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Ryan Decker #1
The Rescue
Former CIA operative turned mercenary for hire Ryan Decker’s specialty is rescuing kidnap victims. Hired by an influential US senator to liberate his daughter from a human-trafficking ring, Decker never anticipated sabotage or that the assault could go so disastrously wrong. The hostage is dead. His team is wiped out, and so are their families, including Decker’s own wife and son—eliminated one by one by the Russian mafia. And he’s survived to take the fall.
When he’s inexplicably freed soon into a ten-year sentence in federal prison, Decker suspects another setup. And private investigator Harlow Mackenzie knows he’s right. She has evidence that a power greater than the Russian mob was behind the raid that ruined Decker’s life.
The next move in a nationwide cat-and-mouse game of high-level sedition is up to them. Fueled by revenge and an obsession to clear his name, Decker has only one mission: to destroy a growing conspiracy before it’s too late.
When he’s inexplicably freed soon into a ten-year sentence in federal prison, Decker suspects another setup. And private investigator Harlow Mackenzie knows he’s right. She has evidence that a power greater than the Russian mob was behind the raid that ruined Decker’s life.
The next move in a nationwide cat-and-mouse game of high-level sedition is up to them. Fueled by revenge and an obsession to clear his name, Decker has only one mission: to destroy a growing conspiracy before it’s too late.
399 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2019
16343 people are currently reading
13607 people want to read
About the author
Steven Konkoly
70 books1,229 followersSteven graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1993, receiving a bachelor of science in English literature. He served the next eight years on active duty, traveling the world as a naval officer assigned to various Navy and Marine Corps units. His extensive journey spanned the globe, including a two-year tour of duty in Japan and travel to more than twenty countries throughout Asia and the Middle East.
From enforcing United Nations sanctions against Iraq as a maritime boarding officer in the Arabian Gulf, to directing aircraft bombing runs and naval gunfire strikes as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) assigned to a specialized Marine Corps unit, Steven's "in-house" experience with a wide range of regular and elite military units brings a unique authenticity to his thrillers.
He still wakes up at "zero dark thirty" to write for most of the day. When "off duty," he spends as much time as possible outdoors or travelling with his family--and dog.
Steven is the bestselling author of ten novels and several novellas, including a commissioned trilogy of novellas based on the popular Wayward Pines series. His canon of work includes the popular Black Flagged Series, a gritty, no-holds barred covert operations and espionage saga; The Perseid Collapse series, a post-apocalyptic thriller epic chronicling the events surrounding an inconceivable attack on the United States; and The Fractured State series, a near future, dystopian thriller trilogy set in the drought ravaged southwest
You can contact Steven directly by email (stevekonkoly@striblingmedia.com) or through his blog (www.stevenkonkoly.com).
From enforcing United Nations sanctions against Iraq as a maritime boarding officer in the Arabian Gulf, to directing aircraft bombing runs and naval gunfire strikes as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) assigned to a specialized Marine Corps unit, Steven's "in-house" experience with a wide range of regular and elite military units brings a unique authenticity to his thrillers.
He still wakes up at "zero dark thirty" to write for most of the day. When "off duty," he spends as much time as possible outdoors or travelling with his family--and dog.
Steven is the bestselling author of ten novels and several novellas, including a commissioned trilogy of novellas based on the popular Wayward Pines series. His canon of work includes the popular Black Flagged Series, a gritty, no-holds barred covert operations and espionage saga; The Perseid Collapse series, a post-apocalyptic thriller epic chronicling the events surrounding an inconceivable attack on the United States; and The Fractured State series, a near future, dystopian thriller trilogy set in the drought ravaged southwest
You can contact Steven directly by email (stevekonkoly@striblingmedia.com) or through his blog (www.stevenkonkoly.com).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,087 reviews
April 7, 2019
The hero, (Decker) is as much a pursued and not remindful of Mitch Rapp as some claim. Always being the victim does not make for an interesting, exciting story. 3 of 10 stars
September 16, 2019
OMG.... My first book by this author and i LOVED this book.
Steven Konkoly’s new Ryan Decker series is a triumph—an action-thriller master class in spy craft, tension, and suspense, one book but I will add this series on my list, awaiting book 2 out shortly.
Former CIA operative turned mercenary for hire Ryan Decker’s specialty is rescuing kidnap victims. Hired by an influential US senator to liberate her daughter from a human-trafficking ring, Decker never anticipated sabotage or that the assault could go so disastrously wrong. The hostage is dead. His team is wiped out, and so are their families, including Decker’s own wife and son—eliminated one by one by the Russian mafia. And he’s survived to take the fall.
When he’s inexplicably freed soon into a ten-year sentence in federal prison, Decker suspects another setup. And private investigator Harlow Mackenzie knows he’s right. She has evidence that a power greater than the Russian mob was behind the raid that ruined Decker’s life.
The next move in a nationwide cat-and-mouse game of high-level sedition is up to them. Fueled by revenge and an obsession to clear his name, Decker has only one mission: to destroy a growing conspiracy before it’s too late.
Breakneck twists, political conspiracy, bristling action, full of great characters, from start to finish great pace, gripping, realistic, multi -layered story, and very funny at times.
I just wanted to keep reading, but I did not want to stop reading !!
Fans, like myself of Mark Greaney, Lee Childs, Ben Coes, Brad Taylor, Brad Thor, Vince Flynn, Tim Tigner, Mark Dawson, Manning Brothers, Emlyn Rees, Will Jordan and Tom Wood will love this book...
Steven Konkoly’s new Ryan Decker series is a triumph—an action-thriller master class in spy craft, tension, and suspense, one book but I will add this series on my list, awaiting book 2 out shortly.
Former CIA operative turned mercenary for hire Ryan Decker’s specialty is rescuing kidnap victims. Hired by an influential US senator to liberate her daughter from a human-trafficking ring, Decker never anticipated sabotage or that the assault could go so disastrously wrong. The hostage is dead. His team is wiped out, and so are their families, including Decker’s own wife and son—eliminated one by one by the Russian mafia. And he’s survived to take the fall.
When he’s inexplicably freed soon into a ten-year sentence in federal prison, Decker suspects another setup. And private investigator Harlow Mackenzie knows he’s right. She has evidence that a power greater than the Russian mob was behind the raid that ruined Decker’s life.
The next move in a nationwide cat-and-mouse game of high-level sedition is up to them. Fueled by revenge and an obsession to clear his name, Decker has only one mission: to destroy a growing conspiracy before it’s too late.
Breakneck twists, political conspiracy, bristling action, full of great characters, from start to finish great pace, gripping, realistic, multi -layered story, and very funny at times.
I just wanted to keep reading, but I did not want to stop reading !!
Fans, like myself of Mark Greaney, Lee Childs, Ben Coes, Brad Taylor, Brad Thor, Vince Flynn, Tim Tigner, Mark Dawson, Manning Brothers, Emlyn Rees, Will Jordan and Tom Wood will love this book...
May 30, 2024
Excellent book and great start to a series.
March 7, 2019
The Rescue has been getting a ton of early praise. Unfortunately, I won't be joining that party train, so feel free to boo me if you must.
This book and I were simply a bad match. All the things I love in a book just aren't here.
The biggest problem for me revolves around the absence of character development. For me to invest in a story, I have to care about, or at least get to know, the characters. That doesn't happen. Instead, we have a ton of narrating characters, some who matter a lot more than others, and we don't learn much about any of them, aside from how well they shoot.
The entire book is plot-driven, relying on a lot of action, all the time. And this brings me back to the lack of character development. I didn't feel any balance between the characters as people and the constant action propelling things forward.
And, finally, the action was over-the-top superhero kind of stuff.
This book is being compared to Lee Child's Jack Reacher Series. It is absolutely not comparable. Jack Reacher's character is, from the start, complex and well developed. Readers fell in love with Jack Reacher first, and the plots second. Those books have balance. This one does not. The Rescue relies on action only, which is fine if that's your thing. It's just not mine.
This book and I were simply a bad match. All the things I love in a book just aren't here.
The biggest problem for me revolves around the absence of character development. For me to invest in a story, I have to care about, or at least get to know, the characters. That doesn't happen. Instead, we have a ton of narrating characters, some who matter a lot more than others, and we don't learn much about any of them, aside from how well they shoot.
The entire book is plot-driven, relying on a lot of action, all the time. And this brings me back to the lack of character development. I didn't feel any balance between the characters as people and the constant action propelling things forward.
And, finally, the action was over-the-top superhero kind of stuff.
This book is being compared to Lee Child's Jack Reacher Series. It is absolutely not comparable. Jack Reacher's character is, from the start, complex and well developed. Readers fell in love with Jack Reacher first, and the plots second. Those books have balance. This one does not. The Rescue relies on action only, which is fine if that's your thing. It's just not mine.
April 1, 2019
Exciting Hostage Rescue Gone Wrong Finds High Placed People At Fault
I thoroughly enjoyed this first in a series by author Steven Konkoly! I used to read his books several years ago, before his apoplectic period, and this story brings me right back into the fold! Ryan Decker is an honest, work for the right reason ex-CIA Operator , when trying to save a senator's daughter his whole team is killed! Decker is blamed for this and is put in jail, with a stern outlook due to the Senator's belief that he is the reason her daughter is dead.
During a quick turn of events, someone gets Decker released from prison, many attempts are taken on his life immediately, and the mission to finally find out What happened at that blast years ago begins!!
An awesome read for those who enjoy political conspiracies, betrayals by 'friends', and finally some comeuppance for those who Really deserve it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this first in a series by author Steven Konkoly! I used to read his books several years ago, before his apoplectic period, and this story brings me right back into the fold! Ryan Decker is an honest, work for the right reason ex-CIA Operator , when trying to save a senator's daughter his whole team is killed! Decker is blamed for this and is put in jail, with a stern outlook due to the Senator's belief that he is the reason her daughter is dead.
During a quick turn of events, someone gets Decker released from prison, many attempts are taken on his life immediately, and the mission to finally find out What happened at that blast years ago begins!!
An awesome read for those who enjoy political conspiracies, betrayals by 'friends', and finally some comeuppance for those who Really deserve it.
April 14, 2019
This is the first book by Steven Konkoly that I have read. It is formulaic. You have a hero and conspiracy that involves several groups. David vs Goliath. Good vs Evil. Who will win? You know who will win in the end. It is just a matter of how we get there. The story is not very realistic but it is entertaining. It would make a good made for TV movie. Think the A-Team.
Ryan Decker is a former CIA operative turned mercenary. He is the head of World Rescue Group whose specialty is rescuing kidnapped victims. He and his team have been hired by a US senator to rescue her daughter from a human-trafficking ring. The Russians of course. The story opens with Decker and his team about to rescue Meghan Steele and the other victims when things go horribly wrong. The hostages are killed, Decker's team is wiped out, the families of World Rescue Group; including Decker's wife and son; are killed.
Fast forward. Decker is now in prison. He is the scapegoat serving a ten year sentence in a federal prison. He believes he is about to testify but instead he finds himself mysteriously released from prison. There have been several failed attempts to kill him in prison and he believes since "they" couldn't get to him behind prison walls this is another setup. He is right. Sort of. There is an attempt to kill him but it isn't the Russians. He is saved with the help of Harlow Mackenzie who heads up her own group that rescue women kidnapped for the sex trade. Harlow and her team are something else. They can outwit and make fools of everyone. The FBI, mercenaries, and anyone else who tries to stop them.
It took some time to get into this story. At first it was just too much. Too unbelievable. I am glad I stayed with it. It was an entertaining story. Just don't take it seriously. Sometimes it is just nice to read a story where good triumphs evil.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and Goodreads for this Giveaway book.
Ryan Decker is a former CIA operative turned mercenary. He is the head of World Rescue Group whose specialty is rescuing kidnapped victims. He and his team have been hired by a US senator to rescue her daughter from a human-trafficking ring. The Russians of course. The story opens with Decker and his team about to rescue Meghan Steele and the other victims when things go horribly wrong. The hostages are killed, Decker's team is wiped out, the families of World Rescue Group; including Decker's wife and son; are killed.
Fast forward. Decker is now in prison. He is the scapegoat serving a ten year sentence in a federal prison. He believes he is about to testify but instead he finds himself mysteriously released from prison. There have been several failed attempts to kill him in prison and he believes since "they" couldn't get to him behind prison walls this is another setup. He is right. Sort of. There is an attempt to kill him but it isn't the Russians. He is saved with the help of Harlow Mackenzie who heads up her own group that rescue women kidnapped for the sex trade. Harlow and her team are something else. They can outwit and make fools of everyone. The FBI, mercenaries, and anyone else who tries to stop them.
It took some time to get into this story. At first it was just too much. Too unbelievable. I am glad I stayed with it. It was an entertaining story. Just don't take it seriously. Sometimes it is just nice to read a story where good triumphs evil.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and Goodreads for this Giveaway book.
April 8, 2019
The Rescue was an awesome read.
March 29, 2024
This was enjoyable and fast paced but I felt like it was missing a little something. Or maybe it just seemed similar to other things I have read. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but it didn’t completely engage me. I would give it 3 and 1/2 stars if I could but I rounded up to 4 because I thought it was pretty well written and deserved better than a 3. There was definitely plenty of action.
May 16, 2019
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A senator's daughter is kidnapped, and a rescue attempt goes wrong, landing the CEO of the hostage recovery company in jail.
Flash forward two years, and the CEO is released from jail. The Russian mob is after him, a private contractor is after him, and the FBI and LAPD are after him. He's on the run along the vengeance trail. Luckily he's got a little help from his friends.
One of the better recent books of this genre.
A senator's daughter is kidnapped, and a rescue attempt goes wrong, landing the CEO of the hostage recovery company in jail.
Flash forward two years, and the CEO is released from jail. The Russian mob is after him, a private contractor is after him, and the FBI and LAPD are after him. He's on the run along the vengeance trail. Luckily he's got a little help from his friends.
One of the better recent books of this genre.
March 4, 2019
Charles van Buren
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
5.0 out of 5 stars
A suspense filled rollercoaster of a book
March 3, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Reviewer Sam Vines, writing an Amazon review, has pointed out something which I had vaguely noticed but to which I hadn't given much thought:
"The Rescue is the only First Read option out of six this month that is not either an introspective emotional journey of trauma and drama or the saga of an underdog’s empowerment (henceforth “angst-based drivel” or ABD). For that, it earns 5-stars from me, plus it’s a decent story. Many months, First Read doesn’t even offer one non-ABD option."
He hit that nail squarely on the head. It has been about a year since I have read a Kindle First book. I do not read romance (OK, A.E.W. Mason and similar authors can be considered romance); self help except a very occasional book by a reliable, biblically based writer; teen or any other kind of angst, books about or by people who don't believe in biology, saccharin sweet mush or Mr. Vime's aptly labeled ABD.
The Rescue is none of those things. It may not be great literature but it is a heck of a thriller crime novel filled with unexpected twists and turns. It features bad guys who are really bad. Most readers won't waste time or sympathy worrying about their deserved fates. The good guys and gals are bright, competent, tough and suitably heroic. There is a satisfying ending which leaves room for a sequel. For me, there were small questions and details which could have used a little more explanation, but just a very few. Grab this rollercoaster and hang on for the ride.
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
5.0 out of 5 stars
A suspense filled rollercoaster of a book
March 3, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Reviewer Sam Vines, writing an Amazon review, has pointed out something which I had vaguely noticed but to which I hadn't given much thought:
"The Rescue is the only First Read option out of six this month that is not either an introspective emotional journey of trauma and drama or the saga of an underdog’s empowerment (henceforth “angst-based drivel” or ABD). For that, it earns 5-stars from me, plus it’s a decent story. Many months, First Read doesn’t even offer one non-ABD option."
He hit that nail squarely on the head. It has been about a year since I have read a Kindle First book. I do not read romance (OK, A.E.W. Mason and similar authors can be considered romance); self help except a very occasional book by a reliable, biblically based writer; teen or any other kind of angst, books about or by people who don't believe in biology, saccharin sweet mush or Mr. Vime's aptly labeled ABD.
The Rescue is none of those things. It may not be great literature but it is a heck of a thriller crime novel filled with unexpected twists and turns. It features bad guys who are really bad. Most readers won't waste time or sympathy worrying about their deserved fates. The good guys and gals are bright, competent, tough and suitably heroic. There is a satisfying ending which leaves room for a sequel. For me, there were small questions and details which could have used a little more explanation, but just a very few. Grab this rollercoaster and hang on for the ride.
February 12, 2019
Another fantastic book by Steven Konkoly! What I like about all of Konkoly's series is they are all distinctly unique and original. This book centers around the fallout of a rescue operation. That fallout includes Bratva, FBI, a politically motivated paramilitary organization, a private investigation firm, and an elite rescue team. If that's not enough for you throw in some political conspiracies and coverups, plenty of hair-raising gun fights, and plot twists making you say "Woah! What's going on?" until you turn a few more pages and it all ties together.
I highly recommend all of Konkoly's series and The Rescue is no different. So if you're new it's a great way to jump into a new series and if you're already a fan you'll love this one!
I highly recommend all of Konkoly's series and The Rescue is no different. So if you're new it's a great way to jump into a new series and if you're already a fan you'll love this one!
March 11, 2019
This was a fast-paced story with plenty of action and emotion. I enjoy Jack Reacher movies, so I attempted to read a Lee Child- Jack Reacher book once. I put it down within the first chapter or so because it was laced with so much profanity. This was a good, Reacher-style story, and although it was not profanity-free, it was very sparse. I appreciated the fact that the author felt he could write this type of story without feeling compelled to fill it with profanity and sex. It was very well done, not perfect, but a very good story. I look forward to reading the next in the series.
December 30, 2022
This book had loads of holes 🕳
Somehow this doesn’t feel like it was written by Steven Konkoly at all, zero character development, everything feels rushed and there were too many holes left open in the guise of mystery but it just fell flat for me, I almost dnfd but the way the author writes is just so good.
Ryan has got no personality whatsoever it’s like he is a robot…. I’ll take a break from this series 😅
Somehow this doesn’t feel like it was written by Steven Konkoly at all, zero character development, everything feels rushed and there were too many holes left open in the guise of mystery but it just fell flat for me, I almost dnfd but the way the author writes is just so good.
Ryan has got no personality whatsoever it’s like he is a robot…. I’ll take a break from this series 😅
May 6, 2019
Personal Response:
I think Steven Konkoly does a very good job showing emotion through word choice and his punctuation. I think the name of this book, The Rescue, really is a perfect name for this book cover to cover. This is proven because of how much he gives up to rescue others even his freedom and then how much others give up to give him his freedom back. The author does an amazing job of showing his commitment to helping others in this book including rescue missions, putting his life on the line, his freedom, and his dedication. The author, in my opinion, made a book that is captivating to many audiences. My favorite part of the book is the fact that after his freedom is taken away someone he rescued it's now trying to give him his freedom back. It also amazes me the obstacles that he went through to try and rescue a kidnapped girl. I like how this book is very fast paced with a lot going on at any time.
Plot:
This book is about Decker who wants to rescue kidnapping victims. He has many difficulties drawing a line between helping and going too far. This is the reason for him losing his freedom and his wife and teammates’ lives. Decker, surviving this ambush, takes the legal fallout and is sent to federal prison. The hostage is dead, his wife is dead, and he is in prison with little hope. Then he is released from jail suspecting another set up he flies. Meanwhile, Harlow Mackenzie, a young private detective, knows he is in danger and thinks there is a power greater than the mob coming after him. She began a desperate and elaborate plan to save his life: to return the favor. She tries to help him because he saved her from a dangerous kidnapper. This is the moment he barely escapes death. Decker has two goals right now and it is to see his daughter again and ask for her forgiveness. His second goal is to stop the conspiracy about him that is spreading.
Characterization:
The book is told in the third person. The main characters are: Ryan Decker, Harlow Mackenzie, and the assassins. Their characters experience many hard decisions that most cannot relate to such as deciding how to escape a group of professional assassins. Ryan Decker’s and Harlow Mackenzie’s decisions are focused on avoiding being assassinated. They handle the pressure as best as they can and finds ways to cope with the harshness of their lives. The assassins have only one goal to kill Ryan Decker before he talks. Ryan Decker and Harlow Mackenzie are protagonists because they are helping solve the problem. The assassins are antagonists because they are trying to kill someone and do not care who they hurt in the process.
Setting:
The Rescue: Ryan Decker takes place across the U.S. The setting is important to the storyline because Decker is playing a game of chicken with the assassins. There are references to many places where Decker completed rescue missions. Decker never talks about the life he lived before rescuing the kidnapping victims. The time period is in the present, however, it is not significant because the issues discussed are still an ongoing battle in Decker’s life. The reason this is in the present because it is told as it is happening. These problems are defining Decker’s life because he doesn't know who he can trust and who is trying to kill him.
Recommendation:
I would recommend The Rescue: Ryan Decker to tenth grade and beyond who are interested in thrillers and mysteries because the storyline is complex and may be hard for middle school to comprehend. Both males and females will enjoy this book because the main characters are male and female. It also has a universal subject matter and relatable characters.
I think Steven Konkoly does a very good job showing emotion through word choice and his punctuation. I think the name of this book, The Rescue, really is a perfect name for this book cover to cover. This is proven because of how much he gives up to rescue others even his freedom and then how much others give up to give him his freedom back. The author does an amazing job of showing his commitment to helping others in this book including rescue missions, putting his life on the line, his freedom, and his dedication. The author, in my opinion, made a book that is captivating to many audiences. My favorite part of the book is the fact that after his freedom is taken away someone he rescued it's now trying to give him his freedom back. It also amazes me the obstacles that he went through to try and rescue a kidnapped girl. I like how this book is very fast paced with a lot going on at any time.
Plot:
This book is about Decker who wants to rescue kidnapping victims. He has many difficulties drawing a line between helping and going too far. This is the reason for him losing his freedom and his wife and teammates’ lives. Decker, surviving this ambush, takes the legal fallout and is sent to federal prison. The hostage is dead, his wife is dead, and he is in prison with little hope. Then he is released from jail suspecting another set up he flies. Meanwhile, Harlow Mackenzie, a young private detective, knows he is in danger and thinks there is a power greater than the mob coming after him. She began a desperate and elaborate plan to save his life: to return the favor. She tries to help him because he saved her from a dangerous kidnapper. This is the moment he barely escapes death. Decker has two goals right now and it is to see his daughter again and ask for her forgiveness. His second goal is to stop the conspiracy about him that is spreading.
Characterization:
The book is told in the third person. The main characters are: Ryan Decker, Harlow Mackenzie, and the assassins. Their characters experience many hard decisions that most cannot relate to such as deciding how to escape a group of professional assassins. Ryan Decker’s and Harlow Mackenzie’s decisions are focused on avoiding being assassinated. They handle the pressure as best as they can and finds ways to cope with the harshness of their lives. The assassins have only one goal to kill Ryan Decker before he talks. Ryan Decker and Harlow Mackenzie are protagonists because they are helping solve the problem. The assassins are antagonists because they are trying to kill someone and do not care who they hurt in the process.
Setting:
The Rescue: Ryan Decker takes place across the U.S. The setting is important to the storyline because Decker is playing a game of chicken with the assassins. There are references to many places where Decker completed rescue missions. Decker never talks about the life he lived before rescuing the kidnapping victims. The time period is in the present, however, it is not significant because the issues discussed are still an ongoing battle in Decker’s life. The reason this is in the present because it is told as it is happening. These problems are defining Decker’s life because he doesn't know who he can trust and who is trying to kill him.
Recommendation:
I would recommend The Rescue: Ryan Decker to tenth grade and beyond who are interested in thrillers and mysteries because the storyline is complex and may be hard for middle school to comprehend. Both males and females will enjoy this book because the main characters are male and female. It also has a universal subject matter and relatable characters.
August 15, 2019
With a strong main character and a good supporting cast, "The Rescue" is an engaging action-thriller that's hard to put down. Author Steven Konkoly weaves a masterful tale without bogging us in details. Nice (although somewhat predictable) ending. I've given "Rescue" four stars, not due to any serious weakness, but rather because of the formidable competition in this genre. More Ryan Decker please, Mr. Konkoly.
April 15, 2019
Great pacing and emotion
I liked the story quite a bit. My favorite part was the ending. The moment of relief and release for Decker was a great way to finish the story. Overall, there’s a ton of stuff to like. However, I do wish we would have seen a little more chemistry with Harlow.
I liked the story quite a bit. My favorite part was the ending. The moment of relief and release for Decker was a great way to finish the story. Overall, there’s a ton of stuff to like. However, I do wish we would have seen a little more chemistry with Harlow.
May 6, 2019
3.5-4
Engaging and fast paced. Some formulaic stuff, but it didn’t bother me. A bit far-fetched on some parts, but I still found it enjoyable and read the last 40% in a couple of hours.
March’s selection of Amazon’s First Reads.
Engaging and fast paced. Some formulaic stuff, but it didn’t bother me. A bit far-fetched on some parts, but I still found it enjoyable and read the last 40% in a couple of hours.
March’s selection of Amazon’s First Reads.
June 29, 2019
Quick thoughts: I enjoyed this. Decent mount of intrigue, good setup and plot progression, and characters with potential. They admittedly do need to be a bit fleshed out/more fully formed in the sequel.
August 3, 2019
I had to get this one and read it quick since I got approved for book number 2.
Why did I not read this one sooner? I don't know but wow what a great rollercoaster of an adventure. I have to start the second really soon. Strong recommendation from me to y'all.
Why did I not read this one sooner? I don't know but wow what a great rollercoaster of an adventure. I have to start the second really soon. Strong recommendation from me to y'all.
September 28, 2019
This was just OK. A little too wordy, too much detail about military hardware, and just not enough character driven plot to keep me interested. I ended up speed reading the last third of the book, which I hate to do with fiction.
April 22, 2019
A slow start, but it picked up, and the ending was satisfying enough.
May 20, 2024
Action packed and exciting but very emotional at the same time. I feel like some parts could have been explained a little more thoroughly, particularly about harlowe’s backstory
March 10, 2019
Not the best I’ve read
The characters were never “fleshed out” and the plot was confusing. A couple of dialogue mistakes were encountered and the book did not flow. The main character was a mystery and the book never covered his personal history. An author like Grisham would be a good model for this author.
The characters were never “fleshed out” and the plot was confusing. A couple of dialogue mistakes were encountered and the book did not flow. The main character was a mystery and the book never covered his personal history. An author like Grisham would be a good model for this author.
March 8, 2019
I have read a number of books by Konkoly and always enjoyed each one. This book begins a new series and I’m looking forward to reading each future one as well. Good plot, great character development and fast action make a great read!
April 21, 2019
Typical Konkoly story. Lots of action in a plot that is pretty formulistic and simple. Nothing special. As the title indicates there will be more to follow. Knowing that up front takes all of the suspense out of what the author is trying to portray with some of the action.
April 8, 2019
This book kept my attention from start to finish. Can’t wait to read #2
May 8, 2019
I am dumber for having read it
May 19, 2019
Thank goodness Decker had made one friend as the rest of the world seemed to be against him. A real page turner that makes me want to read more in the series.
October 14, 2020
Review of The Rescue
Outstanding story line with amazing characters who were expertly developed! Absolutely no slow spots during the entire story. I highly recommend this novel to any action adventure fan!
Outstanding story line with amazing characters who were expertly developed! Absolutely no slow spots during the entire story. I highly recommend this novel to any action adventure fan!
May 25, 2019
Good Summer Read
The Rescue is the first book in the Ryan Decker series. Not having read any of Konkoly's previous works I'm not sure if this character has been seen in another context. And that may be why I rate this as only 3 stars.
There is plenty of action and a compelling plot here Decker, who runs a company whose mission is to recover persons who have been the victims of human trafficking, has a mission literally blow up on him causing the death of a US Senator's daughter - the daughter who was the subject of his mission. This lands him in prison as the FBI is on had to witness the conclusion of this fiasco. And this is just the prologue to the book.
When you get into the very beginning of the actual story, Decker is being unexpectedly released from prison. His family, and the families of almost every member of his organization, have been murdered. His daughter has cut off all contact with him. He is truly a man on his own. And someone is trying to kill him. The actual story is Ryan figuring out who is after him and why all those people were killed.
While this is a good plot, I felt unfulfilled while reading it. I really wanted to know much more about Decker's past - the things that led him to forming his recovery company, his relationship with his family, his military history, all the things that would bring this character to life. There is almost none of that in this book. There are several supporting characters who get the same treatment - interesting people thrown into the story who seem like they have compelling back stories that are never explored. And as those of you who read my reviews know, I'm always looking for character stories rather than pure plot.
If all that information was covered elsewhere with Decker being introduced as a fully fleshed out character in some other story then I apologize to Mr. Konkoly. But a really compelling series could have started with a novel that covers the actual kidnapping of the Senator's daughter, the hiring of Ryan's team, the efforts to locate the missing girl, the botched mission and Ryan's incarceration. This novel would have covered the same material it provides but series readers would have a greater appreciation for Ryan Decker and some of the secondary players.
But if you are only looking for a summer beach read and you like plenty of action and adventure, I think you will find this book meets your need in every way. I recommend it as a pleasant pastime.
The Rescue is the first book in the Ryan Decker series. Not having read any of Konkoly's previous works I'm not sure if this character has been seen in another context. And that may be why I rate this as only 3 stars.
There is plenty of action and a compelling plot here Decker, who runs a company whose mission is to recover persons who have been the victims of human trafficking, has a mission literally blow up on him causing the death of a US Senator's daughter - the daughter who was the subject of his mission. This lands him in prison as the FBI is on had to witness the conclusion of this fiasco. And this is just the prologue to the book.
When you get into the very beginning of the actual story, Decker is being unexpectedly released from prison. His family, and the families of almost every member of his organization, have been murdered. His daughter has cut off all contact with him. He is truly a man on his own. And someone is trying to kill him. The actual story is Ryan figuring out who is after him and why all those people were killed.
While this is a good plot, I felt unfulfilled while reading it. I really wanted to know much more about Decker's past - the things that led him to forming his recovery company, his relationship with his family, his military history, all the things that would bring this character to life. There is almost none of that in this book. There are several supporting characters who get the same treatment - interesting people thrown into the story who seem like they have compelling back stories that are never explored. And as those of you who read my reviews know, I'm always looking for character stories rather than pure plot.
If all that information was covered elsewhere with Decker being introduced as a fully fleshed out character in some other story then I apologize to Mr. Konkoly. But a really compelling series could have started with a novel that covers the actual kidnapping of the Senator's daughter, the hiring of Ryan's team, the efforts to locate the missing girl, the botched mission and Ryan's incarceration. This novel would have covered the same material it provides but series readers would have a greater appreciation for Ryan Decker and some of the secondary players.
But if you are only looking for a summer beach read and you like plenty of action and adventure, I think you will find this book meets your need in every way. I recommend it as a pleasant pastime.
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