What do you think?
Rate this book
Troy Pearce #1
Drone
Complete with a fascinating international cast of characters and non-stop action, Mike Maden’s DRONE kicks off an explosive new thriller series by exploring the frightening legal and political dangers of drone warfare.
Troy Pearce is the CEO of Pearce Systems, a private security firm that is the best in the world at drone technologies. A former CIA SOG operative, Pearce used his intelligence and combat skills to hunt down America’s sworn enemies in the War on Terror. But after a decade of clandestine special ops, Pearce opted out. Too many of his friends had been sacrificed on the altar of political expediency. Now, Pearce and his team chose which battles he will take on by deploying his land, sea and air drones with surgical precision.
New U.S. President Margaret Myers won a hotly contested election on a platform of no new foreign wars. But when her only child and a dozen other American students are killed in a cross border assault by drug cartel hit men, she secretly authorizes Pearce Systems to locate and destroy the killers sheltered in Mexico.
Pearce and his team of scientists and on-the-ground task force go to work, and they are soon thrust into a showdown with the hidden powers behind the El Paso attack, and risk igniting a full-blown shooting war with America’s most dangerous enemies � at home and abroad.
Maden’s intense, page-turning novel is action-packed and frighteningly real--blurring the lines between fiction and the reality of a new stage in warfare.
Troy Pearce is the CEO of Pearce Systems, a private security firm that is the best in the world at drone technologies. A former CIA SOG operative, Pearce used his intelligence and combat skills to hunt down America’s sworn enemies in the War on Terror. But after a decade of clandestine special ops, Pearce opted out. Too many of his friends had been sacrificed on the altar of political expediency. Now, Pearce and his team chose which battles he will take on by deploying his land, sea and air drones with surgical precision.
New U.S. President Margaret Myers won a hotly contested election on a platform of no new foreign wars. But when her only child and a dozen other American students are killed in a cross border assault by drug cartel hit men, she secretly authorizes Pearce Systems to locate and destroy the killers sheltered in Mexico.
Pearce and his team of scientists and on-the-ground task force go to work, and they are soon thrust into a showdown with the hidden powers behind the El Paso attack, and risk igniting a full-blown shooting war with America’s most dangerous enemies � at home and abroad.
Maden’s intense, page-turning novel is action-packed and frighteningly real--blurring the lines between fiction and the reality of a new stage in warfare.
530 pages, Paperback
First published October 22, 2013
749 people are currently reading
790 people want to read
About the author
Mike Maden
28 books413 followersI grew up working in the canneries, feed mills and slaughterhouses of California’s San Joaquin Valley. A lifelong fascination with history and warfare ultimately lead to a Ph.D. in political science focused on conflict and technology in international relations. Like millions of others, I first became a Tom Clancy fan after reading The Hunt for Red October, and began my published fiction career in the same techno-thriller genre, starting with DRONE and the sequels, BLUE WARRIOR, DRONE COMMAND and DRONE THREAT. I’m honored to be joining “The Campus” as a writer in Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Jr., series.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
October 28, 2013
I really wanted to like “Drone”, the first novel by Mike Maden, and introducing former CIA operative Troy Pearce. The action is fierce, and comes often. Maden knows what he is talking about, too. He has a master’s and a Ph.D. in political science, and his technological and political knowledge lent credibility and intrigue to the text. There were, however, serious problems that I couldn’t overcome.
First, the cover of the book states, “INTRODUCING TROY PEARCE.” As I found out in my reading of “Drone,” that isn’t necessarily a good thing. First, he wasn’t in the book that often. For a new book, in a new series, with a new character, I want him in a good 60-70% of the book. If he’s in a third of this book, I’d be shocked. Second, he’s a prick. He has absolutely no redeeming value. Unless, of course, you believe that blindly following the directive of the U.S. President, ignoring the Constitution, and revenge-murder are redeeming values. I know very little about his background (I actually learned more about his background by reading the dust jacket than I did in the manuscript), and even less about his personal life. Frankly, I didn’t care if he lived or died. I didn’t finish “Drone” thinking, “I can’t wait to see what Troy Pearce does next.” Rather, I thought the opposite. My prevailing thought was, “This dude needs to be in jail.”
Second, the book isn’t written that well. I get that it’s a thriller, and there are plenty of thrillers out there that don’t focus on the writing. For some people, that’s okay. For others, it’s not, so I thought I’d point it out. The most frustrating was Maden’s continual use of tired idioms. For example: “The security detail left, tails tucked between their legs.”
Finally, the use of drones was fairly limited, in my opinion. Especially since it’s well, the title of the book. There was only one scene (early on) that I felt like I was reading a cool techno-thriller, with a creative use of drone technology. Every other scene was like, “the Predator drone flew over and launched the missile. People died.” Yippee.
There were also some errors in accuracy. For example, a man in the office of the president in Iran was given Tylenol for a headache. My understanding is that the trade embargo would restrict American items like Tylenol to be sold in Iran. Now, I understand that heads of state could probably get anything they want, but considering the embargo, I would have mentioned it. As it read, it stood out so clearly that it may have well been in bold type.
If you just want a mindless, fun (at times) read, you could do worse than “Drone.” There were some interesting political arguments made. It moved quickly. The body count was high. Just don’t blame me if you feel just a little less smart after finishing it.
First, the cover of the book states, “INTRODUCING TROY PEARCE.” As I found out in my reading of “Drone,” that isn’t necessarily a good thing. First, he wasn’t in the book that often. For a new book, in a new series, with a new character, I want him in a good 60-70% of the book. If he’s in a third of this book, I’d be shocked. Second, he’s a prick. He has absolutely no redeeming value. Unless, of course, you believe that blindly following the directive of the U.S. President, ignoring the Constitution, and revenge-murder are redeeming values. I know very little about his background (I actually learned more about his background by reading the dust jacket than I did in the manuscript), and even less about his personal life. Frankly, I didn’t care if he lived or died. I didn’t finish “Drone” thinking, “I can’t wait to see what Troy Pearce does next.” Rather, I thought the opposite. My prevailing thought was, “This dude needs to be in jail.”
Second, the book isn’t written that well. I get that it’s a thriller, and there are plenty of thrillers out there that don’t focus on the writing. For some people, that’s okay. For others, it’s not, so I thought I’d point it out. The most frustrating was Maden’s continual use of tired idioms. For example: “The security detail left, tails tucked between their legs.”
Finally, the use of drones was fairly limited, in my opinion. Especially since it’s well, the title of the book. There was only one scene (early on) that I felt like I was reading a cool techno-thriller, with a creative use of drone technology. Every other scene was like, “the Predator drone flew over and launched the missile. People died.” Yippee.
There were also some errors in accuracy. For example, a man in the office of the president in Iran was given Tylenol for a headache. My understanding is that the trade embargo would restrict American items like Tylenol to be sold in Iran. Now, I understand that heads of state could probably get anything they want, but considering the embargo, I would have mentioned it. As it read, it stood out so clearly that it may have well been in bold type.
If you just want a mindless, fun (at times) read, you could do worse than “Drone.” There were some interesting political arguments made. It moved quickly. The body count was high. Just don’t blame me if you feel just a little less smart after finishing it.
November 6, 2022
High technology action, adventure saga. Can be gory. Entertaining, if you like Tom Clancy on steroids. The high tech. is the use of drones. Arial, underwater, land. Much of the tech. is available today. Others are certainly in the works.
Mike Maden doesn't hesitate to let you know what he thinks of politics. A quote: "You know how you can tell when a politician is lying?" Pearce asked, "When their lips are moving."
I think these books can become too cookie cutter-ish, so I will stop while ahead.
Mike Maden doesn't hesitate to let you know what he thinks of politics. A quote: "You know how you can tell when a politician is lying?" Pearce asked, "When their lips are moving."
I think these books can become too cookie cutter-ish, so I will stop while ahead.
April 13, 2014
"Complete with a fascinating international cast of characters and non-stop action, Mike Maden’s DRONE kicks off an explosive new thriller series by exploring the frightening legal and political dangers of drone warfare."
Usually blurbs tend to exaggerate how fine a book will be. No so in the case of Drone. A most engaging and addicting techno-thriller. I thoroughly enjoyed every character and subplot. Razor sharp writing. A keen sense of detail and location. Perfect plotting. This is a winner. The the unspeakable tragedy of Vince Flynn's death begs for high quality thriller writers with superb main characters like Mitch Rapp. Pierce seems to show great promise and I certainly look forward to the next book. Mike Maden is a very good writer and one to keep an eye on!!
Rick Friedman
Founder
The James Mason Community Book Club
7,300 members
Usually blurbs tend to exaggerate how fine a book will be. No so in the case of Drone. A most engaging and addicting techno-thriller. I thoroughly enjoyed every character and subplot. Razor sharp writing. A keen sense of detail and location. Perfect plotting. This is a winner. The the unspeakable tragedy of Vince Flynn's death begs for high quality thriller writers with superb main characters like Mitch Rapp. Pierce seems to show great promise and I certainly look forward to the next book. Mike Maden is a very good writer and one to keep an eye on!!
Rick Friedman
Founder
The James Mason Community Book Club
7,300 members
August 22, 2013
This is an intense political thriller where potential war is looming between the US and Mexico due to the machinations of outside forces.
The story is told from multiple points of view which initially is difficult to follow mainly due to the variable/shifting times. However, the shifting points of view get smoother and easier as the novel progresses.
The narrative is a verbose and dry at times; however, with politics being deeply involved throughout, that probably will happen. The technological writings read accurately which allows for suspension of disbelief/belief in the technology regardless of whether or not all currently exist.
Characters are authentic and believable. Details are extensive. The plot has ample action.
Overall, an intriguing read.
The story is told from multiple points of view which initially is difficult to follow mainly due to the variable/shifting times. However, the shifting points of view get smoother and easier as the novel progresses.
The narrative is a verbose and dry at times; however, with politics being deeply involved throughout, that probably will happen. The technological writings read accurately which allows for suspension of disbelief/belief in the technology regardless of whether or not all currently exist.
Characters are authentic and believable. Details are extensive. The plot has ample action.
Overall, an intriguing read.
January 15, 2015
If someone was to ask me to recommend an exciting action thriller with some depth I would steer them towards Drone
March 3, 2020
The tech was simply amazing.
March 14, 2014
Outstanding cutting edge geopolitical thriller featuring an original protagonist, former CIA Special Forces operative Troy Pearce, CEO for Pearce Systems, a leader in emerging Drone technology. These are not your father's Predator drones equipped with Hellfire missiles by a long shot. Confronting Mexican drug cartels at the Presidents request, Pearce Systems deploys a lethal, state of the art arsenal including underwater drones, drones the size of mosquitoes, mini helicopter as the crisis escalates in this fast paced thriller. Think the late Tom Clancy with a good editor. This is a very promising, exciting and well written book #1 in a Troy Pearce series that effectively deploys Drone technology in defending America in a dangerous world. I highly recommend it.
April 25, 2021
I did not like the book. It's too predictable and not as interesting as the last book I read on Drone usage for war (couldn't remember the title of the one I liked). Anyways, I trudged through it all. There were moments at the beginning of the book where I was wondering where the book was heading but it was a thrill, a good ride. The intro, the first few chapters were captivating and then it slowed to a grind and worse -it became predictable. We are talking of drone use as a killing machine and there are many ways it could have been innovative rather than insomnia inducing. Because this is the 1st book in a series of right now - 4 books, I'll give it a 2 star rating out of 5 and hope that the rating can increase as the books evolve. Yes, I will try book 2...but not for a while lol
December 13, 2016
Wow, just wow. Troy Pearce is a badass!! I wish I had a private contractor who uses drones and other unmanned devices to exact revenge for those who have been wronged (and a few of those who pay him top dollar.)
President Myers' way of governing America are somewhat in line with what our current President-Elect Trump has been saying; so, it's been interesting get a glimpse into a very imaginative "what-if" scenario.
Definite must read if you're even the slightest bit interested in politics, warfare and drones. It read like 13 Hours with maybe a little less action and a little more politics.
President Myers' way of governing America are somewhat in line with what our current President-Elect Trump has been saying; so, it's been interesting get a glimpse into a very imaginative "what-if" scenario.
Definite must read if you're even the slightest bit interested in politics, warfare and drones. It read like 13 Hours with maybe a little less action and a little more politics.
February 11, 2019
Abandoned at halfway point. Too much politics for me.
March 18, 2020
There was a lot to set up being the first book in the series, but it still moved well and was well written. I enjoyed this book and had some nights where I couldn't put it down.
June 27, 2014
Many threads weave together in Maden's contemporary look at the stalemate between America and Mexico regarding labor, illegal aliens, drug cartels, American drug consumption, and money. Maden introduces us to what the publisher intimates is a coming series featuring Troy Pearce, an undercover fix-it man.
In a note preceding the story, Maden makes the point that all the technologies included are either currently in production or in development. Indeed, the technology is amazing and horrifying by turns. Amazing, in that one can see how present-day applications can be combined to do previously unthought-of tasks. Horrifying, because of how invasive and dangerous are the acts that that technology makes possible--all in a story where these weapons and surveillance tools are taken for granted.
The initial insult in the book occurs when a student party in El Paso, Texas, is raided, seemingly by ICE officers. Killed at the fatal party are many students and their teacher when the raiding officers discharge three hundred bullets in less than a minute and then disappear. Upon further probing, American investigators discover the raid to be the result of a turf war between rival factions in the drug trade. But worst of all, the teacher who died was the son of the American president. An accident or a statement?
While compelling, for me there was a small stone in the shoe of my journey through the political perils of Drone. There are authors who consistently give a description of each inclusion within a particular category in their work. For some it is clothing or physical descriptions of characters, often even minor ones, occasionally for every change of clothing or product used. For Maden, it was the exact name, in full, of every, gun, missile, rocket and piece of technology:
On page 12, "I took out each of your men with a single .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge at a cost of just four dollars apiece."
On page 13, "He stormed over to a nearby closet and pulled out his personal weapon, an Israeli-built TAR-21 bullpup assault rifle."
Perhaps it is my ignorance of weaponry that makes this seem a story impediment. Likely fans of that subject may find this aspect interesting. And I do see a parallel in an interest of my own. I enjoy reading about the highways or streets travelled in settings as diverse as Larsson's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Camillieri's The Voice of the Violin or Doctorow's YA novel, Little Brother. Those stories allow me to track the action, either on the map in my head of familiar cities, as in Brother, or on a StreetWise map of international cities, for those I've not visited.
This makes me wonder if it is a way of giving a particular status regarding income or taste to a character to know that, say, the woman entering a scene is wearing Hermes scarf, the weapon tucked in a man's back pants belt is a Walther PPS 9mm, or the video screen is an eighty inch flat screen LCD. Or perhaps again our culture has become so permeated with advertising that these delineations are salient to most readers and I'm the odd one out to be distracted by it.
In any case, a fast-moving story despite its four hundred, thirteen pages.
February 24, 2024
Book Review – Drone – Mike Maden
Ph. D author Mike Maden’s first Drone series book entitled, “Drone” was an outstanding and intense geopolitical techno thriller featuring a rare and unique protagonist named Troy Pearce. He is a former CIA Special Ops operator and the CEO of Pearce Systems, a leader in emerging various drone technologies. This book kicks off the explosive high tech adventure series by exploring the startling legal and political possibilities of drone warfare. This debut story is an outstanding cutting edge geopolitical thriller that was well written and very entertaining. The innovative drone technologies read accurately and truthfully which lead to the believability of their current existence. The characters are also authentic and realistic, and the plot had ample and acute action. Maden’s knowledgeable political science background produced one of the best passages in the book. "You know how you can tell when a politician is lying? When their lips are moving,” said Troy Pearce, the main character. This was a stellar statement that I, a former corporate government affairs executive, can relate to. Crisp writing, a keen sense of detail and perfect plotting, Mike Maden’s Drone is an exciting and intriguing read. I highly recommend the entire four book Drone/Troy Pearce techno thriller series.
Ph. D author Mike Maden’s first Drone series book entitled, “Drone” was an outstanding and intense geopolitical techno thriller featuring a rare and unique protagonist named Troy Pearce. He is a former CIA Special Ops operator and the CEO of Pearce Systems, a leader in emerging various drone technologies. This book kicks off the explosive high tech adventure series by exploring the startling legal and political possibilities of drone warfare. This debut story is an outstanding cutting edge geopolitical thriller that was well written and very entertaining. The innovative drone technologies read accurately and truthfully which lead to the believability of their current existence. The characters are also authentic and realistic, and the plot had ample and acute action. Maden’s knowledgeable political science background produced one of the best passages in the book. "You know how you can tell when a politician is lying? When their lips are moving,” said Troy Pearce, the main character. This was a stellar statement that I, a former corporate government affairs executive, can relate to. Crisp writing, a keen sense of detail and perfect plotting, Mike Maden’s Drone is an exciting and intriguing read. I highly recommend the entire four book Drone/Troy Pearce techno thriller series.
December 22, 2013
A fast paced over the top novel that taps into drug lords, terrorism and the various aspects of modern government drone technology. The author assures us the everything portrayed in the book is either currently available to out government or in development. The plot evolves from an incident in which two sons of a Mexican drug lord unknowing kill the son of the president. The first lady president feels obligated (not just because her son was involved) to dish out some punishment and retaliates. This starts a series of retaliations that eventually lead to a terrorist group from Iran. This is more a fantasy as just the power alone that the president exhibits would never be possible in our day of government gridlock - It might be what you wished she could do but some of the stuff here is enjoyable but over the top. You don't have to be into technology to enjoy the book.
March 6, 2014
It was OK, as a diverting shoot-em up, based on drone technology. But it read like a lengthy, wordy translation of a comic book to prose, with cartoonish characters, one dimensional caricatures of everything that you might dislike about politicians, the mainstream media, etc. The geopolitical and societal insights are sophomoric exaggerations of everything a poorly informed and uninsightful TeaParty fanatic on steroids might find to complain about.
So why 2 stars? Because it was a diverting cludge of action scenes, and I read through to the end to see how in the world this might be pulled together, some suspense in this, although the incredibly masterful 'bad guy' succumbs to a transparent revenge mechanism, seems to have lost his mojo at the end.
So why 2 stars? Because it was a diverting cludge of action scenes, and I read through to the end to see how in the world this might be pulled together, some suspense in this, although the incredibly masterful 'bad guy' succumbs to a transparent revenge mechanism, seems to have lost his mojo at the end.
December 12, 2013
This is one action packed novel about an agent who loves to get himself involved in many sticky situations. Meet Troy Pearce, a "Private American Citizen" working out of his trailer. This guy can do it all; his way of words is like no other. If you are into modern-day weapons, along with just a great book in general this is for you. Based in a futuristic time period after President Obama's term comes to a close, the first female president, President Myers becomes the new commander and chief. Will she be able to handle the extreme difficulties of being criticized for each and every move she makes? Will Troy try to help her cause in the United States? Find out by reading Drone.
March 13, 2015
TAKING FLIGHT
[3.8 stars rounded up to four]
Drones. An incredibly useful piece of kit which has radically changed the face of modern warfare with advances in technology since the 1990's. Unfortunately, they've been given a bad name. Namely due to extensive coverage of collateral damage caused by hellfire missiles fired by Predator Drones in South Asia. However, like an open Pandora's box, Drones are here to stay, and soon, they will become a viable alternative to risking human assets in situations such a counter-terrorism. "Drone" is perhaps the first technothriller which celebrates their use. It's the first book in a series by Mike Maden, and appeared to be trying to do for drones, what The Hunt For Red October did for submarines. Did it succeed? Well it could have. The book introduces former CIA S.A.D officer Troy Pearce, a man who runs a Private Military Corporation with a major twist. Rather than human assets, they control what can only be described as an automated air force. In this story, what starts out as a simple contract for his firm leads to him being embroiled in a complex geopolitical shell game which aims to destabilize the United States by causing the Mexican Drug War to spin out of control and spread up north. Now to the review. How far would you go in destroying all clear and present dangers to your country?
The story begins in Texas, where men dressed as DHS I.C.E agents armed with LMG's hose down a suburban house where a party is being held. The attack claims multiple casualties, one who happens to be the son of the American President. We then cut to what I consider one of the best establishing character moments I've read, a corrupt Kenyan army officer, guilty of charging colossal bribes to aid organizations has his greed catch up to him when his house is attacked. No hellfire missiles. Instead, he gets to watch his guards get elegantly taken out by ARSS UAVs, drones equipped with remote fired sniper rifles. All the while, Troy Pearce, the main character introduces himself and gives him a epic verbal beatdown, convincing his target to take the easy way out as he systematically destroys the man's life. Back in Washington, we're introduced to the American President, Margaret Meyers. After identifying the perpetrators of the mass homicide, she methodically goes through all legal channels, but sees them get shut spectacularly when the Team of Mexican Marines who tried to conduct an arrest were incinerated by an ambush. Seemingly at a loss, one of her aides, Mike Early suggests using Troy Pearce, a fellow former CIA officer and someone who has the resources to take on a Mexican drug cartel. She accepts and after convincing Pearce, what starts out as a simple mission of retribution turns into a geopolitical nightmare where enemies foreign and domestic set horrific plans into motion.
I found the first two thirds of this book very good. The final third however left much to be desired.
In terms of plot, DRONE is decent. Mr Maden managed to keep the pace going at a steady clip for most of the book, but in the last third, was let down by a few things (which I shall deal with further down). From the lavish residences of Mexico's Drug Lords to the alleys of Mexico City, Maden manages to keep things interesting as the conspiracy takes root and lines up its dominoes. The research is also done satisfactorily. The author wisely did not chose to drown us in technical details, but manages to make the Drones used in this novel interesting enough to Google (I did, fascinating stuff). He also gives an accurate portrayal of the politics down in Latin America and how the Mexican Drug Cartels have become the most dangerous criminal group on the planet with a horrific campaign of violence, equal to that of Daesh in Iraq.
As for characters, for a book which is more focused on the plot, politics and technology, fittingly, many of them were not fleshed out. Except two.
The first standout in this novel is Troy Pearce the main character. The author managed to make this book count in establishing him as a character. Think of Robert Downey Jr's portrayal of Tony Stark, but less drunk and as a former intelligence officer turned Private Military Contractor rather than a superhero. He shares the frustrations most people share about current events today. The injustice, the seemingly futile responses and most importantly of all, the lack of SMART leadership from the current generation of politicians. The last one is something which factors into his past. In regards to his back-story, the author made very effective use of the "lost loved one" trope, and it goes along way to explaining why someone who used to be at the tip of the spear became a massive advocate of drone warfare.
Next, we have POTUS Margaret Meyers. She can be characterized by Bram Stoker's summary of Theodore Roosevelt, "Can't cajole, can't frighten, can't buy". She does her best to be a smart leader who tries to do the right thing even when it hurts her in the process and most importantly of all, when things are going to hell in a handcart, she's willing to put it all on the line and sacrifice something which she's worked herself to the bone to achieve.
Now for the constructive criticism. I've never really minded about authors who don't head the "show don't tell principle". But "Drone" had potential. Potential which was lost in the last third when the "telling" went into overdrive as the book focused on a terrorist campaign run by the Mexican drug cartels. If the author had done a little more "showing", and maybe focused on those parts a bit more (the climax area) It could have been sprawling, epic and the stuff Tom Clancy was doing at the height of his career but instead, it started to fizzle out.
Next, the technothriller parts began to be drowned out by the political aspects of this novel, as it progressed. This part is a very difficult balancing act for most writers, and the struggle to insert a commentary into the mix can be problematic. Too much and it becomes padding. Too little and the book won't convey whatever theme you want. And then there's execution where if the commentary comes off as preaching from a soapbox, some readers will be put off. For the first two thirds of the book, Mr Maden managed the balancing act well. From the difficulties of running a "third way" administration not paid for by America's political establishment to the horrific bloat in the budget for systems like the F35 compared to the cost effectiveness of Drones, they enriched those parts of the book. However, in the final third, the book simply tipped into preaching from the bully pulpit and became wearisome to put it bluntly.
Overall, Drone is a somewhat decent technothriller. The last third of the story caused it to fail at being a "Hunt For Red October" for Drone warfare but this series has potential. When the characters get focus, they're characterized adequately. The specific focus on Drones successfully distinguishes this book in a crowded genre. And the politics described in the early parts of the book are actually very interesting. In short, a new series takes flight but hasn't reached the heavens it could.
MAYBE RECOMMENDED.
[3.8 stars rounded up to four]
Drones. An incredibly useful piece of kit which has radically changed the face of modern warfare with advances in technology since the 1990's. Unfortunately, they've been given a bad name. Namely due to extensive coverage of collateral damage caused by hellfire missiles fired by Predator Drones in South Asia. However, like an open Pandora's box, Drones are here to stay, and soon, they will become a viable alternative to risking human assets in situations such a counter-terrorism. "Drone" is perhaps the first technothriller which celebrates their use. It's the first book in a series by Mike Maden, and appeared to be trying to do for drones, what The Hunt For Red October did for submarines. Did it succeed? Well it could have. The book introduces former CIA S.A.D officer Troy Pearce, a man who runs a Private Military Corporation with a major twist. Rather than human assets, they control what can only be described as an automated air force. In this story, what starts out as a simple contract for his firm leads to him being embroiled in a complex geopolitical shell game which aims to destabilize the United States by causing the Mexican Drug War to spin out of control and spread up north. Now to the review. How far would you go in destroying all clear and present dangers to your country?
The story begins in Texas, where men dressed as DHS I.C.E agents armed with LMG's hose down a suburban house where a party is being held. The attack claims multiple casualties, one who happens to be the son of the American President. We then cut to what I consider one of the best establishing character moments I've read, a corrupt Kenyan army officer, guilty of charging colossal bribes to aid organizations has his greed catch up to him when his house is attacked. No hellfire missiles. Instead, he gets to watch his guards get elegantly taken out by ARSS UAVs, drones equipped with remote fired sniper rifles. All the while, Troy Pearce, the main character introduces himself and gives him a epic verbal beatdown, convincing his target to take the easy way out as he systematically destroys the man's life. Back in Washington, we're introduced to the American President, Margaret Meyers. After identifying the perpetrators of the mass homicide, she methodically goes through all legal channels, but sees them get shut spectacularly when the Team of Mexican Marines who tried to conduct an arrest were incinerated by an ambush. Seemingly at a loss, one of her aides, Mike Early suggests using Troy Pearce, a fellow former CIA officer and someone who has the resources to take on a Mexican drug cartel. She accepts and after convincing Pearce, what starts out as a simple mission of retribution turns into a geopolitical nightmare where enemies foreign and domestic set horrific plans into motion.
I found the first two thirds of this book very good. The final third however left much to be desired.
In terms of plot, DRONE is decent. Mr Maden managed to keep the pace going at a steady clip for most of the book, but in the last third, was let down by a few things (which I shall deal with further down). From the lavish residences of Mexico's Drug Lords to the alleys of Mexico City, Maden manages to keep things interesting as the conspiracy takes root and lines up its dominoes. The research is also done satisfactorily. The author wisely did not chose to drown us in technical details, but manages to make the Drones used in this novel interesting enough to Google (I did, fascinating stuff). He also gives an accurate portrayal of the politics down in Latin America and how the Mexican Drug Cartels have become the most dangerous criminal group on the planet with a horrific campaign of violence, equal to that of Daesh in Iraq.
As for characters, for a book which is more focused on the plot, politics and technology, fittingly, many of them were not fleshed out. Except two.
The first standout in this novel is Troy Pearce the main character. The author managed to make this book count in establishing him as a character. Think of Robert Downey Jr's portrayal of Tony Stark, but less drunk and as a former intelligence officer turned Private Military Contractor rather than a superhero. He shares the frustrations most people share about current events today. The injustice, the seemingly futile responses and most importantly of all, the lack of SMART leadership from the current generation of politicians. The last one is something which factors into his past. In regards to his back-story, the author made very effective use of the "lost loved one" trope, and it goes along way to explaining why someone who used to be at the tip of the spear became a massive advocate of drone warfare.
Next, we have POTUS Margaret Meyers. She can be characterized by Bram Stoker's summary of Theodore Roosevelt, "Can't cajole, can't frighten, can't buy". She does her best to be a smart leader who tries to do the right thing even when it hurts her in the process and most importantly of all, when things are going to hell in a handcart, she's willing to put it all on the line and sacrifice something which she's worked herself to the bone to achieve.
Now for the constructive criticism. I've never really minded about authors who don't head the "show don't tell principle". But "Drone" had potential. Potential which was lost in the last third when the "telling" went into overdrive as the book focused on a terrorist campaign run by the Mexican drug cartels. If the author had done a little more "showing", and maybe focused on those parts a bit more (the climax area) It could have been sprawling, epic and the stuff Tom Clancy was doing at the height of his career but instead, it started to fizzle out.
Next, the technothriller parts began to be drowned out by the political aspects of this novel, as it progressed. This part is a very difficult balancing act for most writers, and the struggle to insert a commentary into the mix can be problematic. Too much and it becomes padding. Too little and the book won't convey whatever theme you want. And then there's execution where if the commentary comes off as preaching from a soapbox, some readers will be put off. For the first two thirds of the book, Mr Maden managed the balancing act well. From the difficulties of running a "third way" administration not paid for by America's political establishment to the horrific bloat in the budget for systems like the F35 compared to the cost effectiveness of Drones, they enriched those parts of the book. However, in the final third, the book simply tipped into preaching from the bully pulpit and became wearisome to put it bluntly.
Overall, Drone is a somewhat decent technothriller. The last third of the story caused it to fail at being a "Hunt For Red October" for Drone warfare but this series has potential. When the characters get focus, they're characterized adequately. The specific focus on Drones successfully distinguishes this book in a crowded genre. And the politics described in the early parts of the book are actually very interesting. In short, a new series takes flight but hasn't reached the heavens it could.
MAYBE RECOMMENDED.
February 19, 2017
Drone is not your typical jingoistic action-American novel, with a tough-talking ex-Marine going Duke Nukem on bearded villains. This is a techno-thriller, as drones take center stage in the US President's strategy after the war on terror combines with the war on drugs. Although President Meyers -- a populist outsider who ran against her own Republican party, won its base over their protests, and pledged to stop wasting lives and money overseas -- originally believes she is fighting narcowar-related instability in Mexico that has bled over into the United States, in truth one of the Mexican factions is being manipulated by a mysterious Iranian for the benefit of Tehran and another national capital. No spoilers, but a hint: don't go there in winter. While the international conspiracy element was tiresome, I found the pseudo-libertarian president a fascinating character, struggling as she did to keep her desire for justice and order in line with the Constitution. The variety of robotic surveillance devices and killing machines are a heavy attraction, too, and unlike other novels Maden has a good notion for how chaotic things can get domestically when fringe parties start riling each other up. Cloak-and-dagger drone operations create massive reprisal from the narco-gangs, and Meyer begins militarizing the US-Mexico border, constructing a border fence (for which Mexico does not pay) and prompting massive outcry among pro-immigration groups, from ivory tower college kids to businesses who want affordable labor. The amount of domestic ruckus actually made it more difficult to read the book for me, because the United States is currently (Feb 2017) being riven with political upset after the election of another dark-horse candidate and his own approach toward Mexico.
February 6, 2019
Don’t get me wrong here, I don’t dislike this book, I actually quite like it, but it’s just not that great. This book is a thriller by definition, but there are much better thrillers out there than this one. This one is just kind of “brain-dead”, I didn’t think much during the reading of the entire book and there wasn’t much to think. Everything just unfolded around you, which may be good for some people, but I crave a little more in a book. Some parts were just too predictable and I don’t really know how to explain why. I don’t want to rip on this book by comparing it to another one, but the Charlie Parker series is also a thriller, but it has all the parameters I stated above, you want to be constantly thinking and trying to think ahead. You want to know what’s going to happen next, but the author does a good job of not letting you know at all and pushes in a lot of action in addition to the mystery aspect. It’s just like Sherlock Holmes, but in more modern times with demons, guns, and deadly cults. Back to the main book, I would recommend this book to people who like to just “read” and let action appear in front of them, it’s a good thriller, but it’s not a unique thriller like the Charlie Parker series and I would reccoment Drone to people of all ages 12 and up.
August 17, 2017
I found Mike Maden after reading his new Tom Clancy novel, Point of Contact. It made me want to go back and read his first book- Drone. Wow! This is a fantastic, non-stop read that moves at a break-neck pace (literally for some characters!) He is vivid in his explanations, but not with just a bunch of descriptive adjectives. He has crafted phrases that helped me sit in a scene, drinking it in, which allowed me to enjoy the experience (even the tension) a great deal more than other books I've read recently!
Troy Pearce is a good character to hook into and I'm anxious to follow him through the series. There are a lot of characters and the action moves fast- maybe too fast in some spots where some more of the journey from A to B may have added a little more clarity or at least been more fun to read. More would be better with this author!
The technology leaps in this book are wonderous- meaning, you will find yourself saying, 'hmmmm' and looking over your shoulder now and then. Very real, yet still out there just a bit. A perfect combination.
I highly recommend this one!
Troy Pearce is a good character to hook into and I'm anxious to follow him through the series. There are a lot of characters and the action moves fast- maybe too fast in some spots where some more of the journey from A to B may have added a little more clarity or at least been more fun to read. More would be better with this author!
The technology leaps in this book are wonderous- meaning, you will find yourself saying, 'hmmmm' and looking over your shoulder now and then. Very real, yet still out there just a bit. A perfect combination.
I highly recommend this one!
February 3, 2022
Engrossing thriller with international characters. Troy Pearce owns a company called Pearce Systems that deploy unmanned drones around the world for various companies and reasons. He is asked by President Myers to go after some serious enemies of the U.S. using armed drones. She is trying to avoid a war with Mexico that is being instigated by an Iranian operative. The Russians are also involved. Meanwhile, there is a faction in her cabinet that is just itching to go to war. She thinks by taking out the leaders of the two Mexican cartels who are being manipulated that things will settle down.
I found the various types of drones very interesting from tiny little mosquito ones to the big Reaper drones that can fire Hellfire missles.
I found the various types of drones very interesting from tiny little mosquito ones to the big Reaper drones that can fire Hellfire missles.
May 1, 2021
finished this one yesterday 30 apr 2021 good read four stars really liked it kindle owned am on the second have read a few other maden stories, his "clancy-maden" stories as i've shelved them. drones, what can you say, spooky stuff. thought the interactions with the potus a bit on the...what would be the word...? meh...don't know...a bit different is all. and politics. i wonder allatime if given the way we're all "connected", most of us when we don't even know it, if those connections feed the machine. how else to explain the actions of some? that or visitations. possession. rack em up.
December 20, 2023
I don't know what to think of this book. LOTS, LOTS, LOTS of things take place, but I cannot decide if they are unbelievable in that I cannot believe they actually take place OR if the plot is unbelieveable becasause I hope that these plot points are not possible. Why this is called a Troy Pearce novel? I am unsure. He is a minor, minor character. And after thinking about it, I am unsure if there is actually a "main" character, other than the President. I will read book 2 before deciding if I like this series or not. I will revisit this review after reading Blue Warrior.
December 31, 2018
i didn't think this book was good for action, very slow going and a lot of politics. this book didn't really have what i like in an action book. even the terrorist turned out to be wimpy! all though the book ali is willing to die for what he believes in, then at the end he stikes a deal with troy to go home. it would have been better if he had stayed hidden, then he could have come back in the next book. personally, i think that would have been a better idea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2019
I liked the basic plot. It was a nice twist on the usual Middle Eastern terrorist story, and it was interesting to think of the US declaring drug dealers terrorists and attacking them that way. Also, the drone technology was very realistic. But the plot just kept getting more and more complicated and eventually became unbelievable, and in the end it really wasn't a story about drones anyway. Pearce seems like a good character, and I'll probably read more.
July 8, 2019
A very interesting book.
This book, in my opinion, has a very interesting plot from the national to international politics. I found the tech aspects of war also interesting and thought provoking and the characters believable. If you enjoy these things in a very fast moving action packed book then you should really enjoy this book. I have already purchased the next book in this series.
This book, in my opinion, has a very interesting plot from the national to international politics. I found the tech aspects of war also interesting and thought provoking and the characters believable. If you enjoy these things in a very fast moving action packed book then you should really enjoy this book. I have already purchased the next book in this series.
August 9, 2018
I tried out this book as I like the way Mr. Maden wrote in the famous Clancy world. I thought I would give it a try and was pleasantly surprised. To the point whereas I ordered #2 and almost started reading it. Good book fighting the cartels in Mexico with our nemesis, Iran thrown in for some salt on the wound. I'm hooked on the Drone series.
Read
July 3, 2019Mike Maden knows technology & presents it in Drone in an exciting and relevant manner. The book is relevant because Mike Maden connects technology with current events. The protagonist, Troy Pearce , loves our country, wants peace in the world after serving in the military, and uses technology to settle disputes.
June 23, 2018
Troy Pearce is now a favorite hero of mine.
Mr. Maden has built a new type of hero. One that doesn't need to be the biggest or the best character in his book, just the most able. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Mr. Maden has built a new type of hero. One that doesn't need to be the biggest or the best character in his book, just the most able. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
July 9, 2018
Good stuff
Kind of brings Tom Clancy into the 21 century with hi tech drones and a female President. The writer drops in some cases for political reform that would be most welcome in today’s climate of distrust of government.
Kind of brings Tom Clancy into the 21 century with hi tech drones and a female President. The writer drops in some cases for political reform that would be most welcome in today’s climate of distrust of government.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews