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Terminal Rage
Long before his career as a hostage negotiator imploded, Alexander Blackwell lived by a simple rule: only fools and civilians believe in coincidences. Four years later, that rule returns to haunt him when a mysterious hostage taker called Seth surfaces in New York City, threatening to make 9/11 look like the dress rehearsal. Seth has a single, cryptic request: he will only negotiate with Blackwell. Coincidence, right?
410 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2013
477 people are currently reading
2412 people want to read
About the author
A.M. Khalifa
17 books70 followersA.M. Khalifa grew up in a diplomatic corps family and has lived and worked in more than fifteen countries. Exposed from a young age to the stranger than fiction machinations of international relations and the corridors of power, he writes spellbinding international thrillers that breach cultural taboos and provoke uncomfortable dialogue on sensitive issues like espionage, counterintelligence, religious fanaticism, terrorism and gender inequities. He is trilingual and lives in the eternal city of Rome.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
July 6, 2015
I pick one book to read during my 1 week summer vacation. Good Reads recommended Terminal Rage as I was looking for a substitute for Mitch Rapp books. Good Reads was wrong. Terminal Rage Is not like any Mitch Rapp I've ever read (and I have read them all). No, this book is 100 times deeper, 100 times more complex and intricate and put every spy/terrorist thriller I have ever read to shame. It was that good. Unfortunately for me, I finished the book way too fast and will have to find another to read for the next 5 days. Well done Mr. Khalifa.
December 6, 2014
A very, very good book.
Initially, I wasn’t looking forward to reading this, I don’t know why, but I absolutely loved it. There are so many twists that it’s hard to give an honest review without throwing spoilers in, which I have no intention of doing.
The story jumps all over the globe, but wherever Khalifa takes us we’re straight into the action. This is a book that holds your attention and I thoroughly recommend it because the reader won’t second guess how this story pans out. All is not as it seems.
So why only a 4 Star? Because it jumps around chronologically and that’s a bit confusing. This shouldn’t put a prospective reader off but it is annoying. Khalifa starts each chapter with the date, but this isn’t helpful at all because the reader can’t remember the date from the previous chapter, or the one before that, and especially the one before that.
This is very frustrating. It doesn’t spoil the story, but I hope Khalifa won’t use this technique in future books.
Initially, I wasn’t looking forward to reading this, I don’t know why, but I absolutely loved it. There are so many twists that it’s hard to give an honest review without throwing spoilers in, which I have no intention of doing.
The story jumps all over the globe, but wherever Khalifa takes us we’re straight into the action. This is a book that holds your attention and I thoroughly recommend it because the reader won’t second guess how this story pans out. All is not as it seems.
So why only a 4 Star? Because it jumps around chronologically and that’s a bit confusing. This shouldn’t put a prospective reader off but it is annoying. Khalifa starts each chapter with the date, but this isn’t helpful at all because the reader can’t remember the date from the previous chapter, or the one before that, and especially the one before that.
This is very frustrating. It doesn’t spoil the story, but I hope Khalifa won’t use this technique in future books.
February 7, 2015
This was one of the best books I have read in the last year and I think this book would make a wonderful movie. I enjoyed the fact that it wasn't your normal run-of-the-mill hostage taking ,terrorist book. The twist that the author gave to this story was brilliant. I highly recommend this book.
December 7, 2015
Former FBI Special Agent Alexander Blackwell is urgently approached to help with a sudden hostage situation in New York. Terminal Rage is a crime thriller that is not run-of-the-mill. The plot is very involved and the character development is very good.
Alexander is thrown in at the deep end and like the reader knows nothing about the hostage-taker. So along with the help of other members of the Hostage Rescue Team, Alexander and the reader try to work out the identity and motives of the hostage-taker.
There are many, many surprises along the way and this novel has an unusual but welcome structure. Woven into this story is a mass of culture that includes the Arab Spring of 2005. The story moves along at a good pace and because of the depth of the plot, it gives the reader a thrill to the very end. I gets you thinking “but, but, but?” as you try to fathom out what has gone on. This story is told with style and the editing is spot on. The whole feel of this novel is similar to the popular BBC television series called Spooks, of which I was a fan. Terminal Rage has a good mix of powerful character development, crime, dodgy characters, realism, technology and terrorism.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Terminal Rage because the whole plot was so different from the norm in a crowded market. It was a pleasure to read and was both entertaining and refreshing. I liked how the mystery of the hostage-taker developed and how mistakes within the intelligence community can so easily be made. Terrorists are not petty criminals doing things on the spur of the moment but plan their actions with great skill over a number of years. The skill of A. M. Khalifa deserves a vote of the top score of 5 stars from me as his novel was such a brilliant read.
Alexander is thrown in at the deep end and like the reader knows nothing about the hostage-taker. So along with the help of other members of the Hostage Rescue Team, Alexander and the reader try to work out the identity and motives of the hostage-taker.
There are many, many surprises along the way and this novel has an unusual but welcome structure. Woven into this story is a mass of culture that includes the Arab Spring of 2005. The story moves along at a good pace and because of the depth of the plot, it gives the reader a thrill to the very end. I gets you thinking “but, but, but?” as you try to fathom out what has gone on. This story is told with style and the editing is spot on. The whole feel of this novel is similar to the popular BBC television series called Spooks, of which I was a fan. Terminal Rage has a good mix of powerful character development, crime, dodgy characters, realism, technology and terrorism.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Terminal Rage because the whole plot was so different from the norm in a crowded market. It was a pleasure to read and was both entertaining and refreshing. I liked how the mystery of the hostage-taker developed and how mistakes within the intelligence community can so easily be made. Terrorists are not petty criminals doing things on the spur of the moment but plan their actions with great skill over a number of years. The skill of A. M. Khalifa deserves a vote of the top score of 5 stars from me as his novel was such a brilliant read.
March 29, 2023
Finally recovering from the mental toll of his disastrous last case, Alex Blackwell, once the FBI’s top hostage negotiator, is pulled back into action at the request of a man posing as an Arab prince who has taken over a skyscraper in midtown Manhattan. Besides the hostages in the building, the man threatens to kill children at daycare centers — knowing this is the one thing he could say that will convince Blackwell to forsake his self-imposed exile.
So begins Terminal Rage by A.M. Khalifa (@amkwriter), a layered thrill ride of a novel that moves seamlessly from inside a nerve-wracking hostage situation to far-flung locations across the United States and the world including Italy, Egypt, England and Australia. Who the mysterious man is and what his motivations are will be revealed in due time, as the reader and Alex uncover and fit together the pieces of large and complicated puzzle.
I’ve spent some time thinking about how to write this review, because I don’t want to reveal too much of the plot and spoil the fun for future readers. Terminal Rage is a multi-layered story that is topical and yet also timeless, with a real emotional edge underpinning it. The well-conceived plot twists along the way had me nodding my head in admiration of the author’s imagination and storytelling ability, which I would compare favorably to the best of Robert Ludlum, Frederick Forsyth or Ken Follett.
So writing this review is a bit like encouraging someone who hasn’t seen the movie The Sixth Sense to watch it without telling them Bruce Willis is dead; you want people to know how great it is but you don’t want to rob them of those “oh, wow” moments. For me as a reader, those times when well-crafted pieces of a plot puzzle finally fit together and the logic of the author’s intentions become clear are very satisfying.
I highly recommend this well-crafted novel, and look forward to more from Mr. Khalifa. To learn more about the author and his writing, visit his website.
So begins Terminal Rage by A.M. Khalifa (@amkwriter), a layered thrill ride of a novel that moves seamlessly from inside a nerve-wracking hostage situation to far-flung locations across the United States and the world including Italy, Egypt, England and Australia. Who the mysterious man is and what his motivations are will be revealed in due time, as the reader and Alex uncover and fit together the pieces of large and complicated puzzle.
I’ve spent some time thinking about how to write this review, because I don’t want to reveal too much of the plot and spoil the fun for future readers. Terminal Rage is a multi-layered story that is topical and yet also timeless, with a real emotional edge underpinning it. The well-conceived plot twists along the way had me nodding my head in admiration of the author’s imagination and storytelling ability, which I would compare favorably to the best of Robert Ludlum, Frederick Forsyth or Ken Follett.
So writing this review is a bit like encouraging someone who hasn’t seen the movie The Sixth Sense to watch it without telling them Bruce Willis is dead; you want people to know how great it is but you don’t want to rob them of those “oh, wow” moments. For me as a reader, those times when well-crafted pieces of a plot puzzle finally fit together and the logic of the author’s intentions become clear are very satisfying.
I highly recommend this well-crafted novel, and look forward to more from Mr. Khalifa. To learn more about the author and his writing, visit his website.
September 23, 2013
A movie waiting to happen.... If you are a fan of fast paced, political action thrillers you will love Terminal Rage by AM Khalifa. The book kept me engaged from start to finish and Khalifa's story telling approach held my excitement to read each new chapter. One of the things I enjoyed most was the authors style, which made for a very fun read while developing the characters constantly throughout as the plot builds. I highly recommend this book to fans of thriller/mystery/action novels.
June 5, 2015
Hold your breath,and hang on
A real head Turner,classic yet modern with a twist in every other paragraph. Story feels the way you would,if you had the will to be revenged. You never have to go back to check the storyline, and a great ending.
A real head Turner,classic yet modern with a twist in every other paragraph. Story feels the way you would,if you had the will to be revenged. You never have to go back to check the storyline, and a great ending.
February 1, 2015
A compelling action/adventure black ops/terrorist novel with a great deal of tension even in the sections with less action. Complex plot, interesting storyline and compelling characters. I did find the various points of view a little disconcerting at times and the last portion of the book was a bit of an anti-climax, although it wrapped up loose ends very nicely. Found this one difficult to put down and will be keeping it as a re-read. Will definitely give other books by this author a close look.
October 28, 2014
Very gripping read!!
What I liked: I sincerely enjoyed the way Mr Khalifa writes. The pacing, the characters and the "voice" of the story are top quality. Terminal Rage is told both in the present and with flashbacks of the two main characters, "Seth' and FBI Agent Alexander Blackwell.
This story had so many twists and turns, it was like a corkscrew. The plot while somewhat plausible is a bit out there but the author made me by into it. The personalities of the FBI characters seemed completely believable. And yes, I realize I'm talking in circles because if I say just the least bit too much, I would spoil everything. Suffice it to say, I went into this free read expecting nothing and felt like I won the lottery. I immediately looked for other novels by Mr Khalifa but most currently available are shorts with one novella. I wanted to read another novel by him, NOW.
What I didn't like: Initially I was wasn't paying very much attention to the time/place listed in each chapter, and you need to. That threw me off and I had to make a conscious effort to pay attention but that soon just became automatic to look to see who/what/where I was reading.
The ending of this book is great!! I will definitely put Mr Khalifa on my list of authors to watch for new releases!!
Highly Recommend for thriller/suspense fans!!
What I liked: I sincerely enjoyed the way Mr Khalifa writes. The pacing, the characters and the "voice" of the story are top quality. Terminal Rage is told both in the present and with flashbacks of the two main characters, "Seth' and FBI Agent Alexander Blackwell.
This story had so many twists and turns, it was like a corkscrew. The plot while somewhat plausible is a bit out there but the author made me by into it. The personalities of the FBI characters seemed completely believable. And yes, I realize I'm talking in circles because if I say just the least bit too much, I would spoil everything. Suffice it to say, I went into this free read expecting nothing and felt like I won the lottery. I immediately looked for other novels by Mr Khalifa but most currently available are shorts with one novella. I wanted to read another novel by him, NOW.
What I didn't like: Initially I was wasn't paying very much attention to the time/place listed in each chapter, and you need to. That threw me off and I had to make a conscious effort to pay attention but that soon just became automatic to look to see who/what/where I was reading.
The ending of this book is great!! I will definitely put Mr Khalifa on my list of authors to watch for new releases!!
Highly Recommend for thriller/suspense fans!!
October 27, 2014
One of the biggest problems I had with this book was the info dumping.
It was definitely the style of writing that made them necessary, but I think they could have been done differently and more appropriately.
I did like the the main character(s) were revolving. You were given solid characterizations for all of them and also good insight into their motives.
Khalifa deliberately avoided answering the question as to why Blackwell was singled out and that was a big no no for me. This is the reason why I did not give five stars. Why? Because this piece of information was crucial to the storyline. It is, in fact, why this story started to begin with. It is the reason why Blackwell was even a character in this book. You can't leave something like that unanswered. It was a great driving force for me to finish the book; I was that curious.
I enjoyed "Seth". He was a great character and I liked how his missions unfolded. I was very attached to his character. I also enjoyed that there was no romance! Well, not one that actually had any true focus with the plot.
4 Stars, not bad for a free read.
It was definitely the style of writing that made them necessary, but I think they could have been done differently and more appropriately.
I did like the the main character(s) were revolving. You were given solid characterizations for all of them and also good insight into their motives.
Khalifa deliberately avoided answering the question as to why Blackwell was singled out and that was a big no no for me. This is the reason why I did not give five stars. Why? Because this piece of information was crucial to the storyline. It is, in fact, why this story started to begin with. It is the reason why Blackwell was even a character in this book. You can't leave something like that unanswered. It was a great driving force for me to finish the book; I was that curious.
I enjoyed "Seth". He was a great character and I liked how his missions unfolded. I was very attached to his character. I also enjoyed that there was no romance! Well, not one that actually had any true focus with the plot.
4 Stars, not bad for a free read.
February 17, 2014
Terminal Rage is a fast-paced, action-packed political thriller that you will find hard to put down. Although the flashbacks and timeline initially confused me (I kept having to go back and check the timeline of the last chapter to see if I was in the past or present with the new chapter), it was still an amazing read that I finished in less than a day.
Terminal Rage is not your typical thriller. Although the international plot line and the political intrigue is fantastic, as are the fine details of how government agencies and diplomats work, the thing that stood out the most for me was the characters. Terminal Rage is a heartrending voyage into human nature and how far you would go to deliver justice for the ones that you love. It explores this from two different perspectives and for two men who may not be as different as they believe they are.
The ending of Terminal Rage left me wanting more and gives a hint that this story is far from over. I so do hope that a sequel is in the offing, as I will most definitely be buying it! Mr Khalifa, you have earned yourself another fan!
Terminal Rage is not your typical thriller. Although the international plot line and the political intrigue is fantastic, as are the fine details of how government agencies and diplomats work, the thing that stood out the most for me was the characters. Terminal Rage is a heartrending voyage into human nature and how far you would go to deliver justice for the ones that you love. It explores this from two different perspectives and for two men who may not be as different as they believe they are.
The ending of Terminal Rage left me wanting more and gives a hint that this story is far from over. I so do hope that a sequel is in the offing, as I will most definitely be buying it! Mr Khalifa, you have earned yourself another fan!
August 6, 2016
Haven't received my copy yet, just received notice I had won. 1/14/14
Received my copy and hope to start soon. Have 3 others plus my current read in front. 1/25/14
Started 2/10/14
finished 2/14/14
Alex Blackwell has retired from the FBI and now live on an island chartering dive expeditions, until the day a helicopter has invaded his paradise and drags him back to New York. A man has taken hostages and has asked for Alex by name. This is just the beginning of a tangled web between Egyptian politics, FBI past missions, and much more.
This was an intense read. I like mystery/murder/whodunit type books, but this was pure suspense, and a little too much politics for me, but still was a great read. Believable characters, good plot, and a rare realistic view of grief and revenge.
Received my copy and hope to start soon. Have 3 others plus my current read in front. 1/25/14
Started 2/10/14
finished 2/14/14
Alex Blackwell has retired from the FBI and now live on an island chartering dive expeditions, until the day a helicopter has invaded his paradise and drags him back to New York. A man has taken hostages and has asked for Alex by name. This is just the beginning of a tangled web between Egyptian politics, FBI past missions, and much more.
This was an intense read. I like mystery/murder/whodunit type books, but this was pure suspense, and a little too much politics for me, but still was a great read. Believable characters, good plot, and a rare realistic view of grief and revenge.
October 22, 2013
Thoroughly enjoyed Terminal Rage - great read! From the very beginning until the very end, there were wonderfully laced twists and turns. Nothing was expected and therefore kept my interest throughout the entire book. Things aren't always what they seem and assumptions should never be made. Brilliantly written and laced with multiple stories which were skillfully tied together in the end. Riveting. The main character, Seth Blackwell, a former FBI negotiator, is a complex, but so likeable character. Can't wait to read what his next adventure might entail. Would love to see this made into a movie too!
January 18, 2014
Khalifa gives us a ring-side seat to the inner workings of the FBI, its operations, rivalries and flaws. The reader's emotions and loyalties are exposed and challenged through a riveting story that's richly detailed and provocative. We ping around locales over a seven year period as characters are introduced and revealed, but just as we think we know the score, the game changes. Whom should we trust? Is there a clear case of good and evil? Why are the principals so intimately involved? Terminal Rage is a satisfying read that you won't be able to put down until the last page, but the characters will linger long after.
June 10, 2015
I couldn't get interested in this book. I found the plot tedious, the characters wooden and dull. All in all, this was not a memorable experience. The book was way too long. I wish other better success with this story.
December 29, 2013
Incredible book!!! Very intricate and well thought out plot. The book is a quick read and exciting till the very end. Would definitely recommend this book to anyone.
August 16, 2014
Excellent! Great plot and character development. Mystery all the way to the last page. I can't wait to read more from this author.
October 16, 2014
Hard to put down. I recommend it!
October 28, 2014
Good book. Interesting and engaging plot.
October 26, 2014
One of the best
A exceptional novel that has intensity. intrigue that was captivating. It would be great if it were actual, but almost impossible to deliver
A exceptional novel that has intensity. intrigue that was captivating. It would be great if it were actual, but almost impossible to deliver
November 12, 2020
Man, this book...
I tore through it at a lightning pace because it's so damn good. It starts off compelling and doesn't let up until the end.
I tore through it at a lightning pace because it's so damn good. It starts off compelling and doesn't let up until the end.
October 19, 2018
There are some books you take your time reading, so as to enjoy every turn of the page. This one is not one of them. Wow, what a ride, the book was so good that I was dreaming about what would happen next. Dreaming about a book I'm reading? That only ever happened twice, now three times.
Thumbs up A.M Khalifa, your writing style is amazing. While the plot has been used a few times (Negotiator - Samuel Jackson amongst many), you made it very different with depth. The main characters were very well developed that I felt empathy for both of them.
I was able to guess somethings before the reveal, but my mind was blown away when the dots connected.
Thumbs up A.M Khalifa, your writing style is amazing. While the plot has been used a few times (Negotiator - Samuel Jackson amongst many), you made it very different with depth. The main characters were very well developed that I felt empathy for both of them.
I was able to guess somethings before the reveal, but my mind was blown away when the dots connected.
February 5, 2018
Fantastic, this is not my usual genre for reading but for watching, I would. This book is screaming to be made into a successful film. The plot twists and turns then all connects together at the end like completing a jigsaw and seeing the finished picture. The locations are described so well you may as well be standing next to the character. The characters, good and bad are made so real and you feel their emotions. This review is honest and unbiased even though I won a paperback copy of the book, signed by the talented author himself (which I will treasure) but I had previously purchased the kindle edition too. Highly recommended whether you are a fan of political thrillers or not, you won't be disappointed.
April 29, 2015
This was a very good terrorist/action/hostage thriller. The author kept me interested throughout with many twists and turns plus I appreciated that I was kept informed along with the main protagonist. (It really bugs me when other authors keep secrets from the reader, although the protagonist already HAS the info!) Surprisingly, there was very little actual violence, just potential and threatened violence. I would definitely read more by this author. I do, however, have a couple of quibbles: Firstly, there were several places in the book where a word was misspelled or the wrong word was used - it needed more effective editing. Secondly, every chapter started with a date and time, and the narrative jumped around in time. I do not keep these dates in my head, so I have to keep looking back to previous chapters to find out if this is past, present, or future. With a hardcover book, it is somewhat frustrating, but possible, to flip back and forth. With an e-book, it is almost impossible, and therefore a source of great annoyance to me. Why doesn't the author use a phrase like "the next day", or "six years earlier" with the chapter heading to make it easier to follow?
January 19, 2021
WOW WOW WOW!!! AMAZING! (audible review)
What a story! Absolutely amazing. I can't even describe how good this book was. Just when you thought you knew what was happening there was a surprise. In a good way!
The story lines and plot was fantastic, the writing exceptional. The characters great.
I really don't want to say to much to give anything away, because it was great and does not need spoiled.
As for the narration, it was superb as usual, since Scott Brick was the narrator. I love him. He is so good. I can't even explain how much he brings a book to life. He does all the voices so good, including the female voices. He gives everyone their own distinct voice and reads with emotion. Plus he does have a sexy voice, bonus.
If you haven't listened to this book you are missing out. It was so good!
What a story! Absolutely amazing. I can't even describe how good this book was. Just when you thought you knew what was happening there was a surprise. In a good way!
The story lines and plot was fantastic, the writing exceptional. The characters great.
I really don't want to say to much to give anything away, because it was great and does not need spoiled.
As for the narration, it was superb as usual, since Scott Brick was the narrator. I love him. He is so good. I can't even explain how much he brings a book to life. He does all the voices so good, including the female voices. He gives everyone their own distinct voice and reads with emotion. Plus he does have a sexy voice, bonus.
If you haven't listened to this book you are missing out. It was so good!
May 3, 2015
A terrible tragedy enfolds and Sam Morgan's family is murdered. Sam, in his grief, goes beyond the norm and searches the world for those responsible. He cooks up a highly sophisticated and devious scheme to free two of the culprits out of an Egyptian prison to mete out his justice. The book had lots of twists and turns that were very original and unexpected. The author had several flash backs that was really confusing, especially in the first half of the book until near the end when it all came together. It was a good long book which I like to read. There was some vulgarities which was not needed but not enough for me to put it down.
June 17, 2015
Very enjoyable read. There were quite number of twists, which kept it entertaining. I liked the way the mind of the author moved from the hostage negotiator, to the hostage taker, later on in the book. Things aren't as you expect them to be, and it's worth reading this book to find out why. Finally, don't be put off by any mention of hostage negotiations, this makes the book sound tedious & slow... Which it isn't!
December 11, 2014
An enthralling read. An action packed book with a terrorist/hostage situation. The need to explain why and how the action in the first part of the book arises in the latter half just prevents me giving a top rating as the essential link between the hostage negotiated Blackwell - and 'Seth the terrorist'- connection isn't explained or was too hidden to be clear to the reader.
July 10, 2015
Wow! Certainly didn't expect that! I knew from the onset that the initial hostage situation wasn't going to last long enough for the whole book but what happened afterwards was a huge surprise. A.M Khalifa kept me in suspense while he traversed the mind and motives of several characters. Very well written and a delight to read
May 24, 2015
An amazing ride!!
What a story! This one has a complex yet satisfying plot, complex yet understandable characters, twists and turns that left me dizzy, yet a satisfying and powerful finish. A powerful book for our times. Congratulations to the author!!
What a story! This one has a complex yet satisfying plot, complex yet understandable characters, twists and turns that left me dizzy, yet a satisfying and powerful finish. A powerful book for our times. Congratulations to the author!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews