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Jake Grafton #10
Liberty
On a quiet park bench in Manhattan—just miles from the ruins of the World Trade Center—a spymaster delivers a chilling secret message to Jake Grafton: A rogue Russian general has sold four nuclear warheads to a radical Islamic terrorist group, the Sword of Islam. The group intends to detonate them in America in the ultimate terror strike, the apocalypse that will trigger a holy war between Western civilization and the Muslim world. After passing the message on to his peers, Grafton is charged by the president with assembling a secret team to find the warheads before America's population centers are consumed by a nuclear holocaust.
As he hunts for terrorists, Grafton soon finds himself up to his neck in power politics, techno-billionaires, money-grubbing traitors, anarchists, and spies. He also discovers that the terrorists don't all come from the Middle East. They come from places close to home. They masquerade as patriots. Some may even have the president's ear.
With the survival of Western civilization at stake, Grafton pulls out all the stops. Calling on the assistance of the indomitable Toad Tarkington, and CIA burglar Tommy Carmellini, he raids the prisons to assemble his team while the clock ticks toward Armageddon.
544 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 4, 2003
206 people are currently reading
879 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Coonts
180 books754 followersStephen Coonts (born July 19, 1946) is an American thriller and suspense novelist.
Coonts grew up in Buckhannon, West Virginia, a small coal-mining town and earned an B.A. degree in political science at West Virginia University in 1968. He entered the Navy the following year and flew an A-6 Intruder medium attack plane during the Vietnam War, where he served on two combat cruises aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). He accumulated 1600 hours in the A-6 Intruder and earned a number of Navy commendations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war he served as a flight instructor on A-6 aircraft for two years, then did a tour as an assistant catapult and arresting gear officer aboard USS Nimitz (CVN-68). His navigator-bombardier was LTjg Stanley W. Bryant who later became a Rear Admiral and deputy commander-in-chief of the US naval forces in Europe.
After being honorably discharged from duty as a lieutenant in 1977, Coonts pursued a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree at the University of Colorado, graduating in 1979. He then worked as an oil and gas lawyer for several companies, entertaining his writing interests in his free time.
He published short stories in a number of publications before writing Flight of the Intruder in 1986 (made into a movie in 1991). Intruder, based in part on his experiences as a bomber pilot, spent 28 weeks on the New York Times bestseller lists in hardcover and launched his career as a novelist. From there he continued writing adventure-mysteries using the character from his first book, Jake Grafton. He has written several other series and stand-alone novels since then, but is most notable for the Grafton books.
Today Coonts continues to write, having had seventeen New York Times bestsellers (out of 20 books), and lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with his wife and son.
Taken from Wikipedia
Learn more about Stephen Coonts on the Macmillan website.
Coonts grew up in Buckhannon, West Virginia, a small coal-mining town and earned an B.A. degree in political science at West Virginia University in 1968. He entered the Navy the following year and flew an A-6 Intruder medium attack plane during the Vietnam War, where he served on two combat cruises aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). He accumulated 1600 hours in the A-6 Intruder and earned a number of Navy commendations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war he served as a flight instructor on A-6 aircraft for two years, then did a tour as an assistant catapult and arresting gear officer aboard USS Nimitz (CVN-68). His navigator-bombardier was LTjg Stanley W. Bryant who later became a Rear Admiral and deputy commander-in-chief of the US naval forces in Europe.
After being honorably discharged from duty as a lieutenant in 1977, Coonts pursued a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree at the University of Colorado, graduating in 1979. He then worked as an oil and gas lawyer for several companies, entertaining his writing interests in his free time.
He published short stories in a number of publications before writing Flight of the Intruder in 1986 (made into a movie in 1991). Intruder, based in part on his experiences as a bomber pilot, spent 28 weeks on the New York Times bestseller lists in hardcover and launched his career as a novelist. From there he continued writing adventure-mysteries using the character from his first book, Jake Grafton. He has written several other series and stand-alone novels since then, but is most notable for the Grafton books.
Today Coonts continues to write, having had seventeen New York Times bestsellers (out of 20 books), and lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with his wife and son.
Taken from Wikipedia
Learn more about Stephen Coonts on the Macmillan website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
March 31, 2012
Liberty by Stephen Coonts is exactly what you would expect it to be. It is an espionage thriller with terrorists plotting the downfall of the United States and Jake Grafton and the crew are all that stands between them and destruction.
I started reading Coont's Grafton books back in middle school and enjoyed them quite a bit. I had not read one for nearly two decades. His writing is what I remembered it to be. The characters are cynical and matter of fact, the language is coarse, and the banter is very politically incorrect. None of this bothers me, but some could be put off by it.
This book was written shortly after the attacks on 9/11 and you can feel the anger in this book's words. Coont's is obvious upset and he really takes it out on Muslims in the plot. The Muslim characters have almost no redeeming qualities except for one minor character in Egypt. Just some context in case you were wondering why the writing is the way it is.
Some of the plot is pretty thin and some of the characters' motivations are fairly unbelievable, but the story is entertaining and the pacing builds nicely throughout the book's progression. If you know what the book and you expect to be entertained you will be. This isn't a deep thinkers book. Read it, enjoy it and then move on.
I started reading Coont's Grafton books back in middle school and enjoyed them quite a bit. I had not read one for nearly two decades. His writing is what I remembered it to be. The characters are cynical and matter of fact, the language is coarse, and the banter is very politically incorrect. None of this bothers me, but some could be put off by it.
This book was written shortly after the attacks on 9/11 and you can feel the anger in this book's words. Coont's is obvious upset and he really takes it out on Muslims in the plot. The Muslim characters have almost no redeeming qualities except for one minor character in Egypt. Just some context in case you were wondering why the writing is the way it is.
Some of the plot is pretty thin and some of the characters' motivations are fairly unbelievable, but the story is entertaining and the pacing builds nicely throughout the book's progression. If you know what the book and you expect to be entertained you will be. This isn't a deep thinkers book. Read it, enjoy it and then move on.
September 5, 2020
Jake Grafton fights Washington DC's jealous Intelligence bureaucracy with some help from a questionable ex-KGB operative and a small cadre of oddballs as he heads off a post-9/11 Islamic nuclear terror plot.
Well done, entertaining, and thought provoking.
Well done, entertaining, and thought provoking.
December 19, 2020
Jake is ordered to find 4 nuclear bombs sold by the Russians to the Sword of Islam. He has a friend in Russia that makes him aware of it and sends one of his agents with a disc with financial information on sources of money. It looks as if a corrupt US businessman has funded the purpose. Jake's team begins to break apart the mysteries and there is plenty of action, just not much depth. It is a quick read and if you enjoy the series, you will like this one.
November 21, 2023
Written in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks in 2001, Stephen Coonts novel Liberty is part continuation of the Jake Grafton series and part social commentary reflective of a very unique/anxious time in American history. As with previous books in the series, Mr. Coonts does an excellent job of bringing the reader along for a high energy ride, in this case the hunt for four missing nuclear warheads and a race to stop a catastrophic attack on the United States. If you've read the previous nine books in the series, there isn't any reason to stop reading at this point, Jake Grafton + Stephen Coonts deliver again.
June 14, 2014
I suppose the meh-ness of this book settled in on page 12 when Janos Ilin says this fatal line... "Russians, Germans, French, Egyptians, Japanese, Chinese, Hindu, you name it."
On the rest of it.... I guess I just don't like his writing style very much.
On the rest of it.... I guess I just don't like his writing style very much.
July 25, 2017
Current events on steroids.....
January 4, 2025
It is hard to subtract points from a book when the author has done exactly what is asked of him. We want Coonts to turn out Grafton novels and this is his 10th. Certainly a believable story but it just could have been so much better in my opinion. Rogue Russian general sells nuclear weapons to rag heads (their words, not mine) financed by billionaire who wants to sell radiation detectors to the US government. Pretty tame stuff these days? It's a good book and worth the ten bucks but boy, he swung and missed at a few pitches that were right there in the zone. FBI director commits treason, gets away with it. Guy with literal cement galoshes on, lands an aircraft (while standing behind the seat apparently). When our evil billionaire is caught out, the chance for some satisfyingly grisly ending is covered with a sentence ..."found dead of an apparent heart attack". I see in the reviews that Coonts has branched out into a Tommy Cammerelli series of books. I may dip my toe in over there and see if he found some inspiration.
June 28, 2019
Four nuclear devices are purchased from a Russian general by Islamic terrorists. The President appoints Admiral Grafton to head a group of his choice to find and neutralize the weapons before they can be detonated in the U.S. Will he succeed. I won't tell you. Will a bomb detonate in the U.S.? I won't tell you. Read the book. It is well worth the time and the pittance it costs to buy. An exciting read with great characters and a modern story line which could be occurring in ou country as I am writing these words.
January 23, 2024
Once again Jake Grafton's personality carries over a thrilling story to five stars. This is probably side by side with Op Center as my second favorite thriller series - second to mainline Clancy / Jack Ryan. (I'd have to think of mainline Ludlum / Bourne as that started strong but the next parts are just all right to good.) The mix of individualistic beliefs and belief in the system is just right, as it deals with a nuclear crisis. The secondary characters, both good and bad, are also appropriate. I'd have to think which is my favorite in the series, but this is probably in the top half.
January 5, 2025
I found this book to be very astounding, in addition to the connection to real historical event which made it even more interesting. I personally enjoy books where spies, life changing events and more are included. This was a well read book and the authors way of painting up the pictures of the characters and the environments was well made, which of course plays a big role in a good book. Although i enjoyed the book a lot, I felt that at some times it became long-winded. If that wouldn't have been the case, then the book would've definitely received a 5 star.
March 27, 2019
The basic plot of Stephen Coonts's "Liberty"--Muslim terrorists smuggling nuclear warheads into the U.S.--seemed a bit tired to me, however, the development and execution of that plot, plus the surrounding action and characters was outstanding. Even though Jake Grafton is the main character in this series, I thought his character was outshone in this one by the Tommy Carmellini character. The story's pacing kept me turning pages, so I stayed up late at night to finish it.
January 3, 2021
Fun read. Lots of action and intrigue. The book stands alone even though it is part of a long series. While the plot is contrived, there is just enough resemblance to reality to have you looking over your shoulder for Big Brother and watching everyone in parks so you can determine who the spies are that are tempting the fate of the world.
Let's hope there are more Jake Grafton's out there taking care of the US of A.
Let's hope there are more Jake Grafton's out there taking care of the US of A.
February 16, 2025
terrific
Tom Clancy is simply the best. And these are right up there, best of second tier. Technically, fascinating stuff about submarines, planes, aircraft carriers, great characters, with a real human side. Convoluted well thought out plots. It was kind of moving that it started in Vietnam and ended in the 2000s. He did a very good job of following Jake Grafton and his growth From a 20-year-old Vietnam pilot through admiralship and more. Very sorry this series is over.
Tom Clancy is simply the best. And these are right up there, best of second tier. Technically, fascinating stuff about submarines, planes, aircraft carriers, great characters, with a real human side. Convoluted well thought out plots. It was kind of moving that it started in Vietnam and ended in the 2000s. He did a very good job of following Jake Grafton and his growth From a 20-year-old Vietnam pilot through admiralship and more. Very sorry this series is over.
March 4, 2025
Relevant
Undated story, obviously older features telephone cords that still get tangled up; however, the story paints a clear relevance for today. Coonts includes a bit of detente along with a serious terrorist plot by religious fanatics. As always, well developed characters and threat of the bomb.
Undated story, obviously older features telephone cords that still get tangled up; however, the story paints a clear relevance for today. Coonts includes a bit of detente along with a serious terrorist plot by religious fanatics. As always, well developed characters and threat of the bomb.
September 10, 2019
Your average thriller about terrorists with 4 nuclear bombs determined to set them off in the USA. Jake Grafton foils their plans. Not too much different rom his previous novels. Developing the character of Tommy Carmellini, thief turned CIA/FBI. Might make for interesting spin offs later.
March 26, 2022
Good as far as it goes.... However not aged well. We all know about the abortive wars in Afganistan and Iraq and despite what these books espouse the US has done nothing with Ukraine. I realise now these books have quite a right wing agenda...
April 17, 2024
Does not disappoint
The problem with this book is that, I read it in two days. Jake Grafton does not disappoint….now I got to find something to read, that won’t be half as good.
PS Glock pistols DON’T HAVE A SAFETY
The problem with this book is that, I read it in two days. Jake Grafton does not disappoint….now I got to find something to read, that won’t be half as good.
PS Glock pistols DON’T HAVE A SAFETY
July 17, 2017
Audio book
January 15, 2018
Thoroughly enjoy the Grafton novels.
March 25, 2019
Another edge of your seat page turner!
June 19, 2019
Typical America against the world kind of story. Not a bad read with a few plot twists.
October 11, 2019
Liberty
Another excellent Make Grafton novel. I can t wait to see where Stephen Counts handsHake now that he's retired. I wonder if the same cast of characters will fill him.
Another excellent Make Grafton novel. I can t wait to see where Stephen Counts handsHake now that he's retired. I wonder if the same cast of characters will fill him.
February 13, 2020
A very good read.
Entertaining, a good story with believable characters and hero's set in the modern day and relevant to today's culture of terrorism and fanatics
Entertaining, a good story with believable characters and hero's set in the modern day and relevant to today's culture of terrorism and fanatics
March 11, 2020
I still love Stephen Coonts - especially after reading his latest novel. I recommend this book to all Coont’s fans. It was fast moving and Jake was his usual self Also a very moving cover
April 21, 2020
This has a good plot until the very end. Lots of characters to keep track of.
May 5, 2020
481 pages
July 9, 2020
Great as always!
November 27, 2020
Not a big international terrorist plot reader. Decent book, too many pat saves for my taste.
May 8, 2021
What a great way to end this series. Nukes, bad guys, the whole kit and caboodle. Enjoyed the whole thing!
September 10, 2021
Very good book even though the ending was sort of abrupt. Sorry to see the Jake Grafton series end. Definitely one of the better books in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews