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Jonathan Grave #7
Against All Enemies
Jonathan Grave finds it hard to believe that a fellow combat vet has gone rogue, killing American agents and leaking sensitive intel to hostile foreign interests. With black ops assassins on the trail of his old friend, Grave sets out to get to him first. He finds far more than he bargained for. Not only the wily operative, but evidence of a conspiracy so dangerous, so far-reaching, that an unthinkable tragedy is in-motion. Grave and his elite team of specialists must expose a deadly high-level secret —and do it in time to avert a catastrophe of historic proportions…
410 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2015
571 people are currently reading
864 people want to read
About the author
John Gilstrap
79 books1,215 followersA little bit about my background... I've always been a closet-writer. As a kid, I lived for the opportunity to write short stories. I was the editor of my high school newspaper for a while (the Valor Dictus, Robinson High School, class of 1975), until I quit ("You can't fire me! I quit!") over a lofty First Amendment issue that seemed very important at the time. My goal, in fact, was to become a journalist in the vein of Woodward or Bernstein. Okay, I confess, I wanted to be Woodward; Robert Redford played him in the movie, and chicks really dug Robert Redford.
I graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1979, and armed with a degree in American history, I couldn't find a job. I ended up settling for a position with a little-noticed trade journal serving the construction industry. They called me the managing editor and they paid me food stamp wages. I hated it. About this time, I joined the Burke Volunteer Fire Department in Fairfax County, Virginia, if only to find relief from the boredom of my job. Running about a thousand calls my first year with the department, I was hooked, and the volunteer fire service became an important part of my life for the next 15 years. In the early eighties, hating my job, I went the way of all frustrated liberal arts undergrads—back to graduate school. Earning a Master of Science degree in safety engineering from the University of Southern California, I started down a whole new road. For the next decade and a half, I became an expert (don't you hate that word?) on explosives safety and hazardous waste. Meanwhile, I kept writing. I didn't tell anyone, of course, because, well, you just don't share artistic dreams with fellow engineers. They look at you funny.
My first novel, Nathan's Run, was in fact my fourth novel, and when it sold, it sold big. At a time in my life when things were going well—I was president of my own consulting firm—things were suddenly going very well. Warner Bros. bought the movie rights to Nathan's Run two days after the first book rights were sold, and as of this date, the novel has been translated and published in one form or another in over 20 countries. With Nathan's Run in the can, as it were, I thought I might finally be on to something, but I didn't quit my "day job" until after I sold the book and movie rights to my second novel, At All Costs. I figured that while one-in-a-row might be luck, two-in-a-row was a trend. So, I started writing full-time.
More novels followed, and then a few screenplays. I was living the dream.
But I really didn't like it much. I learned pretty quickly that when you're born a Type-A personality, those extrovert tendencies don't go away just because you're practicing a craft you love. In fact, after just a couple of years of dream fulfillment, I was pretty friggin' bored with the company of my imaginary friends, so I did something that I've never heard a full-time artist do before: I went back to a day job. At first, it was just a matter of reactivating my consulting business, but then, in 2004, I was handed my ideal Big-Boy Job (that's what my wife calls it) working as the director of safety for a trade association in Washington, DC.
And I continue to write. In 2006, Six Minutes to Freedom was published to considerable acclaim. My first (and probably last) foray into book-length non-fiction, SixMin tells the story of Kurt Muse, the only civilian of record ever rescued by the super-secret Delta Force. Thanks to Kurt's cooperation (he is co-author), I gained access to people and places that lifelong civilians like me should never see. The heroic warriors I met during that research turned out to be nothing like their movie stereotypes. These were not only gentlemen, but gentle men, who remained free of the kind of boasting and self-aggrandizement that I was expecting. They were supreme professionals, and very nice guys.
And through them I got the idea for my new series character, Jonathan Grave. He's fo
I graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1979, and armed with a degree in American history, I couldn't find a job. I ended up settling for a position with a little-noticed trade journal serving the construction industry. They called me the managing editor and they paid me food stamp wages. I hated it. About this time, I joined the Burke Volunteer Fire Department in Fairfax County, Virginia, if only to find relief from the boredom of my job. Running about a thousand calls my first year with the department, I was hooked, and the volunteer fire service became an important part of my life for the next 15 years. In the early eighties, hating my job, I went the way of all frustrated liberal arts undergrads—back to graduate school. Earning a Master of Science degree in safety engineering from the University of Southern California, I started down a whole new road. For the next decade and a half, I became an expert (don't you hate that word?) on explosives safety and hazardous waste. Meanwhile, I kept writing. I didn't tell anyone, of course, because, well, you just don't share artistic dreams with fellow engineers. They look at you funny.
My first novel, Nathan's Run, was in fact my fourth novel, and when it sold, it sold big. At a time in my life when things were going well—I was president of my own consulting firm—things were suddenly going very well. Warner Bros. bought the movie rights to Nathan's Run two days after the first book rights were sold, and as of this date, the novel has been translated and published in one form or another in over 20 countries. With Nathan's Run in the can, as it were, I thought I might finally be on to something, but I didn't quit my "day job" until after I sold the book and movie rights to my second novel, At All Costs. I figured that while one-in-a-row might be luck, two-in-a-row was a trend. So, I started writing full-time.
More novels followed, and then a few screenplays. I was living the dream.
But I really didn't like it much. I learned pretty quickly that when you're born a Type-A personality, those extrovert tendencies don't go away just because you're practicing a craft you love. In fact, after just a couple of years of dream fulfillment, I was pretty friggin' bored with the company of my imaginary friends, so I did something that I've never heard a full-time artist do before: I went back to a day job. At first, it was just a matter of reactivating my consulting business, but then, in 2004, I was handed my ideal Big-Boy Job (that's what my wife calls it) working as the director of safety for a trade association in Washington, DC.
And I continue to write. In 2006, Six Minutes to Freedom was published to considerable acclaim. My first (and probably last) foray into book-length non-fiction, SixMin tells the story of Kurt Muse, the only civilian of record ever rescued by the super-secret Delta Force. Thanks to Kurt's cooperation (he is co-author), I gained access to people and places that lifelong civilians like me should never see. The heroic warriors I met during that research turned out to be nothing like their movie stereotypes. These were not only gentlemen, but gentle men, who remained free of the kind of boasting and self-aggrandizement that I was expecting. They were supreme professionals, and very nice guys.
And through them I got the idea for my new series character, Jonathan Grave. He's fo
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
January 25, 2016
Despite the usual high octane scenes, and the wonderful banter between Jonathan "Digger" Grave and his buddy Boxers, I did not enjoy Book #7. There was little further development of the main characaters (Venice, Wolverine, Father Dom), and Gilstrap has wandered away from Digger's forte as a hostage rescue specialist. This book focuses on political intrigue, and a revolutionary plot to undermine the national leaders in Washington. Skip this one, and I hope Gilstrap goes back to his roots now that he is writing full-time.
July 6, 2015
I have liked all the previous novels in the Grave series. However, the author used this particular novel as a platform to spout ridiculous political rhetoric. The problem with that party that you rail against so, Mr. Gilstrap? They're the ones who actually *read* so congratulations on alienating your audience. And you've just quit your day job. Unfortunate, because I will not buy even one more of your novels. I hope reinforcing your old white man-ness was worth the loss of revenue.
August 16, 2015
I hated it and for special reasons I will explain so you will know if my hatred for it would affect whether you would like it or not.
When I read mysteries, suspense novels, or thrillers, I am there for the story and not to be insulted politically by the author. John Gilstrap was VERY heavy-handed in his disrespect for women and his hatred for Democrats, liberals, and those who live in cities and not out in the sticks. This guy is pure Republican with no respect for others who are different. He doesn't seem to understand that Democrat, liberal city types like myself make up the majority of readers in this country so attacking us hardly seems wise for a writer. In fact, I'll never even try to read another of his books. His attitude here is relentlessly hateful towards people like myself. I am supposedly stupid because I am a Democrat (despite my graduate degrees) and "not a real American" because I have always chosen to live in large cities since, according to Gilstrap, real Americans ONLY live in rural areas or small towns. Typical Ted Cruz, Donald Trump, etc voter.
When I read mysteries, suspense novels, or thrillers, I am there for the story and not to be insulted politically by the author. John Gilstrap was VERY heavy-handed in his disrespect for women and his hatred for Democrats, liberals, and those who live in cities and not out in the sticks. This guy is pure Republican with no respect for others who are different. He doesn't seem to understand that Democrat, liberal city types like myself make up the majority of readers in this country so attacking us hardly seems wise for a writer. In fact, I'll never even try to read another of his books. His attitude here is relentlessly hateful towards people like myself. I am supposedly stupid because I am a Democrat (despite my graduate degrees) and "not a real American" because I have always chosen to live in large cities since, according to Gilstrap, real Americans ONLY live in rural areas or small towns. Typical Ted Cruz, Donald Trump, etc voter.
October 31, 2020
This was different but just as good. Saved more than individuals. Saved a bad guy even when you get down to it. There were cracks in the team that were fixed quickly. The core even had a few issues but they should be fine.
Something is coming with the Darmond administration. Hope we find out in the next one.
Something is coming with the Darmond administration. Hope we find out in the next one.
July 2, 2015
I used to love John Gilstrap's writing. He used to be one of my must-read authors. In fact, I still enjoy reading some of his earlier works especially Nathan's Run. Yet, something happened in his Jonathan Grave series that I subconsciously noted in earlier entries of the series but finally became intolerable in this book - the curse of politics. The contempt for liberals - the never-ending reminder from the majority of his characters that the "real Americans" don't live in urban areas but only in the "heartland" and "rural" areas just became intolerable. When I spend my money on a thriller, I want a compelling story not a polemic. I couldn't concentrate or become interested in the events of the story because of his chronic contempt towards those who were "gullible" enough or only interested in freeloading and thus voted for Democrats. If you can ignore the political bias of his story and characters, this is actually an interesting story. Unfortunately, I couldn't and this story just fell flat for me.
June 19, 2017
I customarily look forward to Jon Grave and his merry band of heroes/heroines but this book was a huge disappointment. Aside from the familiar banter between Scorpion and Boxers, killings justified by rescues and Venice's awesome intelligence throughout, this action packed story was horrible. Not only did Grave lack in his moral compass, he charged into a compound of young gullible, inexperienced soldiers who were not sure what they were fighting for. All or most of whom were shot when reason might have been obtained and the actual target(s) or nut-jobs, caught. I'm surprised at the high reviews and ratings. I'll keep reading this series but if future books in this series is anything like this one, I'm dropping it like a hot potato.
October 1, 2015
Not my favorite Gilstrap/Grave Digger novel. More of a political thriller than what attracted me to Gilstrap's novels, hostage rescue. Other authors do a better job at the political thriller genre.
July 1, 2021
AGAINST ALL ENEMIES finds Jonathan questioning his own tactics. The fact that the people who died did so while doing evil things should have comforted him but when the evil ones are duped by master con men somehow it failed to bring reli ef
August 26, 2015
I've always looked forward to new Jonathan Grave novels, but was fairly disappointed in this one. Mainly because of the overt political sniping in this one. I quit reading Brad Thor for the same thing. I read books to be entertained not to learn of the author's opinion on politics. Plus the ending was so unreasonable, it was laughable.
October 16, 2020
I guess I need to find some new authors and maybe a new genre.
I've truly enjoyed all the Gilstrap books I've read - until this one. Jonathan Grave *was* a novel and interesting take on the typical action/thriller/spy/ kind of hero. He typically rescues kidnap victims. But here he doesn't and frankly it seems both Graves and Gilstrap are tired and have run out of ways to put Jonathan and his team in interesting situations.
The premise here is believable only because reality is so much stranger..... a buffoon occupies the White House and a large share of the populations in government and out, in military and out - are fed up. Sadly, it would seem Gilstrap used the prior administration as his model since this was published before the Liar in Chief took office. But the point is - so what? So now Graves has to get involved? Why?
As the book progresses it becomes clear that Gilstrap really wrote himself into a corner. This is a mess of a book - from the cheesy plot to the denouement (if one could call the last chapters such). The action is formulaic, the "banter" reads like it’s from a bad TV show and most annoying, without much thought Gilstrap just ends things - a team member is dismissed, Graves has a crisis of conscience and "the end." HUH? Very little resolution to the big questions raised throughout the book - plus out of character behavior from central figures of the 7-edition series.
Sigh - another one bites the dust in my collection of reliable "go-to" authors.
I've truly enjoyed all the Gilstrap books I've read - until this one. Jonathan Grave *was* a novel and interesting take on the typical action/thriller/spy/ kind of hero. He typically rescues kidnap victims. But here he doesn't and frankly it seems both Graves and Gilstrap are tired and have run out of ways to put Jonathan and his team in interesting situations.
The premise here is believable only because reality is so much stranger..... a buffoon occupies the White House and a large share of the populations in government and out, in military and out - are fed up. Sadly, it would seem Gilstrap used the prior administration as his model since this was published before the Liar in Chief took office. But the point is - so what? So now Graves has to get involved? Why?
As the book progresses it becomes clear that Gilstrap really wrote himself into a corner. This is a mess of a book - from the cheesy plot to the denouement (if one could call the last chapters such). The action is formulaic, the "banter" reads like it’s from a bad TV show and most annoying, without much thought Gilstrap just ends things - a team member is dismissed, Graves has a crisis of conscience and "the end." HUH? Very little resolution to the big questions raised throughout the book - plus out of character behavior from central figures of the 7-edition series.
Sigh - another one bites the dust in my collection of reliable "go-to" authors.
January 31, 2017
Jonathan Grave and his trusty right hand, Boxers, are asked by a former commander to run down a former member of their old unit who's gone rogue, murdered several CIA agents and leaked classified information. When they locate their former comrade the story he tells them is too crazy to believe. Someone is plotting to overthrow the US government by a series of high-level assassinations. But their former comrade in arms is convincing.
What follows is an action-packed, pyrotechnic thriller in the hills of West Virginia.
I like Gilstrap's characters, the humor he infuses his stories with, and the way he moves his plot along. While, here, his heroes never seem to be in any real danger, the story is satisfying.
What follows is an action-packed, pyrotechnic thriller in the hills of West Virginia.
I like Gilstrap's characters, the humor he infuses his stories with, and the way he moves his plot along. While, here, his heroes never seem to be in any real danger, the story is satisfying.
January 31, 2021
Another Jonathan Grave book done, I'm getting close to being updated. This one is Against All Enemies by John Gilstrap. This was not the best one in the series but what really blew my mind was that it was released in 2015 and the story is that a group of people are not satisfied with the elected president. It is also one of the blodiest books so far I think. Still I will keep on reading them.
October 16, 2024
Would rate at 10 stars!!
I can't get enough of these books. Detailed without being monotonous, exciting and hair raising. This series never disappoints. Incredible characters with exceptional skills, and they manage to survive, nay excel!
I can't get enough of these books. Detailed without being monotonous, exciting and hair raising. This series never disappoints. Incredible characters with exceptional skills, and they manage to survive, nay excel!
January 1, 2016
John Gilstrap's tales of Jonathan Grave, a former super-secret commando and currently an off-the-books rescuer of hostages and the like, can be frustrating. Gilstrap's great at creating main characters that you like and want to read about, and in 2015's Against All Enemies, he even gives some depth and dimension to his villain. He writes great action scenes, crisp dialogue and funny buddy bickering.
But he also can be very talky and Enemies has that quality on 10,000 candlepower display -- his heroes actually share many of the views of the villains who want to overthrow the government but their commitment to the rule of law and their ability to spot the flaw in the overthrow plan keep them on the side of the good guys. Which they tell us, over and over again.
So when Grave and his main partner, Boxers, track down a former colleague who's gone rogue, and find he's less of a problem than the people he was seeking out, they have to suss out the proper course of action even though it won't necessarily be the legal one. That lets them lecture various and sundry characters, including each other, on why what they're doing is right.
Gilstrap also throws in some left turns in a couple of characters for what seems to be no real reason other than he can, which jars the narrative and actually leaves a sour taste on what should be a much more satisfying finale. More than once, Grave and Boxers have provided a high-octane and satisfying thrill ride, but with Against All Enemies, as with too many of the series, there are enough stumbles to make you wish someone would have tinkered with the motor a little bit more.
Original available here.
But he also can be very talky and Enemies has that quality on 10,000 candlepower display -- his heroes actually share many of the views of the villains who want to overthrow the government but their commitment to the rule of law and their ability to spot the flaw in the overthrow plan keep them on the side of the good guys. Which they tell us, over and over again.
So when Grave and his main partner, Boxers, track down a former colleague who's gone rogue, and find he's less of a problem than the people he was seeking out, they have to suss out the proper course of action even though it won't necessarily be the legal one. That lets them lecture various and sundry characters, including each other, on why what they're doing is right.
Gilstrap also throws in some left turns in a couple of characters for what seems to be no real reason other than he can, which jars the narrative and actually leaves a sour taste on what should be a much more satisfying finale. More than once, Grave and Boxers have provided a high-octane and satisfying thrill ride, but with Against All Enemies, as with too many of the series, there are enough stumbles to make you wish someone would have tinkered with the motor a little bit more.
Original available here.
September 1, 2020
Written in 2015, read in 2020. Gilstrap writes about the assault on government but the current weakness of the government. Way ahead of his time predicting the social unrest in America created by Obama's government. As a Canadian watching the anarchists, communists, Democrats, swamp, and paid rioters trying to undo the 2016 election, I see Against All Enemies as an interesting premonition of violence to come. Excellent.
January 25, 2018
Really mixed feelings on this one. In general, a good story, fast paced and interesting. The political hatred and bias was heavy handed - not as bad as Brad Thor, but the author was pretty up front about it. The big climax involved This seemed unnecessary, and out of character for a protaganist that usually busts in, grabs who they want, and back out again. The plot to overthrow the government was disturbing, particularly how easily the characters/victims bought into it.
3.5-ish
3.5-ish
November 21, 2015
Action-wise this book was an improvement over the last couple but still not up to the standard of the author's earlier work. I get that there have been some mixed reactions to the political bent of this story. Not being from the US I didn't pick that up as much. Anyway, I would also prefer Gilstrap to focus more on Jonathan Grave's strengths in hostage rescue, there's plenty of scope for interesting plots along those lines. If politics is the aim it might be better addressed in something like a political essay, which I think was one of my comments on 1984.
November 20, 2020
An exciting and...you must pay attention...book. Lots of "today" issues though this book was written before 2016. Action and more action. The book had very similiar scenes as one of his previous books (I won't mention to not spoil the surprise), but still exciting. You'll enjoy.
July 9, 2015
Was just ok. Loved this series at one time but it's just not as good lately.
March 26, 2021
A LITTLE TOO CLOSE TO REALITY
I read John Gilstrap’s AGAINST ALL ENEMIES in a matter of a few days. The pages flew by. Like his other thriller, this was a gripping ride featuring the larger-than-life characters of his series, Boxer, Venice and, of course, Jonathan. Even though we’ve ridden in the “Batmobile” before and are pretty sure we’re not going to wreck, Gilstrap creates enough suspense and twists and turns to keep readers engaged, holding their breath and rooting for the good guys. Like other well-known thriller writers such as Lee Child, Nelson DeMille and Jack Higgins, Gilstrap has proven he can bring the heat and keep it turn up for 300+ pages. Fans are not likely to be disappointed with this entry.
But as I read AGAINST ALL ENEMIES, I couldn’t help feel a certain foreboding. Even though the book was released more than a decade ago, the subplot of a shadowy group assembling a misinformed “patriots’ army” seemed remarkably prescient of the attack on the U.S. Capitol, only a few weeks before. The fictional details are different of course, though the complaints voiced in the narrative against a “malfunctioning” government were quite similar. Of course, in Gilstrap’s version, the would-be insurrectionists are thwarted before they can do any real harm to the halls of government. Would be that reality matched this fictional tale. In between my times sitting down with this novel, I was catching up on the investigation of the attackers on the Capitol on the web and the networks. When I returned to the book, I found Gilstrap’s skilled crafting of the antagonist’s POV revealed the imagined injuries and grievances of the insurrectionists was remarkably close to the admissions of the real, present insurrectionists. It made for a creepy, but interesting read. One I’d recommend, especially in light of the January 6 attack on the Capitol.
I read John Gilstrap’s AGAINST ALL ENEMIES in a matter of a few days. The pages flew by. Like his other thriller, this was a gripping ride featuring the larger-than-life characters of his series, Boxer, Venice and, of course, Jonathan. Even though we’ve ridden in the “Batmobile” before and are pretty sure we’re not going to wreck, Gilstrap creates enough suspense and twists and turns to keep readers engaged, holding their breath and rooting for the good guys. Like other well-known thriller writers such as Lee Child, Nelson DeMille and Jack Higgins, Gilstrap has proven he can bring the heat and keep it turn up for 300+ pages. Fans are not likely to be disappointed with this entry.
But as I read AGAINST ALL ENEMIES, I couldn’t help feel a certain foreboding. Even though the book was released more than a decade ago, the subplot of a shadowy group assembling a misinformed “patriots’ army” seemed remarkably prescient of the attack on the U.S. Capitol, only a few weeks before. The fictional details are different of course, though the complaints voiced in the narrative against a “malfunctioning” government were quite similar. Of course, in Gilstrap’s version, the would-be insurrectionists are thwarted before they can do any real harm to the halls of government. Would be that reality matched this fictional tale. In between my times sitting down with this novel, I was catching up on the investigation of the attackers on the Capitol on the web and the networks. When I returned to the book, I found Gilstrap’s skilled crafting of the antagonist’s POV revealed the imagined injuries and grievances of the insurrectionists was remarkably close to the admissions of the real, present insurrectionists. It made for a creepy, but interesting read. One I’d recommend, especially in light of the January 6 attack on the Capitol.
October 1, 2022
After reading the synopsis I was excited for this one. I've enjoyed this series so far but after recycling the same hostage rescue story over 6 books, the idea of Grave and company hunting down a former friend turned rogue soldier was a breath of fresh air. Unfortunately that's soon left in the dust and the focus ends up being a domestic militia group with plans to over throw the government - much less interesting for me.
I hate to say it, but this is the worst book in the series so far. As others have said, the overload of political opinions is painful to read. Just like every other book in the series there's a pitched battle scene where Grave and his buddies are outnumbered about 100 to one and still triumph. As usual the ending feels rushed with nothing explained to what happens to the good or bad guys beyond a few sentences here and there (he moved away with his family, etc). It works if you're just looking to turn your brain off and enjoy an action story, but otherwise you'll be disappointed.
The biggest problem for me is Jonathan Grave himself. He started out as a likeable guy, rescuing hostages with quick in and out missions with minimal causalities, but by this point I've lost count of how many people he's killed. His whole 'I'm on the side of the angels' nauseating catch phrase grows faker every time I hear it. There's a scene here where he sits down with his friend/priest and laments some of his choices, and I'll guess we'll see whether it'll change anything. I hope so, because he's becoming more unlikeable with every installment.
I'd already purchased the next book before I started this one, so I'll carry on to Book 8 but after this I can't say I'm that enthusiastic about it. Disappointing effort.
I hate to say it, but this is the worst book in the series so far. As others have said, the overload of political opinions is painful to read. Just like every other book in the series there's a pitched battle scene where Grave and his buddies are outnumbered about 100 to one and still triumph. As usual the ending feels rushed with nothing explained to what happens to the good or bad guys beyond a few sentences here and there (he moved away with his family, etc). It works if you're just looking to turn your brain off and enjoy an action story, but otherwise you'll be disappointed.
The biggest problem for me is Jonathan Grave himself. He started out as a likeable guy, rescuing hostages with quick in and out missions with minimal causalities, but by this point I've lost count of how many people he's killed. His whole 'I'm on the side of the angels' nauseating catch phrase grows faker every time I hear it. There's a scene here where he sits down with his friend/priest and laments some of his choices, and I'll guess we'll see whether it'll change anything. I hope so, because he's becoming more unlikeable with every installment.
I'd already purchased the next book before I started this one, so I'll carry on to Book 8 but after this I can't say I'm that enthusiastic about it. Disappointing effort.
February 19, 2021
Very disappointing. Much too political and admittedly not my politics! I guess I got so used to them attacking and killing everyone holding a gun in foreign countries in other books that it shouldn't have come as a shock that they would do the same to U.S. Citizens. Shooting a young boy in the head when you could as easily have shot (since they are such experts) in the arm holding the gun was shocking and uncalled for as was much of the other violence against those whose politics didn't agree. The banter between the characters was still there and entertaining and it appeared that Digger was confessing remorse at the end. Still I could have seen the whole crew at the Capital on Jan. 6 and not in a defensive position.
I think I have one more of his books on my Kindle and if so will read it but that's it.
I think I have one more of his books on my Kindle and if so will read it but that's it.
January 20, 2023
The biggest disappointment in this book was the slaughter of the young men trying to start an uprising. I get that it was not our main characters and Digger fired the operative that was taking too much glee from all the unnecessary killing but it was still too much... I don't think Digger could just get over it with a talk with his best friend, Dom. I know all these thriller type books are totally unbelievable but gee the total slaughter of those young men would have had the country up in arms.... those were people's brothers and kids... bad adults yes .but dozens were killed.. it would have been all over the news and I don't think the government would have just let it slide .. they needed a scapegoat. I still like Digger and Boxer and their buddies but this one was a bit too much.
October 10, 2017
‘Against All Enemies’ is another Gilstrap power packed book of fun. It is also still another volume with too similar last 100 pages.
What separates this book from other very good Gilstrap novels are threads of the story that are not what they appear. These are well woven and sets this volume above others in the Jonathan Graves series. I like how two separate stories get tied together.
The returning characters are as they always are. Other characters are more developed than Gilstrap usually writes. A few extras in the cast really fleshes out the story. There are two I would have liked to see even more involved in the story.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 8 out of 10 points.
What separates this book from other very good Gilstrap novels are threads of the story that are not what they appear. These are well woven and sets this volume above others in the Jonathan Graves series. I like how two separate stories get tied together.
The returning characters are as they always are. Other characters are more developed than Gilstrap usually writes. A few extras in the cast really fleshes out the story. There are two I would have liked to see even more involved in the story.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 8 out of 10 points.
November 5, 2018
This is an action/adventure novel, light reading, not an intellectual treatise on the state of our country, the USA. It was published in 2015; Obama was President; Donald Trump was a punchline. Minor spoiler alert... The story is about coup d'etat against a fictional President who is judged to be weak, corrupt, and with little regard for the Constitution of the United States. While reading this book, one cannot help but wonder was the author thinking of Obama when he wrote the book, or did he have some magical power to foresee the future administration of Donald Trump. I guess the reader will decide for themselves. I have made my decision.
August 28, 2023
Slightly off the usual but….
Gilstrap still makes you (reader) want to continue the series. This one was one of the more shallow, meaning there’s just NO way the scenario could have played in any world or time we live in, but especially in the 21st century. I know I’m reading fiction and, as I’ve stated, this was not near the on the mark variety of Gilstrap’s series about our usual dynamic duo this kinda of missed the mark “in my book” (pardon my pun). I am sure after reading a lot of the series there are still clues to future books and characters and I am not turned off in the least. Still love me some Digger and Boxers and anticipate good old #8!!
Gilstrap still makes you (reader) want to continue the series. This one was one of the more shallow, meaning there’s just NO way the scenario could have played in any world or time we live in, but especially in the 21st century. I know I’m reading fiction and, as I’ve stated, this was not near the on the mark variety of Gilstrap’s series about our usual dynamic duo this kinda of missed the mark “in my book” (pardon my pun). I am sure after reading a lot of the series there are still clues to future books and characters and I am not turned off in the least. Still love me some Digger and Boxers and anticipate good old #8!!
October 19, 2018
If my 3 stars were a grade, Against All Enemies would be a C+.
There was little energy in Against All Enemies. While I found the commentary on the national politics in 2015 interesting and exceptionally on point, the story line was a bit slow, the heroes conflicted and the plot full of sharp corners eventually leading to an uninspiring mission. The best of Jonathan, his heart, was not in this mission.
I am still a fan of both John Gilstrap and Jonathan Grave and have Friendly Fire waiting in the wings.
There was little energy in Against All Enemies. While I found the commentary on the national politics in 2015 interesting and exceptionally on point, the story line was a bit slow, the heroes conflicted and the plot full of sharp corners eventually leading to an uninspiring mission. The best of Jonathan, his heart, was not in this mission.
I am still a fan of both John Gilstrap and Jonathan Grave and have Friendly Fire waiting in the wings.
August 27, 2019
This one starts out slow (quit reading it for a couple months), but a quarter to a third of the way through, the story picked up steam. From there, it was a usual Jonathan Grave action thriller with Jolaine Cage (from an earlier book in the series) making an appearance. I liked that part. A must read for fans of Gilstrap's Grave character. Highly recommended.
The sneak peek at the end of the book (of the next one in the series) piqued must interest enough that I think that'll be my next read.
The sneak peek at the end of the book (of the next one in the series) piqued must interest enough that I think that'll be my next read.
August 14, 2020
A serving Army colonel is fomenting treason against the powers that be in DC. He hooks up with a multimillionaire in the wilds of West Virginia who wants to overthrow the sitting government.
Dig and company must first find a former Unit member who has allegedly killed 3 CIA agents and passed along state secrets to foreign governments.
Dig and company are then on the hunt for the traitorous officer and his men.
Great job by Mr. Gilstrap keeping the tale moving along to its ultimate culmination
Dig and company must first find a former Unit member who has allegedly killed 3 CIA agents and passed along state secrets to foreign governments.
Dig and company are then on the hunt for the traitorous officer and his men.
Great job by Mr. Gilstrap keeping the tale moving along to its ultimate culmination
July 13, 2022
Great ending but getting there was not easy. Written in 2015, there are some parallels to January 6 2021 in that many believe that the election process is not adequate to change things and choose to ignore the constitution and structural principles for how this Country was formed. I read books for escape and this book made me uncomfortable along the way. I still look forward to the next in the series and hope it has considerably less political overtones
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