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Geordie Sharp #1
Stand By, Stand by
All of Chris Ryan's bestselling novels in stunning new cover reissue
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
50 people are currently reading
669 people want to read
About the author
Chris Ryan
342 books1,022 followersColin Armstrong (b. 1961), usually known by the pen-name Chris Ryan, is a British author, television presenter, security consultant and former Special Air Service sergeant.
After the publication of fellow patrol member Andy McNab's Bravo Two Zero in 1993, Ryan published his own account of his experiences during the Bravo Two Zero mission in 1995, entitled The One That Got Away. Since retiring from the British Army Ryan has published several fiction and non-fiction books, including Strike Back, which was subsequently adapted into a television series for Sky 1, and co-created the ITV action series Ultimate Force. He has also presented or appeared in numerous television documentaries connected to the military or law enforcement.
After the publication of fellow patrol member Andy McNab's Bravo Two Zero in 1993, Ryan published his own account of his experiences during the Bravo Two Zero mission in 1995, entitled The One That Got Away. Since retiring from the British Army Ryan has published several fiction and non-fiction books, including Strike Back, which was subsequently adapted into a television series for Sky 1, and co-created the ITV action series Ultimate Force. He has also presented or appeared in numerous television documentaries connected to the military or law enforcement.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 13, 2012
Pretty much what you'd expect from Chris Ryan.
Reads like a diary with little characterisation and a somewhat rambling "plot" (this happened, then this happened...). Action bits are by far the best written.
Entertaining quick read though.
Reads like a diary with little characterisation and a somewhat rambling "plot" (this happened, then this happened...). Action bits are by far the best written.
Entertaining quick read though.
January 8, 2019
I loved it, from the first page to the last.
A tad predictable at times but all round great with a meaty substance that could only be provided by an author who had lived the content.
A tad predictable at times but all round great with a meaty substance that could only be provided by an author who had lived the content.
December 20, 2008
Ryan’s first fictional outing introduces the long-running hero Geordie Sharp, a thin cypher for Ryan himself, a gung-ho SAS veteran who fights and kills his way through a further three books in the series before he retired from duty. As an action thriller, Stand By, Stand By is an accomplished work in which the realism is meted out in meticulous details, thanks to Ryan’s first-hand experience of the world of terror and counter-terrorism.
It’s impossible to say how much of the book is based on true life – certainly, many of the anecdotes the SAS players share about ill-fated missions or whatever have that ring of truth to them. But the plot is also engaging, with a major twist and change of pace about halfway through, as the whole story departs to South America and things hot up no end.
Ryan throws in plenty of gory detail in his detailing of the various action that takes place, and no holes are barred when it comes to his descriptions of the torture meted out by PIRA. The only thing that slightly put this reader off is the extended technical detail, especially towards the end of the story, where it seems that humanity and character is temporarily forgotten about in favour of describing explosives, vehicles and arms.
Still, things end in a rousing climax which shows just how three of the world’s top forces can work in conjunction, and there’s a huge cliffhanger which paves the way for the sequel, Zero Option.
It’s impossible to say how much of the book is based on true life – certainly, many of the anecdotes the SAS players share about ill-fated missions or whatever have that ring of truth to them. But the plot is also engaging, with a major twist and change of pace about halfway through, as the whole story departs to South America and things hot up no end.
Ryan throws in plenty of gory detail in his detailing of the various action that takes place, and no holes are barred when it comes to his descriptions of the torture meted out by PIRA. The only thing that slightly put this reader off is the extended technical detail, especially towards the end of the story, where it seems that humanity and character is temporarily forgotten about in favour of describing explosives, vehicles and arms.
Still, things end in a rousing climax which shows just how three of the world’s top forces can work in conjunction, and there’s a huge cliffhanger which paves the way for the sequel, Zero Option.
February 14, 2018
3.5 stars
This is not the best book by Chris Ryan that I have read but it was definitely readable. I think it lost its way in parts and the ending was unexpected. I'm hoping that by the time that I read the next book that I will be a bit more invested in the characters.
This is not the best book by Chris Ryan that I have read but it was definitely readable. I think it lost its way in parts and the ending was unexpected. I'm hoping that by the time that I read the next book that I will be a bit more invested in the characters.
March 28, 2019
Good detail on the ins and outs of special forces soldiering, but this felt more like an autobiography with some fiction-type conversation thrown in.
Less enjoyable than my immediate comparison series: Andy McNab's Nick Stone books. Still, I never abandon a series after the first book fails to really grab my attention- sometimes not even after the third or fourth lackluster entry. I'll read (at least) another and see if my opinion changes.
Less enjoyable than my immediate comparison series: Andy McNab's Nick Stone books. Still, I never abandon a series after the first book fails to really grab my attention- sometimes not even after the third or fourth lackluster entry. I'll read (at least) another and see if my opinion changes.
November 22, 2022
3.5 stars. This book was intriguing and more than enough to keep me reading this author. It read more like an autobiographical account than a fictional story, so I really enjoyed that. It is clear that the author has been in the thick of the action (and it does say that he was a member of the SAS). A believable and enjoyable start to this series.
April 24, 2025
As others have said, it’s a little long winded and strung together - the content is interesting and the action make this readable. Comparing it to Andy McNab’s books isn’t a direct comparison as his books are a lot more polished and readable.
I’m glad I gave it a go and hope that perhaps the series gets a bit more rhythm as it progresses.
I’m glad I gave it a go and hope that perhaps the series gets a bit more rhythm as it progresses.
January 14, 2020
Not bad - a little long and slow. It was hard to get the time/dates steps right. Losing his wife, then getting his girlfriend to play mum was a bit far fetched...
Ending up in Columbia with the PIRA felt forced as well.
The ending - was hard to swallow too.
The mission and action felt ok.
Ending up in Columbia with the PIRA felt forced as well.
The ending - was hard to swallow too.
The mission and action felt ok.
October 3, 2017
Interesting books but a little long winded.
March 20, 2018
Another great book by Chris Ryan. Always love when I find one of these.
February 7, 2019
Deeply exciting and surprising personal in parts.
August 17, 2020
Terrific characters and a strong exciting story. A page Turner till the end.
A great read
A great read
January 10, 2021
brilliant!
September 1, 2021
My first book by this author, I enjoyed it!
September 18, 2021
The story line is not strong in this novel but the depth of knowledge of the operations of the SAS is very good. Worth reading to gain this knowledge.
June 9, 2023
Excellent new genre for me - fast paced and detailed so as to know the author knows what he’s talking about. On to the next!
July 20, 2023
Not bad book but read better.
February 5, 2025
Geordie in sOUTH America blow me if the Irish don’t show up
March 27, 2025
Unchallenging put full of action. Not a usual genre for me, but nothing to complain about. Enjoyed it, despite a cliffhanger in the last couple of pages which I will not spoil.
July 26, 2025
absolutely awesome. Chris Ryan reminds me of lee child novels once you start you can't stop
August 6, 2025
3.5 stars
September 8, 2025
Good trad
May 10, 2012
Buku ini merupakan sebuah novel '2 dalam 1'. Zero Option merupakan novel pertama yang ditulis oleh Chris Ryan selepas beliau menerbitkan buku memoirnya yang bertajuk 'The One Who Got Away'. Sementara itu,Stand By,Stand By pula merupakan sambungan atau 'direct sequel' kepada novel yang sebelumnya. Kedua-dua siri novel menggunakan perspektif orang pertama dalam penceritaannya. Jadi,para pembaca akan seolah-olah merasakan sedang membaca buku memoir. Perkara ini berlaku mungkin sekali kerana penulis buku ini,Chris Ryan,baharu mula 'berjinak-jinak' dalam penulisan karya kreatif atau cereka (fiksyen). Lantas,di dalam dua karya novel pertamanya ini,gaya penceritaannya masih terikut-ikut dan dipengaruhi dengan gaya penulisan yang mirip gaya penulisan memoir.
Melalui kedua-dua novel ini,penulis memaparkan Geordie Sharp sebagai watak utama. Dia merupakan seorang anggota tentera dari Secret Air Service (SAS) British. Dia pernah beroperasi di Iraq ketika Perang Teluk 1991. Ketika berada di sana,Geordie ditangkap sebagai tahanan perang dan diseksa. Akibatnya,dia sering mengalami trauma dan mimpi ngeri hasil dari pengalaman buruknya itu sehingga menyebabkan rumah tangganya berada dalam keadaan terumbang-ambing. Namun begitu,dia berjaya mengatasi masalahnya itu hasil dari sokongan isteri dan rakan-rakannya. Malangya,umpama jatuh ditimpa tangga,isteri Geordie terbunuh di dalam sebuah letupan bom di Ireland Utara.
Tidak lama kemudian,Geordie menjumpai sinar baru di dalam hidupnya. Dia jatuh cinta pada Tracy yang turut bertindak sebagai 'ibu' baharu kepada anaknya,Tim. Walaupun demikian,Geordie tetap berazam untuk membalas dendam terhadap kematian isterinya dan mahukan orang yang bertanggungjawab dibawa ke muka pengadilan. Usaha pemburuannya membawa Geordie dari Ireland Utara, Colombia sehinggalah ke tanah airnya sendiri,Britain. Namun,misinya ini bukan sesuatu yang mudah dilakukan. Malah,mereka yang disayangi Geordie turut menjadi mangsa!
Terdapat dua kekuatan utama novel ini. Pertama,ia padat dengan aksi-aksi ketenteraan! Sebagai seorang bekas anggota SAS,sudah semestinya kaya dengan pengalaman di dalam dunia ketenteraan terutamanya ketika melakukan sesuatu operasi. Kedua,penulis menerangkan dengan agak terperinci tatacara atau 'modus operandi' bagaimana SAS beroperasi di dalam sesuatu misi. Pada para peminat aksi-aksi ketenteraan,tentunya ini satu berita gembira pada mereka.
Novel ini juga tidak terlepas dari kelemahannya. Pertama,ia mengandungi jargon-jargon dan istilah-istilah ketenteraan yang mungkin agak sukar difahami oleh sesetengah pembaca. Ini ditambah pula dengan penggunaan dialek dan loghat di dalam bahasa Inggeris-British yang sukar juga untuk difahami kepada mereka yang tidak biasa dengannya. Kelemahan kedua,jika anda mengharapkan unsur saspens dan thriller di dalam novel ini,anda akan kecewa. Chris Ryan tidak mengutamakan aspek tersebut. Sebaliknya,jalan ceritanya agak 'straight-forward' dan lebih mementingkan aksi. Jadi,buku ini mungkin sedikit membosankan kepada mereka yang lebih menyukai sesebuah novel itu menpunyai kedinamikan dalam pelbagai aspek (jalinan di dalam jalan cerita yang menggabungkan pelbagai aspek seperti saspens,romantik,aksi dan sebagainya)
Melalui kedua-dua novel ini,penulis memaparkan Geordie Sharp sebagai watak utama. Dia merupakan seorang anggota tentera dari Secret Air Service (SAS) British. Dia pernah beroperasi di Iraq ketika Perang Teluk 1991. Ketika berada di sana,Geordie ditangkap sebagai tahanan perang dan diseksa. Akibatnya,dia sering mengalami trauma dan mimpi ngeri hasil dari pengalaman buruknya itu sehingga menyebabkan rumah tangganya berada dalam keadaan terumbang-ambing. Namun begitu,dia berjaya mengatasi masalahnya itu hasil dari sokongan isteri dan rakan-rakannya. Malangya,umpama jatuh ditimpa tangga,isteri Geordie terbunuh di dalam sebuah letupan bom di Ireland Utara.
Tidak lama kemudian,Geordie menjumpai sinar baru di dalam hidupnya. Dia jatuh cinta pada Tracy yang turut bertindak sebagai 'ibu' baharu kepada anaknya,Tim. Walaupun demikian,Geordie tetap berazam untuk membalas dendam terhadap kematian isterinya dan mahukan orang yang bertanggungjawab dibawa ke muka pengadilan. Usaha pemburuannya membawa Geordie dari Ireland Utara, Colombia sehinggalah ke tanah airnya sendiri,Britain. Namun,misinya ini bukan sesuatu yang mudah dilakukan. Malah,mereka yang disayangi Geordie turut menjadi mangsa!
Terdapat dua kekuatan utama novel ini. Pertama,ia padat dengan aksi-aksi ketenteraan! Sebagai seorang bekas anggota SAS,sudah semestinya kaya dengan pengalaman di dalam dunia ketenteraan terutamanya ketika melakukan sesuatu operasi. Kedua,penulis menerangkan dengan agak terperinci tatacara atau 'modus operandi' bagaimana SAS beroperasi di dalam sesuatu misi. Pada para peminat aksi-aksi ketenteraan,tentunya ini satu berita gembira pada mereka.
Novel ini juga tidak terlepas dari kelemahannya. Pertama,ia mengandungi jargon-jargon dan istilah-istilah ketenteraan yang mungkin agak sukar difahami oleh sesetengah pembaca. Ini ditambah pula dengan penggunaan dialek dan loghat di dalam bahasa Inggeris-British yang sukar juga untuk difahami kepada mereka yang tidak biasa dengannya. Kelemahan kedua,jika anda mengharapkan unsur saspens dan thriller di dalam novel ini,anda akan kecewa. Chris Ryan tidak mengutamakan aspek tersebut. Sebaliknya,jalan ceritanya agak 'straight-forward' dan lebih mementingkan aksi. Jadi,buku ini mungkin sedikit membosankan kepada mereka yang lebih menyukai sesebuah novel itu menpunyai kedinamikan dalam pelbagai aspek (jalinan di dalam jalan cerita yang menggabungkan pelbagai aspek seperti saspens,romantik,aksi dan sebagainya)
October 11, 2017
Authored by Chris Ryan, first novel based on the Geordie Sharp series.
I shall say, Chris narrated the character pretty well from the beginning, very in-depth on the personality of the character who is part of British SAS.
The story begins as Chris narrates on how Geordie's life is in the regiment and tough life he endures, during the story Geordie experienced something which a man of his position should not have experienced. The event puts Geordie in a emotional state which he handled pretty well considering his position.
Geordie vows to go after the person who is responsible for the tragic that occurred to him. Stealthily thrilling and hard as nails! Keeps the reader entertain throughout the novel.
Only one downside to this novel, the ending could have been better.
Chris Ryan
I shall say, Chris narrated the character pretty well from the beginning, very in-depth on the personality of the character who is part of British SAS.
The story begins as Chris narrates on how Geordie's life is in the regiment and tough life he endures, during the story Geordie experienced something which a man of his position should not have experienced. The event puts Geordie in a emotional state which he handled pretty well considering his position.
Geordie vows to go after the person who is responsible for the tragic that occurred to him. Stealthily thrilling and hard as nails! Keeps the reader entertain throughout the novel.
Only one downside to this novel, the ending could have been better.
Chris Ryan
July 1, 2014
Solid protagonist and a decent story in this first work of fiction loosely based on the author's real life, but I personally never felt invested in the stakes presented. I see this as more of an issue with me as the reader of this type of book, and not a problem of the author's or of the material itself, however.
Thinking back to when I read Andy McNabb's "Remote Control", I see a lot of the same concerns I had with that novel as I do with this one. Firstly, though, I do recall that there were characters and elements of "Remote Control" I very plainly didn't enjoy. That is less of a concern here. Two salient points come to mind: first, as with McNab's Nick Stone character, Geordie Sharp is SAS, and while there are similarities to North American military, there are enough differences that I don't think SAS-based characters seem to be resonating with me. I believe this is easily resolved by reading more about SAS characters, ironically.
Second, as a reader, once you find yourself falling out of being immersed in a novel, I find it hard not to make comparisons to other books in the same vein. In this case, that is a near-fatal juxtaposition, because I quite enjoy Tom Clancy and Brad Thor novels. A lot. However, I am the first to admit the comparisons are not fair, and in fact, this Chris Ryan novel is not really along the lines of what those great authors have produced, except for perhaps a bold, Alpha male lead character.
Nevertheless, this book does things right that I think a particular audience would enjoy. The action is plentiful and very focussed, and Geordie Sharp is really key. You want to go on missions with this soldier. You want to know more about him. I tend to like an "exotic" setting and in this case we have Colombia and Northern Ireland. The villainy that takes place is personal and despicable. By most measures, this is a great piece of fiction and impressive that it is Ryan's first.
I wouldn't rule out re-reading this book before attempting the next in the Geordie Sharp series. Not quite a home run for me but it is easy to understand why so many enjoy the works of Chris Ryan.
Thinking back to when I read Andy McNabb's "Remote Control", I see a lot of the same concerns I had with that novel as I do with this one. Firstly, though, I do recall that there were characters and elements of "Remote Control" I very plainly didn't enjoy. That is less of a concern here. Two salient points come to mind: first, as with McNab's Nick Stone character, Geordie Sharp is SAS, and while there are similarities to North American military, there are enough differences that I don't think SAS-based characters seem to be resonating with me. I believe this is easily resolved by reading more about SAS characters, ironically.
Second, as a reader, once you find yourself falling out of being immersed in a novel, I find it hard not to make comparisons to other books in the same vein. In this case, that is a near-fatal juxtaposition, because I quite enjoy Tom Clancy and Brad Thor novels. A lot. However, I am the first to admit the comparisons are not fair, and in fact, this Chris Ryan novel is not really along the lines of what those great authors have produced, except for perhaps a bold, Alpha male lead character.
Nevertheless, this book does things right that I think a particular audience would enjoy. The action is plentiful and very focussed, and Geordie Sharp is really key. You want to go on missions with this soldier. You want to know more about him. I tend to like an "exotic" setting and in this case we have Colombia and Northern Ireland. The villainy that takes place is personal and despicable. By most measures, this is a great piece of fiction and impressive that it is Ryan's first.
I wouldn't rule out re-reading this book before attempting the next in the Geordie Sharp series. Not quite a home run for me but it is easy to understand why so many enjoy the works of Chris Ryan.
June 11, 2011
Stand By, Stand by by Chris Ryan, was an enjoyable read.
I thought that that I have is that some of the coincidences were unlikely, like meeting the exact same criminal in three countries, and that he happens to be a man you wish to kill.
The relationship between Geordie and Tracy seemed rushed and unnecessary for the plot line, and it was hard to gauge the times between different scenes in the novel.
The ending was fast paced, and there were some interesting insights into life as an SAS soldier. The relationship built between Geordie and Tony was interesting too.
I thought that that I have is that some of the coincidences were unlikely, like meeting the exact same criminal in three countries, and that he happens to be a man you wish to kill.
The relationship between Geordie and Tracy seemed rushed and unnecessary for the plot line, and it was hard to gauge the times between different scenes in the novel.
The ending was fast paced, and there were some interesting insights into life as an SAS soldier. The relationship built between Geordie and Tony was interesting too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2011
An interesting and captivating read which gives the reader an impression of what life is like in the SAS. Certainly a boy's book with many macho moments. It initially follows Sgt. Georgie Sharp to Northern Ireland in the early 1990s where he is up against the real IRA. The second half of the book takes us with him to South America and describes an operation in Columbia where things don't quite go to plan. A very good insight into the special forces which has the ability to keep the reader hooked.
August 29, 2011
Excellent choice if you want light, action-filled read. One thing that makes this book different from your usual Clancys and Ludlums is the no-nonsense, almost sparse descriptions of enviroments and procedures of SAS - you just get the feeling that the author knows what he's talking about and of course, being a former SAS himself, he does. Very nice first impression, I will definitely pick up the second book in the series.
August 10, 2013
I enjoyed the book, but wasn't entirely captivated by it. The action scenes are excellently written, and this is clearly where his experience comes to the fore and is invaluable. However, I wasn't totally buying into the relationships; finding some of the language / phrases a little off-putting. It occasionally threw me out of the world of the story as I considered this, and that is obviously not the desired effect.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews