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Pike Logan #11
Ring of Fire
Former Delta Force officer and New York Times bestselling author Brad Taylor delivers a relentlessly fast-paced, gripping thriller featuring Taskforce operators Pike Logan and Jennifer Cahill as they come face-to-face with an insidious threat to strike terror into the heart of America.
Fifteen years ago, in order to win a contract in the Kingdom, a desperate defense contractor used a shell company to provide a bribe to a wealthy Saudi businessman. Now a powerful player in the defense industry, he panics when the Panama Papers burst onto the public scene. Providing insight into the illicit deeds of offshore financing, they could prove his undoing.
To prevent the exposure of his illegal activities, he sets in motion a plan to interdict the next leak, but he is not the only one worried about spilled secrets. The data theft has left the Taskforce potentially vulnerable, leaving a trail that could compromise the unit. Back in the good graces of the new president, Pike Logan and Jennifer Cahill are ordered to interdict the next leak as well, in order to control the damage.
Unbeknownst to either group, the Saudi has been using the shell company to fund terrorists all over the world, and he has a spectacular attack planned, coinciding with the fifteenth anniversary of 9/11. The information Pike and Jennifer uncover will put them on the trail of the imminent threat, but it’s one that they might be unable to stop.
Called Ring of Fire, it will cause unimaginable destruction across the United States, and it’s already in motion. Pike Logan will be challenged like never before, and the ensuing chaos and terror will distract the Taskforce from a truth no one sees: The Panama Papers hold a secret more explosive than any attack, and Ring of Fire was only the beginning. The danger is far from over. . . .
Fifteen years ago, in order to win a contract in the Kingdom, a desperate defense contractor used a shell company to provide a bribe to a wealthy Saudi businessman. Now a powerful player in the defense industry, he panics when the Panama Papers burst onto the public scene. Providing insight into the illicit deeds of offshore financing, they could prove his undoing.
To prevent the exposure of his illegal activities, he sets in motion a plan to interdict the next leak, but he is not the only one worried about spilled secrets. The data theft has left the Taskforce potentially vulnerable, leaving a trail that could compromise the unit. Back in the good graces of the new president, Pike Logan and Jennifer Cahill are ordered to interdict the next leak as well, in order to control the damage.
Unbeknownst to either group, the Saudi has been using the shell company to fund terrorists all over the world, and he has a spectacular attack planned, coinciding with the fifteenth anniversary of 9/11. The information Pike and Jennifer uncover will put them on the trail of the imminent threat, but it’s one that they might be unable to stop.
Called Ring of Fire, it will cause unimaginable destruction across the United States, and it’s already in motion. Pike Logan will be challenged like never before, and the ensuing chaos and terror will distract the Taskforce from a truth no one sees: The Panama Papers hold a secret more explosive than any attack, and Ring of Fire was only the beginning. The danger is far from over. . . .
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2017
853 people are currently reading
2398 people want to read
About the author
Brad Taylor
48 books2,538 followersBrad Taylor served for more than twenty-one years in the U.S. Army, retiring in 2010 as a Special Forces Lieutenant colonel. During that time he held numerous infantry and special operations positions, including eight years in 1st Special Forces Operations Detachment—Delta, popularly known as the Delta Force, where he commanded multiple troops and a squadron.
He has conducted operations in support of U.S. national interests in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other classified locations. His final military post was as Assistant Professor of Military Science at The Citadel. He holds a master's of science in defense analysis with a concentration in irregular warfare from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA.
When not writing, Brad serves as a security consultant on asymmetric threats to various agencies. He currently lives in Charleston, SC, with his wife and two daughters.
He has conducted operations in support of U.S. national interests in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other classified locations. His final military post was as Assistant Professor of Military Science at The Citadel. He holds a master's of science in defense analysis with a concentration in irregular warfare from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA.
When not writing, Brad serves as a security consultant on asymmetric threats to various agencies. He currently lives in Charleston, SC, with his wife and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews
February 6, 2017
Yet another great one from Brad Taylor!
For my money Brad Taylor is hands down the best in military-style action thrillers. Thanks to his personal background as a delta force commander his stories always have a gritty realism that very few could ever match. But add to that plots that are timely, intelligent and clearly well researched along with a fast paced action and some will placed comedic relief he's simply the best at what he does. Period. Can't wait for the next!
For my money Brad Taylor is hands down the best in military-style action thrillers. Thanks to his personal background as a delta force commander his stories always have a gritty realism that very few could ever match. But add to that plots that are timely, intelligent and clearly well researched along with a fast paced action and some will placed comedic relief he's simply the best at what he does. Period. Can't wait for the next!
February 10, 2017
What if 9/11 wasn't brought about in the way we were told or thought? What if it was all the fanatics from Saudi Arabia behind it? What if we only found out years later by a small amount of information released in a report? Would it change things? Would it be enough to stop the new attack, the Ring of Fire? This next installment of the Task force series by Brad Taylor was a marvelous read. I enjoyed the speculations in this fast paced suspense thriller. By exposing the financial backing and ties to the attack of 9/11 and current terrorist activity through a plot exposed by the newly release Panama Papers Pike, Jennifer and their team have to try to piece together what is happening before more attacks come to fruition. They quickly realize they have a much larger attacks to stop if they can figure them to quickly enough.
Exploring the money-backing exposed not only the attacks but corruption in our own government even if accidental, but also how greed can cause people to overlook or ignore serious questionable activity to protect themselves, their companies, their money, and their involvement. It was interesting to not only fallow Pike and his team as they puzzle through the different facets of the terrorists groups from the main backer and his sons ever increasing involvement to the young misguided teenage boy with technical skill and an absentee religiously fanatical idealized father making him easy to recruit, while his mother was to busy trying to provide. The book gave a good sample of many of the people in solver in such attacks both voluntarily and involuntarily, from the business men, religious fanatics, foreign dock workers, legal and illegal drug trade workers, and even those willing to give themselves by suicide. We meet Muslims who are fanatics, Terrorist, assassins, and drug dealers as well as those who are good citizens, political leaders and cops trying g to stop them. All of them are caught top in the plot of several attacks o cripple trade and the economy and ultimately America. he in sight of the characters both terrorist and those fighting them Worldwide rally makes this book a welcome written thought provoking read, but the fighting and imminent threats with many different plans of attack drive the pace of the story. Pike and Jennifer have they job cut out for them and their team trying to stop the attacks with so little to go on and little to no support. Some of their attempt succeed but some do not and are all to real in the destruction of the failure. This was a fantastic read even if you have not read any of the other books in the series . I look forward to more from Brad Tylor about Pike, Jennifer and their not always compliant team, th at get things done.
Exploring the money-backing exposed not only the attacks but corruption in our own government even if accidental, but also how greed can cause people to overlook or ignore serious questionable activity to protect themselves, their companies, their money, and their involvement. It was interesting to not only fallow Pike and his team as they puzzle through the different facets of the terrorists groups from the main backer and his sons ever increasing involvement to the young misguided teenage boy with technical skill and an absentee religiously fanatical idealized father making him easy to recruit, while his mother was to busy trying to provide. The book gave a good sample of many of the people in solver in such attacks both voluntarily and involuntarily, from the business men, religious fanatics, foreign dock workers, legal and illegal drug trade workers, and even those willing to give themselves by suicide. We meet Muslims who are fanatics, Terrorist, assassins, and drug dealers as well as those who are good citizens, political leaders and cops trying g to stop them. All of them are caught top in the plot of several attacks o cripple trade and the economy and ultimately America. he in sight of the characters both terrorist and those fighting them Worldwide rally makes this book a welcome written thought provoking read, but the fighting and imminent threats with many different plans of attack drive the pace of the story. Pike and Jennifer have they job cut out for them and their team trying to stop the attacks with so little to go on and little to no support. Some of their attempt succeed but some do not and are all to real in the destruction of the failure. This was a fantastic read even if you have not read any of the other books in the series . I look forward to more from Brad Tylor about Pike, Jennifer and their not always compliant team, th at get things done.
January 9, 2017
The Taskforce Uncovers a Multi-point Terrorist Attack Designed to Cripple America
The Panama Papers have several people very concerned. Dexter Worthington used one of the accounts fifteen years ago to bribe a Saudi business man. Now a successful defense contractor, he fears exposure. The Taskforce is also concerned. They too have accounts that might show up in the Panama Papers.
Pike Logan and Jennifer Cahill are assigned to interdict the leak and control the damage. Since the assignment sends them to the Bahamas, this seems like a plum assignment and maybe time for a vacation in the sun. Once in the Bahamas, Pike and Jennifer find things that seem more complicated than a simple case of leaked information.
In fact, the Saudis have been using some of the accounts to fund terrorism around the world and the next attack is soon to take place. Called Ring of Fire, the attack is designed to disrupt shipping in the biggest ports in the US. Acting with little information, Pike and Jennifer start pulling the threads they have in an effort to avert disaster.
The is a typical Pike Logan fast paced thriller. The plot is complicated since several groups of terrorist are involved and acting independently. If you like action, this is a great read.
The characters are typical action heroes. Pike reminds me more of a superhero than a Taskforce investigator. Jennifer is a great character. She doesn’t take crap from Pike and holds her own in the action arena.
I particularly like the realistic background information: Saudis funding terror, the use of drones as killing machines, and Mossack Fonseca, the law firm that created the Panama Papers. If you like fast paced action, you’ll enjoy this book.
I received this book from Dutton for this review.
The Panama Papers have several people very concerned. Dexter Worthington used one of the accounts fifteen years ago to bribe a Saudi business man. Now a successful defense contractor, he fears exposure. The Taskforce is also concerned. They too have accounts that might show up in the Panama Papers.
Pike Logan and Jennifer Cahill are assigned to interdict the leak and control the damage. Since the assignment sends them to the Bahamas, this seems like a plum assignment and maybe time for a vacation in the sun. Once in the Bahamas, Pike and Jennifer find things that seem more complicated than a simple case of leaked information.
In fact, the Saudis have been using some of the accounts to fund terrorism around the world and the next attack is soon to take place. Called Ring of Fire, the attack is designed to disrupt shipping in the biggest ports in the US. Acting with little information, Pike and Jennifer start pulling the threads they have in an effort to avert disaster.
The is a typical Pike Logan fast paced thriller. The plot is complicated since several groups of terrorist are involved and acting independently. If you like action, this is a great read.
The characters are typical action heroes. Pike reminds me more of a superhero than a Taskforce investigator. Jennifer is a great character. She doesn’t take crap from Pike and holds her own in the action arena.
I particularly like the realistic background information: Saudis funding terror, the use of drones as killing machines, and Mossack Fonseca, the law firm that created the Panama Papers. If you like fast paced action, you’ll enjoy this book.
I received this book from Dutton for this review.
November 6, 2022
Nothing more needs to be said. Definitely 5*. I lost a lot of sleep over this one late into the night. I’m usually in bed by 8 PM. But it was definitely worth it. Guess I can sleep later tomorrow, but probably with some anxiety about security in the Good Ole 🇺🇸
November 8, 2020
Enjoyable though some inconsistencies throughout the book. Nothing dramatic -it is fiction nonetheless.
June 10, 2019
Continuing the binge read of the Pike Logan books. This was a return to form (not that there was a lot wrong with the last book, but there were some slightly dragging parts) whilst this races along in the normal, but not formulaic manner, spreading across the globe and dealing wiith linked terrorist threats.
Decent characterisation, good dialogue, well handled multiple person points of view and a pretty gripping plot keeps the pages turning. Which, of course, is pretty much the point with this sory of book.
Highly entertaining.
Decent characterisation, good dialogue, well handled multiple person points of view and a pretty gripping plot keeps the pages turning. Which, of course, is pretty much the point with this sory of book.
Highly entertaining.
November 2, 2023
Pulling together all the threads of plot must have been a Herculean feat for the author. Exciting and frustrating in equal measure. I found I was so eager to find out what would happen that I was skipping over some of the intricacies of the action to get to the conclusion. The new character seems flawed in areas where you would expect a CIA operative to shine. It is disconcerting to be pulled out of the plot to be subjected to personal relationships that seem to belong in a '50's malt shop. Other than those small quibbles, I enjoyed the read.
May 18, 2019
An anti-terrorism featuring Pike Logan and his team as they chase down another releases of the Panama Papers. They uncover Saudi Arabian financing of several planned terror attacks on American soil. An excellent addition to the anti-terror genre.
March 13, 2017
A terrific story, current threat technology and motivations, and very tightly read. highly recommended.
August 10, 2023
Another terrorist plot to destroy America. Pike and team step up again.
July 25, 2017
In Ring of Fire (Dutton 2017), 11th in Brad Taylor's Pike Logan series, Pike Logan and girlfriend Jennifer Cahill (as part of their Task Force affiliation) are sent to track a data leak from the infamous Panama Papers. What starts as a simple evidence-gathering trip to the Bahamas, maybe even a romantic vacation, becomes complicated quickly when shell companies and Saudis and terrorism become involved. This is one of Taylor's more complicated plots; here's what he had to say:
"...off more than I could chew with this plot. It sounded fairly simple at first—explore the possible state sponsorship of the tragedy of 9/11, and have the group attempt to duplicate a spectacular attack in the modern day, on the fifteenth anniversary."
...but it unfolds in typical Pike Logan fashion--lots of murder, mayhem, sizzle, and frayed nerves.
On the plus side, this story is ripped from a 1970's real-life event, right down to the law firm Mossack Fonseca that created the Panama Papers. I love this in books--insider knowledge along with the guilty pleasure of a ruthless thriller feeling.
Again on the plus side, a part I always like in this series is the high tech geekisms Pike and his team use to track and catch the bad guys:
"The Dragontooth was a crowd-sourced beacon that utilized the cell network to leverage unwitting cell users on that same net. It worked on Bluetooth and sent data to anyone within range who had a smartphone."
“How am I going to pinpoint his phone? There could be a hundred people inside praying.” Retro passed across the smartphone. “This is now slaved to his handset, so you can follow the marble until you sort out who has it. Let him go somewhere else, then take a snapshot of the people. Do that a few times, and you’ll figure out who he is.”
"...so it was up to Retro to try to trick the handset into thinking their aircraft was a cell tower, then implant malware into the operating system of the phone that would allow him to manipulate its embedded GPS function."
On the neutral side, Logan seems to be more Cro-Magnon than in earlier books. He exhibits a taste for rabble rousing, sometimes to annoy people and see what pops out. Or maybe he's bored. I just don't know.
"...saw Carly and Knuckles still in the corner, and I couldn’t resist. I went over to them, ending their conversation. They both looked at me expectantly. I said, “Carly, I appreciate the intervention today, but it won’t matter at selection.” She looked at me quizzically, while Knuckles scowled like he wanted to stab me in the heart. She said, “What are you talking about?” I said, “I’m going to bed. Ask your sponsor.” She turned to Knuckles and said, “What’s he talking about?” Knuckles spit out, “He’s an asshole. I have no idea.”
"Eventually, we reached a lane with a distinct odor.And by odor, I mean it smelled like someone had farted into a Ziploc bag holding a dead cat."
“I’m the ghost. I’m the one who keeps America safe, and if carving you up is the price, I’m willing to pay it.”
But it does shake things up. Sometimes, that's all that's needed.
One part I found odd: Both Pike and girlfriend Jennifer got into an extended debate with a Muslim policeman discussing whether all Muslims are bad because some are bad. I confess. I skipped most of that. The answer seems too obvious.
Overall, this is another in the top-notch Pike Logan series. If you love fast-paced thrillers, and especially those with Pike Logan, you'll love this book.
"...off more than I could chew with this plot. It sounded fairly simple at first—explore the possible state sponsorship of the tragedy of 9/11, and have the group attempt to duplicate a spectacular attack in the modern day, on the fifteenth anniversary."
...but it unfolds in typical Pike Logan fashion--lots of murder, mayhem, sizzle, and frayed nerves.
On the plus side, this story is ripped from a 1970's real-life event, right down to the law firm Mossack Fonseca that created the Panama Papers. I love this in books--insider knowledge along with the guilty pleasure of a ruthless thriller feeling.
Again on the plus side, a part I always like in this series is the high tech geekisms Pike and his team use to track and catch the bad guys:
"The Dragontooth was a crowd-sourced beacon that utilized the cell network to leverage unwitting cell users on that same net. It worked on Bluetooth and sent data to anyone within range who had a smartphone."
“How am I going to pinpoint his phone? There could be a hundred people inside praying.” Retro passed across the smartphone. “This is now slaved to his handset, so you can follow the marble until you sort out who has it. Let him go somewhere else, then take a snapshot of the people. Do that a few times, and you’ll figure out who he is.”
"...so it was up to Retro to try to trick the handset into thinking their aircraft was a cell tower, then implant malware into the operating system of the phone that would allow him to manipulate its embedded GPS function."
On the neutral side, Logan seems to be more Cro-Magnon than in earlier books. He exhibits a taste for rabble rousing, sometimes to annoy people and see what pops out. Or maybe he's bored. I just don't know.
"...saw Carly and Knuckles still in the corner, and I couldn’t resist. I went over to them, ending their conversation. They both looked at me expectantly. I said, “Carly, I appreciate the intervention today, but it won’t matter at selection.” She looked at me quizzically, while Knuckles scowled like he wanted to stab me in the heart. She said, “What are you talking about?” I said, “I’m going to bed. Ask your sponsor.” She turned to Knuckles and said, “What’s he talking about?” Knuckles spit out, “He’s an asshole. I have no idea.”
"Eventually, we reached a lane with a distinct odor.And by odor, I mean it smelled like someone had farted into a Ziploc bag holding a dead cat."
“I’m the ghost. I’m the one who keeps America safe, and if carving you up is the price, I’m willing to pay it.”
But it does shake things up. Sometimes, that's all that's needed.
One part I found odd: Both Pike and girlfriend Jennifer got into an extended debate with a Muslim policeman discussing whether all Muslims are bad because some are bad. I confess. I skipped most of that. The answer seems too obvious.
Overall, this is another in the top-notch Pike Logan series. If you love fast-paced thrillers, and especially those with Pike Logan, you'll love this book.
July 12, 2018
Pike and Jennifer are sent on a mission with no military connected members of the Task force to get the information that is going to be released in a new set of Panama Papers. Simple...non invasive..a vacation. HAHAHA! Someone kills the source and the missions pile up after that. Pike keeps finding threads that lead to a serious threat on US soil. This book was great. I actually found myself laughing during the book at the banter. Also, lots of "Love/Sexy" innuendo's between Pike and Jennifer.
Here a few of my favorite quotes from the book.
I seriously missed a few special people in this book, but LOVE Carley and of course the regular players - Veep is my fav!
Here a few of my favorite quotes from the book.
I seriously missed a few special people in this book, but LOVE Carley and of course the regular players - Veep is my fav!
May 10, 2020
3 stars for what I listened to.
This should have been good for me but I still struggled to stay with it the second time I tried to listen. Both times I gave up about a third of the way. As always, I enjoyed the narration - Pike in 1st Person and everything else in third - but it could be I'm not in my espionage phase. I'll go hunt down a cop procedural and hope I can return to Ring of Fire and finish it one day.
This should have been good for me but I still struggled to stay with it the second time I tried to listen. Both times I gave up about a third of the way. As always, I enjoyed the narration - Pike in 1st Person and everything else in third - but it could be I'm not in my espionage phase. I'll go hunt down a cop procedural and hope I can return to Ring of Fire and finish it one day.
September 20, 2018
finished this one the 20th of september 2018 good read three stars i liked it first from taylor brad for me. some of the tale is told with an economy of language and speed i imagine due to all those requirements that sell books and my take is that any story suffers as such. but it is what it is.
November 25, 2016
I received an early copy of this book. This is the first I have read of Brad Taylor. It was an action packed ride that I hoped would end well after all the wicked possibilities had been brought to our attention. A very interesting story line and the plot was well thought out. I enjoyed it!
February 4, 2017
Taskforce on the hunt for Islamic terrorists by following a trail of an account number funded by a wealthy Saudi Arabian.
4.5 stars Another action packed book by Brad Taylor.
4.5 stars Another action packed book by Brad Taylor.
December 30, 2019
Any time they introduce a new operator it’s a milestone. But the fact she’s a formal CIA agent and with extensive training in interrogation and profiling makes her a much needed asset. Granted, she’s not exactly a weapons master yet, but that’s what you have Koko for.
Also, just the fact Carly is a she is saying something. Jennifer/Koko being the only female operator is cool and all, but adding another woman to the Taskforce directly addresses what I think is a significant shortcoming in the series. Namely, the amount of testosterone that Pike splashes around as team leader and the only first-person narrator. It’ll be nice to have another woman on the team, one who isn’t in a relationship with him and consequently doesn’t have to cut him some slack like Koko always seems to be doing.
I’m also looking forward to further adventures with Shoshana which I hope is coming soon.
As for this book, it was good. The whole port attack angle is both plausible and frightening in its simplicity. Anyone who knows anything about the vulnerabilities of this country knows our ports are high on the list. The volume of traffic that goes in and out coupled with how strained our resources are to defend all access of attacks is something that has never been addressed fully. This makes this book very high on the believability scale.
I thought the way the Taskforce handled the threats made sense and made for thrilling set pieces. I especially liked the jet ski chase by night goggles capped off with the sniper shot to end all sniper shots scenes. That was powerful action storytelling.
As always, I’m looking forward to the next installment already.
Also, just the fact Carly is a she is saying something. Jennifer/Koko being the only female operator is cool and all, but adding another woman to the Taskforce directly addresses what I think is a significant shortcoming in the series. Namely, the amount of testosterone that Pike splashes around as team leader and the only first-person narrator. It’ll be nice to have another woman on the team, one who isn’t in a relationship with him and consequently doesn’t have to cut him some slack like Koko always seems to be doing.
I’m also looking forward to further adventures with Shoshana which I hope is coming soon.
As for this book, it was good. The whole port attack angle is both plausible and frightening in its simplicity. Anyone who knows anything about the vulnerabilities of this country knows our ports are high on the list. The volume of traffic that goes in and out coupled with how strained our resources are to defend all access of attacks is something that has never been addressed fully. This makes this book very high on the believability scale.
I thought the way the Taskforce handled the threats made sense and made for thrilling set pieces. I especially liked the jet ski chase by night goggles capped off with the sniper shot to end all sniper shots scenes. That was powerful action storytelling.
As always, I’m looking forward to the next installment already.
July 30, 2021
I've read 10 of Brad Taylor's Pike Logan thrillers and am amazed that he never gets repetitive. Part of it is that he changes up the cast of secondary characters and we get to see how they these new people experience Pike and Jennifer and Knuckles in action. Taylor's books hover around 500 pages, but the pages fly past and you'll be groggy at work the next day on account of being up half the night reading.
April 1, 2017
Taskforce operative Pike Logan investigates and foils terrorist attempts to attack seaports. A shallow character who tries to appear cool at all costs.
May 21, 2020
On a 1-5 start rating, I would have rated this book a 3 during the first 400 pages. The last 150 pages I would rate as 5+. Overall a 4.
September 25, 2023
Just finished another anniversary of 9/11 which make it a good time to read Ring of Fire. It is now 15 years later and the enemies of the Western World are not done. Taylor uses some accounts of 9/11 to make this believable. Written in 2017, we had not experienced Covind or the aftermath, the shortages and the strain of our ports. This makes it intriguing - the story line is targeting terrorist attack on our port system. Attacking the port system and trade would create a ring of fire.
With Pike Logan in the middle with his team, they must find the connecting dots first with a teen terrorist attacking military personnel near a Las Vegas base. Who is financing and what is the end game. They are all over the world, trying to avoid any more attacks. The action is intense and my heart rate went up a couple of beats. So good and probably is best that I have read. Taylor has a good understanding of the evil verses good in our world.
A special thank you to Penguin Group and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
April 24, 2017
Brad Taylor is a remarkable story teller and the real deal as someone that has been there and done that.
August 7, 2019
Series is just Plain Fun to Read!
If you like lots of action, and terrorist getting what’s coming to them, you’ll love this book and the series.
If you like lots of action, and terrorist getting what’s coming to them, you’ll love this book and the series.
June 17, 2018
3 ***, OK read, but nothing special here.
January 13, 2023
The eleventh Pike Logan novel, RING OF FIRE, makes a return to Islamic terrorism in an interesting fashion. Brad Taylor takes us back to the official start of the War on Terror, the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and focuses on an unscrupulous investor who looks the other way on aiding a Saudi in a questionable "investment" and subsequently unwittingly assists him in escaping the country in the aftermath.
Fast forward to the present day. A new President has taken the reins in the wake of a tragedy, and the Taskforce has been reactivated in full. An investigation into questionable transactions in Brazil leads to the Taskforce stumbling onto a larger conspiracy. A shadowy, insidious force that has learned the lessons from 9/11 conspires to strike an even greater blow against the United States. Once more, the Taskforce chases the threads and rushes to avert catastrophe.
The top notch research and action aside, this book is a solid character study of the Pike Logan character. His interactions with an intelligence officer of a Muslim nation displays some of Logan's biases, and those interactions further develop and enrich Logan as a character. Eleven novels in, it would be understandable to run out of material and have Logan remain a static character, but that Taylor consistently seeks new territory to explore with the character is quite commendable.
RING OF FIRE is definitely worth the read.
Fast forward to the present day. A new President has taken the reins in the wake of a tragedy, and the Taskforce has been reactivated in full. An investigation into questionable transactions in Brazil leads to the Taskforce stumbling onto a larger conspiracy. A shadowy, insidious force that has learned the lessons from 9/11 conspires to strike an even greater blow against the United States. Once more, the Taskforce chases the threads and rushes to avert catastrophe.
The top notch research and action aside, this book is a solid character study of the Pike Logan character. His interactions with an intelligence officer of a Muslim nation displays some of Logan's biases, and those interactions further develop and enrich Logan as a character. Eleven novels in, it would be understandable to run out of material and have Logan remain a static character, but that Taylor consistently seeks new territory to explore with the character is quite commendable.
RING OF FIRE is definitely worth the read.
November 11, 2016
I have read almost all the books from Brad. I was lucky to get an early read of this book from First reads spending my points to make sure. It was well worth it. It is hard for me mow to discern which book I like better as each one is really good. This is a story that ties the 9-11 attacks with some current day possibilities. It is fast paced, moving at just the right speed, with just enough details to make you feel like you were there. I literally finished this book in two days not being able to put it down. To be able to keep up the quality of writing through 11 books is a tough feat. I know as I read about 75 - 100 books a year and I have see authors misstep over time. Luckily that has not happened to Brad, but I think luck does not have much to do with it. My take is he puts his heart and soul into each story so best to entertain his audience. I have always thought Brad adds himself into Pike's character with the smart ass remarks but to have Jennifer's responses to this, I am now betting he has a real life example to emulate somewhat. Someone that can dish out as well as take. Brad makes every story very relevant to what is happening, adding a large dose of realism into the stories. Great read. Keep them coming.
I cant wait to sometime be able to meet Brad and get some of my Books signed. (Come to CT )
I cant wait to sometime be able to meet Brad and get some of my Books signed. (Come to CT )
January 8, 2022
Book Review - As usual, there is more than a story here in this Brad Taylor novel. Taylor writes great characters, plenty of action, and a good plot but he also brings in a social side. He touches on prejudices, stereo types, current events, human dimensions, social tensions and additional layers and textures to most of his novels. While the stories are fast and fun, they also have moments when you are asked to think and feel. If you follow his protagonist Pike Logan and his merry band of ‘off-the-books’ special ops operators, you know that each installment brings with it an even more hair-raising and out of the box kind of action and adventure. The story here is no different, with evil bad guys, reasonable good guys, and an ending that is, in most respects, believable. Over the years Brad Taylor has given us some memorable rides, and this one too is pretty good. Overall, a good action adventure thriller, but read some of the previous books or short stories first so you can understand the interplay between characters. Another great installment by one of my favorite authors - Brad Taylor!
December 2, 2016
I received an early copy of this book. Thanks Dutton!!
As usual BT brings the heat...pun intended. I have no idea how this author has been able to produce 2 books a year of such quality and which keep getting better. This series is relevant, timely and always has its finger on the pulse of current day events. While not my favorite Pike novel, this was , as always fast-paced and an easy enjoyable read. Some spots dragged for me,however I think BT has spoilt me with his penchant for non stop action from start to finish. Happy yet sad to hear BT will be slowing to one book a year; he deserves a rest.
If you haven't discovered this series your missing out!
As usual BT brings the heat...pun intended. I have no idea how this author has been able to produce 2 books a year of such quality and which keep getting better. This series is relevant, timely and always has its finger on the pulse of current day events. While not my favorite Pike novel, this was , as always fast-paced and an easy enjoyable read. Some spots dragged for me,however I think BT has spoilt me with his penchant for non stop action from start to finish. Happy yet sad to hear BT will be slowing to one book a year; he deserves a rest.
If you haven't discovered this series your missing out!
December 21, 2016
First off, I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. This is another in the the Taskforce series. This one explores the ties to the financial backing of 9/11 & where it goes in the present. Did the people who backed that attack accomplish all that they wanted? Well, according to this book, they didn't. It is up to the Taskforce to find the ties and stop any further attacks. Can they do it? Can Pike and his team find the ties and the people in time, can they stop everything and save the new President? I highly enjoyed this book, and would recommend this one, along with the rest of the series!
February 9, 2017
Thank you First to Read for providing a copy of Ring of Fire for review. This is the first Brad Taylor book that I have read, but it won't be the last. Taylor provides a brief background on the Taskforce and Pike Logan, making it unnecessary to have read other entries in the series. This is a fast-paced story, where the action accelerates as Pike and his team discover a terrorist plot aimed to destroy the US economy and cause chaos with a series of attacks. I look forward to whatever Taylor has in store for the Taskforce in the future.
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