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Marc Portman #2
Close Quarters
Marc Portman’s mission is extract his target alive. Failure is not an option.
When the CIA’s top negotiator Edwin Travis is captured by pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine, deep cover specialist Marc Portman — the Watchman — is called in to get him out.
But what was meant to be a routine mission quickly spirals when someone leaks Portman’s position to their enemies.
With limited resources and his only lifeline, a novice comms officer in Langley, Portman must rely on his training and instincts to get Travis to safety.
But the deeper he goes, the more danger he’s in. Portman is up against local gangsters, Ukrainian Special Forces, professional snipers, pro-Russian separatists and power-crazed cops. What he doesn’t know is that his most lethal enemy comes from his own side . . .
Every decision could be his last. There’s no room for mistakes.
When the CIA’s top negotiator Edwin Travis is captured by pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine, deep cover specialist Marc Portman — the Watchman — is called in to get him out.
But what was meant to be a routine mission quickly spirals when someone leaks Portman’s position to their enemies.
With limited resources and his only lifeline, a novice comms officer in Langley, Portman must rely on his training and instincts to get Travis to safety.
But the deeper he goes, the more danger he’s in. Portman is up against local gangsters, Ukrainian Special Forces, professional snipers, pro-Russian separatists and power-crazed cops. What he doesn’t know is that his most lethal enemy comes from his own side . . .
Every decision could be his last. There’s no room for mistakes.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2015
278 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Adrian Magson
47 books95 followersAdrian Magson is a British crime-writer, his books often involve conspiracies, and have two repeating main characters - Riley Gavin, a young female investigative reporter, and Frank Palmer, a former RMP (British Royal Military Policeman) now a private investigator.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 12, 2019
Really 4.5. Close Quarters features close protection specialist Marc Portman. He features in a few of Adrian Magson's books. This book I loved, easy to read and follow the plot. I liked Marc Portman as a character, working in a unstable work environment. I will definitely be reading more books by Adrian Magson.
April 16, 2020
This is the second and one of the best entries in this series, centered around an enigmatic American private contractor, code named Watchman, who does various jobs for Western intelligence agencies, running security for assets in dangerous places. This series is perhaps more action orientated than the author's more famous Harry Tate spy series, but the action is low key and grounded in reality, unlike so many other thrillers that have larger than life plots centering around an American, former special ops protagonist.
The narrative basically follows Marc Portman every step of the way as he goes about his mission, this time it's making sure a State Department official gets safely out of war torn eastern Ukraine, while cutting back to the CIA controllers and bureaucrats in the States. Complications inevitably ensue, and Adrian Magson depicts a gritty, realistic, and cynical portrayal of the confluence of Western geo-political interests and big business (a theme explored elsewhere in Dark Asset). Like the others in this series, this book is well researched, with authentic details on weapons and tradecraft, and these details are expertly woven into narrative without becoming overly technical.
Portman's parts are told from the first person. Very little information is given about his background or personal life, but Magson excels at showing us Portman's internal decision making process and tactical thinking. Portman is supremely competent, professional, and mission focused.
Highly recommended.
The narrative basically follows Marc Portman every step of the way as he goes about his mission, this time it's making sure a State Department official gets safely out of war torn eastern Ukraine, while cutting back to the CIA controllers and bureaucrats in the States. Complications inevitably ensue, and Adrian Magson depicts a gritty, realistic, and cynical portrayal of the confluence of Western geo-political interests and big business (a theme explored elsewhere in Dark Asset). Like the others in this series, this book is well researched, with authentic details on weapons and tradecraft, and these details are expertly woven into narrative without becoming overly technical.
Portman's parts are told from the first person. Very little information is given about his background or personal life, but Magson excels at showing us Portman's internal decision making process and tactical thinking. Portman is supremely competent, professional, and mission focused.
Highly recommended.
June 20, 2015
You know what you are going to get from a Adrian Magson book; if you don't already know of him, this example of his work will demonstrate his talents to the full.
The author is a wonderfully gifted storyteller as well as a clever thriller writer who brings topical events exploding onto the page. I love his 60's French based detective Lucas Rocco and English spy thrillers with Harry Tate.
However, with this second Marc Portman thriller Magson has created a mysterious special forces character, perhaps more appealing to a wider readership and the USA market. Portman has the ability to be "invisible" behind enemy lines and keep a watching brief on personnel in potential danger; watching their backs and saving them if things go wrong.
The first book was mainly based around the Kenyan/Somali border and reflected much of the political unease and unrest in those parts of Africa.
In this new novel Portman is hired by the CIA to help extricate one of their field operatives from the deteriorating situation in Ukraine.
The plot is made more intriguing with the usual double dealings and betrayals of spy stories. The action is ratcheted up as the enemy seems to know their next plan and destination and it is unclear who is friend or foe.
Portman has to live or die by his gut instincts but help is at hand in that Langley, the CIA headquarters, has a call operator on hand to be his eyes and ears monitoring troop movements and communications in Eastern Europe. However the staff member chosen is fresh out of training and her lack of operational knowledge could jepodise the mission.
Beautifully crafted plot, full of danger and action based stand-offs as the net seems to close and options run out.
This should be the first book you pack for your summer vacation if you like action packed thrillers. It has great impetus that makes it a wonderful page turner; however, it is the quality of the writing that will mean the story sticks and does far more than simply entertain and pass a few hours.
The author is a wonderfully gifted storyteller as well as a clever thriller writer who brings topical events exploding onto the page. I love his 60's French based detective Lucas Rocco and English spy thrillers with Harry Tate.
However, with this second Marc Portman thriller Magson has created a mysterious special forces character, perhaps more appealing to a wider readership and the USA market. Portman has the ability to be "invisible" behind enemy lines and keep a watching brief on personnel in potential danger; watching their backs and saving them if things go wrong.
The first book was mainly based around the Kenyan/Somali border and reflected much of the political unease and unrest in those parts of Africa.
In this new novel Portman is hired by the CIA to help extricate one of their field operatives from the deteriorating situation in Ukraine.
The plot is made more intriguing with the usual double dealings and betrayals of spy stories. The action is ratcheted up as the enemy seems to know their next plan and destination and it is unclear who is friend or foe.
Portman has to live or die by his gut instincts but help is at hand in that Langley, the CIA headquarters, has a call operator on hand to be his eyes and ears monitoring troop movements and communications in Eastern Europe. However the staff member chosen is fresh out of training and her lack of operational knowledge could jepodise the mission.
Beautifully crafted plot, full of danger and action based stand-offs as the net seems to close and options run out.
This should be the first book you pack for your summer vacation if you like action packed thrillers. It has great impetus that makes it a wonderful page turner; however, it is the quality of the writing that will mean the story sticks and does far more than simply entertain and pass a few hours.
February 2, 2019
This was another enjoyable, exciting read. Seeing how Portman is able to get his person out of a war torn Ukraine amid much interference from US based people that should be helping him, but aren't. They are pursuing their own interests. It brings together a lot of elements that I think are in play in the US even today that maybe we see only the tip of the ice berg on. This may sound familiar. Read it and see what you think.
September 19, 2025
Second book in a row from this author Adrian Magson, second in the series with The Watchman, Marc Portman series.
The series is growing on me, the second book is stronger than the first, could be me, I love a few good twists, a bit od good action, gripping and a good story, and of course so great baddies.
Marc Portman’s mission is simple: extract his target alive. Failure is not an option.
When the CIA’s top negotiator Edwin Travis is captured by pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine, deep cover specialist Marc Portman — the Watchman — is called in to get him out.
But what was meant to be a routine mission quickly spirals when someone leaks Portman’s position to their enemies.
With limited resources and his only lifeline, a novice comms officer in Langley, Portman must rely on his training and instincts to get Travis to safety.
But the deeper he goes, the more danger he’s in. Portman is up against local gangsters, Ukrainian Special Forces, professional snipers, pro-Russian separatists and power-crazed cops. What he doesn’t know is that his most lethal enemy comes from his own side . . .
Every decision could be his last. There’s no room for mistakes.
Close Quarters is a gripping international thriller perfect for fans of Lee Child, Vince Flynn, Mark Dawson, Brad Thor and Dan Latus, Kerry Donovan, Simon Kernick, Tom Wood, Chris Ryan, J B Turner, Jack Carr, Mark Greaney, Chris Holm, Mason Cross, Ben Coes, Greg Hurwitz.
Four stars
The series is growing on me, the second book is stronger than the first, could be me, I love a few good twists, a bit od good action, gripping and a good story, and of course so great baddies.
Marc Portman’s mission is simple: extract his target alive. Failure is not an option.
When the CIA’s top negotiator Edwin Travis is captured by pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine, deep cover specialist Marc Portman — the Watchman — is called in to get him out.
But what was meant to be a routine mission quickly spirals when someone leaks Portman’s position to their enemies.
With limited resources and his only lifeline, a novice comms officer in Langley, Portman must rely on his training and instincts to get Travis to safety.
But the deeper he goes, the more danger he’s in. Portman is up against local gangsters, Ukrainian Special Forces, professional snipers, pro-Russian separatists and power-crazed cops. What he doesn’t know is that his most lethal enemy comes from his own side . . .
Every decision could be his last. There’s no room for mistakes.
Close Quarters is a gripping international thriller perfect for fans of Lee Child, Vince Flynn, Mark Dawson, Brad Thor and Dan Latus, Kerry Donovan, Simon Kernick, Tom Wood, Chris Ryan, J B Turner, Jack Carr, Mark Greaney, Chris Holm, Mason Cross, Ben Coes, Greg Hurwitz.
Four stars
July 26, 2015
A new author for me and a new series even if I started with Book #2! All I can say is where have I been that I missed this dynamically adventuresome author whose words could very well come from the front pages of tomorrow’s newspaper? This latest Marc Portman Thriller caught my imagination and enthralled me right from the get-go. The writing is crisp, sharp and gets right to the point, just as the Watchman aka Marc Portman operates, with little to no unnecessary movements. Straight and to the point with quick decisions over life and death.
The Watchman is an asset that the government uses when they can’t afford to have knowledge of or seem to have any connection to whatever type of black ops situation might fall out if the mission failed. In other words, the Watchman is expendable, and if caught or failure of a mission, he is completely on his own! One might question the sanity of why anyone would want that type of a life – either insane or supremely confident of success. Regardless - I personally fell in love with our hero!
Not only did the author give Portman all the attributes of a dynamite hero but his characterization of one very nasty Senator was flawlessly evil and hurrah - dealt with in the most impressive manner.
Bottom line: In my opinion, a perfect read that sped along with adventure and intrigue and kept this reader up to the wee hours of the morning to finish! Awesome story, better yet a new series I personally would like to follow!
Marilyn Rondeau
The Watchman is an asset that the government uses when they can’t afford to have knowledge of or seem to have any connection to whatever type of black ops situation might fall out if the mission failed. In other words, the Watchman is expendable, and if caught or failure of a mission, he is completely on his own! One might question the sanity of why anyone would want that type of a life – either insane or supremely confident of success. Regardless - I personally fell in love with our hero!
Not only did the author give Portman all the attributes of a dynamite hero but his characterization of one very nasty Senator was flawlessly evil and hurrah - dealt with in the most impressive manner.
Bottom line: In my opinion, a perfect read that sped along with adventure and intrigue and kept this reader up to the wee hours of the morning to finish! Awesome story, better yet a new series I personally would like to follow!
Marilyn Rondeau
May 20, 2015
I want to thank Severn House Publishers and Net Galley for making a preview copy of this novel available to me for free in exchange for an honest review. The book will be released August 1, 2015.
The CIA has had to get creative in their way of protecting and extracting operatives in countries where it is not necessarily Politically Correct to be active. As such they turn to free lance talents (former military special forces or previous CIA operatives) to handle some of this work on a contract basis.
One such operative is contacted by CIA deputy director Callahan to enter the country of Ukraine and rescue and oversee the extraction of a State Department Official who went there to try and smooth things over between the Russians, the Ukrainians and the Separatist who are causing much havoc and destruction in the country.
Unfortunately this State Department Official has been placed under house arrest and observation by the Separatist, or is it the Ukrainians? No one is really sure. But Callahan wants to get him back before it is discovered that he is really a CIA analysts who is trying to gather human intel on the situation.
So, enter ‘Watchman,’ more commonly known as Mr. Portman. He is asked to enter the country and oversee the safety of Mr. Travis as CIA cut outs try and get him out of the country.
The only problem is this, there is a mole at the CIA who is feeding information to the Russians which is allowing them to stay a step ahead of the CIA. Thus ‘Watchman’ will have to take a more active role in securing Mr. Travis and getting him out of the country.
The bulk of the novel deals with ‘Watchman’ and his CIA handler and their work to try and get Mr. Travis to safety. The plot is good, the story is reasonable and Magson develops the characters and the situation to perfection.
This book doesn’t have the shoot um up drama and fast pace of some spy type novels, but it is intriguing and plausible enough to help you understand how the hands of our CIA have been tied behind their backs by politicians and Senate Sub-Committees that have their own agendas.
This is an excellent novel for those who love political intrigue, CIA operations, Clandestine work behind the scenes and an honest to god hero who puts his life on the line to help others for no other reason than loyalty and love of country.
Enjoy!
The CIA has had to get creative in their way of protecting and extracting operatives in countries where it is not necessarily Politically Correct to be active. As such they turn to free lance talents (former military special forces or previous CIA operatives) to handle some of this work on a contract basis.
One such operative is contacted by CIA deputy director Callahan to enter the country of Ukraine and rescue and oversee the extraction of a State Department Official who went there to try and smooth things over between the Russians, the Ukrainians and the Separatist who are causing much havoc and destruction in the country.
Unfortunately this State Department Official has been placed under house arrest and observation by the Separatist, or is it the Ukrainians? No one is really sure. But Callahan wants to get him back before it is discovered that he is really a CIA analysts who is trying to gather human intel on the situation.
So, enter ‘Watchman,’ more commonly known as Mr. Portman. He is asked to enter the country and oversee the safety of Mr. Travis as CIA cut outs try and get him out of the country.
The only problem is this, there is a mole at the CIA who is feeding information to the Russians which is allowing them to stay a step ahead of the CIA. Thus ‘Watchman’ will have to take a more active role in securing Mr. Travis and getting him out of the country.
The bulk of the novel deals with ‘Watchman’ and his CIA handler and their work to try and get Mr. Travis to safety. The plot is good, the story is reasonable and Magson develops the characters and the situation to perfection.
This book doesn’t have the shoot um up drama and fast pace of some spy type novels, but it is intriguing and plausible enough to help you understand how the hands of our CIA have been tied behind their backs by politicians and Senate Sub-Committees that have their own agendas.
This is an excellent novel for those who love political intrigue, CIA operations, Clandestine work behind the scenes and an honest to god hero who puts his life on the line to help others for no other reason than loyalty and love of country.
Enjoy!
October 5, 2015
This is a superb novel for anyone who enjoys their thriller being written by an author who is a master of his craft. It is action packed, with a deep cover specialist, Marc Portman, as the hero we follow as he endeavours to bring a US State Department official out from the Ukraine where he has been under house arrest. Although this is the second book in the series, it works well as a standalone (I haven’t read the first one - but look forward to doing so after reading this!)
The author brings to life the political drama and conflict actually unfolding in the region in his dramatic tale. The enemies Portman faces are many but, as the blurb reveals, the most lethal one is actually from his own side! You’ll need to read it yourself to see who it is and what happens - remember, I try not to give any spoilers!
There are double dealing spies, a superbly crafted plot, fast paced action and a dynamic force to be reckoned with in the hero. This is an intriguing story, a real page turner and one I have no hesitation in highly recommending to anyone who enjoys particularly well written thrillers,
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too for provided an ARC for me to read in exchange for this, my honest review.
The author brings to life the political drama and conflict actually unfolding in the region in his dramatic tale. The enemies Portman faces are many but, as the blurb reveals, the most lethal one is actually from his own side! You’ll need to read it yourself to see who it is and what happens - remember, I try not to give any spoilers!
There are double dealing spies, a superbly crafted plot, fast paced action and a dynamic force to be reckoned with in the hero. This is an intriguing story, a real page turner and one I have no hesitation in highly recommending to anyone who enjoys particularly well written thrillers,
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too for provided an ARC for me to read in exchange for this, my honest review.
June 14, 2015
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'Close Quarters' is the second Marc Portman thriller. I haven't read ' The Watchman', the first book featuring this character but there is enough background in this story to make it enjoyable as a standalone read.
The setting and political climate is contemporary and relevant. Told from Marc Portman's point of view, in a PI style, Marc Portman is likeable and realistic. Unlike many novels of its ilk, 'Close Quarters' is not overly graphic in terms of violence. The story still portrays the menace and violence of the circumstances Portman experiences, which evidences quality writing.
The political conspiracy theme in the novel is not new but Portman's role as a close protection expert, rather than a member of the special services, offers enough original insight to make it worth reading. The supporting characters and antagonists are complex characters and allow the reader glimpses into the conspiracy and the danger Portman faces, whilst he remains in ignorance, creating powerful dramatic irony.
This is an easy to read, well paced story with strong characters. I am intrigued enough to read more of this author's stories.
I received a copy of this book from Severn House Publishers via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Adrian Magson
May 30, 2015
“Close Quarters” was published in 2015 (August) and was written by Adrian Magson (http://www.adrianmagson.com). Mr. Magson has written more than a dozen novels, this being the second of his ‘Marc Portman’ series.
I obtained a galley of this novel for review through https://www.netgalley.com. I would categorize this novel as ‘R’ as there are instances of Violence and some Mature Language. This Thriller novel is set in contemporary times, mostly in the Ukraine. The primary character is Marc Portman, former military and special forces, now a contractor who takes on close protection jobs for various US and UK government agencies.
State department officer Edwin Travis has been sent to the Ukraine to try and establish contacts with pro-west groups. He is taken into custody by one of the groups of militia. Portman is sent in to facilitate the extraction of Travis, but things go wrong. Instead of protecting from the shadows, Portman must step in and perform the extraction himself.
They must dodge Russians, Ukranian militia groups that are pro-Russian as well as elements of the Russian mob. As Portman battles to save both Travis and himself, he, and his handlers at the CIA, soon discover that there is someone high in the US intelligence community that is working against them.
There were almost 6.5 hours of action and intrigue in this novel. I liked the plot and characters, though it felt like it ended more suddenly than it needed to. I give this novel a 4.5 (rounded up to a 5) out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at http://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
I obtained a galley of this novel for review through https://www.netgalley.com. I would categorize this novel as ‘R’ as there are instances of Violence and some Mature Language. This Thriller novel is set in contemporary times, mostly in the Ukraine. The primary character is Marc Portman, former military and special forces, now a contractor who takes on close protection jobs for various US and UK government agencies.
State department officer Edwin Travis has been sent to the Ukraine to try and establish contacts with pro-west groups. He is taken into custody by one of the groups of militia. Portman is sent in to facilitate the extraction of Travis, but things go wrong. Instead of protecting from the shadows, Portman must step in and perform the extraction himself.
They must dodge Russians, Ukranian militia groups that are pro-Russian as well as elements of the Russian mob. As Portman battles to save both Travis and himself, he, and his handlers at the CIA, soon discover that there is someone high in the US intelligence community that is working against them.
There were almost 6.5 hours of action and intrigue in this novel. I liked the plot and characters, though it felt like it ended more suddenly than it needed to. I give this novel a 4.5 (rounded up to a 5) out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at http://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
July 1, 2015
“Close Quarters” take place in Washington DC and the Ukraine.
Marc Portman (codename: Watchman) protects people in foreign countries who get into trouble with the local authorities. Arash Bagheri, a low ranking US State Department Official is abducted while in the Ukraine and Watchman is hired by the CIA to find, protect and safely extract him. Easy-peasy…right? Not so, because the Ukraine is on the verge of a civil war. From the get-go Watchman realizes this is not going to be easy because there isn’t anyone he can trust…not even the US officials because this has the ear-mark of a set-up from the top brass…but just how high does it go and why?
“Close Quarters” is definitely a nail-biting thriller guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat, holding your breath. As the events unfold, this story has more twists and turns than a cork screw. With each twist and turn Watchman is faced with a new enemy from the Ukrainian Special Forces to Russians, snipers and power crazy police. Even someone in the US doesn’t want him to get to Moldova and the extraction point.
My biggest disappointment was it ended to soon. I couldn’t put it down and it left me wanting more. This is the first work I have read by Mr. Magson and I am looking forward to reading more of his work. In my opinion it is a thriller must read. It is however for the adult as it has at times graphic content.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, Severn House Publishers, through Net Galley, blogger program for review. I was not required to write a favorable review nor was I compensated for my review. The opinions in this review are my own.
Marc Portman (codename: Watchman) protects people in foreign countries who get into trouble with the local authorities. Arash Bagheri, a low ranking US State Department Official is abducted while in the Ukraine and Watchman is hired by the CIA to find, protect and safely extract him. Easy-peasy…right? Not so, because the Ukraine is on the verge of a civil war. From the get-go Watchman realizes this is not going to be easy because there isn’t anyone he can trust…not even the US officials because this has the ear-mark of a set-up from the top brass…but just how high does it go and why?
“Close Quarters” is definitely a nail-biting thriller guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat, holding your breath. As the events unfold, this story has more twists and turns than a cork screw. With each twist and turn Watchman is faced with a new enemy from the Ukrainian Special Forces to Russians, snipers and power crazy police. Even someone in the US doesn’t want him to get to Moldova and the extraction point.
My biggest disappointment was it ended to soon. I couldn’t put it down and it left me wanting more. This is the first work I have read by Mr. Magson and I am looking forward to reading more of his work. In my opinion it is a thriller must read. It is however for the adult as it has at times graphic content.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, Severn House Publishers, through Net Galley, blogger program for review. I was not required to write a favorable review nor was I compensated for my review. The opinions in this review are my own.
May 31, 2015
I would like to thank Severn House and NetGalley for providing me with an electronic copy to read and review. Close Quarters has all of the elements of a great spy thriller, including a believable main character with a combination of street smarts, intellect, and the ability to adapt to ever changing situations. Add in the following: a good chase, an indeterminate foe or foes, and a great plot with many twists and turns. Marc Portman (Watchman) is a close protection specialist, sent in by the CIA in situations when the regular route of protection and extraction is unavailable. Attempting to help a State Department worker by the name of Edwin Travis, Portman gets embroiled in a high tension, life threatening scenario. With a fast moving plot and great characterization, this book promises to keep you on the edge of your seat until the stunning conclusion. I can definitely picture many possible plot lines in future books and think that Lindsay and Portman make a great team. Close Quarters is the first book that I have read by author Adrian Magson, but it certainly will not be the last.
August 18, 2016
Happening in recent times as Russia stepped into Ukrainian affairs. Recent news indicates this may not be over, but it was not a good time to be a foreigner from any country as numerous groups had their own agenda, and likely were wary of if not outright despising anyone from America. So when a so called representative from America was taken into custody it fell upon a CIA contractor to extract him. What follows is a kill or be captured scenario which plays out with an abundance of action. Relying heavily on technology to stay in contact with a CIA based helper stationed at CIA headquarters, a dishonest Senator (if there is such a thing) further complicates the whole affair. The Senator in pursuit of power and money (what else is there?) has an agenda requiring the use and abuse of power and clearance for entry into areas not usually granted to outsiders. Careful not to use a personal email server the Senator resorts to devious means to thwart the successful extraction. Very intense reading with easily relatable scenarios.
August 25, 2017
This is an excellent thriller, the second in the Marc Portman, Watchman, series. Magson brings great military knowledge here, sure to satisfy those readers who love almost nonstop action with exceptional and authentic detail. Marc Portman, code name Watchman, is a freelance trouble shooter, brought into impossible rescue situations, often at the request of US intelligence. Here, he takes on a delicate diplomatic job that puts him in the Ukraine in the middle of that conflict, and with the addition of troublesome and lethal gangsters on his trail. Again in this story, we see the divisions between US intelligence and military services that put his operation in severe jeopardy. Portman is a neutral character and author Magson adeptly uses this to highlight trouble from all sides, internal and external. I don't know of any writer who handles this kind of action writing better than Adrian Magson. Talk about page turners! This series is a winner.
June 13, 2018
Fast moving...mostly
Before I had a car, and had to commute for about an hour, I’d put this in the category of subway reading. Fast-paced, short chapters, straight adventure story. Some might call it beach reading.
This is for those who like Tom Clancy, with intelligence and military elements. The author does a good job of checking all those boxes with this book and others in the series. The only place this story drags is when it deals with a background conspiracy hatched by “Deep State” actors in D.C. When the story is out in the field it hums right along and keeps you engaged until you have to change trains, or take a dip.
Before I had a car, and had to commute for about an hour, I’d put this in the category of subway reading. Fast-paced, short chapters, straight adventure story. Some might call it beach reading.
This is for those who like Tom Clancy, with intelligence and military elements. The author does a good job of checking all those boxes with this book and others in the series. The only place this story drags is when it deals with a background conspiracy hatched by “Deep State” actors in D.C. When the story is out in the field it hums right along and keeps you engaged until you have to change trains, or take a dip.
November 14, 2017
Full of action and suspense. Love hearing about the difficulties, the issues and how he digs himself out of this one as he helps an American state official placed under house arrest out of the Ukraine.
June 8, 2015
I was hooked from the first page. There is a lot of action!
Melissa B. Mahon Branch
Melissa B. Mahon Branch
February 18, 2016
Excellent read
High caliber thriller. Well plotted novel, usual twists and turns - not so unbelievable to be absurd but enjoyable anyway.
High caliber thriller. Well plotted novel, usual twists and turns - not so unbelievable to be absurd but enjoyable anyway.
November 13, 2018
Skillfully constructed, superbly paced with a cllear knowledge of subject both inside the world of international intelligence agencies and on the ground in Ukraine.
January 29, 2020
Very fast paced well written thriller that grabs and holds the attention of the reader almost from the outset. Being written primarily in the first person it deals with a narrative of getting a compromised CI agent out of Ukraine. The plot involves treachery greed and murder plus all the usual daring of a spy thriller. The main character, Portman works as a freelance for certain of the worlds intelligence agencies responsible for providing close protection for any of its operatives. As well as the FSB and the Russian Mafia Portman is faced with a high ranking US senator who is ore interested in personal agendas and money than national security. The shadowy figure Two-One provides information for the senator from within the CIA but comes good in the end.
A really good read I could not put down.
A really good read I could not put down.
May 25, 2019
Marc Portman is sent to extract a CIA operative from Ukraine and quickly finds that the job isn't going to be easy--in part because someone wants him dead, along with the person he's sent to rescue. As the reader follows him through the countryside, the body count of enemies and supposed helpers rises. But Portman isn't the only one in danger. So, too, is the new in-house tracker who is tasked with helping him escape.
Will Portman and his charge make it home? Will his long-distance helper be charged with illegalities she hasn't committed? A thriller from first page to last?
Will Portman and his charge make it home? Will his long-distance helper be charged with illegalities she hasn't committed? A thriller from first page to last?
August 13, 2025
Loved the book and it's sequel. Both books were similar in style and plot. What I liked about the style of writing where you as a reader didn't know what was going to happen form one page to the next. I read constantly and have a habit of anticipating how it is going to turn out from one event to the next. Not here.
September 26, 2025
Not Quite Sophomore
After a really excellent debut, this second book in the series almost suffers from a sophomore slump. Where the first adventure rocketed along with lots of action, this one suffers from some long wonky dialogue and descriptions, telling instead of showing. Although it’s probably 50 pages too long, book does finish with a worthwhile resolution.
After a really excellent debut, this second book in the series almost suffers from a sophomore slump. Where the first adventure rocketed along with lots of action, this one suffers from some long wonky dialogue and descriptions, telling instead of showing. Although it’s probably 50 pages too long, book does finish with a worthwhile resolution.
December 9, 2025
Better and better
Well the first one was great but the second topped even that. Edge of the seat thrills, totally unputdownable. Highly recommended for anyone who loves Reacher, Sam Pope, Jason Trapp etc al. Great read alone but really glad I bought the whole set, can't wait for number 3.
Well the first one was great but the second topped even that. Edge of the seat thrills, totally unputdownable. Highly recommended for anyone who loves Reacher, Sam Pope, Jason Trapp etc al. Great read alone but really glad I bought the whole set, can't wait for number 3.
August 6, 2025
This is adrenaline on paper. From the first page, Marc Portman is in motion,. dodging bullets, outsmarting enemies, and navigating a mission that feels like it could explode at any second. If you love military grade action with a lone wolf hero, this is your book.
September 10, 2025
very good series
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
September 12, 2025
This is almost edge of your seat stuff. Why almost? Well you just know that Watchman is going to get through and that a certain person back in the USA is going to get his comeuppance. But it was great fun getting there.
December 6, 2025
This was a decent read but a few areas that left me scratching my head. So I won't be specific to spoil it but this rated not a 3 but closer to a 4.
I hope #3 doesn't follow this formula but we’ll see.
I hope #3 doesn't follow this formula but we’ll see.
August 19, 2025
Kept me wanting to turn pages
Good characterisation. Good storyline. No spoilers but definitely recommend. I am looking forward to reading the next instalment in the series.
Good characterisation. Good storyline. No spoilers but definitely recommend. I am looking forward to reading the next instalment in the series.
October 14, 2025
Not as good as the first one. Hope the third is better
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