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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.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 28, 2026
7 people are currently reading
6073 people want to read
About the author
Alex Dekker
2 books33 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 - 19 of 19 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I had such a fun time falling into this adventure!
What I loved:
1. The pacing. I don't mind a good fast-paced thriller, but this one was perfect for me. Fast enough to keep me interested but slow enough for me to appreciate everything going on.
2. Detailed and accurate descriptions about the combat scenes and weapons. Even though this story is very romanticized, it's so amazing to me how much real experience the author put into this story.
3. Attention to the beautiful culture of the Middle East. We focus so much on the negative aspects and what's going wrong, it was nice to be reminded of the amazing people, history, and culture that exists there.
4. I loved the author's note and realizing some of the characters were based on real people!
What kept it from being perfect for me:
1. The love interest. I'm already not into romance, but I'll take it as a sub-plot sometimes. This love story was just too fast and unrealistic for me.
2. This book reads like watching an action movie. The good thing is it was easy to visualize, the downside was some interactions felt a little cheesy or way over dramatized. The ending was also a quick and perfect happily ever after. I rolled my eyes a few times, but then a fight would happen and I'd be on the edge of my seat.
Overall, I'm so glad I got to read this story. I looked forward to opening this book everyday! I have huge respect and gratitude for people who train and work so hard to defend the USA, and I think it's such a flex to take those experiences and turn it into something that can be shared.
What I loved:
1. The pacing. I don't mind a good fast-paced thriller, but this one was perfect for me. Fast enough to keep me interested but slow enough for me to appreciate everything going on.
2. Detailed and accurate descriptions about the combat scenes and weapons. Even though this story is very romanticized, it's so amazing to me how much real experience the author put into this story.
3. Attention to the beautiful culture of the Middle East. We focus so much on the negative aspects and what's going wrong, it was nice to be reminded of the amazing people, history, and culture that exists there.
4. I loved the author's note and realizing some of the characters were based on real people!
What kept it from being perfect for me:
1. The love interest. I'm already not into romance, but I'll take it as a sub-plot sometimes. This love story was just too fast and unrealistic for me.
2. This book reads like watching an action movie. The good thing is it was easy to visualize, the downside was some interactions felt a little cheesy or way over dramatized. The ending was also a quick and perfect happily ever after. I rolled my eyes a few times, but then a fight would happen and I'd be on the edge of my seat.
Overall, I'm so glad I got to read this story. I looked forward to opening this book everyday! I have huge respect and gratitude for people who train and work so hard to defend the USA, and I think it's such a flex to take those experiences and turn it into something that can be shared.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Desert Heist is the debut book by a former Green Beret named Alex Dekker. It’s easy to see from reading his bio that much of the book draws from his experiences. Our lead character, Nate Wilde, is a history-loving former Green Beret now preparing to be an archaeologist. After suffering a rejection he sets out, with some friends and the daughter of a missing United Nations employee, to find a mythical city, perhaps lost many years ago somewhere in the Saudi Arabian desert. One problem – there are bad guys, willing to kill, hot on their trail.
Desert Heist starts out strong with an attack on Nate and his squad in Yemen. There is action throughout mixed with good character development. I greatly enjoyed the book but have one minor criticism, for which I will be somewhat vague to not spoil anything. For a book that is somewhat longer than most of what I read, some things just seemed to happen too easily for the good guys.
Incidentally, the book ended on a fun note as I read the Acknowledgements section in the back. Several characters in the book are evidently named for real people who he thanked in his credits. I find it to be kind of cool when authors do that. Props to the people he so honored!
I’d recommend this book for readers who seek an Indiana Jones or National Treasure-type adventure.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you to Atria Books and Goodreads for the copy provided. The above opinions are my own.
Desert Heist starts out strong with an attack on Nate and his squad in Yemen. There is action throughout mixed with good character development. I greatly enjoyed the book but have one minor criticism, for which I will be somewhat vague to not spoil anything. For a book that is somewhat longer than most of what I read, some things just seemed to happen too easily for the good guys.
Incidentally, the book ended on a fun note as I read the Acknowledgements section in the back. Several characters in the book are evidently named for real people who he thanked in his credits. I find it to be kind of cool when authors do that. Props to the people he so honored!
I’d recommend this book for readers who seek an Indiana Jones or National Treasure-type adventure.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you to Atria Books and Goodreads for the copy provided. The above opinions are my own.
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
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
Desert Heist is an epic, high-adrenaline, cinematic adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It’s a cross between Indiana Jones and Three Kings, making for a dramatic, intense and incredibly entertaining thrill ride through the desert of Saudi Arabia and the sands of time. A smashing debut by Alex Dekker!
The pursuit of lost history and buried treasure, and the dangers inherent in such a risky journey, are enough on their own to produce a pulse-pounding story. Throw in a highly capable and well-financed operator who will stop at nothing to keep that expedition from success, and it throws more fuel on the fire. Then add in a woman who’s desperate to find her father and the attempt to heal broken bonds of a brotherhood forged in battle, and emotional connections are created that grow reader’s investment in the characters. Lastly, exploring themes of resilience, overcoming obstacles and never giving up, give this tale a fist-pumping, cheer-out-loud quality that results in total buy-in from the reader.
Simply put, it’s a summer blockbuster action movie in book form.
Desert Heist is an epic, high-adrenaline, cinematic adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It’s a cross between Indiana Jones and Three Kings, making for a dramatic, intense and incredibly entertaining thrill ride through the desert of Saudi Arabia and the sands of time. A smashing debut by Alex Dekker!
The pursuit of lost history and buried treasure, and the dangers inherent in such a risky journey, are enough on their own to produce a pulse-pounding story. Throw in a highly capable and well-financed operator who will stop at nothing to keep that expedition from success, and it throws more fuel on the fire. Then add in a woman who’s desperate to find her father and the attempt to heal broken bonds of a brotherhood forged in battle, and emotional connections are created that grow reader’s investment in the characters. Lastly, exploring themes of resilience, overcoming obstacles and never giving up, give this tale a fist-pumping, cheer-out-loud quality that results in total buy-in from the reader.
Simply put, it’s a summer blockbuster action movie in book form.
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 Publisher
10/10 recommend. As someone who loves to travel, I search for stories that feel like another stamp in my passport, and Desert Heist absolutely did not disappoint. Alex Dekker transports you to far-off places and pulls you straight into the adventure. I felt like I was solving a Dan Brown mystery while on an Indiana Jones quest. Dekker’s authentic background as a Special Forces guy also came through in every tactical move and gear detail.
As a huge history buff I’m pretty critical of historical fiction books, but I loved that this book is clearly deeply researched with most of the story incorporating true historical facts and records. It added so much richness to the adventure without slowing it down. If you’re a fan of thrillers, history, travel, or military action then this book is definitely for you!
As a huge history buff I’m pretty critical of historical fiction books, but I loved that this book is clearly deeply researched with most of the story incorporating true historical facts and records. It added so much richness to the adventure without slowing it down. If you’re a fan of thrillers, history, travel, or military action then this book is definitely for you!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
DESERT HEIST - This is one of the better of the best books that I have read in a while. I like the writing style of the author and his ability to tell a story without excessive verbiage. The characters are realistic and believable complete with a variety of traits. The intriguing and immersing story lines hold the reader riveted to the events, actions, and dialogues. Nothing hollywood in this book. I love that I received a print copy, which is the only way to read a book. I cannot say more without giving a book report. Read this book as I did, unaware of what will unfold in its pages. Source: Won a GoodReads Giveaway. 5*
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.
January 28, 2026
I acquired this book through a Goodreads giveaway. I throughly enjoyed the book. The suspense was high and it read like a good action movie. I was hooked from the very 1st few chapters. The only reason I gave 4 stars was because parts of the book were overly descriptive and even though it was interesting, it seemed to take away from the pace of the book. Overall, a great book and I’m glad I got the opportunity to read it.
Read
February 3, 2026I like this book overall. The 64 chapters were fairly short, which I really liked! My copy had 451 pages, including a prologue, epilogue, and acknowledgments. The writing was descriptive enough to form suitable images in my mind, so I wonder if this material might appear on a screen nearby one day. There were also some very small cliffhangers that kept me engaged.
I am grateful for my free advance review copy. Peace be with you. :-)
I am grateful for my free advance review copy. Peace be with you. :-)
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
When the publisher's note before starting indicates that this was perhaps the best intro thriller since Jack Carr, that's high praise to meet but Dekker did it with Desert Heist. The combination of action, history and more weaves Carr with Dan Brown and clearly sets the table for more.
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 received from Goodreads Giveaways
Riveting story of soldiers and history.
Review of advance copy
Overall a good book but nothing new. Similar to other books like
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5 stars. Loved it!
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 - 19 of 19 reviews