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Matt Drake #3
The Gates of Hell
Recommended for those who love an escapist action adventure.
Praise for 'The Bones of Odin' - a UK #1 Bestseller
"Bond meets The Da Vinci code but with higher stakes!"
"If you like Andy Mcdermott or Matthew Reilly, get this book."
Praise for 'The Bones of Odin' - a UK #1 Bestseller
"Bond meets The Da Vinci code but with higher stakes!"
"If you like Andy Mcdermott or Matthew Reilly, get this book."
Matt Drake, broken by the murder of his loved ones, betrayal, and the threat to his friends, sets out to cancel the blood vendetta imposed by the underworld linchpin, the Blood King. Revenge, terrible and personal drives Drake in his quest to stop the man who has become his nemesis.
The mercenary, Boudreau, now in the hands of his enemies, sits stone-faced and unflinching as Hayden Jaye desperately tries to extract the information she needs to save the lives of hundreds. After several failed attempts she becomes painfully aware it's going to take extreme measures to make him talk.
Meanwhile, the Blood King finally sets into motion his long-term plan to enter the Gates of Hell and finish something his idol, Captain Cook, could never do: discover the shocking secrets hidden within, while launching multiple terrorist attacks and an all-out war against the islands of Hawaii.
With nothing more than an ancient map left behind by Captain Cook, Drake and his team must follow the Blood King through a deadly maze in the heart of a volcano. He risks everything to track down the most dangerous man of modern times and help unravel the mysteries surrounding the bones of Odin.
246 pages, Paperback
First published September 19, 2012
303 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
About the author
David Leadbeater
90 books1,104 followersInternational bestselling author of twenty one thrillers, thirteen in the Matt Drake Action/Adventure series, also The Disavowed and Alicia Myles series'. All available for the Amazon Kindle.
Website - www.davidleadbeater.com
Reader of multiple genres. Husband. Father of two beautiful girls, aged 5 and 7. Joss Whedon fan.
Website - www.davidleadbeater.com
Reader of multiple genres. Husband. Father of two beautiful girls, aged 5 and 7. Joss Whedon fan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 21, 2019
The Gates of Hell - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Move over Dan Brown and Indiana Jones - there's a new archeological thriller writer who's crept into my heart and onto my bookshelves with his outstanding all-action thrillers that cover whole pantheons of gods and goddesses, from multiple belief systems across countless ages - and proves one way or the other if the legends are true, (yes, mostly) and what implications these discoveries may have for humanity.
With exciting characters and plotlines and ingeniously evil villains you won't be able to anything until you've read (and in my case reviewed), to the end of the last page and eagerly on to the next exciting adventure with MC Matt Drake et al.
Fortunately that's entirely possible as, (and please note they're best read in order to link backstories to the current one) there are currently no fewer than 20 books in the series - and this is only Book 3! The Gates of Hell by amazingly prolific and skillful author David Leadbeater will let everyone know what's sure to become no 1 on your wishlist for birthday, Christmas, anniversary etc book requirements for the next couple of years (depending on how quickly you read of course), so don't delay - get reading and in between (eg meal, toilet, sleep if possible), tell all your friends not to miss this wonderfully engaging and well-written series too!
Move over Dan Brown and Indiana Jones - there's a new archeological thriller writer who's crept into my heart and onto my bookshelves with his outstanding all-action thrillers that cover whole pantheons of gods and goddesses, from multiple belief systems across countless ages - and proves one way or the other if the legends are true, (yes, mostly) and what implications these discoveries may have for humanity.
With exciting characters and plotlines and ingeniously evil villains you won't be able to anything until you've read (and in my case reviewed), to the end of the last page and eagerly on to the next exciting adventure with MC Matt Drake et al.
Fortunately that's entirely possible as, (and please note they're best read in order to link backstories to the current one) there are currently no fewer than 20 books in the series - and this is only Book 3! The Gates of Hell by amazingly prolific and skillful author David Leadbeater will let everyone know what's sure to become no 1 on your wishlist for birthday, Christmas, anniversary etc book requirements for the next couple of years (depending on how quickly you read of course), so don't delay - get reading and in between (eg meal, toilet, sleep if possible), tell all your friends not to miss this wonderfully engaging and well-written series too!
September 30, 2018
With a title like "The Gates of Hell," a fairly high bar is set. It's hard for a book to deliver on expectations once the book starts with a phrase like. Still, Leadbeater pulls it off. Another compelling thrill ride that not only continues to deliver on character development but builds on the plot arc spun up in the first two books.
This said, there were some gaps that, if they were addressed, I missed them. The tomb known as the Gates of Hell resides at a location that requires more explanation as to why no one has ever stumbled upon it in the time since the famous pirate Cook did back in his time. It's hard to explain more without treading in the realm of spoilers so I have to leave it there.
The first book touched on the McGuffin of a time travel device reminiscent of the Philadelphia Experiment. When this happens, one has expectations of having said device play a pivotal role in the story. The old adage of storytelling where if the author hangs a gun over the mantel at the beginning of the tale, that damn thing better go off by the end. The pivotal devices in question never actually become functional in any way in books 1 or 2. Worse yet, one of the devices drives the plot forward in this book, only to have the antagonist discard it before heading to the final objective. It's unclear why he needed it to find the Gates of Hell, or why he spent book 1 and 2 killing so many people to get his hands on it.
These glitches fail to diminish from the overall impact of the book for anyone interested in a compelling character-driven adventure/thriller. Thus I still rate the book at 4 stars.
This said, there were some gaps that, if they were addressed, I missed them. The tomb known as the Gates of Hell resides at a location that requires more explanation as to why no one has ever stumbled upon it in the time since the famous pirate Cook did back in his time. It's hard to explain more without treading in the realm of spoilers so I have to leave it there.
The first book touched on the McGuffin of a time travel device reminiscent of the Philadelphia Experiment. When this happens, one has expectations of having said device play a pivotal role in the story. The old adage of storytelling where if the author hangs a gun over the mantel at the beginning of the tale, that damn thing better go off by the end. The pivotal devices in question never actually become functional in any way in books 1 or 2. Worse yet, one of the devices drives the plot forward in this book, only to have the antagonist discard it before heading to the final objective. It's unclear why he needed it to find the Gates of Hell, or why he spent book 1 and 2 killing so many people to get his hands on it.
These glitches fail to diminish from the overall impact of the book for anyone interested in a compelling character-driven adventure/thriller. Thus I still rate the book at 4 stars.
February 1, 2025
Not the Tomb of Odin.
Matt Drake is a very good fighter, but he is always getting into some kind of delimma, in which he is hunted and stalked by his enemies.
In, The Gates of Hell, he is in a war with The Blood King. The Blood King is responsible for the deaths of many people, including his wife and daughter.
He likes to kidnap family members for hostages to get them to kill or do something reprehensible. He likes to kill the family members who are innocent, just for revenge against the agents who he doesn’t like.
Matt Drake is one of the agents who is put in this position. So he is out to kill The Blood King and remove the death penalty from his own head, which is placed there by him.
Also, he wishes to stop The Blood King from reaching the 7 levels of hell, which will create death and destruction for all of humanity.
I love a good thriller that is full of lots of action and violence, but this series is not all 4 or 5 stars. This particular book is a bit too underwhelming and I think it is a bit too long.
Some of the scenes are redundant and some of them are much too talkative. When the scene calls for a lot of action, give me some action! And when the scene calls for some talking, give me some talking.
And then the fight scene at the end, between Maia and Alicia, did not necessarily need to happen. Let them friend it up, already.
Three stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Matt Drake is a very good fighter, but he is always getting into some kind of delimma, in which he is hunted and stalked by his enemies.
In, The Gates of Hell, he is in a war with The Blood King. The Blood King is responsible for the deaths of many people, including his wife and daughter.
He likes to kidnap family members for hostages to get them to kill or do something reprehensible. He likes to kill the family members who are innocent, just for revenge against the agents who he doesn’t like.
Matt Drake is one of the agents who is put in this position. So he is out to kill The Blood King and remove the death penalty from his own head, which is placed there by him.
Also, he wishes to stop The Blood King from reaching the 7 levels of hell, which will create death and destruction for all of humanity.
I love a good thriller that is full of lots of action and violence, but this series is not all 4 or 5 stars. This particular book is a bit too underwhelming and I think it is a bit too long.
Some of the scenes are redundant and some of them are much too talkative. When the scene calls for a lot of action, give me some action! And when the scene calls for some talking, give me some talking.
And then the fight scene at the end, between Maia and Alicia, did not necessarily need to happen. Let them friend it up, already.
Three stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 5, 2017
Very Good, but Unusual, Adventure Thriller
I enjoyed the ease in reading this book. Leadbeater writes in such a smooth, easy style that suddenly I realized that a hundred pages were read. Characters are fairly straightforward, the plot does have a few strange twists.
RECOMMENDED AS BOTH AN INDIVIDUAL BOOK AND AS A SERIES
I enjoyed the ease in reading this book. Leadbeater writes in such a smooth, easy style that suddenly I realized that a hundred pages were read. Characters are fairly straightforward, the plot does have a few strange twists.
RECOMMENDED AS BOTH AN INDIVIDUAL BOOK AND AS A SERIES
December 27, 2019
This is the most exciting of the three and whilst it is pure escapism it does get you hooked into wanting to see the blood king get his comeuppance and Matt revenge for his family
December 4, 2013
Well there was I thinking this was going to the final part and low and behold we move onto part 4 the final part!!! What a series this is turning out to be. I think the story is just getting stronger and stronger and the characters really developing with out giving to much away , Matthew and his associates are still on the trail of the Blood King and pursue him through various types of mayhem ultimately travelling down into the bowels of the earth having to avoid an amazing trap system to ultimately arrive at their goal. Yet again another real twist at the end can't wait for the next part great work David keep it up.
September 17, 2022
If you want fast, exciting, action packed stories with a great cast of characters and lots of banter, this series is for you!
At the time of writing this review there have been 28 Matt Drake books and 16 related spin-offs! More than enough to keep you entertained for some time!
Matt Drake, broken by the murder of his loved ones, betrayal, and the threat to his friends, sets out to cancel the blood vendetta imposed by the underworld linchpin, the Blood King. Revenge, terrible and personal drives Drake in his quest to stop the man who has become his nemesis.
The mercenary, Boudreau, now in the hands of his enemies, sits stone-faced and unflinching as Hayden Jaye desperately tries to extract the information she needs to save the lives of hundreds. After several failed attempts she becomes painfully aware it's going to take extreme measures to make him talk.
Meanwhile, the Blood King finally sets into motion his long-term plan to enter the Gates of Hell and finish something his idol, Captain Cook, could never do: discover the shocking secrets hidden within, while launching multiple terrorist attacks and an all-out war against the islands of Hawaii.
With nothing more than an ancient map left behind by Captain Cook, Drake and his team must follow the Blood King through a deadly maze in the heart of a volcano. He risks everything to track down the most dangerous man of modern times and help unravel the mysteries surrounding the bones of Odin.
At the time of writing this review there have been 28 Matt Drake books and 16 related spin-offs! More than enough to keep you entertained for some time!
Matt Drake, broken by the murder of his loved ones, betrayal, and the threat to his friends, sets out to cancel the blood vendetta imposed by the underworld linchpin, the Blood King. Revenge, terrible and personal drives Drake in his quest to stop the man who has become his nemesis.
The mercenary, Boudreau, now in the hands of his enemies, sits stone-faced and unflinching as Hayden Jaye desperately tries to extract the information she needs to save the lives of hundreds. After several failed attempts she becomes painfully aware it's going to take extreme measures to make him talk.
Meanwhile, the Blood King finally sets into motion his long-term plan to enter the Gates of Hell and finish something his idol, Captain Cook, could never do: discover the shocking secrets hidden within, while launching multiple terrorist attacks and an all-out war against the islands of Hawaii.
With nothing more than an ancient map left behind by Captain Cook, Drake and his team must follow the Blood King through a deadly maze in the heart of a volcano. He risks everything to track down the most dangerous man of modern times and help unravel the mysteries surrounding the bones of Odin.
January 18, 2023
This continued where the previous book ended with Drake hunting done the Blood King and his people, wanting revenge for the murder of his friends, especially Kennedy’s. He’s lost it, all emotion and compassion, acting just like the man he was hunting. His hunt leads them to Hawaii and Diamond Head.
Fascinating, trap-filled trip through the seven levels of Hell as Drake’s team chases the Blood King. Meanwhile the Hawaiian Islands are invaded by dozens of suicidal, heartless mercenaries.
Footnote: 1) More strangely pronounced words. The wife gistickulated to her husband? What? She gestured with the remote. LOL.
Fave scenes: the Blackbeard museum, fighting the tigers, the ATV chase and the level of Greed.
Fascinating, trap-filled trip through the seven levels of Hell as Drake’s team chases the Blood King. Meanwhile the Hawaiian Islands are invaded by dozens of suicidal, heartless mercenaries.
Footnote: 1) More strangely pronounced words. The wife gistickulated to her husband? What? She gestured with the remote. LOL.
Fave scenes: the Blackbeard museum, fighting the tigers, the ATV chase and the level of Greed.
August 23, 2017
Myths or History
Is there a difference in myth and history or legend? Christian or Greek or Nordic?
This book is action packed from beginning to end full of suspense and violence which equals in this case an excellent choice in reading.
Thanks to David Leadbeater for another pulse racing book.
Is there a difference in myth and history or legend? Christian or Greek or Nordic?
This book is action packed from beginning to end full of suspense and violence which equals in this case an excellent choice in reading.
Thanks to David Leadbeater for another pulse racing book.
January 18, 2019
Still enjoyable
A solid military thriller in the vain of mathew Reilly. Over the top bombastic fun. Looking forward to the next book.
A solid military thriller in the vain of mathew Reilly. Over the top bombastic fun. Looking forward to the next book.
March 27, 2019
Really enjoying the Matt Drake series.Lots of action and adventure
July 8, 2019
Really enjoyed this book. Non-stop action from start to finish. Hope the finale is just as good.
January 4, 2020
Fascinating
This is such a great action packed series. Interesting characters and such rip roaring adventures. Great job David Leadbeater. Can't wait to read the next book.
This is such a great action packed series. Interesting characters and such rip roaring adventures. Great job David Leadbeater. Can't wait to read the next book.
February 3, 2020
Excellent
All the fighting and mystery to what will be found keeps you reading these books can't wait read next one for more mystery
All the fighting and mystery to what will be found keeps you reading these books can't wait read next one for more mystery
September 9, 2021
as good as it gets !!
Just completed 3rd book in the series, will be reading them all !! David Leadbeater you da man !! And that’s all she wrote, cause the pencil broke !!
Just completed 3rd book in the series, will be reading them all !! David Leadbeater you da man !! And that’s all she wrote, cause the pencil broke !!
June 6, 2022
Great read.
Plenty of action. Some scenes need a clearer explanation. For example, how did Karen knock her boyfriend back on the moving tiles without falling herself
Plenty of action. Some scenes need a clearer explanation. For example, how did Karen knock her boyfriend back on the moving tiles without falling herself
December 14, 2023
I tried hard but three books in needed to give up.
October 16, 2025
Very good read and characters. Action is well done. Already reading the next book in the series. I can only hope my books read as well to my readers
April 13, 2015
The Gates of Hell follows on directly after the events of the previous book in the series, The Blood King Conspiracy.
The previous book ended rather abruptly for my liking, and left us hanging, needing some sort of conclusion.
The Gates of Hell provided that conclusion. It was a lot darker thriller, and much slower paced than the previous two instalments.
A lot of the slower pace was down to character development and I liked that we were learning more about the main protagonists.
The story isn’t conducted entirely at a leisurely pace though, and once the team enter through The Gates of the title, it's action all the way to the conclusion!
To be honest, although I enjoyed the story, I think that if The Blood King Conspiracy and The Gates of Hell had been edited down into one book, it would have made for a much more satisfactory read.
Thankfully, rather than end abruptly, the final couple of chapters set the scene nicely for the next book in the series...
The previous book ended rather abruptly for my liking, and left us hanging, needing some sort of conclusion.
The Gates of Hell provided that conclusion. It was a lot darker thriller, and much slower paced than the previous two instalments.
A lot of the slower pace was down to character development and I liked that we were learning more about the main protagonists.
The story isn’t conducted entirely at a leisurely pace though, and once the team enter through The Gates of the title, it's action all the way to the conclusion!
To be honest, although I enjoyed the story, I think that if The Blood King Conspiracy and The Gates of Hell had been edited down into one book, it would have made for a much more satisfactory read.
Thankfully, rather than end abruptly, the final couple of chapters set the scene nicely for the next book in the series...
November 23, 2015
Most of the novel is separated into parts. Individual main characters & a few duos are divided quite a bit. Overall, it is non-stop. If bookmarking is necessary, you'll need to re-read a page or two to refresh yourself due to the fast pace. Readers are better off reading it straight through.
Hayden's character continues to develop, making her on the same hero/heroine plane as Matt. There is a great deal of violence as the fight draws nearer to our Super Villain. It is in a 'war' context & expected. The journey revolving around the Gates story is incredibly suspenseful & as one character makes mention, does parallel video games (Dante's Inferno for one). It is definitely one installment that action fiction fans will want to check out.
While it is recommended that one read the books in order, and I agree, this one could probably stand alone. It's not as well done as the previous two, but a good read nonetheless. I give it 4 stars
Hayden's character continues to develop, making her on the same hero/heroine plane as Matt. There is a great deal of violence as the fight draws nearer to our Super Villain. It is in a 'war' context & expected. The journey revolving around the Gates story is incredibly suspenseful & as one character makes mention, does parallel video games (Dante's Inferno for one). It is definitely one installment that action fiction fans will want to check out.
While it is recommended that one read the books in order, and I agree, this one could probably stand alone. It's not as well done as the previous two, but a good read nonetheless. I give it 4 stars
April 16, 2016
I've had to wait to write this review as I had to read book four first,I needed to know hos it ended. I've thoroughly enjoyed this series. Book three takes us even further into the mystery. I'd love to see this series made into a movie as the visuals would be stunning, especially this book.
The characters are well written, and engaging. The plot keeps you on the edge of your seat, and turning the page.
I love the mix of suspense, history and conspiracy. Thoroughly enjoyable read.
The characters are well written, and engaging. The plot keeps you on the edge of your seat, and turning the page.
I love the mix of suspense, history and conspiracy. Thoroughly enjoyable read.
April 23, 2015
This third outing for ex-SAS Matt Drake takes a much darker turn than the first to stories that I, in my opinion, diminishes the fun adventure story aspect of the book. While still an enjoyable adventure, it didn't seem to have the same level of light-hearted banter and levity as the first two stories.
Still, it is a good adventure and worth a lazy weekend wanna read something book.
Still, it is a good adventure and worth a lazy weekend wanna read something book.
April 10, 2014
Another great read
Yet another good epic in the Matt Drake series.
I have always been drawn to look at mythology from many perspectives and this does not disappoint.
I am looking forward too reading the next post of this story in book four.
Yet another good epic in the Matt Drake series.
I have always been drawn to look at mythology from many perspectives and this does not disappoint.
I am looking forward too reading the next post of this story in book four.
June 2, 2015
RIVETING!
This is a can't put down book. Everything is in this mystery a reader would want; death, deception, war, love, hate, adventure - you name it, it's in this book. BUT, to get the full story (stories), you must read this series in order. Enjoy mystery-thriller fans.
This is a can't put down book. Everything is in this mystery a reader would want; death, deception, war, love, hate, adventure - you name it, it's in this book. BUT, to get the full story (stories), you must read this series in order. Enjoy mystery-thriller fans.
June 20, 2015
Kool
I really enjoyed reading this book .it was a fast paced action thriller .thanks for writing this book I look forward to reading more about Matt drake and mai and the rest of the guys.
I really enjoyed reading this book .it was a fast paced action thriller .thanks for writing this book I look forward to reading more about Matt drake and mai and the rest of the guys.
November 20, 2015
Incredible!
Really surprised these books have not been made into movies. With Tomb Raider action and plenty of popular song references plus great central characters, they would all be hits!
Now on to book 4 of this genuine serial
Really surprised these books have not been made into movies. With Tomb Raider action and plenty of popular song references plus great central characters, they would all be hits!
Now on to book 4 of this genuine serial
June 3, 2013
So enjoyed this book and all the characters exploits. Looking forward now to going straight on to Matt Drake No.4.
January 10, 2014
I love the series. Looking forward to the fourth book.
January 26, 2014
the best in the series so far
May 27, 2015
intense. a journey to both figurative and very personal hell and a very literal and potentially apocalyptic hell..all due to one man's lust for power and glory.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews