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On The Black

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A CIA MYSTERY BLACK OPS THRILLER. "Hard to put down ... like a runaway train." Amazon Reviewer One of the most decorated covert agents in U.S. history, Burroughs Rice, has been “on the black” for ten years, deep under cover and running for his life from some of the world's most dangerous power brokers. When a mysterious government agency stumbles onto the ex-agent in the wilds of Washington State, they force Rice to deal with a terrible secret. What follows is a harrowing road trip across the American heartland with Rice at war with an army of International mercenaries, an organized crime family, and an ultra-violent biker gang. Complicating his mission is a young hitchhiker he rescues - and an ER trauma nurse who becomes an unwitting ally. ON THE BLACK comes to a surprise climax in the nation's capital - an armed showdown in one of the country's most famous national treasures. Based on hundreds of hours of research, including interviews with actual intelligence operatives, ON THE BLACK is epic, suspenseful, and painfully revealing. ABOUT REVIEWS - All of the reader feedback you see for ON THE BLACK comes from actual buyers and/or members of LibraryThing and Goodreads who provided honest reviews in return for the opportunity to see an early manuscript. "The author does a good job of hooking you from page one. The characters were unique and so was the plot line. It was brilliantly written and a must read..." "I very quickly realized this book was a cut above the ordinary. Actually quite a bit above the majority of books. The writing is gripping, the characters amazingly interesting, and the storyline is quite mesmerizing" "characters...are all well-crafted and interlock beautifully to present a smooth and realistic story, albeit one with so many twists, turns and surprises it had me guessing to the end" "What a ride! This book is fast paced from beginning to end"

420 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 15, 2015

139 people are currently reading
225 people want to read

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Theo Cage

17 books19 followers

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5 stars
119 (48%)
4 stars
75 (30%)
3 stars
39 (16%)
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8 (3%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Maureen .
1,722 reviews7,535 followers
July 30, 2024
*I received a free copy of 'On The Black' from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review*

Simply Riveting! But then it's no less than I've come to expect from Theo Cage.

Ex CIA agent Rice has been living off the grid for 10 years, well away from certain prominent figures who want him dead, but as determined as he is to stay hidden, his adversaries are just as determined to find him.

The pages of this book are packed with breathtaking life or death situations, it really is relentless. If you haven't read Theo Cage yet, why not? Treat yourself, I doubt you'll be disappointed.
Profile Image for Jim A.
1,267 reviews82 followers
January 26, 2016
I don't really understand all of the five star reviews.

While this is a fun, no brainer, read, it really tests the reader's ability to put the credulity aside. The protagonist, Burroughs Rice, has been in hiding for ten years. Yet, he has an 18 wheeler stashed and it's ready to go when his hideout is discovered. It's explained that he bought it from a down on his luck trucker. Okay. Then a bit later during one of the highway chases this truck has kevlar tires (bullet proof) and bullet proof glass on the side windows.

Usual cast of bad guys. Retired CIA chief who is as nefarious as they come. A couple of operatives under contract to the retired guy to find Rice. A motorcycle gang that supposedly puts the Hell's Angels to shame.

You get the idea.

As I said it is a fun read, but it certainly is not something that anyone who likes CIA thrillers should waste their time with.

As always, your mileage may vary.
Profile Image for Tulay.
1,202 reviews2 followers
February 9, 2016
Don't expect much.

Fights, shootings and more action. Rice gets in unbelievable fights and survived again and again. Spelling of names, even the tonnage kept changing. Organized crime families, biker gangs and mercenaries.
Profile Image for Diane.
726 reviews4 followers
September 7, 2015
On the Black is an action packed page turner. I usually do not like spy or mob novels. However, Theo Cage did a great job of intertwining the two.

Rice is an ex-black ops Navy Seal who has secrets. He has been hiding away on Mt. Ranier for the last 10 years. All he wants is to be left alone. Unfortunately, the ex-CIA director has had private mercenaries hunting him and they found him.

Addie is a young girl in hiding from the mob. She has secrets too and was put in the WITSEC program to keep her safe. She has been on the run for the last few years. Addie believes only Addie can keep herself safe.

Their two worlds collide and it is a race to try and keep themselves alive.

This is the first book I have read by this author and I am impressed. It is well written, the characters are well developed and I love the fast pace. It was hard to put down because I just wanted to know "what next?"

I received this book free from the author for review purposes.
Profile Image for Darren.
2,043 reviews48 followers
February 14, 2016
I won this as a e-book from the library thing site. I liked the story line of it. It was full of action and suspense. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Profile Image for Carolyn Injoy.
1,240 reviews147 followers
December 25, 2019
On The Black by Theo Cage I received a complimentary Kindle copy of On The Black by Theo Cage as an advanced reading copy. That did not change my opinion for this review. I gave it four stars.
 
"When a mysterious government agency stumbles onto the ex-agent in the wilds of Washington State, they force Rice to deal with a terrible secret. What follows is a harrowing road trip across the American heartland with Rice at war with an army of International mercenaries, an organized crime family, and an ultra-violent biker gang."
 
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Black-Theo-Cag...
Profile Image for Bill.
120 reviews9 followers
October 8, 2019
Loved this book. Lots of action that really kept my attention with a terrific and diverse cast of characters ranging from an ex-POTUS to a Mafia family to a biker gang to Navy SEALS and many more characters. And most of them get some really good lines. Theo Cage has a great imagination and can really tell a story.
Profile Image for Alan Marston.
184 reviews6 followers
December 26, 2020
Where do I start? Discovering that the main character in the story was called (Edward, not Edgar!) Burroughs Rice, I was immediately taken back to my comic books in the 1950’s and the adventures of Tarzan. It did worry me that our hero might be subject to the “and with one leap he was free” element that Tarzan’s troubles were solved by! The acquisition of a super stealth copter and his 70 ton truck did seem a little too easy at first, but the latter was explained in the story and the former in the author’s notes at the end.
The plot centres on something that happened ten years earlier in Rice’s case, and four years earlier in Addie’s case with her involvement with the mafia through her father, resulting in her being involved in witness protection. Rice picks up Addie whilst escaping from the mountain on which he has isolated himself.
The story rarely lets up from there, and I must admit that I warmed to Rice, Addie, and also Britt, whose nursing skills were very useful. A denouement involving The Smithsonian Institute, and a mid air Gulfstream, did lead to a very satisfactory outcome, but I don’t think that I will be following any further adventures in the series.
Profile Image for William.
147 reviews2 followers
August 29, 2019
Outstanding/Thought-provoking
This book is well thought out, in the beginning, it will not go as you think try not to think ahead of the author, as you think. He has some surprise turns and twists. Gripping, surprising and intriguing are words I will use to describe this book. I will read the next book in this series. I recommend Theo Cage/One The Black to all who read CIA/Special Operators/Seals or thrillers.
Profile Image for RaChelle Holmberg.
1,869 reviews24 followers
August 9, 2018
Found on FreeBooksy, this book was literally a wild ride from page one - although, in my opinion, the HEA was a wee bit soft for the protagonist, oh well - I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and especially appreciated the time to author took at the end, for some extra descriptive info.
305 reviews4 followers
January 31, 2018
Great story

One of the best thrillers I've read. Nothing lacking in this story. Well written and edited. A real page turner.
47 reviews
March 7, 2019
Loved the action

It was so much action, you didn't have enough time to think what's next. However, in the next adventure, it would be nice if Rice and Britt work together.
Profile Image for Jason.
209 reviews5 followers
February 7, 2020
on a mission !

Rice has all the experience & training to get his enemies, the former President, Director CIA and others. A LOT violence as he gets his revenge
353 reviews11 followers
July 5, 2023
Brilliant

A really good action tale that just had about everything. Some top rate characters with a real time fast paced plot, that just keeps you hooked.
Profile Image for Deana Dick.
3,091 reviews134 followers
June 4, 2015
Title On The Black: (A CIA Thriller)
Author Theo Cage
Rating *****
Your review This book was given to me by Librarything for an honest review
Burroughs Rice is a government worker. He is highly trained to kill people. , but one day come thing triggers him Tom he go off the grid. He has disappeared for ten years with no one finding out where he went. Why did he disappear?

We find Rice driving an 18 wheeler and runs into a girl that seems to need a ride . He decides to take her on the road to her destinstion. What he doesn't know is that Abbie , the girl he just picked up, has stolen money from a dangerous biker gang. The explosive , descriptive words Mr. Cage uses to explain their escape, was written by an intelligent techno expert. He has detailed very precise devices to use and explains the danger of this plan to disappear from the threat of the bikers. Will they escape? Do the biker gang get back what was theirs?

Next we find Rice stumbling upon a house with a woman in it. She is an ER nurse which is a break for Rice. He has been hurt and she knows what to do to try to save his life. The chemistry is strong between them and their developing attraction to each other is so well written , you feel their closeness to each other with just a look or touch between them.
As Rice discovers after hiding for ten years, he is wanted by many and has become a threat to powerful people. He has information that could take down very powerful men. They will do whatever it takes to capture him and keep him quiet no matter the cost.

Rice and Britt find a little farmhouse and ask the lady there for help. She is a little suspicious but decides to help them. What Mary the homeowner doesn't know is her life is now in grave danger.

This gripping story takes the readers on an explosive edge of your seat action packed thrill ride you will never forget. Mr Cage has so brilliantly written such powerful techno scenes that only a knowledgeable writer could achieve. His attention to detail is so richly written in each page that you will feel like you are watching the story unfold in front of you.
This is one of the best thriller/actions books out on the market right now. If you like books that are edge of your seat roller coaster adventure rides , this is for you. From the beginning of the book till the last word on the page, Mr Cage has given us a book thst is a nonstop ride that will stay will readers long after the last word has been read.,

I look forward to reading more books from this amazing author.,Thank you for a book that I couldn't put down.
Publication date 2015
Publication
Profile Image for Dolly Sandor.
528 reviews42 followers
September 24, 2015
Review: On The Black: (A CIA Mystery Suspense Thriller) by Theo Cage On the Black kept my attention and I wanted to keep turning the pages!What I liked: While waiting for release of some of my favorite series, I've been having a hard time lately finding books that capture and hold my attention. So, I went to my TBR pile and started looking for something to entertain me.  On the Black more than met my expectations.I'm a sucker for a well written thriller that keeps me wanting more and more. I felt the research, characters and pacing of On the Black were well above average. I became invested in the characters more than the plot. Rice, a former covert agent for the CIA, has been hiding out in the mountains for 10 years but he's finally back on his former boss' radar. Rice knows where all the bodies are buried and his boss and former President want to make sure they stay buried.There is almost a story within a story in the book. Abby watched her family assassinated by the mob while in witness protection and was taken by the head of the "family" to be his play thing. The Family's reach is long and they've been hunting her for a while. The FBI is also looking for her as a witness in the slaying of her family. Abby has learned how to blend in and get lost. A robbery at the diner where Abby works changes everything and puts her and Rice together on a trek across country. The CIA is looking for Rice, the FBI and a mob family is looking for Abby and now a huge drug running gang on motorcycles is looking for both of them.The characters made this story and kept me reading even when there were some outrageous James Bond type moments. Mr Cage's research and pacing in writing On the Black is undeniable. The secondary characters were just as important to the story as Rice and Abby without overwhelming the reader.What I didn't like: Here's the thing, I finished reading On the Black a week ago. I didn't have time to write the review until now. I remember the characters very well; I remember Abby's situation like it was yesterday. I even remember all the secondary characters. What I can't remember for the life of me is what Rice knows that make his former bosses want to kill him. Weird, huh? The ending was a little to manipulated for my taste but I do remember it. It just seemed too quick based on everything else that had happened.Recommended!!!
Profile Image for Donald Hoffman.
69 reviews2 followers
April 12, 2015
This is a well-written book, by an author who has a feel for characters in the story. The story moves at a brisk pace, with a few necessary side trips, that are all very relevant. The transitions are, for the most part, seamless; we are never left scratching our heads and wondering, "What was he thinking?". I enjoyed the descriptions of all the locations. They were accurate and lent credence to the author's research for the story.There is nothing more damaging to a good story than sloppy research; it takes the reader's attention away from the things we are supposed to be enjoying. The hero is a Warrior, he has the skills of a Seal, the soul of a philosopher, and the heart of a patriot. The female characters are strong, adaptable women, who think for themselves and are seldom a hindrance to the hero or the storyline. There are several twists and turns to the plot and I guarantee you will not be bored. I love the way the author leaves just enough of an opening for more books with these folks, there is room to develop several of the characters into continuing adventures. Although this book is currently "free" on Amazon, I was provided with a copy by The Review Club, in return for my honest opinion. I recommend you get it and enjoy it; even if you miss the "free" period and it goes back up in price, it will be worth it.
Profile Image for Bill Thibadeau.
503 reviews13 followers
March 19, 2015
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have read every Theo Cage book I can get my hands on. He has an uncanny ability to keep me reading well into the night. To know Theo Cage is to willingly lose sleep. IMHO that is a worth wile arrangement.

To the point - a review of On the Black. This is an extraordinary action tale that spans the country from coast to coast. It is non-stop action replete with some pretty neat techo-gadgets. I marvel about the author's ability to come up with so many adventures that flow seamlessly together. The characters, and their different impact on the story are a major high point in the success of the book.

I think On the Book is very good. Continuous action, multiple intersecting plot lines, and the confluence of the plots into an excellent ending. Of course I knew that the guy would get the girl at the end, I would have been bummed if Britt had died.

Take my suggestion and get all of Theo Cage's books. He is an excellent writer that will keep you entertained for many hours.
Profile Image for Denise.
1,771 reviews24 followers
June 15, 2016
'On The Black' pulled me in from the first page. I had a hard time putting the book down. Once I started reading, I could feel my heart rate spike and the adrenaline flow. I felt like I was living the entire story as it played out. Full of action, suspense, mystery, deceit, awesome technology and extremely thrilling. Rice was a very bad-ass lead. He's resourceful, quick witted, able to adapt quickly to any situation and one hell of a ally to have on your side. Jimmy and Grace were a huge asset to have. They both had mad skills. Addie was a riot. She's been through hell, yet she still hasn't given up. I loved her tenacity. She's quite brave in my opinion. She is also very resourceful and uses her abilities to her advantage no matter what the situation is. Britt surprised me. She turned out to be smart, loyal and creative. This book was a great read. A must add to your tbr list. I look forward to reading more.
47 reviews2 followers
March 3, 2015
I honestly thought this book was just excellent! I'm a big Theo Cage fan anyway, but I think this is my favourite book of his so far!
It centres around ex CIA agent Rice and his attempts to live off grid and away from the organisation that wont let him go.
There were great strong characters in this book like Grace and the Razer's, thrilling life or death scenarios on every other page and even some unexpected romance. It has everything!
As someone that loves cars and machines, I particularly loved this line from the book 'A Kenworth is a thing of beauty, an audacious chrome juggernaut that hums like a B-52. With a control center like a 747', its so good, Theo Cage has a wonderful descriptive way with words ensuring that you can easily picture it in your mind.
Books like this excite me so much, I couldn't wait to read the next page! Absolutely a 5 star book!
67 reviews1 follower
June 16, 2015
This was a very entertaining read and quite engaging. I really enjoyed it.

The luck of this character in getting out of situations and the hi-tech equipment that he managed to procure as a just in case escape scenario required suspension of disbelief, but it worked for me.

The writing style made it easy to read and follow. Spelling, the use of jive for jibe, and a few others that I can't recall were a bit distracting and I wish I had kept track for the author.

That said, I am a very effective proofreader - and available for hire. I tend to notice misspellings as a pattern recognition kind of thing. They pop off the page at me without actually needing to read it. It's a weird obsessive thing, but I should probably put it to work in service of literature at some point.
154 reviews14 followers
July 16, 2015
Theo Cage delivers one of the best page turners I have ever read!

The pace remains always breath taking high and the action has a cinamatic quality.

The plot is very engaging, witth a lot of twists and turns on the way.

But the characters are where Cage truly expells. There is so much depth to them, which I found quite remarkable for that kind of read. Especially the good guys are very enjoyable (mostly Addie, so I hope she will be in the sequel as well). The bad guys are rotten to the core and it really doesn't take long until you hate them!

I'm very much looking forward to the sequel! Well done, Mr. Cage and please hurry up with the next one!
11 reviews
January 12, 2016
An Adrenaline Junkie's Dream

Theo Cage (a pseudonym for an established author in this genre) delivers early on with an ex-black ops agent who has hidden for ten years from his former handlers, wanting only to live out the rest of his days in peace. Alas, it's not to be, and Cage puts his embattled hero in an endless series of improbable (but oh-so-entertaining) situations that keep the reader begging for more. Cage delivers heart-stopping scenarios, antagonists that are easy to detest, and an ending that doesn't disappoint. It's nice to see "the old dude" main character prove that modern technology isn't always a match for brains and character!
1,957 reviews9 followers
May 8, 2016
A story full of action, violence and just doing the right thing. Rice needs to get his kidnapped girlfriend back he just doesn't realize that he is going to be drawn into a deadly game.
Grace needs to keep Hunter safe that is if she doesn't kill him first.
Can a team of men & woman save hundreds of children from certain death? Will they find what they are all looking for before it is too late.
Can Rice find Britt again before she is destroyed by a mad woman? Can Hunter get Grace to marry him even though they are completely different?
A great story it had me on my toes. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review via Librarythings
Profile Image for Elizabeth Robbins.
496 reviews9 followers
March 3, 2015
On the Black is an extraordinary story of an ex-spy who just wants to be left alone. But, everyone knows that the only EX-spy is a DEAD spy. When armed men show up at his wilderness cabin, it's all he can do to escape with his life. Rice is on the run from the mercs at GI, and somehow keeps meeting up with others who need help. This book is a thrilling page-turner that I had a hard time putting down!
Profile Image for Randy Grossman.
598 reviews3 followers
May 15, 2016
Petal To The Floor

This story started with the petal to the metal and STAYED in gear until.....the finale. Frankly felt the finale got TOO bogged down and a bit confusing. It was mostly an thrilling ride with a lot of "how they gonna solve THIS one" moments so that part STAYED interesting. TOO MUCH foul language, I know mobsters, bikers and thugs aren't going to be too careful with their vocabulary, but the author overdid this area in some places.
2,958 reviews
September 11, 2015
It's always exciting to read a book by an author you've never read and to discover that his talent is right up there with so many of your favorites. I had so much trouble putting this one down. There was so much going on - the characters were well-developed, plenty of action and there was more than one hero. I can't say enough about how much I enjoyed this book. I look forward to reading others by Theo Cage.
Profile Image for Brandi Nyborg.
217 reviews8 followers
August 31, 2015
I've previously read a book by Theo Cage, and absolutely loved it, so I was excited to get this one. Again, he doesn't disappoint. This book has you constantly in suspense from the first page to the last. It has twists and turns galore, that you will not be expecting! I'm not a big action/spy reader, but I throughly enjoyed every minute! This author researches his novels, and it really shows. I cannot wait for the next book! I will definitely be picking it up!
Profile Image for Georgiann Hennelly.
1,960 reviews26 followers
January 5, 2016
A riveting Spy Thriller with a lot of action. Rice is an Ex Agent . He has been deep undercover and on the run for the last ten years. Living off the grid because some very powerful people want him dead. Unfortunately some private mercenaries have found him. Addie is a young Girl hiding from the Mob. She has secrets and was put into Witsec to keep her safe. Their two worlds collide and it is a race to try to keep themselves alive.
119 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2015
A riveting thriller, well paced with plenty of action. You want Rice and his cohorts to succeed, against the odds and against a few despicable characters who have the power and the money but no scruples. A few high tech gadgets are added to the mix making for an unpredictable ride. Highly enjoyable book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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