What do you think?
Rate this book
Hawk Tate Action Thrillers #1
Cold Fire
As a DEA agent, Jeremiah “Hawk” Tate was one of the best at taking down drug traffickers. Then the cartels struck back—and destroyed everything he held dear.
Five years later, Hawk has retreated from society and is living a quiet life as a Montana wilderness guide. He’s done with the DEA, done with the criminals, and done with the pain left over from his past. But his past isn’t done with him.
When a mysterious woman offers him an enormous amount of money to find her lost brother, Hawk knows he should walk away, but, with a flash of gunfire, he gets pulled back in. Surrounded by old enemies and allies, he must face off with a new player planning to flood the market with a lethal drug. This may be the chance for revenge Hawk never thought he’d get.
Five years later, Hawk has retreated from society and is living a quiet life as a Montana wilderness guide. He’s done with the DEA, done with the criminals, and done with the pain left over from his past. But his past isn’t done with him.
When a mysterious woman offers him an enormous amount of money to find her lost brother, Hawk knows he should walk away, but, with a flash of gunfire, he gets pulled back in. Surrounded by old enemies and allies, he must face off with a new player planning to flood the market with a lethal drug. This may be the chance for revenge Hawk never thought he’d get.
305 pages, Paperback
First published August 5, 2014
2292 people are currently reading
1197 people want to read
About the author
Dustin Stevens
86 books315 followersI originally hail from the midwest, growing up in the heart of farm country, and still consider it, along with West Tennessee, my co-home. Between the two, I have a firm belief that football is the greatest of all past-times, sweet tea is really the only acceptable beverage for any occasion, there is not an event on earth that either gym shorts or boots can't be worn to, and that Dairy Queen is the best restaurant on the planet. Further, southern accents are a highly likeable feature on most everybody, English bulldogs sit atop the critter hierarchy, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with a Saturday night spent catfishing at the lake.
Since leaving the midwest I've been to college in New England, grad school in the Rockies, and lived in over a dozen different cities ranging from DC to Honolulu along the way. Each and every one of these experiences has shaped who I am at this point, a fact I hope is expressed in my writing. I have developed enormous affinity for locales and people of every size and shape, and even if I never figure out a way to properly convey them on paper, I am very much grateful for their presence in my life.
To sum it up, I asked a very good friend recently how they would describe me for something like this. Their response: "Plagued by realism and trained by experiences/education to be a pessimist, you somehow remain above all else an active dreamer." While I can't say those are the exact words I would choose, I can't say they're wrong. I travel, live in different places, try new foods, meet all kinds of different people, and above all else stay curious to a fault.
Here's hoping it continues to provide us all with some pretty good stories...
Since leaving the midwest I've been to college in New England, grad school in the Rockies, and lived in over a dozen different cities ranging from DC to Honolulu along the way. Each and every one of these experiences has shaped who I am at this point, a fact I hope is expressed in my writing. I have developed enormous affinity for locales and people of every size and shape, and even if I never figure out a way to properly convey them on paper, I am very much grateful for their presence in my life.
To sum it up, I asked a very good friend recently how they would describe me for something like this. Their response: "Plagued by realism and trained by experiences/education to be a pessimist, you somehow remain above all else an active dreamer." While I can't say those are the exact words I would choose, I can't say they're wrong. I travel, live in different places, try new foods, meet all kinds of different people, and above all else stay curious to a fault.
Here's hoping it continues to provide us all with some pretty good stories...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
January 13, 2019
This was a really solid thriller, with a deep back-story and a nice collection of characters, but there were too many different perspectives and not enough red herrings to really make it a taught story. The bad Russian mafia guys were more dysfunctional than average, and the secret villain was obvious much too early.
One the plus side, Hawk was a pragmatic hero. He didn't wrestle with worries about quasi-innocent people - if they were in his way, he shot them.
This is the first in a series, but almost everyone is dead... I'm not sure if I'll read the next one.
One the plus side, Hawk was a pragmatic hero. He didn't wrestle with worries about quasi-innocent people - if they were in his way, he shot them.
This is the first in a series, but almost everyone is dead... I'm not sure if I'll read the next one.
December 16, 2015
This review was first published at M's Bookshelf - http://mssbookshelf.blogspot.com
Dustin Stevens' name on the cover has become a guarantee for an amazing read. Cold Fire is no different. With Hawk Tate Dustin created another intriguing, complicated and fascinating main character who provokes you as a reader by repeatedly flirting with the line between good vs. evil. Cold Fire is an intricate and incredibly layered story. There are so many story lines, clues, secrets and hidden pasts, it's amazing how Dustin Stevens managed to fit all of them into this book in a way that is still understandable; and because you're not being given all the pieces of the puzzle right away - nor in a chronological order - you're being challenged to think along with the characters, trying to solve this complicated story.
Although a lot of Hawk's past and background story is revealed over the course of this novel, I do feel like there's so much we don't know about him yet. He's almost too cold and detached to be able to relate to him - which becomes apparent when he challenges that fine line between fighting "the bad guys" and becoming one of them. Which is why I'm really looking forward to reading the second book following Hawk Tate, Cover Fire. I'm excited to find out more about his character, and to see what else lays in store for him.
Cold Fire is a thrilling, thought-provoking, exciting read you won't be able to put down. Dustin Stevens has proved himself again and I'm yet again amazed by the amount of different, convincing types of characters and settings he can create, all of them in astonishing detail.
Dustin Stevens' name on the cover has become a guarantee for an amazing read. Cold Fire is no different. With Hawk Tate Dustin created another intriguing, complicated and fascinating main character who provokes you as a reader by repeatedly flirting with the line between good vs. evil. Cold Fire is an intricate and incredibly layered story. There are so many story lines, clues, secrets and hidden pasts, it's amazing how Dustin Stevens managed to fit all of them into this book in a way that is still understandable; and because you're not being given all the pieces of the puzzle right away - nor in a chronological order - you're being challenged to think along with the characters, trying to solve this complicated story.
Although a lot of Hawk's past and background story is revealed over the course of this novel, I do feel like there's so much we don't know about him yet. He's almost too cold and detached to be able to relate to him - which becomes apparent when he challenges that fine line between fighting "the bad guys" and becoming one of them. Which is why I'm really looking forward to reading the second book following Hawk Tate, Cover Fire. I'm excited to find out more about his character, and to see what else lays in store for him.
Cold Fire is a thrilling, thought-provoking, exciting read you won't be able to put down. Dustin Stevens has proved himself again and I'm yet again amazed by the amount of different, convincing types of characters and settings he can create, all of them in astonishing detail.
January 27, 2016
Good quick read
Started off with a bang. About halfway in it started too slow down a bit then towards the end it picked up again. It was easy for me to figure out who betrayed the main character, however, I did enjoy the story.
I would call this an in-between book. If you just finished one and can't find that next great read. Not a bad read at all.
Started off with a bang. About halfway in it started too slow down a bit then towards the end it picked up again. It was easy for me to figure out who betrayed the main character, however, I did enjoy the story.
I would call this an in-between book. If you just finished one and can't find that next great read. Not a bad read at all.
July 11, 2015
Cold Fire starts off slow with a guide by the name of Jeremiah “Hawk” Tate. Who is ready to close down his service for the winter, but as luck would have it he receives an offer of about one years’ worth of pay for one last guide to a lake. The women says she is looking for her brother and though he feels that the story does not make sense he ends up taking her. When they get there the man is someone from his past and she is actually a hit person, who shots the guy and then shots him as he falls into the water. He survives but is pissed and on his way out finds her body frozen because a storm came through. Once he makes it out and back to his car. He travels to his former bosses place in New Mexico, and tells him what has happen and the DEA puts him back on the old case along with a new agent that he did not know. But every time they get a lead the person is already dead before they get their and then an informant dies. He knows someone inside is working for the revival drug cartel, so besides trying to stay alive he must find the mole at the same time also. This book starts a little slow but then takes off and is full suspense, action, murder and an ending with actually two different twists that really surprised me, but made for a fantastic story. This was a good book. I got this book from net galley.
October 29, 2014
Interesting characters, Hawk being my favorite. A well developed plot and a surprising ending that makes for a great read. This is the second of Dustin Stevens books I have read him being one of my favorite authors. A wild and crazy mystery that flows through every chapter with teasing suspense.
Hawk, a former DEA agent now works as a guide at Yellowstone. A woman handsomely pays pays him for his services and and then the unsuspecting fast paced introduction to a well developed plot surfaces. Attention to detail in the scenes were uncanny as chaos unravels its design and deceptive realism with relentless full throttle turning its nasty head. An adventure that engrosses the imagination to its very peak. Not to be missed. A nice addition to your library.
Hawk, a former DEA agent now works as a guide at Yellowstone. A woman handsomely pays pays him for his services and and then the unsuspecting fast paced introduction to a well developed plot surfaces. Attention to detail in the scenes were uncanny as chaos unravels its design and deceptive realism with relentless full throttle turning its nasty head. An adventure that engrosses the imagination to its very peak. Not to be missed. A nice addition to your library.
May 3, 2016
Received ARC from Netgalley for honest review.
This was thoroughly enjoyable read. This is the 1st book I have read from Dustin Stevens and on this outing I will certainly read some more.
Set around the life of Hawk Tate and hos offer to go find someone in the woods. He finds allis not as it seems and so begins a race to find answers before it is too late.
Brilliantly written and gripping throughout.
This was thoroughly enjoyable read. This is the 1st book I have read from Dustin Stevens and on this outing I will certainly read some more.
Set around the life of Hawk Tate and hos offer to go find someone in the woods. He finds allis not as it seems and so begins a race to find answers before it is too late.
Brilliantly written and gripping throughout.
February 19, 2015
well-written with believable details. Compelling!
I wondered if I wanted to finish but am glad I did. Very glad. Characters are extremely well written & action believable. It's been a long time since I both wanted to race to the finish and never have the book end. You'll be glad you read this one.
I wondered if I wanted to finish but am glad I did. Very glad. Characters are extremely well written & action believable. It's been a long time since I both wanted to race to the finish and never have the book end. You'll be glad you read this one.
December 24, 2014
Krokodil is a great read.
Interesting from the first page. Engrossing plot that kept me interested until the last page. The ending was a complete surprise.
I recommend it to anyone who likes a good mystery.
Great work, Dustin.
Interesting from the first page. Engrossing plot that kept me interested until the last page. The ending was a complete surprise.
I recommend it to anyone who likes a good mystery.
Great work, Dustin.
February 7, 2015
I love your story
I think you are a very good writer you kept me turning pages until I finally got to the end thanks
I think you are a very good writer you kept me turning pages until I finally got to the end thanks
March 5, 2015
a fast-paced thriller.
April 27, 2018
Enjoyed the constance supense!
One of the best I've read this year. Could not put it down. I look forward to reading another one of his novels.
One of the best I've read this year. Could not put it down. I look forward to reading another one of his novels.
January 5, 2019
Excellent thriller. Only reason it's not 5 stars is I figured out some of it before it happened.
September 29, 2017
I didn't understand the ending? It really bummed me out. Was he alive? Was it a dream? Up to
the end I liked the book. But, What happened?
the end I liked the book. But, What happened?
December 1, 2016
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
As a DEA agent, Jeremiah “Hawk” Tate was one of the best at taking down drug traffickers. Then the cartels struck back—and destroyed everything he held dear.
Five years later, Hawk has retreated from society and is living a quiet life as a Montana wilderness guide. He’s done with the DEA, done with the criminals, and done with the pain left over from his past. But his past isn’t done with him.
When a mysterious woman offers him an enormous amount of money to find her lost brother, Hawk knows he should walk away, but, with a flash of gunfire, he gets pulled back in. Surrounded by old enemies and allies, he must face off with a new player planning to flood the market with a lethal drug. This may be the chance for revenge Hawk never thought he’d get.
Previously published as Krokodil, this edition of Cold Fire includes editorial revisions.
There are a lot of things to like about this novel - the first thing is that I had never heard of Dustin Stevens before and, by the time I had finished, was so glad I had heard of him now.
The biggest treat in this book was the amount of secrets, lies, deceptions and hidden pasts that the author layered together - and the ability to bring them all together at the end of the book. In a completely cool and surprising way. That alone is worth the price of admission.
Hawk Tate is a very cool character - he isn't the perfect, cardboard cut-out hero that we see from time to time in thriller writing. This guy toed the line between good and illegal, between right and wrong - so much so that I was hoping for that moment when he ignored rules and regulation and just did his own thing.
The storytelling skills of the author are clearly on show here. Apart from the plot points, he has drawn together a huge range of characters and paced their involvement (and the story itself) extremely well. The dialogue was crisp and I was pleased to see that there was a real sense of place (ie location) and I wanted to read more.
Overall, a very good story with very few flaws.
Paul
ARH
As a DEA agent, Jeremiah “Hawk” Tate was one of the best at taking down drug traffickers. Then the cartels struck back—and destroyed everything he held dear.
Five years later, Hawk has retreated from society and is living a quiet life as a Montana wilderness guide. He’s done with the DEA, done with the criminals, and done with the pain left over from his past. But his past isn’t done with him.
When a mysterious woman offers him an enormous amount of money to find her lost brother, Hawk knows he should walk away, but, with a flash of gunfire, he gets pulled back in. Surrounded by old enemies and allies, he must face off with a new player planning to flood the market with a lethal drug. This may be the chance for revenge Hawk never thought he’d get.
Previously published as Krokodil, this edition of Cold Fire includes editorial revisions.
There are a lot of things to like about this novel - the first thing is that I had never heard of Dustin Stevens before and, by the time I had finished, was so glad I had heard of him now.
The biggest treat in this book was the amount of secrets, lies, deceptions and hidden pasts that the author layered together - and the ability to bring them all together at the end of the book. In a completely cool and surprising way. That alone is worth the price of admission.
Hawk Tate is a very cool character - he isn't the perfect, cardboard cut-out hero that we see from time to time in thriller writing. This guy toed the line between good and illegal, between right and wrong - so much so that I was hoping for that moment when he ignored rules and regulation and just did his own thing.
The storytelling skills of the author are clearly on show here. Apart from the plot points, he has drawn together a huge range of characters and paced their involvement (and the story itself) extremely well. The dialogue was crisp and I was pleased to see that there was a real sense of place (ie location) and I wanted to read more.
Overall, a very good story with very few flaws.
Paul
ARH
September 10, 2015
Dustin Stevens uses his imagination and creative power in creating this thriller. Who would have thought a DEA agent would become a guide at Yellowstone, which by the way happens to be my favorite vacation retreat.
The beginning of the novel jumps around a little bit, but get ready to unwind later on. Sometimes there is no logical explanation on how things happen. My first thought on reading this novel was - it sure has some interesting characters and very interesting twists and turns.
Jeannie Walker (Award-Winning Author)
The beginning of the novel jumps around a little bit, but get ready to unwind later on. Sometimes there is no logical explanation on how things happen. My first thought on reading this novel was - it sure has some interesting characters and very interesting twists and turns.
Jeannie Walker (Award-Winning Author)
July 26, 2017
Good action-packed thriller. Took me a while to empathize with Hawk, but I do admire the character. Looking forward to the next books in the series. I rated this one 4.7 stars.
June 15, 2015
Working as a tour guide in the Montana wilderness Jeremiah Tate, known as Hawk, Is abruptly dragged back to his past as a DEA agent. Hired to track down a missing brother hiking the wilderness, the client attacks the brother. Narrowly escaping with his life Hawk starts to work with his old colleagues to find the killers and uncovers information on the death of his family. Dustin Stevens does little to disguise what happens next, and is fairly predictable detracting from the enjoyment of what is a fairly good book. I personally struggled to complete this read as it did not capture my attention fully early on. It would have been much better if I had read it on holiday with less distractions.
April 17, 2016
What you see is not what you get, a mystery to the end
Just when you think you figured it out -- "IT" changes. Cold Fire. is a perfect title for a story with people and plots and explanations that twist and turn, prove to be the opposite of what they seem --or not. Hard to put down but don't try to read it when you are tired...or at all drugged ... or when you want your truth to stay clean. These are real people trying to stay clear in impossible situations... and showing the imperfections of being human. Adventure. Foreign complications. Old friends. Old enemies. Lost identities. Seeking closure? Well...
Just when you think you figured it out -- "IT" changes. Cold Fire. is a perfect title for a story with people and plots and explanations that twist and turn, prove to be the opposite of what they seem --or not. Hard to put down but don't try to read it when you are tired...or at all drugged ... or when you want your truth to stay clean. These are real people trying to stay clear in impossible situations... and showing the imperfections of being human. Adventure. Foreign complications. Old friends. Old enemies. Lost identities. Seeking closure? Well...
October 14, 2015
I received this book in a Good reads giveaway. This story is long and detailed, so the reader gets their money's worth. The story is about drug trafficking and DEA agent, Jeremiah Tate. We meet him when he has given up the job and is living a quiet life. Things change in a hurry when a mysterious woman offers him a huge amount of money to help her find her lost brother. I found myself losing interest when I had some trouble following who was who in the story. I often stopped reading and then restarted. The ending was worth the time spent and I recommend this to anyone who likes mysteries.
January 1, 2016
Lots of Action
Strong plot, colorful characters lots of action.
The story moves forward quickly and efficiently. It only takes a few pages to get caught up in the flow. This is the type of book that is hard to put down.
There are spots that jump over details too quickly and easily. A magic hacker that can find the impossible, but, these slippery events do not detract from the story. If anything , they move it ahead faster - keeping up the pace.
I've already purchased the next book in the series.
You should enjoy this book if you like thrillers.
Ted
Strong plot, colorful characters lots of action.
The story moves forward quickly and efficiently. It only takes a few pages to get caught up in the flow. This is the type of book that is hard to put down.
There are spots that jump over details too quickly and easily. A magic hacker that can find the impossible, but, these slippery events do not detract from the story. If anything , they move it ahead faster - keeping up the pace.
I've already purchased the next book in the series.
You should enjoy this book if you like thrillers.
Ted
February 10, 2016
Cold Fire (by Dustin Stevens, #2 Hawk Tate)
Ever wonder why the events in your life happened the way they did and how did you live with the results? If so, what actions would you take to erase the pain, guilt, and anger you harbored for five years trying to unravel that great mystery? Hawk Tate takes you through it all, one page at a time. This is one you want to experience, who knows, it might be relevant to your own life. Thanks for another great read.
Ever wonder why the events in your life happened the way they did and how did you live with the results? If so, what actions would you take to erase the pain, guilt, and anger you harbored for five years trying to unravel that great mystery? Hawk Tate takes you through it all, one page at a time. This is one you want to experience, who knows, it might be relevant to your own life. Thanks for another great read.
June 25, 2015
I received this book as Goodreads Giveaway and thoroughly enjoyed it. I've not yet read any of his earlier books so I wasn't quite sure what to expect but it was very suspenseful and kept me guessing until the very end.
I rooted for Hawk, the main character the entire time and I felt the author did a great job of characterization for him.
I will be checking out his other books!
I rooted for Hawk, the main character the entire time and I felt the author did a great job of characterization for him.
I will be checking out his other books!
September 11, 2015
The old saying keep your friends close...
But your enemies even closer for betrayal comes when least expected. Right from the start the plot keeps the reader trying to keep up with the fast moving plan of revenge. The last chapter keeps the reader guessing to what really happened...reality or a dream.
But your enemies even closer for betrayal comes when least expected. Right from the start the plot keeps the reader trying to keep up with the fast moving plan of revenge. The last chapter keeps the reader guessing to what really happened...reality or a dream.
December 24, 2015
Same as Krokodil
I like it the first time I read it under the name of Krokodil and like it quite well and rated it a 5. Since I paid for the same book again with a different name, it only rated a 2. I will not buy another Dustin Stevens book unless I can verify that it is a genuine new book.
I like it the first time I read it under the name of Krokodil and like it quite well and rated it a 5. Since I paid for the same book again with a different name, it only rated a 2. I will not buy another Dustin Stevens book unless I can verify that it is a genuine new book.
January 29, 2016
Good book
I really don't like writing reviews...seems others say all that needs to be said.......but I will when I really enjoy an author's writing....just happened upon this author when I read Boatman....like the clean stories.....well defined characters....just enjoy them....recommend to anyone
I really don't like writing reviews...seems others say all that needs to be said.......but I will when I really enjoy an author's writing....just happened upon this author when I read Boatman....like the clean stories.....well defined characters....just enjoy them....recommend to anyone
January 31, 2016
Lots of different characters in first person made this a book that jumped around a lot. Sometimes I just wanted to stick with Hawk! But the end was fast paced. Little confused at the end...can't say why without spoilers but I have some questions?? I intend to move on to the next Hawk novel, Cover Fire, which hopefully answers them!
Read
January 31, 2016I enjoyed this book...
Lots of different characters in first person made this a book that jumped around a lot. Sometimes I just wanted to stick with Hawk! But the end was fast paced. Little confused at the end...can't say why without spoilers but I have some questions?? I intend to move on to the next Hawk novel, Cover Fire, which hopefully answers them!
Lots of different characters in first person made this a book that jumped around a lot. Sometimes I just wanted to stick with Hawk! But the end was fast paced. Little confused at the end...can't say why without spoilers but I have some questions?? I intend to move on to the next Hawk novel, Cover Fire, which hopefully answers them!
September 21, 2016
Dustin Stevens did a fantastic job of weaving front and back stories to a Montana murder mysteries. This first book in the series introduces us to 'Hawk' or Tate, and his exceptional abilities in a very thorough way. Just the second book I have completed of Stevens, and I strongly recommend it to those enjoy a good mystery thrill ride.
October 28, 2016
Maybe the Best Dustin Stevens Novel Yet !
A rugged outdoorsman, living a simple life in Montana, but, there's a loneliness about him, a singular need to avoid entanglements, something hidden deep beneath the calm exterior. That's' TheHook', and then the action begins ! Read this Book !
A rugged outdoorsman, living a simple life in Montana, but, there's a loneliness about him, a singular need to avoid entanglements, something hidden deep beneath the calm exterior. That's' TheHook', and then the action begins ! Read this Book !
January 4, 2016
intense, action.packed. an ex DEA agent haunted by the murder of his family is drawn.back.into it by the people responsible for those murders. lies, deceit, murder, drugs, revenge...and a twist at the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews