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Red Cell Trilogy #3
Kodiak Sky
For decades, the top-secret Red Cell Seven unit has operated beyond the reach of the law—defending the United States by any means necessary, with absolute impunity. But the tables have turned, and the untouchable anti-terror squad is under attack. Determined to end Red Cell Seven’s ruthless, lawless existence, the US president has tapped military assassin extraordinaire Skylar McCoy to lead a covert search and destroy mission. But McCoy isn’t the only one gunning for Red Cell Seven. A vengeful drug lord has dispatched his own hired killers to eliminate the elite commandos as the first step in the ultimate terrorist plot: exterminating the highest echelons of American government. Caught in the middle, the agents of RC7 must fight their dirtiest, most devastating battle—and dare to decide who will be saved or sacrificed for the greater good.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2014
139 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Stephen W. Frey
28 books281 followersFor the last 15 years I’ve been lucky enough to be a novelist. Until recently the books were set in the worlds of Wall Street and Washington. In addition to writing, I’ve also had a career in finance with specialties including merger & acquisition advisory and private equity at firms like J.P. Morgan in New York City and Winston Partners just outside D.C. in northern Virginia.
So, it seemed natural to write about those two worlds and, fortunately, the publishing industry agreed. My first book was published in 1995, The Takeover; about a secret group of men who were trying to destroy the U.S. monetary system by engineering a massive corporate takeover. I have followed The Takeover with 13 more novels all set in high-level finance and national politics.
Recently, I decided to alter the theme. The novels will still have a financial focus, but Wall Street won’t be the backdrop. We’ll get out into the world more. And there will be a man versus nature element for the hero in every novel. Hell’s Gate, available August 2009, is set in Montana and involves forest fires and why many of them start.
I live in southwest Florida with my wife, Diana, and we have since 2004 after moving down here from northern Virginia. Given the new direction of my books, it seems like a hurricane ought to make an appearance in a novel sometime soon.
So, it seemed natural to write about those two worlds and, fortunately, the publishing industry agreed. My first book was published in 1995, The Takeover; about a secret group of men who were trying to destroy the U.S. monetary system by engineering a massive corporate takeover. I have followed The Takeover with 13 more novels all set in high-level finance and national politics.
Recently, I decided to alter the theme. The novels will still have a financial focus, but Wall Street won’t be the backdrop. We’ll get out into the world more. And there will be a man versus nature element for the hero in every novel. Hell’s Gate, available August 2009, is set in Montana and involves forest fires and why many of them start.
I live in southwest Florida with my wife, Diana, and we have since 2004 after moving down here from northern Virginia. Given the new direction of my books, it seems like a hurricane ought to make an appearance in a novel sometime soon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 23, 2015
Hopefully this is the end of this series
December 4, 2017
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
For decades, the top-secret Red Cell Seven unit has operated beyond the reach of the law—defending the United States by any means necessary, with absolute impunity. But the tables have turned, and the untouchable anti-terror squad is under attack. Determined to end Red Cell Seven’s ruthless, lawless existence, the US president has tapped military assassin extraordinaire Skylar McCoy to lead a covert search and destroy mission. But McCoy isn’t the only one gunning for Red Cell Seven. A vengeful drug lord has dispatched his own hired killers to eliminate the elite commandos as the first step in the ultimate terrorist plot: exterminating the highest echelons of American government. Caught in the middle, the agents of RC7 must fight their dirtiest, most devastating battle—and dare to decide who will be saved or sacrificed for the greater good.
*3.5 stars*
This is the third book in the Red Cell Trilogy.
I haven't read the other two books in this series. I think it may well have been a good idea to, but this was on offer so I grabbed it to see what it was like.
And it was pretty good. There was certainly enough intrigue and action to keep most thriller fans happy, like myself, and the characters - especially Jack - were well-written and quite enjoyable. The plot itself was something that really drew me in and had me along for the ride.
For me, the downside was the actual story-telling. At times, it felt either rushed or forced. Almost like the author had a word count in his head and didn't want to exceed it, so things were rushed instead of being let to develop further.
Will I go back and read the others? Of course, maybe they will give answers to other questions in my head...or maybe they will just be good books...
Paul
ARH
For decades, the top-secret Red Cell Seven unit has operated beyond the reach of the law—defending the United States by any means necessary, with absolute impunity. But the tables have turned, and the untouchable anti-terror squad is under attack. Determined to end Red Cell Seven’s ruthless, lawless existence, the US president has tapped military assassin extraordinaire Skylar McCoy to lead a covert search and destroy mission. But McCoy isn’t the only one gunning for Red Cell Seven. A vengeful drug lord has dispatched his own hired killers to eliminate the elite commandos as the first step in the ultimate terrorist plot: exterminating the highest echelons of American government. Caught in the middle, the agents of RC7 must fight their dirtiest, most devastating battle—and dare to decide who will be saved or sacrificed for the greater good.
*3.5 stars*
This is the third book in the Red Cell Trilogy.
I haven't read the other two books in this series. I think it may well have been a good idea to, but this was on offer so I grabbed it to see what it was like.
And it was pretty good. There was certainly enough intrigue and action to keep most thriller fans happy, like myself, and the characters - especially Jack - were well-written and quite enjoyable. The plot itself was something that really drew me in and had me along for the ride.
For me, the downside was the actual story-telling. At times, it felt either rushed or forced. Almost like the author had a word count in his head and didn't want to exceed it, so things were rushed instead of being let to develop further.
Will I go back and read the others? Of course, maybe they will give answers to other questions in my head...or maybe they will just be good books...
Paul
ARH
July 29, 2019
The Red Cell Seven is a covert group created in the 1970s by US President Richard Nixon in an effort to prevent attacks against this country. The black-ops group reports only to the President. No oversight. No restraints. Free from any prosecution. Unlimited budget. No questions asked. Basically, government-approved vigilante authority, include murdering at will as required, at their discretion - even innocents deemed a threat.
Book 1 starts with the formation of Red Cell Seven. It's called 'seven' to throw the Russians off - President Nixon thinks Russians spend all their time looking for the first six covert operations. That's pretty much the only reference to Russia - the series is mostly about preventing domestic and Islamic terrorism - in addition to targeting the current administration with multiple assassinations because the current President wants to shut down Red Cell Seven.
Liked. No explicit sex, no objectionable language, clean reads. Okay espionage stories.
Not so hot. The books are very similar, not that there is anything wrong with any of them - none stands out. It's just a very long espionage story. Depressing in that it's possible. Read from book 1, Arctic Fire. Book 2, Red Cell Seven, Book 3 Kodiak Sky.
You'll be left torn as to if the behavior portrayed in Red Cell Seven is a good thing - or not. It's sorta scary to think our government is capable of this stuff - but, it is. Exhibit the current President in 2019, who believes he can "do anything he wants", and America does nothing to stop him.
Book 1 starts with the formation of Red Cell Seven. It's called 'seven' to throw the Russians off - President Nixon thinks Russians spend all their time looking for the first six covert operations. That's pretty much the only reference to Russia - the series is mostly about preventing domestic and Islamic terrorism - in addition to targeting the current administration with multiple assassinations because the current President wants to shut down Red Cell Seven.
Liked. No explicit sex, no objectionable language, clean reads. Okay espionage stories.
Not so hot. The books are very similar, not that there is anything wrong with any of them - none stands out. It's just a very long espionage story. Depressing in that it's possible. Read from book 1, Arctic Fire. Book 2, Red Cell Seven, Book 3 Kodiak Sky.
You'll be left torn as to if the behavior portrayed in Red Cell Seven is a good thing - or not. It's sorta scary to think our government is capable of this stuff - but, it is. Exhibit the current President in 2019, who believes he can "do anything he wants", and America does nothing to stop him.
July 6, 2018
It was a good storyline, so overall, I enjoyed the book/series. But throughout the series, there were a lot of inconsistencies. It felt like the author didn’t think readers would notice things that were said or happened in book 1 changed in books 2 and 3. I found that very detracting from the overall story. For example, in book 1, one person was responsible for a message that saved the president’s life. But in books 2 and 3, it was another person who was responsible for this. I also thought it wasn’t very well rounded-people were brought in and then disappeared without any follow through. Example of this was Jack’s best friend-they’d been friends for years and the relationship was well set up initially, but then that is never mentioned again. There could have been some brief mention of how his death affected Jack. And when one of the main characters dies at the end, it’s just briefly thrown in there. Readers tend to be emotionally invested in the story and characters, so it felt wrong the way it was presented.
June 13, 2025
An Intense and Exciting Read
Book 3 of the series provided enough information of the previous two books to still capture the story without having read the other two books but I would recommend reading this series in order as the other two books provide more buildup of the final climax in the saga. They all have a lot of action and Frey is a great storyteller.
Reading the series helps you get wrapped up in the characters and gets one wondering if there isn’t some black ops organization that is really out there. The action gets a bit far fetched but it’s exciting enough to want to buy into what’s happening, much like a Mission Impossible movie. A fun action series that will be difficult to put down!
Book 3 of the series provided enough information of the previous two books to still capture the story without having read the other two books but I would recommend reading this series in order as the other two books provide more buildup of the final climax in the saga. They all have a lot of action and Frey is a great storyteller.
Reading the series helps you get wrapped up in the characters and gets one wondering if there isn’t some black ops organization that is really out there. The action gets a bit far fetched but it’s exciting enough to want to buy into what’s happening, much like a Mission Impossible movie. A fun action series that will be difficult to put down!
May 19, 2025
I've been looking for this book for about ten years. I read the first two books a little after they first came out, but I could never find this one, the last, I hope, in the series. Indeed, it has been so long, I pretty much have brain flushed books 1 & 2, this book is awful. As I recall, books 1 & 2 were good enough that I wanted to read this one. I can't tell you how awful it is. SF is usually pretty good, but at this point, he may be retired and we, the reading public, are better off for it.
January 22, 2018
Last in the Red Cell Seven series. Good plot, very exciting page turner.
The plot to destroy RC7 is on. Only the players hired to destroy the unit find out the truth and end up saving it.
Troy teaches his brother the tricks to survival but whether his brother joins RC7 is to be determined.
The plot to destroy RC7 is on. Only the players hired to destroy the unit find out the truth and end up saving it.
Troy teaches his brother the tricks to survival but whether his brother joins RC7 is to be determined.
March 30, 2018
A great ending. Excitement, intrigue and lots of changing loyalties.
When the primary reason is to create as much terror, fear and destruction to the USA, way can go wrong?
Read the book to find out.
When the primary reason is to create as much terror, fear and destruction to the USA, way can go wrong?
Read the book to find out.
April 15, 2018
Horrible ending
Troy should not have died. It was as if the auth5just came up with his death as an afterthought. There did not seem to be a good or even bad reason for it. If he had to kill him off it shouldn't have been a passive he should have died during a mission.
Troy should not have died. It was as if the auth5just came up with his death as an afterthought. There did not seem to be a good or even bad reason for it. If he had to kill him off it shouldn't have been a passive he should have died during a mission.
March 2, 2017
Exciting
And the story continues. You are going to enjoy this tale. RC7 keeps getting stronger. Lots of action and suspense.
And the story continues. You are going to enjoy this tale. RC7 keeps getting stronger. Lots of action and suspense.
September 9, 2019
Does not disappoint all 3 books in this series are exciting, atmospheric and unpredictable.
Highly recommended reading
Highly recommended reading
February 10, 2020
Enjoyable trilogy. It developed very well and in the end the backstabbing got sorted out! It was really a very confusing story at times, with not knowing who is backstabbing who.
Read
June 27, 2020great
July 4, 2020
Third book in the series and again Red Cell 7 are up against it on multiple fronts. Unfortunately all the characters are unlikable and you find yourself not rooting for any of them.
July 6, 2020
This was a great series, just wish there was another book! A lot of twists and turns and not sure which side people were on so it made for a "goodread".
July 7, 2020
I love the author
August 8, 2020
Great book series
A great book series with a lot of twists and turns along the way. A real page turner. Not a difficult read but still great.
A great book series with a lot of twists and turns along the way. A real page turner. Not a difficult read but still great.
July 21, 2015
I received this book free from Net Galley in exchange for a honest review. I have had this author on my to read list for sometime so I was happy to read this book when offered the chance. I was disappointed with this book after hearing good review about this author in the past, maybe it is just this book. There are numerous characters and lots of action but there were times when I thought I had missed out a chapter or two. There were big holes in the plot and at times things seemed rushed. I wished I could write a more favourable review but this is me been honest.
January 1, 2015
Kodiak Sky (Red Cell, #3)
Frey takes you inside the group RG7, a group that has complete exemption from prosecution for any act committed in defense of the USA. A group that only answers to that calling, but there are those inside and outside the US government who want that protection to disappear forever and every member of RG7 prosecuted to the maximum. Do the good guys win or not. This is one mystery you'll have to read to find those answers. Thanks for a great experience and excellent reading.
Frey takes you inside the group RG7, a group that has complete exemption from prosecution for any act committed in defense of the USA. A group that only answers to that calling, but there are those inside and outside the US government who want that protection to disappear forever and every member of RG7 prosecuted to the maximum. Do the good guys win or not. This is one mystery you'll have to read to find those answers. Thanks for a great experience and excellent reading.
October 23, 2015
Starts out with multiple story lines and skillfully brings them all together. I just love this kind of book. The characters were very believable. Specially the Pres. I will definitely be getting the first 2 in this series. This is number 3. I really liked Jack. He tried hard to do what he thought was best and avoid getting pulled into RC7. Troy, his brother, was fantastic in his thinking and performance. I agree with him in his methods of interrogation. The villain was also believable. After all those drug billionaires need something to do.
It was non-stop action start to finish.
October 4, 2015
This is good story but still worse than the second one. I don't like the plot dan the ending. It feels forced. Anyway, I still enjoy the characters especially Troy. I think he is the one whom I can understood the most even though principally I am more in line with Jack. Anyway, cannot wait to read Mr Frey other book
July 22, 2016
Great trilogy
A really outstanding series of books. Nearly non-stop action, accompanied by intriguing characters. A well thought out plot, with numerous twists and turns, emotional highs and lows, while constantly asking the question of where our ultimate loyalty lies. One that can only be answered by each individual him, or herself. Very good reading. Well worth the time.
A really outstanding series of books. Nearly non-stop action, accompanied by intriguing characters. A well thought out plot, with numerous twists and turns, emotional highs and lows, while constantly asking the question of where our ultimate loyalty lies. One that can only be answered by each individual him, or herself. Very good reading. Well worth the time.
December 31, 2016
Real good book.....
You tied up the stories really well. Stephen Frey. Have a feeling we will see Troy again. And that is good. Jack and Karen are living the good life. Love the way you write. Really like the Red Cell 7 series. Hope to see lots more books soon. Thanks, Amarillo Turtle
.
You tied up the stories really well. Stephen Frey. Have a feeling we will see Troy again. And that is good. Jack and Karen are living the good life. Love the way you write. Really like the Red Cell 7 series. Hope to see lots more books soon. Thanks, Amarillo Turtle
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March 6, 2015
Book 3 in the Red Cell Seven series. Why are all our heroes and heroines the most beautiful people in the world? And how to they get from one place to another so quickly? And why do I even care? A very good way to pass a rainy day.
February 20, 2016
Excellent finish to the trilogy.... or is it? Is Troy really dead or not? Makes you wonder....
All in all, I enjoyed the series and can almost envision some truth behind some of the plot lines. Scary to consider, but wouldn't rule it out.
All in all, I enjoyed the series and can almost envision some truth behind some of the plot lines. Scary to consider, but wouldn't rule it out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2015
Kodiak sky
Another of a weird series that kept me interested but unconvinced of its potential to really be possible. The basic premise seems real but so many of the characters seem invented as a way around a stuck spot in the plot. Still entertaining reading.
Another of a weird series that kept me interested but unconvinced of its potential to really be possible. The basic premise seems real but so many of the characters seem invented as a way around a stuck spot in the plot. Still entertaining reading.
November 17, 2015
Amazing read!
This book brought the trilogy to a perfect ending. The book tidied up all the loose endings from book one through book three. They kept my interest from page one until the final page of book three.
This book brought the trilogy to a perfect ending. The book tidied up all the loose endings from book one through book three. They kept my interest from page one until the final page of book three.
January 11, 2017
Action packed conspiracy yarn
Not very probable of course but who cares? A really good page turner with some interesting twists. I recommend to anyone who likes it when the good guys win!
Not very probable of course but who cares? A really good page turner with some interesting twists. I recommend to anyone who likes it when the good guys win!
February 3, 2017
Wow, what a page Turner
Wow, what a way to wrap up the trilogy, it was full on action, from go to whoa
I really enjoy the series and I really wanted to yell at a couple of the characters for being morons
Well worth the time and effort in my opinion
Wow, what a way to wrap up the trilogy, it was full on action, from go to whoa
I really enjoy the series and I really wanted to yell at a couple of the characters for being morons
Well worth the time and effort in my opinion
October 10, 2014
Favorite Red Cell Book
Really enjoyed this book the most of the first three. Hoping Frey will write some more. Action packed with back and forth ups and downs.
Really enjoyed this book the most of the first three. Hoping Frey will write some more. Action packed with back and forth ups and downs.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews