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Special Agent Alexandra Martel #3
Blood Oath
In this action-packed thriller, Special Agent Alex Martel's fight becomes personal when her father is abducted by rebel forces.
In the heart of Africa, CIA Special Agent Alexandra Martel’s safari with her father spirals into a deadly game of betrayal when he is kidnapped by rebels. Suddenly, her peaceful Serengeti vacation transforms into a desperate race against time. As the general is held by local rebels, Russian mercenaries and Chinese MSS operatives descend on East Africa, all hunting the military secrets locked in her father’s mind.
Alex assembles an elite team to navigate the treacherous terrain, but complications arise when her CIA boss, Caleb, shows up unexpectedly, stirring feelings she’s tried to bury since her husband’s death. As competing forces close in, Alex uncovers betrayals stretching from the Serengeti to the highest levels of global intelligence. Trust becomes as scarce as water in the African savanna.
With enemies converging from all sides, Alex must embrace her darkest instincts to save her father. But in a world where allies become enemies, and nothing is as it seems, how much of herself is she willing to sacrifice to honor the bonds of blood?
In the heart of Africa, CIA Special Agent Alexandra Martel’s safari with her father spirals into a deadly game of betrayal when he is kidnapped by rebels. Suddenly, her peaceful Serengeti vacation transforms into a desperate race against time. As the general is held by local rebels, Russian mercenaries and Chinese MSS operatives descend on East Africa, all hunting the military secrets locked in her father’s mind.
Alex assembles an elite team to navigate the treacherous terrain, but complications arise when her CIA boss, Caleb, shows up unexpectedly, stirring feelings she’s tried to bury since her husband’s death. As competing forces close in, Alex uncovers betrayals stretching from the Serengeti to the highest levels of global intelligence. Trust becomes as scarce as water in the African savanna.
With enemies converging from all sides, Alex must embrace her darkest instincts to save her father. But in a world where allies become enemies, and nothing is as it seems, how much of herself is she willing to sacrifice to honor the bonds of blood?
304 pages, Hardcover
First published November 18, 2025
16 people are currently reading
4612 people want to read
About the author
Steve Urszenyi
7 books195 followersSteve Urszenyi served for many years as a paramedic and a police tactical medic. He is an expert in chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE) incident response. When not writing, Steve loves international travel and touring on his Harley-Davidson with his wife, Lynne.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
November 2, 2025
Steve Urszenyi’s third book in the Alexandra (Alex) Martel series is another vivid, suspenseful, and action-packed novel. In
Blood Oath,
Alex and her father, retired general David Martel are on a photography safari in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. But the peaceful and reconnecting vacation turns violent when a park patrol is assaulted and the general is kidnapped by rebels. The vacation becomes a race against time as Russian mercenaries and Chinese operatives arrive wanting the military secrets they can extract from David.
Complications arrive when her CIA boos, Caleb, arrives unexpectedly. They assemble an elite team to rescue the general, but betrayals are in abundance. Who can Alex trust? Nothing is as it seems.
Alex is a contract CIA paramilitary officer who loves action, is a problem solver, trustworthy, intelligent, and courageous. She’s a strong warrior protagonist who believes in justice, duty, and honor, and she feels satisfied when she halts a threat. She’s also a formidable investigator and analyst, and she has a sharp, tactical mind. While she can be charming, she’s not subtle, and doesn’t always follow orders well. Caleb has a calm and casual façade, but he is confident, effective, and lethal. While he is also cleaver and charming, he has a temper. He also has great situational awareness and leadership skills. I enjoyed their banter and want to know where it will go in the future.
As always, Urszenyi’s writing style immediately pulled me into the story. The plot is well-written and the character development was excellent. Exciting action scenes and a couple of surprises kept me captivated from beginning to end. The riveting plot moves at a sizzling pace and the tension level was high throughout. Nearly everyone had agendas and the novel features deception, betrayal, espionage, power, protecting political careers, national security, compromise, cooperation, and more. There are some discussions of weaponry and scenery, but that didn’t detract me from the main action and story line. The world-building was excellent and gave readers a real sense of place; including some of the challenges faced by those who live there. My quibble with the book came at the end. While the main story was resolved, there were threads that will undoubtedly be prominent in the next book. I wanted a little more closure.
This book felt like it could happen all too easily despite some over-the-top action scenes. Real-world issues were incorporated into the story that added an extra layer of suspense.
Overall, this intense, action-packed, and exciting thriller keeps readers on an emotional rollercoaster, quickly turning pages. This was an excellent addition to what I hope will be a long high-octane and dynamic series. I can’t wait to read the next book featuring Alex and Caleb. Don’t miss out on this series.
St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and Steve Urszenyi provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for November 18, 2025.
----------------------------------------
My 4.22 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Complications arrive when her CIA boos, Caleb, arrives unexpectedly. They assemble an elite team to rescue the general, but betrayals are in abundance. Who can Alex trust? Nothing is as it seems.
Alex is a contract CIA paramilitary officer who loves action, is a problem solver, trustworthy, intelligent, and courageous. She’s a strong warrior protagonist who believes in justice, duty, and honor, and she feels satisfied when she halts a threat. She’s also a formidable investigator and analyst, and she has a sharp, tactical mind. While she can be charming, she’s not subtle, and doesn’t always follow orders well. Caleb has a calm and casual façade, but he is confident, effective, and lethal. While he is also cleaver and charming, he has a temper. He also has great situational awareness and leadership skills. I enjoyed their banter and want to know where it will go in the future.
As always, Urszenyi’s writing style immediately pulled me into the story. The plot is well-written and the character development was excellent. Exciting action scenes and a couple of surprises kept me captivated from beginning to end. The riveting plot moves at a sizzling pace and the tension level was high throughout. Nearly everyone had agendas and the novel features deception, betrayal, espionage, power, protecting political careers, national security, compromise, cooperation, and more. There are some discussions of weaponry and scenery, but that didn’t detract me from the main action and story line. The world-building was excellent and gave readers a real sense of place; including some of the challenges faced by those who live there. My quibble with the book came at the end. While the main story was resolved, there were threads that will undoubtedly be prominent in the next book. I wanted a little more closure.
This book felt like it could happen all too easily despite some over-the-top action scenes. Real-world issues were incorporated into the story that added an extra layer of suspense.
Overall, this intense, action-packed, and exciting thriller keeps readers on an emotional rollercoaster, quickly turning pages. This was an excellent addition to what I hope will be a long high-octane and dynamic series. I can’t wait to read the next book featuring Alex and Caleb. Don’t miss out on this series.
St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and Steve Urszenyi provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for November 18, 2025.
----------------------------------------
My 4.22 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
September 9, 2025
I have heard an evil rumor that this will be the last book in this series. I know for a fact that the author have more to come about Alex Martel. Blood Oath is the third adventure with this anything but ordinary protagonist. I have been enjoying these books now for three years and although the first was great, this one is an incredibly well told story and in my mind the best so far from this author. Steve Urszenyi has been writing for many years but he is rather new as a published storyteller and he deserve every kind of support he can get. I have found out through my many years as a reader that Canadian authors are something else when it comes to writing. This book is well written and fast paced and so full of thrills and action. It also tells a story that is actually very close to real life events going on right now on the African continent. For Alex it starts out as a simple safari with her dad, something that is not happening a lot. Suddenly they are faced with violence and it turns out that it's not something they could imagine. Soon the plains of Tanzania is filled with a power struggle between four nations and Alex has some work to do. Besides being on my list of authors I recommend for fans of good books I also urge you to preorder this one to help us readers getting more adventures in the future. I must thank Edelweiss , Macmillan and Minotaur Books for this advance copy. The book is out in the wild on the 18th of November. Don't miss this one.
August 21, 2025
3.5 stars, but I'm rounding up to 4 because the ending did surprise me a bit, and I do so love it when authors surprise me.
Alex Martel, former special services / current spy, is in Africa on vacation with her father, a famous general. When he's kidnapped, she will stop at nothing to rescue him. Overall, a fast-paced and enjoyable spy thriller.
So, why the deduction in stars? Well, the author clearly didn't do his research with regard to some of the Russian elements in here. The name in Russian is Artem (or Artyom, depending on how you transliterate) and Tarasenko is such a strongly Ukrainian last name, it's a bit unlikely for a native of Siberia, though I could live with that. Also, kitayets (китаец) is NOT a pejorative term to refer to a Chinese person. It simply means a Chinese man! Nothing more, nothing less.
Thank you to NetGalley for the free review copy.
Alex Martel, former special services / current spy, is in Africa on vacation with her father, a famous general. When he's kidnapped, she will stop at nothing to rescue him. Overall, a fast-paced and enjoyable spy thriller.
So, why the deduction in stars? Well, the author clearly didn't do his research with regard to some of the Russian elements in here. The name in Russian is Artem (or Artyom, depending on how you transliterate) and Tarasenko is such a strongly Ukrainian last name, it's a bit unlikely for a native of Siberia, though I could live with that. Also, kitayets (китаец) is NOT a pejorative term to refer to a Chinese person. It simply means a Chinese man! Nothing more, nothing less.
Thank you to NetGalley for the free review copy.
November 19, 2025
Blood Oath 4⭐️
This book in the Alex Martel series takes us to Africa where Alex is enjoying a safari vacation until her father, the general, is taken and held captive. Obviously, Alex can’t sit around hoping for good news. She jumps in at 100% with her childhood promise on repeat in her mind. While this book didn’t seem to have as much action as the first two books, the writing still drew me in and I appreciated seeing the more vulnerable side to Alex (even though she still kicks ass and is tough as nails). I’m not usually drawn to military thrillers, but Urszenyi’s writing style keeps me engaged throughout the entire series.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for this ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Pub Date Nov 18 2025
——————————-
Jumping into book #3 in the series! (Available in November)
I was introduced to this series when I won book #2 in a Goodreads Giveaway. I purchased the audiobook version of book #1 so I could read them in order and absolutely devoured them! I HAD to snag this one when I saw it become available on NetGalley!
This book in the Alex Martel series takes us to Africa where Alex is enjoying a safari vacation until her father, the general, is taken and held captive. Obviously, Alex can’t sit around hoping for good news. She jumps in at 100% with her childhood promise on repeat in her mind. While this book didn’t seem to have as much action as the first two books, the writing still drew me in and I appreciated seeing the more vulnerable side to Alex (even though she still kicks ass and is tough as nails). I’m not usually drawn to military thrillers, but Urszenyi’s writing style keeps me engaged throughout the entire series.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for this ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Pub Date Nov 18 2025
——————————-
Jumping into book #3 in the series! (Available in November)
I was introduced to this series when I won book #2 in a Goodreads Giveaway. I purchased the audiobook version of book #1 so I could read them in order and absolutely devoured them! I HAD to snag this one when I saw it become available on NetGalley!
October 28, 2025
Blood Oath
An Alex Martel Thriller
Steve Urszenyi
11/18/2025
Minotaur
Blood Oath by Steve Urszenyi is everything I want in a high-stakes thriller and then some. I’ve read every book in the Special Agent Alexandra Martel series, and each time I’m reminded that Alex is so much more than a contract CIA paramilitary officer and sharpshooter. She’s a daughter, a soldier, a fighter, and a warrior with a heart that still beats for justice. She’s capable, vulnerable, and deeply committed. She's the kind of character who bleeds authenticity and moral grit even when the world around her is chaos.
This time, Alex and her father, General David Martel, are supposed to be on a peaceful safari where the only thing being shot should be with a telephoto lens. But of course, that serenity doesn’t last long. When danger strikes and her father is taken, what follows is a breathless race across the African terrain, layered with political tension, global espionage, and the kind of betrayal that crosses continents. Urszenyi’s background in tactical operations shows in every detail, grounding the action with realism and pulse-pounding precision.
What truly sets Blood Oath apart is its sheer sense of place and atmosphere. From the language to the food, the hierarchy among African power players, and the complex mix of rebels, mercenaries, and intelligence operatives, the world feels alive and dangerous. It’s more than just a mission. This is personal, emotional, and utterly consuming. This series just keeps getting better, and Blood Oath proves that Alexandra Martel isn’t just one of the fiercest women in modern thrillers — she’s one of the most human.
An Alex Martel Thriller
Steve Urszenyi
11/18/2025
Minotaur
Blood Oath by Steve Urszenyi is everything I want in a high-stakes thriller and then some. I’ve read every book in the Special Agent Alexandra Martel series, and each time I’m reminded that Alex is so much more than a contract CIA paramilitary officer and sharpshooter. She’s a daughter, a soldier, a fighter, and a warrior with a heart that still beats for justice. She’s capable, vulnerable, and deeply committed. She's the kind of character who bleeds authenticity and moral grit even when the world around her is chaos.
This time, Alex and her father, General David Martel, are supposed to be on a peaceful safari where the only thing being shot should be with a telephoto lens. But of course, that serenity doesn’t last long. When danger strikes and her father is taken, what follows is a breathless race across the African terrain, layered with political tension, global espionage, and the kind of betrayal that crosses continents. Urszenyi’s background in tactical operations shows in every detail, grounding the action with realism and pulse-pounding precision.
What truly sets Blood Oath apart is its sheer sense of place and atmosphere. From the language to the food, the hierarchy among African power players, and the complex mix of rebels, mercenaries, and intelligence operatives, the world feels alive and dangerous. It’s more than just a mission. This is personal, emotional, and utterly consuming. This series just keeps getting better, and Blood Oath proves that Alexandra Martel isn’t just one of the fiercest women in modern thrillers — she’s one of the most human.
January 15, 2026
Book #3 was well worth waiting for, it did not disappoint! If you are looking for a thriller with no slow moving parts, this is it. I do hope there will be more to come.
Update: I have heard from a trustworthy source that the publisher will not publish the remaining 2 books in this series. How incredibly disappointing and unbelievable!
Update: I have heard from a trustworthy source that the publisher will not publish the remaining 2 books in this series. How incredibly disappointing and unbelievable!
October 17, 2025
TL;DR:
Authentic, detailed, and clearly written by someone who knows their stuff — but the realism came at the cost of immersion for me personally. 3⭐️
(Full review below)
I wanted to love Blood Oath. It’s well-researched, grounded, and very technically sharp. It’s the kind of book you can tell was written by someone who’s actually lived what they’re writing about. But ultimately, it wasn’t quite the right fit for me.
First, full credit where it’s due: the realism here is phenomenal. The author clearly knows military life inside and out. Acronyms like SERE (survival, evasion, resistance, and escape) are properly defined, and even when he dives into technical detail — from communications and planning to weapon handling — it’s done with confidence and detail. The plot itself is simple and clean, leaving space for all that procedural depth.
Alex is a strong protagonist, though she’s impulsive in a way that sometimes clashes with the disciplined, trained soldier she’s supposed to be. A small part of me also wished we’d been given a Canadian hero. Maybe this is just the Canadian in me, but with the author himself being Canadian, and the subtle nods (like using “klicks” or the French word “apropos”), it seemed fitting. I do understand the choice, though; America is a much larger readership and I’m assuming Americans don’t much like reading about Canadians.
Where I struggled was the barrier to entry for casual readers. Even though the author gave us the tools needed to succeed in comprehending his book (terms defined, functional as a standalone book, etc.), this book required constant decoding of jargon and this can be very mentally taxing. For me, reading is about unwinding and escaping and this book demands too much technical focus to do that. But for some people, that level of accuracy all the way down to the language used, could really make the reading experience unique so it’s not a flaw by any means, just a stylistic mismatch for me.
Blood Oath ends on a solid cliffhanger that sets up the next book well and leaves me curious about Alex’s future. But realistically, this is where I’ll leave the story.
Still, I genuinely want this author to succeed. As a veteran and Canadian writer, he deserves recognition for producing something so authentic and well-crafted for his intended audience, even if that audience just isn’t me.
Authentic, detailed, and clearly written by someone who knows their stuff — but the realism came at the cost of immersion for me personally. 3⭐️
(Full review below)
I wanted to love Blood Oath. It’s well-researched, grounded, and very technically sharp. It’s the kind of book you can tell was written by someone who’s actually lived what they’re writing about. But ultimately, it wasn’t quite the right fit for me.
First, full credit where it’s due: the realism here is phenomenal. The author clearly knows military life inside and out. Acronyms like SERE (survival, evasion, resistance, and escape) are properly defined, and even when he dives into technical detail — from communications and planning to weapon handling — it’s done with confidence and detail. The plot itself is simple and clean, leaving space for all that procedural depth.
Alex is a strong protagonist, though she’s impulsive in a way that sometimes clashes with the disciplined, trained soldier she’s supposed to be. A small part of me also wished we’d been given a Canadian hero. Maybe this is just the Canadian in me, but with the author himself being Canadian, and the subtle nods (like using “klicks” or the French word “apropos”), it seemed fitting. I do understand the choice, though; America is a much larger readership and I’m assuming Americans don’t much like reading about Canadians.
Where I struggled was the barrier to entry for casual readers. Even though the author gave us the tools needed to succeed in comprehending his book (terms defined, functional as a standalone book, etc.), this book required constant decoding of jargon and this can be very mentally taxing. For me, reading is about unwinding and escaping and this book demands too much technical focus to do that. But for some people, that level of accuracy all the way down to the language used, could really make the reading experience unique so it’s not a flaw by any means, just a stylistic mismatch for me.
Blood Oath ends on a solid cliffhanger that sets up the next book well and leaves me curious about Alex’s future. But realistically, this is where I’ll leave the story.
Still, I genuinely want this author to succeed. As a veteran and Canadian writer, he deserves recognition for producing something so authentic and well-crafted for his intended audience, even if that audience just isn’t me.
November 17, 2025
4 stars
I have really enjoyed all three installments of this series because they feature a fantastic lead, a nice mix of thrills and character development, and some intriguing locales. This time, we're off to Africa for one truly unforgettable trip.
Alex Martel kicks a lot of butt both physically and intellectually, and the person who appreciates this most is her dad. That's why it's so compelling to be on safari with the two of them. Can they really take a day off, though? Unlikely. Somehow, trouble finds both of them at every turn, and we know for sure Alex will never be one to turn away from that.
The stakes are incredibly high this round, and that really adds to the suspense that's already baked in to this format. I tore through this almost all at once because I really needed to know the outcomes. In the midst of the high suspense, there's also...romance. This is not my jam, and while I'd be happy for Alex to just get into that business when I'm not around, I also think there's an important development of her vulnerability happening with this inclusion.
Urszenyi puts Alex and readers through the ringer in a good way, and we all come out having learned something valuable...and feeling ready for the next adventure.
As noted, this book is the third in a series. Yes, it can be read as a standalone, but that would be a real miss. The predecessors are great, and so is the development they feature. Recommended.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I have really enjoyed all three installments of this series because they feature a fantastic lead, a nice mix of thrills and character development, and some intriguing locales. This time, we're off to Africa for one truly unforgettable trip.
Alex Martel kicks a lot of butt both physically and intellectually, and the person who appreciates this most is her dad. That's why it's so compelling to be on safari with the two of them. Can they really take a day off, though? Unlikely. Somehow, trouble finds both of them at every turn, and we know for sure Alex will never be one to turn away from that.
The stakes are incredibly high this round, and that really adds to the suspense that's already baked in to this format. I tore through this almost all at once because I really needed to know the outcomes. In the midst of the high suspense, there's also...romance. This is not my jam, and while I'd be happy for Alex to just get into that business when I'm not around, I also think there's an important development of her vulnerability happening with this inclusion.
Urszenyi puts Alex and readers through the ringer in a good way, and we all come out having learned something valuable...and feeling ready for the next adventure.
As noted, this book is the third in a series. Yes, it can be read as a standalone, but that would be a real miss. The predecessors are great, and so is the development they feature. Recommended.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
November 16, 2025
Book three in the Alex Martel series. Can it standalone? Sure - but I think it’s more rewarding to read from the beginning to truly get a sense of what drives Alex. It’s refreshing to find a series centered on a female warrior rather than the typical male Reacher type. This series is well written, fast paced and action packed. Some people have commented that it’s unrealistic and over the top, and it possibly is, but it certainly is a series that meets the needs of any adrenaline junky, or anyone for that matter, who wants their reads to keep them invested in the story until the very end. This installment is mission oriented like the previous ones, but is as personal as it gets for Alex. Her mission is to rescue her father who’s been kidnapped by rebels and is at risk of being sold to the highest bidder for the national security secrets he holds. The author does a great job of creating a narrative that is descriptive of setting, mission and action, all while maintaining the sense of the unbreakable bond between a daughter and her father.
September 30, 2025
Blood Oath is another fast paced welll plotted book in the Alexandra Martel Series and my favourite to date.
The action is intense as Alex is on a mission to rescue her father being held captive in retalitaion for one of Alex's victims.
Everyone needs an Alex in their life: she is loyal anayltic, determined and knows no fear.
The locale is Africa which is character unto itself in the book and the writing is so descriptive I felt I was right there.
The book is gripping from start to finish and once you start reading you wont be able to stop.
Steve Urszenyi will have the reader holding their breath and hoping for the best.
I certainly hope we meet up with Alex again in another adventure.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for the privilege of reading and reviewing Blood Oath.
The action is intense as Alex is on a mission to rescue her father being held captive in retalitaion for one of Alex's victims.
Everyone needs an Alex in their life: she is loyal anayltic, determined and knows no fear.
The locale is Africa which is character unto itself in the book and the writing is so descriptive I felt I was right there.
The book is gripping from start to finish and once you start reading you wont be able to stop.
Steve Urszenyi will have the reader holding their breath and hoping for the best.
I certainly hope we meet up with Alex again in another adventure.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for the privilege of reading and reviewing Blood Oath.
November 3, 2025
Blood Oath is the third book in the Alex Martel series, and Alex and her father, a retired General, are on safari in Africa when insurgents kidnap the General as he’s heading to the airport. Alex, a CIA Special Agent is hell bent on rescuing him, with or without her country’s help. Another action packed adventure, but this is more of a team effort instead of Alex striking out on her own. That doesn’t diminish the plot however, as Alex and her team are in a desperate race to rescue her father, who’s been heading up a secret US arms base in Africa, and is valuable to all three factions involved in the area - the rebels, the Russians and the Chinese. This makes for a suspenseful read as Alex battles all these forces, and the clock, to save her father. A good read in this series, and the ending sets up the next book, which looks promising. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2025
This series keeps getting better and better
November 17, 2025
My thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books/St. Martin's Publishing for the ARC of "Blood Oath" in exchange for an honest review.
There's nothing to get a reader's blood pumping faster than another Steve Urszenyi action crammed thriller about ultra Special Agent Alex Martel. Supreme sniper, fearless fighter and deployed by the CIA, FBI, Interpol and who who knows how many other clandestine special ops teams, this woman is a global force to be reckoned with. And woe to any terrorists, mercenaries, oligarchs or tyrannical regimes who unwisely tangle with her.
This time the stakes rise up higher than ever for Alex. While on a Serengeti Plains photo safari with her father, General David Martel, bloodthirsty rebels kidnap and brutalize her dad, planning to turn him over to Chinese forces. Gen. Martel faces certain death, but only after the Chinese have tortured him for top secret info that will severely damage a vital operation in Africa. To further up the catastrophe level, Russian forces under the command of an equally ruthless officer are on their way to eliminate the General altogether.
Alex, fueled by a raging desire for payback and a long ago oath she and her father took to protect each other, wants an immediate rescue mission with guns blazing. But she's forced to hold back and proceed with caution by the the CIA director and her own boss (and hopeful love interest) Caleb. Anyone who know anything about Alex, (including her adversaries well aware of her skills) knows she can't be contained and kept in check for too long......especially with her father in such immediate danger.
Readers of this series who know the kind of explosive action and suspense that erupts in the Alex Martel universe will not come away from this book disappointed.. In fact, the ending may leave them surprised and intrigued at an all new, even more perilous path that Alex has been left to take.
A top notch,, turn-the-pages-faster-than-bullets thrill-a-thon......a guaranteed 'don't miss' for all armchair secret agent adventurers.
(all my other reviews can also be found at www.thesandyquill.blogspot.com)
There's nothing to get a reader's blood pumping faster than another Steve Urszenyi action crammed thriller about ultra Special Agent Alex Martel. Supreme sniper, fearless fighter and deployed by the CIA, FBI, Interpol and who who knows how many other clandestine special ops teams, this woman is a global force to be reckoned with. And woe to any terrorists, mercenaries, oligarchs or tyrannical regimes who unwisely tangle with her.
This time the stakes rise up higher than ever for Alex. While on a Serengeti Plains photo safari with her father, General David Martel, bloodthirsty rebels kidnap and brutalize her dad, planning to turn him over to Chinese forces. Gen. Martel faces certain death, but only after the Chinese have tortured him for top secret info that will severely damage a vital operation in Africa. To further up the catastrophe level, Russian forces under the command of an equally ruthless officer are on their way to eliminate the General altogether.
Alex, fueled by a raging desire for payback and a long ago oath she and her father took to protect each other, wants an immediate rescue mission with guns blazing. But she's forced to hold back and proceed with caution by the the CIA director and her own boss (and hopeful love interest) Caleb. Anyone who know anything about Alex, (including her adversaries well aware of her skills) knows she can't be contained and kept in check for too long......especially with her father in such immediate danger.
Readers of this series who know the kind of explosive action and suspense that erupts in the Alex Martel universe will not come away from this book disappointed.. In fact, the ending may leave them surprised and intrigued at an all new, even more perilous path that Alex has been left to take.
A top notch,, turn-the-pages-faster-than-bullets thrill-a-thon......a guaranteed 'don't miss' for all armchair secret agent adventurers.
(all my other reviews can also be found at www.thesandyquill.blogspot.com)
August 19, 2025
Fast moving intense action thriller populated with spies from several countries and set in the lush beauty of Africa. Call me a 21st century suffragette, but I am totally down with the female with a personal arsenal who uses it effectively and has an analytic mind that outthinks the opposing entities. If you like heading into unfamiliar surroundings to do whatever you have to, you'll love this installment as much as I do.
you will love this fast action tale as much as I did!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Avail Nov 18, 2025 *****review #bookbub #goodreads #LibraryThing
#BloodOath by #SteveUrszenyi #SpecialAgentAlexMartelBk3 #stmartinspress #minotaur_books
#InternationalThriller #PoliticalSuspense #cia #abduction #extraction #Africa #scenic #riveting
you will love this fast action tale as much as I did!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Avail Nov 18, 2025 *****review #bookbub #goodreads #LibraryThing
#BloodOath by #SteveUrszenyi #SpecialAgentAlexMartelBk3 #stmartinspress #minotaur_books
#InternationalThriller #PoliticalSuspense #cia #abduction #extraction #Africa #scenic #riveting
September 6, 2025
Blood Oath was a good story, but not an amazing story. Too much downtime and not enough action for me, unlike the first 2 books; which I loved.
Alex and her father are on an African safari vacation and her father is abducted by an African terrorist gang(being paid for by the Russains). So, add
some bad-ass Russain PMC's, some Chinese 3 letter agency bad guys, and let the fun begin. Alex and her teammates go on reccon, waiting for the
American Tier One guys to show up and rescue Alex's father. Then the story kicks into high gear and the bullets start to fly. Major cliffhanger to end the book, but that's the way authors are these days. Book 4 to be continued....
Thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the ARC and I do reccomend this book....out Nov. 18th.
Alex and her father are on an African safari vacation and her father is abducted by an African terrorist gang(being paid for by the Russains). So, add
some bad-ass Russain PMC's, some Chinese 3 letter agency bad guys, and let the fun begin. Alex and her teammates go on reccon, waiting for the
American Tier One guys to show up and rescue Alex's father. Then the story kicks into high gear and the bullets start to fly. Major cliffhanger to end the book, but that's the way authors are these days. Book 4 to be continued....
Thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the ARC and I do reccomend this book....out Nov. 18th.
August 9, 2025
(2 1/2). I have read all of the Alex Martel books and this is the weakest of the three. Yes, Alex is still very cool and a force to be reckoned, but there is a lot of wasted effort in the set up here with a heavy sap factor as well. The incredible action in the last 50 pages or so is terrific, but not enough to bail out this nice NetGalley freebie. I will read one more in the series hoping that it picks up. OK stuff.
November 15, 2025
This time her mission is personal
Alex Martel is enjoying some much needed downtime, bonding with her father on a safari in Serengeti National Park . The only shots this former military medic turned sniper turned CIA paramilitary officer plans to take on this trip are with her camera. On one of their guided excursions however they stumble upon what seems to be a band of poachers who have just shot some park rangers, and Alex and her (retired US Army four star general) father are able to save two remaining rangers and themselves. But it turns out that skirmish was not just an unlucky coincidence; Alex's father had been the target of that attack and within 24 hours General Martel has been taken hostage by a group of militants. It appears to have been done by a group of heavily armednlocal rebels, but there are other opponents in the area who would benefit either from the knowledge about a secret DARPA project which the general has been heading and/or from the chaos his removal from the project would entail...namely the Chinese and the Russians, as those two countries and the US are in a battle for dominant influence on the continent as well as to be the beneficiaries of the rare earth minerals and other valuable resources to be found there. In a place where alliances are murky, corruption and violence are endemic, and enemies are everywhere, it will ultimately fall upon Alex and a group of her colleagues to find out who is holding her father and craft a way to rescue him before he either succumbs to torture and reveals top secret information or is killed.
This is the third in author Steve Urszenyi's series featuring Special Agent Alexandra Martel, a fierce warrior with formidable skills, and while the book can certainly be read and enjoyed as a standalone those who have read the two earlier books will have a deeper knowledge of Alex's backstory. She tends to work best alone, and after the death of her husband has erected walls to keep people somewhat at bay. Here however she is not just a trained agent, she is a daughter who will do whatever it takes to save her father's life. The pace of the story is quick and the setting is well-described, from the natural beauty of the area to the tense conditions in a part of the world rife with conflict, where children are trained to be killers and death can always be just around the bend. There is some measure of reliance on familiar thriller formulas, but it is an engaging read where the author's experience as a paramedic and member of law enforcement brings a sense of authenticity to many scenes, Readers of Brad Taylor, Isabella Maldonado and Vince Flynn will likely find this book and series to be of appeal, as should anyone looking for a fast=paced thriller with a strong female protagonist that has at its core a topic that is very much au courant. My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for allowing me access to this latest installment in a favorite series in exchange for my honest review.
Alex Martel is enjoying some much needed downtime, bonding with her father on a safari in Serengeti National Park . The only shots this former military medic turned sniper turned CIA paramilitary officer plans to take on this trip are with her camera. On one of their guided excursions however they stumble upon what seems to be a band of poachers who have just shot some park rangers, and Alex and her (retired US Army four star general) father are able to save two remaining rangers and themselves. But it turns out that skirmish was not just an unlucky coincidence; Alex's father had been the target of that attack and within 24 hours General Martel has been taken hostage by a group of militants. It appears to have been done by a group of heavily armednlocal rebels, but there are other opponents in the area who would benefit either from the knowledge about a secret DARPA project which the general has been heading and/or from the chaos his removal from the project would entail...namely the Chinese and the Russians, as those two countries and the US are in a battle for dominant influence on the continent as well as to be the beneficiaries of the rare earth minerals and other valuable resources to be found there. In a place where alliances are murky, corruption and violence are endemic, and enemies are everywhere, it will ultimately fall upon Alex and a group of her colleagues to find out who is holding her father and craft a way to rescue him before he either succumbs to torture and reveals top secret information or is killed.
This is the third in author Steve Urszenyi's series featuring Special Agent Alexandra Martel, a fierce warrior with formidable skills, and while the book can certainly be read and enjoyed as a standalone those who have read the two earlier books will have a deeper knowledge of Alex's backstory. She tends to work best alone, and after the death of her husband has erected walls to keep people somewhat at bay. Here however she is not just a trained agent, she is a daughter who will do whatever it takes to save her father's life. The pace of the story is quick and the setting is well-described, from the natural beauty of the area to the tense conditions in a part of the world rife with conflict, where children are trained to be killers and death can always be just around the bend. There is some measure of reliance on familiar thriller formulas, but it is an engaging read where the author's experience as a paramedic and member of law enforcement brings a sense of authenticity to many scenes, Readers of Brad Taylor, Isabella Maldonado and Vince Flynn will likely find this book and series to be of appeal, as should anyone looking for a fast=paced thriller with a strong female protagonist that has at its core a topic that is very much au courant. My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for allowing me access to this latest installment in a favorite series in exchange for my honest review.
January 9, 2026
Continuing from the first(Perfect ShotOut in the Cold (See my Reviews.) in this series, Alex is still a Special Agent in a special unit of the CIA; however, she is on an African safari vacation with her father, retired US Army General David Martel, in the Tanzanian Serengeti. Her father surprises her with the addition of her boss, potential love interest, Caleb, from other books and then has to leave early to get back to a project he is overseeing for the US government. As we are introduced to this book, Alex and her dad and their guide James, are almost immediately placed in danger and come to the rescue of some park rangers taking fire from snipers, and this is a journey best taken by the reader to fill in the Plot; but suffice it to say that the layering is artful as the author weaves multiple international issues like African militias amassing power, Chinese, and Russian national interests with realistic contemporary US politics and drone and AI technology into the Plot making things quite sticky for Alex and Caleb as they suddenly have to go back to work and things get very personal for Alex. Urszenyi’s African nature descriptions and Maasi cultural and social details are excellent, and integrated well just like how he usually weaves in the weaponry, equipment, technology, and tactics of modern warfare into the Setting, CH, and Plot details. CHs continue to develop, the ST (Sexual Tension) between Caleb and Alex ratchets up, and older and newer CHs do their job to advance the Plot points in this novel. I do have an issue with the unsatisfactory ending (not really resolved) but devastating, and it places Alex and Caleb in an unrealistic (I think) situation where I believe it will be difficult to extricate them with any realism, and maybe even, honor. I may read number four just to see where the author takes this, hoping he can pull it off without making me wince. RED FLAGS: Graphic Violence; Vulgar Language; Sexual Assault; Child Soldiers. Readalike for Ward Larsen’s David Slayton series, Stephen Hunter’s Bob Lee Swagger and Kathleen Kent’s Black Wolf.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2025
In Steve Urszenyi’s third Alex Martel thriller he takes the action to new heights. After her last assignment as a CIA special agent, she has taken time to reconnect with her father General David Martel. She has traded in her sniper rifle for a camera as they vacation in Tanzania. After a day with their guide the sound of gunshots brings them to a rebel attack on park rangers. Assisting the rangers in repelling the attack until help arrives, Alex is in for another surprise on the return to their resort. There she finds Caleb, her boss, who had been invited by her father. Alex and Caleb have a history together, but Alex is not one for surprises. When the General is called back to work it is a setup to kidnap him by the same rebels. The General was in charge of an intelligence project and it was a Russian agent who arranged the attack. He was supposed to be killed in the attack. The rebels, however, see a profit in selling him to the Chinese, double crossing the Russian. Alex and Caleb are assigned to co-ordinate with a team to rescue Martel. It is a race against time as Russian mercenaries, Chinese agents and Caleb’s team converge on the rebels’ location. Caleb’s team includes two agents that he has not worked with before. They have been given a Plan B, preventing Martel from falling into enemy hands at all costs.
Alex was a medic and a decorated soldier. She is quick to action and does not always follow orders. Caleb is often a calming influence and the voice of reason when dealing with her. As the team leader, he is responsible for forming their strategy, but is unprepared for the betrayal from his own superiors. As a young girl Alex had made a blood oath with her father that she would always find him if anything happened. Nothing will stop her from keeping that oath. Her opponents have no idea what they are up against. With non-stop action and constant twists, Blood Oath will keep you on the edge of your seat and looking forward to Alex’s return. I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur for providing this book.
Alex was a medic and a decorated soldier. She is quick to action and does not always follow orders. Caleb is often a calming influence and the voice of reason when dealing with her. As the team leader, he is responsible for forming their strategy, but is unprepared for the betrayal from his own superiors. As a young girl Alex had made a blood oath with her father that she would always find him if anything happened. Nothing will stop her from keeping that oath. Her opponents have no idea what they are up against. With non-stop action and constant twists, Blood Oath will keep you on the edge of your seat and looking forward to Alex’s return. I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur for providing this book.
July 14, 2025
Review: Alex is so hot and so covert spec ops / CIA/ tracker shooter Silver Star winner Ops Ranger medical freaking Supergirl and she's so Hot with long dark hair and flashing green eyes. "Aw shucks dad even though you're a 4 -star general don't flatter me with how much I've given and received my Purple Heart and how I make impossible shots on moving vehicles from a helicopter that's fighting to stay in the air. I'm just not that super special but I'll push you and and the guy that wants my hot bod away because I'm protecting myself- Boo Hoo. And now that they've captured my dear daddy he's saying "-oh you better watch out you don't know what hell you've unleashed." Riiiiight.....
Really, you think I'm joking? I'm not even close to the amount of backstory BS that this writer puts into characterization. Never mind the unrealistic field stripping of a weapon while in a firefight to test its functionality because she's the ultimate expert CIA special operator. Nah, let's just spend 40 pages on safari lore when we know her dad is kidnapped so we can delve into her personal relationship with Biggus Dickus.
I honestly don't know why anybody reading this would find her attractive . She takes offense at everything, justifies her passive aggressive behavior with overt expressions of ego and generally behaves like she owns everybody that she's around. She is vindictive, petty and emotionally infantile. This makes no sense coming from a well balanced family. This combined with an urealistic story line creates a medium where every scene feels forced and contrived.
I received this ARC for an honest review.
1.4/5
Really, you think I'm joking? I'm not even close to the amount of backstory BS that this writer puts into characterization. Never mind the unrealistic field stripping of a weapon while in a firefight to test its functionality because she's the ultimate expert CIA special operator. Nah, let's just spend 40 pages on safari lore when we know her dad is kidnapped so we can delve into her personal relationship with Biggus Dickus.
I honestly don't know why anybody reading this would find her attractive . She takes offense at everything, justifies her passive aggressive behavior with overt expressions of ego and generally behaves like she owns everybody that she's around. She is vindictive, petty and emotionally infantile. This makes no sense coming from a well balanced family. This combined with an urealistic story line creates a medium where every scene feels forced and contrived.
I received this ARC for an honest review.
1.4/5
January 4, 2026
Good, great, greatest - where do we go from here? This series just leaped to the top of my “I just loved it” right next to Gregg Hurwitz, Robert Dugoni, Isabella Maldonado, Steve Cavanaugh, and James Byrne among others.
This installment had me at the first paragraph and kept me tied in tight until the last page. The character of Alex Martel, a/k/a ”Shooter”, keeps developing in the best possible way. We get to see her work, hear her thoughts, feel her emotions, know her basic truths. The adjacent characters in this story are new, as well as familiar and well fleshed out. The Protagonist’s inner circle, her team, true and reliable, her bosses raise some ambivalent concerns and the baddies are just that, true evil. How they all coalesce in this story makes for a heart racing, page turning suspense driven ,super terrific story.
“Luck was the intersection of preparation and opportunity” and there is a lot of each in this thriller. Set in Africa, specifically Tanzania, we are afforded a view of the brutal beauty as well as just brutality in the most horrific detail. It is a very tight and cohesive story despite so much going on including strategic planning, deception, treachery, and violence.
The ending left the door slightly ajar with no promises. The thought there might not be another installment has me in a deep state of depression. A million thanks to Minotaur / St. Martin’s Publishing and NetGalley for a copy.
This installment had me at the first paragraph and kept me tied in tight until the last page. The character of Alex Martel, a/k/a ”Shooter”, keeps developing in the best possible way. We get to see her work, hear her thoughts, feel her emotions, know her basic truths. The adjacent characters in this story are new, as well as familiar and well fleshed out. The Protagonist’s inner circle, her team, true and reliable, her bosses raise some ambivalent concerns and the baddies are just that, true evil. How they all coalesce in this story makes for a heart racing, page turning suspense driven ,super terrific story.
“Luck was the intersection of preparation and opportunity” and there is a lot of each in this thriller. Set in Africa, specifically Tanzania, we are afforded a view of the brutal beauty as well as just brutality in the most horrific detail. It is a very tight and cohesive story despite so much going on including strategic planning, deception, treachery, and violence.
The ending left the door slightly ajar with no promises. The thought there might not be another installment has me in a deep state of depression. A million thanks to Minotaur / St. Martin’s Publishing and NetGalley for a copy.
October 27, 2025
CIA Special Agent Alexandra Martel is on safari with her father in Africa when he is kidnapped. David Martel is a retired four-star general who has been working a on secret project for the United States. Alex will do anything to get him back.
General Martel is being held by a group of local rebels. He was kidnapped at the request of the Russians who want him out of the way of their attempts to claim more and more of Africa. He should have been killed, but the rebels see an opportunity to sell him to the Chinese who want information about the project he is working on.
A variety of US intelligence forces are mobilized to get General Martel back, but Alex resents every moment they are collecting data and making plans. She wants to take a small group to get her father back. She doesn't know that US intelligence is willing to, and planning to, kill General Martel rather than let the information in his head get to the country's enemies.
This series is a combination of Ian Fleming's James Bond for its action hero and Tom Clancy's technothrillers with its gadgets. It is alternate history but set in the current day. I enjoy Alex who is a real action hero with a clear knowledge of herself and her abilities.
General Martel is being held by a group of local rebels. He was kidnapped at the request of the Russians who want him out of the way of their attempts to claim more and more of Africa. He should have been killed, but the rebels see an opportunity to sell him to the Chinese who want information about the project he is working on.
A variety of US intelligence forces are mobilized to get General Martel back, but Alex resents every moment they are collecting data and making plans. She wants to take a small group to get her father back. She doesn't know that US intelligence is willing to, and planning to, kill General Martel rather than let the information in his head get to the country's enemies.
This series is a combination of Ian Fleming's James Bond for its action hero and Tom Clancy's technothrillers with its gadgets. It is alternate history but set in the current day. I enjoy Alex who is a real action hero with a clear knowledge of herself and her abilities.
November 11, 2025
I received an ARC through "NetGalley" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review
The story begins with Alex in Tanzania with her father on a safari taking pictures. As they are heading back to the lodge they come across individuals firing on Park Rangers and Alex jumps in to help protect the rangers. Two were killed and one injured with Alex killing one of the attackers. That night back at the lodge while talking to her father, Alex's CIA boss shows up and her father told her it was a surprise which resulted in Alex going away mad. Before that happened her father got a call and wound up telling Alex he had to leave the next morning. The next morning arrives with Alex wanting to talk to her father but he had already left earlier. Later that morning she learned that her father had been abducted on his way to the airport.
Read along and follow Alex and the CIA team as they prepare options to get Alex's father back. Discover who wanted her father, the General, killed and why. Read the daring rescue attempt that was made and how it worked out.
The ending is great and the book is a must read, don't miss out!
The story begins with Alex in Tanzania with her father on a safari taking pictures. As they are heading back to the lodge they come across individuals firing on Park Rangers and Alex jumps in to help protect the rangers. Two were killed and one injured with Alex killing one of the attackers. That night back at the lodge while talking to her father, Alex's CIA boss shows up and her father told her it was a surprise which resulted in Alex going away mad. Before that happened her father got a call and wound up telling Alex he had to leave the next morning. The next morning arrives with Alex wanting to talk to her father but he had already left earlier. Later that morning she learned that her father had been abducted on his way to the airport.
Read along and follow Alex and the CIA team as they prepare options to get Alex's father back. Discover who wanted her father, the General, killed and why. Read the daring rescue attempt that was made and how it worked out.
The ending is great and the book is a must read, don't miss out!
December 1, 2025
I recently finished Blood Oath by Steve Urszenyi, the third installment in the Special Agent Alexandra Martel series. In this exciting thriller, Alex is on safari with her father when he is abruptly kidnapped. With the help of her boss Caleb and the rest of her team, it's a race against time to save her father before the secrets locked in his head are given to the enemy or worse. Using the skills she has honed over her career, she stops at nothing to get him back. She made a promise years ago that she intends to keep.
This is the second book in the series I have read, and I can't wait to read the last one. If you are a fan of action and suspense, this book and series are worth a look. Steve Urszenyi does a great job of describing his characters and getting you to care about what they are going through. The action sequences are well-defined, allowing the reader to follow along while the suspense stays cranked up. I highly recommend this book and the series to anyone looking for a great thriller.
Thank you, Netgalley, Steve Urszenyi, St Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books for allowing me to review it.
This is the second book in the series I have read, and I can't wait to read the last one. If you are a fan of action and suspense, this book and series are worth a look. Steve Urszenyi does a great job of describing his characters and getting you to care about what they are going through. The action sequences are well-defined, allowing the reader to follow along while the suspense stays cranked up. I highly recommend this book and the series to anyone looking for a great thriller.
Thank you, Netgalley, Steve Urszenyi, St Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books for allowing me to review it.
December 5, 2025
Thrilling female warrior and the oath she made to her father the General
If you like panaramic views in word pictures of a vast and sometimes dangerous land, you will want to read this intriguing book which takes place while Alex and her father the General are on vacation on safari. Alex is only shooting with a long-distance camera although she can shoot her sniper rifle further than her pictures can reach. Her father is currently working on a secret project in Africa which attracts attention from unsavory actors which ultimately causes his abduction. Alex made an oath with her father when she was only a child that she would always come looking for him. (Highly poignant scene.) So she does. What happens on her quest to find him will stir many emotions; kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. As this appears to be a series of standalone stories of the exploits of the female warrior Alexandra Martel, Silver Star and Purple Heart recipient, the ending of this book may have hinted at the next one. Alex wants justice.
Whoa! Captivating and intriguing. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through NetGalley.
If you like panaramic views in word pictures of a vast and sometimes dangerous land, you will want to read this intriguing book which takes place while Alex and her father the General are on vacation on safari. Alex is only shooting with a long-distance camera although she can shoot her sniper rifle further than her pictures can reach. Her father is currently working on a secret project in Africa which attracts attention from unsavory actors which ultimately causes his abduction. Alex made an oath with her father when she was only a child that she would always come looking for him. (Highly poignant scene.) So she does. What happens on her quest to find him will stir many emotions; kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. As this appears to be a series of standalone stories of the exploits of the female warrior Alexandra Martel, Silver Star and Purple Heart recipient, the ending of this book may have hinted at the next one. Alex wants justice.
Whoa! Captivating and intriguing. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through NetGalley.
January 22, 2026
What starts as a relaxing break, a chance for father and daughter to reconnect becomes a race against time to save the life of one of their own. For Alex Martel, this time it's personal.
The laid back start to this book is sneakily deceptive. It quickly pivots to a fast moving high stakes thriller. With Caleb and his team to back her up, Alex is forced to contend with the Chinese, the Russians and African rebels. Seemingly always one step behind, Alex is finds herself torn between the bonds of duty and bonds of blood. In trying to keep her on an even keel, Alex ends up revealing a side of herself she tries very hard to keep hidden. Caleb knows she'll never allow herself to be soft, but he's going to be careful to take care of the emotions and sensitivities she keeps locked behind her hard outer shell.
Short chapters, rapidly moving action and strong, purposeful language keeps the tension high and the suspense mounting. A couple of surprising twists and some serious loose ends, we're assured there will be more of Alex and Caleb in the future.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this book. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
The laid back start to this book is sneakily deceptive. It quickly pivots to a fast moving high stakes thriller. With Caleb and his team to back her up, Alex is forced to contend with the Chinese, the Russians and African rebels. Seemingly always one step behind, Alex is finds herself torn between the bonds of duty and bonds of blood. In trying to keep her on an even keel, Alex ends up revealing a side of herself she tries very hard to keep hidden. Caleb knows she'll never allow herself to be soft, but he's going to be careful to take care of the emotions and sensitivities she keeps locked behind her hard outer shell.
Short chapters, rapidly moving action and strong, purposeful language keeps the tension high and the suspense mounting. A couple of surprising twists and some serious loose ends, we're assured there will be more of Alex and Caleb in the future.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this book. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 17, 2025
Blood Oath reads like a blockbuster, action packed military extraction movie. Think something like Black Hawk Down or Zero Dark Thirty. I loved the setting in Africa especially the first few chapters before the action really starts where we get to go on safari with the characters. From there forward the story is stressful. I know I was holding my breath. You can tell based on the end that this is setting up for a series. But you aren't left with a huge cliffhanger or anything. I enjoyed Alex as a character - she was strong and independent. There were some areas where the dialogue felt forced or less thana realistic. It could be distracting but didn't impact my overall feelings about the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 13, 2025
First, the positives: the story is intriguing, and the characters show potential. I'm not ready to give up on the series just yet. That said, Blood Oath reverts to the two-dimensional characters and, dare I say, the corniness of the first book, Perfect Shot. David Martel has some genuine moments, like his connection with a young captor and his reflections on his relationship with his daughter, Alex. There are glimpses of something special with Adiya and Santiago, and Harley shows promise, but most of the other characters felt flat or unconvincing, especially Alex, which is problematic for a protagonist. Blood Oath earns a spot on my "airplane books" shelf—entertaining enough for a flight but not particularly memorable.
October 26, 2025
This is a high-stakes, no holds barred thriller that takes place on safari. Even if you did not read the previous books in the series, this book is a stand-alone that provides enough background to follow the emotional timeline. The story is both exciting for the location and the danger. You confront the challenges of safari adventure with the reality of poaching and social unrest on the Savannah. Throw in government workers of the alphabet variety, and you have to expect secret undercurrents. I really enjoyed the previous books in this series and found this to be another thrilling adventure where anything can happen. You read this book for the surprises, not for a happy ending! Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book which provides a lot of excitement per page!
November 17, 2025
BLOOD OATH by Steve Urszenyi
Go on safari with your father, it’ll be fun . . . a little father-daughter bonding time. What could go wrong? — EVERYTHING! At the very beginning, I feared I’d have to stop liking Alex, but that fear resolved easily (no, I’m not telling, you’ll see). Once that issue is resolved, it’s a beautiful adventure, seeing so much wildlife for the rest of the day, until plans change.
From there, nothing is easy. Tough decisions, huge risks, rescues, deciding who’s friend and foe, and the small matter of maybe romance? Never a dull moment. Alex has an impressive array of skills and knowledge, and friends — rafiki.
There’s a pretty clear indication at the end of more work to be done. Sign me up! (vicariously — no way could I keep pace with this crew).
Go on safari with your father, it’ll be fun . . . a little father-daughter bonding time. What could go wrong? — EVERYTHING! At the very beginning, I feared I’d have to stop liking Alex, but that fear resolved easily (no, I’m not telling, you’ll see). Once that issue is resolved, it’s a beautiful adventure, seeing so much wildlife for the rest of the day, until plans change.
From there, nothing is easy. Tough decisions, huge risks, rescues, deciding who’s friend and foe, and the small matter of maybe romance? Never a dull moment. Alex has an impressive array of skills and knowledge, and friends — rafiki.
There’s a pretty clear indication at the end of more work to be done. Sign me up! (vicariously — no way could I keep pace with this crew).
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