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Desert Heist: A Thriller
Not yet published
Expected 28 Jul 26A former Green Beret and aspiring archaeologist’s expedition to uncover a long-lost ancient civilization turns deadly in this explosive thriller teeming with adventure and discovery.
Nate Wilde is a former Green Beret and aspiring Harvard archaeologist. Leaving the military after a catastrophic deployment that ended with most of his team dead or injured, he chooses to pursue his passion for history. When his dissertation proposal to search for the legendary lost city of Ubar in Saudi Arabia is rejected by the Harvard examining committee and his expedition permit is denied by the Saudi government, Nate resolves to continue his research by any means necessary. And the only path left to him is to enter Saudi Arabia’s Empty Quarter through war-torn Yemen, the same sands where his brothers lost their lives years ago.
Knowing he’s going back into harm’s way, Nate turns to the only men left alive that he truly trusts—Sergeant Benjamin “Wally” Walton, a medic formerly with the British Special Air Service; Shane Price, UFC fighter turned Green Beret and an affluent playboy; and Sergeant Tim McBride, Nate’s former best friend and a true warrior. Along the way the group meets Ana Metry, a geologist of Egyptian heritage searching for her missing father, whose research is key to Nate’s quest.
Hunted by a former Spetsnaz soldier who works for a shadowy organization with unknown goals, and chased through the desert by al Qaeda terrorists, the former commandos must utilize the skills of their past profession in a race to discover whether the city truly exists, as well as uncover a deeper geopolitical mystery with resounding global ramifications.
Nate Wilde is a former Green Beret and aspiring Harvard archaeologist. Leaving the military after a catastrophic deployment that ended with most of his team dead or injured, he chooses to pursue his passion for history. When his dissertation proposal to search for the legendary lost city of Ubar in Saudi Arabia is rejected by the Harvard examining committee and his expedition permit is denied by the Saudi government, Nate resolves to continue his research by any means necessary. And the only path left to him is to enter Saudi Arabia’s Empty Quarter through war-torn Yemen, the same sands where his brothers lost their lives years ago.
Knowing he’s going back into harm’s way, Nate turns to the only men left alive that he truly trusts—Sergeant Benjamin “Wally” Walton, a medic formerly with the British Special Air Service; Shane Price, UFC fighter turned Green Beret and an affluent playboy; and Sergeant Tim McBride, Nate’s former best friend and a true warrior. Along the way the group meets Ana Metry, a geologist of Egyptian heritage searching for her missing father, whose research is key to Nate’s quest.
Hunted by a former Spetsnaz soldier who works for a shadowy organization with unknown goals, and chased through the desert by al Qaeda terrorists, the former commandos must utilize the skills of their past profession in a race to discover whether the city truly exists, as well as uncover a deeper geopolitical mystery with resounding global ramifications.
464 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication July 28, 2026
4542 people want to read
About the author
Alex Dekker
2 books13 followersAlex Dekker served as a member of the U.S. Army Special Forces “Green Berets” for nearly 20 years, first with 5th Special Forces Group and then as a special operations team member assigned to the United States Army Special Operations Command. He has deployed multiple times to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations worldwide, and has attended multiple advanced tactical and technical schools within the U.S. Special Operations community and interagency. Alex has traveled to dozens of countries for work and personal adventures and has spent years living abroad. He is an avid student of history who has participated as a volunteer in numerous archaeological digs, is an Arabic speaker, and holds a Masters in Applied Intelligence from Georgetown University. When not traveling, Alex lives in Northern Virginia with his wife Savannah, a former CIA Operations Officer, their children, and their German Shepherd Donovan.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This novel came highly recommended. And thankfully I was able to get an early copy from NetGalley to read and review.
This book started with a bang. An intense, high-stakes action scene right out of the gate. And it was written very well. Very enjoyable. And you can see how everything in this scene sets up the rest of the book.
Then, I'll admit, it started to slow down. I understand the need for the back story, the historical information, but I didn't enjoy this section.
Once Nate is on the road, however, the book picks up again and this time, does not slow down.
The premise is that Nate Wilde, a hopeful archaeologist, and Green Beret, has his sights set on finding the lost city of Ubar, in Saudi Arabia.
Gathering friends and acquaintances along the way, he is forced to work his way into the desert, avoiding all sorts of pitfalls, threats and bad luck, to try to get to where he thinks the city is.
This was well written, and full of enough action to keep you hooked. The scenes in the Arabian desert are excellent. You can feel their despair, and joy. The descriptions transport you to that world.
For a debut novel, I loved it. I look forward to more from Alex Dekker.
This book started with a bang. An intense, high-stakes action scene right out of the gate. And it was written very well. Very enjoyable. And you can see how everything in this scene sets up the rest of the book.
Then, I'll admit, it started to slow down. I understand the need for the back story, the historical information, but I didn't enjoy this section.
Once Nate is on the road, however, the book picks up again and this time, does not slow down.
The premise is that Nate Wilde, a hopeful archaeologist, and Green Beret, has his sights set on finding the lost city of Ubar, in Saudi Arabia.
Gathering friends and acquaintances along the way, he is forced to work his way into the desert, avoiding all sorts of pitfalls, threats and bad luck, to try to get to where he thinks the city is.
This was well written, and full of enough action to keep you hooked. The scenes in the Arabian desert are excellent. You can feel their despair, and joy. The descriptions transport you to that world.
For a debut novel, I loved it. I look forward to more from Alex Dekker.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A big thank you to Alex Dekker and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for the advanced copy through NetGalley.
What a debut novel from Alex Dekker. A fresh name and a fresh idea into the special operator,/thriller genre. Dekker takes readers on a Wilde ride introducing us to Nathan and his squad. Indiana Jones meshed with Nathan Drake and Pike Logan. Former Green Beret but a mind for ancient history. He doesn't let anything stop him from finding the lost city of Ubar.
Dekker's characters are many, but well developed with background, and one can hope that we get more of their story in the future. The story itself had a lot of slower paced intellectual history lessons, which I found interesting but somewhat monotonous. When the adventure got going it was nonstop.
My one and a half issues with the story are that after the lengthy buildup the cinematic ending was quite short and sudden and the preposterousness of it all.
All said, I definitely will be looking for a future Dekker Novel.
What a debut novel from Alex Dekker. A fresh name and a fresh idea into the special operator,/thriller genre. Dekker takes readers on a Wilde ride introducing us to Nathan and his squad. Indiana Jones meshed with Nathan Drake and Pike Logan. Former Green Beret but a mind for ancient history. He doesn't let anything stop him from finding the lost city of Ubar.
Dekker's characters are many, but well developed with background, and one can hope that we get more of their story in the future. The story itself had a lot of slower paced intellectual history lessons, which I found interesting but somewhat monotonous. When the adventure got going it was nonstop.
My one and a half issues with the story are that after the lengthy buildup the cinematic ending was quite short and sudden and the preposterousness of it all.
All said, I definitely will be looking for a future Dekker Novel.
January 24, 2026
This review is based on a Goodreads giveaway. Thanks!
This was a thrilling oasis of suspense! Desert Heist is a masterclass in high-stakes storytelling. From the opening scene, the atmosphere is thick with heat and tension, making the desert setting feel like a character in its own right. The plot is meticulously paced, blending technical precision with raw, unpredictable human elements that keep you guessing until the final pages.
What truly elevates this experience is the character development; these aren't just archetypes, but flawed, desperate individuals with clear motivations that make the high stakes feel personal. The dialogue is sharp, and the action sequences are choreographed with a cinematic clarity that is rare to find.
The only reason it isn't a "perfect" 5 is a slightly dense middle section where the pacing slows down for technical exposition, but the explosive finale more than makes up for it.
If you’re looking for a gritty, smart, and relentlessly engaging ride, Desert Heist is a must. Highly recommended!
This was a thrilling oasis of suspense! Desert Heist is a masterclass in high-stakes storytelling. From the opening scene, the atmosphere is thick with heat and tension, making the desert setting feel like a character in its own right. The plot is meticulously paced, blending technical precision with raw, unpredictable human elements that keep you guessing until the final pages.
What truly elevates this experience is the character development; these aren't just archetypes, but flawed, desperate individuals with clear motivations that make the high stakes feel personal. The dialogue is sharp, and the action sequences are choreographed with a cinematic clarity that is rare to find.
The only reason it isn't a "perfect" 5 is a slightly dense middle section where the pacing slows down for technical exposition, but the explosive finale more than makes up for it.
If you’re looking for a gritty, smart, and relentlessly engaging ride, Desert Heist is a must. Highly recommended!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
A new action author has been born. Inspired by a broad range of action and adventure novel, by action heros from James Reece, Indiana Jones and a sprinkle of James Bond if not alone for the product placement, make this an enjoyable first book. The ending laid it down a little thick for my taste. It does not leave many lose ends either and can certainly be extended with sequels. I am sure that this is not the last we will hear from Alex Dekker. Excellent debut novel.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I spent 4 straight days reading this book late into the night wanting to know how it turns out. I ended up finishing it around 3am on the fourth day. Really enjoyed the blend of Operator realism and historical accuracy to tell a fantastic story. I would love a sequel and really hope to see more in this story line. Great characters
Review of advance copy
Wow! A must read! Haven't read a suspense novel this great in a long time. Literally unable to put the book down. Compelling characters, intriguing story, unexpected and exciting plot twists. This new author looks to be this generation's John LeCarre. Can't wait for Alex Dekker's next novel!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
kinda thin? the action part was good but the plot was a hair too thin for my taste and the characters felt like hollow shells. 2.5 stars, rounded up. tysm for the arc. would not recommend
Review of advance copy
Sort of a mix between Dan Brown and Jack Carr. Fun, realistic action and interesting history. Thanks for the ARC, would recommend.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews