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Ethan Galaal #2
A Cold Day in Mosul
A high-ranking DIA operative has been kidnapped in Iraq by the Islamic State, and with her, secrets that could bring about the collapse of major intelligence-gathering networks throughout the region. Can Ethan Galaal find her before it's too late? Samantha Rond, head of an ultra-secretive branch of the DIA's Defense Clandestine Service in the Middle East, has gone missing during a key operation. Her last known the occupied city of Mosul, the war-ravaged heart of the Islamic State in Iraq. Ethan Galaal and his elite team of undercover operatives are dispatched to rescue Samantha. Officially, he and his men don't exist. Unofficially, Sam is their boss, however in her absence the team reports directly to the Secretary of Defense. Their years of experience in operating incognito in the region make them the ideal candidates for the rescue mission. But first they have to find Sam. Setbacks exist at every turn. Surrounded by enemies and unsure of whom to trust, Ethan soon begins to suspect that a rogue non-state actor has been advising the Islamic State in Mosul. Will he find her before the interrogators extract everything of value and destroy Sam's mind? Or will elements of the rogue faction hunt down Ethan and his team first, bringing the rescue mission to a spectacularly premature end?
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2015
115 people are currently reading
362 people want to read
About the author
Isaac Hooke
102 books508 followersIsaac Hooke is the best-selling author of the Ethan Galaal series of thriller novels, as well as the SF-themed ATLAS trilogy. When Isaac isn't writing, publishing, and blogging, he's busy cycling and taking pictures in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He has a degree in Engineering Physics.
You can follow Isaac on Twitter @IsaacHooke and his website http://IsaacHooke.com.
You can follow Isaac on Twitter @IsaacHooke and his website http://IsaacHooke.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 12, 2015
Bravo. At last, a truly great spy thriller set in the war against the Islamic State. A breathtaking, nuanced and can’t-put-it-down novel. Samantha Rond, America’s top spy in the Middle East, is laser-focused on a mission of singular importance: to hunt down and terminate the acting caliph of the Islamic State. Sam has gone to great lengths to protect her cover, even hiring a former Iraqi government official to pose as her husband in Mosul. Realizing that even money and sex can’t always buy loyalty, she forces him to wear a body camera when he leaves the apartment they share together.
Check out the rest of the review at BestThrillers.com.
Check out the rest of the review at BestThrillers.com.
December 1, 2015
Another awesome read by Isaac Hooke. He has this knack for keeping you on the edge of your seat if you like current military action books these are for you !
October 14, 2015
Isaac Hooke beats Tom Clancy with Spec Ops in 2015 Iraq
It’s no wonder so many brave military personnel love this book, from PO’s to war hardened Commanders: Isaac Hooke delivers his A game in this gritty, realistic thriller.
** This review does not contain spoilers. **
“A Cold Day in Mosul” is an incredibly detailed look at spec ops behind enemy lines in Iraq during the 2015 Middle East conflict. The technical realism is amazing, from vehicle combat tactics to computer hacking, to weapons/munitions, to exfil from a hot LZ, and it’s obvious that a lot of effort and time has been poured into this part of the novel. Not only that but the ambience of modern day Iraq is perfectly captured, and Isaac Hooke has a thorough knowledge of local customs and jihadist habits. I also appreciated the character development in this novel. It’s difficult to know who to trust, and the detail that Isaac Hooke puts into researching the novel, he also puts into the characters and interactions.
I don’t know how many times I laughed out loud during this book, but it was a lot, especially considering it was a thriller. Isaac has this innate ability to get into the mind of a soldier and expose some hilarious situations and dialogue.
Isaac Hooke has done it again in this sequel to “Clandestine”, “A Cold Day in Mosul” (Ethan Galaal Book 2). This book is an incredible look at the war in present day Iraq, don’t miss it!
December 29, 2015
Good action sequences showing the mideast as it is - a gritty, realistic tale of a group of US agents acting behind ISIL lines in Syria and Iraq. The action is fast and furious, but the plot development and character development is pretty thin. This is the 2nd book in the series that I have read, and it's enough for me. I will be looking for novels where the characters have some more depth to them.
May 16, 2017
Once again, an excellent story from Isaac Hooke
A Cold Day in Mosul is non-stop action. The plot is laid out so vividly that I felt like I was watching a movie as I read the book. In fact, this could easily be the basis for a movie. If you're looking for a story that immerses you in the action as if you're looking over the shoulder of the characters, then this book is for you.
A Cold Day in Mosul is non-stop action. The plot is laid out so vividly that I felt like I was watching a movie as I read the book. In fact, this could easily be the basis for a movie. If you're looking for a story that immerses you in the action as if you're looking over the shoulder of the characters, then this book is for you.
August 18, 2017
BRAVO Mr Hooke
Ethan Galaal along with two other operatives who are also his friends along with their lady boss Sam are in serious trouble this time. They are captured by ISIS and I'd doesn't look good. Now I've read the second in the series, I'll definitely be buying #3. Another outstanding author in the Vince Flynn, Brad Thor category!
Ethan Galaal along with two other operatives who are also his friends along with their lady boss Sam are in serious trouble this time. They are captured by ISIS and I'd doesn't look good. Now I've read the second in the series, I'll definitely be buying #3. Another outstanding author in the Vince Flynn, Brad Thor category!
July 3, 2017
A pretty poor execution of a paramilitary spy thriller, I lost any sympathy for the protagonists, I'm deliberately not using the term heroes, when they threatened the family of a target to get information. this and the liberal use of torture made the book pretty much enjoyable for me.
October 13, 2016
Ethan continues the fight against ISL and barely escapes.
June 1, 2016
"Iraq, you goddamn sandpit of the world you"
Isaac Hooke is obviously an author of many talents because, as well as writing intriguing, sometimes breathtaking, science fiction, he is also a master of the action packed, thrill every minute, page turning excitement in this story of behind the lines special services rescue. Not only is the pace fast and the writing itself good, but Mr.Hooke still finds time to imbue his characters with life, both visceral and emotional as well as giving vivid locational descriptions with just a few words and (yes, there is an and) impart so much information about places, political divisions, social mores, historical settings and weaponry - all without detracting the reader for a moment from the thrill of the journey.
This is not my usual genre of choice but I decided to read this based on my previous experiences of other books by the author. As you can probably guess, I was not disappointed and I can heartily recommend this to anyone seeking excitement with substance. I will be now looking for more in the Ethan series
Isaac Hooke is obviously an author of many talents because, as well as writing intriguing, sometimes breathtaking, science fiction, he is also a master of the action packed, thrill every minute, page turning excitement in this story of behind the lines special services rescue. Not only is the pace fast and the writing itself good, but Mr.Hooke still finds time to imbue his characters with life, both visceral and emotional as well as giving vivid locational descriptions with just a few words and (yes, there is an and) impart so much information about places, political divisions, social mores, historical settings and weaponry - all without detracting the reader for a moment from the thrill of the journey.
This is not my usual genre of choice but I decided to read this based on my previous experiences of other books by the author. As you can probably guess, I was not disappointed and I can heartily recommend this to anyone seeking excitement with substance. I will be now looking for more in the Ethan series
July 2, 2015
I absolutely LOVED this book! What a great follow up to Clandestine! It was really fast paced yet gave so much detail I could totally see it in my head. After finishing the book I felt like I had just watched a really good action movie. I really loved how the author tosses in interesting little tidbits of information here and there that remind you that yes this is a real place in current time with a long and varied history. This book has so much action packed into it! Gun fights, Fist fights, car chases, airstrikes and knife fights galore! I highly recommend!
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June 3, 2016Reminiscent of Tom Clancy's early Jack Ryan adventures and a worthy successor to Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp. I'm a character reader, I get into the characters, their story, who/what they are. The author does an amazing job of painting the primary character quickly & thoroughly. All the significant characters in his writing are developed similarly. This book is in all senses of the word, a thriller that could be plucked from today’s headlines. No spoilers from me though I can see more about these characters in the future.
December 26, 2015
Another good read
I'm not military, but there's definitely a few scenes in this book that strain believability. Especially a few where they escape being surrounded and disarmed. Twice. He doesn't go into details about how to shoot or get really technical, but I love the flow of the book. The villains are believable and the book is action packed. I like how the story keeps rolling and the characters keep going despite impossible odds.
I'm not military, but there's definitely a few scenes in this book that strain believability. Especially a few where they escape being surrounded and disarmed. Twice. He doesn't go into details about how to shoot or get really technical, but I love the flow of the book. The villains are believable and the book is action packed. I like how the story keeps rolling and the characters keep going despite impossible odds.
January 26, 2016
Excellent story set in war-torn middle eastern countries. Ethan, William, Doug & the boss lady Sam are operatives in the DIA. They are all well trained, but even so Sam is taken prisoner in Mosul. The others come to her aid. That's as much as I will say so as not to take away from the story. Lots of action, good guys and bad guys. Spies everywhere, some are low tech and then there are drones of varying sizes and purposes. I was entertained throughout the entire book. Great!
May 27, 2016
[Barnes and Noble free ebook]
Overall, a deduction for a plot based on extra-judicial killing, and US forces invading and acting without much hint of support from the host country. What right did the special forces have to be there in the first place? Also, a good dose of weapons porn, lots of model numbers. Kind of Tom Clancy. Body count was pretty high, also.
Liked the idea of the female team leader ("Sam"), the idea of the team dressing as women, but that's a bout it.
Overall, a deduction for a plot based on extra-judicial killing, and US forces invading and acting without much hint of support from the host country. What right did the special forces have to be there in the first place? Also, a good dose of weapons porn, lots of model numbers. Kind of Tom Clancy. Body count was pretty high, also.
Liked the idea of the female team leader ("Sam"), the idea of the team dressing as women, but that's a bout it.
December 4, 2016
Lots of suspenseful action in this book! It is definitely a thriller - should be made into a movie!
One comment though: there was a lot of detail re weaponry that may be of interest to army personnel but I personally did not enjoy the details in assault rifles and guns, for ex. Other than that, a contemporary action-packed novel!
One comment though: there was a lot of detail re weaponry that may be of interest to army personnel but I personally did not enjoy the details in assault rifles and guns, for ex. Other than that, a contemporary action-packed novel!
October 13, 2015
Good stuff!!!
This is so well written! The characters are deep, but not cheesy; the plot is great without being overly complex; the action is on the money, and the interpersonal stuff makes this a top read!!
This is so well written! The characters are deep, but not cheesy; the plot is great without being overly complex; the action is on the money, and the interpersonal stuff makes this a top read!!
December 27, 2015
Thoroughly enjoyed the intrigue in this kindle book. Lots of adventure, kept on edge situations, brutal treatment of principles, betrayal, etc. A quick read for those who like war type stories and survival of spies in foreign countries.
January 24, 2016
Edge of your seat read!
Absolutely Brilliant Book! I had a very hard time putting this book down. Action packed from start to finish. I Highly Recommend this book if you are into war books.
Absolutely Brilliant Book! I had a very hard time putting this book down. Action packed from start to finish. I Highly Recommend this book if you are into war books.
April 20, 2016
Plenty of action in a desert war environment.
The author has a good grasp of the terminology of this sort of combat arena. Character development could use some further development, but the story moves along well.
The author has a good grasp of the terminology of this sort of combat arena. Character development could use some further development, but the story moves along well.
May 28, 2016
Another well crafted story from Isaac. The characters were interesting and realistic and I quickly identified with them and their efforts. A fast moving story that I did not want to put down until I finished.
I already have book 3 in my reading queue.
I already have book 3 in my reading queue.
July 16, 2016
Wow!!! The action was non-stop! Mr Hooke has created this great character in Ethan Galaal, one that could equal other well known fictional "Anti-Terrorist Operatives".
I highly recommend this book and the others in the series.
I highly recommend this book and the others in the series.
August 8, 2015
Great book. Intense action, good story line, and overall quite gripping.
December 11, 2015
Exciting read
December 20, 2015
A very fast pacy book. Had some nail biting moments too.
December 10, 2015
Rapid Plot
Pretty well written tale, not too far-fetched. Good read. Don't want to ruin the plot by writing too very much.
Pretty well written tale, not too far-fetched. Good read. Don't want to ruin the plot by writing too very much.
March 31, 2016
I typically don't give too many 5-stars but this one is one hell of a nail-biting, page-turner, make-you-read-the-previous-book, keeps-you-reading-till-late thriller. Well done sir!!
December 21, 2015
Great read!
I enjoyed reading this novel. Good premise, well thought out characters and well written. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
I enjoyed reading this novel. Good premise, well thought out characters and well written. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
January 13, 2016
Well written, yet failed to make any impact. Much of the focus seemed to be on pacy action-packed narration rather than characterisation - main reason why the book missed a higher rating.
January 21, 2016
Cold day in mosul
I just got the 1st book, as I thought this was a good read. I had a hard time putting this book down. Very suspenseful.
I just got the 1st book, as I thought this was a good read. I had a hard time putting this book down. Very suspenseful.
February 1, 2016
Story keeps your attention, holding your breath for what happens next with the clandestine team working behind the scenes in the Middle East to eliminate the jihadists/IS.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews