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Donovan Nash #7
Seconds to Midnight (7)
Best-Selling and Award-Winning Author
Donovan Nash’s good deed leads to terror with horrifying repercussions
While on a routine Eco-Watch flight above northern Canada to study one of the most powerful solar flares in history, Donovan Nash and Michael Ross narrowly miss colliding with another aircraft―a Boeing 737 that’s not supposed to be there. With the mysterious 737 trailing smoke, Donovan and Michael watch as the stricken aircraft makes an emergency landing on a frozen lake.
As the Boeing breaks through the ice and begins to sink, a figure escapes into the frigid water and manages to climb up onto the ice. Donovan reaches the lone survivor and discovers it’s a young woman. Just before she blacks out, she whispers a dire warning, “Don’t let them know I’m alive―they’ll kill everyone.”
Seconds to Midnight plunges Donovan Nash and the Eco-Watch team into a fight for their lives. While Donovan searches for answers at the bottom of a frozen lake in Canada, his wife, Lauren, runs from operatives embedded in the top levels of the Russian Government.
With communication in the Northern Hemisphere crippled by the massive solar storm, Donovan, Michael, and Lauren battle for each second—as the clock ticks toward a possible Armageddon.
Perfect for fans of David Baldacci and Vince Flynn
While all of the novels in the Donovan Nash Series stand on their own and can be read in any order, the publication sequence
Category Five
Code Black
Zero Separation
Deadly Echoes
Aftershock
Pegasus Down
Seconds to Midnight
Speed the Dawn
Donovan Nash’s good deed leads to terror with horrifying repercussions
While on a routine Eco-Watch flight above northern Canada to study one of the most powerful solar flares in history, Donovan Nash and Michael Ross narrowly miss colliding with another aircraft―a Boeing 737 that’s not supposed to be there. With the mysterious 737 trailing smoke, Donovan and Michael watch as the stricken aircraft makes an emergency landing on a frozen lake.
As the Boeing breaks through the ice and begins to sink, a figure escapes into the frigid water and manages to climb up onto the ice. Donovan reaches the lone survivor and discovers it’s a young woman. Just before she blacks out, she whispers a dire warning, “Don’t let them know I’m alive―they’ll kill everyone.”
Seconds to Midnight plunges Donovan Nash and the Eco-Watch team into a fight for their lives. While Donovan searches for answers at the bottom of a frozen lake in Canada, his wife, Lauren, runs from operatives embedded in the top levels of the Russian Government.
With communication in the Northern Hemisphere crippled by the massive solar storm, Donovan, Michael, and Lauren battle for each second—as the clock ticks toward a possible Armageddon.
Perfect for fans of David Baldacci and Vince Flynn
While all of the novels in the Donovan Nash Series stand on their own and can be read in any order, the publication sequence
Category Five
Code Black
Zero Separation
Deadly Echoes
Aftershock
Pegasus Down
Seconds to Midnight
Speed the Dawn
340 pages, Paperback
First published March 7, 2017
186 people are currently reading
374 people want to read
About the author
Philip Donlay
15 books67 followersAs a young man, Philip Donlay's life was shaped by two distinct events. At the age of seventeen, he earned his pilot's license, and at eighteen was published in a national aviation magazine. The combination of these two passions: flying and writing, has led to successful careers as both a professional pilot and novelist.
He's been a flight instructor, flown a private jet for a Saudi prince, and for twenty-eight years flew a corporate jet for a Fortune 500 company. Licensed to fly six different jets and having logged nearly 14,000 hours, his travels have taken him to over forty countries on five continents. No longer flying, Donlay now divides his time between Minneapolis and the San Juan Islands. He's the author of four novels, Category Five, Code Black, Zero Separation, and his latest: Deadly Echoes.
He's been a flight instructor, flown a private jet for a Saudi prince, and for twenty-eight years flew a corporate jet for a Fortune 500 company. Licensed to fly six different jets and having logged nearly 14,000 hours, his travels have taken him to over forty countries on five continents. No longer flying, Donlay now divides his time between Minneapolis and the San Juan Islands. He's the author of four novels, Category Five, Code Black, Zero Separation, and his latest: Deadly Echoes.
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September 16, 2018Philip Donlay has given us a fast-paced, action packed spy thriller that hooks you from the first paragraph and doesn't let go - long after you've finished the book!
When I selected Seconds to Midnight, I knew nothing of Philip Donlay, his primary protagonist - Donovan Nash - nor did I realize that it was an espionage thriller. How fortuitous that I was unaware of these things or I might not have read this incredible thriller.
Seconds to Midnight is the latest in a series of spy thrillers by Donlay. However, despite my knowing nothing of the primary characters, their history and relationships, this book could easily have been read as a stand-alone. Donlay does an excellent job filling in the characters' backstory as the main character, Donovan Nash, catches up with others in the book.
Nash works for an NGO, "Eco-Watch" and uses this to "solve" world-wide incidents. In the beginning of Seconds To Midnight, the crew discover a mysterious woman who either was escaping from some very nasty fellows, or she was part of the group and the only survivor. She cannot remember and has left no clues to her identity. As the tale twists and turns, we are introduced to a myriad of spies, thugs, heroes and mercenaries and, often, it is difficult to distinguish between any of them. As their machinations unfold, we are us thrust down the path toward a very climactic conclusion.
As with any spy thriller, there is a massive amount of violence, near misses with death and, to some extent, a pass on believability. However, Donlay has woven together an exciting, well-written novel full of action and suspense. If espionage is your thing, you will find this one to be very satisfying. If you are fan of Tom Clancy's older novels or James Rollins' Sigma Force series, then you will love Seconds to Midnight.
Thank you to #Edelweiss, @PhilipDonlay and Oceanview Publishing for this thriller.
When I selected Seconds to Midnight, I knew nothing of Philip Donlay, his primary protagonist - Donovan Nash - nor did I realize that it was an espionage thriller. How fortuitous that I was unaware of these things or I might not have read this incredible thriller.
Seconds to Midnight is the latest in a series of spy thrillers by Donlay. However, despite my knowing nothing of the primary characters, their history and relationships, this book could easily have been read as a stand-alone. Donlay does an excellent job filling in the characters' backstory as the main character, Donovan Nash, catches up with others in the book.
Nash works for an NGO, "Eco-Watch" and uses this to "solve" world-wide incidents. In the beginning of Seconds To Midnight, the crew discover a mysterious woman who either was escaping from some very nasty fellows, or she was part of the group and the only survivor. She cannot remember and has left no clues to her identity. As the tale twists and turns, we are introduced to a myriad of spies, thugs, heroes and mercenaries and, often, it is difficult to distinguish between any of them. As their machinations unfold, we are us thrust down the path toward a very climactic conclusion.
As with any spy thriller, there is a massive amount of violence, near misses with death and, to some extent, a pass on believability. However, Donlay has woven together an exciting, well-written novel full of action and suspense. If espionage is your thing, you will find this one to be very satisfying. If you are fan of Tom Clancy's older novels or James Rollins' Sigma Force series, then you will love Seconds to Midnight.
Thank you to #Edelweiss, @PhilipDonlay and Oceanview Publishing for this thriller.
February 24, 2017
A routine Eco-Watch flight above Northern Canada narrowly misses a mid air collision with a Boeing 747. The 747 makes an emergency landing on a frozen lake. As the 747 breaks through the ice a figure escapes. Donovan Nash & Michael Ross, the pilots of the Eco-Watch flight manage to reach the lone survivor, a woman. Before she blacks out she manages to whisper a warning......
And so the adventure begins. When you read this book you will find you get the complete history from the good and bad guys, and family relationships. The story quickly unfolds at the beginning and draws you in. Before you know it a few hours have passed. This is a well written, fast paced, action packed book. It's the first book I have read by this author, but it won't be the last. Highly Recommend.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Oceanview Publishing and The author Philip Donlay for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
And so the adventure begins. When you read this book you will find you get the complete history from the good and bad guys, and family relationships. The story quickly unfolds at the beginning and draws you in. Before you know it a few hours have passed. This is a well written, fast paced, action packed book. It's the first book I have read by this author, but it won't be the last. Highly Recommend.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Oceanview Publishing and The author Philip Donlay for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 23, 2016
Seconds To Midnight (A (Donavan Nash Thriller) by Philip Donlay Seconds To Midnight (A (Donavan Nash Thriller) by Philip Donlay is a mystery thriller that covers international territory. Eco-Watch's Donavan Nash is on a plane with his crew, observing a powerful solar flare when they barely miss a collision with a Boeing 737 that shouldn't be there. It crashes and they see a figure stagger out of the plane. They make an emergency landing and rescue this unknown woman. Their lives change from that point forward.
Lauren Nash is involved with Russian operatives while she's not caring for their charming little girl. The communication lines are down because of the solar storm and they're struggling to stay in contact.
I gave this book four stars.
I received a complimentary copy from Oceanview Publishing and NetGalley. That did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Seconds-Midnig...
This book is in pre-order status until March 7, 2017. I could not leave a review on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
Lauren Nash is involved with Russian operatives while she's not caring for their charming little girl. The communication lines are down because of the solar storm and they're struggling to stay in contact.
I gave this book four stars.
I received a complimentary copy from Oceanview Publishing and NetGalley. That did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Seconds-Midnig...
This book is in pre-order status until March 7, 2017. I could not leave a review on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
November 8, 2017
Part thriller, part action-adventure, "Seconds to Midnight” is full of breathtaking suspense and narrow escapes.
Read full review in the 2017 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2017 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 12, 2020
The premise sounded good, like my kind of read, but ended up being just too much. Too much how? Too many coincidences, too many convenient circumstances, too much convenient wealth ( not even believable), too many convenient highly skilled friends and family, too much unbelievable dialogue ( of course his wife talks to the president of the US as if he is an underling...who doesn't?)...just too much.
August 12, 2020
I’ve read other books by this author and enjoyed them, but the plot line here was so ludicrous, it just was over the top.
March 17, 2017
Revisiting the 'Cold War'
This is the seventh novel in Donlay's popular Donovan Nash series and it certainly hits the spot as a crime thriller.
Donovan Nash and Michael Ross are flying over the Canadian ice fields to research what is expected to be a major solar flare. Before they have a chance to land they become aware of a Boeing 737 which seems to be in trouble and losing altitude fast. As the plane crashes into the frozen lake, an item is thrown out and then on contact a woman staggers from the plane and collapses on the ice; just before the Boeing breaks through the ice and sinks into the lake.
Donovan and Michael rescue the woman, who has a chilling message, and take her to a hospital in Winnipeg, but it soon becomes clear that she is running from some very dangerous people.
As the story unwinds, Donovan's family and friends and the whole of his Eco-Watch team become targets and are forced to take evasive action which has them travelling between Austria, London, Poland and beyond as they try to escape, but also to run their aggressors to earth.
As a series I suffered from having lost the backstory and perhaps it would have helped to avoid the credibility issues. Donovan's family and friends include a notorious arms dealer known as Archangel, his wife Lauren who is a DIA Analyst and his ex-FBI security officer. His daughter Abigail is just six but is able to ride her horse 'faster than bullets'; the bullets being fired at her!
Despite everything this is an entertaining thriller and a real page-turner. There is suspense and multiple plot lines in spades and the action doesn't let up so there is no excuse to be bored. The conclusion is truly epic!
For what it is, it is a good action thriller, but I must admit to preferring my thrillers to come with a little less action, and a little more subtlety. That is just personal; I am sure there are plenty of readers who don't share my view.
Pashtpaws
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
This is the seventh novel in Donlay's popular Donovan Nash series and it certainly hits the spot as a crime thriller.
Donovan Nash and Michael Ross are flying over the Canadian ice fields to research what is expected to be a major solar flare. Before they have a chance to land they become aware of a Boeing 737 which seems to be in trouble and losing altitude fast. As the plane crashes into the frozen lake, an item is thrown out and then on contact a woman staggers from the plane and collapses on the ice; just before the Boeing breaks through the ice and sinks into the lake.
Donovan and Michael rescue the woman, who has a chilling message, and take her to a hospital in Winnipeg, but it soon becomes clear that she is running from some very dangerous people.
As the story unwinds, Donovan's family and friends and the whole of his Eco-Watch team become targets and are forced to take evasive action which has them travelling between Austria, London, Poland and beyond as they try to escape, but also to run their aggressors to earth.
As a series I suffered from having lost the backstory and perhaps it would have helped to avoid the credibility issues. Donovan's family and friends include a notorious arms dealer known as Archangel, his wife Lauren who is a DIA Analyst and his ex-FBI security officer. His daughter Abigail is just six but is able to ride her horse 'faster than bullets'; the bullets being fired at her!
Despite everything this is an entertaining thriller and a real page-turner. There is suspense and multiple plot lines in spades and the action doesn't let up so there is no excuse to be bored. The conclusion is truly epic!
For what it is, it is a good action thriller, but I must admit to preferring my thrillers to come with a little less action, and a little more subtlety. That is just personal; I am sure there are plenty of readers who don't share my view.
Pashtpaws
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
February 9, 2024
"Seconds to Midnight" is an adrenaline-pumping espionage thriller with three major plot lines. First, there is the struggle to discover the past of the sole survivor of a Boeing plane crash through the ice of an Arctic lake. Second, there is the need to find out who is behind the revenge killing spree targeting the families of anyone who knows about this woman. Third, there is a rush to stop or minimize the effects of a nuclear bomb detonation in Iceland. These plots bring us into the worlds of illegal arms traders, women kidnapped into brothel slavery, environmental scientists, international negotiators, and all the family members put at risk by everything that is happening.
The various personal dramas and the starkly different worlds where the action takes place keep the novel from falling into the monotony of non-stop vehicle chases and multiple murders that plague most spy thrillers, You learn enough about the various characters to develop protective feelings for many of them.
The various personal dramas and the starkly different worlds where the action takes place keep the novel from falling into the monotony of non-stop vehicle chases and multiple murders that plague most spy thrillers, You learn enough about the various characters to develop protective feelings for many of them.
July 23, 2017
The action starts on page one and never ends!
A young woman rescued by nearly impossible means by Nash and friends, starts the suspense right from the beginning! The thrilling non-stop action is so compelling you absolutely can't wait to read what is on the next page and the next, and the next!
Mr. Donlay's Donovan Nash character and the circle he calls his family, are all involved in this exciting read! His characters are fascinating and seem to become your family too as you read these stories! Everything is on the line in this non-stop suspenseful tale - from Nash's family to every person in the world. This is a must read!
P.S. Upon finishing books 1 through 7, I can honestly tell you the quality and suspense and action are in every single book and I recommend them all!
A young woman rescued by nearly impossible means by Nash and friends, starts the suspense right from the beginning! The thrilling non-stop action is so compelling you absolutely can't wait to read what is on the next page and the next, and the next!
Mr. Donlay's Donovan Nash character and the circle he calls his family, are all involved in this exciting read! His characters are fascinating and seem to become your family too as you read these stories! Everything is on the line in this non-stop suspenseful tale - from Nash's family to every person in the world. This is a must read!
P.S. Upon finishing books 1 through 7, I can honestly tell you the quality and suspense and action are in every single book and I recommend them all!
March 2, 2022
Six books later and I still don't think Phillip Donlay has come close to matching the entertaining read that was Category Five, the first Donovan Nash novel. Seconds to Midnight is another mediocre Nash action novel. There's a couple of fun scenes here and there, but the story itself is just so... blah. It's as unbelievable as ever, with Nash and company going from one crazy situation to the next in their efforts to protect a mysterious woman and elude some Russian mercenaries.
I will say that it's great that the author finally has stopped the recapping of previous books. For the first time there's no mention of Robert Huntington or Meredith Barnes and it's great as a reader not to have to go through that whole explanation of Nash's secret past for what feels like the hundredth time. Too bad the story itself is instantly forgettable. Perhaps book 8 will be better.
I will say that it's great that the author finally has stopped the recapping of previous books. For the first time there's no mention of Robert Huntington or Meredith Barnes and it's great as a reader not to have to go through that whole explanation of Nash's secret past for what feels like the hundredth time. Too bad the story itself is instantly forgettable. Perhaps book 8 will be better.
August 4, 2017
Outstanding!!
I just finished all of Philip Donlay's books about the adventures of Donovan Nash and his assorted friends and family. These books are beyond entertaining. Once you start reading you will keep reading until the end of each book. This is a fantastic author who writes gripping and interesting books. I definitely look forward to reading more of his work. Excellent writing so please don't keep your readers in suspense!! Highly recommend these books but be forewarned that you will find it near impossible to put them down.
I just finished all of Philip Donlay's books about the adventures of Donovan Nash and his assorted friends and family. These books are beyond entertaining. Once you start reading you will keep reading until the end of each book. This is a fantastic author who writes gripping and interesting books. I definitely look forward to reading more of his work. Excellent writing so please don't keep your readers in suspense!! Highly recommend these books but be forewarned that you will find it near impossible to put them down.
March 14, 2019
Totally implausible but you know what - it's a good read. I'd not read any of the preceding books and don't think that was a problem. Donovan Nash is a good guy. He rescues a woman from a plane crash and then finds himself and his family and friends are in the crosshairs of the (usual) vast global conspiracy. This isn't an espionage novel, as it's been characterized, it's a thriller with international players. Lots of bad guys out there! Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. Perfect when you need something with action.
December 4, 2021
Thisu book was filled with wall-to-wall action. Sometimes, you can read a whole chapter and forget that the underlying plot makes no sense at all. And, if you are waiting for the mystery to be resolved at the end of the book and everything to make sense, you will be sorely disappointed, as I was. I don't want to get into all of the things that are wrong with this book because I don't want to create a spoiler, but I will say one thing: a high-level diplomatic meeting in Iceland in the dead of winter? Really? I guess they were first thinking of Azores, but it wasn't enough of a hardship.
December 2, 2016
I found this book on NetGalley and I was happy to get a review copy.
However, this is just not my cup of tea. There is just too much of everything. Too much people who have too much money, too many coincidences. In this category I prefer other authors. What made me put down the book is the fact that one of the main characters earns his money in the criminal weapon trade and the other characters are obviously at ease with that.
However, this is just not my cup of tea. There is just too much of everything. Too much people who have too much money, too many coincidences. In this category I prefer other authors. What made me put down the book is the fact that one of the main characters earns his money in the criminal weapon trade and the other characters are obviously at ease with that.
March 29, 2021
International intrigue
It's a series of highly unlikely escapades with very smart people~love of family and dear friends who never waver or flinch at what is required to do what is right. A seemingly unrelated airplane disaster turns into saving the world from a demented Russian to destroy the world who begins his master plan by setting off a nuclear bomb in Iceland. Diplomatic procedures avert a war. Exciting story!
It's a series of highly unlikely escapades with very smart people~love of family and dear friends who never waver or flinch at what is required to do what is right. A seemingly unrelated airplane disaster turns into saving the world from a demented Russian to destroy the world who begins his master plan by setting off a nuclear bomb in Iceland. Diplomatic procedures avert a war. Exciting story!
May 25, 2017
I never thought that Donlay's Donovan Nash books were anything special so I wasn't all that surprised that this one wasn't either. It's not that it's bad, it just isn't all that compelling and with the stack of books I have piling up right now I just decided to set it aside and go on to something else. -JS
July 26, 2017
Awesome story.....
From the very first page, this story took off. The problems solved, the dialogue, the Characters, everything just works. Loved this book looking forward to reading some of the others when I can find them at good prices, being on Social Security now sure puts the squeeze on fun things to do. Thanks, Philip Donlay, your books are great!!!!! Amarillo Turtle
From the very first page, this story took off. The problems solved, the dialogue, the Characters, everything just works. Loved this book looking forward to reading some of the others when I can find them at good prices, being on Social Security now sure puts the squeeze on fun things to do. Thanks, Philip Donlay, your books are great!!!!! Amarillo Turtle
August 22, 2018
Great story
I have read most of the author's books on the Donovan Nash series. His first, was outstanding but they seemed to have gone downhill from there. I really debated purchasing this book as a result. However, I am pleased that I did. This was a page turner with high drama, interesting characters and a credible plot.
I have read most of the author's books on the Donovan Nash series. His first, was outstanding but they seemed to have gone downhill from there. I really debated purchasing this book as a result. However, I am pleased that I did. This was a page turner with high drama, interesting characters and a credible plot.
November 4, 2020
Never slowed down, a high speed thriller of a spy novel.
From the moment i started to read i was totally involved in this magnificent adventure. The near disasters, the plane crashes, the non stop thrill ride had me hooked. Could not put it down. Thrilling right tot the final page.
From the moment i started to read i was totally involved in this magnificent adventure. The near disasters, the plane crashes, the non stop thrill ride had me hooked. Could not put it down. Thrilling right tot the final page.
August 22, 2020
Captivating
This was a slightly slow start, but it picks up on a rollercoaster ride all around the world. Great characters which are developed quite nicely. Very narrow escapes kept me racing from page to page.
This was a slightly slow start, but it picks up on a rollercoaster ride all around the world. Great characters which are developed quite nicely. Very narrow escapes kept me racing from page to page.
March 26, 2021
Excellent , well-written story
Very well written book. Taut dialogue without an excess of flowery language. Minimal use of the word "very". Clever story telling. Surprising plot twists. I highly recommend.
Very well written book. Taut dialogue without an excess of flowery language. Minimal use of the word "very". Clever story telling. Surprising plot twists. I highly recommend.
July 26, 2021
Great story. A must read.
Great story line, with mystery right from the beginning. Damsel in distress, mysterious circumstances, seconds from disaster, it's all in this book.
Great characters with action from front to back
Great story line, with mystery right from the beginning. Damsel in distress, mysterious circumstances, seconds from disaster, it's all in this book.
Great characters with action from front to back
March 19, 2017
This is the first book I've read in this series by Philip Donlay, but it certainly won't be my last! Though it took me awhile to catch on to the characters and their relationships, the author does provide this background material for new readers. The jacket cover does a good job of describing the story, so I won't rehash that here. Let me just say that the action never stops; foreign intrigue, ecological occurrences, interpersonal relationships, the story gripped me from page 1 and kept me enthralled to the end. I can definitely see these characters in a series of action films. Listen up, Hollywood, a money-maker awaits!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Oceanview for allowing me to read and review this wonderful read!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Oceanview for allowing me to read and review this wonderful read!
June 1, 2017
Great book
August 24, 2017
Absolutely smashing addition to the Donovan Nash hit series! They just keep getting better.
November 20, 2017
Realistic and amazing! Love the characters!
Read it on my Kindle my laptop and finally on my iPhone- couldn’t stop reading it and catching up
Hope it has a sequel!
Read it on my Kindle my laptop and finally on my iPhone- couldn’t stop reading it and catching up
Hope it has a sequel!
February 20, 2019
Love all the Donovan Nash books. The characters are interesting and the story line is a page turner!
April 19, 2019
Another good one
Another good story with Donovan Nash. A few twists and turns. The title refers to the world's clock. A few seconds to a nuclear war!
Another good story with Donovan Nash. A few twists and turns. The title refers to the world's clock. A few seconds to a nuclear war!
September 27, 2020
Non stop action
Excellent thriller with a great plot, great characters and great chemistry between the characters as the globetrotter across the world to save hundreds of lives.
Excellent thriller with a great plot, great characters and great chemistry between the characters as the globetrotter across the world to save hundreds of lives.
November 19, 2020
A very good series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews