against terror.
The characters that drive this story are all well executed and believable, from antacid-chewing FBI agent Malcolm Hendricks to terrorist kingpin Abu Hadi Al-Maliki. Adding to the reader’s enjoyment is Poppa’s deft use of different POVs, allowing a deeper understanding of the different sides of this drama.
The story revolves around the race by a US antiterrorism honcho to head off the reported threat of nuclear bombs that have been smuggled into the USA from Mexico. But where are they, in whose hands, and what are the targets? Those are questions Hendricks must solve before the clock is ticking.
I just wish this work had embedded more description, allowing readers to use their senses while more fully while enjoying the story ... "seeing" the characters and settings. As it is, something is missing, like listening to a great movie soundtrack without seeing the picture. Sense-based descriptions would have immeasurably added to the reading experience.
But overall, I quite enjoyed this story and strongly recommend it to thriller fans.
August 5, 2024
The Cauldron of Wrath by Terrence Poppa is an interesting thriller set in the western US. The basic story line is a planned Islamic terror attack with nuclear weapons provided by Iran on Los Angeles and the Yellowstone caldera.
The story begins in the FBI Los Angeles office, where a call is received from a hospital in Mexico that is treating a cartel member for gunshot wounds. While going in and out of consciousness, a nurse hears him mumbling about two nuclear weapons. It turns out the leader of the Islamic terror cell attempted to execute the cartel mules that helped them carry the weapons through a tunnel under the border. Fortunately, one of the cartel mules survived. The leader of the Joint Terrorism Task Force defies the Washington field office and stages a raid of the Mexican hospital to extract the cartel mule and medical staff to the US for further questioning.
After getting the information out of the mule that identified pictures of the two terrorists that accompanied the weapons through the tunnel, the FBI goes into search mode. They access local CCTV surveillance cameras and are able to identify one of the two cars carrying the weapons and identify the terrorists. They are able to track the car to the LA area. The terrorists switch vehicles with a different driver taking the original car on a secondary route to protect the mission. Using cell phone call data from the diversion car to the other vehicle, they are able to locate the weapon.
Using cell phone records from the terrorist, they are able to identify the direction of travel of the other bomb. This is the major part of the story in how they identify the target and are able to deactivate the bomb before it can be detonated.
The novel is a conventional thriller novel with a little bit of science fiction thrown in regarding what the terrorists are attempting to accomplish with bomb.
The story begins in the FBI Los Angeles office, where a call is received from a hospital in Mexico that is treating a cartel member for gunshot wounds. While going in and out of consciousness, a nurse hears him mumbling about two nuclear weapons. It turns out the leader of the Islamic terror cell attempted to execute the cartel mules that helped them carry the weapons through a tunnel under the border. Fortunately, one of the cartel mules survived. The leader of the Joint Terrorism Task Force defies the Washington field office and stages a raid of the Mexican hospital to extract the cartel mule and medical staff to the US for further questioning.
After getting the information out of the mule that identified pictures of the two terrorists that accompanied the weapons through the tunnel, the FBI goes into search mode. They access local CCTV surveillance cameras and are able to identify one of the two cars carrying the weapons and identify the terrorists. They are able to track the car to the LA area. The terrorists switch vehicles with a different driver taking the original car on a secondary route to protect the mission. Using cell phone call data from the diversion car to the other vehicle, they are able to locate the weapon.
Using cell phone records from the terrorist, they are able to identify the direction of travel of the other bomb. This is the major part of the story in how they identify the target and are able to deactivate the bomb before it can be detonated.
The novel is a conventional thriller novel with a little bit of science fiction thrown in regarding what the terrorists are attempting to accomplish with bomb.
July 23, 2025
Cauldron of Wrath is a fast-paced, high-stakes thriller that grabbed me from the first chapter. The plot—terrorists smuggling two nuclear bombs into the U.S., with one aimed at triggering a catastrophic eruption of the Yellowstone supervolcano—is both intense and timely. It’s a bold, cinematic premise that plays out like a suspenseful action film, full of close calls, hidden tunnels, and explosive confrontations. FBI agent Malcolm Hendricks makes for a compelling lead, torn between duty and personal stakes.
The pacing is relentless, and the stakes couldn’t be higher, which keeps the pages turning. That said, the book could benefit from a more thorough proofreading pass—frequent errors like missing words or incorrect usage occasionally pulled me out of the story. I also found myself wishing for richer descriptions in certain scenes to help visualize the characters and settings more clearly.
One thing that really stood out was the cover. It resembles a computer game screenshot more than a thriller novel, and I believe a more professional, eye-catching design would go a long way in drawing in new readers.
Overall, Cauldron of Wrath is a gripping and ambitious read that fans of action-packed thrillers, terrorism plots, and geo-disaster scenarios will likely enjoy—if they can overlook some rough edges in the editing and presentation.
The pacing is relentless, and the stakes couldn’t be higher, which keeps the pages turning. That said, the book could benefit from a more thorough proofreading pass—frequent errors like missing words or incorrect usage occasionally pulled me out of the story. I also found myself wishing for richer descriptions in certain scenes to help visualize the characters and settings more clearly.
One thing that really stood out was the cover. It resembles a computer game screenshot more than a thriller novel, and I believe a more professional, eye-catching design would go a long way in drawing in new readers.
Overall, Cauldron of Wrath is a gripping and ambitious read that fans of action-packed thrillers, terrorism plots, and geo-disaster scenarios will likely enjoy—if they can overlook some rough edges in the editing and presentation.
October 16, 2024
“Cauldron of Wrath” by Terrence Poppa is a fast-paced, heart-pounding thriller that kept me hooked from the start. The plot is terrifyingly plausible: Iranian terrorists smuggle two nuclear bombs into the US, with one set to trigger a super-volcanic eruption at Yellowstone. The idea of using atomic terror in such a catastrophic way adds a chilling layer to the already tense narrative.
The book’s strength lies in its well-drawn characters and shifting perspectives. FBI agent Malcolm Hendricks is a solid protagonist—relentless and resourceful, yet relatable with his personal challenges. The story is enriched by the emotional depth between characters, particularly the father-son subplot on the drilling rig. Poppa’s detailed portrayal of the terrorists’ motivations and the clash of ideologies among them add another level of intrigue.
Though I would have liked a bit more description to really immerse myself in the settings, the pacing, action, and clever dialogue more than make up for it. With plenty of suspense, a dash of humour, and a unique and thought-provoking take on nuclear terror, “Cauldron of Wrath” is a thrilling ride for any genre fan, leaving you intrigued and wanting more.
The book’s strength lies in its well-drawn characters and shifting perspectives. FBI agent Malcolm Hendricks is a solid protagonist—relentless and resourceful, yet relatable with his personal challenges. The story is enriched by the emotional depth between characters, particularly the father-son subplot on the drilling rig. Poppa’s detailed portrayal of the terrorists’ motivations and the clash of ideologies among them add another level of intrigue.
Though I would have liked a bit more description to really immerse myself in the settings, the pacing, action, and clever dialogue more than make up for it. With plenty of suspense, a dash of humour, and a unique and thought-provoking take on nuclear terror, “Cauldron of Wrath” is a thrilling ride for any genre fan, leaving you intrigued and wanting more.
April 21, 2025
Terrence Poppa has done it again with another tightly written, neat banger of an action flick. The narrative presents a meticulously crafted and adrenaline-fueled tale of nuclear terror that vividly evokes a sense of stark realism. The plot unfolds with both horrifying and mesmerizing intensity: a group of terrorists clandestinely smuggles nuclear bombs into the United States, harboring a sinister plan to unleash a devastating eruption at Yellowstone. The storyline grips the reader, pulling them into a world where the stakes couldn't be higher, and the tension is palpable with every page.
The narrative gains profound enrichment through the emotional depth woven between its characters. The raw, unspoken bond between the two is depicted with such nuance that it resonates with authenticity and heartache. Meanwhile, Poppa’s intricate depiction of the terrorists' motivations unfolds with vivid clarity, painting a complex mosaic of fear, desperation, and conviction. The clash of ideologies among them is depicted in rich detail, adding an additional layer of intrigue that captivates the reader and invites them to delve deeper into the tumultuous world where principles collide and loyalties are tested.
An excellent read for any thriller lover out there among us.
The narrative gains profound enrichment through the emotional depth woven between its characters. The raw, unspoken bond between the two is depicted with such nuance that it resonates with authenticity and heartache. Meanwhile, Poppa’s intricate depiction of the terrorists' motivations unfolds with vivid clarity, painting a complex mosaic of fear, desperation, and conviction. The clash of ideologies among them is depicted in rich detail, adding an additional layer of intrigue that captivates the reader and invites them to delve deeper into the tumultuous world where principles collide and loyalties are tested.
An excellent read for any thriller lover out there among us.
August 10, 2024
Cauldron of Wrath is quite an unusual but certainly amazing novel. It offers a thought-out and fast-paced story of nuclear terror that conveys a super realistic feeling. The plot is both terrifying and captivating: terrorists smuggle nuclear bombs into the US and intend to trigger a catastrophic eruption at Yellowstone. The tension builds through a clever mix of perspectives, from the FBI counterterrorism experts who’re battling time to the terrorists themselves, whose motives are intricate but also downright chilling. The narrative, moreover, is enriched by a father-son subplot that adds a lot of emotional depth and makes the stakes even higher. The story shines in its detailed portrayal of characters. Each of them has their own particular voice, which surfaces in a unique linguistic style. This becomes especially clear in the tense dialogue between two terrorists debating the nuances of their mission. FBI agent Malcolm Hendricks makes a perfect protagonist, who narrowly averts one disaster in Los Angeles only to face a much greater challenge as he hunts down the second bomb. With a pinch of good-spirited humor here and there to balance the rough tension, this book is a perfect pick for thriller fans.
September 1, 2024
Cauldron of Wrath by Terrence Poppa is an adrenaline-fueled page turner that needs to be made into a movie!
A group of Hezbollah terrorists have smuggled two atomic bombs into the US from Mexico in an attempt to destroy the US. They’re described as a large one and a small one—a nod to ‘Little Boy’ and ‘Fat Man’ and the terrible destruction they caused when dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima by the US. A sort of ‘divine retribution’ maybe?
They plan on using one in the city of LA as a diversion for the big one—in Yellowstone National Park, thereby triggering a US-based extinction event eruption.
Only FBI agent Hendricks and drilling expert Harley Duke can stop them. But time is running out and they are short on leads.
This book had me gripped from the first page to the last. It’s well-written, with great pacing and only a few minor typos. They characters are realistic, although I preferred Harley to Hendricks, and the support cast worked well.
I can easily see this as an action/disaster movie.
A group of Hezbollah terrorists have smuggled two atomic bombs into the US from Mexico in an attempt to destroy the US. They’re described as a large one and a small one—a nod to ‘Little Boy’ and ‘Fat Man’ and the terrible destruction they caused when dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima by the US. A sort of ‘divine retribution’ maybe?
They plan on using one in the city of LA as a diversion for the big one—in Yellowstone National Park, thereby triggering a US-based extinction event eruption.
Only FBI agent Hendricks and drilling expert Harley Duke can stop them. But time is running out and they are short on leads.
This book had me gripped from the first page to the last. It’s well-written, with great pacing and only a few minor typos. They characters are realistic, although I preferred Harley to Hendricks, and the support cast worked well.
I can easily see this as an action/disaster movie.
November 8, 2024
"Cauldron of Wrath" by Poppa is an intense and darkly riveting tale. The story plunges readers into a world where fury and vengeance simmer just beneath the surface, threatening to boil over at any moment. Poppa's writing is raw and unflinching, capturing the raw emotions of the characters with vivid detail. The narrative is both gripping and unsettling, ensuring that readers are hooked from the very first page to the last. If you're a fan of psychological thrillers that explore the darker sides of human nature, this book is a must-read.
Read more on my blog Thugbrarian Review at: https://thugbrarianreview.wordpress.c...
Read more on my blog Thugbrarian Review at: https://thugbrarianreview.wordpress.c...
December 27, 2024
This is a fast paced adventure novel with a well constructed plot involving nuclear weapon terrorism. There's lots of suspense and tension that kept me riveted to the story. The characters were interesting enough but basically boiled down to good guy/bad guy depictions. If you're into this genre I would make this book a solid recommend.
October 31, 2024
If you can get through the lack of sufficient character development and occasional proofreading errors, this is a pretty solid story about Muslim terrorists sneaking two nukes into the country with the goal of ending life as we know it in the US. There are several players to keep track of as author Terrence Poppa moves us through the plot. I wish Poppa would have spent a little more time introducing us to some backstories of the main protagonists.
The action is non-stop with some (expected) moments of unbelievability in order to keep things moving. In particular, I found it hard to believe how quickly the good guys connected the dots on the targets for the nukes - especially the second one.
All in all, this is a decent thriller that reads fast and ends satisfactorily.
REVIEW UPDATE 10-30-24: The proofreading errors that detracted from the story have been corrected making this now a 4 star book in my humble opinion.
The action is non-stop with some (expected) moments of unbelievability in order to keep things moving. In particular, I found it hard to believe how quickly the good guys connected the dots on the targets for the nukes - especially the second one.
All in all, this is a decent thriller that reads fast and ends satisfactorily.
REVIEW UPDATE 10-30-24: The proofreading errors that detracted from the story have been corrected making this now a 4 star book in my humble opinion.
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