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Aidan Snow #2
Cold Black
Aidan Snow is back with a mission that is bigger than ever.
Now an MI6 operative, Snow must locate and rescue an old SAS colleague before an Al-Qaeda splinter cell can carry out acts of unprecedented horror. But who is covertly funding these new attacks and why?
Aidan Snow finds himself caught in a maelstrom involving East, West and Middle East which could have catastrophic results.
Now an MI6 operative, Snow must locate and rescue an old SAS colleague before an Al-Qaeda splinter cell can carry out acts of unprecedented horror. But who is covertly funding these new attacks and why?
Aidan Snow finds himself caught in a maelstrom involving East, West and Middle East which could have catastrophic results.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2010
133 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Alex Shaw
22 books159 followersALEX SHAW B.A.(Hons), P.G.C.E. spent the second half of the 1990s in Kyiv, Ukraine, teaching Drama and running his own business consultancy before being head-hunted for a division of Siemens. The next few years saw him doing business for the company across the former USSR, the Middle East, and Africa.
Alex is an active member of the ITW (The International Thriller Writers organisation) and the CWA (the Crime Writers Association). He is the author of the #1 International Kindle Bestselling 'Aidan Snow SAS thrillers' HETMAN & COLD BLACK and the new DELTA FORCE VAMPIRE series of books. His writing has also been published in the thriller anthologies DEATH TOLL, DEATH TOLL 2 and ACTION PULSE POUNDING TALES 2 alongside International Bestselling authors Stephen Leather and Matt Hilton. DANGEROUS, DEADLY, ELITE - The third Aidan Snow Thriller will be available in October 2014.
COLD BLACK is commercially published by ENDEAVOUR PRESS.
Alex, his wife and their two sons divide their time between homes in Kyiv, Ukraine and Worthing, England. Alex can be contacted via his website www.alexwshaw.com You can also follow Alex on twitter: @alexshawhetman
Alex is an active member of the ITW (The International Thriller Writers organisation) and the CWA (the Crime Writers Association). He is the author of the #1 International Kindle Bestselling 'Aidan Snow SAS thrillers' HETMAN & COLD BLACK and the new DELTA FORCE VAMPIRE series of books. His writing has also been published in the thriller anthologies DEATH TOLL, DEATH TOLL 2 and ACTION PULSE POUNDING TALES 2 alongside International Bestselling authors Stephen Leather and Matt Hilton. DANGEROUS, DEADLY, ELITE - The third Aidan Snow Thriller will be available in October 2014.
COLD BLACK is commercially published by ENDEAVOUR PRESS.
Alex, his wife and their two sons divide their time between homes in Kyiv, Ukraine and Worthing, England. Alex can be contacted via his website www.alexwshaw.com You can also follow Alex on twitter: @alexshawhetman
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 8, 2021
Having read Traitors by Alex Shaw and enjoyed the spy thriller vibe, especially the role and character of Aidan Snow I have returned to the authors earlier work where he introduced us to this ‘reluctant’ British agent.
I specifically like his humility, humour and dedication. While jokes are made about his James Bond secret service status he never seems a one-person instrument of foreign policy. The books stand out for me as the rely on collaboration and multi-agency solutions. So while the book focuses on Snow he is not the only developed character who crosses our pages. This enables the author to weave elaborate plots and introduce various locations where the action rarely stops.
Some readers may struggle with the opening fifth of the narrative as it is laying the foundations and setting the scene. There is plenty of action and surprises still in this first part of the book but concentration is required; thereafter it is a runaway adventure full of jeopardy and political intrigue with less thinking and more pure fun.
What marks out the writing for me is an awareness of political scenarios which makes fact and fiction seem to be seamlessly running through the novel.
Cold Black is a natural progression from the break-up of the USSR and reintroduces the new reality of an emerging Russia not content to rest on its past. Ukraine and Belarus are principle players here and the former personalities of the KGB and Soviet secret service resurface with various old and modified thinking.
The really special aspect though is the embracing of modern insurgents, the threat of Islamic extremism and the ways differences are manipulated for national interests. So it was really refreshing to read of events set in Saudi Arabia and places like Dubai. The grasp the global politic by the author marks out his writing based on research, experience and “what iffing”. So although this was first published in 2010 it resonates with current events in the Ukraine and Belarusian athletes post Olympics.
No greater compliment can be paid to a thriller writer than that their writing seems to be lifted from today’s headlines and column inches.
I specifically like his humility, humour and dedication. While jokes are made about his James Bond secret service status he never seems a one-person instrument of foreign policy. The books stand out for me as the rely on collaboration and multi-agency solutions. So while the book focuses on Snow he is not the only developed character who crosses our pages. This enables the author to weave elaborate plots and introduce various locations where the action rarely stops.
Some readers may struggle with the opening fifth of the narrative as it is laying the foundations and setting the scene. There is plenty of action and surprises still in this first part of the book but concentration is required; thereafter it is a runaway adventure full of jeopardy and political intrigue with less thinking and more pure fun.
What marks out the writing for me is an awareness of political scenarios which makes fact and fiction seem to be seamlessly running through the novel.
Cold Black is a natural progression from the break-up of the USSR and reintroduces the new reality of an emerging Russia not content to rest on its past. Ukraine and Belarus are principle players here and the former personalities of the KGB and Soviet secret service resurface with various old and modified thinking.
The really special aspect though is the embracing of modern insurgents, the threat of Islamic extremism and the ways differences are manipulated for national interests. So it was really refreshing to read of events set in Saudi Arabia and places like Dubai. The grasp the global politic by the author marks out his writing based on research, experience and “what iffing”. So although this was first published in 2010 it resonates with current events in the Ukraine and Belarusian athletes post Olympics.
No greater compliment can be paid to a thriller writer than that their writing seems to be lifted from today’s headlines and column inches.
December 26, 2018
Totalmente prescindible!! Novela de espías, con una trama muy complicada y bastante poco creíble, que involucra a los Estados Unidas, Rusia, Inglaterra, Arabia Saudí, Ucrania, Bielorrusia... y algunos más.
Personajes muy, muy llanos y también, demasiado típicos.
Además, la forma de narración no ayuda, ya que va narrando acontecimientos en diversas partes del mundo, pero sin un marco temporal; es decir, no sabemos si dichos sucesos son simultáneos o si entre uno y otro han transcurrido días, semanas o meses.
Le he puesto dos estrellas, porque una estrella la reservo para aquellos libros que no he podido terminar; y este, lo he terminado solo para ver como resolvía las mil situaciones planteadas, y lo hace fatal!!!
Personajes muy, muy llanos y también, demasiado típicos.
Además, la forma de narración no ayuda, ya que va narrando acontecimientos en diversas partes del mundo, pero sin un marco temporal; es decir, no sabemos si dichos sucesos son simultáneos o si entre uno y otro han transcurrido días, semanas o meses.
Le he puesto dos estrellas, porque una estrella la reservo para aquellos libros que no he podido terminar; y este, lo he terminado solo para ver como resolvía las mil situaciones planteadas, y lo hace fatal!!!
February 22, 2015
...cracking action thriller...
...if you like your action non-stop, and mixed in with international political intrigue at the highest levels... throw in a couple of rugged former SAS-type heroes, not averse to doing what they have to do to get results,... lighten it up occasionally with the black humour of the special forces style, alongside a neat counterpoint of American and British intelligence lads, and you have a great read... well done, Mister Shaw... highly recommended...
...if you like your action non-stop, and mixed in with international political intrigue at the highest levels... throw in a couple of rugged former SAS-type heroes, not averse to doing what they have to do to get results,... lighten it up occasionally with the black humour of the special forces style, alongside a neat counterpoint of American and British intelligence lads, and you have a great read... well done, Mister Shaw... highly recommended...
December 24, 2019
Book two in the series and perhaps better than the first. Ex SAS trooper Snow now works for British Intelligence.
When another retired SAS guy, Paddy Fox, gets involving in foiling a kidnapping, he is offered a job in Saudi Arabia. British Intelligence encourage him to take it and sends Snow out there undercover to follow up on rumours and to keep an eye on Fox.
Lots of characters and agencies in this as the Russians, Ukraine, Belarus, Saudi and the CIA and MI6. Good to see a strong working relationship between the UK and the US for a change.
Snow finds himself in the wrong place at the right time and tracks a kidnapping, using his old skills intelligently and logically.
More action in this than the first book and a very entertaining thriller.
When another retired SAS guy, Paddy Fox, gets involving in foiling a kidnapping, he is offered a job in Saudi Arabia. British Intelligence encourage him to take it and sends Snow out there undercover to follow up on rumours and to keep an eye on Fox.
Lots of characters and agencies in this as the Russians, Ukraine, Belarus, Saudi and the CIA and MI6. Good to see a strong working relationship between the UK and the US for a change.
Snow finds himself in the wrong place at the right time and tracks a kidnapping, using his old skills intelligently and logically.
More action in this than the first book and a very entertaining thriller.
October 6, 2012
2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award (ABNA) Expert Review
As the author of 'Cold Black' I wanted to share with you all the review I received from the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award (ABNA) Expert Reviewer:
`With the world in financial turmoil and the Middle East aflame this is a timely topic for a suspense novel. COLD BLACK appeals to readers of espionage books and crime novels. Fans of this genre will find it timely and entertaining. Thrillers really aren't my cup of tea...but I loved this.'
2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award (ABNA) Expert Review
As the author of 'Cold Black' I wanted to share with you all the review I received from the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award (ABNA) Expert Reviewer:
`With the world in financial turmoil and the Middle East aflame this is a timely topic for a suspense novel. COLD BLACK appeals to readers of espionage books and crime novels. Fans of this genre will find it timely and entertaining. Thrillers really aren't my cup of tea...but I loved this.'
2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award (ABNA) Expert Review
April 30, 2015
I have read short stories by Alex Shaw before and enjoyed them immensely. This is my first novel by him and it has been a very fun read, very visual and would easily convert to film. Fast paced action, good sharp dialogue, lots of killings, violence, political intrigue and various locations that I’m familiar with (from films) etc. I found the plot plausible and the characters and their motives believable; clearly the author knows his subject - all ingredients that I reckon make an exciting book.
I especially loved Paddy Fox.
I especially loved Paddy Fox.
January 13, 2026
Aidan Snow returns for Round Two
This was a better effort and more enjoyable than Aidan Snow’s debut. Now inducted into the SIS, his skills brought up to date, he is a believable hero. Along with ‘Paddy’ Fox, another former member of ‘The Regiment’ he helps foil a plot to cause harm to Saudi Arabia by a renegade Russian special adviser. It’s a good plot and renews our acquaintance with characters first seen in Cold Blood.
This was a better effort and more enjoyable than Aidan Snow’s debut. Now inducted into the SIS, his skills brought up to date, he is a believable hero. Along with ‘Paddy’ Fox, another former member of ‘The Regiment’ he helps foil a plot to cause harm to Saudi Arabia by a renegade Russian special adviser. It’s a good plot and renews our acquaintance with characters first seen in Cold Blood.
March 17, 2019
Brilliant book. This is longer than the normal books I read but it was so worth it.
James Bond and Jack Reacher rolled into one. I enjoyed the first book in the series and loved this one. I have already bought the 3rd and will read as soon as I can.
Absolutely absorbing and awesome.
James Bond and Jack Reacher rolled into one. I enjoyed the first book in the series and loved this one. I have already bought the 3rd and will read as soon as I can.
Absolutely absorbing and awesome.
May 15, 2019
Way too complicated and confusing
This was my first Aiden Snow book. Too many characters and Snow barely shows up. He seems to spend most of his time riding around in cars and trucks. Not a particularly good read.
This was my first Aiden Snow book. Too many characters and Snow barely shows up. He seems to spend most of his time riding around in cars and trucks. Not a particularly good read.
October 30, 2020
Great Read
This second instalment of Aidan Snow was a fast paced, gripping read. I am going straight to the third instalment as I am eager to get to see where the adventure leads to.
This second instalment of Aidan Snow was a fast paced, gripping read. I am going straight to the third instalment as I am eager to get to see where the adventure leads to.
November 26, 2017
A new name to me but having seen the good reviews, I tried this. I must move back to Cold Blood.
March 11, 2021
A gripping political thriller. Loved it!
August 5, 2019
I have now read 3 stories with this main character and meantime on my 4th. Really good action stories. I like how he incorporates lesser characters from previous books. It leads to good continuity instead of having to 'see', in my case, new characters all the time.
January 20, 2016
Aidan Snow once more to the rescue!
We first met Aidan Snow in COLD BLOOD. He’d been badly injured when, as a young member of the SAS, whilst training Poland’s SAS equivalent, he was left for dead by the mastermind of a bank robbery. He then became a teacher at an international school in Ukraine where he once again met his nemesis. Now, that part of his life is behind him and we find him working for SIS, (formerly MI6 and MI5), which is now responsible for protecting the UK's internal security.
The story starts when the daughter of Prince Fouad Al Kabir, a member of the ruling family in Saudi Arabia, is kidnapped. James “Paddy” Fox, a former SAS colleague of Aidan’s, just happens to be in the vicinity and is able to rescue her. (They had both been deployed to Ireland during the conflict there between the IRA and the Unionists). Prince Fouad Al Kabir is so grateful that he offers Paddy a job as his security chief, and it is up to Aidan Snow to persuade Paddy to accept this offer and use it to be the eyes and ears for SIS.
In Kviv, Ukraine, Gennady Dudka meets up with his oldest friend and colleague, Leonid Sukhoi. (Their friendship dates back to when they had been together in the KGB). Dudka is shocked when Sukhoi tells him why he has arranged this meeting, not just to catch up on old times, but to seek asylum in the West. He has information about a terror attack that involves Belarus’ most infamous Spetsnaz operative; Voloshin Konstantin Andreyevich.
Alex Shaw has come of age in this the second book featuring Aidan Shaw. The story is complicated, very plausible and leaves you, the reader, thinking “This could actually happen!”. What I most enjoyed about the book was the fact that Alex Shaw has kept many of the main characters from the first book and once again they are actively involved as this story unfolds. I also enjoy the way he’s set the story to include countries and people who used to be part of the USSR. Now these fledgling countries are trying to break away and form their own identity, but still with some of the “perks” of Russia, namely their very strong secret service.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series and hope that the wait won’t be too long!
Treebeard
Breakaway Reviewers were given a copy of the book to review
We first met Aidan Snow in COLD BLOOD. He’d been badly injured when, as a young member of the SAS, whilst training Poland’s SAS equivalent, he was left for dead by the mastermind of a bank robbery. He then became a teacher at an international school in Ukraine where he once again met his nemesis. Now, that part of his life is behind him and we find him working for SIS, (formerly MI6 and MI5), which is now responsible for protecting the UK's internal security.
The story starts when the daughter of Prince Fouad Al Kabir, a member of the ruling family in Saudi Arabia, is kidnapped. James “Paddy” Fox, a former SAS colleague of Aidan’s, just happens to be in the vicinity and is able to rescue her. (They had both been deployed to Ireland during the conflict there between the IRA and the Unionists). Prince Fouad Al Kabir is so grateful that he offers Paddy a job as his security chief, and it is up to Aidan Snow to persuade Paddy to accept this offer and use it to be the eyes and ears for SIS.
In Kviv, Ukraine, Gennady Dudka meets up with his oldest friend and colleague, Leonid Sukhoi. (Their friendship dates back to when they had been together in the KGB). Dudka is shocked when Sukhoi tells him why he has arranged this meeting, not just to catch up on old times, but to seek asylum in the West. He has information about a terror attack that involves Belarus’ most infamous Spetsnaz operative; Voloshin Konstantin Andreyevich.
Alex Shaw has come of age in this the second book featuring Aidan Shaw. The story is complicated, very plausible and leaves you, the reader, thinking “This could actually happen!”. What I most enjoyed about the book was the fact that Alex Shaw has kept many of the main characters from the first book and once again they are actively involved as this story unfolds. I also enjoy the way he’s set the story to include countries and people who used to be part of the USSR. Now these fledgling countries are trying to break away and form their own identity, but still with some of the “perks” of Russia, namely their very strong secret service.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series and hope that the wait won’t be too long!
Treebeard
Breakaway Reviewers were given a copy of the book to review
November 3, 2014
Ex-SAS paratrooper witnesses a car crash, but the passenger happens to be a kidnapped Saudi princess. Paddy saves the girl and is offered a job in Dubai by her father, a fortunate happenstance. It happens that an Al Qaeda splinter cell is causing havoc there and Fox finds himself a kidnap victim.
Aidan Snow now works for MI6 and is sent into the Middle East to rescue Paddy and avert disaster.
This is a pacy, well written and exciting thriller with a strong international theme – and a post Cold War slant. The locations include the UK, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.
Broadly Aidan Snow, an MI6 operative, is attempting to stop Russia destabilising Saudi Arabia and it's oil flow in order to capitalise itself. The author in his bio states a knowledge of the Ukraine, and this Eastern bloc (knowledge) shines through. It adds a real slant of realism and authenticity.
A second strength is the characters, in particular action men Snow and Fox as well as the head of the SBU in the Ukraine, Dudka. I really like him. Dudka appears in a previously reviewed novella, Kyiv Rules. He's a wily old fox, hates the politics that's developed within his country and his family have moved away – so Dudka has nothing to lose.
This novel will appeal to readers who enjoy international thrillers with a strong armed forces theme. There are plenty of references and acronyms, but not too many to be off putting, a good balance is struck.
The story itself is an ambitious one, with several strands in different locations running in parallel until drawn together in the conclusion. There's plenty of opportunity for the novel to lose itself, but the author manages to pull it off admirably. It's not all action, there's a seam of army based humour running through it too.
All in all a well written, engaging read.
**Originally reviewed for Books and Pals blog. May have received free review copy.**
Aidan Snow now works for MI6 and is sent into the Middle East to rescue Paddy and avert disaster.
This is a pacy, well written and exciting thriller with a strong international theme – and a post Cold War slant. The locations include the UK, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.
Broadly Aidan Snow, an MI6 operative, is attempting to stop Russia destabilising Saudi Arabia and it's oil flow in order to capitalise itself. The author in his bio states a knowledge of the Ukraine, and this Eastern bloc (knowledge) shines through. It adds a real slant of realism and authenticity.
A second strength is the characters, in particular action men Snow and Fox as well as the head of the SBU in the Ukraine, Dudka. I really like him. Dudka appears in a previously reviewed novella, Kyiv Rules. He's a wily old fox, hates the politics that's developed within his country and his family have moved away – so Dudka has nothing to lose.
This novel will appeal to readers who enjoy international thrillers with a strong armed forces theme. There are plenty of references and acronyms, but not too many to be off putting, a good balance is struck.
The story itself is an ambitious one, with several strands in different locations running in parallel until drawn together in the conclusion. There's plenty of opportunity for the novel to lose itself, but the author manages to pull it off admirably. It's not all action, there's a seam of army based humour running through it too.
All in all a well written, engaging read.
**Originally reviewed for Books and Pals blog. May have received free review copy.**
June 30, 2014
One of the things I love about self publishing is that I get to read books that I have not been exposed to before such as spy and thrillers with characters from other countries.
It was really interesting to get a different perspective of the US government and agencies but was really interesting was learning the make up and relationship to EU governments and intelligence agencies.
There are some really good location and scene descriptions without mind numbing and eye straining details.
The plot is basically spelled out which I really appreciate when an author doesn't try to be sneaky and hide or convolute the plot. That works in a police thriller or straight mysteries but it is a talented author that can tell you the plot then lead you through the process of the characters reaching the conclusions.
If I had any critiques I would say that since this is the second book in a series I was surprised that the main character Aidan seemed more like a buddy character instead of the leading man. I really connected with Paddy Fox and thought he was the leading man. This could be because I never read the first book to get a connection with Aidan but I feel like the leading man should be front and center in all books. It's ok to have a strong second character but make sure I know that the leading man is the show stealer.
The other critique would be when a lot of primary characters are in a story it gets very confusing especially when they are names that for me as a US reader am not familiar with especially the Russian and Ukrainian names so it a little confusing trying to remember who is with what country.
Neither of these thing really impacted my enjoyment of the book as I generally skim over the name of people or locations that trip me up anyways LOL. If you are a spy thriller fan then this is a good book to add to your bookshelf.
It was really interesting to get a different perspective of the US government and agencies but was really interesting was learning the make up and relationship to EU governments and intelligence agencies.
There are some really good location and scene descriptions without mind numbing and eye straining details.
The plot is basically spelled out which I really appreciate when an author doesn't try to be sneaky and hide or convolute the plot. That works in a police thriller or straight mysteries but it is a talented author that can tell you the plot then lead you through the process of the characters reaching the conclusions.
If I had any critiques I would say that since this is the second book in a series I was surprised that the main character Aidan seemed more like a buddy character instead of the leading man. I really connected with Paddy Fox and thought he was the leading man. This could be because I never read the first book to get a connection with Aidan but I feel like the leading man should be front and center in all books. It's ok to have a strong second character but make sure I know that the leading man is the show stealer.
The other critique would be when a lot of primary characters are in a story it gets very confusing especially when they are names that for me as a US reader am not familiar with especially the Russian and Ukrainian names so it a little confusing trying to remember who is with what country.
Neither of these thing really impacted my enjoyment of the book as I generally skim over the name of people or locations that trip me up anyways LOL. If you are a spy thriller fan then this is a good book to add to your bookshelf.
January 22, 2016
Cold Black. Alex Shaw
Aidan Snow is former S.A.S. Now he's M16, S.I.S. Another great action thriller. The race to control the flow of oil . The Saudi government is plagued by terrorists. Russia, Belarius,, FSB, CIA...everyone wants to play! Believable scenario, as well as each government's response. Snow again is brought into play to solve the problem. Deceit, betrayal....no holds barred action. A fantastic read!
Aidan Snow is former S.A.S. Now he's M16, S.I.S. Another great action thriller. The race to control the flow of oil . The Saudi government is plagued by terrorists. Russia, Belarius,, FSB, CIA...everyone wants to play! Believable scenario, as well as each government's response. Snow again is brought into play to solve the problem. Deceit, betrayal....no holds barred action. A fantastic read!
April 22, 2013
This 2nd book by Alex Shaw follows Hetman very nicely. It was a page turner from start to finish. This is not my usual genre, but this author writes so well that you immerse yourself in the story, and at one point I had to put the book down because my heart was beating so fast. Good plot and characters, fast paced and well written, overall an excellent book.I highly recommend it :)
September 6, 2014
I haven't actually finished this as it isn't my cup of tea.
There's nothing wrong with it, I'm just not into spy stories.
Finding this one too confusing. Too many characters, too many long foreign names I'm getting mixed up.
There's nothing wrong with it, I'm just not into spy stories.
Finding this one too confusing. Too many characters, too many long foreign names I'm getting mixed up.
December 4, 2015
This book will have your head spinning with all the twists and turns in the action!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews