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Blood Passage
How Far Would You Go to Survive?
Maintenance supervisor Brian Francisco goes to sleep for the night in his Midwest apartment and wakes to find himself a prisoner aboard an oil tanker at sea. His predicament turns desperate when he learns of his captors’ intent to eventually kill him. With no clues to the reason for his capture, Francisco has only his ingenuity to fashion an escape. But even if he can manage to break out of the brig, he faces a bigger problem: how to flee a ship in the middle of the ocean.
The former soldier must summon all his resources in a desperate bid to outwit the ship’s crew as well as the band of cutthroat mercenaries responsible for his abduction. Along the way, he struggles to maintain his humanity…and discover the sinister reason for his capture.
Maintenance supervisor Brian Francisco goes to sleep for the night in his Midwest apartment and wakes to find himself a prisoner aboard an oil tanker at sea. His predicament turns desperate when he learns of his captors’ intent to eventually kill him. With no clues to the reason for his capture, Francisco has only his ingenuity to fashion an escape. But even if he can manage to break out of the brig, he faces a bigger problem: how to flee a ship in the middle of the ocean.
The former soldier must summon all his resources in a desperate bid to outwit the ship’s crew as well as the band of cutthroat mercenaries responsible for his abduction. Along the way, he struggles to maintain his humanity…and discover the sinister reason for his capture.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2016
706 people are currently reading
548 people want to read
About the author
Malcolm Pierce
1 book18 followersAuthor Malcolm Pierce is a former member of the US Army and an enthusiastic traveler. His novels draw from firsthand knowledge of military service and the diverse cultures of our world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
March 7, 2016
Blood Passage: This is Brian Francisco’s worst nightmare. The maintenance supervisor goes to bed in his Indianapolis apartment one night and wakes up somewhere completely different. Where? When he shakes off his drug-induced grogginess, he discovers that he is in a steel cell that has the odor of oil infusing the air. As his head clears, he continues to feel a rocking motion, and soon he puts it together. He’s on an oil tanker. In the middle of the ocean. What the hell?
Who would want to kidnap him? Why? An ex-Army mechanic who was deployed in the Middle East, Francisco has experience with HVAC systems and of course, with weapons. This experience serves him well as he must use his wits to outmaneuver his captors and take out a crew of some 40 men plus the mercenaries who kidnapped him.
This is Malcolm Pierce’s first hardcore adventure thriller; he has written a series of novels under another name. He takes the action to a rough, dangerous, deadly level in Blood Passage. For Francisco, a man who swears he has done nothing to deserve his imprisonment, this situation is a matter of life or death. How far will he go to survive?
There is foul language, and there are a number of very graphic violent scenes, which may not be for everyone. I did not find the language excessive, however, and the killing was essential to the plot. One gory scene would have had me covering my eyes had it been a movie though.
I like Francisco. He is extremely intelligent and innovative. Despite having to kill in order to avoid being killed, he does not kill recklessly. Moreover, he constantly fears the worst about his dog Danny back home.
The bad guys, especially Jett, are mean to the core. Stereotyped, but that seemed acceptable in a book like this. Rima, the captain’s daughter, breaks the custom of the being the agreeable Middle Eastern female, however. Outwardly, she appears to comply with her father’s wishes, but does she have some surprises in store for him?
Blood Passage is not the kind of book I normally read, but I readily admit that I quite enjoyed it. The pages flew by, as I couldn’t wait to see if Francisco would get himself out of this mess. And the reason for the kidnapping? Not what I expected! Mr. Pierce, this exciting book would make a great movie!
I wish to thank Mr. Malcolm Pierce for providing me with a copy of his book in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
5 stars
Who would want to kidnap him? Why? An ex-Army mechanic who was deployed in the Middle East, Francisco has experience with HVAC systems and of course, with weapons. This experience serves him well as he must use his wits to outmaneuver his captors and take out a crew of some 40 men plus the mercenaries who kidnapped him.
This is Malcolm Pierce’s first hardcore adventure thriller; he has written a series of novels under another name. He takes the action to a rough, dangerous, deadly level in Blood Passage. For Francisco, a man who swears he has done nothing to deserve his imprisonment, this situation is a matter of life or death. How far will he go to survive?
There is foul language, and there are a number of very graphic violent scenes, which may not be for everyone. I did not find the language excessive, however, and the killing was essential to the plot. One gory scene would have had me covering my eyes had it been a movie though.
I like Francisco. He is extremely intelligent and innovative. Despite having to kill in order to avoid being killed, he does not kill recklessly. Moreover, he constantly fears the worst about his dog Danny back home.
The bad guys, especially Jett, are mean to the core. Stereotyped, but that seemed acceptable in a book like this. Rima, the captain’s daughter, breaks the custom of the being the agreeable Middle Eastern female, however. Outwardly, she appears to comply with her father’s wishes, but does she have some surprises in store for him?
Blood Passage is not the kind of book I normally read, but I readily admit that I quite enjoyed it. The pages flew by, as I couldn’t wait to see if Francisco would get himself out of this mess. And the reason for the kidnapping? Not what I expected! Mr. Pierce, this exciting book would make a great movie!
I wish to thank Mr. Malcolm Pierce for providing me with a copy of his book in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
5 stars
September 20, 2019
4.5 Stars! Wow! Definitely tons of over-the-top action!
March 9, 2016
What would you do to survive?
Waking up in the brig of an oil tanker Brain Francisco has no idea how he got there, or why. He may be ex army but he never made any enemies and these days he works as an HVAC repairman so why would anyone go through all this trouble? After days at sea he learns that upon reaching their destination his fate is to die so he must quickly find a way to escape and come up with a plan to ensure his Ultimate Survival.
Using his background and machine knowledge can he find a way to save his life? And ensure his freedom?
Brain is a strong, fierce, and smart. Not allowing his situation to overcome him he uses his wits and know-how to stay one step ahead of his captors. I loved how he stayed cool in the face of danger and his sheer determination.
The synopsis may give you a general idea of the story but you'll never be able to guess all the twists and turns that there are throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed this one reading it late into the night just because I couldn't put it down and had to finish it!
Waking up in the brig of an oil tanker Brain Francisco has no idea how he got there, or why. He may be ex army but he never made any enemies and these days he works as an HVAC repairman so why would anyone go through all this trouble? After days at sea he learns that upon reaching their destination his fate is to die so he must quickly find a way to escape and come up with a plan to ensure his Ultimate Survival.
Using his background and machine knowledge can he find a way to save his life? And ensure his freedom?
Brain is a strong, fierce, and smart. Not allowing his situation to overcome him he uses his wits and know-how to stay one step ahead of his captors. I loved how he stayed cool in the face of danger and his sheer determination.
The synopsis may give you a general idea of the story but you'll never be able to guess all the twists and turns that there are throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed this one reading it late into the night just because I couldn't put it down and had to finish it!
December 6, 2016
This book really aced it for me. A non stop action adventure when Brian Francisco, an ex military and now a hvac mechanic is kidnapped from his apartment in Virginia and taken as Prisoner aboard an empty oil tanker bound for Morocco. He escapes from his cell by killing his guard and spends about a week hiding in ducts and other strange places systematically killing off crew members who he believes will kill him first if he is not proactive. If you love books where Rambo and the other action heroes take on impossible odds you will love this. Actually the story line is more than credible except for perhaps the reason why he was kidnapped in the first place. A Helen five star read in one day.
July 11, 2017
“Blood Passage” by Malcolm Pierce is an action thriller built up in a kidnapping, military plot through a protagonist armed with the skills of an army veteran (a maintenance supervisor).
Our main character, Brian, goes to bed in his Midwest home and wakes up locked in a strange place, similar to a jail which happens to be an oil tanker lost right in the middle of the ocean.
The thread grows around how our soldier needs to put all his military knowledge together to face his capture, analyze the situation and keep his mind cold (or as much as he can…) in order to find out the reason of him being there.
This book is a suspense novel, a thriller. Quick to read, because the agility and action of the plot keep you stuck to it. Pierce’s writing is clear and simple (in a good simplicity way), no long boring descriptions, no empty chapters. Every line is full of intensity and something sensorial which makes the reader want more.
The great background of this veteran character shines together with the skills of the author to relate to the army. The specification in weapons, control and analysis of the situation, relates to a military past of the author. Which is greatly appreciated for a history and military lover as I am myself, thank you. And like me, many readers will enjoy this book, in the first place, just for this little gift.
Characters are clear, dialog sweeps along very well. The evolution of their behaviors is natural and positive. They find their own nature along the book, accepting their fates and taking the consequences.
The end of this story is unexpected and closes all the questions.
The book is well structured, chapters have the perfect length. I enjoyed so much this plot because it’s unusual and it moves you aside from reality while you have it on your hands (thank you, again).
I recommend this book to all readers interested in the military, action threads, and policy-suspense. My most honest congratulations to the author.
Our main character, Brian, goes to bed in his Midwest home and wakes up locked in a strange place, similar to a jail which happens to be an oil tanker lost right in the middle of the ocean.
The thread grows around how our soldier needs to put all his military knowledge together to face his capture, analyze the situation and keep his mind cold (or as much as he can…) in order to find out the reason of him being there.
This book is a suspense novel, a thriller. Quick to read, because the agility and action of the plot keep you stuck to it. Pierce’s writing is clear and simple (in a good simplicity way), no long boring descriptions, no empty chapters. Every line is full of intensity and something sensorial which makes the reader want more.
The great background of this veteran character shines together with the skills of the author to relate to the army. The specification in weapons, control and analysis of the situation, relates to a military past of the author. Which is greatly appreciated for a history and military lover as I am myself, thank you. And like me, many readers will enjoy this book, in the first place, just for this little gift.
Characters are clear, dialog sweeps along very well. The evolution of their behaviors is natural and positive. They find their own nature along the book, accepting their fates and taking the consequences.
The end of this story is unexpected and closes all the questions.
The book is well structured, chapters have the perfect length. I enjoyed so much this plot because it’s unusual and it moves you aside from reality while you have it on your hands (thank you, again).
I recommend this book to all readers interested in the military, action threads, and policy-suspense. My most honest congratulations to the author.
May 25, 2023
Brian Francisco wakes up in a holding cell on an oil tanker off at sea. When he went to bed he was in his apartment in the Midwest. He has no idea how he got into the cell or why anyone would want to kidnap him. Since he was a veteran of the war in Iraq, my suspicion was always that his kidnapping had to do with something that happened during the war. The reality is much more sinister than that.
This is not a Rambo-style book. Francisco has to use his brains and his mechanical knowledge to escape and fight back against his enemies. There are a handful of professional soldiers and more than forty crewmembers on the oil tanker all seeking to recapture him and hold him alive for the mysterious sheik responsible for his kidnapping.
It’s a lot of fun watching Francisco set his traps, and it’s painful to watch his body whittled down by successive encounters with the enemy. This is a tense and fast-moving novel moving toward the big reveal of why Francisco was kidnapped in the first place.
This is not a Rambo-style book. Francisco has to use his brains and his mechanical knowledge to escape and fight back against his enemies. There are a handful of professional soldiers and more than forty crewmembers on the oil tanker all seeking to recapture him and hold him alive for the mysterious sheik responsible for his kidnapping.
It’s a lot of fun watching Francisco set his traps, and it’s painful to watch his body whittled down by successive encounters with the enemy. This is a tense and fast-moving novel moving toward the big reveal of why Francisco was kidnapped in the first place.
December 4, 2016
Brian Francisco ex Soldier and now head of a HVAC team in civilian life wakes up after retiring in his apartment in a strange room with metal walls, one door and no windows. There is a mechanical background noise and a slight rocking motion and he realizes that he must be on a boat of some kind. Shaking off his fog and disorientation he discovers that the door is locked and begins to shout for attention. He later discovers that he is being held prisoner on a tanker crewed by an Arabic speaking crew and assisted by a small group of mercenaries. Overhearing a comment that he is likely going to be killed when the tanker reaches its destination he decides he has nothing to loose by breaking free and doing his best to overcome the crew and escape. Plenty of action and at the end the reason for his abduction is something he would never have guessed. A decent read with a different plot line.
September 3, 2020
Nonstop action and suspense!
This is not my usual genre, but it sounded interesting from the synopsis. It certainly was.
Starting with the main character waking up in a strange place, (one he is locked up tight in),instead of his own bed, in his own apartment which is the last place he remembers being, the mystery begins.
Where is he; how did he get here; who kidnapped him, and why?
All questions he needs to answer if he wants to escape, and regain his freedom.
The action and suspense began when he manages to escape his prison cell.
Don’t miss this if you like a good lone hero against terrible odds story.
Surprisingly, I’ve found I do like this kind of story.
This is not my usual genre, but it sounded interesting from the synopsis. It certainly was.
Starting with the main character waking up in a strange place, (one he is locked up tight in),instead of his own bed, in his own apartment which is the last place he remembers being, the mystery begins.
Where is he; how did he get here; who kidnapped him, and why?
All questions he needs to answer if he wants to escape, and regain his freedom.
The action and suspense began when he manages to escape his prison cell.
Don’t miss this if you like a good lone hero against terrible odds story.
Surprisingly, I’ve found I do like this kind of story.
June 20, 2023
This was a quick read, but the story was totally contrived. The protagonist, Brian, is kidnapped but he does not know why. However, he must be kept alive. This gives him the opportunity to run rampant on this tanker ship, improvising multiple ways to kill his opponents. It is handy that Brian is so knowledgeable about putting together IEDs from the items he can get his hands on. If you are looking for a shallow book where the good guy goes around killing a bunch of bad guys in somewhat creative ways, this is the book for you.
April 21, 2019
Mr. Pierce has a very detailed story. The only woman on Board has not idea what to make of Francisco, is he the evil one she has been told, yet he let's her live time and again. Rima finds the truth in the end and the last 60 pages will fly with "what will happen next!"
Mr. Pierce, I really enjoyed your "Blood Passage" and yes I will try another from your collection!
Thank you this was a very pleasurable reading time for me.
Chuck Mercik
Mr. Pierce, I really enjoyed your "Blood Passage" and yes I will try another from your collection!
Thank you this was a very pleasurable reading time for me.
Chuck Mercik
June 21, 2019
A gripping read from start to finish with lots of action on the way
This book is a proper boys own yarn. To those who say it's not technically correct or possible, it's a good story, well written with credible characters and a good ending. What more do you need? It kept me turning the pages and interested from beginning to end. Read and enjoy!
This book is a proper boys own yarn. To those who say it's not technically correct or possible, it's a good story, well written with credible characters and a good ending. What more do you need? It kept me turning the pages and interested from beginning to end. Read and enjoy!
March 20, 2021
A real nail biter!
This is a great action story. The ending was nothing I'd imagined it be. The story grabbed my attention from the very beginning. The author succeed in drawing me into the story making think I was on board the oil tanker with Francisco. I highly recommend this as a must read for anyone who likes action and adventure books.
This is a great action story. The ending was nothing I'd imagined it be. The story grabbed my attention from the very beginning. The author succeed in drawing me into the story making think I was on board the oil tanker with Francisco. I highly recommend this as a must read for anyone who likes action and adventure books.
December 31, 2022
This book has been sitting in my Kindle library for who knows how long. I wanted a fast read to end the year on so I chose this one. This was a very fast paced high action book! It got me from the very beginning and never let go. I did NOT want to put the book down! I am so glad I finally got around to reading it!
May 13, 2023
When Francisco is kidnapped and awakens on an oil tanker in the middle of the ocean had to be very scary.. When he escapes his room, his actions to save his life remind of me of MacGyver.. Lots of action and explosions.. The Middle East and their regard for human life is what this book is about. But the ending of the book is the feel good pary..
June 4, 2023
Blood Passage
A mind boggling, intense, suspenseful, gory, and action filled story that kept you on the edge of your seat. Not knowing "the why" until the very end was excruciating, yet this is what made you, as the reader, continue on. Excellent movie worthy story. Kudos to the author.
A mind boggling, intense, suspenseful, gory, and action filled story that kept you on the edge of your seat. Not knowing "the why" until the very end was excruciating, yet this is what made you, as the reader, continue on. Excellent movie worthy story. Kudos to the author.
April 15, 2019
What a thriller!
It kept on the edge of my seat till the very end, for there was no legal in action. It is a very entertaining book. I highly recommend for any reader who likes a good action tale.
It kept on the edge of my seat till the very end, for there was no legal in action. It is a very entertaining book. I highly recommend for any reader who likes a good action tale.
May 7, 2019
Action packed
Not the type of novel I would normally read, but got really hooked with it after only a few pages. I found this book impossible to put down, right from the mysterious start to the powerful ending.
Not the type of novel I would normally read, but got really hooked with it after only a few pages. I found this book impossible to put down, right from the mysterious start to the powerful ending.
June 8, 2019
Excilerating
This one is impossible to put down. A mysterious kidnapping, and complete destruction of a huge ship, and the very strange motive for the whole thing. New version of Rambo. Very entertaining.
This one is impossible to put down. A mysterious kidnapping, and complete destruction of a huge ship, and the very strange motive for the whole thing. New version of Rambo. Very entertaining.
June 21, 2019
A non stop action tale about Francisco who is kidnapped and does not know why other than at the end of the sea journey he will be killed.He then fights back and this makes for the continuing action until the truth is revealed
July 20, 2019
Highly Entertaining Hardcore International Mystery!
From the very first paragraph, Pierce grips readers and doesn't turn loose until the end! A very creative, believable horror story well worth reading!
From the very first paragraph, Pierce grips readers and doesn't turn loose until the end! A very creative, believable horror story well worth reading!
December 4, 2019
"MacGyver" on a ship battling for his life
Interesting premise, pretty clever in many ways with a good twist as to why this hero has been kidnapped. I felt it was drawn out too long with his taking out those searching for him.
Interesting premise, pretty clever in many ways with a good twist as to why this hero has been kidnapped. I felt it was drawn out too long with his taking out those searching for him.
May 14, 2020
A good story and a quick read
This had a good plot and the writing was very descriptive. I enjoyed the read as I have other books from This author. A little bloody but a good read.
This had a good plot and the writing was very descriptive. I enjoyed the read as I have other books from This author. A little bloody but a good read.
July 27, 2023
Blood Passage was fun, if that doesn't come across too strange. It's an entertaining ride reminiscent of Die Hard or Under Siege. I did at times find myself wanting more depth to the prose, and I wasn't a fan of the mingling of first and third person, but did enjoy the story.
January 12, 2025
a heck of a ride
Reading this book was like watching an action adventure movie in my head. It’s a kind of an over the top, Everybody dies, justice is served kind of epic that goes great with a beer and popcorn! Really enjoyed the protagonist’s creativity and resilience.
Reading this book was like watching an action adventure movie in my head. It’s a kind of an over the top, Everybody dies, justice is served kind of epic that goes great with a beer and popcorn! Really enjoyed the protagonist’s creativity and resilience.
March 21, 2019
Not a bad easy read, overall it was good but I was expecting a larger twist at the end! Some diolage was a bit awkward and forced but it was still worth it to finisn the whole book.
March 23, 2019
I'll be back for more from this author.
Not often I read a book as entertaining and exiting as this. I'll be looking for more from this author.
Not often I read a book as entertaining and exiting as this. I'll be looking for more from this author.
March 23, 2019
BRILLIANT
Thoroughly enjoyed this read, it’s different to what I’ve been reading but I enjoyed it for that reason, lots of action & a great twist at the end.
Thoroughly enjoyed this read, it’s different to what I’ve been reading but I enjoyed it for that reason, lots of action & a great twist at the end.
March 26, 2019
It's ok
It's different I've never read A story like this, if you start you can't put it down you have to find out what the story is about.
It's different I've never read A story like this, if you start you can't put it down you have to find out what the story is about.
April 4, 2019
Great book full of action.
April 8, 2019
Alittle far ftched that he could take out so many himself. But all in all andentrrtaining read that qas hars to put down
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews