What do you think?
Rate this book
Sabel Origins #2
Bring It
Bring It asks the question, What if the CIA’s torture program didn’t stop—it morphed?
Sabel Security owner, Pia Sabel, flies into action whenever she sees something wrong. Witnessing a child abduction in Mumbai led her to destroy a seaside pedophilia compound in remote Sri Lanka. The State Department wants her extradited to face related murder charges but she winds up kidnapped and tortured instead.
Sabel Agent Jacob Stearne leads the company rescue mission despite —or because of— the fact that he’s in love with the boss and will stop at nothing to bring her back. Working with his former flame, Agent Tania, complicates his thinking but not his focus on their assignment.
Jacob and his team of decorated war veterans are used to politicians making bad decisions, but they aren’t prepared for the ugly reality they uncover. Fending off accusations of treason and terrorism, Jacob unravels a network of ambitious government appointees and shadowy contractors to discover who is responsible for the horrific crimes against humanity.
Bring It, Omnibus Edition is the second novel in Seeley James’s acclaimed Pia Sabel thriller series (later retitled the Sabel Origins series). Originally released in serial format as Trench Coats, Episodes I-VI.
Sabel Security owner, Pia Sabel, flies into action whenever she sees something wrong. Witnessing a child abduction in Mumbai led her to destroy a seaside pedophilia compound in remote Sri Lanka. The State Department wants her extradited to face related murder charges but she winds up kidnapped and tortured instead.
Sabel Agent Jacob Stearne leads the company rescue mission despite —or because of— the fact that he’s in love with the boss and will stop at nothing to bring her back. Working with his former flame, Agent Tania, complicates his thinking but not his focus on their assignment.
Jacob and his team of decorated war veterans are used to politicians making bad decisions, but they aren’t prepared for the ugly reality they uncover. Fending off accusations of treason and terrorism, Jacob unravels a network of ambitious government appointees and shadowy contractors to discover who is responsible for the horrific crimes against humanity.
Bring It, Omnibus Edition is the second novel in Seeley James’s acclaimed Pia Sabel thriller series (later retitled the Sabel Origins series). Originally released in serial format as Trench Coats, Episodes I-VI.
319 pages, ebook
First published April 22, 2014
66 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
About the author
Seeley James
27 books310 followersOn a rainy day when I was ten, I was transported to eighteenth century England where I met Captain Billy Bones, heard the tapping of Blind Pew’s cane, and witnessed the treachery of Long John Silver. When I closed the cover of Treasure Island, I thought to myself: When I make stuff up, I get in trouble. I need to become a writer.
Which was the career I planned on pursuing. Planned on …
At 17, I was homeless, wandering from one minimum wage job to another. At 19, I found purpose in life when I adopted a 3-year-old girl and raised her (she’s 51 now and lives across town). Children need a lot of things that cost money, so I shelved the writing idea and pursued a career in technology, selling products and services to Fortune 500 company executives.
Along the way, I met and married the love of my life. We added two children (now grown and living in LA and NYC) and carved out a life. When I’d made all the gold I could eat, I returned my focus to the career I’d always wanted: writing adventures filled with thrills and mysteries.
My beloved wife passed unexpectedly in early 2024. Now, I spend my time talking to my imaginary friends and hiking a small mountain in my hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona. I hope you enjoy the Sabel Security Series, and the characters of Jacob Stearne and Pia Sabel. As of this writing, there are sixteen novels completed and two more in my head. I plan to keep writing them until my mortal ink dries up.
To buy books from my writer-direct site, visit seeleyjames . com
Contact Seeley James:
Email: Seeley@seeleyjames.com
Facebook: SeeleyJamesAuth
Twitter: @SeeleyJamesAuth
Seeley is a proud member of the Alliance of Independent Authors.
Which was the career I planned on pursuing. Planned on …
At 17, I was homeless, wandering from one minimum wage job to another. At 19, I found purpose in life when I adopted a 3-year-old girl and raised her (she’s 51 now and lives across town). Children need a lot of things that cost money, so I shelved the writing idea and pursued a career in technology, selling products and services to Fortune 500 company executives.
Along the way, I met and married the love of my life. We added two children (now grown and living in LA and NYC) and carved out a life. When I’d made all the gold I could eat, I returned my focus to the career I’d always wanted: writing adventures filled with thrills and mysteries.
My beloved wife passed unexpectedly in early 2024. Now, I spend my time talking to my imaginary friends and hiking a small mountain in my hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona. I hope you enjoy the Sabel Security Series, and the characters of Jacob Stearne and Pia Sabel. As of this writing, there are sixteen novels completed and two more in my head. I plan to keep writing them until my mortal ink dries up.
To buy books from my writer-direct site, visit seeleyjames . com
Contact Seeley James:
Email: Seeley@seeleyjames.com
Facebook: SeeleyJamesAuth
Twitter: @SeeleyJamesAuth
Seeley is a proud member of the Alliance of Independent Authors.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 22, 2019
It took me about six years after reading the series opener to get back to the adventures of one of my favorite action heroines, Seeley James' Pia Sabel; but I only wish I'd done so a lot sooner! Some of my comments in my review (which is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ) of the preceding book, The Geneva Decision, are relevant here as well, and that review also explains something of the premise and who Pia is. In this second book, we learn significantly more of her backstory (and the revelations are corkers --but no spoilers here!).
However, I liked this book even better. Here, there were no interspersed deus ex machina revelations to jump over plot obstacles, and for the most part I could visualize the action scenes better (with only a couple of exceptions). I attribute this to the author's increasing skill at writing. A review by a Goodreads friend had stated that Pia isn't the main character in this novel; I also knew that Seeley had opted here for using Sabel Security agent Jacob Stearne as a first-person narrator (actually, his narrative thread only comprises part of the book), and that Pia is kidnapped early on by the baddies. Since, for me, her character is the main draw of the series, all of this was somewhat off-putting; I feared that she would be largely inactive and off-stage here. But I needn't have worried; I would definitely dispute the assessment that she's not the main character, and I can categorically guarantee that she's neither inactive nor off-stage! Although the two characters are distinct and not clones of each other, in some ways Jacob reminds me, in his personality and his relationship to Pia, of Peter O'Donnell's Willie Garvin and his relationship to another kick-butt heroine, Modesty Blaise; both Willie and Jacob are utterly clueless in their certainty that recreational sex is a perfectly harmless pastime and that any woman they meet should be a potential partner, and both are apt to prompt some eye-rolling moments from readers who aren't similarly clueless. (There's no explicit sex in the book, however.) They differ, though, in that while Willie adores Modesty, he thinks it would be an impermissible "liberty" to entertain romantic fantasies about her, but Jacob definitely has romantic fantasies about Pia. (Of course, he also has feelings for another of our old friends from the first book, his colleague Agent Tania --but that doesn't inspire fidelity to either woman.)
Another aspect of this book that's superior to the first is the seriousness of the theme, because here the author takes a hard fictional look at the real-life underbelly of America's Deep State, where an out-of-control, largely unaccountable security apparatus can too often be run by sociopaths who think only in terms of "us against them" rather than right vs. wrong, see morality and law as quaint superstitions, and can and do carry out outrages (up to and including murder) against innocents, including American citizens. (Yes, the horrors of Operation Snare Drum here are fictional --but there have been documented crimes by U.S. government personnel or "contractors" that aren't fictional.) To his credit, Seeley doesn't portray this as a partisan issue with just one establishment party as the bad guys, because it isn't; it's not a Republican vs. Democrat issue, but of decent Americans of whatever party label vs. traitors to our ideals regardless of what party label they use. (Though this was written during the Obama administration, it's set after it, with a fictional new President of unspecified affiliation.) It's a needed eye-opener for any American who cares about the rule of law and ethics in government --which is why I've recommended it as not just for genre fans!
A quick disclaimer: Seeley and I are Goodreads friends (though he's not very active here), but I bought my copy of this novel myself, and my rating wasn't at all affected by his "friend" status.
However, I liked this book even better. Here, there were no interspersed deus ex machina revelations to jump over plot obstacles, and for the most part I could visualize the action scenes better (with only a couple of exceptions). I attribute this to the author's increasing skill at writing. A review by a Goodreads friend had stated that Pia isn't the main character in this novel; I also knew that Seeley had opted here for using Sabel Security agent Jacob Stearne as a first-person narrator (actually, his narrative thread only comprises part of the book), and that Pia is kidnapped early on by the baddies. Since, for me, her character is the main draw of the series, all of this was somewhat off-putting; I feared that she would be largely inactive and off-stage here. But I needn't have worried; I would definitely dispute the assessment that she's not the main character, and I can categorically guarantee that she's neither inactive nor off-stage! Although the two characters are distinct and not clones of each other, in some ways Jacob reminds me, in his personality and his relationship to Pia, of Peter O'Donnell's Willie Garvin and his relationship to another kick-butt heroine, Modesty Blaise; both Willie and Jacob are utterly clueless in their certainty that recreational sex is a perfectly harmless pastime and that any woman they meet should be a potential partner, and both are apt to prompt some eye-rolling moments from readers who aren't similarly clueless. (There's no explicit sex in the book, however.) They differ, though, in that while Willie adores Modesty, he thinks it would be an impermissible "liberty" to entertain romantic fantasies about her, but Jacob definitely has romantic fantasies about Pia. (Of course, he also has feelings for another of our old friends from the first book, his colleague Agent Tania --but that doesn't inspire fidelity to either woman.)
Another aspect of this book that's superior to the first is the seriousness of the theme, because here the author takes a hard fictional look at the real-life underbelly of America's Deep State, where an out-of-control, largely unaccountable security apparatus can too often be run by sociopaths who think only in terms of "us against them" rather than right vs. wrong, see morality and law as quaint superstitions, and can and do carry out outrages (up to and including murder) against innocents, including American citizens. (Yes, the horrors of Operation Snare Drum here are fictional --but there have been documented crimes by U.S. government personnel or "contractors" that aren't fictional.) To his credit, Seeley doesn't portray this as a partisan issue with just one establishment party as the bad guys, because it isn't; it's not a Republican vs. Democrat issue, but of decent Americans of whatever party label vs. traitors to our ideals regardless of what party label they use. (Though this was written during the Obama administration, it's set after it, with a fictional new President of unspecified affiliation.) It's a needed eye-opener for any American who cares about the rule of law and ethics in government --which is why I've recommended it as not just for genre fans!
A quick disclaimer: Seeley and I are Goodreads friends (though he's not very active here), but I bought my copy of this novel myself, and my rating wasn't at all affected by his "friend" status.
July 5, 2014
Pia Sabel's debut in
The Geneva Decision
was, as I said in my review, a "refreshing departure from the increasingly calcified norms of action-thriller fiction." She's returned in this, the one-volume version of the six-part Trench Coats serial, but with a difference -- she's not the principal character anymore.
In this go-round, Pia -- a former Olympic soccer star turned CEO of her adoptive father's private security firm -- is on a global jihad against a shadowy group that's making pedophile porn starring major terrorists, then blackmailing said terrorists into doing the group's bidding. That it's a rogue U.S. government operation isn't a huge surprise (and sadly, all too believable). Pia and Sabel Security chase the splinters of this operation over half the world, regularly running into officially deniable opposition as they follow the wreckage and clues to the top of the conspiracy's food chain.
Many of the things I liked from Geneva have returned: the naturalistic and believable dialog, the use of fresh locales (how often do the Azores or rural Romania show up in any kind of English-language book?), the messiness of the armed engagements, the mortality of characters on both sides. The plot is even twistier than before, with double-crosses and triple-crosses galore. The bad guys aren't the uniformly fanatical minions of other thrillers; they're variably competent and variably committed to the cause, much like in real life. And there's something new: Jacob Stearne, one of Sabel Security's stalwart agents.
As before, Pia's a through-and-through Girl Scout, and while she's an admirable character, she's not a lot of fun. Jacob is the antidote: a charming rogue with a weakness for the ladies (in all sizes, colors and ages), usually skating too close to the edge of the nearest career precipice. His "hang loose" attitude and his periodic doubting of his own ability to live up to his colleagues' expectations also mark him as a nice counterpoint to the legions of Type A, hypercompetent Special Forces refugees who have increasingly taken over the lead roles in this genre. Something else you won't find in your standard-issue thriller: Jacob's got a crush on the boss.
Jacob shares storytelling duties with Pia. His segments are written in first person, and author James nails his voice. The Trench Coats episodes featuring Jacob were consistently the most entertaining, and he's lost none of his appeal here. Jacob's good company and fun to watch in whatever action he's in. Exploring the question of whether it's easier to create a likable bad boy/girl than a similarly likable angel could lead to an interesting discussion. Bring It could be an exhibit for the "pro" side of that debate.
Another major change from The Geneva Decision is that Pia doesn't actively kick much butt herself -- indeed, she spends a fair amount of time requiring rescue. While this is the default role for female characters in many thrillers, it can be jarring to see Pia -- who's all about agency -- in that position here. It's all organic to the story, and while it's bracing to see Pia lose a round now and then, I hope that in her next adventure she'll be more helpful in digging herself out of the situations she gets herself into.
Bring It is a fast, twisty globetrotting adventure with its most cynical and paranoid parts ripped from recent headlines. It features an unusual female lead and an engaging male hero-knight in somewhat-tarnished armor, lots of action and enough shifty goings-on to keep dedicated puzzle-hounds busy. If you haven't met Pia yet, pick up The Geneva Decision first, then check out this one; you'll meet Pia at the top of her game, and you'll get her backstory up front so you can better appreciate her in this tale. If you've already ridden along on Pia's first adventure and liked it, by all means dive into Bring It.
In this go-round, Pia -- a former Olympic soccer star turned CEO of her adoptive father's private security firm -- is on a global jihad against a shadowy group that's making pedophile porn starring major terrorists, then blackmailing said terrorists into doing the group's bidding. That it's a rogue U.S. government operation isn't a huge surprise (and sadly, all too believable). Pia and Sabel Security chase the splinters of this operation over half the world, regularly running into officially deniable opposition as they follow the wreckage and clues to the top of the conspiracy's food chain.
Many of the things I liked from Geneva have returned: the naturalistic and believable dialog, the use of fresh locales (how often do the Azores or rural Romania show up in any kind of English-language book?), the messiness of the armed engagements, the mortality of characters on both sides. The plot is even twistier than before, with double-crosses and triple-crosses galore. The bad guys aren't the uniformly fanatical minions of other thrillers; they're variably competent and variably committed to the cause, much like in real life. And there's something new: Jacob Stearne, one of Sabel Security's stalwart agents.
As before, Pia's a through-and-through Girl Scout, and while she's an admirable character, she's not a lot of fun. Jacob is the antidote: a charming rogue with a weakness for the ladies (in all sizes, colors and ages), usually skating too close to the edge of the nearest career precipice. His "hang loose" attitude and his periodic doubting of his own ability to live up to his colleagues' expectations also mark him as a nice counterpoint to the legions of Type A, hypercompetent Special Forces refugees who have increasingly taken over the lead roles in this genre. Something else you won't find in your standard-issue thriller: Jacob's got a crush on the boss.
Jacob shares storytelling duties with Pia. His segments are written in first person, and author James nails his voice. The Trench Coats episodes featuring Jacob were consistently the most entertaining, and he's lost none of his appeal here. Jacob's good company and fun to watch in whatever action he's in. Exploring the question of whether it's easier to create a likable bad boy/girl than a similarly likable angel could lead to an interesting discussion. Bring It could be an exhibit for the "pro" side of that debate.
Another major change from The Geneva Decision is that Pia doesn't actively kick much butt herself -- indeed, she spends a fair amount of time requiring rescue. While this is the default role for female characters in many thrillers, it can be jarring to see Pia -- who's all about agency -- in that position here. It's all organic to the story, and while it's bracing to see Pia lose a round now and then, I hope that in her next adventure she'll be more helpful in digging herself out of the situations she gets herself into.
Bring It is a fast, twisty globetrotting adventure with its most cynical and paranoid parts ripped from recent headlines. It features an unusual female lead and an engaging male hero-knight in somewhat-tarnished armor, lots of action and enough shifty goings-on to keep dedicated puzzle-hounds busy. If you haven't met Pia yet, pick up The Geneva Decision first, then check out this one; you'll meet Pia at the top of her game, and you'll get her backstory up front so you can better appreciate her in this tale. If you've already ridden along on Pia's first adventure and liked it, by all means dive into Bring It.
May 25, 2014
BRING IT is both tremendously compelling and shocking at the same time. We know the government waterboarded and tortured terrorists. After nearly ten years we've finally discovered how ineffective and illegal that torture was, and how the FBI (with many years of interrogation experience, as Mr. James points out in the book) tried to stop it. We can also surmise from the long and sordid history of the CIA, that they might have stopped torturing captives, but you can bet your last dollar they've moved on to something else equally bad.
BRING IT, by Seeley James, is a masterpiece of theorizing what the government might do next and how they might shield their bad ideas from congressional and civilian oversight.
Pia Sabel, the heroine of THE GENEVA DECISION, leads her team into the fray to stop the exploitation of children in India. She quickly runs afoul of the State Department. Curiosity killed the cat, and in this case, her curiosity about the State Department might kill her.
One of the most compelling and gut wrenching scenes I've ever read will drag you through what feels like a real live waterboarding experience. This scene alone will make you want to take up arms and storm the CIA. (Kidding! Just kidding! To all the NSA 'analysts' reading this book review: that was just a joke. I swear. I would never incite the public to rise up against our masters. I love our security services. Really.)
This book introduces one of the most likeable heroes I've ever read. Jacob Stearne. He's a bad ass on the battlefield, a master of combat, but a true heel with women. He falls in love with every woman who passes by and nearly wrecks his career but manages to save the day.
Jacob Stearne is a better, more friendly, more realistic hero than Jack Ryan, Dirk Pitt, or even ... dare I say it ... James Bond! True. He makes mistakes, blows operations, miscalculates, but scrambles like a guy slipping off a cliff to save the day. Best of all, he's in love with Pia Sabel (who wouldn't be?). At the same time, he's trying to rekindle his relationship with Tania Cooper -- and wonders why the women don't take him seriously. He's the kind of guy you want to go drinking with. Especially if you're going to the bad side of town.
The story moves like a laser from one unpredictable scenario to the next. Plot twists, betrayals, yada yada yada, all the stuff you see in your average formula-blockbuster, but this book hits closer to home with off-formula tangents. The back story on Pia Sabel was revealed in the first book. In this one you get a whole lot more -- and it's shocking. I'm not going to spoil it for you but the last three chapters make you wonder WTF? Who can Pia trust?
The back story has me waiting with breathless anticipation for the next book. If it's as well written as this one, it will be a blockbuster.
BRING IT, by Seeley James, is a masterpiece of theorizing what the government might do next and how they might shield their bad ideas from congressional and civilian oversight.
Pia Sabel, the heroine of THE GENEVA DECISION, leads her team into the fray to stop the exploitation of children in India. She quickly runs afoul of the State Department. Curiosity killed the cat, and in this case, her curiosity about the State Department might kill her.
One of the most compelling and gut wrenching scenes I've ever read will drag you through what feels like a real live waterboarding experience. This scene alone will make you want to take up arms and storm the CIA. (Kidding! Just kidding! To all the NSA 'analysts' reading this book review: that was just a joke. I swear. I would never incite the public to rise up against our masters. I love our security services. Really.)
This book introduces one of the most likeable heroes I've ever read. Jacob Stearne. He's a bad ass on the battlefield, a master of combat, but a true heel with women. He falls in love with every woman who passes by and nearly wrecks his career but manages to save the day.
Jacob Stearne is a better, more friendly, more realistic hero than Jack Ryan, Dirk Pitt, or even ... dare I say it ... James Bond! True. He makes mistakes, blows operations, miscalculates, but scrambles like a guy slipping off a cliff to save the day. Best of all, he's in love with Pia Sabel (who wouldn't be?). At the same time, he's trying to rekindle his relationship with Tania Cooper -- and wonders why the women don't take him seriously. He's the kind of guy you want to go drinking with. Especially if you're going to the bad side of town.
The story moves like a laser from one unpredictable scenario to the next. Plot twists, betrayals, yada yada yada, all the stuff you see in your average formula-blockbuster, but this book hits closer to home with off-formula tangents. The back story on Pia Sabel was revealed in the first book. In this one you get a whole lot more -- and it's shocking. I'm not going to spoil it for you but the last three chapters make you wonder WTF? Who can Pia trust?
The back story has me waiting with breathless anticipation for the next book. If it's as well written as this one, it will be a blockbuster.
October 1, 2020
As expected, this second installment is much stronger than the first. Partly because a second perspective is introduced (along with some tertiary POVs), which give the story more breadth. I don't recall if the first one had more than Pia's perspective.
The bad guys are evil and smart, while the good guys are tricky and coordinated and lucky. The various chases and battles are intense, as are the more cerebral challenges. Yes our plucky heroine takes crazy risks, but her own strength and the loyalty of her team always wins.
The ending is mostly satisfying, with enough loose ends to support the ongoing series. Which I will read.
The bad guys are evil and smart, while the good guys are tricky and coordinated and lucky. The various chases and battles are intense, as are the more cerebral challenges. Yes our plucky heroine takes crazy risks, but her own strength and the loyalty of her team always wins.
The ending is mostly satisfying, with enough loose ends to support the ongoing series. Which I will read.
May 26, 2014
Seeley James keeps getting better and better. I read this book as it was released in serial form, then re-read it in the final edition. His characters keep getting deeper and deeper. He left some facets open: What happened to Tania's military career? Why did the Major turn down a promotion and leave the service? And of course, what happened to Pia's parents and how/why/was Alan Sabel involved?
Tania is elusive in this book, which makes her more intriguing. She's deeper than she was in The Geneva Decision but still has her fun side and her kick-ass mode. Jacob gets a growing role as the unrepentant womanizer. The feminist in me loves to hate him, but he's an honest portrayal of the male mindset. One of the few you'll see in fiction today. He's not suave, not cool, not handsome, just available and disposable, and willing to play the role any woman wants. But when the cars explode, he's there, pulling people out of the wreckage.
I want to like Alan Sabel. I'm glad we get to see more of this interesting guy who adopted an orphan--albeit in a much different circumstance than Lil Orphan Annie. You want to believe that a man who adopts and raises an orphan has to be a good guy, right? Seeley James shows us more about the man and he's not at all who I expected. But his answers fit. When you read the book, tell me who you think Alan Sabel is and what he wants.
The political intrigue rises above the standard formulas from Tom Clancy, John Le Carre, Robert Ludlum, etc. This thriller doesn't rely on a completely made up set of circumstances. Instead, Seeley James extrapolates where the torture program that we thought ended in 2004, or 2005, or ??? would be today if we knew more about what was going on inside the black budgets of the CIA and other departments.
The only disappointment about this book is waiting for the next one.
Tania is elusive in this book, which makes her more intriguing. She's deeper than she was in The Geneva Decision but still has her fun side and her kick-ass mode. Jacob gets a growing role as the unrepentant womanizer. The feminist in me loves to hate him, but he's an honest portrayal of the male mindset. One of the few you'll see in fiction today. He's not suave, not cool, not handsome, just available and disposable, and willing to play the role any woman wants. But when the cars explode, he's there, pulling people out of the wreckage.
I want to like Alan Sabel. I'm glad we get to see more of this interesting guy who adopted an orphan--albeit in a much different circumstance than Lil Orphan Annie. You want to believe that a man who adopts and raises an orphan has to be a good guy, right? Seeley James shows us more about the man and he's not at all who I expected. But his answers fit. When you read the book, tell me who you think Alan Sabel is and what he wants.
The political intrigue rises above the standard formulas from Tom Clancy, John Le Carre, Robert Ludlum, etc. This thriller doesn't rely on a completely made up set of circumstances. Instead, Seeley James extrapolates where the torture program that we thought ended in 2004, or 2005, or ??? would be today if we knew more about what was going on inside the black budgets of the CIA and other departments.
The only disappointment about this book is waiting for the next one.
April 15, 2015
The boy’s eyes pleaded for help but a tall Arab man grabbed him and took him away. Thus begins the story of why Pia is in trouble with the law. She tried to rescue him and others but did not do it according to the book.
If you read the first Sabel Security thriller you will already know that Pia Sabel owns Sabel Security. She is twenty-five years of age and has already helped people who she feels are being treated wrongly. She has won the world cup and Olympic medals and is much more mature then her years.
The latest mission that she takes on along with Tania an agent, Marty; chief of personal security and the other member’s or her entourage is a dangerous one. The characters are so real you feel like you are actually involved in the rescue.
Once you begin the book you will be so hooked that you will not be able to put it down. Is someone from the government in on it? Is she being set up? Each and every move she makes is more dangerous and risky but that will not stop her until justice is served.
If you want action, adventure, and drama on each and every page then this is the book for you. You will try to put it don’t but wont be able to until you get to the very last page.
Once again you will see what an excellent writer Mr. James is.
If you read the first Sabel Security thriller you will already know that Pia Sabel owns Sabel Security. She is twenty-five years of age and has already helped people who she feels are being treated wrongly. She has won the world cup and Olympic medals and is much more mature then her years.
The latest mission that she takes on along with Tania an agent, Marty; chief of personal security and the other member’s or her entourage is a dangerous one. The characters are so real you feel like you are actually involved in the rescue.
Once you begin the book you will be so hooked that you will not be able to put it down. Is someone from the government in on it? Is she being set up? Each and every move she makes is more dangerous and risky but that will not stop her until justice is served.
If you want action, adventure, and drama on each and every page then this is the book for you. You will try to put it don’t but wont be able to until you get to the very last page.
Once again you will see what an excellent writer Mr. James is.
May 1, 2014
I read the series and loved them all. The author sent me a copy of the completed omnibus version and I re-read it. Wow, I still think the waterboarding scene is the most terrifying thing I've ever read. It changed my perspective on the whole CIA-torture thing. There was another scene at the beginning where Pia kicks the chair out from under a pretentious goverment guy that made me pump my fist in the air. I like this girl!
I also like Jacob Stearne. Seeley James has said he's going to focus on Jacob as the narrator for Pia's stories going forward. It went well in part 5, so I'm interested to see how that works out in the future books or series.
In this book, Pia uncovers a ring of pedophiles and a government cover-up connected to them. All she wants is to free the children but everything blows up and she's kidnapped. Jacob comes to the rescue and almost gets himself killed along with his team. The story ranges from Washington D.C. to Romania and the Caribbean.
I recommend this to anyone who like pulse-pounding thrillers.
I also like Jacob Stearne. Seeley James has said he's going to focus on Jacob as the narrator for Pia's stories going forward. It went well in part 5, so I'm interested to see how that works out in the future books or series.
In this book, Pia uncovers a ring of pedophiles and a government cover-up connected to them. All she wants is to free the children but everything blows up and she's kidnapped. Jacob comes to the rescue and almost gets himself killed along with his team. The story ranges from Washington D.C. to Romania and the Caribbean.
I recommend this to anyone who like pulse-pounding thrillers.
May 23, 2014
Introducing Pia Sabel! Ok, so this is not Seeley James' first book featuring Pia & Sabel Securities (that would have been the Geneva Decision) & her cast of characters, ANY of which could carry their own book btw. Regardless of WHEN I met Pia Sabel, am I EVER glad I finally have! I'm a series follower & in a period where most of my series have gotten predictable & boring, Seeley James' book Bring It! is a breath of fresh air. The cast of characters in James' story are so interesting & so deep that I can't wait to see who will be next. This time was Jacob, next time it could be Tania, it doesn't really matter. They each have their own voice & their own story & under Seeley James' talented guidance, their story will be artfully told. Lucky us!
May 1, 2014
Originally read this in the serial format, and THOROUGHLY loved it. Pia Sabel is a new action heroine of note and Jacob is a great addition in this second outing. You will not be able to put this down until complete. Beginning-to-End action. The ending is a shocker. Mini-spoiler alert.... There is an amazing scene in what was the third segment of the serials that includes a waterboarding scene that is so effectively written that you forever change your opinion of waterboarding as torture. I have not seen an author put a heroine through such a harrowing experience in anything that I've previously read. Don't think that I even breathed through the entire scene.
May 1, 2014
In his second Pia Sabel novel Seeley James brings us another taut thriller with breakneck pacing. Pia, a world-class athlete who runs an international security firm, is targeted by dark elements within the U.S. government. By taking down an Indonesian army general responsible for a worldwide pedophile ring, she’s drawn the ire of this sinister cabal and is abducted. We are introduced to Agent Jacob, a wise-cracking, ass-chasing hunk who heads up the firm’s search for Pia. He’s a great addition to the series and in a first person point-of-view provides a blow-by-blow narrative of their mission. Add in a group of fumbling Syrian mercenaries, a treacherous U.S. diplomat and a torture loving ex-CIA agent and the brew is just right for an exciting, thrill-packed ride. You’ll cheer for Pia and Jacob as they challenge her abductors, rescue the pedophiles’ victims, and ultimately expose an evil buried deep within the corridors of power.
May 11, 2014
Well, Seeley James came through again! Having read the Geneva Decision I was anxiously awaiting his continuation of the series about Pia Sabel and let me tell you I was not disappointed. The Omnibus Edition of Trench Coats kept me on the edge of my chair with heart pounding action and a well thought out plot that kept me guessing. It had gripping suspense and action that spanned the globe. I especially like the fact that idealism drives Pia in this action thriller. Looking forward to more in this series. Would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys intense action, suspense novels.
May 16, 2014
As always, a wonderful thriller and hard to put down. The novel is well wriien and the characters are like old friends, especially the kind you want on your side! The story deals with Pia looking to rescue children who have been kidnapped and forced into prostitution. The story unfolds with the Sabel team trying to find and rescue them, and track down the perpetrators. These seem to be very highly placed people. The twists, turns and shocking surprise ending will leave you wanting more. I look forward eagerly to future novels!. I woukd reccommend this to all readers!
April 28, 2014
This story worked brilliantly in a serialized format. And Seeley James does an excellent job of taking on a sensitive issue like human trafficking. Bring It is a fast paced thriller comprised of 6 episodes that are told from differing perspectives. This approach made the way that the story was told almost as interesting as the story that was being told.
This is a fast moving thriller that's built on top of a killer mystery. It's great summer reading!
This is a fast moving thriller that's built on top of a killer mystery. It's great summer reading!
August 29, 2016
WOW! James, Pia and her crew take us on another wild ride. This was a real page turner for me. Story line was awesome and the cast as usual were perfect. A high treason Washington conspiracy up there with some of the best. Loads of action, indecision and mistakes along with a new character kept me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend reading this Pia Sable series of books !
August 4, 2016
A real page turner. Action packed and I couldn't wait to see what happened next. You become invested in all the characters especially Pia. It was my first Pia Sabel book and I can't wait to read more.
March 20, 2018
Great Tale. This is an excellent story told from multiple angles, rather than the straight first person of The Geneva Decision. It is clear that James' writing has improved from even that great book, though I do wish it had more of the fun/ rare quirkiness from Pia in this book. Here, she seems to have taken the world on her shoulders, and it shows. Solid mystery that will keep you guessing (and the ending will blow you away), with enough action to be right up the alley of any thriller purist.
July 20, 2018
2.5/5
July 16, 2015
Bring It is the second book in the Sabel Security team. This time Pia is hunting for a group who are filming pedophile terrorists and then blackmailing them. Pia is out to save the children and doesn't really care who gets in the way.
This shadowy group is actually connected to the U.S. government. How far reaching into the hierarchy of the government does this despicable act go? As far as the president? The goal.... kill Pia and her team.
Pia and her team are pretty beaten up by the time the case is broken. Pia has lost a boyfriend. Is there a possible future with her and Jacob.
The characters and plot are extremely well developed. There is an amazing intensity in this book that keeps you reading.
This shadowy group is actually connected to the U.S. government. How far reaching into the hierarchy of the government does this despicable act go? As far as the president? The goal.... kill Pia and her team.
Pia and her team are pretty beaten up by the time the case is broken. Pia has lost a boyfriend. Is there a possible future with her and Jacob.
The characters and plot are extremely well developed. There is an amazing intensity in this book that keeps you reading.
March 19, 2015
I received this book from my friend. So, I read A to Z. Wow...Excellent and amazon book. I loved this book. I was captured by this book from the very start and left guessing what would happen next and I was constantly surprised and never disappointed. Easy to understand everyone. As well as, The characters are so strong and made the book so gripping. Pia is my favorite. As well as,Pia Sabel and her Sabel Security team are hot on the trail of child traffickers in a black ops plot that goes up to the very top of Washington's power structure.According to my personal point of view, Seeley James is an outstanding author and I love his work.
Finally,I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Finally,I highly recommend this book to everyone.
March 19, 2015
In "Bring It," Seeley James grabs you from the onset and has you feeling the raw emotions of the protagonist, Pia Sabel. There are lots of twists and turns, and just when you think you have it all figured out matters get worse. One of my favorite characters is Jacob, a refreshing voice and polar opposite of his boss. There are hilarious moments and tense moments, and the ending was as wild as an Ironman movie! When he jumps off the hood of the car, you'll know what I mean.Seeley James keeps getting better and better. If you're a fan of a good mystery-thriller that doesn't have the obvious conclusion about halfway through the novel, you'll enjoy this book.
Read
November 9, 2022A gripping story about children being used and abused to lure out terrorists.
Clearly Pia isn’t happy about the abuse of the children and wants to get to the bottom of it.
Various government departments are involved but nobody knows how high up the chain it goes.
Pia is kidnapped, tortured, nearly murdered and she loses some of her team whilst others are injured. Her adoptive dad makes an appearance too and his connections to the President become evident and how he uses the government for the benefit of the business.
Pisa parents were murdered when she was very young and her adoptive dad was friends with them and immediately adopted her. Information comes to light as to why they were murdered and by whom. Needless to say the culprit is heavily involved in the trafficking of the children and it is him that ultimately tortures Pia. There are high up connections threaded throughout the story.
Pia is a bit of a bull in a china shop and she is lucky to have a good loyal team with her the help guide her through things to get achieve her objectives.
I really liked the tension of this book but there was one thing I didn’t like was a reference to Queen Elizabeth II overindulging at a major dinner. I’m just not having it that Her Majesty would do that, no way!
Clearly Pia isn’t happy about the abuse of the children and wants to get to the bottom of it.
Various government departments are involved but nobody knows how high up the chain it goes.
Pia is kidnapped, tortured, nearly murdered and she loses some of her team whilst others are injured. Her adoptive dad makes an appearance too and his connections to the President become evident and how he uses the government for the benefit of the business.
Pisa parents were murdered when she was very young and her adoptive dad was friends with them and immediately adopted her. Information comes to light as to why they were murdered and by whom. Needless to say the culprit is heavily involved in the trafficking of the children and it is him that ultimately tortures Pia. There are high up connections threaded throughout the story.
Pia is a bit of a bull in a china shop and she is lucky to have a good loyal team with her the help guide her through things to get achieve her objectives.
I really liked the tension of this book but there was one thing I didn’t like was a reference to Queen Elizabeth II overindulging at a major dinner. I’m just not having it that Her Majesty would do that, no way!
July 6, 2017
A firestorm of a thriller that paints an unsettling picture of the phrase “We have met the enemy and he is us.”
Pia Sabel and Jacob Stearne battle overwhelming odds and do it on their own terms. Nobody escapes unscathed.
I bought the omnibus volume of the first three Sabel Security novels and I will certainly purchase Death and Dark Money and Death and the Damned, volumes four and five.
This is a gritty and compelling novel narrated by turns by Pia Sabel, mid-twenties hand-on owner of Sabel Security, and Jacob Stearne, PTSD-scarred ex-military operative who always goes “where angels fear to tread” in order to protect his co-workers and get the assignment done.
As addictive as Jack Reacher, but more intense and with a lot more high tech and cutting edge weaponry.
A minor quibble that I also found to inhabit the next novel, The 42nd Element, is that there are many references to previous events / actions that you won’t find by reading previous books. These are included to strengthen the experience and credibility of the characters. Then again, maybe Seeley James with actually wrote those teasers as full novels, and wouldn’t that be nice.
Pia Sabel and Jacob Stearne battle overwhelming odds and do it on their own terms. Nobody escapes unscathed.
I bought the omnibus volume of the first three Sabel Security novels and I will certainly purchase Death and Dark Money and Death and the Damned, volumes four and five.
This is a gritty and compelling novel narrated by turns by Pia Sabel, mid-twenties hand-on owner of Sabel Security, and Jacob Stearne, PTSD-scarred ex-military operative who always goes “where angels fear to tread” in order to protect his co-workers and get the assignment done.
As addictive as Jack Reacher, but more intense and with a lot more high tech and cutting edge weaponry.
A minor quibble that I also found to inhabit the next novel, The 42nd Element, is that there are many references to previous events / actions that you won’t find by reading previous books. These are included to strengthen the experience and credibility of the characters. Then again, maybe Seeley James with actually wrote those teasers as full novels, and wouldn’t that be nice.
October 18, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A VAST IMPROVEMENT FROM THE FIRST BOOK!!!
“Bring it” by Seeley James certainly lives up to it’s name. This story goes deeper into Pia’s back story and is much easier to follow than the “The Geneva Decision”. It picks up basically where the last book ended. The story continues to add segments of all the main characters backstories between all the action. And there is a ton of action. You are taken around the world and back as Pia and her team from Sable Security try to stop what they think is a child kidnapping scheme. It turns our to be much worse and goes higher up the ladder than anyone could believe. I was glued to this book and on the edge of my seat for the entire read. I was sure that Pia was definitely dead a couple times. Amazing action and I loved this story. The twists and turns are really complicated and you have to pay attention to not miss any of them. I highly recommend this series and the author Seeley James. I’m already into the next book and WOW!!
A VAST IMPROVEMENT FROM THE FIRST BOOK!!!
“Bring it” by Seeley James certainly lives up to it’s name. This story goes deeper into Pia’s back story and is much easier to follow than the “The Geneva Decision”. It picks up basically where the last book ended. The story continues to add segments of all the main characters backstories between all the action. And there is a ton of action. You are taken around the world and back as Pia and her team from Sable Security try to stop what they think is a child kidnapping scheme. It turns our to be much worse and goes higher up the ladder than anyone could believe. I was glued to this book and on the edge of my seat for the entire read. I was sure that Pia was definitely dead a couple times. Amazing action and I loved this story. The twists and turns are really complicated and you have to pay attention to not miss any of them. I highly recommend this series and the author Seeley James. I’m already into the next book and WOW!!
June 23, 2017
Love this series
Pia a has the strength, honesty and savvy to right wrongs. She'll take the benefits to do the right thing. She and her team just open so much controversy and while setting it right, still take the hits. Bring us more Pia!
Pia a has the strength, honesty and savvy to right wrongs. She'll take the benefits to do the right thing. She and her team just open so much controversy and while setting it right, still take the hits. Bring us more Pia!
January 15, 2019
Bring it (2)
This story was a good read that covers all the features that make it a good adventure.The author created quite a good cast of characters and used them well. The story was just a bit gory and it fit the story line.
This story was a good read that covers all the features that make it a good adventure.The author created quite a good cast of characters and used them well. The story was just a bit gory and it fit the story line.
January 10, 2021
Non-stop action in this one.
This is the conclusion of the Sabel Origins series. I have several of the Sabel Security series loaded on my Kindle and anticipate that they will be full of action also.
This is the conclusion of the Sabel Origins series. I have several of the Sabel Security series loaded on my Kindle and anticipate that they will be full of action also.
February 28, 2017
Extremely Good Adventure/Government-Out-of-Control Novel
Seeley James has put together a very good spy novel. Unfortunately, the events he imagines are not too-far from current reality. He has described a government that is lost in the weeds, trying every possible way to accomplish uncertain ends through desperately flawed means. It could well be the Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Bush, Obama or Trump White House doing this...I like the fact that he doesn't play politics...(They all made the same unfortunate mistakes, despite blaming everyone else for their shortcomings).
Pia Sabel, as the billionaire heroine/security company owner/former Olympic athlete, etc.etc. is a force of nature. That's not too realistic in my opinion. However, the actions of the contractors and government actors ring absolutely true.
No fancy messages here, just a sort of film-noir, where Pia is every citizen. On the other hand, this is extremely good writing and will keep readers on the edge of the seat for the entire novel.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: AS A RECREATIONAL READ...
Seeley James has put together a very good spy novel. Unfortunately, the events he imagines are not too-far from current reality. He has described a government that is lost in the weeds, trying every possible way to accomplish uncertain ends through desperately flawed means. It could well be the Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Bush, Obama or Trump White House doing this...I like the fact that he doesn't play politics...(They all made the same unfortunate mistakes, despite blaming everyone else for their shortcomings).
Pia Sabel, as the billionaire heroine/security company owner/former Olympic athlete, etc.etc. is a force of nature. That's not too realistic in my opinion. However, the actions of the contractors and government actors ring absolutely true.
No fancy messages here, just a sort of film-noir, where Pia is every citizen. On the other hand, this is extremely good writing and will keep readers on the edge of the seat for the entire novel.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: AS A RECREATIONAL READ...
October 29, 2014
Opening with a meeting between a protagonist and the US Government about accusations of terrorism and murder that is disrupted by organised crime, this book immediately places itself in the Hollywood-action-movie section of the thriller genre. Fortunately, Seeley does not disappoint, taking the reader from big-budget thrill to high-octane spill without losing the last shred of feasibility.
This novel was originally released in serial format as Trench Coats, Episodes I-VI.
Pia Sabel, ex-Olympic athlete and head of a blue chip private security firm, tracked a paedophile ring to Sri Lanka. Having employed her impressive resources to smash it – but unable to catch all those involved – she finds herself facing extradition for crimes she didn’t commit (as well as the ones she technically did). When the US Government refuse to support her claims of innocence, she resolves to save the children and clear her name.
This novel is the second in the Pia Sabel series. But James provides a good balance of explanation and assumption, making it work equally well as a stand-alone work.
Filled with groups that are not quite what they seem, allegiances that are merely convenient to both sides, fast cars, and gun battles through the streets, this is novel has all the punch and glitz of explosion porn. However, this is more than just a series of set pieces strung together.
Although Sabel Security are everything that Team America satirised, right down to acting like a world police, they are contrasted against a world where others go further: a world where trampling on sovereignty and the rule of law actually are necessary to save the innocent.
Demonstrating an awareness that cinematic glamour doesn’t actually make everything less severe, James instead applies a more realistic touch to many of the worst events; the description of water-boarding is especially harrowing.
In keeping with a novel about people fixing the world’s problems themselves, Pia Sabel is not that lovable a character: her aims are commendable, and her portrayal sympathetic, but when not facing immediate peril she radiates the arrogance of the celebrity rich.
Jacob Stearne, the second main protagonist, is equally sympathetic, and equally an above average example of a movie hero: ex-military, a womaniser but half in love with Pia, and a bit of a maverick.
The grimy yet aspirational flavour extends to the supporting characters, providing allies who are better than their enemies, and villains who are trying to avert worse evils.
The only slightly odd note is James’ decision to have Sabel Security use first names rather than last for identification: however otherwise bad-ass a character is, it is impossible not to unconsciously associate Agent Marty and Agent Tania with a more innocent story.
Overall I enjoyed this book. I recommend it to readers seeking a thriller with plenty of action that isn’t burdened with false depth.
I received a free copy from the author with no obligation to review.
This novel was originally released in serial format as Trench Coats, Episodes I-VI.
Pia Sabel, ex-Olympic athlete and head of a blue chip private security firm, tracked a paedophile ring to Sri Lanka. Having employed her impressive resources to smash it – but unable to catch all those involved – she finds herself facing extradition for crimes she didn’t commit (as well as the ones she technically did). When the US Government refuse to support her claims of innocence, she resolves to save the children and clear her name.
This novel is the second in the Pia Sabel series. But James provides a good balance of explanation and assumption, making it work equally well as a stand-alone work.
Filled with groups that are not quite what they seem, allegiances that are merely convenient to both sides, fast cars, and gun battles through the streets, this is novel has all the punch and glitz of explosion porn. However, this is more than just a series of set pieces strung together.
Although Sabel Security are everything that Team America satirised, right down to acting like a world police, they are contrasted against a world where others go further: a world where trampling on sovereignty and the rule of law actually are necessary to save the innocent.
Demonstrating an awareness that cinematic glamour doesn’t actually make everything less severe, James instead applies a more realistic touch to many of the worst events; the description of water-boarding is especially harrowing.
In keeping with a novel about people fixing the world’s problems themselves, Pia Sabel is not that lovable a character: her aims are commendable, and her portrayal sympathetic, but when not facing immediate peril she radiates the arrogance of the celebrity rich.
Jacob Stearne, the second main protagonist, is equally sympathetic, and equally an above average example of a movie hero: ex-military, a womaniser but half in love with Pia, and a bit of a maverick.
The grimy yet aspirational flavour extends to the supporting characters, providing allies who are better than their enemies, and villains who are trying to avert worse evils.
The only slightly odd note is James’ decision to have Sabel Security use first names rather than last for identification: however otherwise bad-ass a character is, it is impossible not to unconsciously associate Agent Marty and Agent Tania with a more innocent story.
Overall I enjoyed this book. I recommend it to readers seeking a thriller with plenty of action that isn’t burdened with false depth.
I received a free copy from the author with no obligation to review.
July 21, 2015
Up front, I’ll reveal I received this book as a gift from the author, Seely James. Thank you again, Seely, for your generosity. That, however, does not affect this review.
Bring It, like the first book in the series, is fast-paced and loaded with tension right from the first page. Great tension makes me sweat – literally. This one did it in spades. There were times I had to put this book aside just to catch my breath.
This also is a smoother, more polished book than the first one. That is as it should be as an author gains skill and experience in writing. Sadly, some writers don’t, but Seely has, and it shows here.
The plot is complex and convoluted with fold following twist following warp following turn.
In my review of the first book, I noted that I never got a clear picture of what Pia Sabel, the main character, looked like, as Seely offered only a few hints. He has added to that here with a few more, giving me a clearer picture. Some of that may be because he told me about the real person Pia is based on. Still, I would like to see more description of her included in future books for readers without my ‘inside’ knowledge.
There were a few small gaps in this book that had me wondering Where did that (weapon, piece of equipment, person) come from?. And there were so many primary characters, sometimes I had a little trouble keeping them straight, at least early in the story.
I also thought Jacob’s constant asides about women when he should have been focusing on the mission detracted from what otherwise was an excellent character but it made him more human than the ‘only have eyes on the goal’ character.
I hope there are more Pia Sabel stories to come.
Bring It, like the first book in the series, is fast-paced and loaded with tension right from the first page. Great tension makes me sweat – literally. This one did it in spades. There were times I had to put this book aside just to catch my breath.
This also is a smoother, more polished book than the first one. That is as it should be as an author gains skill and experience in writing. Sadly, some writers don’t, but Seely has, and it shows here.
The plot is complex and convoluted with fold following twist following warp following turn.
In my review of the first book, I noted that I never got a clear picture of what Pia Sabel, the main character, looked like, as Seely offered only a few hints. He has added to that here with a few more, giving me a clearer picture. Some of that may be because he told me about the real person Pia is based on. Still, I would like to see more description of her included in future books for readers without my ‘inside’ knowledge.
There were a few small gaps in this book that had me wondering Where did that (weapon, piece of equipment, person) come from?. And there were so many primary characters, sometimes I had a little trouble keeping them straight, at least early in the story.
I also thought Jacob’s constant asides about women when he should have been focusing on the mission detracted from what otherwise was an excellent character but it made him more human than the ‘only have eyes on the goal’ character.
I hope there are more Pia Sabel stories to come.
Read
September 1, 2016First thing; I liked this book! That said, it was a stretch to think that a world cup soccer player would have the "secret agent"/combatant type skills that the author attributes to Pia, and he does this throughout the book. That said I enjoyed the character development of all the major characters, I'm a character reader, I get into what makes them tick, who and what they are. Pia's soccer background has all but disappeared in this book as James focuses on the main story line; govermental conspiracy. Having laid the background for further books with back story about Pia's parents in his first book, this book makes you question if that issue has been resolved? Oops, no spoilers here, read the book, enjoy the book as I have, I'll be reading more by Seeley James.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews