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Sleeper 13 #1
Sleeper 13
An action-packed and utterly gripping thriller from the bestselling author of The Enemy Series
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As a child he was smuggled to the Middle East from his London home, to be trained as one of the most elite insurgent soldiers of his generation.For years he was forced to do things no child should do, for a cause he couldn't believe in.
But while his brothers were preparing to kill, he was looking for a way out.
Now, on the eve of the deadliest coordinated terrorist attacks Europe has ever seen, he'll finally get his chance.
He will break free and hunt down those responsible for making him a monster.
He must draw on all his training, all of his deadly skills to survive.
He is Sleeper 13.
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SLEEPER 13 is a fast-paced thriller filled with twists and turns and intrigue that will appeal to readers of big-hitting thrillers such as NOMAD, ORPHAN X, THE BOURNE IDENTITY and globe-trotting spy thriller I AM PILGRIM.
432 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2018
650 people are currently reading
1364 people want to read
About the author
Rob Sinclair
34 books680 followersRob is the author of the critically acclaimed and bestselling Enemy series and James Ryker series of espionage thrillers. His books have sold over half a million copies to date with many reviewers and readers having likened Rob's work to authors at the very top of the genre, including Lee Child and Vince Flynn.
Rob began writing in 2009 following a promise to his wife, an avid reader, that he could pen a ‘can’t put down’ thriller. He worked for nearly 13 years for a global accounting firm after graduating from The University of Nottingham in 2002, specialising in forensic fraud investigations at both national and international levels. Rob now writes full time.
Originally from the North East of England, Rob has lived and worked in a number of fast paced cities and is now based near Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife, sons and dog
Rob began writing in 2009 following a promise to his wife, an avid reader, that he could pen a ‘can’t put down’ thriller. He worked for nearly 13 years for a global accounting firm after graduating from The University of Nottingham in 2002, specialising in forensic fraud investigations at both national and international levels. Rob now writes full time.
Originally from the North East of England, Rob has lived and worked in a number of fast paced cities and is now based near Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife, sons and dog
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
March 8, 2018
We've all seen the headlines, and experienced the horror of the atrocities committed in terrorist acts around the world. Sleeper 13 allows us to see behind those headlines, and takes us into the training camps of those responsible for these acts, so not unnaturally this is a disturbing, yet ultimately powerful, and fast paced thriller.
Aydin was trained to be an elite jihadi warrior - it wasn't a life choice for him, he was just a child when he was handed over by his father to a training camp in Afghanistan. There are 13 members of this particular jihadi group, all of them taken as young boys, who are allowed absolutely no contact with their families. They are no longer known by their names, only numbers - Aydin is number 13. He has been subjected to, and witnessed, the most shocking acts of violence, and yet he doesn't even believe in the cause, not like his 'brothers' do, so when the chance to escape presents itself, he takes it, with the sole intention of avenging those who turned him into a ruthless killer. However, with his 'brothers' and MI5 on his tail, he will need to bring all of his acquired 'skills' into play, simply to stay alive.
MI5 agent Rachel Cox has been gathering intel on the group, amid fears that they're about to carry out simultaneous attacks in numerous countries, all designed to cause as much carnage and fear as possible, but as the clock ticks down, can she discover the whereabouts of each member of the group before they cause what will be the most sustained and deadly terrorist attack ever witnessed across the whole of Europe!
Wow! This was without doubt one of the most powerful and gripping books that I've read in a while. Told by way of dual narratives, and with the aid of flashbacks, it takes us right into the heart of both MI5 and the jihadi training camps. It goes without saying that there are some distressing scenes, but they were absolutely necessary to the story as a whole, and of course it's a subject that touches all of us, if not directly, then in the heart breaking reports in the media.
The writing was excellent, the detail was exceptional, and to say it was an intense read is an understatement, it pulses with energy! Simply outstanding.
* My thanks to Netgalley and Orion Publishing for my ARC. I have given an honest review in exchange*
Aydin was trained to be an elite jihadi warrior - it wasn't a life choice for him, he was just a child when he was handed over by his father to a training camp in Afghanistan. There are 13 members of this particular jihadi group, all of them taken as young boys, who are allowed absolutely no contact with their families. They are no longer known by their names, only numbers - Aydin is number 13. He has been subjected to, and witnessed, the most shocking acts of violence, and yet he doesn't even believe in the cause, not like his 'brothers' do, so when the chance to escape presents itself, he takes it, with the sole intention of avenging those who turned him into a ruthless killer. However, with his 'brothers' and MI5 on his tail, he will need to bring all of his acquired 'skills' into play, simply to stay alive.
MI5 agent Rachel Cox has been gathering intel on the group, amid fears that they're about to carry out simultaneous attacks in numerous countries, all designed to cause as much carnage and fear as possible, but as the clock ticks down, can she discover the whereabouts of each member of the group before they cause what will be the most sustained and deadly terrorist attack ever witnessed across the whole of Europe!
Wow! This was without doubt one of the most powerful and gripping books that I've read in a while. Told by way of dual narratives, and with the aid of flashbacks, it takes us right into the heart of both MI5 and the jihadi training camps. It goes without saying that there are some distressing scenes, but they were absolutely necessary to the story as a whole, and of course it's a subject that touches all of us, if not directly, then in the heart breaking reports in the media.
The writing was excellent, the detail was exceptional, and to say it was an intense read is an understatement, it pulses with energy! Simply outstanding.
* My thanks to Netgalley and Orion Publishing for my ARC. I have given an honest review in exchange*
June 24, 2018
Rob Sinclair has written an intense, action packed, adrenaline fuelled violent thriller on the relevant contemporary issue of global terrorism. A young 9 year old boy, Aydin Torkal, is abducted by his father and placed in The Farm, a jihadi training camp in Afghanistan run by The Teacher. He is trained with 12 other boys to become a ruthless, elite insurgent human weapon, subject to trauma and torture. The boys have no contact with their families, are brainwashed, have no identity, known only by a number, Aydin is number 13. Aydin, however, unlike the other boys is not a believer. After learning of his twin sister, Nilay's murder, Aydin's rage leads him to kill and presents him with an opportunity to escape, looking for revenge on those responsible for him becoming a ruthless, cold blooded, human killing machine.
MI5 agent, Rachel Cox, has been collating intel on this elite group of killers, coming across Nilay who was asking questions about her brother before she was killed. Rachel has worries that plans are afoot that involve mass attacks in numerous locations in Europe as she tries to locate the 13 members of the jihadi group. With Aydin being pursued by his terrorist group and MI5, will Aydin and Rachel manage to prevent these harrowing atrocities? This is a fast paced, and brutal read, with huge twists with a compelling storyline and short chapters that keep you completely hooked from beginning to end. Sinclair has written a fantastic gutwrenching thriller of our times with brilliant characterisation, which I recommend highly. Many thanks to Orion for an ARC.
MI5 agent, Rachel Cox, has been collating intel on this elite group of killers, coming across Nilay who was asking questions about her brother before she was killed. Rachel has worries that plans are afoot that involve mass attacks in numerous locations in Europe as she tries to locate the 13 members of the jihadi group. With Aydin being pursued by his terrorist group and MI5, will Aydin and Rachel manage to prevent these harrowing atrocities? This is a fast paced, and brutal read, with huge twists with a compelling storyline and short chapters that keep you completely hooked from beginning to end. Sinclair has written a fantastic gutwrenching thriller of our times with brilliant characterisation, which I recommend highly. Many thanks to Orion for an ARC.
December 24, 2018
Only one word to describe this book: brilliant.
October 16, 2018
Sleeper 13 isn't the sort of book that I normally read but I really enjoyed it. It was fast paced and always had something happening. It would make a great movie or TV series.
13 kids are smuggled to the Middle East to be trained and elite fighters. They don't all want to be there.. Sleeper 13 does not and tries to find a way out. When his twin sister is murdered he sets out to get revenge, and be free.
Thanks to Orion Publishing and NetGalley for my copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
13 kids are smuggled to the Middle East to be trained and elite fighters. They don't all want to be there.. Sleeper 13 does not and tries to find a way out. When his twin sister is murdered he sets out to get revenge, and be free.
Thanks to Orion Publishing and NetGalley for my copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
May 4, 2018
Where do you start? This is the story of a young man taken from his home by his father to be brain washed trained into the hatred of jihads against the west. But he is special and queries why, and travels all over Europe to track down the rest of the group and prevent them achieving the plan. The story is told in parallel from an agent of MI5 tracking the group as well.
I absolutely loved this book, I have certainly never read anything else like it before. It gave superb insite to the way the training and mind games. Not sure where he got the information from.
The whole book moves at an extremely fast pace, but somehow the last 50 pages are even faster.
This is the first book I have read by this author, (I won it in a prize draw), but it won't be the last.
I absolutely loved this book, I have certainly never read anything else like it before. It gave superb insite to the way the training and mind games. Not sure where he got the information from.
The whole book moves at an extremely fast pace, but somehow the last 50 pages are even faster.
This is the first book I have read by this author, (I won it in a prize draw), but it won't be the last.
February 27, 2018
Wow, this is an incredibly powerful and hard hitting psychological thriller.
The plot is action-packed from start to finish, whether with actual physical action, or the psychological ramifications that have arisen as a result.
It’s a book that will make you think and stick with you long past the last page. Although this is fiction, it’s clearly offering an insight into this dark world, and it does it without glamorising anything.
The dual narrative and flashbacks combine to make the plot incredibly pacy, I swept through the chapters as I felt a constant need to know what was going to happen next, and how on Earth it was going to resolve itself before the end!
The characterisation was immensely strong; you couldn’t get two more different characters than MI5 agent Rachel and Sleeper 13, Aidan, but each of them will draw you in to their stories and the twists and turns that play out along the way.
The writing is very cinematic and the story would work incredibly well on screen.
A great book for fans of Chris Pavone, Charles Cummings, Terry Hayes and Robert Ludlum.
This is going to be a huge success this summer, no doubt it’ll feature in countless displays!
Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
The plot is action-packed from start to finish, whether with actual physical action, or the psychological ramifications that have arisen as a result.
It’s a book that will make you think and stick with you long past the last page. Although this is fiction, it’s clearly offering an insight into this dark world, and it does it without glamorising anything.
The dual narrative and flashbacks combine to make the plot incredibly pacy, I swept through the chapters as I felt a constant need to know what was going to happen next, and how on Earth it was going to resolve itself before the end!
The characterisation was immensely strong; you couldn’t get two more different characters than MI5 agent Rachel and Sleeper 13, Aidan, but each of them will draw you in to their stories and the twists and turns that play out along the way.
The writing is very cinematic and the story would work incredibly well on screen.
A great book for fans of Chris Pavone, Charles Cummings, Terry Hayes and Robert Ludlum.
This is going to be a huge success this summer, no doubt it’ll feature in countless displays!
Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
July 28, 2018
I expected to like this more than I did, but unfortunately, it didn't really draw me in very far. It's a shame, because I think the premise has lots of possibilities, but to me, the main character, Aydin, just wasn't that likable and the agent chasing him and his (former) brothers was likable but not really very effective.
I wanted to like Aydin, and realize he was raised to be the way he was, but he was just too violent and self-centered. Since he had the intelligence and independent thinking ability to see the errors in the beliefs being taught him and his brothers at the farm, I felt he should also be able to realize that there were other errors in what they taught him. Unfortunately, he was too focused on killing those who had the same brainwashing as he did, and were not fully responsible for their actions.
He had many opportunities to work for a greater good, and possibly be accepted into society in some way. I expected that he might even join forces with the west as a spy. Maybe he will in the next book, and I'll probably read it if I still remember the storyline when it comes out.
I wanted to like Aydin, and realize he was raised to be the way he was, but he was just too violent and self-centered. Since he had the intelligence and independent thinking ability to see the errors in the beliefs being taught him and his brothers at the farm, I felt he should also be able to realize that there were other errors in what they taught him. Unfortunately, he was too focused on killing those who had the same brainwashing as he did, and were not fully responsible for their actions.
He had many opportunities to work for a greater good, and possibly be accepted into society in some way. I expected that he might even join forces with the west as a spy. Maybe he will in the next book, and I'll probably read it if I still remember the storyline when it comes out.
March 26, 2018
I don’t know where to start with this. I was totally blown away with this book. Mr Sinclair you have a new fan.
Its the eve of the deadliest coordinated attacks the world has ever seen. Aydin Torkal who is known as Talatashar number thirteen in Arabic by his people had gone for a walk reflecting on how he had gotten into the situation he was in, He was kidnapped by his father at the age of nine taken to Kandahar where he was handed over to Aziz al-Addad who was the Teacher and would take him to the Farm to be trained as one of the most elite insurgents of his generation. He was forced to do things no one should ever have to do especially when he didn’t believe in the cause. His brothers were preparing to kill whereas Aydin was looking for a way out.
When he got back from his walk Khalid, his administrator and link to the ones who gave the orders said “come see this” he slumped down beside Khalid his attention turned to BBC World news, helicopter footage was showing the destruction caused by a suicide bomb attack at a market in Aleppo. Over twenty people were known to have died. The report claimed one of the known victims was a British Citizen a woman in her twenties working in Aleppo for an international humanitarian charity. When Aydin seen the photo of her he recognised her immediately even though he hadn’t seen her since he was nine it was his twin sister Nilay.
Khalid was excited “Good Work eh?” “Allah looks upon all martyrs with the same regard.” Aydin wished he’d shut up “you care so much about some little Western whore?” “There’ll be no place in paradise for that bitch or any of the others.” As he glanced at the table he saw a knife sitting which had been used earlier Aydin lunged for it but Khalid got there first a struggle broke out now Aydin has his OUT all he has to do is hunt down those who turned him into a monster. And make them pay.
What an amazing book I don’t know what I expected but I got an amazing experience and there’s a follow up to look forward to. There’s so much I can write in this review but this gives you an outline I can honestly say this is in my top three books read so far this year and probably in my all time top five. Brilliant 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and more.
Its the eve of the deadliest coordinated attacks the world has ever seen. Aydin Torkal who is known as Talatashar number thirteen in Arabic by his people had gone for a walk reflecting on how he had gotten into the situation he was in, He was kidnapped by his father at the age of nine taken to Kandahar where he was handed over to Aziz al-Addad who was the Teacher and would take him to the Farm to be trained as one of the most elite insurgents of his generation. He was forced to do things no one should ever have to do especially when he didn’t believe in the cause. His brothers were preparing to kill whereas Aydin was looking for a way out.
When he got back from his walk Khalid, his administrator and link to the ones who gave the orders said “come see this” he slumped down beside Khalid his attention turned to BBC World news, helicopter footage was showing the destruction caused by a suicide bomb attack at a market in Aleppo. Over twenty people were known to have died. The report claimed one of the known victims was a British Citizen a woman in her twenties working in Aleppo for an international humanitarian charity. When Aydin seen the photo of her he recognised her immediately even though he hadn’t seen her since he was nine it was his twin sister Nilay.
Khalid was excited “Good Work eh?” “Allah looks upon all martyrs with the same regard.” Aydin wished he’d shut up “you care so much about some little Western whore?” “There’ll be no place in paradise for that bitch or any of the others.” As he glanced at the table he saw a knife sitting which had been used earlier Aydin lunged for it but Khalid got there first a struggle broke out now Aydin has his OUT all he has to do is hunt down those who turned him into a monster. And make them pay.
What an amazing book I don’t know what I expected but I got an amazing experience and there’s a follow up to look forward to. There’s so much I can write in this review but this gives you an outline I can honestly say this is in my top three books read so far this year and probably in my all time top five. Brilliant 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and more.
dnf
June 10, 2018Unfortunately I just didn’t get on with Sleeper 13. I’ve loved the Logan/Ryker series but this just didn’t get my attention.
July 4, 2018
Wow give me a minute to catch my breath! What a thrilling, engrossing, action packed and scary read Sleeper 13 was.
This book seemed so real to me, I felt that all the action in the book could actually happen. The use of ‘the farm’ to train young children was really scary and quite a brutal method for such young kids. Even though I knew what they were being trained for I still felt very sorry for them as you could almost feel their fear of their teacher at times.
The story is told from the point of view of both Rachel, a M15 agent and Aydin or Sleeper 13. Rachel was a brilliant character who is obviously very good at her job and takes no nonsense from anyone, least of all her colleagues. I couldn’t believe that they didn’t believe her, especially given the increase in terrorism they are meant to be seeing! Her determination to push on and try and find out more about the terrorist group and their supposed plot was fantastic to read about and I really admired her drive. The two story lines helped give the reader a more holistic view of the story and I thought it turned into a bit of a cat and mouse came as events escalate and the two characters draw closer to each other.
This is a superbly plotted book with lots of action happening in many different countries which definetly kept my interest. There are a few slightly disturbing and gory bits which won’t be to everyone’s taste but is obviously, sadly, part of terrorism.
This is a fantastic start to a new series and I can’t wait to read the next installment! If you like thrilling, action packed and realistic thrillers then you need to read this book!
Huge thanks to Poppy Stimpson and Orion for my copy of this book and for inviting me onto the blog tour.
This book seemed so real to me, I felt that all the action in the book could actually happen. The use of ‘the farm’ to train young children was really scary and quite a brutal method for such young kids. Even though I knew what they were being trained for I still felt very sorry for them as you could almost feel their fear of their teacher at times.
The story is told from the point of view of both Rachel, a M15 agent and Aydin or Sleeper 13. Rachel was a brilliant character who is obviously very good at her job and takes no nonsense from anyone, least of all her colleagues. I couldn’t believe that they didn’t believe her, especially given the increase in terrorism they are meant to be seeing! Her determination to push on and try and find out more about the terrorist group and their supposed plot was fantastic to read about and I really admired her drive. The two story lines helped give the reader a more holistic view of the story and I thought it turned into a bit of a cat and mouse came as events escalate and the two characters draw closer to each other.
This is a superbly plotted book with lots of action happening in many different countries which definetly kept my interest. There are a few slightly disturbing and gory bits which won’t be to everyone’s taste but is obviously, sadly, part of terrorism.
This is a fantastic start to a new series and I can’t wait to read the next installment! If you like thrilling, action packed and realistic thrillers then you need to read this book!
Huge thanks to Poppy Stimpson and Orion for my copy of this book and for inviting me onto the blog tour.
March 17, 2018
Overrated.
Ridiculous premise. Seventeen year old boy traveling all over europe, locating and killing former terrorist “brothers”. The escape from the helicopter was simply laughable. Done with this series.
Ridiculous premise. Seventeen year old boy traveling all over europe, locating and killing former terrorist “brothers”. The escape from the helicopter was simply laughable. Done with this series.
January 2, 2019
This is a fabulous book. I knew after the first chapter that I would enjoy it, and I certainly wasn’t disappointed. I loved that the story moves around different countries, with parts of the story going back in time. I haven’t read a book by Rob Sinclair that I haven’t enjoyed. He certainly has a talent for writing.
Aydin Torkal had no idea how his life was going to change when his father took him from his home in England when he was only a boy and took him to a very different kind of school in the Middle East. There he was trained with fourteen other boys in the art of warfare and intelligence for future attacks against western countries. Aydin wasn’t the best student in the group and hence they called him number thirteen to match his skill level. Definitely nowhere near number one. Rachel Cox was a SIS Agent for MI6 and she had a pretty tough job in identifying potential terrorist. Even when Rachel found a group of men that were quite obviously planning a terror attack, she still had trouble convincing her bosses to take action. I’m really looking forward to the next book ‘Fugitive 13’ in this series being released. If you enjoy Thrillers, then you will love this book. 5/5 Star Rating.
Aydin Torkal had no idea how his life was going to change when his father took him from his home in England when he was only a boy and took him to a very different kind of school in the Middle East. There he was trained with fourteen other boys in the art of warfare and intelligence for future attacks against western countries. Aydin wasn’t the best student in the group and hence they called him number thirteen to match his skill level. Definitely nowhere near number one. Rachel Cox was a SIS Agent for MI6 and she had a pretty tough job in identifying potential terrorist. Even when Rachel found a group of men that were quite obviously planning a terror attack, she still had trouble convincing her bosses to take action. I’m really looking forward to the next book ‘Fugitive 13’ in this series being released. If you enjoy Thrillers, then you will love this book. 5/5 Star Rating.
August 18, 2018
Bloody good thriller. Engaging and a 'page-turner'.
I liked Aydin's flashbacks - it dug deep into his character and origin story. I kinda wanted to read more. Though it makes me confused on why Aydin remained the 13th. Other than pick-locking, physical combat and sneaking around - I don't see where his main strengths lie in terms of the elite 13 soldiers. "He was their deadliest weapon" is a little misleading, if he was the least 'skilled' and important as the 12 others above him.
Also I'm disturbed by the 'Disposable Woman' trope I see with Aydin's mother and sister - quote: "[Aydin] had to stop his brothers - for his sister, his mother. Because he was sure now that was what they'd want him to do." I understand the reasoning behind his motivations but it's been overused to point of disturbing in other texts. I'd rather him have an epiphany after going through pain and struggle, than this. (Though I'll give Sinclair credit to make these deaths have an impact on Aydin and Rachel Cox throughout the story).
I really wanted to like Cox much more, but I seriously couldn't for the most part. Her decision to use the Trapeze against her superiors orders seemed irrational (not understandably either) and her investigation to in the cyanide poisoning in Germany seemed out of the blue. I just wished we skipped her struggle with the lack of evidence then slowly finding it section, and jumped straight into her meeting Aydin and helping him 'against all odds'. It would've freed more page room for Aydin's backstory and relationships with the other 12 members and the Teacher because expanding on that would be really interesting. (Also, I didn't find Wahid very interesting as I thought? Nor very unique? Damn, he was a bit of a let down).
(Also Flannigan gets no character development! He could've been more interesting than the 'angry superior that objects to everything the MC says and does, but helps them anyway' type. Also his hatred and prejudice towards Aydin could've made him a better character, not a one dimensional one)
Also as a personal preference, however wonderful and detailed the description is, I often find myself skipping a few pages ahead to see when the 'real' action happens. Pacing is a bit slow.
I really think this story has the potential to challenge the 'runaway of a secret but powerful evil organisation turns their back against them' plot that you'd find in so many other thrillers, and further explore the more personal (emotional and psychological) aspects of Aydin's upbringing and those of the other boys around him - as it's so relevant today, and in need of authentic representation. In the end, it's not the chase scenes or the fights or the big, evil plan that makes a thriller stand out, it's the human connection readers have with the story. As much I enjoyed reading it, I was pressed to see more of it in 'Sleeper 13'.
I liked Aydin's flashbacks - it dug deep into his character and origin story. I kinda wanted to read more. Though it makes me confused on why Aydin remained the 13th. Other than pick-locking, physical combat and sneaking around - I don't see where his main strengths lie in terms of the elite 13 soldiers. "He was their deadliest weapon" is a little misleading, if he was the least 'skilled' and important as the 12 others above him.
Also I'm disturbed by the 'Disposable Woman' trope I see with Aydin's mother and sister - quote: "[Aydin] had to stop his brothers - for his sister, his mother. Because he was sure now that was what they'd want him to do." I understand the reasoning behind his motivations but it's been overused to point of disturbing in other texts. I'd rather him have an epiphany after going through pain and struggle, than this. (Though I'll give Sinclair credit to make these deaths have an impact on Aydin and Rachel Cox throughout the story).
I really wanted to like Cox much more, but I seriously couldn't for the most part. Her decision to use the Trapeze against her superiors orders seemed irrational (not understandably either) and her investigation to in the cyanide poisoning in Germany seemed out of the blue. I just wished we skipped her struggle with the lack of evidence then slowly finding it section, and jumped straight into her meeting Aydin and helping him 'against all odds'. It would've freed more page room for Aydin's backstory and relationships with the other 12 members and the Teacher because expanding on that would be really interesting. (Also, I didn't find Wahid very interesting as I thought? Nor very unique? Damn, he was a bit of a let down).
(Also Flannigan gets no character development! He could've been more interesting than the 'angry superior that objects to everything the MC says and does, but helps them anyway' type. Also his hatred and prejudice towards Aydin could've made him a better character, not a one dimensional one)
Also as a personal preference, however wonderful and detailed the description is, I often find myself skipping a few pages ahead to see when the 'real' action happens. Pacing is a bit slow.
I really think this story has the potential to challenge the 'runaway of a secret but powerful evil organisation turns their back against them' plot that you'd find in so many other thrillers, and further explore the more personal (emotional and psychological) aspects of Aydin's upbringing and those of the other boys around him - as it's so relevant today, and in need of authentic representation. In the end, it's not the chase scenes or the fights or the big, evil plan that makes a thriller stand out, it's the human connection readers have with the story. As much I enjoyed reading it, I was pressed to see more of it in 'Sleeper 13'.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2018
This book shocked me. You see the terrible carnage by the IS on TV so often and you wonder what drives them to commit such atrocities. This book gives a detailed insight into the Islamic State with their motives, beliefs and methods of indoctrination. It shows how vicious and cunning they are and how intelligently they plot & plan. They are experts in the shocking things they do to prepare for an attack. What most appalled me is how they took the 13 young children to brainwash them to make them into terrorists. Those who didn't comply were at risk of being killed. Life is cheap. It terrifies me at how ingenious they are at what they do. A brilliant, gripping ending. Thank you to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group.
March 6, 2018
This was my first Rob Sinclair book and I just loved it ... looking forward so much to the next and so I will read his other books to curb my impatience... a wonderful 5 Star read
March 5, 2018
A wonderful read from a wonderful author. I've previously read two of the James Ryker books and have always been a fan of Rob Sinclair. I've enjoyed those books immensely and this book is no different. Wonderfully written and a fresh perspective in an already way overused story line, it made the book an intense read and really enjoyable one at that too. This is one of the easiest 5 stars for me. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
July 2, 2018
When it comes reading action thrillers, I have a few criteria that the story needs to meet. Firstly, the plot has to capture and hold my attention. A well-judged sense of pace is also key, and if the story manages to pull off a cinematic feel, so much the better. Rob Sinclair’s latest novel, Sleeper 13, ticks all these boxes and then some.
At its heart, Sleeper 13 has a fascinating premise. The central protagonist has been trained for years as a terrorist, and it is what makes the character of Aydin a cut above your standard action hero. There is a very specific event that makes him question everything he has learned, a split-second that changes his entire life and sets Aydin off on a path in direct opposition to his former masters. The internal conflict that constantly rages within this young man ensures his actions and reactions are genuinely unpredictable. Years of brainwashing and intense indoctrination have left their mark, but he has come to realise that nothing is quite so cut and dried as his teachers would have him believe. He has come to understand that when there are ideological differences, things do not need to end in terrorist attacks. There are twelve other men just like Adyin, all important elements in the same plan. Our reluctant hero has no choice but to track them down and stop them.
Aydin is not the only one trying to uncover the conspiracy of the Thirteen. A British agent, Rachel Fox, has learned of their existence and is desperately trying to stop these insurgents from attempting any form of action. Initially she is alone in thinking that the Thirteen even exist. Some consider this shadowy group little more than an urban myth, but Rachel’s dogged determination and willingness to bend the odd rule or two pays dividends.
Both characters are heading towards the same objective but from different directions. Rachel uses her analytical skill as an investigator while Aydin is more of a blunt instrument. That said, as the narrative continues to unfold, it becomes more and more evident that these two are more alike than they first appear.
The plot has an international feel as the action moves throughout the Middle East and Europe. Aydin and Rachel are both trying to piece together the nature of the terrorist plan that is developing. I’m firmly of the opinion that a good action thriller needs to feel like a race against time, and Sleeper 13 achieves this by continually cranking up the tension. The final chapters are particularly effective.
Sleeper 13 is a solidly entertaining action thriller that manages to be both engrossing and heart-stopping in equal measure. This is exactly the sort of novel I like to read when I am travelling. You can easily lose yourself in all the twists and turns as miles fly by. This is the first book I’ve read by Rob Sinclair, but I don’t imagine for a second that it will be the last. I’m sure action thriller fans are going to relish every page.
At its heart, Sleeper 13 has a fascinating premise. The central protagonist has been trained for years as a terrorist, and it is what makes the character of Aydin a cut above your standard action hero. There is a very specific event that makes him question everything he has learned, a split-second that changes his entire life and sets Aydin off on a path in direct opposition to his former masters. The internal conflict that constantly rages within this young man ensures his actions and reactions are genuinely unpredictable. Years of brainwashing and intense indoctrination have left their mark, but he has come to realise that nothing is quite so cut and dried as his teachers would have him believe. He has come to understand that when there are ideological differences, things do not need to end in terrorist attacks. There are twelve other men just like Adyin, all important elements in the same plan. Our reluctant hero has no choice but to track them down and stop them.
Aydin is not the only one trying to uncover the conspiracy of the Thirteen. A British agent, Rachel Fox, has learned of their existence and is desperately trying to stop these insurgents from attempting any form of action. Initially she is alone in thinking that the Thirteen even exist. Some consider this shadowy group little more than an urban myth, but Rachel’s dogged determination and willingness to bend the odd rule or two pays dividends.
Both characters are heading towards the same objective but from different directions. Rachel uses her analytical skill as an investigator while Aydin is more of a blunt instrument. That said, as the narrative continues to unfold, it becomes more and more evident that these two are more alike than they first appear.
The plot has an international feel as the action moves throughout the Middle East and Europe. Aydin and Rachel are both trying to piece together the nature of the terrorist plan that is developing. I’m firmly of the opinion that a good action thriller needs to feel like a race against time, and Sleeper 13 achieves this by continually cranking up the tension. The final chapters are particularly effective.
Sleeper 13 is a solidly entertaining action thriller that manages to be both engrossing and heart-stopping in equal measure. This is exactly the sort of novel I like to read when I am travelling. You can easily lose yourself in all the twists and turns as miles fly by. This is the first book I’ve read by Rob Sinclair, but I don’t imagine for a second that it will be the last. I’m sure action thriller fans are going to relish every page.
September 23, 2019
An action packed book that just wasn’t for me. I can imagine enjoying this as a film with non stop action scenes and childhood flashbacks but as a book it just failed to engage me.
Sleeper 13 follows the character of Aydin who as a young boy is placed in “The Farm.” Trained to be an elite Jihadi fighter his world is turned upside down again with the realisation that those who have trained him are responsible for the death of his sister. Plunging head on into a hell for leather revenge tale we follow Aydin around the world while getting a glimpse into his world growing up. Meanwhile Aydin and his fellow jihadi brothers cell is being tracked down by the secret service and in particular Rachael who will not let red tape get in her way.
I really wasn’t engaged by either Aydin or Rachael. Aydin managed a full 180 in a very quick time with very little covering him having any kind of crisis of conscience and for an elite Jihadi we spent a lot of time covering why he was the least skilled. Rachael meanwhile seems way too eager to break rules and go against direct orders at the drop of the hat, how she ever progressed in any organisation with such little discipline made little sense to me. For all the action I just didn’t feel invested.
It’s not often I don’t fly through a book when I’m on holiday but this one I found I struggled to keep picking back up. Interesting concept just not for me.
Sleeper 13 follows the character of Aydin who as a young boy is placed in “The Farm.” Trained to be an elite Jihadi fighter his world is turned upside down again with the realisation that those who have trained him are responsible for the death of his sister. Plunging head on into a hell for leather revenge tale we follow Aydin around the world while getting a glimpse into his world growing up. Meanwhile Aydin and his fellow jihadi brothers cell is being tracked down by the secret service and in particular Rachael who will not let red tape get in her way.
I really wasn’t engaged by either Aydin or Rachael. Aydin managed a full 180 in a very quick time with very little covering him having any kind of crisis of conscience and for an elite Jihadi we spent a lot of time covering why he was the least skilled. Rachael meanwhile seems way too eager to break rules and go against direct orders at the drop of the hat, how she ever progressed in any organisation with such little discipline made little sense to me. For all the action I just didn’t feel invested.
It’s not often I don’t fly through a book when I’m on holiday but this one I found I struggled to keep picking back up. Interesting concept just not for me.
May 8, 2018
A powerful frightening story current in the world we live in today . A story of Aydin one Of The Thirteen brainwashed into terrorism , the person it makes him become andhis attempts to break free and seek revenge. On the other side is MI5 agent Rachel who has been gathering intel and is attempting to whwart The Thirteens plans for Europe . As their lives collide we see both sides of the hunted and the hunter . 4.5 stars with my thanks to tbc, the author and publisher for my copy
February 23, 2025
1.5 ⭐️
I think this is one I probably should have DNF’d, but I couldn’t be bothered to pick a different book so I just stuck with it.
There were a few moments that I found entertaining and kept me engaged, but the majority of the book I had to try hard to not just skim the pages.
I won’t be reading any more of the books in the series.
(Only reason it got 1.5 instead of 1 was because of the few engaging parts).
I think this is one I probably should have DNF’d, but I couldn’t be bothered to pick a different book so I just stuck with it.
There were a few moments that I found entertaining and kept me engaged, but the majority of the book I had to try hard to not just skim the pages.
I won’t be reading any more of the books in the series.
(Only reason it got 1.5 instead of 1 was because of the few engaging parts).
August 10, 2020
A fast action packed story, but not without its merit.
There are some plot holes and too good to be true coincidences.
For instance:
- When the hero or the antagonist. He is after all a terrorist. Finds a person similar height and body build to his own when trying to pose as a refugee waiting for trafficking. Knocks him out and posing as that person and no one in the entire group of refugees seems to be concerned. Not even the ones that were sitting beside him, not a moment ago.
- Finding a hairpin on the road to break into his mothers house. What are the odds.
- The antagonist, is being so trained and having the knowledge that contacting any person outside of the brotherhood will have some dire consequences. What does he do right after killing one of his own and making everyone want to kill him? Right, pays a visit to his mom.
Won't say that it would save her, but it won't be on his hands.
- Everywhere the antagonist goes. Cross Country. Cross border. The brotherhood always knows and anticipates him. How exactly. He could be landing in any place. He has no electronic devices on him.
- Sis, agent Cox extraction mission. The road the mission is passing is already known to the bad guys which already prepared an ambush.
- The two SIS guys act irrationally when they see an intentional or not intentional accident on the road while extracting agent Cox. One suggest to stop and help. Pausing the mission they were instructed to do and forgetting that Cox is sill being targeted by the bad guys. Oh, common.
- Agents Cox overrules her superior boss and authorise resources that are beyond her clearance.
Also, the language and swearing between the people in the same organisation and same side is ridiculus.
- Cox boss is denying Cox much needed resources of surveillance. They work for the same guys and have the same motive. Did they forget it?
- The antagonist, or number 13. Fell of the helicopter. A moment later he has cash. Radio device, phone, laptop and what not. Seems plausible.
- At the end of the story, agent Cox having the antagonist on their sight of her gun. Fires and wounds the guy intentionally so he can escape
instead of killing him. He is a terrorist for god sake. He kills people. Tortures them. Jesus.
Bottom line. Didn't like the hero/antagonist at all. He has no repose in the his actions, tortures and kills everyone to get his selfish mission done.
Disappointed.
There are some plot holes and too good to be true coincidences.
For instance:
- When the hero or the antagonist. He is after all a terrorist. Finds a person similar height and body build to his own when trying to pose as a refugee waiting for trafficking. Knocks him out and posing as that person and no one in the entire group of refugees seems to be concerned. Not even the ones that were sitting beside him, not a moment ago.
- Finding a hairpin on the road to break into his mothers house. What are the odds.
- The antagonist, is being so trained and having the knowledge that contacting any person outside of the brotherhood will have some dire consequences. What does he do right after killing one of his own and making everyone want to kill him? Right, pays a visit to his mom.
Won't say that it would save her, but it won't be on his hands.
- Everywhere the antagonist goes. Cross Country. Cross border. The brotherhood always knows and anticipates him. How exactly. He could be landing in any place. He has no electronic devices on him.
- Sis, agent Cox extraction mission. The road the mission is passing is already known to the bad guys which already prepared an ambush.
- The two SIS guys act irrationally when they see an intentional or not intentional accident on the road while extracting agent Cox. One suggest to stop and help. Pausing the mission they were instructed to do and forgetting that Cox is sill being targeted by the bad guys. Oh, common.
- Agents Cox overrules her superior boss and authorise resources that are beyond her clearance.
Also, the language and swearing between the people in the same organisation and same side is ridiculus.
- Cox boss is denying Cox much needed resources of surveillance. They work for the same guys and have the same motive. Did they forget it?
- The antagonist, or number 13. Fell of the helicopter. A moment later he has cash. Radio device, phone, laptop and what not. Seems plausible.
- At the end of the story, agent Cox having the antagonist on their sight of her gun. Fires and wounds the guy intentionally so he can escape
instead of killing him. He is a terrorist for god sake. He kills people. Tortures them. Jesus.
Bottom line. Didn't like the hero/antagonist at all. He has no repose in the his actions, tortures and kills everyone to get his selfish mission done.
Disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2018
A timely, gripping and utterly shocking terrorism thriller!
Rob Sinclair has become a household name in the thriller genre. Yet SLEEPER 13 is something altogether different from his previous work. It is not only his best novel to date but easily one of the most intense and engrossing thrillers of the last decade!
Sinclair dives right into the action by pulling the metaphorical rug out from under his protagonist and sending him on a globetrotting hunt for revenge. Aydin is a fascinating guy to spend time with. Kidnapped at the age of nine to be trained as one of thirteen of the world’s most lethal human weapons, he is haunted by his traumatic experiences in the grueling training facility only known as “the Farm”. Now Aydin must choose between what’s right and what he has been conditioned to be, while simultaneously evading his former brothers in arms. Throughout the present day events, the reader is treated with glimpses of Aydin’s murky past that immerses them into his constant struggle to cling to humanity.
On the other hand, we have Rachel Cox, a dedicated SIS officer, who isn’t afraid to break the rules or even risk her career for the greater good. Trying to track down the elusive Thirteen for years, she might be the only one able to connect the dots in time. Cox analytical no-bullshit attitude makes for a great counterweight to Aydin’s emotionally torn state of mind. And it is exciting to see their respective quests set onto a collision course.
From beginning to end, SLEEPER 13 packs a breakneck pace, with cinematic action, shocking twists and great character moments lurking behind every turn. The main character has echoes of I AM PILGRIM and Gregg Hurwitz’s ORPHAN X. That said, the book quickly develops a unique feel of its own. The bottom line is this: Ben Coes, Brad Thor and Daniel Silva better watch out, because with Rob Sinclair a new player has made his entrance onto the stage of world-class terrorism thriller authors!
Rob Sinclair has become a household name in the thriller genre. Yet SLEEPER 13 is something altogether different from his previous work. It is not only his best novel to date but easily one of the most intense and engrossing thrillers of the last decade!
Sinclair dives right into the action by pulling the metaphorical rug out from under his protagonist and sending him on a globetrotting hunt for revenge. Aydin is a fascinating guy to spend time with. Kidnapped at the age of nine to be trained as one of thirteen of the world’s most lethal human weapons, he is haunted by his traumatic experiences in the grueling training facility only known as “the Farm”. Now Aydin must choose between what’s right and what he has been conditioned to be, while simultaneously evading his former brothers in arms. Throughout the present day events, the reader is treated with glimpses of Aydin’s murky past that immerses them into his constant struggle to cling to humanity.
On the other hand, we have Rachel Cox, a dedicated SIS officer, who isn’t afraid to break the rules or even risk her career for the greater good. Trying to track down the elusive Thirteen for years, she might be the only one able to connect the dots in time. Cox analytical no-bullshit attitude makes for a great counterweight to Aydin’s emotionally torn state of mind. And it is exciting to see their respective quests set onto a collision course.
From beginning to end, SLEEPER 13 packs a breakneck pace, with cinematic action, shocking twists and great character moments lurking behind every turn. The main character has echoes of I AM PILGRIM and Gregg Hurwitz’s ORPHAN X. That said, the book quickly develops a unique feel of its own. The bottom line is this: Ben Coes, Brad Thor and Daniel Silva better watch out, because with Rob Sinclair a new player has made his entrance onto the stage of world-class terrorism thriller authors!
March 12, 2018
Sleeper 13 (Sleeper 13 #1)
by Rob Sinclair (Goodreads Author)
4.34 · Rating
Synopsis
As a child he was smuggled to the Middle East from his London home, to be trained as one of the most elite insurgent soldiers of his generation.
For years he was forced to do things no child should do, for a cause he couldn't believe in.
But while his brothers were preparing to kill, he was looking for a way out.
Now, on the eve of the deadliest coordinated terrorist attacks Europe has ever seen, he'll finally get his chance.
He will break free and hunt down those responsible for making him a monster.
He must draw on all his training, all of his deadly skills to survive.
He is Sleeper 13.
SLEEPER 13 is a fast-paced thriller filled with twists and turns and intrigue that will appeal to readers of big-hitting thrillers such as NOMAD, ORPHAN X, THE BOURNE IDENTITY and globe-trotting spy thriller I AM PILGRIM.
Review
Rob Sinclair isn't an author that I'd heard of before, that's something that I plan on remedying ASAP. Not since reading I am Pilgrim five years ago have I been this intrigued by a book. It was fascinating and terrifying all at the same time.
Sleeper 13, his designation. He;s one of 13 highly trained terrorists. Their ultimate goal? To rain chaos, destruction, death upon the heathens of the world. He is no longer one of them. He has become the hunted, the traitor. They killed his sister and mother. Now he has become the Hunter. He will stop them or die trying. This is a truly unique and extremely believable scenario. I've only one criticism and that's the ending, it was too abrupt, other than that it was a fast paced ride that I loved. 4 stars
by Rob Sinclair (Goodreads Author)
4.34 · Rating
Synopsis
As a child he was smuggled to the Middle East from his London home, to be trained as one of the most elite insurgent soldiers of his generation.
For years he was forced to do things no child should do, for a cause he couldn't believe in.
But while his brothers were preparing to kill, he was looking for a way out.
Now, on the eve of the deadliest coordinated terrorist attacks Europe has ever seen, he'll finally get his chance.
He will break free and hunt down those responsible for making him a monster.
He must draw on all his training, all of his deadly skills to survive.
He is Sleeper 13.
SLEEPER 13 is a fast-paced thriller filled with twists and turns and intrigue that will appeal to readers of big-hitting thrillers such as NOMAD, ORPHAN X, THE BOURNE IDENTITY and globe-trotting spy thriller I AM PILGRIM.
Review
Rob Sinclair isn't an author that I'd heard of before, that's something that I plan on remedying ASAP. Not since reading I am Pilgrim five years ago have I been this intrigued by a book. It was fascinating and terrifying all at the same time.
Sleeper 13, his designation. He;s one of 13 highly trained terrorists. Their ultimate goal? To rain chaos, destruction, death upon the heathens of the world. He is no longer one of them. He has become the hunted, the traitor. They killed his sister and mother. Now he has become the Hunter. He will stop them or die trying. This is a truly unique and extremely believable scenario. I've only one criticism and that's the ending, it was too abrupt, other than that it was a fast paced ride that I loved. 4 stars
September 16, 2021
3.8 stars
Sleeper 13 is an interesting and entertaining read. I like that this is not an ex cop/agent or army vet trying to save the world. Aydin, the MC is one of them….the terrorist. He was kidnapped and sent to “The School” to be trained as Jihad warrior. He doesn't want that life defected himself and decide to be the hunter of his brothers, refreshing, right? Good writing, slow starts (too slow for me) but catch up later on quite well with action and adventure. The part that I did not like is the agency’s part. Rachel Cox’s character is ok but her trusting and understanding and helping Aydin is too easy, in my opinion. And her boss’s dismissal of her opinion is too out right scripted just so he looks like typical small town cop rather than an agent and a boss nonetheless. As for Aydin, as much as I like the concept if his character….he’s not that believable…much. Anyway, a nice start for a series and I think I will read the next one.
Sleeper 13 is an interesting and entertaining read. I like that this is not an ex cop/agent or army vet trying to save the world. Aydin, the MC is one of them….the terrorist. He was kidnapped and sent to “The School” to be trained as Jihad warrior. He doesn't want that life defected himself and decide to be the hunter of his brothers, refreshing, right? Good writing, slow starts (too slow for me) but catch up later on quite well with action and adventure. The part that I did not like is the agency’s part. Rachel Cox’s character is ok but her trusting and understanding and helping Aydin is too easy, in my opinion. And her boss’s dismissal of her opinion is too out right scripted just so he looks like typical small town cop rather than an agent and a boss nonetheless. As for Aydin, as much as I like the concept if his character….he’s not that believable…much. Anyway, a nice start for a series and I think I will read the next one.
March 27, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
This was my first book by the author and after this I will definitely read more.
A really powerful story of the divided loyalties, religious beliefs, and indoctrination. You really feel for Aydin but also for the others, who are trained to kill but being so young.
It’s a tense, twisty book and scarily you realise how there could be real ‘Farms’ out there.
Rachel is a great character too, an assertive female secret service officer, with a clever crossover in that she and Aydin have a similar purpose.
The writing style is easy to read and I can see this being made into a tv series/movie.
This was my first book by the author and after this I will definitely read more.
A really powerful story of the divided loyalties, religious beliefs, and indoctrination. You really feel for Aydin but also for the others, who are trained to kill but being so young.
It’s a tense, twisty book and scarily you realise how there could be real ‘Farms’ out there.
Rachel is a great character too, an assertive female secret service officer, with a clever crossover in that she and Aydin have a similar purpose.
The writing style is easy to read and I can see this being made into a tv series/movie.
April 10, 2019
This book was interesting and the action was great. I liked how grand and far-reaching the scale of the terrorist plot was and the ideas behind the book. That being said, everything was a little convenient (e.g. travelling to different countries with no problem, or finding the exact person that was needed even though they could have been anywhere in a country). I did enjoy the story, but the convenience (and quite a few typos) did stop me from giving it a higher rating.
January 31, 2019
Action packed, hooked by the first chapter.
Follows a group of jihad trained terrorists as they plan a devastating attack on the West.
Would recommend.
Follows a group of jihad trained terrorists as they plan a devastating attack on the West.
Would recommend.
June 28, 2025
3.5 stars. Took me a bit to get into, but still a good thriller.
July 29, 2018
Really enjoyed this book, well written and a fantastic insight into what could happen in real life
June 12, 2023
Took a while to get going, but enjoyed the second half and will probably read the sequel.
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