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Sam Dryden #3
Dark Site
From the author of Runner, Sam Dryden comes under attack from unknown forces as an unremembered episode from his past threatens more than just his life.
On an otherwise normal morning, former Special Forces operative Sam Dryden is the target of an unsuccessful attempted abduction. Using his attacker's cellphone, he learns that another person, a woman named Danica Ellis, is also being targeted. Dryden arrives just in time to save Danica from the assault team sent after her. But neither of them recognize the other, or have any idea why they are being targeted. The only clue is a heavily redacted, official-looking document given to Danica by her stepfather before he was killed.
Dryden immediately recognizes it as a 'scrub file.' A scrub file is a record of what a subject knew before their memories were chemically destroyed. The redacted document refers to witnesses to a secret military site in Ashland, Iowa in 1989. Both Dryden and Danica Ellis lived in Ashland in 1989, when they were both twelve years old, though neither of them has any memory of the other.
Switching back and forth between the present day, when Dryden and Danica try to elude the forces that are after them, and the past in Ashland, Iowa, when both were twelve, making a discovery that forever changed their lives, this latest Sam Dryden novel proves yet again that Patrick Lee is one of the most original, compelling thriller writers today.
On an otherwise normal morning, former Special Forces operative Sam Dryden is the target of an unsuccessful attempted abduction. Using his attacker's cellphone, he learns that another person, a woman named Danica Ellis, is also being targeted. Dryden arrives just in time to save Danica from the assault team sent after her. But neither of them recognize the other, or have any idea why they are being targeted. The only clue is a heavily redacted, official-looking document given to Danica by her stepfather before he was killed.
Dryden immediately recognizes it as a 'scrub file.' A scrub file is a record of what a subject knew before their memories were chemically destroyed. The redacted document refers to witnesses to a secret military site in Ashland, Iowa in 1989. Both Dryden and Danica Ellis lived in Ashland in 1989, when they were both twelve years old, though neither of them has any memory of the other.
Switching back and forth between the present day, when Dryden and Danica try to elude the forces that are after them, and the past in Ashland, Iowa, when both were twelve, making a discovery that forever changed their lives, this latest Sam Dryden novel proves yet again that Patrick Lee is one of the most original, compelling thriller writers today.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2019
240 people are currently reading
1807 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Lee
8 books984 followersThere is more than one author with this name
Patrick Lee was born in west Michigan in 1976.He started writing by working on screenplays but eventually moved to novel writing.
Patrick Lee was born in west Michigan in 1976.He started writing by working on screenplays but eventually moved to novel writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
July 7, 2019
This was another fun spy thriller from Patrick Lee. His novels are so exciting I tend to race through them, and that was also true of "Dark Site," which follows Sam Dryden as he uncovers a mystery from his childhood. Of course it involves a government conspiracy, a lot of thrilling action scenes, and as a bonus, Sam reunites with a long-lost friend.
If you're new to Patrick Lee's books, I recommend starting with "Runner," which is the first Sam Dryden novel.
If you're new to Patrick Lee's books, I recommend starting with "Runner," which is the first Sam Dryden novel.
July 2, 2019
I really enjoyed this addition to the Sam Dryden story. I just love Lee's writing. I feel like the story flows so well.
In this installation we get to see Sam as a 12 year old boy and I thought the jumps back in time were well-done adding to the storyline and giving you a steady stream of information. I liked the way the characters in the present day were learning about things that happened in the past as you read about them yourself. There is some suspension of disbelief, but not too much. I was able to brush it aside and just enjoy the story.
I'm not sure if this story is meant to be a trilogy; it wrapped up pretty well in the ending making me think this may be the last one. However, I really hope we get to meet Sam and Danica again.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press / Minotaur Books for providing me with a free electronic copy in exchange for an honest review.
Previous reviews:
I just got a copy of this one through NetGalley! Yes!!
Current release date 5/28/19...
In this installation we get to see Sam as a 12 year old boy and I thought the jumps back in time were well-done adding to the storyline and giving you a steady stream of information. I liked the way the characters in the present day were learning about things that happened in the past as you read about them yourself. There is some suspension of disbelief, but not too much. I was able to brush it aside and just enjoy the story.
I'm not sure if this story is meant to be a trilogy; it wrapped up pretty well in the ending making me think this may be the last one. However, I really hope we get to meet Sam and Danica again.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press / Minotaur Books for providing me with a free electronic copy in exchange for an honest review.
Previous reviews:
I just got a copy of this one through NetGalley! Yes!!
Current release date 5/28/19...
August 12, 2019
A team is dispatched to kill Sam Dryden and another to kill Danica Ellis, two total strangers. Both miss, but Sam heads off to try to save her when he learns of the plot. Slowly, the two realize that they share a similar gap in their memories -- from 1989 when both were in car accidents, with head trauma. The book in told in the present, where Sam and Danica are trying to figure out who is trying to kill them and why, and in early summer 1989 when they become neighbors and friends in an obscure town in Iowa (somewhat reminiscent of The Pines by Blake Crouch), where they witness something that needs to be erased. Lots of suspense as to who are the good guys and the bad guys, even at the end, which I thought was pretty unbelievable. I felt the magic between the two was not properly developed and was disappointed with the Lauren Coleman storyline.
March 18, 2021
I find I have enjoyed Patrick Lee's books and this one is no exception. Opening up with our hero awakening from a recurring nightmare with which he's struggles for many years we launch off into a story that reaches back into the past to his childhood.
I assume you read the synopsis and know that Sam "survives" and escapes an attempt to kidnap...or kill him and in the ensuing action "takes out" his would-be kidnapper. However he recovers the villain's phone and finds that there is another person scheduled for kidnapping...or killing. Thus he is launched off on his eye-opening adventure.
I am going to go 4 stars on this one though it did gripe a bit later on. There were some scenes where I was rolling my eyes at the action (or actually inaction) of our characters. .Also the story did start to feel, stretch out and a bit "draggy" by the end.
Still over all it's a good read and I can recommend it. The gripes are small and in the end don't really hurt the read badly.
Enjoy.
I assume you read the synopsis and know that Sam "survives" and escapes an attempt to kidnap...or kill him and in the ensuing action "takes out" his would-be kidnapper. However he recovers the villain's phone and finds that there is another person scheduled for kidnapping...or killing. Thus he is launched off on his eye-opening adventure.
I am going to go 4 stars on this one though it did gripe a bit later on. There were some scenes where I was rolling my eyes at the action (or actually inaction) of our characters. .Also the story did start to feel, stretch out and a bit "draggy" by the end.
Still over all it's a good read and I can recommend it. The gripes are small and in the end don't really hurt the read badly.
Enjoy.
June 3, 2019
As I'm writing this review, there a lot of stellar reviews on Amazon and GR and I just keep thinking: I don't get it.
I didn't finish this.
Usually when I DNF a book, I give it 1 or 2 stars. In this case, I give it three because I think maybe it's just me.
I was bored.
I started out excited. The initial scenes where we meet our two main characters and see the danger they're in are terrific. And then...I found myself not caring.
While I liked the idea of the Dark Site (and especially liked that it involved kids since other books with dark sites always have the towns that mysteriously have no children), I wasn't particularly thrilled all the 'suspense'. Is it still suspense when I'm just not all that interested in the 'why' of everything?
But, reading the other reviews, other readers seemed to find this both riveting and thrilling.
I've tried multiple times, but I finally give up.
I didn't finish this.
Usually when I DNF a book, I give it 1 or 2 stars. In this case, I give it three because I think maybe it's just me.
I was bored.
I started out excited. The initial scenes where we meet our two main characters and see the danger they're in are terrific. And then...I found myself not caring.
While I liked the idea of the Dark Site (and especially liked that it involved kids since other books with dark sites always have the towns that mysteriously have no children), I wasn't particularly thrilled all the 'suspense'. Is it still suspense when I'm just not all that interested in the 'why' of everything?
But, reading the other reviews, other readers seemed to find this both riveting and thrilling.
I've tried multiple times, but I finally give up.
June 1, 2019
AMAZING. Absolutely worth the wait. Please never stop writing Patrick!
Does anyone know if a number 4 will be in the works?
Does anyone know if a number 4 will be in the works?
May 28, 2019
Take a day off, find a comfortable spot where you won't be disturbed, open this book, begin reading, and don't expect to blink until you've finished.
Yes, this book is that good! Patrick Lee gives us two main characters who are each fascinating on their own, and who then come together for an explosive story.
The pace is quick and steady, building tension and pulling us along into the chaos.
The writing is crisp and engaging. The detail is just enough to spark all the senses. I felt like I was living this story alongside the characters.
I haven't read the first two books in this series. What? I know! I can't believe it myself. This one reads perfectly as a stand-alone. But I should've read the first two, and I need to read the first two, because, really, Patrick Lee is a kickass writer!
*I received a review copy from the publisher via Amazon Vine.*
Yes, this book is that good! Patrick Lee gives us two main characters who are each fascinating on their own, and who then come together for an explosive story.
The pace is quick and steady, building tension and pulling us along into the chaos.
The writing is crisp and engaging. The detail is just enough to spark all the senses. I felt like I was living this story alongside the characters.
I haven't read the first two books in this series. What? I know! I can't believe it myself. This one reads perfectly as a stand-alone. But I should've read the first two, and I need to read the first two, because, really, Patrick Lee is a kickass writer!
*I received a review copy from the publisher via Amazon Vine.*
December 6, 2019
I've read a few books by this author and his books are always close to 4 stars for. This one wasn't quite 4, but I'll round up for a few reasons.
When I have a lot going on, his books are a nice escape. They reel me in, in such a way that I can put everything else on the back burner and just focus on the story. I like that. The author creates a nice pace that is in constant motion with all of the action. The MC, Sam, and the female lead, were regular people. They weren't depicted as Perfect Gifts from God on this Earth (like so many cliche characters are...especially in this genre). I also like the science fiction twist in this one. So 4 stars.
When I have a lot going on, his books are a nice escape. They reel me in, in such a way that I can put everything else on the back burner and just focus on the story. I like that. The author creates a nice pace that is in constant motion with all of the action. The MC, Sam, and the female lead, were regular people. They weren't depicted as Perfect Gifts from God on this Earth (like so many cliche characters are...especially in this genre). I also like the science fiction twist in this one. So 4 stars.
February 3, 2025
Read this book in July, 2019. For some reason I can't fix the date.
Won this in a Goodreads giveaway - thank you, Goodreads!
This is not the kind of book I usually read, but the info on it sounded interesting, an action story with a mystery twist, so I tried to win it. So glad I did!
This book is utter, complete action - at the start, a horrifying kidnapping attempt; in the middle lots of being chased and running around as the two majors, male and female, try to figure out who is after them and why. For the end, you need to hold your breath while reading.
The two majors - Sam Dryden and Danica Ellis - are interesting, complex characters. They talk, act and react like real people would. They're not loaded down with a lot of bitter snarking at each other, something which (supposedly) would mean they really like each other. (I am so tired of books, movies and TV shows where the two majors fight-fight-fight and suddenly plop into each other's arms. Oh, yeah life is totally like that. Not.) These two characters are, at first, suspicious of each other, which is totally more realistic because the aim here is to figure out WHO is out to get them and WHY.
The story:
Sam Dryden, haunted by a strange dream he's had for years, meets Danica Ellis, the would-be kidnapping victim, and nothing goes right from there on. It seems both grew up together in a strange little mid-western town, a town which wasn't really 'real.' They don't realize this for a while, but WE, the readers, are clued in early. (So no spoilers here.) The book takes us back and forth: from 2018 with the adult Sam and Danica being chased by some totally bad baddies, then to 1989 when they were 12-year olds living in what has to be the spookiest town I've ever read about in a book. (And that includes by you, Mr. King.)
Sorting this out isn't easy - it's the kind of book where the two majors can't trust ANYONE. (Except maybe each other.) When the FBI gets involved the action and suspense - which is pretty tight - gets tightened up a lot more. This is the perfect book for readers who want ACTION, yet good characters and a complex plot. And spookiness. And a unique mystery at the center of everything.
Excellent book, a breathless read.
Five stars.
March 1, 2020
Sam Dryden is fixing up houses when out of nowhere, people try to abduct him. With no idea what is going on, Sam investigates in his own way, and finds his way to a woman his own age. The two lived in a small town in their childhood, but remember nothing about it. They make their way to the small town, which is in disrepair, to find out why they can't remember a whole summer from their lives.
Pretty good, although maybe a bit too convoluted.
Pretty good, although maybe a bit too convoluted.
June 4, 2019
I am a bit disappointed with this book. After the crazy sci-fi concepts of Runner and Signal this book is just regular run-of-the-mill military cover up. What happened to all the ? There was little action, mostly just suspense and the "mystery" of it all. Also, there is absolutely no mention of previous books. What makes this novel a Sam Dryden novel specifically, as opposed to some other military guy? Nothing. Might as well just be a new character all together. I'm not saying I want a lot of time spent reminiscing about old stories, but did the events of the other books have no impact on this guy at all? Not even a little bit? The book reads as being completely unrelated to the other stories, I don't know why this is called a Sam Dryden novel other than to get people who liked the first two books to buy this one. I would have bought this anyway, because I love Travis Chase novels as well, but don't expect this to be a sequel.
March 8, 2019
Sam Dryden is almost kidnapped after inspecting a house he wants to buy and flip. From the cellphone of the kidnapper, he learns that Danica Ellis is in danger of also being kidnapped, so he races to find her and save her. Dryden and Ellis end up in FBI custody and back in Iowa where they both lived during their childhood, except neither of them remember it. It appears their memories have been stripped by someone or something. The book moves back and forth in time between 1989 and present day. What did they witness in 1989 that was so monumental that the U.S. Army chemically stripped their memories? As Sam and Dani work to recover their memories, a hostile group is working to keep them ignorant and re-activate the evils of Ashland, Iowa. Edge-of-the-seat pacing will keep you reading long into the night.
February 14, 2020
OMG. For thrillers, Patrick Lee's Sam Dryden is just about the best. He hits the ground running and never stops. He makes Jack Reacher look like a ninny. One morning, Sam eludes an attempt to abduct him. That same day a woman is also targeted by an assault team and he manages to save her. Their only clue to why is a heavily redacted report given her by her father. And it gets more and more complicated after that, and more and more dangerous. The story also delves into the past when the two actually did know each other, though that time has been erased from their memory. Yup, very suspicious. An intense, psychological thriller, with lots of action that will keep you up nights reading. Highly recommended.
February 14, 2020
Patrick Lee's first five books were great; this one is a total dud. The back cover quotes Nelson DeMille calling it a "high-speed" book, which is patently false. The pace is lethargic and the story is quite dull. Also, since the other five books featured mindbending sci-fi ideas, some of which I couldn't wrap my head around, it was reasonable to expect the same here, and instead we're given a lukewarm zombie story.
I also have a hard time believing Ashland was a "fake" city - what was the point of the sandwich store, and it not having any customers? Everyone in the town knows not to eat there, because it's fake, because....?? Come on, Patrick, that was stupid. Same with "navels and pockets."
I also have a hard time believing Ashland was a "fake" city - what was the point of the sandwich store, and it not having any customers? Everyone in the town knows not to eat there, because it's fake, because....?? Come on, Patrick, that was stupid. Same with "navels and pockets."
June 5, 2019
This was a pleasant surprise, I feel like you would benefit from reading the series from start but it was ok to read this as a stand alone book. This was my first experience of Patrick Lee but definitley not my last. It was a surprising story with some great twists and very well written. I recommend that you try this series.
July 5, 2019
Another conspiracy novel, written in Lee’s usual tight style. It does require a bit of a stretch to stay with young Sam and Danica as 12 year olds. To me they came across as Lee’s version of Joe Hardy and Nancy Drew. Enjoyable read.
December 31, 2021
The author has talent, that's for sure. But this thriller has some very big flaws:
- It has almost no connection with the two previous episodes of Sam Dryden.
- Its double narrative (1989 and 2018) is particularly painful to read, the 1989 part being very boring.
- The rhythm of the novel is not as good as previous Lee's books.
- The story of the book is essentially based on amnesia, the eternal cliché of bad thrillers.
- The vilain of the book is is not very convincing.
- Overall the plot is not credible and the outcome is a wet firecracker.
Apart from a few successful action scenes and a decent suspense, I feel like I wasted my time reading this third installment of Sam Dryden's adventures.
- It has almost no connection with the two previous episodes of Sam Dryden.
- Its double narrative (1989 and 2018) is particularly painful to read, the 1989 part being very boring.
- The rhythm of the novel is not as good as previous Lee's books.
- The story of the book is essentially based on amnesia, the eternal cliché of bad thrillers.
- The vilain of the book is is not very convincing.
- Overall the plot is not credible and the outcome is a wet firecracker.
Apart from a few successful action scenes and a decent suspense, I feel like I wasted my time reading this third installment of Sam Dryden's adventures.
May 28, 2019
It's been awhile since we've seen ole Sam Dryden (2015, Signal) and I was beginning to think that maybe we wouldn't be getting anything else from Patrick Lee. So, imagine my delight when I spotted Dark Site on Netgalley.
I've been a fan of Patrick Lee's since the first book. I happened to pick up a copy of The Breach at the library; it looked like it would be right in my wheelhouse and it had a blurb by Lee Child right there on the front (I've seen a lot of Lee Child blurbs since, even on some real stinkers.) But, I thought he was right on about The Breach and I had happily stumbled upon another great series. This is Patrick's 6th novel (3rd in this particular series) and, I believe, he has managed to go 6-for-6 in Chris's 5 gold stars department.
As you can imagine, ex-special forces bad-ass Sam Dryden as seen some things, man. But he just wants to settle down, flip houses, make a living that doesn't involve huge government conspiracies and machine guns. But can you believe that someone would have the nerve to try to kill him while he's out house hunting? Is it the government? Are they terrorists? Both?
The only thing Sam knows is that he is completely clueless as to the who and why of the whole thing and so the mystery begins.
The plot ends up being fairly complex, so to try to sum it up in a short synopsis would be doing a disservice to what ended up being a real roller coaster ride of a story. The story starts off fairly straight forward with Sam on the run and trying to track down leads that will hopefully shed some light on why he's being hunted, then the twists and turns start as more information is revealed and Sam realizes what an eyeball deep pile of shit he has found himself in. The story hinges upon something that Sam and friends witnessed as children, but present day Sam has no memory of said something, but it's important/serious enough that someone wants him dead.
The story then starts bouncing between present day Sam and Co. and 12 year old Sam and Co. and more action unfolds. In places, I thought the story bogged down a bit. Past Sam and present Sam find themselves in the same position (people are after him) and a lot of running is involved. But, what I think is great about Lee's writing is how he is so adept at blending the action and the suspense and the quasi-supernatural and the technology and the science and the conspiracies all together and coming out with a really entertaining story. That's what ultimately does it for me every time.
It was a long wait between books but it was worth it. Hopefully it won't be 2023 before we see some new Patrick Lee, but if it is, I know it will be great.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of Dark Site. Enjoy!
I've been a fan of Patrick Lee's since the first book. I happened to pick up a copy of The Breach at the library; it looked like it would be right in my wheelhouse and it had a blurb by Lee Child right there on the front (I've seen a lot of Lee Child blurbs since, even on some real stinkers.) But, I thought he was right on about The Breach and I had happily stumbled upon another great series. This is Patrick's 6th novel (3rd in this particular series) and, I believe, he has managed to go 6-for-6 in Chris's 5 gold stars department.
As you can imagine, ex-special forces bad-ass Sam Dryden as seen some things, man. But he just wants to settle down, flip houses, make a living that doesn't involve huge government conspiracies and machine guns. But can you believe that someone would have the nerve to try to kill him while he's out house hunting? Is it the government? Are they terrorists? Both?
The only thing Sam knows is that he is completely clueless as to the who and why of the whole thing and so the mystery begins.
The plot ends up being fairly complex, so to try to sum it up in a short synopsis would be doing a disservice to what ended up being a real roller coaster ride of a story. The story starts off fairly straight forward with Sam on the run and trying to track down leads that will hopefully shed some light on why he's being hunted, then the twists and turns start as more information is revealed and Sam realizes what an eyeball deep pile of shit he has found himself in. The story hinges upon something that Sam and friends witnessed as children, but present day Sam has no memory of said something, but it's important/serious enough that someone wants him dead.
The story then starts bouncing between present day Sam and Co. and 12 year old Sam and Co. and more action unfolds. In places, I thought the story bogged down a bit. Past Sam and present Sam find themselves in the same position (people are after him) and a lot of running is involved. But, what I think is great about Lee's writing is how he is so adept at blending the action and the suspense and the quasi-supernatural and the technology and the science and the conspiracies all together and coming out with a really entertaining story. That's what ultimately does it for me every time.
It was a long wait between books but it was worth it. Hopefully it won't be 2023 before we see some new Patrick Lee, but if it is, I know it will be great.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of Dark Site. Enjoy!
April 28, 2019
I enjoyed this book. Thank you for letting me read it Net Galley.
I have read all of Patrick Lee's books. I loved Ghost Country and the two other books in the series featuring Travis Chase. Excellent!
This is the third in the series about Sam Dryden, a former Special Ops guy. Someone tries to assassinate him and using the phone he finds he learns that someone else is being targeted. Danica Ellis. is attacked outside the grocery store and gets away, Sam and Danica together try to find out what is going on.
It turns outs both of their memories have been scrubbed. This book goes back and forth from the past when the action they no longer have memories of and today when they are trying to find out what is going on.
This starts out fast and continues the whole way until we find out what is going on. It is a little farfetched. But the writing is tight and very good. I recommend this book highly. I also recommend the first two books too. Please not you do not have to read the first two to really enjoy this book
I have read all of Patrick Lee's books. I loved Ghost Country and the two other books in the series featuring Travis Chase. Excellent!
This is the third in the series about Sam Dryden, a former Special Ops guy. Someone tries to assassinate him and using the phone he finds he learns that someone else is being targeted. Danica Ellis. is attacked outside the grocery store and gets away, Sam and Danica together try to find out what is going on.
It turns outs both of their memories have been scrubbed. This book goes back and forth from the past when the action they no longer have memories of and today when they are trying to find out what is going on.
This starts out fast and continues the whole way until we find out what is going on. It is a little farfetched. But the writing is tight and very good. I recommend this book highly. I also recommend the first two books too. Please not you do not have to read the first two to really enjoy this book
February 14, 2019
A book that initially I did not know what to make of it, turned out to be a really well written book. It starts with two attempted abductions of seemingly random people and leads into a well thought out story different from anything I have read in a while. Two teenagers who grew up on a secret military base, see something they shouldn't have and have their memories erased. The book switches back between time frames but the action keeps the book moving and the reader hooked. A good book that was a little more sci/fi than I expected but added to the story.
Thank you Patrick Lee, St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books for the ARC for my review.
Thank you Patrick Lee, St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books for the ARC for my review.
March 11, 2020
The Macmillan website has a title of "Dark Site" and a release date of May 28, 2019. Since that's not a generic end of year date like the last few, here's hoping there no more delays.
June 17, 2019
I enjoyed reading this more than the second book. The plot is engaging, and we get a very solid portrayal of Sam Dryden in his early teens. Again, we get the signature blend of Lee here mixing science fiction stuff with the action-thriller. It works quite well, and enhances the tension and suspense in the story. This time it is about some kind of bio and medical science in weaponized form. The past of Sam Dryden and his teen love catches up disastrously with their present. They team up and go on a personal quest to find their cause and answers related to some catastrophic event in their past.
The narrative was taut with a sense of mystery, as to what happened really in Sam and Danicia's past. Lee takes us back to 29 years in the past when both the protagonists were 12 years old. They witnessed some terrible secret of the government, and the people responsible captured them and erased their entire memory about the incident. The author beautifully develops their characters, showing the fear, doubts, about things which they were never meant to hear or see. The internal trauma regarding the incident, the memory loss is well portrayed both in Sam and Danicia's past and present.
The narrative was very well balance with suspense, mystery, and action. I finished the book at one sitting. There never was any single dull moment. I was thoroughly thrilleed and entertained till the end. There are a few twists that surprised me, and it worked very well in sustaining the racy plot. I want more of Sam Dryden now.
The narrative was taut with a sense of mystery, as to what happened really in Sam and Danicia's past. Lee takes us back to 29 years in the past when both the protagonists were 12 years old. They witnessed some terrible secret of the government, and the people responsible captured them and erased their entire memory about the incident. The author beautifully develops their characters, showing the fear, doubts, about things which they were never meant to hear or see. The internal trauma regarding the incident, the memory loss is well portrayed both in Sam and Danicia's past and present.
The narrative was very well balance with suspense, mystery, and action. I finished the book at one sitting. There never was any single dull moment. I was thoroughly thrilleed and entertained till the end. There are a few twists that surprised me, and it worked very well in sustaining the racy plot. I want more of Sam Dryden now.
June 11, 2019
Well, i've been waiting for more than a year for the latest book in this series. I was so excited when it finally came in.
well worth the wait!
This one was a little longer than the previous ones and the epilogue chapter a little lame.
But it's still a fast paced, action-packed thriller.
I like sam dryden. he's the typical quiet loner w/a tragedy in his past who has some special skills (ie. ex-military) and ends up helping a woman in trouble.
this story dealt w/an incident in his childhood. it didn't go into depth about his overall growing up just focused on this particular span of time. that was interesting anyway. it was a partial explanation of why he unconsciously chose the military.
one negative was that they didn't explain how Sam's father became involved. i felt that was a loop that never got tied up.
the narrative switches b/w the past and present which can get confusing but it wasn't in this b/c the writer does a great job of a seamless flow throughout the story.
it can be read as a stand alone, you won't be lost if you haven't read the previous two books.
but you definitely should if you liked this one.
i'd recommend it for fans of lee child, jack higgins, nelson demille, mason cross,brad smith & clive cussler.
well worth the wait!
This one was a little longer than the previous ones and the epilogue chapter a little lame.
But it's still a fast paced, action-packed thriller.
I like sam dryden. he's the typical quiet loner w/a tragedy in his past who has some special skills (ie. ex-military) and ends up helping a woman in trouble.
this story dealt w/an incident in his childhood. it didn't go into depth about his overall growing up just focused on this particular span of time. that was interesting anyway. it was a partial explanation of why he unconsciously chose the military.
one negative was that they didn't explain how Sam's father became involved. i felt that was a loop that never got tied up.
the narrative switches b/w the past and present which can get confusing but it wasn't in this b/c the writer does a great job of a seamless flow throughout the story.
it can be read as a stand alone, you won't be lost if you haven't read the previous two books.
but you definitely should if you liked this one.
i'd recommend it for fans of lee child, jack higgins, nelson demille, mason cross,brad smith & clive cussler.
July 31, 2019
Many wondered, what happened to Patrick Lee? Abducted by aliens? Run away from his agent? The last book was taking longer than usual. Fans, and publisher alike, were concerned. No one likes to wait. Waiting sucks. But sometimes patience is worth it and this is one of those times. If you want something good, you need to wait. It takes time to put a story together, especially a good one. And Dark Site is a work of excellence. Patrick Lee may have exceeded The Breach on this one. He managed to keep the mystery & suspense heightened for a long time here. And that is no easy task. Lee leads the field of science fiction in America although the so-called science fiction in this novel seems all too real. I would classify this tale more of a mystery thriller. I have read all Lee's books and all are solid. The Breach & Dark Site will stand as classics.
May 28, 2019
The story caught my attention fairly quickly with the attempted kidnappings and the fact that Sam Dryden and Danica soon become entwined in a fairly complex mystery. As it unfolds and the chapters begin to go back and forth between the present and 1989, the connection between the two becomes more and more clear. But the two can only remember parts of their past. Will they work fast enough to solve this mystery before someone attempts to kidnap them again? Or worse.
In time I started to wonder if this unique and well-thought-out story was going to cross over into another genre. What I'm referring to contributes to making this review a little harder to write, since I don't want to give too much of the plot away. But it remained true to the genre I love!
My thanks to #NetGalley and #MinotaurBooks for this ARC of #DarkSite. Available Today!
What Concerned Me:
After while the jumping back and forth of the chapters and revealing one thing at a time began to slow the book down. At times the chapters felt a bit too detailed and the book too long.
I also felt that the 1989 chapters didn't really reflect the actions of twelve-year-olds. Perhaps they do, but it felt like the characters were acting older.
What I liked Best:
Dark Site was without a doubt unique and kept me reading. The characters were interesting and the story, though not a nail-biter for me, was one that was hard to put down.
For more reviews: https://pickagoodbook.com/
In time I started to wonder if this unique and well-thought-out story was going to cross over into another genre. What I'm referring to contributes to making this review a little harder to write, since I don't want to give too much of the plot away. But it remained true to the genre I love!
My thanks to #NetGalley and #MinotaurBooks for this ARC of #DarkSite. Available Today!
What Concerned Me:
After while the jumping back and forth of the chapters and revealing one thing at a time began to slow the book down. At times the chapters felt a bit too detailed and the book too long.
I also felt that the 1989 chapters didn't really reflect the actions of twelve-year-olds. Perhaps they do, but it felt like the characters were acting older.
What I liked Best:
Dark Site was without a doubt unique and kept me reading. The characters were interesting and the story, though not a nail-biter for me, was one that was hard to put down.
For more reviews: https://pickagoodbook.com/
September 5, 2020
This was fantastic! So much action and lots of twists. When someone tries to kill Sam Dryden he manages to escapes then hears the bad guys talking about killing a woman named Danica Ellis as well. Evidently the two of them saw something they shouldn't have seen and whoever the bad guy is he's cleaning up loose ends. Sam has no idea what but he knows he has to find Danica before they do. He manages to save her and as they're running for their lives they have to figure out how they are connected and what they know before they end up dead.
Couldn't put it down. While it jumped between now and when Sam and Danica were twelve, I had no trouble keeping track of what was going on. If you're looking for a fast paced thriller then this is one you don't want to miss.
Couldn't put it down. While it jumped between now and when Sam and Danica were twelve, I had no trouble keeping track of what was going on. If you're looking for a fast paced thriller then this is one you don't want to miss.
June 5, 2019
Secret, secret, they have a secret
What secret is locked in the minds of two twelve year old kids that the government would go to any length to keep it a secret? Even using drugs to scrub their memories, drugs that can be fatal.
Story blasts right out of the gate. Bullets and dead bodies everywhere. The flashback scenes have a 'Stranger Things' feel to it. Sam and Dani are very mature 12 year olds.
Book 3 of a trilogy . Book 2 was released in 2015 so i had to go back and read my review. First two books play no role in this book, this reads perfectly as a stand-alone. 3 1/2 stars.
What secret is locked in the minds of two twelve year old kids that the government would go to any length to keep it a secret? Even using drugs to scrub their memories, drugs that can be fatal.
Story blasts right out of the gate. Bullets and dead bodies everywhere. The flashback scenes have a 'Stranger Things' feel to it. Sam and Dani are very mature 12 year olds.
Book 3 of a trilogy . Book 2 was released in 2015 so i had to go back and read my review. First two books play no role in this book, this reads perfectly as a stand-alone. 3 1/2 stars.
June 12, 2019
Better than Signal!
The first 50 pages are classic Patrick Lee, in the best ways. Once the narrative shift happens, though, momentum starts to disappear, and he just never really gets it back. There's some good twists, but they can only do so much when Lee has decided to remove a large part of the tension with . The ending also felt pretty anticlimactic, as the big mystery event that's referenced dozens of times just doesn't feel anywhere near big enough.
The first 50 pages are classic Patrick Lee, in the best ways. Once the narrative shift happens, though, momentum starts to disappear, and he just never really gets it back. There's some good twists, but they can only do so much when Lee has decided to remove a large part of the tension with . The ending also felt pretty anticlimactic, as the big mystery event that's referenced dozens of times just doesn't feel anywhere near big enough.
August 27, 2019
Minotaur Books and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Dark Site. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.
Former Special Forces operative Sam Dryden did not know that he had hidden memories from his past until an attempted abduction leads the man on a path filled with secrets. Following a lead to Danica Ellis, a woman also being targeted by the same men that tried to get Sam, will the pair soon realize that the truth about their history has overwhelming repercussions?
As the chapters alternate between the present and the past, readers are treated to the truth a little bit at a time. Although I did like learning a little bit of Sam Dryden's past, the book itself was just not as good as the previous offerings. Sam Dryden has the potential to be a great character, as he is strong, intelligent, and determined, but Dark Site really does not showcase any of his talents. This book was just average, as it contained little more than a glimpse into Sam and Danica's past. I would recommend Runner and Signal, the first two books in this series, but I am hesitant to give the nod to this book.
Former Special Forces operative Sam Dryden did not know that he had hidden memories from his past until an attempted abduction leads the man on a path filled with secrets. Following a lead to Danica Ellis, a woman also being targeted by the same men that tried to get Sam, will the pair soon realize that the truth about their history has overwhelming repercussions?
As the chapters alternate between the present and the past, readers are treated to the truth a little bit at a time. Although I did like learning a little bit of Sam Dryden's past, the book itself was just not as good as the previous offerings. Sam Dryden has the potential to be a great character, as he is strong, intelligent, and determined, but Dark Site really does not showcase any of his talents. This book was just average, as it contained little more than a glimpse into Sam and Danica's past. I would recommend Runner and Signal, the first two books in this series, but I am hesitant to give the nod to this book.
March 6, 2021
This is the second Sam Dryden thriller I’ve read, and like Signals, the writing was outstanding and never got in the way of the story. The solid third-person limited point of view kept me glued to each character and the past tense writing made everything click right into place.
My only peeve was that I’m not a big fan of flashbacks. The story alternated between the present and past. At least it did it in sections until the very end where the sections were separated by short chapters. A lot of TV shows use this method, which is becoming a trope, but the author handled it in such a way that I was able to tolerate it, especially with the fast-paced narrative.
The story was full of plot twists and turns, and I was surprised with the way it turned out in the end. I was able to close the book with a smile on my face, so I can say I had a great time. Highly recommended.
My only peeve was that I’m not a big fan of flashbacks. The story alternated between the present and past. At least it did it in sections until the very end where the sections were separated by short chapters. A lot of TV shows use this method, which is becoming a trope, but the author handled it in such a way that I was able to tolerate it, especially with the fast-paced narrative.
The story was full of plot twists and turns, and I was surprised with the way it turned out in the end. I was able to close the book with a smile on my face, so I can say I had a great time. Highly recommended.
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