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The Project #9
Black Rose
A lethal plague resurrected from the bones of the dead is stolen from a secret biological warfare lab hidden in the mountains of North Korea. There's no cure and it's one hundred percent fatal. If it gets loose, millions will die. The men who have it want to reduce the world's population and bring down the global economy as part of a plan to establish world dominance.
Nick Carter and Selena Connor of the Project are up against their old nemesis, a centuries old conspiracy called AEON. This time, Director Elizabeth Harker is determined to eliminate AEON once and for all. It's touch and go as events build toward the final confrontation, with no certainty that things will turn out well. Along the way, dark secrets from Selena's past come to light. The Project team takes on another dangerous mission, with no guarantee that any of them will survive.
Nick Carter and Selena Connor of the Project are up against their old nemesis, a centuries old conspiracy called AEON. This time, Director Elizabeth Harker is determined to eliminate AEON once and for all. It's touch and go as events build toward the final confrontation, with no certainty that things will turn out well. Along the way, dark secrets from Selena's past come to light. The Project team takes on another dangerous mission, with no guarantee that any of them will survive.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
69 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
About the author
Alex Lukeman
27 books206 followersI like Barbados rum, old,fast motorcycles, playing guitar and books by authors like Michael Connelly, Robert Crais, Alex Berenson, Craig Johnson and Lee Child. I write action/adventure thrillers. WHITE JADE is the first in a series featuring the PROJECT, a small, elite counter-terrorism unit. There are currently 23 books in the series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 23, 2015
I am so excited….I just got my Project Series fix !!!! Alex Lukeman has again kept me on the edge of my seat, sweaty palms and heart pounding as I read his ninth in the wonderful Project Series called Black Rose.
When reading the last sentence, I closed my eyes, thinking back to the day I read the first release in the series White Jade. I walked to my handy lap top and saw I reviewed White Jade on Amazon in 2011 and smiled as I read my review.To quote , When I began White Jade, I could see this was going to take me to places I loved. Murder, foreign intrigue, FBI, CIA, plots and plenty of action. So after eight more books to his credit, Alex Lukeman has given me this same feeling over and over; it has remained true, it has never gone away in all these years!
The only difference with White Jade to Black Rose is the knowing the characters he has brought to this story, At first they were strangers, now dear friends I worry about as much as a family member.
Elizabeth Harker, has nerves of steel, showing great strength, fortitude, and extreme resilience in the world she lives in. Having ‘the ear’ to the president adds to the story along with her team of hard working individuals adding the spice and flavor. Stephanie her hard working assistant and ‘hacker extraordinaire’ , Nick, Selena, Lamont and Ronnie round out this wonderful team .
You must start from the beginning to ‘really appreciate’ the essence of this although the books are stand alone…..For folks like me though, with a bit of the ADD gene, the series one through nine will not disappoint in any way. So if you like books Like Indanna Jones meets James Bond, and have a hankering to see exotic places….This series is a must!!
High five again Alex……Cannot wait for the tenth!!!!!
Review By Gloria Lakritz
Sr Reviewer and Review Chair for the Paranormal Romance Guild
When reading the last sentence, I closed my eyes, thinking back to the day I read the first release in the series White Jade. I walked to my handy lap top and saw I reviewed White Jade on Amazon in 2011 and smiled as I read my review.To quote , When I began White Jade, I could see this was going to take me to places I loved. Murder, foreign intrigue, FBI, CIA, plots and plenty of action. So after eight more books to his credit, Alex Lukeman has given me this same feeling over and over; it has remained true, it has never gone away in all these years!
The only difference with White Jade to Black Rose is the knowing the characters he has brought to this story, At first they were strangers, now dear friends I worry about as much as a family member.
Elizabeth Harker, has nerves of steel, showing great strength, fortitude, and extreme resilience in the world she lives in. Having ‘the ear’ to the president adds to the story along with her team of hard working individuals adding the spice and flavor. Stephanie her hard working assistant and ‘hacker extraordinaire’ , Nick, Selena, Lamont and Ronnie round out this wonderful team .
You must start from the beginning to ‘really appreciate’ the essence of this although the books are stand alone…..For folks like me though, with a bit of the ADD gene, the series one through nine will not disappoint in any way. So if you like books Like Indanna Jones meets James Bond, and have a hankering to see exotic places….This series is a must!!
High five again Alex……Cannot wait for the tenth!!!!!
Review By Gloria Lakritz
Sr Reviewer and Review Chair for the Paranormal Romance Guild
February 19, 2017
4.5 Stars. This is a very enjoyable series and I felt this was one of the best books so far, focusing around a Plague having been stolen from North Korea and an attempt to use it on targeted countries. Some good intrigue and counter intrigue, and also took Selena's story forward. Pleased to see things improved between Selena and Nick. Things are about to change for the Group!
Certainly can recommend this series.
Certainly can recommend this series.
February 6, 2015
Threat of a plague
Nick, Selena and the rest of the Project is back and this book is so great. With trying to stop the Black Rose and discovering new info about Selena's family the story keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. I love each Project book and they keep getting better and better. As long as Lukeman keeps writing, I will keep reading.
Nick, Selena and the rest of the Project is back and this book is so great. With trying to stop the Black Rose and discovering new info about Selena's family the story keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. I love each Project book and they keep getting better and better. As long as Lukeman keeps writing, I will keep reading.
April 21, 2015
Looking forward to Book 10.
Enjoyed the historical truths. Focus is on the terrorist plot and eradication leaving the romance in play, but to the readers imagination. Well written with grammatical errors and typos few and far between. Recommend this series to anyone who enjoys lots of action. Would make a good TV series.
Enjoyed the historical truths. Focus is on the terrorist plot and eradication leaving the romance in play, but to the readers imagination. Well written with grammatical errors and typos few and far between. Recommend this series to anyone who enjoys lots of action. Would make a good TV series.
September 25, 2017
Alex Lukeman has written another exhilarating episode in this series, but l have to admit to a sense of deja vu because my previous novel, by Scott Mariano, dealt with exactly the same them, even down to it all commencing with a raid on bio labs in North Korea. The second of these, Mr Lukeman's story, however, was successful whereas the Mariano book went down a different route, the only other distinct connection being that they both deal with the black rose, or bubonic plague.
It is a truly frightening scenario that is dealt with here, in that you have a group of people perfectly prepared to unleash a devastating plague on the world to achieve their own goals. The Project team, lead by Nick Carter, speed round the globe - Brazil, France, India and Switzerland to name only a few destinations. The fact that they reach these places with such ease and in such short times, with the appropriate equipment being available to them, should not detract from the story - just lay back and enjoy it.
We do learn more about some of the characters, particularly Nick and Selena, with there being quite a shock for Selina revealed through files that are acquired. Ronnie and Lamont play their parts, but as Elizabeth Harker, their project manager, thinks towards the end of the book, they are all getting older. Perhaps there may be a change of personnel in the future!
It is a truly frightening scenario that is dealt with here, in that you have a group of people perfectly prepared to unleash a devastating plague on the world to achieve their own goals. The Project team, lead by Nick Carter, speed round the globe - Brazil, France, India and Switzerland to name only a few destinations. The fact that they reach these places with such ease and in such short times, with the appropriate equipment being available to them, should not detract from the story - just lay back and enjoy it.
We do learn more about some of the characters, particularly Nick and Selena, with there being quite a shock for Selina revealed through files that are acquired. Ronnie and Lamont play their parts, but as Elizabeth Harker, their project manager, thinks towards the end of the book, they are all getting older. Perhaps there may be a change of personnel in the future!
July 11, 2023
Action-packed, fast-paced, suspenseful thriller!
Black Rose, another name for a new strain of bubonic plague, has been developed and in the hands of a group called Aeons. Dr. Schmidt has made a vaccine, but there is no cure at present. The Project team are assigned to get a sample of both and destroy the rest of it. Alex Lukeman brilliantly takes you on a journey with precision and exciting turns and surprises to keep your attention throughout to see what will happen next. The North Koreans start the ball rolling with the plague, the Russians enter next, followed by the Americans. This book is so exciting that it was very difficult to put down. If you like thrillers, I am sure you will like this book. Happy reading! 😊
Black Rose, another name for a new strain of bubonic plague, has been developed and in the hands of a group called Aeons. Dr. Schmidt has made a vaccine, but there is no cure at present. The Project team are assigned to get a sample of both and destroy the rest of it. Alex Lukeman brilliantly takes you on a journey with precision and exciting turns and surprises to keep your attention throughout to see what will happen next. The North Koreans start the ball rolling with the plague, the Russians enter next, followed by the Americans. This book is so exciting that it was very difficult to put down. If you like thrillers, I am sure you will like this book. Happy reading! 😊
August 13, 2022
audible:An excellent enstallment in this series. I enjoy the dynamics among the team.Elizabeth is suggesting they take on someone new.Someone has redeveloped the black death and plans to use it to their advantage,labs get destroyed,vials are stolen.Life goes on as usual. Jack de Golia was a terrific narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
September 10, 2017
As twisted as a Freddie Forsyth plit
What happens when you take the black death, a bunch of power mad megalomaniacs and throw in a good dash of Soviet era espionage?
And all taking place in the 21st century
That sounds the book up in a nut shell. Kept me entertained throughout
What happens when you take the black death, a bunch of power mad megalomaniacs and throw in a good dash of Soviet era espionage?
And all taking place in the 21st century
That sounds the book up in a nut shell. Kept me entertained throughout
May 22, 2020
Good thriller, that has one globe trotting to stop. In this bones causing axplague from North Korea has been stolen. Results no cure, if released would cut the population. Good narration and series. Given audio for my voluntary review
and my honest opinion
and my honest opinion
October 26, 2018
Very exciting.
February 9, 2020
Lukeman does it again
Not sure how many Project books there are at this time - I keep finding more and more, but what a joy to read! Keep up the good work, Alex
Not sure how many Project books there are at this time - I keep finding more and more, but what a joy to read! Keep up the good work, Alex
October 30, 2021
A poor addition to the series.
Once again I’m ‘perplexed’ at all the high 5 star reviews a book has received…call me mr suspicious or mr cynical 😏
Once again I’m ‘perplexed’ at all the high 5 star reviews a book has received…call me mr suspicious or mr cynical 😏
January 13, 2026
美国大兵拯救世界
January 23, 2015
Black Rose
is the 9th book in
The Project
series by
Alex Lukeman
. This fast paced thrill ride picks up right after
The Eye of Shiva
bringing The Project and AEON back together for a final confrontation. Assassinations, an incurable plague, and control of the world are just some of the things you'll find along with a well running theme of Selena Connor's background story. Things are really starting to heat up!
Amazon book description :
Black Rose keeps up the pace that Alex Lukeman has set in the previous books and has the team moving from the US to Europe to South America and then back again. There are secrets that are finally revealed, new revelations that will continue the story on to who knows where, and a shake up within the team. I am pumped for the 10th book because I can't wait to see where this goes. While I love the missions that The Project go on and the interesting events that seems to happen to them, I am really enjoying the continuing story line and unexpected twists in the lives of Selena and Nick. We get to learn a bit about some of the others (more on Stephanie, please!) but it's obvious that Selena and Nick are the main characters and the twists and turns they encounter really bring this series to life. This is definitely a must read.
I received a complimentary copy of Black Rose from Alex Lukeman for beta reading. This review isn't required but it's something I like to do. The opinions in this review are mine alone and from my own personal viewpoint.
Amazon book description :
A lethal plague resurrected from the bones of the dead is stolen from a secret biological warfare lab hidden in the mountains of North Korea. There's no cure and it's one hundred percent fatal. If it gets loose, millions will die. The men who have it want to reduce the world's population and bring down the global economy as part of a plan to establish world dominance.
Nick Carter and Selena Connor of the Project are up against their old nemesis, a centuries old conspiracy called AEON. This time, Director Elizabeth Harker is determined to eliminate AEON once and for all. It's touch and go as events build toward the final confrontation, with no certainty that things will turn out well. Along the way, dark secrets from Selena's past come to light. The Project team takes on another dangerous mission, with no guarantee that any of them will survive.
Black Rose keeps up the pace that Alex Lukeman has set in the previous books and has the team moving from the US to Europe to South America and then back again. There are secrets that are finally revealed, new revelations that will continue the story on to who knows where, and a shake up within the team. I am pumped for the 10th book because I can't wait to see where this goes. While I love the missions that The Project go on and the interesting events that seems to happen to them, I am really enjoying the continuing story line and unexpected twists in the lives of Selena and Nick. We get to learn a bit about some of the others (more on Stephanie, please!) but it's obvious that Selena and Nick are the main characters and the twists and turns they encounter really bring this series to life. This is definitely a must read.
I received a complimentary copy of Black Rose from Alex Lukeman for beta reading. This review isn't required but it's something I like to do. The opinions in this review are mine alone and from my own personal viewpoint.
March 6, 2017
This is another good book by this author. The team tries to stop a group who is intent on releasing a deadly virus that on the population so they can achieve world domination. One of the team is injured in the process. Some other little things enter into the series, that keeps the reader wanting more. Can't wait to read the next in line.
December 26, 2016
"The Black Rose" is the 9th entry in Alex Lukeman's exciting "Project" action series. I love this series; each installment simply seems to get better. This series is a fast moving series that will capture your attention. This is due primarily to his carefully crafted plots; sure, in some cases, they are a bit unbelievable, but we as a reader often give that up for enjoyment and entertainment. Even more so, I "like" the characters, and I care about them as people. This is what makes “The Black Rose” and the Project Series better than the run-of-the-mill high-concept thrillers: the well-drawn and engaging characters – especially Nick Carter and Selena Connor.
Although the book can stand alone, I have read all of the series in order so far (which I recommend); without reading the earlier books of the series one can not understand the evolution of the "Project" nor see Lukeman's dynamic characters' development as well as the teams' growth. The series centers on a covert intelligence unit called the PROJECT. The Project is run by a strong and intelligent woman Elizabeth Harker, who answers directly to the President. In the book, the Black Rose is a code name given to a genetically modified plague, developed by the North Koreans, and then stolen from them, and then stolen by another group who plans to use the plague to bring the world under their control. Lukeman's writing does not disappoint, and I am looking forward to continue reading this series. I already have the next two in the series, so "yes," I strongly do recommend this book and this series to you. So, perhaps it is time for you to read one too?
Although the book can stand alone, I have read all of the series in order so far (which I recommend); without reading the earlier books of the series one can not understand the evolution of the "Project" nor see Lukeman's dynamic characters' development as well as the teams' growth. The series centers on a covert intelligence unit called the PROJECT. The Project is run by a strong and intelligent woman Elizabeth Harker, who answers directly to the President. In the book, the Black Rose is a code name given to a genetically modified plague, developed by the North Koreans, and then stolen from them, and then stolen by another group who plans to use the plague to bring the world under their control. Lukeman's writing does not disappoint, and I am looking forward to continue reading this series. I already have the next two in the series, so "yes," I strongly do recommend this book and this series to you. So, perhaps it is time for you to read one too?
March 8, 2015
Bravo, Alex Lukeman!
This is a surprisingly well written book.
The Plot is fascinating, with not so many twists and turns as to lose the reader, yet enough to keep their interest. Bringing back the likes of the Bubonic Plague is quite an accomplishment of research. This story is quite the page turner with intense criminal master-minds, ill-tempered dysfunctional good guys, and powerful emotions governing the lot.
The characters of the Project and AEON are realistic and well written. Selena and Nick make interesting co-workers, with a feel of a bit of history in their relationship. Without giving anything away, the secrets surrounding Selena's past make for an ingenuously intriguing story. Even the secondary characters have a real-life feel. They are well-rounded and clearly tangible.
With only a few typos that are easily overlooked, and a change in print formatting needed, overall, this book is a great read. I highly recommend it for a weekend reader.
This is a surprisingly well written book.
The Plot is fascinating, with not so many twists and turns as to lose the reader, yet enough to keep their interest. Bringing back the likes of the Bubonic Plague is quite an accomplishment of research. This story is quite the page turner with intense criminal master-minds, ill-tempered dysfunctional good guys, and powerful emotions governing the lot.
The characters of the Project and AEON are realistic and well written. Selena and Nick make interesting co-workers, with a feel of a bit of history in their relationship. Without giving anything away, the secrets surrounding Selena's past make for an ingenuously intriguing story. Even the secondary characters have a real-life feel. They are well-rounded and clearly tangible.
With only a few typos that are easily overlooked, and a change in print formatting needed, overall, this book is a great read. I highly recommend it for a weekend reader.
January 21, 2016
Black Rose is the ninth installment of a consistently excellent series of The Project. Can be read as a standalone but visiting all the books in order will give a sense of continuity of plot and the evolution of the characters. As with all the others, this is just a great adventure thriller to curl up with and get lost in. The Project's nemesis the Aeon Group resurfaces here, with nefarious and ruthless villains and traitors, not without their own internal power struggles. In this volume they plan a controlled release of a deadly plague nicknamed Black Rose. I have become totally invested in these characters and the suspense is excellent - the good guys are not invincible and are subject to injury and death. The action is fast and taut. I think this is my favorite of the series so far; there is enough familiar to provide continuity, but the story is fresh. I normally reserve 5 stars for books I feel are life-changing, but this deserves 5 for entertainment value.
October 8, 2016
The team is all together again and Project director Harker has determined they should eliminate their old enemies, Aeon, once and for all. But of course there are complications, a deadly contagion that needs to be recovered and destroyed, and more secrets of Selena's past are coming out, ones even she didn't know about yet, but hey just another day at the project.
This was another awesome audiobook by narrator Jack de Golia, and after 9 Project audio's he is the voice of the project for me. His voices for each of the characters are the ones I have come to know and love, especially Ronnie, he is my favorite. Mr. de Golia also breaths life into the story as he reads it, it just flows so nicely, I can't imagine the Project any other way.
This was another awesome audiobook by narrator Jack de Golia, and after 9 Project audio's he is the voice of the project for me. His voices for each of the characters are the ones I have come to know and love, especially Ronnie, he is my favorite. Mr. de Golia also breaths life into the story as he reads it, it just flows so nicely, I can't imagine the Project any other way.
June 29, 2015
Black Rose is a code name given to a modified plague developed by the North Koreans. Obviously they have nothing good planned. A team from Russia come in and steals the plague. The plague is then stolen from them by AEON who definitely have a demonic plan to use it to gain control of the world. The team begins to figure out who the members are.
Selena learns more news about her father which causes her great distress. Elizabeth has not told her everything she and Stephanie finds.
In Black Rose we see the death of a secondary character. The Project team will loose of it's members.
Fast paced and on the edge of your seat suspense.
Selena learns more news about her father which causes her great distress. Elizabeth has not told her everything she and Stephanie finds.
In Black Rose we see the death of a secondary character. The Project team will loose of it's members.
Fast paced and on the edge of your seat suspense.
November 25, 2015
I have to admit that this book is the 1st one I read, and it’s the 9th one of what is called “The Project”.
Maybe this is one of the reasons I didn’t like it. For me the project team seemed so undeveloped, all characters were one dimensional and boring . The project team can fit more to a comic book rather than a terror book. The story is so unbelievable and childish. It’s such a small book, and nevertheless took me 10 days to finish it. Not like other books you swallow in a matter of 2 or 3 days.
What a disappointment. Can’t figure out why it was getting such a high mark.
Maybe this is one of the reasons I didn’t like it. For me the project team seemed so undeveloped, all characters were one dimensional and boring . The project team can fit more to a comic book rather than a terror book. The story is so unbelievable and childish. It’s such a small book, and nevertheless took me 10 days to finish it. Not like other books you swallow in a matter of 2 or 3 days.
What a disappointment. Can’t figure out why it was getting such a high mark.
May 2, 2020
One of the best of the series thus far, one I really couldn't put down.
The story continues in the battle against AEON and personal developments between Nick and Selena.
There is a tragedy or two, that is well handled but, like the couple of very surprising twists, again well written, there was a lot of scope for expansion. The book is a little shorter than others, an extra 20-30% would have been nice and would have allowed expansion / explanation without padding. My only gripe, but an excellent and essential chapter in the series.
The story continues in the battle against AEON and personal developments between Nick and Selena.
There is a tragedy or two, that is well handled but, like the couple of very surprising twists, again well written, there was a lot of scope for expansion. The book is a little shorter than others, an extra 20-30% would have been nice and would have allowed expansion / explanation without padding. My only gripe, but an excellent and essential chapter in the series.
February 13, 2015
Excellent addition to The Project series
Alex thrills again with this one. I can see him potentially branching out from this one to maybe a team of Nick, Selena, and Ronnie fussing Selena's background with old texts and such if he continues with the characters...
By the way...I don't buy that Adam or AEON is deseased...
Alex thrills again with this one. I can see him potentially branching out from this one to maybe a team of Nick, Selena, and Ronnie fussing Selena's background with old texts and such if he continues with the characters...
By the way...I don't buy that Adam or AEON is deseased...
January 24, 2015
BLACK ROSE!
I JUST LOVED THIS BOOK! I HOPE YOU WILL LOVE IT AS MUCH AS I DID! CANNOT WAIT TO READ THE REST! PLEASE READ ALL OF HIS BOOKS! THE CHARECTERS, PLOTS AND STORELYIES ARE UNBELIEVABLE!! , SINCERELY DIANE GALBURT,
I JUST LOVED THIS BOOK! I HOPE YOU WILL LOVE IT AS MUCH AS I DID! CANNOT WAIT TO READ THE REST! PLEASE READ ALL OF HIS BOOKS! THE CHARECTERS, PLOTS AND STORELYIES ARE UNBELIEVABLE!! , SINCERELY DIANE GALBURT,
May 1, 2016
Finished reading this just now and enjoyed it. Love the characters and the story moves right along. A bit scary to consider what would happen if someone tried to do something like this. Like the other books in this series, I am adding it to my Read Again collection on my kindle.
May 30, 2015
nefarious private cabal steals weaponized and airborne black plague ...intent on wiping out inferior races and imposing a new world order. or rather, the old world order...where everyone "knew" their place and stayed there.
October 26, 2015
Black rose. Alex lukeman
The presidents covert team, which answers only to him the Project is again taxed to save the world from a violent strain, worse then the bubonic plague from being unleashed. Non stop action realistic scenarios......a kick ass thriller!!!
The presidents covert team, which answers only to him the Project is again taxed to save the world from a violent strain, worse then the bubonic plague from being unleashed. Non stop action realistic scenarios......a kick ass thriller!!!
November 20, 2015
Black rose
Should the plague strike again the population concentration would cause it to spread faster. Our ability to move large numbers of people great distances using air travel causes it to spread even faster. We are not prepared.
Should the plague strike again the population concentration would cause it to spread faster. Our ability to move large numbers of people great distances using air travel causes it to spread even faster. We are not prepared.
February 9, 2015
Another great addition to the Project series. If you enjoy great thrillers, then this is a great story in that vein.
January 24, 2015
Another improbable tale, made believable. I just don't know how the team counters all that jet lag, though!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews