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Street Soldier #1
Street Soldier
CRIMINAL TURNED SOLDIER - NOW HE MUST STOP A WAR ON LONDON'S STREETS.
London gang member Sean Harker is down on his luck. After a car heist gone wrong, he finds himself in a young offender's institution . . . aged only 16.
Locked up and afraid, a horrifying incident convinces Sean to turn his life around. It's hard, gruelling work in the army cadet force, but it's a chance for another life in the army - fulfilling, thrilling and adventurous.
But leaving gang life behind is not going to be easy. As Sean is drawn further back into his shady past, he discovers a war is being fought - a war that threatens to explode onto London's streets.
The army needs him. Sean has choices to make. And it's not just his own life at stake . . .
London gang member Sean Harker is down on his luck. After a car heist gone wrong, he finds himself in a young offender's institution . . . aged only 16.
Locked up and afraid, a horrifying incident convinces Sean to turn his life around. It's hard, gruelling work in the army cadet force, but it's a chance for another life in the army - fulfilling, thrilling and adventurous.
But leaving gang life behind is not going to be easy. As Sean is drawn further back into his shady past, he discovers a war is being fought - a war that threatens to explode onto London's streets.
The army needs him. Sean has choices to make. And it's not just his own life at stake . . .
368 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2016
42 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
About the author
Andy McNab
205 books1,162 followersAndy McNab joined the infantry in 1976 as a boy soldier. In 1984 he was badged as a member of 22 SAS Regiment. He served in B Squadron 22 SAS for ten years and worked on both covert and overt special operations worldwide, including anti-terrorist and anti-drug operations in the Middle and Far East, South and Central America and Northern Ireland.
Trained as a specialist in counter terrorism, prime target elimination, demolitions, weapons and tactics, covert surveillance and information gathering in hostile environments, and VIP protection, McNab worked on cooperative operations with police forces, prison services, anti-drug forces and western backed guerrilla movements as well as on conventional special operations. In Northern Ireland he spent two years working as an undercover operator with 14th Intelligence Group, going on to become an instructor.
McNab also worked as an instructor on the SAS selection and training team and instructed foreign special forces in counter terrorism, hostage rescue and survival training.
Andy McNab has written about his experiences in the SAS in two bestselling books, Bravo Two Zero (1993) and Immediate Action (1995). Bravo Two Zero is the highest selling war book of all time and has sold over 1.7 million copies in the UK. To date it has been published in 17 countries and translated into 16 languages. The CD spoken word version of Bravo Two Zero, narrated by McNab, sold over 60,000 copies and earned a silver disc. The BBC's film of Bravo Two Zero, starring Sean Bean, was shown on primetime BBC 1 television in 1999 and released on DVD in 2000.
Immediate Action, McNab's autobiography, spent 18 weeks at the top of the bestseller lists following the lifting on an ex-parte injunction granted to the Ministry of Defence in September 1995. To date, Immediate Action has now sold over 1.4 million copies in the UK.
McNab is the author of seven fast action thrillers, highly acclaimed for their authenticity and all Sunday Times bestsellers. Published in 1997, Remote Control was hailed as the most authentic thriller ever written and has sold over half a million copies in the UK. McNab's subsequent thrillers, Crisis Four, Firewall, Last Light , Liberation Day , Dark Winter , Deep Black and Aggressor have all gone on to sell equally well. The central character in all the books is Nick Stone, a tough ex-SAS operative working as a 'K' on deniable operations for British Intelligence.
McNab's fiction draws extensively on his experiences and knowledge of Special Forces soldiering. He has been officially registered by Neilsen Bookscan as the bestselling British thriller writer of the last year.
Trained as a specialist in counter terrorism, prime target elimination, demolitions, weapons and tactics, covert surveillance and information gathering in hostile environments, and VIP protection, McNab worked on cooperative operations with police forces, prison services, anti-drug forces and western backed guerrilla movements as well as on conventional special operations. In Northern Ireland he spent two years working as an undercover operator with 14th Intelligence Group, going on to become an instructor.
McNab also worked as an instructor on the SAS selection and training team and instructed foreign special forces in counter terrorism, hostage rescue and survival training.
Andy McNab has written about his experiences in the SAS in two bestselling books, Bravo Two Zero (1993) and Immediate Action (1995). Bravo Two Zero is the highest selling war book of all time and has sold over 1.7 million copies in the UK. To date it has been published in 17 countries and translated into 16 languages. The CD spoken word version of Bravo Two Zero, narrated by McNab, sold over 60,000 copies and earned a silver disc. The BBC's film of Bravo Two Zero, starring Sean Bean, was shown on primetime BBC 1 television in 1999 and released on DVD in 2000.
Immediate Action, McNab's autobiography, spent 18 weeks at the top of the bestseller lists following the lifting on an ex-parte injunction granted to the Ministry of Defence in September 1995. To date, Immediate Action has now sold over 1.4 million copies in the UK.
McNab is the author of seven fast action thrillers, highly acclaimed for their authenticity and all Sunday Times bestsellers. Published in 1997, Remote Control was hailed as the most authentic thriller ever written and has sold over half a million copies in the UK. McNab's subsequent thrillers, Crisis Four, Firewall, Last Light , Liberation Day , Dark Winter , Deep Black and Aggressor have all gone on to sell equally well. The central character in all the books is Nick Stone, a tough ex-SAS operative working as a 'K' on deniable operations for British Intelligence.
McNab's fiction draws extensively on his experiences and knowledge of Special Forces soldiering. He has been officially registered by Neilsen Bookscan as the bestselling British thriller writer of the last year.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 26, 2016
This is the story of the misadventures of a teen gang member, Sean Harker, who finds that being caught doing the crime really does mean paying back the time. Aged fifteen, he saves two of his mates when spotted trying to steal cars but ends up being caught himself. Convicted, he is sent to a young offenders institute where he reconnects with a couple of other members of the same gang from where he grew up. He discovers that sometimes it is who you know that impacts on how you are treated - but be very wary when they aren't there! When offered the opportunity to undergo army training, although initially reluctant to do so, after a traumatic experience, Sean decides to give it a go. The story chronicles what happens to Sean, life in the military, gangs, being targeted, temptations and a shocking new role for him.
I found this a thoroughly engaging and inspirational read. The author's message at the end of the novel tells that some of the experiences of being a gang member, going to a young offenders institution and then being encouraged to join the army are ones he has gone through to turn his life around. I think that shows in how the characters are written,this is a story but the key elements are factors that the author truly understands and relates to as they were part of his personal teen years. I found reading the glossary of terms at the beginning very useful in helping me understand some of the military terms used - I also had fun seeing which of them my husband knew!
This is a hard hitting novel, the kind you hope troubled teens might read and be inspired to change their lives but at the same time can be enjoyed by adults, too. "Every time you get a bit of knowledge, you get a bit of power to take control of your life. Just try it."
I found this a thoroughly engaging and inspirational read. The author's message at the end of the novel tells that some of the experiences of being a gang member, going to a young offenders institution and then being encouraged to join the army are ones he has gone through to turn his life around. I think that shows in how the characters are written,this is a story but the key elements are factors that the author truly understands and relates to as they were part of his personal teen years. I found reading the glossary of terms at the beginning very useful in helping me understand some of the military terms used - I also had fun seeing which of them my husband knew!
This is a hard hitting novel, the kind you hope troubled teens might read and be inspired to change their lives but at the same time can be enjoyed by adults, too. "Every time you get a bit of knowledge, you get a bit of power to take control of your life. Just try it."
March 8, 2017
*Full disclosure - I wrote this review a while ago and forgot to post it*
Due to the more adult themes and language used I'm going to label Street Soldier as mature YA.
Teenage gangs are a big problem in England. London definitely has a lot of gang related crime, so it wasn't difficult to imagine the scenarios Sean ends up in happening outside of the book. The story is about Sean's crimes and the long lasting consequences.
We see his life in the gang, in a young offenders institution and as a solider in the army. London is the war zone he always knew but that we may not have expected.
I loved the raw honesty and heartbreaking authenticity Andy McNab works into Sean's story but it was his daily struggle to turn his life around, to right his wrongs, to be a better version of himself which really won me over. He charmed me.
The concept is clever and terrifying in parts, yet hopeful and inspirational in others. The plot is engaging and original. The pace is dramatic and action filled.
4 Stars in my Sky!
I received a copy from the publisher (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review!
January 6, 2017
loved it
Started at first to lose me a little but then In Typical McNabb style I was hooked and couldn't put the book down brilliant read
Started at first to lose me a little but then In Typical McNabb style I was hooked and couldn't put the book down brilliant read
August 26, 2017
I won this book, and its sequel Silent Weapon, in a Goodreads giveaway so thank you to the publishers for sending me a copy of these books.
This is my first foray into the literary world of Andy McNab and I enjoyed it.
A decent central narrative set against the backdrop of a military world. Sean is a Young Offender and gets himself embroiled in military life after meeting Phil Adams who introduces Sean to a new government initiative - an army cadet force in Young Offenders Institutes. This experience changes his life in more ways than one.
Further down the line, Sean finds himself involved in a situation only he can get himself out of (with the help of MI5): after all, 'old habits were too ingrained to die'.
I am very much looking forward to getting stuck into its sequel.
This is my first foray into the literary world of Andy McNab and I enjoyed it.
A decent central narrative set against the backdrop of a military world. Sean is a Young Offender and gets himself embroiled in military life after meeting Phil Adams who introduces Sean to a new government initiative - an army cadet force in Young Offenders Institutes. This experience changes his life in more ways than one.
Further down the line, Sean finds himself involved in a situation only he can get himself out of (with the help of MI5): after all, 'old habits were too ingrained to die'.
I am very much looking forward to getting stuck into its sequel.
August 17, 2016
As an adult I did enjoy this story I have marked it down due to the fact it's classed as young adult and being published by Penguin Random House UK Children's which could be misleading as to the age range it's suited to and the bad language used throughout though I'm sure 16+ would use such language I'm not sure as a parent I'd want to encourage such language with reading material. I have seen a hardcopy in shops since reading and it does bear a "for older readers" disclaimer on the back (though no actual mention as to why) sadly this isn't followed through on other sale sites I've seen (so far).
All that said the story was the first I have read from this author and as an adult I'd not be put off reading others, I don't usually pick up books with as much of a military theme (and as such was glad of the glossary at the start of the kindle version) but I still enjoyed the thrill of the storyline which showed the main character going from being a gang member on a London council estate into an army role and becoming a key role in helping to save his own area of London becoming a war zone.
All that said the story was the first I have read from this author and as an adult I'd not be put off reading others, I don't usually pick up books with as much of a military theme (and as such was glad of the glossary at the start of the kindle version) but I still enjoyed the thrill of the storyline which showed the main character going from being a gang member on a London council estate into an army role and becoming a key role in helping to save his own area of London becoming a war zone.
August 23, 2016
I first fell in love with Andy Mc Nabs books after reading Bravo Two Zero and Immediate Action some 20 years ago at the age of 16. This book failed to disappoint, action packed, gritty, fully of suspense and intrigue, with unexpecting curveballs a truly enthralling read. Highly recommend for YA.
I was given a copy of the book in return for an honest review.
I was given a copy of the book in return for an honest review.
October 20, 2017
This was my first read of Andy Mcnab and although i had heard of him didnt really think his books would be my thing until i received this book!! Although i have to say first that the sequel is better but that down to it completes things and you see alot of character development!! But obviously you have to read first book LOVE that he from UK and his loyalty to his country, lovable rouge is defo what the main character is to me!! This book was straight away easy to get into!! Which i was surprised about!! There were aspects to book that reminded me of james Bond, but i think thats what i enjoyed!! I sadly am not a big action or fight scene kind of girl. But i have just read a book full of this and enjoyed it!! I always say i dont want my reviews to have spoilers unless i feel it of importance, so i arent going to go into plot and it quite explanatory on book!! That is what happens but i would say this book building this character so we know him and his team how they think etc, So although i did enjoy it the next book ACE so if you buy this book or you buy for someone else get sequel too!!! I will defo read another of Andy McNabs books again!!
September 10, 2020
As an adult I did enjoy this story I have marked it down due to the fact it's classed as young adult and being published by Penguin Random House UK Children's which could be misleading as to the age range it's suited to and the bad language used throughout though I'm sure 16+ would use such language I'm not sure as a parent I'd want to encourage such language with reading material. I have seen a hardcopy in shops since reading and it does bear a "for older readers" disclaimer on the back (though no actual mention as to why) sadly this isn't followed through on other sale sites I've seen (so far).
All that said the story was the first I have read from this author and as an adult I'd not be put off reading others, I don't usually pick up books with as much of a military theme (and as such was glad of the glossary at the start of the kindle version) but I still enjoyed the thrill of the storyline which showed the main character going from being a gang estate member into army role and becoming a key role in helping to save his own area of London becoming a war zone.
All that said the story was the first I have read from this author and as an adult I'd not be put off reading others, I don't usually pick up books with as much of a military theme (and as such was glad of the glossary at the start of the kindle version) but I still enjoyed the thrill of the storyline which showed the main character going from being a gang estate member into army role and becoming a key role in helping to save his own area of London becoming a war zone.
January 12, 2018
A new YA set from Andy McNab. This time starting from a young offender, Sean Harker, who as a part of gang ends up getting knicked for stealing a motorbike. In the Young Offenders Institution he gets recruited into the Army where he ends up embroiled in a terrorist plot at home in Central London.
I had a hard job deciding what rating to give this. I was in a more generous mood last night when I gave it 4 stars last night. Truthfully it is more like 3.5 stars and I rounded up, another time I might have rounded down to 3.
Overall the storyline in itself was fine and flowed fine. However, my main problem, and it really affects how I enjoy a book was that I did not like 99% of the people in it.
Harker, the lead was in a word a twat! I actually found it hard to like him, in someway he is trying to change his life around through the Army (which is I guess is the point of the book - recruitment tool for teenagers anyone!) but at the same time he seems way too gullible and equally liable to fall back into his old ways - which he sort of did - nuff said!
Heaton - immediately screamed - slime ball to me - and showed a distinct lack of character judgement from Harker to being duped by him so easily.
Harker's mum was whinny and annoying and about the only person who I did like was Sergeant Adams who recruited Harker and became his handler of sorts!
It was okay, but in the end I just wanted to finish it and be done with it, after a while it seemed to go quite slow and Harker was annoying me being a total tool! Probably should have rounded down to 3 stars if I am totally honest.
Unlikely to carry on with the set. I couldn't be bothered to read the first few chapters of the next book in the back of it and wouldn't go out of my way for it.
Addition to original note 12th Jan 2018
After looking at what I actually rate 4 stars, I really cannot justify giving this book that rating so I have down graded to 3 stars.
I had a hard job deciding what rating to give this. I was in a more generous mood last night when I gave it 4 stars last night. Truthfully it is more like 3.5 stars and I rounded up, another time I might have rounded down to 3.
Overall the storyline in itself was fine and flowed fine. However, my main problem, and it really affects how I enjoy a book was that I did not like 99% of the people in it.
Harker, the lead was in a word a twat! I actually found it hard to like him, in someway he is trying to change his life around through the Army (which is I guess is the point of the book - recruitment tool for teenagers anyone!) but at the same time he seems way too gullible and equally liable to fall back into his old ways - which he sort of did - nuff said!
Heaton - immediately screamed - slime ball to me - and showed a distinct lack of character judgement from Harker to being duped by him so easily.
Harker's mum was whinny and annoying and about the only person who I did like was Sergeant Adams who recruited Harker and became his handler of sorts!
It was okay, but in the end I just wanted to finish it and be done with it, after a while it seemed to go quite slow and Harker was annoying me being a total tool! Probably should have rounded down to 3 stars if I am totally honest.
Unlikely to carry on with the set. I couldn't be bothered to read the first few chapters of the next book in the back of it and wouldn't go out of my way for it.
Addition to original note 12th Jan 2018
After looking at what I actually rate 4 stars, I really cannot justify giving this book that rating so I have down graded to 3 stars.
February 1, 2021
Picked this up a day after I finished Hover Car Racer by Matthew Reilly. Was after something light and full on. And I got exactly what I wanted.
I did feel there was more to be told as the ending seemed a little rushed and slightly improbable.
I hadn't read any Andy McNab before and did find some of the writing would have seen a lot of red pen from my own editors. It may have been the audience this was aimed at, which seemed to be young adult, or it may have been the result of being a famous author with a kind editor.
There is a sequel, so I might have to check it out.
I did feel there was more to be told as the ending seemed a little rushed and slightly improbable.
I hadn't read any Andy McNab before and did find some of the writing would have seen a lot of red pen from my own editors. It may have been the audience this was aimed at, which seemed to be young adult, or it may have been the result of being a famous author with a kind editor.
There is a sequel, so I might have to check it out.
September 17, 2017
Slutet - klar (spoilers in Swedish)
Den gick lite som jag trodde, speciellt i slutet, att Shaun rädda staden även fast bomberna gick av så räddade han msk:orna å blev befodrar. Gillade verkligen hur Ethan tvistade Shauns förtroende å hur mycket han ljög. Den var dock int lika spännande som ja hoppades men den var riktigt bra. Han gärna vela veta mer om varför Matt va me i skiten, än att "for the guys"
Den gick lite som jag trodde, speciellt i slutet, att Shaun rädda staden även fast bomberna gick av så räddade han msk:orna å blev befodrar. Gillade verkligen hur Ethan tvistade Shauns förtroende å hur mycket han ljög. Den var dock int lika spännande som ja hoppades men den var riktigt bra. Han gärna vela veta mer om varför Matt va me i skiten, än att "for the guys"
July 7, 2024
Part way through the book, events were heading in a disappointing direction and I really questioned the author’s choices, lol. But it was all part of the journey. =) This was well crafted and I can tell McNab put a lot of thought into it, which I appreciate tremendously. It holds water. The author’s note at the end was a great addition as well. I’m impressed.
July 22, 2017
Very light and fast. Quick entertainment.
October 23, 2017
I've enjoyed other Andy McNab books a lot more. This was just kind of an average read.
January 1, 2019
Would have been a 4 if it didn't have a lot of backwards and forwards. However after the ending I will definitely pick up book 2
March 3, 2019
I can see teenage boys in particular would LOVE this ( and I know some who do) I just wasn't in the mood...
Want to read
June 15, 2019Street Soldier by Andy Mcnab.
A very good read with some great characters. Lots of action too. 4*.
A very good read with some great characters. Lots of action too. 4*.
June 29, 2022
ok a bit disappointing, the treatment of female characters was poor, pretty superficial stereotypes
Aimed at young males but not very inspiring
Aimed at young males but not very inspiring
April 10, 2025
Good story
November 7, 2025
A great start to an action / military series.
I really like Andy McNab's writing of people and action. Looking forward to reading more of this series.
I really like Andy McNab's writing of people and action. Looking forward to reading more of this series.
August 23, 2016
This was my introduction to Andy McNab's high-octane action thrillers - and he's written a big pile of them, most of them bestsellers. And I definitely will pick up more of Andy's books for sure.
Sean Harker, the protagonist here is a seventeen-year old boy, who has this penchant to get into trouble and fall headlong into all the possible traps. Starting with growing up in a rough neighbourhood and thus, being a part of gang that specializes in 'nicking' cars for a living. His latest heist goes tits up and Sean lands up in the YOI [ Young Offenders Institute, apparently juvenile prison for older kids] Redemption comes in the form of Sergeant Adams, who recognizes a little of himself in young Sean and wants to make use of his zeal and talent for the good of the country - recruiting him into the army. But as with Sean, trouble is never too far away. He falls for the wrong people again and this time, the shit really hits the fan when he is embezzled into a scam, for arms-running for covert organizations who are spreading 'Jihadi' terror under false fronts. How Sean extricates his head from deep inside his backside - as well as the warren of trouble that he falls into, forms the crux of the story.
I might have sounded a bit peeved off here - but I really really liked the story. Especially the beginning where Sean's character gets drawn out. It has to be pointed out that Andy McNab brings a refreshing realism to the age old military action-thriller genre - this time, drawing off on perhaps his own life experiences - to create an entirely believable premise, topical in today's world living in perpetual fear of the terrorists and fear-mongers who feed on such. Andy zooms into the story with Sean's escapade that lands him in jail and never really takes his foot off the pedal, vrooming away until the satisfying but predictable climax payoff. The writing is fluid and the steady careful prose doesn't feel jaded. Carrying us readers through to the predictable conclusion, but he has definitely filled the whole narrative up with dangerous situations that keep us on the edge of our seats [And that the hot-headed Sean Harker seems to love and be drawn into.]
I am giving this a only THREE Star - chiefly because I hated Sean. I thought he was brash, over confident and foolish in almost all the situations that he had to be cautious about. Sure, works for the thrills but in my mind, I kept cursing the chap. Lay it down to his immaturity and age, perhaps. Corporal Heaton, I thought made for a great side character but sadly Any doesn't build on it any further.
Overall, a good fast read on a rainy day or in the beach - and trust me, you cannot help looking over your shoulders for any suspicious looking fellows the whole time after you finish this fresh take on 'terrorism' in the world. Andy McNab's extensive real life experience lends that aura of credence to anything he writes and it's evident in ample amounts here as well. Recommended for fans of military action thriller.
Sean Harker, the protagonist here is a seventeen-year old boy, who has this penchant to get into trouble and fall headlong into all the possible traps. Starting with growing up in a rough neighbourhood and thus, being a part of gang that specializes in 'nicking' cars for a living. His latest heist goes tits up and Sean lands up in the YOI [ Young Offenders Institute, apparently juvenile prison for older kids] Redemption comes in the form of Sergeant Adams, who recognizes a little of himself in young Sean and wants to make use of his zeal and talent for the good of the country - recruiting him into the army. But as with Sean, trouble is never too far away. He falls for the wrong people again and this time, the shit really hits the fan when he is embezzled into a scam, for arms-running for covert organizations who are spreading 'Jihadi' terror under false fronts. How Sean extricates his head from deep inside his backside - as well as the warren of trouble that he falls into, forms the crux of the story.
I might have sounded a bit peeved off here - but I really really liked the story. Especially the beginning where Sean's character gets drawn out. It has to be pointed out that Andy McNab brings a refreshing realism to the age old military action-thriller genre - this time, drawing off on perhaps his own life experiences - to create an entirely believable premise, topical in today's world living in perpetual fear of the terrorists and fear-mongers who feed on such. Andy zooms into the story with Sean's escapade that lands him in jail and never really takes his foot off the pedal, vrooming away until the satisfying but predictable climax payoff. The writing is fluid and the steady careful prose doesn't feel jaded. Carrying us readers through to the predictable conclusion, but he has definitely filled the whole narrative up with dangerous situations that keep us on the edge of our seats [And that the hot-headed Sean Harker seems to love and be drawn into.]
I am giving this a only THREE Star - chiefly because I hated Sean. I thought he was brash, over confident and foolish in almost all the situations that he had to be cautious about. Sure, works for the thrills but in my mind, I kept cursing the chap. Lay it down to his immaturity and age, perhaps. Corporal Heaton, I thought made for a great side character but sadly Any doesn't build on it any further.
Overall, a good fast read on a rainy day or in the beach - and trust me, you cannot help looking over your shoulders for any suspicious looking fellows the whole time after you finish this fresh take on 'terrorism' in the world. Andy McNab's extensive real life experience lends that aura of credence to anything he writes and it's evident in ample amounts here as well. Recommended for fans of military action thriller.
February 6, 2017
This Young Adult Thriller is about how easy it is for teenagers to be easily led into following the wrong path. Extending a helping hand can turn their lives around!
Sean is a sixteen year old whose passion is cars and motobikes. He steals them for a living! He lives with his mother and his only other family is his gang.
When Sean and two of his mates and gang members are on a stake out for their next heist, something goes wrong. He does the honourable thing and draws attention to himself to give his mates a chance. Things don't go quite as he planned and he ends up being chased by the cops. He gives them a run for their money before they catch up with him and he ends up in the "Nick".
Two of his gang members, Gaz and Copper are already in residence in the juvenile prison. This doesn’t make him feel any better about being locked up and he is counting the days to his freedom and getting back to the life he loves. He soon changes his mind when he is met with the most disturbing occurence in regards to Gaz. He is offered a chance to join the British Army and although he is apprehensive about changing his way of life, he doesn't want to end up like Gaz. His mind made up, he joins the army with all intentions of staying on the straight and narrow.
He is befriended by Heaton, a fellow soldier and Sean's life is about to change yet again! Heaton lives the high life when not in training and he convinces Sean that he too could afford such luxuries. Initially Sean is not interested but when he finds that his mother is being bullied and abused, he changes his mind to help his mum with the extra money. He is led to believe that these pursuits are for a good cause. There is an attack on the army quarters and this prompts him to continue to work with Heaton. He then meets Rich from Richmond who is very convincing about his "good cause". He soon finds out that nothing is as it seems. From here on out everything goes from bad to worse, especially when Sean is put to the test. He is offered another chance to put things right. A dangerous offer but at this point, he doesn't have any choice. He goes from delinquent to soldier to undercover agent.
Sean is intelligent and proves to be more than capable to undertake his duties and to do the right thing. The story puts an important perspective on how far those who want to disrupt the peace at the expense of the innocents will go, to stir up racial discards and induce terror. This thriller is fast and furious. There is a plot within a plot which is unravelled with expertise and precision. It would appeal to those who like to read a well balanced thriller with suspense and numerous twists and turns. This sure kept me at the edge of my seat.
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Sean is a sixteen year old whose passion is cars and motobikes. He steals them for a living! He lives with his mother and his only other family is his gang.
When Sean and two of his mates and gang members are on a stake out for their next heist, something goes wrong. He does the honourable thing and draws attention to himself to give his mates a chance. Things don't go quite as he planned and he ends up being chased by the cops. He gives them a run for their money before they catch up with him and he ends up in the "Nick".
Two of his gang members, Gaz and Copper are already in residence in the juvenile prison. This doesn’t make him feel any better about being locked up and he is counting the days to his freedom and getting back to the life he loves. He soon changes his mind when he is met with the most disturbing occurence in regards to Gaz. He is offered a chance to join the British Army and although he is apprehensive about changing his way of life, he doesn't want to end up like Gaz. His mind made up, he joins the army with all intentions of staying on the straight and narrow.
He is befriended by Heaton, a fellow soldier and Sean's life is about to change yet again! Heaton lives the high life when not in training and he convinces Sean that he too could afford such luxuries. Initially Sean is not interested but when he finds that his mother is being bullied and abused, he changes his mind to help his mum with the extra money. He is led to believe that these pursuits are for a good cause. There is an attack on the army quarters and this prompts him to continue to work with Heaton. He then meets Rich from Richmond who is very convincing about his "good cause". He soon finds out that nothing is as it seems. From here on out everything goes from bad to worse, especially when Sean is put to the test. He is offered another chance to put things right. A dangerous offer but at this point, he doesn't have any choice. He goes from delinquent to soldier to undercover agent.
Sean is intelligent and proves to be more than capable to undertake his duties and to do the right thing. The story puts an important perspective on how far those who want to disrupt the peace at the expense of the innocents will go, to stir up racial discards and induce terror. This thriller is fast and furious. There is a plot within a plot which is unravelled with expertise and precision. It would appeal to those who like to read a well balanced thriller with suspense and numerous twists and turns. This sure kept me at the edge of my seat.
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2017
Got better as it went on- really exciting!
September 16, 2016
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The story’s vivid imagery draws the reader into the world of London’s street gangs. Sean Harker has many commendable qualities, despite his criminal intentions and is an easy anti- hero to identify with, whatever your age but particularly for the intended late teen, young adult audience.
This is a hard-hitting story. The reality of Sean’s life as a gang member is often sordid but when his luck runs out, the chance to start again beckons but will he survive it? The scene setting of the first few chapters is so important for the rest of the story, as Sean’s new life collides with his old with alarming consequences.
Although Sean makes some questionable choices and friends, these illustrate his naivety, despite his former life as a gang member. The plot is simple to follow but the strong characters make it exciting and page turning and Sean is definitely a character who could have more adventures in future books.
‘Street Soldier’ is great storytelling with a realistic edge. Fast paced action with a true hero and an overriding theme of hope, whatever the challenges.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Andy McNab
February 17, 2017
Good mind candy with plenty of action to accompany a fast-paced story line.
December 22, 2016
First Andy McNab book I have read and ok. I realise the 'hero' was only 17 but he changes sides so quickly, it feels a lightweight character. Action well described.
September 7, 2016
Action-packed and fast-paced, this is a thrill ride of a young adult book.
Sean Harker steals cars and causes trouble, until a heist that goes wrong lands him in prison. When he witnesses events he'd rather forget, he's convinced to enlist in the army, and trouble suddenly involves friends, enemies, bombs, and terrorists...
The pace of this book was furious, the action authentic and well-written, and the message a good one. The protagonist was a loveable and charismatic boy with a large dose of naivety thrown in. A very enjoyable thriller of an adventure, with a good sprinkling of hope. Recommended.
*I received a free copy from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
Sean Harker steals cars and causes trouble, until a heist that goes wrong lands him in prison. When he witnesses events he'd rather forget, he's convinced to enlist in the army, and trouble suddenly involves friends, enemies, bombs, and terrorists...
The pace of this book was furious, the action authentic and well-written, and the message a good one. The protagonist was a loveable and charismatic boy with a large dose of naivety thrown in. A very enjoyable thriller of an adventure, with a good sprinkling of hope. Recommended.
*I received a free copy from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
August 24, 2016
I received a free e-book copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Sean Harker is a thief who steals cars and motorbikes for a living. But he gets caught and ends up in the Young Offender Institution, which is a British prison. One day, he is recruited for the Army and which he accepts. From the time Sean joins the army, there is a build-up of suspense and a lot of action.
Overall a good read.
Sean Harker is a thief who steals cars and motorbikes for a living. But he gets caught and ends up in the Young Offender Institution, which is a British prison. One day, he is recruited for the Army and which he accepts. From the time Sean joins the army, there is a build-up of suspense and a lot of action.
Overall a good read.
September 22, 2016
Very good read, some great twists and turns all the way through! Very entertaining with plenty of page turning action keeps hooked till the very end.
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