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Alex King #7
Breakout
Incarcerated in a prison hidden from society, an all but broken man has a terrifying secret. In a lifetime spent plotting against the West, former KGB General Vladimir Zukovsky has done many unthinkable things. His captors know what he has done, have tortured it out of him, but they do not know everything. All he needs to do to bring down the Western World is hold out for long enough.
Still reeling from a CIA double-cross, MI5 need their prisoner back. They have intelligence on America’s secret prison, but there is only one way they can get an agent in place. Alex King accepts a mission of unparalleled risk. But first, he must commit a crime that will see him treated outside the US legal system and get to a prisoner who can destroy or save mankind with the knowledge he holds.
For King, the risk to his life is worth the gamble. He knows the penalty if he does not act. But getting into America’s secret prison to snatch back an asset is nothing compared to breaking out…
Still reeling from a CIA double-cross, MI5 need their prisoner back. They have intelligence on America’s secret prison, but there is only one way they can get an agent in place. Alex King accepts a mission of unparalleled risk. But first, he must commit a crime that will see him treated outside the US legal system and get to a prisoner who can destroy or save mankind with the knowledge he holds.
For King, the risk to his life is worth the gamble. He knows the penalty if he does not act. But getting into America’s secret prison to snatch back an asset is nothing compared to breaking out…
422 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 8, 2019
158 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
A.P. Bateman
44 books79 followersA P Bateman is the author of seventeen novels, with twelve of his titles reaching No.1 in Amazon's paid top 100 categories in all Amazon regions and four titles reaching No.1 in Kindle sales in the USA, UK, Canada and Australia.
He has a background in close protection and investigations which has given him a unique insight into the scenarios and locations his characters find themselves in.
His hobbies are swimming, driving, archery, shooting and food; his passions are travel and writing.
He has recently released his seventeenth novel - "Hunter Killer" - the twelfth book in the highly acclaimed Alex King series.
You can keep up with A P Bateman and discover more at his Facebook page: @authorapbateman or his website: www.apbateman.com
Reading Order:
The Rob Stone Series:
1) The Ares Virus
2) The Town
3) The Island
The Alex King Series:
1) The Contract Man
2) Lies and Retribution
3) Shadows of Good Friday (A series prequel)
4) The Five
5) Reaper
6) Stormbound
7) Breakout
8) From the Shadows
9) Rogue
10) The Asset
11) Last Man Standing
12) Hunter Killer
Standalone Novels:
Hell's Mouth
Unforgotten
Short Stories:
The Perfect Murder?
Atonement (an Alex King thriller)
He has a background in close protection and investigations which has given him a unique insight into the scenarios and locations his characters find themselves in.
His hobbies are swimming, driving, archery, shooting and food; his passions are travel and writing.
He has recently released his seventeenth novel - "Hunter Killer" - the twelfth book in the highly acclaimed Alex King series.
You can keep up with A P Bateman and discover more at his Facebook page: @authorapbateman or his website: www.apbateman.com
Reading Order:
The Rob Stone Series:
1) The Ares Virus
2) The Town
3) The Island
The Alex King Series:
1) The Contract Man
2) Lies and Retribution
3) Shadows of Good Friday (A series prequel)
4) The Five
5) Reaper
6) Stormbound
7) Breakout
8) From the Shadows
9) Rogue
10) The Asset
11) Last Man Standing
12) Hunter Killer
Standalone Novels:
Hell's Mouth
Unforgotten
Short Stories:
The Perfect Murder?
Atonement (an Alex King thriller)
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 24, 2023
A little over a year ago, I found this group on Facebook (Military Thriller Book Group) and was given the opportunity to discover authors that I had previously never heard of and to read books that I probably never would have read.
This is one of those authors that I had only recently discovered and one of those books that the vaunted "raccoon principle" ("Oooooh, pretty cool cover !!") gave me the opportunity to read.
The novel, Breakout, was the first of Bateman's seventeen novels that I took the chance to read and after reading it, I wish that I had maybe started with the first novel so that I would have enjoyed the fleshing out of the cast of characters a bit more.
The synopsis of the novel is that the American intelligence community has utilized their relationship with the British intelligence community by "borrowing" one of their captured assets, former KGB General Vladimir Zukovsky, and secreting him away from the world in prison hidden away from society where they hold some of the worst criminals and terrorists. It is in this prison that this conglomerate of the American intelligence community has decided to hold Zukovsky and torture him in an attempt to find out all of his deepest secrets. All he needs to do to bring down the Western World is hold out for long enough.
Still reeling from a CIA double-cross, MI5 needs their prisoner back. They have intelligence on America’s secret prison, but there is only one way they can get an agent in place. Alex King accepts a mission of unparalleled risk. But first, he must commit a crime that will see him treated outside the US legal system and get to a prisoner who can destroy or save mankind with the knowledge he holds.
For King, the risk to his life is worth the gamble. He knows the penalty if he does not act. But getting into America’s secret prison to snatch back an asset is nothing compared to breaking out as King is forced to do battle not only with members of the US intelligence community but also with former members of the US Special Forces.
As this was the first book of his series that I had the opportunity to read, I eagerly look forward to reading more of this series. I would highly recommend his books to aficionados of the action and intelligence genre of novels. As I feel that I started the story of Alex King part of the way into tale (and thus do not know the full background), I would give this book a solid four stars out of five.
As with all my literary ramblings, this is just my five cents worth.
This is one of those authors that I had only recently discovered and one of those books that the vaunted "raccoon principle" ("Oooooh, pretty cool cover !!") gave me the opportunity to read.
The novel, Breakout, was the first of Bateman's seventeen novels that I took the chance to read and after reading it, I wish that I had maybe started with the first novel so that I would have enjoyed the fleshing out of the cast of characters a bit more.
The synopsis of the novel is that the American intelligence community has utilized their relationship with the British intelligence community by "borrowing" one of their captured assets, former KGB General Vladimir Zukovsky, and secreting him away from the world in prison hidden away from society where they hold some of the worst criminals and terrorists. It is in this prison that this conglomerate of the American intelligence community has decided to hold Zukovsky and torture him in an attempt to find out all of his deepest secrets. All he needs to do to bring down the Western World is hold out for long enough.
Still reeling from a CIA double-cross, MI5 needs their prisoner back. They have intelligence on America’s secret prison, but there is only one way they can get an agent in place. Alex King accepts a mission of unparalleled risk. But first, he must commit a crime that will see him treated outside the US legal system and get to a prisoner who can destroy or save mankind with the knowledge he holds.
For King, the risk to his life is worth the gamble. He knows the penalty if he does not act. But getting into America’s secret prison to snatch back an asset is nothing compared to breaking out as King is forced to do battle not only with members of the US intelligence community but also with former members of the US Special Forces.
As this was the first book of his series that I had the opportunity to read, I eagerly look forward to reading more of this series. I would highly recommend his books to aficionados of the action and intelligence genre of novels. As I feel that I started the story of Alex King part of the way into tale (and thus do not know the full background), I would give this book a solid four stars out of five.
As with all my literary ramblings, this is just my five cents worth.
May 30, 2021
Great action, convincing story. But time for some editing.
A good mix of new scenery, new twists, some new people and some old. You can get used to the British spelling and terminology... But the typos are like flies in your soup. Time to spend a few dollars (or pounds) on a proofreader!
A good mix of new scenery, new twists, some new people and some old. You can get used to the British spelling and terminology... But the typos are like flies in your soup. Time to spend a few dollars (or pounds) on a proofreader!
January 27, 2024
Who would be crazy enough to shoot at a congressman so that he could be sent to a private America prison where he would most certainly be brutally tortured and most likely be killed. Alex King, that's who. And why would his team pretend to be terrorist and start blowing things up. If you have read all of the Alex King books to this point, you still will be surprised.
March 15, 2019
Great series
First read The contract man book 1 in this series. The main character is Alex King a sensible assassin for mi6. Great story line full of twist. Definitely a series not to be missed
First read The contract man book 1 in this series. The main character is Alex King a sensible assassin for mi6. Great story line full of twist. Definitely a series not to be missed
June 29, 2020
Wow what Alex went through for King and country and save lives of millions he sure is a great tough Guy and a great person the story is so intense and complex and his team are great and good asset really great read throughout on next book now all books gripping from page one well worth a read .
October 23, 2022
AP Bateman at the top of the genre
Wiley Alex King thrills with yet another page turning can’t put down ride of action thriller bliss
Best read after work is done so there are no distractions
Wiley Alex King thrills with yet another page turning can’t put down ride of action thriller bliss
Best read after work is done so there are no distractions
August 15, 2024
Another great read
Thoroughly enjoyed this book from the set. They never let you down fast paced full of action and mayhem.. deserves 10 stars if you like action thrillers this series is for you
Thoroughly enjoyed this book from the set. They never let you down fast paced full of action and mayhem.. deserves 10 stars if you like action thrillers this series is for you
January 12, 2025
Different story
I really liked this one. It moves at a fast pace, goes in an unexpected direction but keeps you interested all the way along. I am looking forward to reading the next one.
I really liked this one. It moves at a fast pace, goes in an unexpected direction but keeps you interested all the way along. I am looking forward to reading the next one.
February 11, 2019
A cracking read
A great storyline and A P Bateman really makes the characters 'live'. Another excellent book in the Alex King series. Loved it from start to finish.
A great storyline and A P Bateman really makes the characters 'live'. Another excellent book in the Alex King series. Loved it from start to finish.
March 20, 2019
Enjoyable read
I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable read. There was lots of action along with detailed plots in which allies and enemies were flexible nuanced entities..
I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable read. There was lots of action along with detailed plots in which allies and enemies were flexible nuanced entities..
March 26, 2019
First class
Excellent read as normal
Hard to put down AP Bateman is a great story teller
Alex king is my hero
Excellent read as normal
Hard to put down AP Bateman is a great story teller
Alex king is my hero
April 4, 2019
Entertaining Throughout
This book keeps you gripped from beginning to end. The action twists and turns make it an unable to put down read.
This book keeps you gripped from beginning to end. The action twists and turns make it an unable to put down read.
February 13, 2020
Loved it
Characters are always interesting and the slow expansion of the team has been great too. Ready for the next instalment 👍👍
Characters are always interesting and the slow expansion of the team has been great too. Ready for the next instalment 👍👍
December 28, 2020
Non stop action!
Another great read in the Alex King series, never get bored of them and can’t put it down. Just loving them all!
Another great read in the Alex King series, never get bored of them and can’t put it down. Just loving them all!
June 3, 2021
A good yarn but he definitely needs an editor and a proofreader.
December 17, 2022
Another great story in the series
I like to read for pleasure and entertainment. A P Bateman delivers both in this series of books with great plots and characters.
I like to read for pleasure and entertainment. A P Bateman delivers both in this series of books with great plots and characters.
March 18, 2025
Just Brilliant!
An amazing story, with all the twists and turns expected of this brilliant writer. Onto the next book in the series……
An amazing story, with all the twists and turns expected of this brilliant writer. Onto the next book in the series……
Read
February 7, 2019Breakout by A P Bateman
5 stars
A P Bateman has surpassed even himself
Alex King is back in this, his seventh, adventure. But don’t worry as all our other favourite characters are present too; Caroline, Rashid, Marnie and Ramsey to name just a few plus the villains as well.
King has never followed what could be called a conventional career path but his task on this occasion will prove difficult, if not impossible. He will be operating off the record with a small but disparate group of ex-members of the Regiment from whom the job in hand has been kept secret. It’s on a “need to know” basis and no-one needs to know until they reach their target. This precis might sound a little obtuse but half the fun is that the reader is also kept in the dark and only drip-fed information which, in itself, is half the reason for the success of this thriller. It’s brilliantly executed.
The way in which the plot has been constructed is therefore nothing short of superb. Just enough information is given to the reader to keep him hooked and interested. The mystery behind the final objective is kept hidden for most of the book but this detracts in no way from the enjoyment and in fact, enhances the pleasure. In fact, there is little time to consider the end game as the action is non-stop and switches from one location to another whilst weaving a twisted sup-plot into the storyline.
Bateman certainly knows his weapons and ammunition and happily shares his knowledge with the reader but never in a way which interrupts the flow or becomes boring. It’s a mark of his expertise that he can impart that, sometimes intricate, information without interrupting the flow.
After reading all seven of the Alex King thrillers I have come to know the main characters very well and their likely actions and reactions remain consistent throughout (unlike the skin colour of Felix Leiter in the Bond movies!) and this is a tribute to the author’s skill.
I have said it before and will no doubt say it again – this is the best one yet!
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
5 stars
A P Bateman has surpassed even himself
Alex King is back in this, his seventh, adventure. But don’t worry as all our other favourite characters are present too; Caroline, Rashid, Marnie and Ramsey to name just a few plus the villains as well.
King has never followed what could be called a conventional career path but his task on this occasion will prove difficult, if not impossible. He will be operating off the record with a small but disparate group of ex-members of the Regiment from whom the job in hand has been kept secret. It’s on a “need to know” basis and no-one needs to know until they reach their target. This precis might sound a little obtuse but half the fun is that the reader is also kept in the dark and only drip-fed information which, in itself, is half the reason for the success of this thriller. It’s brilliantly executed.
The way in which the plot has been constructed is therefore nothing short of superb. Just enough information is given to the reader to keep him hooked and interested. The mystery behind the final objective is kept hidden for most of the book but this detracts in no way from the enjoyment and in fact, enhances the pleasure. In fact, there is little time to consider the end game as the action is non-stop and switches from one location to another whilst weaving a twisted sup-plot into the storyline.
Bateman certainly knows his weapons and ammunition and happily shares his knowledge with the reader but never in a way which interrupts the flow or becomes boring. It’s a mark of his expertise that he can impart that, sometimes intricate, information without interrupting the flow.
After reading all seven of the Alex King thrillers I have come to know the main characters very well and their likely actions and reactions remain consistent throughout (unlike the skin colour of Felix Leiter in the Bond movies!) and this is a tribute to the author’s skill.
I have said it before and will no doubt say it again – this is the best one yet!
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews