What do you think?
Rate this book
Tom Locke #1
Shadow War
On a secret mission to save a businessman’s family in Eastern Europe, an elite American mercenary navigates perilous setbacks and deadly enemies in this blistering hot series debut in the tradition of Brad Thor, Tom Clancy and Daniel Silva.Tom Locke is an elite warrior working for Apollo Outcomes, one of the world’s most successful private contracting firms. Pulled out of a mission in Libya, he is tapped for an unusual and risky assignment: a top-secret black op in Ukraine. He is given one week to rescue an oligarch’s family and pull off a spectacular assault that could have long-lasting repercussions for this imperiled eastern nation and the world.
What Locke doesn’t know is that the operation comes with a dangerous complication: Brad Winter. Locke’s ambitious and enigmatic boss is engaged in a secretive, high-stakes geopolitical chess game with several influential powerbrokers in capitals around the world. One misstep could cost him—and Locke—everything.
While Locke has methodically planned the mission and hand-picked a team of trusted operatives to pull it off—and save his ass if things go south—he doesn’t count on running into a former love, war correspondent Alie MacFarlane, who impulsively makes a move that risks both their lives. Locke is an intelligent, iconoclastic soldier who specializes in pulling off the impossible. But all his brilliant preparation can’t prevent the kind of backstabbing and deception that could lead to catastrophe... and tip the balance of power toward Putin’s Russia.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published May 10, 2016
238 people are currently reading
1474 people want to read
About the author
Sean McFate
15 books190 followersI have been a paratrooper in the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. A para-military contractor. An operative in the private intelligence world (think: Wall Street meets CIA). I’ve dealt with African warlords, raised armies for U.S. interest, rode with armed groups in the Sahara, conducted strategic reconnaissance for oil companies, transacted arms deals in Eastern Europe, and helped prevent an impending genocide in the Rwanda region. In between this, I earned degrees from Brown, Harvard, and a PhD from the London School of Economics.
Now I’m an author, my favorite job by far. I write about the world as I’ve witnessed it. Unlike most, I write both serious non-fiction and fiction. What I can’t discuss in my non-fiction ends up in my novels, which are like Tom Clancy for the 2020s.
You can learn more about me here http://www.seanmcfate.com and you can follow me on twitter or Instagram @seanmcfate. I appreciate your support, and answer emails from readers.
Now I’m an author, my favorite job by far. I write about the world as I’ve witnessed it. Unlike most, I write both serious non-fiction and fiction. What I can’t discuss in my non-fiction ends up in my novels, which are like Tom Clancy for the 2020s.
You can learn more about me here http://www.seanmcfate.com and you can follow me on twitter or Instagram @seanmcfate. I appreciate your support, and answer emails from readers.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
December 1, 2019
The prologue was great with interest and intrigue spiked then, chapter 1, 2 I got up to chapter 8 and there were so many items and background that Sean McFate tried to inject in his first book that he lost me, lost my interest that he generated in the beginning. Needless to say...a rare DNF. on to other writers.
June 20, 2016
Very disappointing....an over-the-top Black Ops story. Although some of this stuff is going on in the world today.......it was too much for me. Sorry. Very easy to lose track of the 'alleged ' hero Tom Locke and where and when he is in the spotlight.
July 11, 2016
Read this review and more at www.TheRealBookSpy.com
Unlike the majority of new authors trying to make a name for themselves in the political and military-thriller genres, Sean McFate has lived the life he’s now writing about.
Drawing from his own experiences, having served in the prestigious 82nd Airborne division of the United States Army, as well as having worked for a private military contractor, McFate adds realism and authenticity to a blistering story about deceit, corruption, and wars fought both by soldiers on the battlefield and by men wearing suits behind closed doors.
Tom Locke is a former Tier One operator who now works for a very successful private contracting firm called Apollo Outcomes. While on an operation in Libya, Locke is recalled back to Washington, D.C., where he’s given a new assignment that is far more dangerous–which is his specialty.
Locke’s orders are to head to Ukraine and rescue the family of a very wealthy businessman, then lead an assault on Russian forces–a move ultimately designed to place the rich oligarch in a position of influence and leadership. Locke assembles a team of highly-trained individuals who he trusts, but the mission starts out rocky when an old love stumbles, unluckily, back into his life at the very worst time imaginable.
What Locke doesn’t know is that Brad Winters, his boss at Apollo Outcomes, has his own secret objective tied to the mission. And given the choice, in order to get his hands on what he wants, Winters is more than happy to let Locke and his team become “collateral damage,” if necessary.
With the deck unknowingly stacked against him and an old flame threatening to torch the entire mission before it even gets started, Tom Locke must find a way to stay alive long enough to beat the odds and complete his objectives.
Told in first person narrative through Locke’s eyes, Sean McFate’s fictional debut reads like the second coming of New York Times bestselling author Brad Taylor. Shadow War is a rocketing, wickedly-fun ride.
MY THOUGHTS
Shadow War is without a doubt one of the top-five debut military thrillers of the year. It’s explosive, well-crafted, and features nonstop action. We learn in the very beginning, during the scene in Libya, that Locke is a formidable and capable operative who is proficient with various weapons. That level of intensity is carried throughout the rest of the book, and I enjoyed the energy and fast pace that Sean McFate uses to tell this story.
The downside, though, is that between the many explosions and gunfights, there is very little character development. The result is multiple one-dimensional characters who never quite bond with the reader. McFate does his best to make up for that with a complex plot that develops and reveals more and more as the pages continue to turn, hooking the reader that way.
With shadowy figures and multiple antagonists, I found it easy to root for Locke even though we don’t know him quite as well as I’d like. I just hope the author continues to flesh out the characters in the future.
A self-proclaimed “opera-zealot” and lover of classical music, Sean McFate’s new novel Shadow Wars hits all the right notes and pops with gripping authenticity. If you enjoy the genre or are a fan of Brad Taylor’s Pike Logan series, you’ll love this book.
Unlike the majority of new authors trying to make a name for themselves in the political and military-thriller genres, Sean McFate has lived the life he’s now writing about.
Drawing from his own experiences, having served in the prestigious 82nd Airborne division of the United States Army, as well as having worked for a private military contractor, McFate adds realism and authenticity to a blistering story about deceit, corruption, and wars fought both by soldiers on the battlefield and by men wearing suits behind closed doors.
Tom Locke is a former Tier One operator who now works for a very successful private contracting firm called Apollo Outcomes. While on an operation in Libya, Locke is recalled back to Washington, D.C., where he’s given a new assignment that is far more dangerous–which is his specialty.
Locke’s orders are to head to Ukraine and rescue the family of a very wealthy businessman, then lead an assault on Russian forces–a move ultimately designed to place the rich oligarch in a position of influence and leadership. Locke assembles a team of highly-trained individuals who he trusts, but the mission starts out rocky when an old love stumbles, unluckily, back into his life at the very worst time imaginable.
What Locke doesn’t know is that Brad Winters, his boss at Apollo Outcomes, has his own secret objective tied to the mission. And given the choice, in order to get his hands on what he wants, Winters is more than happy to let Locke and his team become “collateral damage,” if necessary.
With the deck unknowingly stacked against him and an old flame threatening to torch the entire mission before it even gets started, Tom Locke must find a way to stay alive long enough to beat the odds and complete his objectives.
Told in first person narrative through Locke’s eyes, Sean McFate’s fictional debut reads like the second coming of New York Times bestselling author Brad Taylor. Shadow War is a rocketing, wickedly-fun ride.
MY THOUGHTS
Shadow War is without a doubt one of the top-five debut military thrillers of the year. It’s explosive, well-crafted, and features nonstop action. We learn in the very beginning, during the scene in Libya, that Locke is a formidable and capable operative who is proficient with various weapons. That level of intensity is carried throughout the rest of the book, and I enjoyed the energy and fast pace that Sean McFate uses to tell this story.
The downside, though, is that between the many explosions and gunfights, there is very little character development. The result is multiple one-dimensional characters who never quite bond with the reader. McFate does his best to make up for that with a complex plot that develops and reveals more and more as the pages continue to turn, hooking the reader that way.
With shadowy figures and multiple antagonists, I found it easy to root for Locke even though we don’t know him quite as well as I’d like. I just hope the author continues to flesh out the characters in the future.
A self-proclaimed “opera-zealot” and lover of classical music, Sean McFate’s new novel Shadow Wars hits all the right notes and pops with gripping authenticity. If you enjoy the genre or are a fan of Brad Taylor’s Pike Logan series, you’ll love this book.
September 2, 2017
Concept: First-person, mercenary (arms-bearing contractor, international man of mystery) action, shoot-em-up, global conspiracy thriller fiction. Something a little different, which is nice, but, alas, not as polished as the some of the best selling (and more popular) action/adventure series out there today.
Fortunately, McFate knows his business, which means that sophisticated military readers (and former soldiers and operators) may find the narrator's voice credible and likely will find plenty of familiar nuggets buried here... (Indeed, in some circles, McFate is better known for his non-fiction writing on modern arms-bearing contractors.)
And if you need the romance (unrequited love) angle to keep you engaged, you may be disappointed. But ... but ....
While the book is sufficiently entertaining, this reader consistently felt that another round of edits (and maybe some reading group input) could have significantly improved the final product. This reader's primary peeve was author's fluctuation/vacillation between the protagonist's first-person narration and an un-tethered, omniscient point of view. (This is all the more frustrating in that only some characters get a point of view, and a couple of them become the focus/focal point at apparently random times or not not for otherwise obvious reasons.) I realize that some successful authors can effectively toggle between first- and third-person point narrative/point of view in a single novel, but (1) the more common gambit is to alternate on a book or installment basis (as Lee Child's Jack Reacher demonstrates); and (2) it requires a skillful hand to pull it off, and, well, I just didn't think it worked here.
Dunno if I'll read the sequel, but I won't rule it out (although I'm pretty confident it won't be on my immediate short list).
Fortunately, McFate knows his business, which means that sophisticated military readers (and former soldiers and operators) may find the narrator's voice credible and likely will find plenty of familiar nuggets buried here... (Indeed, in some circles, McFate is better known for his non-fiction writing on modern arms-bearing contractors.)
And if you need the romance (unrequited love) angle to keep you engaged, you may be disappointed. But ... but ....
While the book is sufficiently entertaining, this reader consistently felt that another round of edits (and maybe some reading group input) could have significantly improved the final product. This reader's primary peeve was author's fluctuation/vacillation between the protagonist's first-person narration and an un-tethered, omniscient point of view. (This is all the more frustrating in that only some characters get a point of view, and a couple of them become the focus/focal point at apparently random times or not not for otherwise obvious reasons.) I realize that some successful authors can effectively toggle between first- and third-person point narrative/point of view in a single novel, but (1) the more common gambit is to alternate on a book or installment basis (as Lee Child's Jack Reacher demonstrates); and (2) it requires a skillful hand to pull it off, and, well, I just didn't think it worked here.
Dunno if I'll read the sequel, but I won't rule it out (although I'm pretty confident it won't be on my immediate short list).
August 8, 2017
Sorry. I gave it 100 pages and I just don't care about any of it. It's not nearly the thrill ride it advertises.
March 29, 2018
I was neither impressed nor unimpressed, but I’ll admit there are possibilities. 3-stars is a bit generous, but 2-stars would have been rude and wrong
November 8, 2018
Tom Locke, ancien soldat d’élite, employé d’Apollo Outcomes, spécialiste des actions sur le continent africain, se voit confier une mission à haut risque en Ukraine.
Exfiltrer la famille d’un oligarque ukrainien, la mettre à l’abri, propulser son chef de famille sur le devant de la scène politique suite à la mainmise d’un site d’extraction de gaz et contrer les projets de Poutine.
J’ai adoré! Tellement authentique qu’il est impossible de démêler de ce qui relève de la réalité et de la fiction! Une révélation livresque!
Difficile de classer ce roman: ce n’est pas un thriller, ce n’est pas un roman de guerre véritablement ni un roman axé sur la géo-politique à proprement parler. C’est le roman qui illustre pourtant parfaitement notre société d’aujourd’hui: mondialisation où tous les gouvernements, hommes du monde de la politique comme de l’économie, de la finance, de l’industrie, se mêlent des affaires de tout le monde, mine de rien, en sous-traitant les actions d’éclat, en utilisant des leurres et des vitrines proprettes, en manœuvrant discrètement dans ses propres rangs comme en louvoyant dans les camps adverses, aux fins de pouvoirs ou tout cyniquement, d’argent, toujours plus d’argent.
Tom Locke est-il un simple mercenaire n’ayant d’autre objectif que la rémunération et l’adrénaline ou un employé d’une société militaire privée, vivant avec force de bénéfices de contrats fédéraux ou avec la CIA pour des missions secrètes et classées, ou pour assurer la sécurité personnelle d’individus à travers le monde? On sent que l’homme répugne à se faire appelé « mercenaire », est-ce pour se donner bonne conscience, avoir l’illusion de choisir ses causes alors qu’au final, il est le bras armé de celui qui peut payer?
C’est un roman qui transpire le cynisme à chaque action. Bien entendu, il loue le courage de ces frères d’armes qui combattent ensemble, affrontent, soudés, les épreuves, les blessures et les pertes mais sortis de ce microcosme que l’on ne rencontre que chez les militaires, c’est toute l’hypocrisie de la scène politique mondiale qui ressort dans cette intrigue.
Passionnante, trépidante, dont la limpidité ne se dévoilera que tardivement au travers des différents rendez-vous de Brad Winters, le patron de Tom Locke, cette intrigue mêle Vladimir Poutine et les USA aux intérêts dans les anciens bastions de l’URSS, intérêts liés aux ressources naturelles dont l’exploitation est source de profits et de contrôle économique mais aussi liés à la politique pure quand le retour à la mère patrie serait une avancée notable vers la première place de puissance mondiale.
L’auteur sait de quoi il parle lorsque qu’il présente le nouveau visage de la guerre moderne et contemporaine par la délégation de la sale besogne des gouvernements aux armées privées. En effet, ancien soldat, ancien mercenaire, il a été également partie prenante à divers postes importants dans les sociétés très connues que sont la DynCorp, Deloitte Consulting ou la TD International, est reconnu comme expert en politique étrangère et stratégie de la sécurité nationale, comme chercheur, conférencier et enseignant.
Son CV est impressionnant et il a su le mettre au service d’un excellent roman qui vous laissera pantois en fin de lecture. Il met en exergue une guerre à laquelle nous allons devoir nous habituer et qui risque de changer tous les codes de l’ordre mondial déjà bien chaotique en ces temps troublés
L’histoire de Tom Locke et de l’empire d’Apollo Outcomes m’évoque le parcours d’Erik Prince, fondateur de Blackwater, ancien militaire flirtant maintenant entre politique et philanthropie et dont sa société a vu certaines de ses actions, controversées dans les années 2010.
Vous l’aurez compris, ce roman flirte tellement étroitement avec la réalité qu’il dépasse son rôle de lecture récréative pour titiller notre vision du monde et des événements qui l’agitent…
Shadow war, guerre de l’ombre (pour la traduction!), porte bien son titre quand le personnage de Tom Locke nous ouvre les portes du monde nébuleux des armées privées! Un seconde tome est paru aux States, l’an dernier, Deep Black. Curieuse de savoir si les éditions Bragelonne vont continuer la publication de cette série. Sinon, c’est certain, je filerai le lire en VO!
Exfiltrer la famille d’un oligarque ukrainien, la mettre à l’abri, propulser son chef de famille sur le devant de la scène politique suite à la mainmise d’un site d’extraction de gaz et contrer les projets de Poutine.
J’ai adoré! Tellement authentique qu’il est impossible de démêler de ce qui relève de la réalité et de la fiction! Une révélation livresque!
Difficile de classer ce roman: ce n’est pas un thriller, ce n’est pas un roman de guerre véritablement ni un roman axé sur la géo-politique à proprement parler. C’est le roman qui illustre pourtant parfaitement notre société d’aujourd’hui: mondialisation où tous les gouvernements, hommes du monde de la politique comme de l’économie, de la finance, de l’industrie, se mêlent des affaires de tout le monde, mine de rien, en sous-traitant les actions d’éclat, en utilisant des leurres et des vitrines proprettes, en manœuvrant discrètement dans ses propres rangs comme en louvoyant dans les camps adverses, aux fins de pouvoirs ou tout cyniquement, d’argent, toujours plus d’argent.
Tom Locke est-il un simple mercenaire n’ayant d’autre objectif que la rémunération et l’adrénaline ou un employé d’une société militaire privée, vivant avec force de bénéfices de contrats fédéraux ou avec la CIA pour des missions secrètes et classées, ou pour assurer la sécurité personnelle d’individus à travers le monde? On sent que l’homme répugne à se faire appelé « mercenaire », est-ce pour se donner bonne conscience, avoir l’illusion de choisir ses causes alors qu’au final, il est le bras armé de celui qui peut payer?
C’est un roman qui transpire le cynisme à chaque action. Bien entendu, il loue le courage de ces frères d’armes qui combattent ensemble, affrontent, soudés, les épreuves, les blessures et les pertes mais sortis de ce microcosme que l’on ne rencontre que chez les militaires, c’est toute l’hypocrisie de la scène politique mondiale qui ressort dans cette intrigue.
Passionnante, trépidante, dont la limpidité ne se dévoilera que tardivement au travers des différents rendez-vous de Brad Winters, le patron de Tom Locke, cette intrigue mêle Vladimir Poutine et les USA aux intérêts dans les anciens bastions de l’URSS, intérêts liés aux ressources naturelles dont l’exploitation est source de profits et de contrôle économique mais aussi liés à la politique pure quand le retour à la mère patrie serait une avancée notable vers la première place de puissance mondiale.
L’auteur sait de quoi il parle lorsque qu’il présente le nouveau visage de la guerre moderne et contemporaine par la délégation de la sale besogne des gouvernements aux armées privées. En effet, ancien soldat, ancien mercenaire, il a été également partie prenante à divers postes importants dans les sociétés très connues que sont la DynCorp, Deloitte Consulting ou la TD International, est reconnu comme expert en politique étrangère et stratégie de la sécurité nationale, comme chercheur, conférencier et enseignant.
Son CV est impressionnant et il a su le mettre au service d’un excellent roman qui vous laissera pantois en fin de lecture. Il met en exergue une guerre à laquelle nous allons devoir nous habituer et qui risque de changer tous les codes de l’ordre mondial déjà bien chaotique en ces temps troublés
L’histoire de Tom Locke et de l’empire d’Apollo Outcomes m’évoque le parcours d’Erik Prince, fondateur de Blackwater, ancien militaire flirtant maintenant entre politique et philanthropie et dont sa société a vu certaines de ses actions, controversées dans les années 2010.
Vous l’aurez compris, ce roman flirte tellement étroitement avec la réalité qu’il dépasse son rôle de lecture récréative pour titiller notre vision du monde et des événements qui l’agitent…
Shadow war, guerre de l’ombre (pour la traduction!), porte bien son titre quand le personnage de Tom Locke nous ouvre les portes du monde nébuleux des armées privées! Un seconde tome est paru aux States, l’an dernier, Deep Black. Curieuse de savoir si les éditions Bragelonne vont continuer la publication de cette série. Sinon, c’est certain, je filerai le lire en VO!
September 23, 2017
I stumbled upon this book when I read Sean McFate's rebuttal to Eric Prince's proposal to turn the US's operation in Afghanistan over to private contractors, aka mercenaries. Naturally I had to check out his novel, and I was not disappointed.
When I say I was not disappointed, I must emphasize that this is very definitely a book of its genre, that is, the high-octane spy thriller. There's not a lot of deep introspection or elegant, polished prose: instead what we get are in-depth descriptions of clothes, cars, and weapons. Lots and lots of weapons. If you know what a SAW is (I admit my knowledge is pretty sketchy, but I don't think you use it for cutting wood) or have deep feelings about Berettas, then you'll probably get lots out of this book, maybe more than I did, since the differences between SA-80s, AKs, and M-4s are meaningless to me.
That being said, I trust the author's knowledge on that particular topic, since he was, after all, a mercenary himself, a title the main character has the decency to own up to, at least inside his own head, since he can't really go around admitting to everyone what it is he does. There's a fair amount about the lonely nobility of the mercenary profession, which works really as a trope in fiction and actually makes for quite a compelling read. I myself am rather less sanguine about the potential of mercenaries to do good in the world than the characters are, but I'm perfectly happy to read about them and the action is cleverly developed, with lots of cutting back and forth between different and competing points of view. Furthermore, while there are plenty of cliches here, I have to give the authors props for including an unusually interesting and well-rounded female lead, who manages to get off some of the best zingers in the book, such as when she looks at the bookshelf of a young CIA operative and notes that he has the typical reading collection of his type, which includes absolutely zero books by women, unless that woman is Margaret Thatcher. That kind of cutting insight is part of what makes this particular book worth reading, out of all the spy thrillers there are out there to choose from.
The book is set during the current conflict in Ukraine, which makes it highly topical. The Russians are unabashedly evil and the enemy to be defeated as part of the modern Great Game, something the author, once again, at least has the decency to admit to straight out, while the anti-Russian Ukrainians are the good guys, and with nary a swastika or wolfsangel in sight. The ending is sufficiently explosive, and sets up the possibility for a fun series.
I was reading this book at the same time as I was reading some more American "literary" fiction, also about war, and simultaneously reading some Russian war prose, which allowed me to contemplate some interesting comparisons. Why are these kinds of genre fiction novels so compelling? I, presumably, am one of the more sophisticated readers out there, what with my PhD in literature and all, and I roll my eyes when I read stuff like this, but I...can't...stop...reading...it. It's great! It sucks you in! You really care about the characters! While a lot of the current American "literary" fiction leaves a lot of readers (like me) cold. The Russian stuff is of course excellent, and far superior (not that I'm biased or anything). Why is that? Because, I've decided, genre writers (and Russian authors) aren't afraid to deploy things like archetypes and heroic, mythological story cycles, and that's what our subconscious is looking for. The consciously composed literary fiction that deliberately eschews all that is never going to be as compelling as something like Twilight--or this--that just jumps straight in and starts dealing out archetypes right and left.
So, to sum up, if you're looking for a highly topical, high-action thriller written by someone who's actually experienced at least some of the things he's writing about, this book will probably do right by you. You may need to detox from the testosterone and American jingoism afterwards, but that's just a risk you take when you plunge into the genre.
When I say I was not disappointed, I must emphasize that this is very definitely a book of its genre, that is, the high-octane spy thriller. There's not a lot of deep introspection or elegant, polished prose: instead what we get are in-depth descriptions of clothes, cars, and weapons. Lots and lots of weapons. If you know what a SAW is (I admit my knowledge is pretty sketchy, but I don't think you use it for cutting wood) or have deep feelings about Berettas, then you'll probably get lots out of this book, maybe more than I did, since the differences between SA-80s, AKs, and M-4s are meaningless to me.
That being said, I trust the author's knowledge on that particular topic, since he was, after all, a mercenary himself, a title the main character has the decency to own up to, at least inside his own head, since he can't really go around admitting to everyone what it is he does. There's a fair amount about the lonely nobility of the mercenary profession, which works really as a trope in fiction and actually makes for quite a compelling read. I myself am rather less sanguine about the potential of mercenaries to do good in the world than the characters are, but I'm perfectly happy to read about them and the action is cleverly developed, with lots of cutting back and forth between different and competing points of view. Furthermore, while there are plenty of cliches here, I have to give the authors props for including an unusually interesting and well-rounded female lead, who manages to get off some of the best zingers in the book, such as when she looks at the bookshelf of a young CIA operative and notes that he has the typical reading collection of his type, which includes absolutely zero books by women, unless that woman is Margaret Thatcher. That kind of cutting insight is part of what makes this particular book worth reading, out of all the spy thrillers there are out there to choose from.
The book is set during the current conflict in Ukraine, which makes it highly topical. The Russians are unabashedly evil and the enemy to be defeated as part of the modern Great Game, something the author, once again, at least has the decency to admit to straight out, while the anti-Russian Ukrainians are the good guys, and with nary a swastika or wolfsangel in sight. The ending is sufficiently explosive, and sets up the possibility for a fun series.
I was reading this book at the same time as I was reading some more American "literary" fiction, also about war, and simultaneously reading some Russian war prose, which allowed me to contemplate some interesting comparisons. Why are these kinds of genre fiction novels so compelling? I, presumably, am one of the more sophisticated readers out there, what with my PhD in literature and all, and I roll my eyes when I read stuff like this, but I...can't...stop...reading...it. It's great! It sucks you in! You really care about the characters! While a lot of the current American "literary" fiction leaves a lot of readers (like me) cold. The Russian stuff is of course excellent, and far superior (not that I'm biased or anything). Why is that? Because, I've decided, genre writers (and Russian authors) aren't afraid to deploy things like archetypes and heroic, mythological story cycles, and that's what our subconscious is looking for. The consciously composed literary fiction that deliberately eschews all that is never going to be as compelling as something like Twilight--or this--that just jumps straight in and starts dealing out archetypes right and left.
So, to sum up, if you're looking for a highly topical, high-action thriller written by someone who's actually experienced at least some of the things he's writing about, this book will probably do right by you. You may need to detox from the testosterone and American jingoism afterwards, but that's just a risk you take when you plunge into the genre.
October 2, 2017
Shadow War by Sean McFate follows Tom Locke, an American mercenary, on a week-long mission to rescue a Ukrainian oligarch and lead an assault on Russian forces - all the while being tailed by his ex-lover, war correspondent Alie MacFarlane.
This novel contains a lot of detail about military and government practices, which lends authenticity to both the plot and Tom's narration. The setting, too, is meticulously described, making for an immersive reading experience. McFate clearly did his research.
Alternating between first person and third person was a stroke of genius, as it allowed McFate to establish a sense of intimacy between Tom and the reader while simultaneously allowing him to broaden the context of the story when necessary. Moreover, it was interesting seeing and hearing about Tom from the perspective of the other characters. And viewed through any POV, Tom is a well-done character: flawed, bold, and funny, with an unfailing sense of justice - the archetypal American hero, whom readers can't help but like even if he's become somewhat of a cliche. Lines like this one - "I never thought anything would make me long for Karpenko's brown bread and lard, but it had only taken half a day to find something worse" - had me snickering to myself quite a bit.
The only issue I had with the novel was its pacing. Although I appreciated the care that McFate took to develop the plot, setting, and characters, there were times when the details seemed to bog down the plot. Considering how action-packed the prologue was, I was disappointed when the next significant action scene didn't come until about halfway through the novel. For a military thriller, this novel unfortunately seemed to lack consistent thrills.
That being said, this was still a richly described, entertaining novel with a likable narrator and a surprising amount of depth for a novel in the military thriller genre. I'd definitely recommend it!
This novel contains a lot of detail about military and government practices, which lends authenticity to both the plot and Tom's narration. The setting, too, is meticulously described, making for an immersive reading experience. McFate clearly did his research.
Alternating between first person and third person was a stroke of genius, as it allowed McFate to establish a sense of intimacy between Tom and the reader while simultaneously allowing him to broaden the context of the story when necessary. Moreover, it was interesting seeing and hearing about Tom from the perspective of the other characters. And viewed through any POV, Tom is a well-done character: flawed, bold, and funny, with an unfailing sense of justice - the archetypal American hero, whom readers can't help but like even if he's become somewhat of a cliche. Lines like this one - "I never thought anything would make me long for Karpenko's brown bread and lard, but it had only taken half a day to find something worse" - had me snickering to myself quite a bit.
The only issue I had with the novel was its pacing. Although I appreciated the care that McFate took to develop the plot, setting, and characters, there were times when the details seemed to bog down the plot. Considering how action-packed the prologue was, I was disappointed when the next significant action scene didn't come until about halfway through the novel. For a military thriller, this novel unfortunately seemed to lack consistent thrills.
That being said, this was still a richly described, entertaining novel with a likable narrator and a surprising amount of depth for a novel in the military thriller genre. I'd definitely recommend it!
May 4, 2017
In the initial reviews of this novel, it was identified as a military thriller written by a former Army veteran. There can be no mistaking the author’s expertise as evidenced by his precise descriptions of the equipment and strategies utilized by the soldiers on either side. As well, our hero, Tom Locke, is the leader of a small squad of mercenaries and not working as a single, independent agent. He is a highly paid operative for a private firm and not a secret government operative. He has no political questions or qualms about his assignment.
Tom Locke’s mission takes place in eastern Europe and his enemies are the Russian oligarchs who have their focus on the promising energy reserves. Control and future development of these resources can either bring success or destruction for the people of the country. Call in Apollo Outcomes who can covertly send in a small force to gently tip the scales to favour capitalism.
The novel is a very good treatise on how these “secret wars” are organized. Agents/Mercenaries are summoned who then train a larger indigenous group of soldiers. A plan is developed and put into action with the hopes of victory. The game begins under a veil of utmost secrecy.
Sean McFate has created a wonderful set of characters and plots. The hero of the book, Tom Locke, has to meet political, professional and personal challenges.
SHADOW WAR deserves to be compared to the works of Dale Brown (without Dale's scientific armaments.) A military thriller with decent contemporary political explanations of goals and strategies that reveal how some history is written.
Tom Locke’s mission takes place in eastern Europe and his enemies are the Russian oligarchs who have their focus on the promising energy reserves. Control and future development of these resources can either bring success or destruction for the people of the country. Call in Apollo Outcomes who can covertly send in a small force to gently tip the scales to favour capitalism.
The novel is a very good treatise on how these “secret wars” are organized. Agents/Mercenaries are summoned who then train a larger indigenous group of soldiers. A plan is developed and put into action with the hopes of victory. The game begins under a veil of utmost secrecy.
Sean McFate has created a wonderful set of characters and plots. The hero of the book, Tom Locke, has to meet political, professional and personal challenges.
SHADOW WAR deserves to be compared to the works of Dale Brown (without Dale's scientific armaments.) A military thriller with decent contemporary political explanations of goals and strategies that reveal how some history is written.
June 23, 2022
As some of you may know, I am not as big on military or paramilitary thrillers, but in this case, I was looking to make an exception. What I was looking for in Shadow War was something in the lines of a "Jack Ryan" type of thriller. However, this particular story was not as action packed as I had hoped it would be and filled with plot twists that tend to pull me in. I started this book a while back and put it down because I felt it started slower than it needed to be and couldn't hold my attention. This time, I decided to finish it out.
I was hoping this novel would've delivered the punch of a spy thriller and the action of military operations that I was looking for. Unfortunately, it did not. While it contained some real world elements that could be ripped from today's headlines, it fell short on how to put it all together and make this an explosive, powerful thriller it was capable of becoming.
It is understandable that it is the author's first novel and maybe perhaps the stories would pick up in later novels featuring Tom Locke. While I am a veteran with deep roots in military knowledge, it is not always my go-to type of story unless there are specific elements about the characters, the setting, the subject matter, the adversaries, and several mysteries that keep my attention and keep me turning the pages. Had there been at least some of those elements in place, I would've given it higher marks. It's not a bad novel and was well written, it just did not have what I was expecting and looking for.
I was hoping this novel would've delivered the punch of a spy thriller and the action of military operations that I was looking for. Unfortunately, it did not. While it contained some real world elements that could be ripped from today's headlines, it fell short on how to put it all together and make this an explosive, powerful thriller it was capable of becoming.
It is understandable that it is the author's first novel and maybe perhaps the stories would pick up in later novels featuring Tom Locke. While I am a veteran with deep roots in military knowledge, it is not always my go-to type of story unless there are specific elements about the characters, the setting, the subject matter, the adversaries, and several mysteries that keep my attention and keep me turning the pages. Had there been at least some of those elements in place, I would've given it higher marks. It's not a bad novel and was well written, it just did not have what I was expecting and looking for.
May 5, 2017
This author really knows his stuff as he provides a truly believable glimpse into modern mercenary warfare. The first of a series by Author McFate, "Shadow War" is a fitting novel of contracted warfare reminiscent of Frederick Forsyth's "The Dogs of War." Tom Locke is a special contractor, a skilled operative, soldier, and now working for a private mercenary company that stops at nothing to meet its needs. Relentless action as well as plot twists and turns will keep the reader engaged until the last page. Mercenaries receive a bad reputation because of their tendency to change sides in a campaign as money dried up or a better offer was made. Add corporate greed to the mix and you can't tell what will happen. Can't wait for the next book in this series due out later this summer. Thank you good reads giveaways for introducing me to yet another super author by awarding me a free copy of "Shadow War."
August 18, 2019
I enjoyed the book for the most part but it did have some annoyances. I wasn’t sure about the first person point of view at first but got use to it. I liked some of the attention to detail that didn’t get too into techno babble (describing what’s on a table and including some miscellaneous items but not getting into technical manual descriptions of equipment). Also, the author must have done a lot of research because you were immersed in the locations.The story was well developed and not boilerplate although I could pick up a few things that happened before they did.
What annoyed me were some of the coincidences (people showing up). I’m not a fan of coincidences in storylines; makes it seem fake. I would have given a 4 except for those coincidences. However, I’d probably read another Tom Locke novel.
What annoyed me were some of the coincidences (people showing up). I’m not a fan of coincidences in storylines; makes it seem fake. I would have given a 4 except for those coincidences. However, I’d probably read another Tom Locke novel.
April 30, 2021
I wish that Goodreads allowed for 1/2 star ratings because this book deserves a 3.5 star rating not the 3 star rating that I gave it above.
This novel is a solid military thriller fiction debut by Sean McFate and Bret Witter. It is clear that these two know their subject matter and can tell a tale. After all, C.J. Box, Mark Greaney, Catherine Coulter, Ted Bell, and Ben Coes all gave this novel accolades. Not to mention General McChrystal and Admiral Stavridis. Oh, and did I mention Publisher's Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and The Real Book Spy?
I'm looking forward to seeing the development of Tom Locke's depth of characterization over time and will be reading the second and third action-packed novels which are currently in publication as well as future ones in the series.
This novel is a solid military thriller fiction debut by Sean McFate and Bret Witter. It is clear that these two know their subject matter and can tell a tale. After all, C.J. Box, Mark Greaney, Catherine Coulter, Ted Bell, and Ben Coes all gave this novel accolades. Not to mention General McChrystal and Admiral Stavridis. Oh, and did I mention Publisher's Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and The Real Book Spy?
I'm looking forward to seeing the development of Tom Locke's depth of characterization over time and will be reading the second and third action-packed novels which are currently in publication as well as future ones in the series.
June 1, 2017
Although some of this stuff is going on in the world today. There can be no mistaking the author’s expertise as evidenced by his precise descriptions of the equipment and strategies utilized by the soldiers on either side.
Very easy to lose track of the 'alleged ' hero Tom Locke and where and when he is in the spotlight.
This is a pretty good modern day thriller with a good core story and protagonist, and a mystifying 2nd layer involving the Winters character. I wasn't sure why I was supposed to care about what he was doing or what his true motives were, since they didn't seem to affect the black op at the heart of the book.
I won this book via GoodReads Giveaways
Very easy to lose track of the 'alleged ' hero Tom Locke and where and when he is in the spotlight.
This is a pretty good modern day thriller with a good core story and protagonist, and a mystifying 2nd layer involving the Winters character. I wasn't sure why I was supposed to care about what he was doing or what his true motives were, since they didn't seem to affect the black op at the heart of the book.
I won this book via GoodReads Giveaways
August 23, 2017
I rounded up in rating this book. I probably would give it a 3.75 rating. It reads like a Cold War novel with some military action thrown in. The book definitely has authenticity- the author knows the life he is writing about. I found it a little disturbing that someone can influence world events in the way it's described in this book with no thought or care about the very real people who will be impacted. The fact that it probably actually does happen in real life is what was so disturbing. I will read the next one in the series.
June 30, 2020
I won a kindle copy of this book on Goodreads for an honest review of the story which follows.
I really enjoyed this book. It is a fast paced military thriller. It could have been ripped from the headlines of the news as it concerns Russia, Ukraine and the United States. The characters are very realistic and I believe is the story line is as well. It is a little brutal but so is war. I am sure the readers who love Military Thrillers will be well pleased with this book. I read many genres and a good rip roaring thriller is alway an interesting change.
I really enjoyed this book. It is a fast paced military thriller. It could have been ripped from the headlines of the news as it concerns Russia, Ukraine and the United States. The characters are very realistic and I believe is the story line is as well. It is a little brutal but so is war. I am sure the readers who love Military Thrillers will be well pleased with this book. I read many genres and a good rip roaring thriller is alway an interesting change.
July 20, 2020
I won this book in a Goodreads promotion and I am now officially a fan of this author and can’t wait to read the next in the series. I came upon the book as it was recommended to be similar to other authors that I read and it didn’t disappoint. Not only do you get engrossed in the characters and the twists and turns of the plots, it makes you more aware of how the mercenary world, the deep state and politics intertwine while still allowing you to enjoy it because it’s only fiction. The definition of a great book is when you wish it hadn’t ended and can’t wait to read the next in the series.
June 6, 2023
Quite dumb, but relatable.
If you've spent much time around the beltway and see Burn After Reading as a faithful telling of the soul of the DC-ethos then there will be a number of things in this novel that resound with you. It's mostly fluff, but I think is a roughly faithful description of some of the nonsense going on at the government's behest. Fluffy. Vain. Wants to be Bond but isn't. Made me want to know orchestral music better as he spends a lot of time imagining all the people he's going to kill while mentally fingering each movement of some 500 year old musical masterpiece.
If you've spent much time around the beltway and see Burn After Reading as a faithful telling of the soul of the DC-ethos then there will be a number of things in this novel that resound with you. It's mostly fluff, but I think is a roughly faithful description of some of the nonsense going on at the government's behest. Fluffy. Vain. Wants to be Bond but isn't. Made me want to know orchestral music better as he spends a lot of time imagining all the people he's going to kill while mentally fingering each movement of some 500 year old musical masterpiece.
December 30, 2023
After reading Sean McFate's extraordinary nonfiction book, The New Rules of War: Victory in the Age of Durable Disorder, I was quite disappointed with Shadow War. I felt the storyline was all over the place, difficult to follow or care about, and none of the characters were even remotely relatable (I'm an Army and Navy veteran and former law enforcement). I think I'll pass on the rest of the series.
March 4, 2019
DNF
Two stars because the author really knows what he is writing about. Otherwise, only one.
This book should have been better than it is. The author lived the life he wrote about. He does brilliant academic analysis of military and political affairs. I will probably read some of his non-fiction, but this was weak stuff.
Two stars because the author really knows what he is writing about. Otherwise, only one.
This book should have been better than it is. The author lived the life he wrote about. He does brilliant academic analysis of military and political affairs. I will probably read some of his non-fiction, but this was weak stuff.
June 2, 2017
I received this book for free from Goodreads Giveaways. Very good adventure story about a mercenary and his team sent to the Ukraine on a mission that turns out very badly. The characters are very well developed and I found myself rooting for them to survive their betrayal.
October 28, 2017
Startling international strategic story
Unbelievably credible international strategic panorama of warfare political double dealing breathtaking military strategy and tactics. Superb read that leaves you uncertain where fiction ends and reality begins
Unbelievably credible international strategic panorama of warfare political double dealing breathtaking military strategy and tactics. Superb read that leaves you uncertain where fiction ends and reality begins
February 23, 2018
I don't know why I did not like this book more than I did. It was a pretty good story with lots of action and changes with what is going on. I will say that I did not like or dislike the main characters and that can make for a long book or just one that you don't really care about the outcome.
June 6, 2020
I have his newest to review and was excited to read the earlier books in the series. The dialog is just so awkward. DNF although I tried at 25%, 40% and 75% to read this book. Could not get through it.
September 8, 2021
Very good start to the series. Better character development than many other examples in the shadow ops genre. Good balance between action and behind-the- scene geopolitical machinations. Looking forward to the next episode.
December 21, 2022
Putting all those theories into actual circumstances gets a bit pedantic from time to time. The action sequences are excellent and I enjoy the authenticity (I assume) of the language and tactics. The personal relationships seem a bit disjointed but perhaps they will get better in later books.
May 20, 2023
Tough read. Usually I can find characters that I want to survive. Not this book. All the main characters lack the depth needed to make you care about them. Read the third book first and then the first book. Not sure if I will read the second. Certainly will not read any more if published.
June 25, 2017
Average!!
September 5, 2017
Couldn't get interested at all - didn't feel invested in any of the characters
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews