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Red Ops Thriller #1
Recall
Meet Red Harmon, a special ops veteran who learns he never left the call of duty . . .
To a trio of muggers, Red looks like just another suburban dad. But when they demand his wallet at knifepoint, something snaps. In the blink of an eye, two muggers are dead, the third severely injured, and Red doesn’t remember a thing. Once an elite member of the Det, a secret forces outfit whose existence is beyond classified, Red thought his active service was over.
But his memory is coming back—and a lethal killing machine is returning to duty . . .
Facing an unthinkable nuclear threat, a volatile international power play, and a personal attack against his family, Red has no choice. He must rejoin his old team, infiltrate the enemy camp, and complete the biggest mission of his life . . .
To a trio of muggers, Red looks like just another suburban dad. But when they demand his wallet at knifepoint, something snaps. In the blink of an eye, two muggers are dead, the third severely injured, and Red doesn’t remember a thing. Once an elite member of the Det, a secret forces outfit whose existence is beyond classified, Red thought his active service was over.
But his memory is coming back—and a lethal killing machine is returning to duty . . .
Facing an unthinkable nuclear threat, a volatile international power play, and a personal attack against his family, Red has no choice. He must rejoin his old team, infiltrate the enemy camp, and complete the biggest mission of his life . . .
240 pages, Paperback
First published August 30, 2013
249 people are currently reading
632 people want to read
About the author
David McCaleb
4 books210 followersDavid McCaleb was born on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Growing up on a farm, he studied the teachings of nature, enjoying hunting and fishing, intermingled with hard labor. One of the last green belts on the east coast, the Eastern Shore is steeped in creative culture, with which he credits much of his inspiration.
He graduated from St. Andrews School in Middletown, Delaware, attended Valley Forge Military College, and was accepted into the United States Air Force Academy. He served in the Air Force as a finance officer for five years and received multiple awards acknowledging his skill in helping the governmentwaste money track expenditures.
After his military service, he enjoyed an eclectic career which included entrepreneur, marketer, insurance agent, salesman, inventor, financial analyst, drapery installer, and manufacturer. His diverse background enables his characters to possess an uncommon depth. He thoroughly enjoys any project involving the work of hands, but doubly so those of the pen.
Website: www.davidmccaleb.com
Substack: https://davidmccaleb.substack.com
Facebook: facebook.com/McCalebBooks
Twitter: twitter.com/McCalebBooks
He graduated from St. Andrews School in Middletown, Delaware, attended Valley Forge Military College, and was accepted into the United States Air Force Academy. He served in the Air Force as a finance officer for five years and received multiple awards acknowledging his skill in helping the government
After his military service, he enjoyed an eclectic career which included entrepreneur, marketer, insurance agent, salesman, inventor, financial analyst, drapery installer, and manufacturer. His diverse background enables his characters to possess an uncommon depth. He thoroughly enjoys any project involving the work of hands, but doubly so those of the pen.
Website: www.davidmccaleb.com
Substack: https://davidmccaleb.substack.com
Facebook: facebook.com/McCalebBooks
Twitter: twitter.com/McCalebBooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 18, 2016
I so wanted to like this book, because the premise sounded so intriguing. Unfortunately, while the story began with a mental bang, for me it quickly degenerated into a comic book rather than a well-written novel.
The story's two central characters are a married couple, Tony "Red" Harmon and his wife Lori. The opening chapter describes how Red, his wife, and their three children stroll back to their minivan at the far reaches of a Walmart parking lot. Their car is virtually alone, as the store is closing and most customers have already left. As Red helps his wife load the packages and the kids into the car, he's approached by three suspicious-looking young men. Sure enough, the leader of this little gang steps up and demands Red's wallet; meanwhile, Lori sees what's going on and promptly locks the car and calls 911. At first, Red fishes out his wallet and begins to hand it over. Then, suddenly, he "changes" into a different man and in three seconds kills two of the robbers, takes a gun from one of them, and is standing over the third -- not yet dead -- getting ready to shoot him in the head. Finally Lori's screams seems to penetrate his hearing, and he snaps back to the "regular" Red. The next morning, Red remembers nothing about the confrontation or about what one of Walmart's security videos -- located right on the parking lot light under which their car had been parked -- shows he did. Clearly, he has fighting capabilities that go way beyond the norm...
Sounded pretty interesting in the beginning, but then the plot soars out into space. It seems Red was once a member of an elite military squad whose members had all undergone experimental brain enhancements that made them into "super-fighters". All but Red completely broke from reality and the experimental program was dismantled; in an effort to protect him, Red's brain-washing was, well, brain-washed out of him. Now, however, he's visited out of the blue by an old commander from his military days whom he hasn't seen in nearly half a dozen years, and almost immediately thereafter Lori is abducted by unknown assailants.
This is about the point where we go from fairly decent novel into Batman mode. The characters, by and large, were very one-dimensional and I didn't really connect with any of them. The worst characterization was of Lori, this unassuming but gorgeous, shapely, super-smart (yawn) wife and mother who suddenly changes into Superwoman and master covert assassin... and from there the story quickly began spiraling down the toilet. I couldn't even make it to the end. I got two-thirds of the way through and just gave up. Can't really recommend unless you're seriously into comic books.
*** This book was provided to me by the author and/or publisher as an ARC in exchange for my honest review. ***
The story's two central characters are a married couple, Tony "Red" Harmon and his wife Lori. The opening chapter describes how Red, his wife, and their three children stroll back to their minivan at the far reaches of a Walmart parking lot. Their car is virtually alone, as the store is closing and most customers have already left. As Red helps his wife load the packages and the kids into the car, he's approached by three suspicious-looking young men. Sure enough, the leader of this little gang steps up and demands Red's wallet; meanwhile, Lori sees what's going on and promptly locks the car and calls 911. At first, Red fishes out his wallet and begins to hand it over. Then, suddenly, he "changes" into a different man and in three seconds kills two of the robbers, takes a gun from one of them, and is standing over the third -- not yet dead -- getting ready to shoot him in the head. Finally Lori's screams seems to penetrate his hearing, and he snaps back to the "regular" Red. The next morning, Red remembers nothing about the confrontation or about what one of Walmart's security videos -- located right on the parking lot light under which their car had been parked -- shows he did. Clearly, he has fighting capabilities that go way beyond the norm...
Sounded pretty interesting in the beginning, but then the plot soars out into space. It seems Red was once a member of an elite military squad whose members had all undergone experimental brain enhancements that made them into "super-fighters". All but Red completely broke from reality and the experimental program was dismantled; in an effort to protect him, Red's brain-washing was, well, brain-washed out of him. Now, however, he's visited out of the blue by an old commander from his military days whom he hasn't seen in nearly half a dozen years, and almost immediately thereafter Lori is abducted by unknown assailants.
This is about the point where we go from fairly decent novel into Batman mode. The characters, by and large, were very one-dimensional and I didn't really connect with any of them. The worst characterization was of Lori, this unassuming but gorgeous, shapely, super-smart (yawn) wife and mother who suddenly changes into Superwoman and master covert assassin... and from there the story quickly began spiraling down the toilet. I couldn't even make it to the end. I got two-thirds of the way through and just gave up. Can't really recommend unless you're seriously into comic books.
*** This book was provided to me by the author and/or publisher as an ARC in exchange for my honest review. ***
June 10, 2016
I really enjoyed this book, and the Author has certainly caught my attention with a very clever and well written story. Such a great opening. Tony “Red” Harmon was out shopping with his family when 3 men tried to mug him in the car park of Walmart. They really did pick the wrong man to mess with. He dispatched them with the speed and skill that bordered on the extraordinary. Although the police said that red was in the clear because it was self- defence, they are finding it quite hard to believe he’s just a building manager. While Red and his wife Lori are sleeping, a few men have come to the house and used knockout gas to try to take them both. However they only managed to smuggle Lori out, and leaving Red behind. Red’s old boss Colonel Jim Mayard turns up, and talks red back to the Airforce base to put a team together to track Lori down. When Red left the Air Force he was given a mind altering drugs and therapy to make him believe he was only a storeman. So on returning they again put him through the drugs to return as much of his memory as possible. To remind him he was a special operator, with a bit more skill and violence than just a storeman. Mossad have tracked Lori down to Iran, and the team take to the air to recover her. Red is amazed when they tell him how they plan to drop from the plane in single man capsules. Unfortunately Red’s drag chute didn’t deploy before he hit the river in Iran, and he sank to the bottom after being knocked unconscious. He’s lucky to wake up after only six minutes and make it to the surface. Once they all make it to shore, things really start to heat up, and the team see exactly how good Red is. It certainly doesn’t look like he has lost any of his skill from being away for six years. I was very happy when I read this is going to be a series of books. The Author has done a great job with the Characters, and there is plenty of action to make this a very pleasurable book. Definitely worth a read.
August 2, 2016
After a shopping trip to Wal-Mart where a trio of muggers demanded his wallet at knife point, previous training Red doesn't remember comes to the forefront. In the blink of an eye, two muggers are dead and the third is severely injured, but Red doesn't remember a thing. Red was an elite member of Det a secret special forces team, whose existence is beyond classified. After being captured his memories of the time as a Captain is different than the truth. His true memories come to him in dreams. After the video of the mugging goes viral, Red's wife, Lori is kidnapped and taken to Iran.
Red's, commander comes to get him while the police are at his house, but Red demands the detective investigating his wife's kidnapping comes with them. Come to find out, the detective Carter, was an interrogator while in the military, and becomes a part of the team to rescue his wife. However, before the mission can begin, Red's memories have to be recalled.
The team heads to Iran to infiltrate the enemy camp, and complete the mission. Along the way, Red discovers secrets about his wife. My favorite statement in the story was when Lori told Red "I'm not the one who went ape-shit at Wal-Mart and blew your cover." Red becomes the leader of the Det team, after a tragedy, at the end of the story and vows to keep the team together.
Recall was a nail biting, adrenaline inducing, well-plotted/written thriller. Red and his team are who you want fighting on your side. The characters work well together, even Carter. I was surprised to find out the detective was a solider, and worked as well with the team as he did. He became invaluable and I hope that he's in future books in some capacity. Like usual, what can go wrong does. Really enjoyed the story!!
Received ARC in exchange for honest review from NetGalley.
Red's, commander comes to get him while the police are at his house, but Red demands the detective investigating his wife's kidnapping comes with them. Come to find out, the detective Carter, was an interrogator while in the military, and becomes a part of the team to rescue his wife. However, before the mission can begin, Red's memories have to be recalled.
The team heads to Iran to infiltrate the enemy camp, and complete the mission. Along the way, Red discovers secrets about his wife. My favorite statement in the story was when Lori told Red "I'm not the one who went ape-shit at Wal-Mart and blew your cover." Red becomes the leader of the Det team, after a tragedy, at the end of the story and vows to keep the team together.
Recall was a nail biting, adrenaline inducing, well-plotted/written thriller. Red and his team are who you want fighting on your side. The characters work well together, even Carter. I was surprised to find out the detective was a solider, and worked as well with the team as he did. He became invaluable and I hope that he's in future books in some capacity. Like usual, what can go wrong does. Really enjoyed the story!!
Received ARC in exchange for honest review from NetGalley.
October 29, 2016
This book is right up my alley. I've been following a few new authors in this genre and have read some great stories.
This book has a unique spin on the deadly operator. A man seemingly going about living his life as a husband and a father is, presented with a worse case scenario.
The confrontation starts as you would expect but within a few heart beats things change for Red and his family.
In today's world anonymity, seems like a pipe dream with millions of cameras surrounding us where ever we go, always looking for the next trending video shot, or subject to make you world famous it's no wonder that soon after Red's incident the video is leaked out into the world.
While in most cases this would be an annoyance and probably cause that fifteen minutes of fame we see so often, in Red's case, it's earth shattering. The forces that come for him are from a past long forgotten but will force Red to become the man he once was. Along the way, he will make a startling discovery that even to the end of the book we're not sure what the future will hold for Red and his family.
The book is well written with only one little thing that tripped me up. There was a phrase "bleeding whiner" that I found odd. The only reason it did is because the author is American and none of the characters are British so it stood out. I only mention it in case the author should read this and not to highlight as a detraction from the book.
It is fast paced and there are some great action scenes although, as an action junkie, I wish there had been more but it was by no means lacking.
If you're an action fan then I have no problem recommending this book and feel very comfortable saying that you'll enjoy it. I think the price point maybe keeping the fans away as it is more that I usually would pay for a new author's first book but it was worth the price.
This book has a unique spin on the deadly operator. A man seemingly going about living his life as a husband and a father is, presented with a worse case scenario.
The confrontation starts as you would expect but within a few heart beats things change for Red and his family.
In today's world anonymity, seems like a pipe dream with millions of cameras surrounding us where ever we go, always looking for the next trending video shot, or subject to make you world famous it's no wonder that soon after Red's incident the video is leaked out into the world.
While in most cases this would be an annoyance and probably cause that fifteen minutes of fame we see so often, in Red's case, it's earth shattering. The forces that come for him are from a past long forgotten but will force Red to become the man he once was. Along the way, he will make a startling discovery that even to the end of the book we're not sure what the future will hold for Red and his family.
The book is well written with only one little thing that tripped me up. There was a phrase "bleeding whiner" that I found odd. The only reason it did is because the author is American and none of the characters are British so it stood out. I only mention it in case the author should read this and not to highlight as a detraction from the book.
It is fast paced and there are some great action scenes although, as an action junkie, I wish there had been more but it was by no means lacking.
If you're an action fan then I have no problem recommending this book and feel very comfortable saying that you'll enjoy it. I think the price point maybe keeping the fans away as it is more that I usually would pay for a new author's first book but it was worth the price.
November 8, 2016
The first half of "Recall" reminds me of the movie, "Total Recall" with Arnold S. The protagonist was more than capable of protecting himself and his family, as evidenced at the local Walmart where he killed two of three robbers who threatened his family. Not only was he surprised, but the event also garnered the attention of others. Red Harmon didn't know that he was a top special operations Operator who had his memory changed to help him settle down into civilian life as a result of the punishment he received from his prior adventure - almost dying. But then his wife is kidnapped and his former Red Ops Group recalls him back into service and partially restores his memory for this operation.
The story stalls out afterward and seems to lose its page-turning excitement. It doesn't take long for the spy networks to pinpoint her location and the name of the group holding her. Planning and more planning, then the mission begins.
There are some nifty gadgets used for infil into Iran to rescue Red's wife and it doesn't take long for the battle to begin. There are some surprises presented by the author during the story - particularly involving Red's wife and the local Sheriff's Deputy of his local hometown. Who survives this special operation? Will Red Harmon's memory be fully restored? Will they be able to get out of Dodge?
The story has a good plot and is worth reading. Great job Mr. McCaleb!
John Podlaski, author
"Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel" and "When Can I Stop Running?"
The story stalls out afterward and seems to lose its page-turning excitement. It doesn't take long for the spy networks to pinpoint her location and the name of the group holding her. Planning and more planning, then the mission begins.
There are some nifty gadgets used for infil into Iran to rescue Red's wife and it doesn't take long for the battle to begin. There are some surprises presented by the author during the story - particularly involving Red's wife and the local Sheriff's Deputy of his local hometown. Who survives this special operation? Will Red Harmon's memory be fully restored? Will they be able to get out of Dodge?
The story has a good plot and is worth reading. Great job Mr. McCaleb!
John Podlaski, author
"Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel" and "When Can I Stop Running?"
November 2, 2016
Absolute Gem for First Novel!
Absolutely loved the character Red and his wife (?) Lori. Crawler was an absolute hoot! Known guys like him when I was in the military myself. I absolutely can not wait for the next in the series! Can't say much much more or I would ruin it. But, If you like Black Ops Thrillers like I do, YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!
Absolutely loved the character Red and his wife (?) Lori. Crawler was an absolute hoot! Known guys like him when I was in the military myself. I absolutely can not wait for the next in the series! Can't say much much more or I would ruin it. But, If you like Black Ops Thrillers like I do, YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!
October 19, 2023
An ok book with some issues
So the issues, continuety is poor at times, all sorts of inconsistencies, one minute a weapon type not available, the next minute they have one. Needs a proof reader, wrong words used, or just poorly spelt make some sentences difficult to understand so slows the pace of the book
The story is a military version of Jason Bourne, or at least close to it. Issues around what the wife knows makes the story.lack some credibility and even at the end it's no clearer
The action scenes are well written, exciting, fast paced and detailed. The concept of "The Det" interesting ala Rainbow Six
I'm hoping the 2nd book fills in a few of the gaps, which I guess is the authors intent
So the issues, continuety is poor at times, all sorts of inconsistencies, one minute a weapon type not available, the next minute they have one. Needs a proof reader, wrong words used, or just poorly spelt make some sentences difficult to understand so slows the pace of the book
The story is a military version of Jason Bourne, or at least close to it. Issues around what the wife knows makes the story.lack some credibility and even at the end it's no clearer
The action scenes are well written, exciting, fast paced and detailed. The concept of "The Det" interesting ala Rainbow Six
I'm hoping the 2nd book fills in a few of the gaps, which I guess is the authors intent
October 2, 2018
David McCaleb's book Recall is a Fast paced hard charging action thriller that NEVER slows down. Very well written, with brutally realistic characters caught up in the dire circumstances of clandestine international warfare and cross-political interagency rivalry. An absolutely worthwhile read.
As to the reviews that considered this story boring, the closest thing I can think of that would make the story any more realistic might be the addition of the sound of actual weapons fire, smell of blood, and burnt gunpowder. Not sure how an author might accomplish those enhancements.
As to the reviews that considered this story boring, the closest thing I can think of that would make the story any more realistic might be the addition of the sound of actual weapons fire, smell of blood, and burnt gunpowder. Not sure how an author might accomplish those enhancements.
November 15, 2023
Gripping storyline
For anyone interested in techno thrillers this is a book I would recommend, the main characters are a husband and wife team who are living a life full of secrets which come to the fore after being attacked in their own home by mercenaries acting for the Iranian regime,resulting in the wife being kidnapped and the husband and a team of special forces sent in to Iran to rescue her,which turns into a deadly encounter with a lot of blood being spilt, a cracking read.
For anyone interested in techno thrillers this is a book I would recommend, the main characters are a husband and wife team who are living a life full of secrets which come to the fore after being attacked in their own home by mercenaries acting for the Iranian regime,resulting in the wife being kidnapped and the husband and a team of special forces sent in to Iran to rescue her,which turns into a deadly encounter with a lot of blood being spilt, a cracking read.
June 8, 2021
CHIRP AUDIOBOOK:
A fast paced, action packed, novel that starts with a deadly rumble in a Wal-Mart parking lot and concludes with a black-ops conflict in Iran…. Very good character development in which a cop (Carter) and Reds wife (Lori) are surprisingly competent as operators in a combat arena.
This book is similar to one that you’d expect to read from Tom Clancy. It’s well written and highly recommended.
A fast paced, action packed, novel that starts with a deadly rumble in a Wal-Mart parking lot and concludes with a black-ops conflict in Iran…. Very good character development in which a cop (Carter) and Reds wife (Lori) are surprisingly competent as operators in a combat arena.
This book is similar to one that you’d expect to read from Tom Clancy. It’s well written and highly recommended.
March 14, 2018
A very fast-paced thriller with several twists, one or two of which remain for the next book. Gutsy, gritty, but appealing cast of characters make this a satisfying read and definitely made me want to read the sequel.
October 21, 2018
I f you like Ghost
If you like Ghost,and Tom Clancy Red Oct, you will love Red Ops. Combining all old with a try that is not what most expect. I s s story you will want to finish before you put it down.
If you like Ghost,and Tom Clancy Red Oct, you will love Red Ops. Combining all old with a try that is not what most expect. I s s story you will want to finish before you put it down.
July 7, 2020
A good first effort
I do not do reviews. Seems I am unable to get his second effort until I type 20 words so need two more ?
I do not do reviews. Seems I am unable to get his second effort until I type 20 words so need two more ?
March 27, 2021
Different take on the whole soldier issue. Lots of action.
February 11, 2024
A good read
I like a story that is edge of your seat, with interesting characters. Throw in a few surprises and this book makes the list.
I like a story that is edge of your seat, with interesting characters. Throw in a few surprises and this book makes the list.
December 19, 2016
I had a hard time getting into this book. It would give to a really great issue and then it kind of flattened and you had to wonder when the phases would meet and interact.
September 16, 2016
Well written and a great read...
I read 10 maybe 15 books per month so I know a well written book. You do a great job with believable plots... ok I'll give a little literary license here but you can tell you've done your homework and I applaud your effort. You need to quit your day jobs and get to work on the next books... All kidding aside please keep true to "believable" books . Thanks for all you hard work...I never give five stars and Hell I usually don't write reviews but I felt I needed to tell you good job.
Tom
Army Medevac Helicopter
I read 10 maybe 15 books per month so I know a well written book. You do a great job with believable plots... ok I'll give a little literary license here but you can tell you've done your homework and I applaud your effort. You need to quit your day jobs and get to work on the next books... All kidding aside please keep true to "believable" books . Thanks for all you hard work...I never give five stars and Hell I usually don't write reviews but I felt I needed to tell you good job.
Tom
Army Medevac Helicopter
September 20, 2016
“Recall” eBook was published in 2016 and was written by David McCaleb (https://davidmccaleb.com). Mr McCaleb has published two novels, both in the “Red Ops” series. This is the first book of the series.
I received a galley of this novel for review through https://www.netgalley.com. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of Violence and Mature Language. The story is mostly set in the Middle East. The primary character is Major Tony “Red” Harmon.
Harmon thinks he has been discharged from the US Air Force after an accident, but an incident with muggers open ups a side of himself he was unaware of. A short time later his wife is abducted by terrorists, and that sets him up for ‘recall’.
Harmon had been a member of an elite Special Operation group, but had suffered a complete loss of memory. He had been misled into believing he had just been a supply officer. Now, with the ’recall’ procedure most of his memory is restored. He, along with former team mates, head into the Middle East to recover his wife.
I enjoyed the not quite 8 hours I spent reading this 240 page Thriller. The pace is fast as Harmon and his team find themselves in one life threatening situation after another. This is was pretty much the standard Spec Ops thriller and a good start to the series. The cover does have the “Spec Op” look to it appropriate for the story. I give this novel a 4 out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
I received a galley of this novel for review through https://www.netgalley.com. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of Violence and Mature Language. The story is mostly set in the Middle East. The primary character is Major Tony “Red” Harmon.
Harmon thinks he has been discharged from the US Air Force after an accident, but an incident with muggers open ups a side of himself he was unaware of. A short time later his wife is abducted by terrorists, and that sets him up for ‘recall’.
Harmon had been a member of an elite Special Operation group, but had suffered a complete loss of memory. He had been misled into believing he had just been a supply officer. Now, with the ’recall’ procedure most of his memory is restored. He, along with former team mates, head into the Middle East to recover his wife.
I enjoyed the not quite 8 hours I spent reading this 240 page Thriller. The pace is fast as Harmon and his team find themselves in one life threatening situation after another. This is was pretty much the standard Spec Ops thriller and a good start to the series. The cover does have the “Spec Op” look to it appropriate for the story. I give this novel a 4 out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
January 4, 2017
Recall: A Red Ops Thriller by David McCaleb is a thrilling tale. Danger, intrigue, suspense all wrapped into one stunning novel. Fans of the Bourne Series, as well as the Marvel Action Hero Movies will enjoy this thriller. I did. The main character, Red, is like a Jason Bourne. Once a military guy, always a military guy. The training never leaves them. Their skills are what keeps them alive. Red is a man that I instantly loved. His character is smart, skilled, and tough. He is the good guy everyone wants. Like all men in the military, once they are in...the danger never stops. Enemies are easily made. Red wants a normal life, but the danger he has coming after those he loves will make his life complicated and deadly. Although, Red can kill anything anywhere. It's instilled into him. Just like Jason Bourne memory is a key to everything. Action, fighting, romance, and a threatening situation makes for one of the best reads ever. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down...overall, I highly recommend, Recall to all.
January 27, 2017
Recall: A Red Ops Thriller by David McCaleb is a thrilling tale. Danger, intrigue, suspense all wrapped into one stunning novel. Fans of the Bourne Series, as well as the Marvel Action Hero Movies will enjoy this thriller. I did. The main character, Red, is like a Jason Bourne. Once a military guy, always a military guy. The training never leaves them. Their skills are what keeps them alive. Red is a man that I instantly loved. His character is smart, skilled, and tough. He is the good guy everyone wants. Like all men in the military, once they are in...the danger never stops. Enemies are easily made. Red wants a normal life, but the danger he has coming after those he loves will make his life complicated and deadly. Although, Red can kill anything anywhere. It's instilled into him. Just like Jason Bourne memory is a key to everything. Action, fighting, romance, and a threatening situation makes for one of the best reads ever. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down...overall, I highly recommend, Recall to all.
February 24, 2017
Best Part:
The best part of the book is the sense of mystery that the author develops throughout the book. By a careful and meticulous weighing of the point of view, McCaleb weaves together the evidence in a way that keeps you wanting more, but still unsure about your own answers.
Worth Study:
One of the best crime scenes I've read takes places early the book after Red's home is attacked. It stirred my curiosity enough to drive me through to the end of the book. McCaleb does many things well, but this chapter is his strongest by far.
Weakness:
Opening page. I'll clarify that I read this on my kindle so the first page is much shorter than if you pick it up in paperback, but it begins with a family leaving a grocery store. Nothing interesting or special, and I almost walked away from the book there. I'm glad I didn't. McCaleb is a stronger writer with an interesting story who's done his research, but when you pick the book up, wait until the fight starts. The book never slows down after that.
The best part of the book is the sense of mystery that the author develops throughout the book. By a careful and meticulous weighing of the point of view, McCaleb weaves together the evidence in a way that keeps you wanting more, but still unsure about your own answers.
Worth Study:
One of the best crime scenes I've read takes places early the book after Red's home is attacked. It stirred my curiosity enough to drive me through to the end of the book. McCaleb does many things well, but this chapter is his strongest by far.
Weakness:
Opening page. I'll clarify that I read this on my kindle so the first page is much shorter than if you pick it up in paperback, but it begins with a family leaving a grocery store. Nothing interesting or special, and I almost walked away from the book there. I'm glad I didn't. McCaleb is a stronger writer with an interesting story who's done his research, but when you pick the book up, wait until the fight starts. The book never slows down after that.
April 17, 2019
So this was a very strange one for me. Strange in a good way that is why I’ve given it a 5 star. The premise of the book was interesting. It had everything from special black ops agents to a little MK ultra mixed in. Over the top violence mixed with serious military tech. What confused me about the book was that everyone in this small town weather it be a detective in sheriff’s department to a priest seems to be in on some deep cover covert special project. I don’t mind this probably because the main character was likable. My one complaint is I wonder if the author was trolling his readers when he goes into detail about the operation of weapons but continually refers to magazines as clips. I believe anyone who takes the time to point out that a semiautomatic pistol might not fire or rechamber a round underwater would not make the mistake unless he was doing on purpose. Which actually made me smile every time I read the word. I will definitely read the rest in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2017
i was the lucky winner of a copy of this novel through a goodreads win. i really enjoyed this story. it pulled me in right from the first scene and was full of action and intrigue. it had many twists and a great plot. the camraderie among the soldiers was very well written. i look forward to reading the next book in the series. syndi
January 3, 2020
Took a second for me to get the ‘lay of the land’ on the well plotted armed forces novel which has a side of romance. Started with action and ended with ... you’ll read and see but not a cliffhanger or a disappointment (although there are 2 instances of bad language). Nicely performed by Paul Costanzo. Both performer and author were new to me,
November 1, 2016
Too much,too little
This sort was too if you could figure out who and what amidst all the tiniest details, drove to me to distraction. I won't be buying any more of this author's stories
This sort was too if you could figure out who and what amidst all the tiniest details, drove to me to distraction. I won't be buying any more of this author's stories
November 17, 2016
Very gripping style. Could not put it down once I started reading.
Some sequences were a bit tedious to read, as they were too long. Am definitely looking forward to the next book.
Some sequences were a bit tedious to read, as they were too long. Am definitely looking forward to the next book.
January 9, 2017
Recall (A Red Ops Thriller, #1)
Interesting. Action packed. Lots of loose threads. Not enough character development between the wife and husband. But I'm looking forward to the sequel and hope it reveals more of the very interesting back story.
Interesting. Action packed. Lots of loose threads. Not enough character development between the wife and husband. But I'm looking forward to the sequel and hope it reveals more of the very interesting back story.
October 24, 2017
Listened to the audio version and never got engaged. Several times, I was close to abandoning it. I don't know if it was the story and the voice on the file. However, I will skip the next Red Ops thriller.
December 16, 2019
Great book with smooth narration. Production quality was lacking. The end of each chapter was clipped before the word ended then a long pause and the introduction to the next chapter. The Chirp app doesn’t have any obvious buttons for clipping or notes.
September 28, 2016
A little clunky, like it's working too hard.
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