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Matt Drake #2
The Blood King Conspiracy
Book 2 in the Matt Drake series. The third - The Gates of Hell - is out now! ~ Recommended for those who love an escapist action adventure. ~ Praise for 'The Bones of Odin' - a UK #1 Bestseller ~ "Bond meets The Da Vinci code but with higher stakes!" "If you like Andy Mcdermott or Matthew Reilly, get this book." ~ In this much awaited sequel to The Bones of Odin, Matt Drake takes his thirst for adventure to an even higher level when an incredible device dating back millennia is salvaged from Blackbeard's ship, the Queen Anne's Revenge. With the answer to the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle in their hands, America is attacked on its own soil by the Blood King - an underworld figure so powerful his very existence is a mere a man who coerces people at the highest levels of government and society; a man who sends an army to first storm a USS Destroyer, guarded by hundreds of marines and Special Forces soldiers, and then to steal the secret of the Bermuda Triangle - a source of power that will allow its owner to hold any civilised government to ransom. Matt Drake and his friends must follow a treasure trail through rich pirate history that leads beyond the death of Blackbeard himself, through modern sea battles and warfare on the streets of Key West, to a show-down with the most dangerous, well-connected and feared man in the world - the Blood King.
268 pages, Paperback
First published July 14, 2012
417 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
David Leadbeater
90 books1,104 followersInternational bestselling author of twenty one thrillers, thirteen in the Matt Drake Action/Adventure series, also The Disavowed and Alicia Myles series'. All available for the Amazon Kindle.
Website - www.davidleadbeater.com
Reader of multiple genres. Husband. Father of two beautiful girls, aged 5 and 7. Joss Whedon fan.
Website - www.davidleadbeater.com
Reader of multiple genres. Husband. Father of two beautiful girls, aged 5 and 7. Joss Whedon fan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 25, 2021
Unbalanced.
The Blood King is about a search for a time device that has been salvaged from a ship that once belonged to a pirate.
Blackbeard is the pirate who owned the time displacement device, which was believed hidden by him and many years have been spent searching for it.
Discovered by the CIA aboard a salvage vessel, many decades later, The Blood King, a living myth, goes after it.
The book is unbalanced in which it spends a lot of time with boring talking that makes you drowsy. Then, to make up for it, it’ll spend a few chapters with activity.
But the action is over kill. The violence is too merciless (this is coming from someone who loves reading violent thrillers).
If the violence could just be spread throughout, it wouldn’t build up into an overflow.
Still the story is good enough for three stars and I’ll probably read the next book in the series.
The Blood King is about a search for a time device that has been salvaged from a ship that once belonged to a pirate.
Blackbeard is the pirate who owned the time displacement device, which was believed hidden by him and many years have been spent searching for it.
Discovered by the CIA aboard a salvage vessel, many decades later, The Blood King, a living myth, goes after it.
The book is unbalanced in which it spends a lot of time with boring talking that makes you drowsy. Then, to make up for it, it’ll spend a few chapters with activity.
But the action is over kill. The violence is too merciless (this is coming from someone who loves reading violent thrillers).
If the violence could just be spread throughout, it wouldn’t build up into an overflow.
Still the story is good enough for three stars and I’ll probably read the next book in the series.
June 21, 2019
The Blood King - a review by Rosemary Kenny
An antagonist who thinks he's destined to be a god-like ruler of the world, the so-called Blood King hero worships Blackbeard the Pirate and is determined to use whatever means at his.(evil psychopathic Russian oligarch/billions'), disposal - whether it be calling down a Blood Vendetta on MC and 'Man With No Name'-like hero, Matt Drake's family and friends - or wiping out enemies/allies), at a guaranteed rate of at least one per day...just because he can.
Naturally Matt has Hayden, (CIA) Kennedy (NYPD), Ben (tech geek), Wells, (Drake's ex-SAS commander) et al to help him against the Blood King's (Dmitry Kovalenko's) mercenaries who are as savagely sociopathic serial killers-for-sale, like their paymaster. Playing both sides and with a soft spot for Matt, is female Assassin and all-round villainess, Alicia Myles, who's encountered Matt and the others in the previous book (Bones of Odin). Into the mix also comes Mai Kantano, the legendary Japanese super-agent, who's nobody's woman but her own, yet still for hire to the highest payer as far as murderous missions go. She's been Matt's lover in the past but is also 'fond' of Wells. He and Matt share an 'in joke' about having 'Mai time' when there missions are done - for now.
As you can tell, there's plenty here to tempt you and whet your appetite for the next - 20 so far - books in the not-to-be-missed, Matt Drake series - off you go!
An antagonist who thinks he's destined to be a god-like ruler of the world, the so-called Blood King hero worships Blackbeard the Pirate and is determined to use whatever means at his.(evil psychopathic Russian oligarch/billions'), disposal - whether it be calling down a Blood Vendetta on MC and 'Man With No Name'-like hero, Matt Drake's family and friends - or wiping out enemies/allies), at a guaranteed rate of at least one per day...just because he can.
Naturally Matt has Hayden, (CIA) Kennedy (NYPD), Ben (tech geek), Wells, (Drake's ex-SAS commander) et al to help him against the Blood King's (Dmitry Kovalenko's) mercenaries who are as savagely sociopathic serial killers-for-sale, like their paymaster. Playing both sides and with a soft spot for Matt, is female Assassin and all-round villainess, Alicia Myles, who's encountered Matt and the others in the previous book (Bones of Odin). Into the mix also comes Mai Kantano, the legendary Japanese super-agent, who's nobody's woman but her own, yet still for hire to the highest payer as far as murderous missions go. She's been Matt's lover in the past but is also 'fond' of Wells. He and Matt share an 'in joke' about having 'Mai time' when there missions are done - for now.
As you can tell, there's plenty here to tempt you and whet your appetite for the next - 20 so far - books in the not-to-be-missed, Matt Drake series - off you go!
December 27, 2019
Got caught with the first book and had to see where the tale would take us. More bad guys with delusions of grandeur thwarted by Matt and his little team. Interesting at times quite exciting definitely an easy read that does not involve much having to think.
September 30, 2018
Book 2 in the series doesn’t disappoint. It’s a rampaging thrill-ride with some outstanding characters. Not only are the best characters back from the first novel, but some amazing new good guys join the cast. Just as important, some outstanding new antagonists join the fray… folks who are likely to make appearances in the future.
While the book touches on the phenomenon of the Bermuda Triangle, and the source of its mysterious history, the plot never digs into the guts of the matter. Maybe the next book will pick up where this one leaves off. I hope so. So much fertile, unexplored ground is left waiting for readers to experience.
While the book touches on the phenomenon of the Bermuda Triangle, and the source of its mysterious history, the plot never digs into the guts of the matter. Maybe the next book will pick up where this one leaves off. I hope so. So much fertile, unexplored ground is left waiting for readers to experience.
May 17, 2012
Wow read this in one sitting on a flight to Las Vegas I could not put it it down. Great development of the characters and wonderful plot involving Blackbeard, a time shifting device and a moder day blood thirsty pirate still in shock at the ending and also with the cliff hanger can't wait for the next installment please hurry David
July 2, 2016
With this second book we find our characters from the fist book getting back together again for another adventure. But this time it involves a murderous man, who goes by the name of the Blood King. There are some surprises in this novel, that are best left unsaid until one read it, as it may spoil a part of the storyline.
September 17, 2022
If you want fast, exciting, action packed stories with a great cast of characters and lots of banter, this series is for you!
At the time of writing this review there have been 28 Matt Drake books and 16 related spin-offs! More than enough to keep you entertained for some time!
In this much awaited sequel to The Bones of Odin, Matt Drake takes his thirst for adventure to an even higher level when an incredible device dating back millennia is salvaged from Blackbeard's ship, the Queen Anne's Revenge.
With the answer to the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle in their hands, America is attacked on its own soil by the Blood King - an underworld figure so powerful his very existence is a mere myth: a man who coerces people at the highest levels of government and society; a man who sends an army to first storm a USS Destroyer, guarded by hundreds of marines and Special Forces soldiers, and then to steal the secret of the Bermuda Triangle - a source of power that will allow its owner to hold any civilised government to ransom.
Matt Drake and his friends must follow a treasure trail through rich pirate history that leads beyond the death of Blackbeard himself, through modern sea battles and warfare on the streets of Key West, to a show-down with the most dangerous, well-connected and feared man in the world - the Blood King.
At the time of writing this review there have been 28 Matt Drake books and 16 related spin-offs! More than enough to keep you entertained for some time!
In this much awaited sequel to The Bones of Odin, Matt Drake takes his thirst for adventure to an even higher level when an incredible device dating back millennia is salvaged from Blackbeard's ship, the Queen Anne's Revenge.
With the answer to the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle in their hands, America is attacked on its own soil by the Blood King - an underworld figure so powerful his very existence is a mere myth: a man who coerces people at the highest levels of government and society; a man who sends an army to first storm a USS Destroyer, guarded by hundreds of marines and Special Forces soldiers, and then to steal the secret of the Bermuda Triangle - a source of power that will allow its owner to hold any civilised government to ransom.
Matt Drake and his friends must follow a treasure trail through rich pirate history that leads beyond the death of Blackbeard himself, through modern sea battles and warfare on the streets of Key West, to a show-down with the most dangerous, well-connected and feared man in the world - the Blood King.
August 22, 2020
I did not think this book was as good as the first one (Matt Drake, #1). There was a lot of high level action, but some dead spots that did not accomplish anything as well. The biggest distraction was the terrible proof reading--so many mistakes, almost like it was translated into English from another language. Again there was the U.K. phrasing and wording, but that did not bother me. There was no final answer to the mystery, but I believe it will be re-visited later in another book. I am not in favor of this type of delay -- each book should be complete and have all, or most all, the answers.
January 17, 2023
When Hayden’s CIA team is captured on a stakeout and all but two of them murdered by a masochistic mercenary named Boudreau, Ben Kennedy and Drake leap to the rescue, barely getting there in time.
Hayden tells them that Boudreau had been hired a man named the Blood King who is so evil and crazy that he even scares Boudreau. The Blood King wants a device that was recently found in the ruins of Blackbeard’s ship, the Queen Ann’s Revenge and that somehow connects to the Bermuda Triangle.
Fave scenes: the alligator’s revenge, the Key West chase, escaping the hotel and Drake & Mai’s final pact.
Hayden tells them that Boudreau had been hired a man named the Blood King who is so evil and crazy that he even scares Boudreau. The Blood King wants a device that was recently found in the ruins of Blackbeard’s ship, the Queen Ann’s Revenge and that somehow connects to the Bermuda Triangle.
Fave scenes: the alligator’s revenge, the Key West chase, escaping the hotel and Drake & Mai’s final pact.
October 24, 2017
Fast pacing and Intriguing
I could not wait to read book 2 of the Matt Drake series. A thoroughly fast pacing book . I like the main characters although David Leadbeater always kills of one of them. However a disappointing end. Instead of different story it will be more of the same in book 3 and I don't like this. I always like a conclusion and a new story. Not sure I will go on to the next book straight away.
I could not wait to read book 2 of the Matt Drake series. A thoroughly fast pacing book . I like the main characters although David Leadbeater always kills of one of them. However a disappointing end. Instead of different story it will be more of the same in book 3 and I don't like this. I always like a conclusion and a new story. Not sure I will go on to the next book straight away.
August 21, 2017
Oh how he controls
If you're evil enough and have more than enough money, you can control the world. This myth man thinks so. Can that truly be done?
This book starts with action and stays that way to the end. Exciting packed with energy and thrilling twists as only David Leadbeater can write. Excellent
If you're evil enough and have more than enough money, you can control the world. This myth man thinks so. Can that truly be done?
This book starts with action and stays that way to the end. Exciting packed with energy and thrilling twists as only David Leadbeater can write. Excellent
November 5, 2017
Great Escapist Adventure Thriller
**** Leadbeater has repeated his success of the first "Matt Drake" novel with this second episode. It features most of the same odd group of protagonists (with a few additions), but introduces several new enemies, and a new quest. ****
RECOMMENDED AS BOTH AN INDIVIDUAL BOOK AND AS A SERIES
**** Leadbeater has repeated his success of the first "Matt Drake" novel with this second episode. It features most of the same odd group of protagonists (with a few additions), but introduces several new enemies, and a new quest. ****
RECOMMENDED AS BOTH AN INDIVIDUAL BOOK AND AS A SERIES
June 1, 2017
Meh, getting better.
August 20, 2017
Non Stop Action
This book has it all -action , romance, comedy and intrigue along with a few unexpected twists. Good sequel to the first of the series.
This book has it all -action , romance, comedy and intrigue along with a few unexpected twists. Good sequel to the first of the series.
March 29, 2018
An enjoyable read with a number of unexpected twists to keep the interest going. A little unhappy, however, with the unsatisfactory ending.
January 15, 2019
Solid popcorn action book
An quick enjoyable read. The action is quick and intense. Don't think to hard about the plot just enjoy the ride
An quick enjoyable read. The action is quick and intense. Don't think to hard about the plot just enjoy the ride
March 15, 2019
Cracking read.
Really enjoyed this. A fantastic light read with an unusual plot line and some shocking and intriguing twists. Looking forward to getting stuck into the next.
Really enjoyed this. A fantastic light read with an unusual plot line and some shocking and intriguing twists. Looking forward to getting stuck into the next.
July 4, 2019
A very enjoyable romp of an action story. The characters are well written flaws and all with the action scenes bowling along at a nice pace.
Looking forward to reading number 3 in the series.
Looking forward to reading number 3 in the series.
Read
August 6, 2019Another fast-paced action thriller. I thought it was a bit better than the first book in the series.
January 4, 2020
Great series
This is the second book in the series and I am hooked. Interesting characters and great story line. On to the next book. The adventure never ends .
This is the second book in the series and I am hooked. Interesting characters and great story line. On to the next book. The adventure never ends .
December 14, 2023
Just too much...
September 2, 2025
Couldn't put it down.
January 8, 2017
Holy crap...
September 27, 2016
Fast paced and lots of action and enjoyable.
October 8, 2015
After reading the first book in the Matt Drake series, I wanted to read more by this author. It had been some time since I read the first book, and I was disappointed that The Blood King Conspiracy by David Leadbeater didn’t provide more backstory for the various characters. For this reason, I had a hard time getting into the novel…I felt like an outsider at a party when everyone else was in on a joke. I was also put out by the many references without explanation to pop culture and songs. Also disappointing were the lack of character depth and the many analogies that seemed forced, as if Mr. Leadbeater were trying too hard to be cleaver.
With that said, this is an action-filled book that might appeal to young males. The Blood King is a feared underworld leader who is searching for a two-piece device that was salvaged from Blackbeard’s ship and that might be responsible to the happenings in the Bermuda Triangle.
Matt Drake’s team is tasked with preventing The Blood King from getting the device and destroying the world. The ending, though not a cliff-hanger, suggest that we haven’t seen the end of Matt Drake or The Blood King.
With that said, this is an action-filled book that might appeal to young males. The Blood King is a feared underworld leader who is searching for a two-piece device that was salvaged from Blackbeard’s ship and that might be responsible to the happenings in the Bermuda Triangle.
Matt Drake’s team is tasked with preventing The Blood King from getting the device and destroying the world. The ending, though not a cliff-hanger, suggest that we haven’t seen the end of Matt Drake or The Blood King.
March 6, 2015
The Blood King Conspiracy is the second in the series of Matt Drake thrillers.
The story reunites the main characters from the previous book, and gives them a new adventure to embark upon.
It was action packed from the start!
Our group of heroes visit multiple geographical locations in their search for The Blood King, but naturally, their search is not without its problems.
Although the plot seems quite implausible, if you can put your brain on hold for a short while, you’ll be rewarded by an interesting action adventure that weaves fiction and reality together in a most plausible way.
It’s not a book for the faint hearted though, and as the chapter count notches up, so does the body count!
The only problem I have with the book is that it ends rather abruptly. However, that just means I’ll need to read the next book in the series, where I gather the story continues.
Overall, it was an excellent, fast action thriller, that left me wanting more of the same!
The story reunites the main characters from the previous book, and gives them a new adventure to embark upon.
It was action packed from the start!
Our group of heroes visit multiple geographical locations in their search for The Blood King, but naturally, their search is not without its problems.
Although the plot seems quite implausible, if you can put your brain on hold for a short while, you’ll be rewarded by an interesting action adventure that weaves fiction and reality together in a most plausible way.
It’s not a book for the faint hearted though, and as the chapter count notches up, so does the body count!
The only problem I have with the book is that it ends rather abruptly. However, that just means I’ll need to read the next book in the series, where I gather the story continues.
Overall, it was an excellent, fast action thriller, that left me wanting more of the same!
November 18, 2015
Book #2 far surpassed its predecessor. While any debut in a series is hindered by having to identify main characters, establish plots, etc., this sequel exploded into action from the get-go. Our super villain, The Blood King, is nightmarish & frighteningly real. His believability creates a persona that is hard to shake. Matt solidifies his role as hero while sidekick Ben takes a step forward. We also have Hayden, who came in at the tail of Book 1. As she takes a huge leap into main heroine, she fairs fairly well. He character is strong & although her relationship with Ben is confusing, she's able to keep all her plates spinning.
The plot itself was quite original in my opinion. We're kept on the edge in regards to the discovery from the ship for quite some time. There's no lag though due to the incredible amount of action provided. Once we're put in the loop, all makes sense & the book continues on. Book #2 is impressive & very well done. I am looking forward to Book #3.
The plot itself was quite original in my opinion. We're kept on the edge in regards to the discovery from the ship for quite some time. There's no lag though due to the incredible amount of action provided. Once we're put in the loop, all makes sense & the book continues on. Book #2 is impressive & very well done. I am looking forward to Book #3.
July 22, 2012
This book has all the excitement and the action any reader could want. It's pace is similar to the very first time I saw an Indiana Jones movie. The book I feel however does have flaws. Interpersonal relationships are not really dealt with, secrets are alluded to but never explained. The Baddy (and he is a VERY BAD Baddy) does NOT get his comeuppance. Again I feel I will probably want to read this book again when the next book in the series comes out. There is a sense in which as I read it I am not sure the writer knew which direction he was going in. The linear drive of the narrative is strong but perhaps the psychological complexity (which I like) is absent (or coming later). Again, I was surprised by the non-event of the ending. However I will buy the next volume so perhaps that counts as success for a writer. School Report. Works well but could do better.
April 12, 2016
This book leaves you with open ends, it's not a cliffhanger, but you're certainly grateful that the next book is out.
It felt as though I devoured this book a lot more speedily than its predecessor although I'm sure they're a similar size.
Interesting and intriguing new characters are introduced, and some old favourites return. Can you work out who to trust on this game of cat and mouse? I wasn't always sure and admit to a couple of surprises.
This time the historical aspect revolves around Blackbeard, the infamous pirate and once again the research is superb.
Very enjoyable read.
It felt as though I devoured this book a lot more speedily than its predecessor although I'm sure they're a similar size.
Interesting and intriguing new characters are introduced, and some old favourites return. Can you work out who to trust on this game of cat and mouse? I wasn't always sure and admit to a couple of surprises.
This time the historical aspect revolves around Blackbeard, the infamous pirate and once again the research is superb.
Very enjoyable read.
April 23, 2015
Matt Drake and crew deliver again in their second adventure. Fast paced action that continues to a surprising finish. Again this book was interesting for me in that a good part of the book takes place in Jamaica and I was reading it while in Jamaica.
Leadbeater delivers in the adventure department, but it is the surprise ending that pushes this one over the top.
If you like fast paced adventure stories this is one for you.
Leadbeater delivers in the adventure department, but it is the surprise ending that pushes this one over the top.
If you like fast paced adventure stories this is one for you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews