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Drone Strike,
Drone Strike, an Anthony Provati Thriller. Karim's family is killed as 'collateral damage' by a U.S. drone strike in Iraq. The Islamic State in the Levant exploits his rage, recruiting him for a terrorist attack on the U.S., and only Anthony Provati can stop him. Drone Strike takes you on a fast-paced adventure across the Mediterranean, into Mexico, finally arriving in the States. Drone Strike explores the psychological realities that seduce Karim to commit an act of terror, includes a love story between Moslem Karim and Miriam, a Christian woman he defends in Turkey, and highlights the plight of Middle Eastern and Central American refugees.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2019
4 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Joe Giordano
7 books21 followersJoe Giordano was born in Brooklyn. His father and grandparents immigrated to New York from Naples. He and his wife Jane now live in Texas.
As a retired International Executive Vice President of 3M, having lived and traveled around the world adds authenticity to his writing about international cultures and intrigue.
Joe’s stories have appeared in more than one hundred magazines including The Saturday Evening Post, and Shenandoah, and his collections, Stories and Places I Remember and The Mandylion, featuring Valentina Esposito, and Other Intriguing Tales. His novels include, Birds of Passage, An Italian Immigrant Coming of Age Story, and the Anthony Provati thriller series: Appointment with ISIL, Drone Strike, and The Art of Revenge.
Visit Joe’s website at https://joe-giordano.com/
Coming December 1, 2025, The Valentina Esposito Mysteries.
He was proud to be among one hundred Italian American authors honored by Barnes & Noble Chairman Len Riggio to march in the 2017 Manhattan, Columbus Day Parade.
As a retired International Executive Vice President of 3M, having lived and traveled around the world adds authenticity to his writing about international cultures and intrigue.
Joe’s stories have appeared in more than one hundred magazines including The Saturday Evening Post, and Shenandoah, and his collections, Stories and Places I Remember and The Mandylion, featuring Valentina Esposito, and Other Intriguing Tales. His novels include, Birds of Passage, An Italian Immigrant Coming of Age Story, and the Anthony Provati thriller series: Appointment with ISIL, Drone Strike, and The Art of Revenge.
Visit Joe’s website at https://joe-giordano.com/
Coming December 1, 2025, The Valentina Esposito Mysteries.
He was proud to be among one hundred Italian American authors honored by Barnes & Noble Chairman Len Riggio to march in the 2017 Manhattan, Columbus Day Parade.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 8, 2019
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
In a world where untolerated religious beliefs and “collateral damage” are too often acceptable, one Iraqi man watches as his family is wiped out when U.S. forces destroy his village. Ripe for the picking his own countrymen recruit him for a suicide mission in retaliation and his hatred will fuel his heartbreak on a trek that will span nations as a terrorist for a cause he isn’t even sure he believes in.
Joe Giordano’s DRONE STRIKE follows Karim as he discovers just how far his hatred will carry him and how a Christian woman could save the last remnants of his humanity. One man makes it his mission to stop Karim’s quest for destruction and revenge, but will Anthony Provati be in time to save innocent souls from perishing?
A story of pain, loss, hatred and manipulation, this thriller touches on the human side of war and manipulation. A well-paced story, a constant feeling of impending doom and the turmoil of a man conflicted, yet too afraid to stop the wheels he has set in motion. Great reading, emotional conflict and the grit of reality are all churned into a high-tension read.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Joe Giordano!
Series: Appointment with ISIL - Book 2
Publisher: Rogue Phoenix Press (April 15, 2019)
Publication Date: April 15, 2019
Genre: Political Thriller | Terrorism
Page Count: 282 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
In a world where untolerated religious beliefs and “collateral damage” are too often acceptable, one Iraqi man watches as his family is wiped out when U.S. forces destroy his village. Ripe for the picking his own countrymen recruit him for a suicide mission in retaliation and his hatred will fuel his heartbreak on a trek that will span nations as a terrorist for a cause he isn’t even sure he believes in.
Joe Giordano’s DRONE STRIKE follows Karim as he discovers just how far his hatred will carry him and how a Christian woman could save the last remnants of his humanity. One man makes it his mission to stop Karim’s quest for destruction and revenge, but will Anthony Provati be in time to save innocent souls from perishing?
A story of pain, loss, hatred and manipulation, this thriller touches on the human side of war and manipulation. A well-paced story, a constant feeling of impending doom and the turmoil of a man conflicted, yet too afraid to stop the wheels he has set in motion. Great reading, emotional conflict and the grit of reality are all churned into a high-tension read.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Joe Giordano!
Series: Appointment with ISIL - Book 2
Publisher: Rogue Phoenix Press (April 15, 2019)
Publication Date: April 15, 2019
Genre: Political Thriller | Terrorism
Page Count: 282 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
April 23, 2019
My first book that I read by Mr. Giordano was Appointment with ISIL. It is where I like other readers were first introduced to Anthony. That book was a must read. It was filled with tons of action mixed with a fast pace. I could not read that book fast enough. Thus I could not wait to read this next book.
This time, I struggled some with this book. My excitement diminished some. Don't get me wrong as I did like this book but just not as much as the first. Anthony is still my favorite. I was excited to see him. Yet, for the first half of the book I would say that Anthony's presence was not as prominent.
Miriam and Karim were fine. However, I did not have that strong connection towards them as I did Anthony. This is part of the reason for my lack of excitement. They were a huge part of this book. Now, if the focus had started like the latter half of the book where Anthony was featured more, than, this book would have been another fast read for me. Anthony can hold a story by himself as the main character.
Do pack your passport as this book will take you all over the world from Iraq, Turkey, Greece, Italy and America. While, I may not have enjoyed this book as much as the first, I would read another book from Mr. Giordano. I just have a wish list of more Anthony.
This time, I struggled some with this book. My excitement diminished some. Don't get me wrong as I did like this book but just not as much as the first. Anthony is still my favorite. I was excited to see him. Yet, for the first half of the book I would say that Anthony's presence was not as prominent.
Miriam and Karim were fine. However, I did not have that strong connection towards them as I did Anthony. This is part of the reason for my lack of excitement. They were a huge part of this book. Now, if the focus had started like the latter half of the book where Anthony was featured more, than, this book would have been another fast read for me. Anthony can hold a story by himself as the main character.
Do pack your passport as this book will take you all over the world from Iraq, Turkey, Greece, Italy and America. While, I may not have enjoyed this book as much as the first, I would read another book from Mr. Giordano. I just have a wish list of more Anthony.
May 21, 2019
A great thriller must rise on the shoulders of its main character. He must carry the novel by being clever, worldly, and above all else, likable. These are the attributes of Anthony Provati, the 34-year-old Italian American protagonist in Joe Giordano’s excellent new novel - "Drone Strike."
Fans of the author know Anthony Provati well. Giordano introduced readers to his main protagonist in a previous engaging thriller, "Appointment with ISIL." We got to know Provati as a native New Yorker who owns a tiny art gallery in Soho. Always pressed for money, he finds himself in schemes and predicaments that have worldwide repercussions. In "Drone Strike," Provati is settled in an idyllic existence with his girlfriend Nori on the Greek island of Santorini. The good life, however, is not to be had after an earthquake strikes the region and Nori suffers a severe head injury. Although medical care is free in Greece, we learn that the public hospitals there are grossly mismanaged. The best option is a private hospital for Nori to receive round-the-clock care. Desperate to pay for it all, Provati takes a job as a sailboat captain to transfer illegal migrants from Greece to Italy. Unbeknownst to him, one of the passengers is an ISIL terrorist.
Great fiction can enlighten readers beyond mainstream coverage of world events. Giordano has extensively researched the Middle East, Islam and the history of terrorism. He gives us two key characters - Karim and Miriam, victims, in different ways, of Middle East violence. Miriam is a Syrian Christian, who was raped by ISIL thugs, after they killed her family. She met Karim at a Turkish refugee camp and together they made their way to Greece. Much of the story revolves around Karim, a chemical engineer from ISIL-controlled Iraq. The novel begins with an American drone striking a car of terrorists near his house. He is thrown back from the blast but not seriously hurt. He sees his home destroyed and finds his wife Farrah and two children dead amidst the rubble. How to make sense of the tragedy leads him to the domain of terrorists. He follows the words of one, Al-Nasir, an ISIL leader: “Like buzzing flies, Americans wave off reports of murdered Islamic women and children. They switch their televisions to reality shows and wallow in their morally bankrupt existences…You’ll continue to suffer for your loss, but Americans remain indifferent.”
Giordano takes the reader on a grand tour of the Middle East war zone. We follow Karim to a Jihadi camp in the Iraqi desert that trains suicide bombers. He travels through Syria with a fake passport. The Mediterranean becomes the main setting when Karim claims refugee status and is allowed to enter Turkey. When he is captured in Greece, we are confronted with the impotency of law enforcement. Faced with dire financial conditions, the country is unable to secure its border. Karim is not sentenced to prison. Instead, a Greek judge announces: “As the jails haven’t room for all the illegal immigrants coming into our country, I’m suspending your sentence and ordering you to leave Greece within a month.” The time allows Karim to find a way to sneak out of Greece and make his way to Italy with help from Provati.
Personal tragedy is the central chord that unites the characters in Drone Strike. Giordano goes beyond the action to explore the motivations, thoughts and deeds of heroes and villains. At root is faith and the mystery of God’s intervention; an important theme in the novel since Middle East violence is religious based. In "Appointment with ISIL," Giordano was hailed as a thoughtful and creative author who gave us a dynamic character in Anthony Provati. The author has now exceeded himself with Drone Strike. This is an exceptional novel that is as thrilling as it is illuminating.
Fans of the author know Anthony Provati well. Giordano introduced readers to his main protagonist in a previous engaging thriller, "Appointment with ISIL." We got to know Provati as a native New Yorker who owns a tiny art gallery in Soho. Always pressed for money, he finds himself in schemes and predicaments that have worldwide repercussions. In "Drone Strike," Provati is settled in an idyllic existence with his girlfriend Nori on the Greek island of Santorini. The good life, however, is not to be had after an earthquake strikes the region and Nori suffers a severe head injury. Although medical care is free in Greece, we learn that the public hospitals there are grossly mismanaged. The best option is a private hospital for Nori to receive round-the-clock care. Desperate to pay for it all, Provati takes a job as a sailboat captain to transfer illegal migrants from Greece to Italy. Unbeknownst to him, one of the passengers is an ISIL terrorist.
Great fiction can enlighten readers beyond mainstream coverage of world events. Giordano has extensively researched the Middle East, Islam and the history of terrorism. He gives us two key characters - Karim and Miriam, victims, in different ways, of Middle East violence. Miriam is a Syrian Christian, who was raped by ISIL thugs, after they killed her family. She met Karim at a Turkish refugee camp and together they made their way to Greece. Much of the story revolves around Karim, a chemical engineer from ISIL-controlled Iraq. The novel begins with an American drone striking a car of terrorists near his house. He is thrown back from the blast but not seriously hurt. He sees his home destroyed and finds his wife Farrah and two children dead amidst the rubble. How to make sense of the tragedy leads him to the domain of terrorists. He follows the words of one, Al-Nasir, an ISIL leader: “Like buzzing flies, Americans wave off reports of murdered Islamic women and children. They switch their televisions to reality shows and wallow in their morally bankrupt existences…You’ll continue to suffer for your loss, but Americans remain indifferent.”
Giordano takes the reader on a grand tour of the Middle East war zone. We follow Karim to a Jihadi camp in the Iraqi desert that trains suicide bombers. He travels through Syria with a fake passport. The Mediterranean becomes the main setting when Karim claims refugee status and is allowed to enter Turkey. When he is captured in Greece, we are confronted with the impotency of law enforcement. Faced with dire financial conditions, the country is unable to secure its border. Karim is not sentenced to prison. Instead, a Greek judge announces: “As the jails haven’t room for all the illegal immigrants coming into our country, I’m suspending your sentence and ordering you to leave Greece within a month.” The time allows Karim to find a way to sneak out of Greece and make his way to Italy with help from Provati.
Personal tragedy is the central chord that unites the characters in Drone Strike. Giordano goes beyond the action to explore the motivations, thoughts and deeds of heroes and villains. At root is faith and the mystery of God’s intervention; an important theme in the novel since Middle East violence is religious based. In "Appointment with ISIL," Giordano was hailed as a thoughtful and creative author who gave us a dynamic character in Anthony Provati. The author has now exceeded himself with Drone Strike. This is an exceptional novel that is as thrilling as it is illuminating.
April 18, 2019
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated in any way and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
First of all, this is a thriller. Thankfully, there's not much profanity in it (a few words here and there), no descriptive sex (though rape is discussed), and no gratuitous violence. In other words, there are some scenes that are difficult to read about, and the author does describe them, but never in great detail. This book deals with terrorism and religious persecution. It is rather realistic at times, but never more than most readers could handle.
I had the experience of spending three weeks in the country of Yemen many years ago, and therefore, stories that take place in the Middle East always capture my attention. This book is no exception. The fact that the two main characters are of different faiths and yet somehow are thrown together and change each other's perception of that particular religion makes this story fascinating. I felt as though the story was authentic and realistic, but I also know it must have been toned down somewhat. After all, the typical book reader does not want to read in great detail just how bad things are in the Middle East. However, I believe the author placed enough realism into the story to make the reader squirm a bit, and hopefully, that gives us all a better understanding of how things are for those coming and fleeing from the Middle East.
The most intriguing thing about this book is the perspective from which the story is told. The voices change depending on which character's story is being featured, but I actually found myself sympathizing with a terrorist even though I realized what he was being tasked to do was heinous. It is rare that an author can write in such a way as to humanize someone who would be described as evil and without conscience. It further reinforces what is often reported on the news. The amount of propaganda that the terrorist organizations pump into their recruits is appalling. All too often, we don't begin to comprehend these people who carry out the attacks. These poor men, women, and children have been fed an incalculable amount of lies, and while they must be held responsible, it is really the terrorists doing the training who are the real monsters in this story. And yes, America bears responsibility for the way in which we sometimes retaliate, thus costing the lives of the innocents. It's a sobering, eye-opening story in which I never found myself getting bored. In fact, my only complaint is, "What happens next?"
First of all, this is a thriller. Thankfully, there's not much profanity in it (a few words here and there), no descriptive sex (though rape is discussed), and no gratuitous violence. In other words, there are some scenes that are difficult to read about, and the author does describe them, but never in great detail. This book deals with terrorism and religious persecution. It is rather realistic at times, but never more than most readers could handle.
I had the experience of spending three weeks in the country of Yemen many years ago, and therefore, stories that take place in the Middle East always capture my attention. This book is no exception. The fact that the two main characters are of different faiths and yet somehow are thrown together and change each other's perception of that particular religion makes this story fascinating. I felt as though the story was authentic and realistic, but I also know it must have been toned down somewhat. After all, the typical book reader does not want to read in great detail just how bad things are in the Middle East. However, I believe the author placed enough realism into the story to make the reader squirm a bit, and hopefully, that gives us all a better understanding of how things are for those coming and fleeing from the Middle East.
The most intriguing thing about this book is the perspective from which the story is told. The voices change depending on which character's story is being featured, but I actually found myself sympathizing with a terrorist even though I realized what he was being tasked to do was heinous. It is rare that an author can write in such a way as to humanize someone who would be described as evil and without conscience. It further reinforces what is often reported on the news. The amount of propaganda that the terrorist organizations pump into their recruits is appalling. All too often, we don't begin to comprehend these people who carry out the attacks. These poor men, women, and children have been fed an incalculable amount of lies, and while they must be held responsible, it is really the terrorists doing the training who are the real monsters in this story. And yes, America bears responsibility for the way in which we sometimes retaliate, thus costing the lives of the innocents. It's a sobering, eye-opening story in which I never found myself getting bored. In fact, my only complaint is, "What happens next?"
April 25, 2019
Karim loves his family and is doing everything to keep them safe in Iraq. But an American drone strike kills them and he if full of hatred. The Islamic State in the Levant convince him that the best way to get revenge is to perform a terrorist attack on American soil. This begins a long journey for Karim to revenge for the loss of his family.
Karim then meets Miriam, a woman that has lost her family to the same men encouraging him to attack the Americans. He does doubt his mission since his shared pain and loss brings him closer to Miriam. But he is still going through with the plan. Anthony Provati is called in to stop Karim which starts a chase that will cross the globe.
This is an action packed thriller that makes you think. Karim is not your typical bad guy. He has lost his family and consumed by grief. Then someone comes along and sounds like they care but all they are doing is twisting his pain into their agenda. I liked his relationship with Miriam and thought this was a great addition to this story.
I did read Appointment with ISIL and really liked Anthony. Unfortunately he doesn’t really make much of an appearance until the middle of the story then things really take off. It makes the beginning of the book not really feel like an Anthony Provati story.
Now, having said that this is a great book and one that I recommend checking out. It makes a great point that not all bad guys are your classic movie bad guy. There are shades of grey in this world and people that are not really your friend but just using you for their gains.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Karim then meets Miriam, a woman that has lost her family to the same men encouraging him to attack the Americans. He does doubt his mission since his shared pain and loss brings him closer to Miriam. But he is still going through with the plan. Anthony Provati is called in to stop Karim which starts a chase that will cross the globe.
This is an action packed thriller that makes you think. Karim is not your typical bad guy. He has lost his family and consumed by grief. Then someone comes along and sounds like they care but all they are doing is twisting his pain into their agenda. I liked his relationship with Miriam and thought this was a great addition to this story.
I did read Appointment with ISIL and really liked Anthony. Unfortunately he doesn’t really make much of an appearance until the middle of the story then things really take off. It makes the beginning of the book not really feel like an Anthony Provati story.
Now, having said that this is a great book and one that I recommend checking out. It makes a great point that not all bad guys are your classic movie bad guy. There are shades of grey in this world and people that are not really your friend but just using you for their gains.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
April 18, 2019
Giordano Creates Another Fast Paced, Action Packed, International Thriller with Drone Strike. I absolutely love the Giordano builds his thrillers and shares the characters' stories. The author's research and attention to detail of the cultures and factions within the characters' worlds and homelands bring very realistic characters and plausible interactions. With every section, as readers move between the various storylines and subplots--the settings and the character development grow and intertwine in a way that surrounds the reader with the novel from start to finish. The pace of the book builds steadily and connects all of the various pieces and moving parts so well that while readers wonder how these pieces will fit together--they will find a completed puzzle falling into place.
Drone Strike is Complicated and Complex--but, Never Confusing. Usually, a thriller has a good guy and a bad guy in some good vs. evil race to the finish. This book takes readers on an adventure where they have to rethink and redefine the good guy/ bad guy relationship a bit. The complexity of the characters and the plot create a well-crafted story that has many thought-provoking layers--but is so well crafted that readers may easily follow the entire story as it unfolds.
Would I recommend Drone Strike by Joe Giordano? I enjoy thrillers, and I enjoy international/political/crime dramas. I loved the author's Appointment with ISIL--and I think I liked this book even more. Giordano has a way of taking current events and combining a host of characters and lives to create a very believable fictional work that pulls readers in and holds them to the last page. If you enjoy realistic, international thrillers that transport you to other lands and cultures--you should read the Anthony Provati series.
I received an ecopy of this book for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
Drone Strike is Complicated and Complex--but, Never Confusing. Usually, a thriller has a good guy and a bad guy in some good vs. evil race to the finish. This book takes readers on an adventure where they have to rethink and redefine the good guy/ bad guy relationship a bit. The complexity of the characters and the plot create a well-crafted story that has many thought-provoking layers--but is so well crafted that readers may easily follow the entire story as it unfolds.
Would I recommend Drone Strike by Joe Giordano? I enjoy thrillers, and I enjoy international/political/crime dramas. I loved the author's Appointment with ISIL--and I think I liked this book even more. Giordano has a way of taking current events and combining a host of characters and lives to create a very believable fictional work that pulls readers in and holds them to the last page. If you enjoy realistic, international thrillers that transport you to other lands and cultures--you should read the Anthony Provati series.
I received an ecopy of this book for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
December 20, 2019
"Drone Strike" builds off of the previous installment, "Appointment with ISIL." This second novel in the Anthony Provati Thriller builds off of the first novel and does more of what works for this story line.
This novel really makes you think as a reader. It helps us realize the "collateral damage" that comes with war. War creates more war and death creates more death. This is shown in Karim's character and how his family's death by a drone strike provokes him to become a terrorist himself. In today's world, this is a very relevant theme that I found to be quite interesting.
It was great to follow along Anthony on this new adventure. What I liked about this novel is that it's not just a rehash of the last novel. Instead, it is different enough to to have it's own flavor while still falling in line with the series thematically. Also, Giordano does a good job of writing this second novel in a way that it can be easily followed/understood by any reader who has not read the first novel yet.
The novel is just as much Karim's story as it is Anthony's. That gives this novel fresh life as the plot takes you across the globe in this fast-paced adventure. I'm looking forward to the next installment of the series.
This novel really makes you think as a reader. It helps us realize the "collateral damage" that comes with war. War creates more war and death creates more death. This is shown in Karim's character and how his family's death by a drone strike provokes him to become a terrorist himself. In today's world, this is a very relevant theme that I found to be quite interesting.
It was great to follow along Anthony on this new adventure. What I liked about this novel is that it's not just a rehash of the last novel. Instead, it is different enough to to have it's own flavor while still falling in line with the series thematically. Also, Giordano does a good job of writing this second novel in a way that it can be easily followed/understood by any reader who has not read the first novel yet.
The novel is just as much Karim's story as it is Anthony's. That gives this novel fresh life as the plot takes you across the globe in this fast-paced adventure. I'm looking forward to the next installment of the series.
April 24, 2019
Wow. This is the type of book that is so life like that you are afraid to like it (or admit out loud that you liked it).
It was very real life – like, this could be happening in every day life, today, and we wouldn’t have the slightest idea because well, that’s just how it works.
The story follows Karim, a normal family man in Iraq, who’s family is killed by an American drone. This attack turns him vengeful and in his journey to get revenge, he becomes an ISIL terrorist. (Seems legit. Who wouldn’t want revenge for their families’ death?)
Karim’s journey follows him as he sneaks out of Iraq and makes his way to the US. The characters involved, the secret organization, the reach that ISIL has – astonishing.
The entire journey had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next; what party would be involved in the next step; how the next step was going to play out.
Aside from Karim, there were several other key characters that we get involved in and play their own role in the entire journey.
If you like real life suspense; this book is right up your alley. Suspense, thrill – an edge of your seat terrorist journey.
It was very real life – like, this could be happening in every day life, today, and we wouldn’t have the slightest idea because well, that’s just how it works.
The story follows Karim, a normal family man in Iraq, who’s family is killed by an American drone. This attack turns him vengeful and in his journey to get revenge, he becomes an ISIL terrorist. (Seems legit. Who wouldn’t want revenge for their families’ death?)
Karim’s journey follows him as he sneaks out of Iraq and makes his way to the US. The characters involved, the secret organization, the reach that ISIL has – astonishing.
The entire journey had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next; what party would be involved in the next step; how the next step was going to play out.
Aside from Karim, there were several other key characters that we get involved in and play their own role in the entire journey.
If you like real life suspense; this book is right up your alley. Suspense, thrill – an edge of your seat terrorist journey.
April 10, 2019
Drone Strike is the second installment from the Anthony Provati Thriller series. I have not read the first book and feel this could be read as a stand alone. It tells the story of an Iraqi Karim losing his wife and children because of an American drone strike. He seeks revenge and is recruited to be part of a terror attack against the United States of America for The Islamic State. Anthony Provati has to find a way to keep this from happening. The reader will be taken from all over the globe from the Middle East, Central America and United States.
I found Drone Strike to be a great read. I usually have a hard time following plot lines in a thriller and do not normally read thriller. However, I enjoyed reading this one. It is action packed and fast paced but not so much so that it is difficult to catch on what is going on. There were some scenes were quite violent that I did not care for. There were other scenes that made me see through the eyes of others around the world that put current events into perspective.
I am giving Drone Strike four and a half stars. I would love to read the previous book in the Anthony Provati Thriller series to see what happened prior to this one, as well as, read any other books that release after this one. I recommend this for readers who enjoy a suspense filled novels that will keep them on the edge of the seat.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I found Drone Strike to be a great read. I usually have a hard time following plot lines in a thriller and do not normally read thriller. However, I enjoyed reading this one. It is action packed and fast paced but not so much so that it is difficult to catch on what is going on. There were some scenes were quite violent that I did not care for. There were other scenes that made me see through the eyes of others around the world that put current events into perspective.
I am giving Drone Strike four and a half stars. I would love to read the previous book in the Anthony Provati Thriller series to see what happened prior to this one, as well as, read any other books that release after this one. I recommend this for readers who enjoy a suspense filled novels that will keep them on the edge of the seat.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
April 2, 2019
Drone Strike is a first rate thriller and page turner till the very end. Joe Giordano does a masterful job of weaving several subplots together seamlessly. Nothing is black and white in this story. You will find yourself falling in love with Mariam, Renata, Anthony Provati and most of all, the very complicated character of Karim. I’ll leave it at that. Could be a great movie. For now, Drone Strike is a great book!
April 15, 2019
Drone Strike is intense, full of emotion, raw, painful and touches on the human perspective of conflict.
Karim loves his family and will do anything to keep them safe in Iraq even though his wife has pressured him to move them, he feels they will be safe. This all changes one day when his family is killed by a US drone strike as collateral damage. He is left full of anger, hate and bitterness. He will do anything to avenge his family and these emotions make him prey to others with dangerous plots.
This takes Karim down a very dangerous path of death, murder and suffering. We witness Karim be conflicted at times on what he is doing especially after he meets Miriam, a young Christian woman whose family was murdered by the men he is helping. They develop a relationship that you never see coming but one that is built on shared pain and understanding. Despite being from different backgrounds, their shared loss brings them together.
This is an intense but thrilling novel from start to finish. It builds up dramatically and leaves you not wanting to put the book down. There are so many tiny pieces woven into this story and this adds to how the plot unravels. I loved every moment of this novel and could not put it down.
Karim loves his family and will do anything to keep them safe in Iraq even though his wife has pressured him to move them, he feels they will be safe. This all changes one day when his family is killed by a US drone strike as collateral damage. He is left full of anger, hate and bitterness. He will do anything to avenge his family and these emotions make him prey to others with dangerous plots.
This takes Karim down a very dangerous path of death, murder and suffering. We witness Karim be conflicted at times on what he is doing especially after he meets Miriam, a young Christian woman whose family was murdered by the men he is helping. They develop a relationship that you never see coming but one that is built on shared pain and understanding. Despite being from different backgrounds, their shared loss brings them together.
This is an intense but thrilling novel from start to finish. It builds up dramatically and leaves you not wanting to put the book down. There are so many tiny pieces woven into this story and this adds to how the plot unravels. I loved every moment of this novel and could not put it down.
June 28, 2021
Well written and lots of action. Kept me interested throughout!
April 29, 2019
Joe Giordano delivers again. A real knack for taking you inside each character and wrapping it around an interesting story with twists and turns but always an engaging read. Coupled with learning a lot about each country is a great insight into culture, motivations, and a desire to succeed. Always look forward to his offerings. Try them you won't be disappointed
March 12, 2019
Joe Giordano's latest book, Drone Strike, is his best to date as measured on a scale of importance. We are privileged in this book to see a balanced view of the world…and life…through the eyes of age-old enemies, East and West. We should all know the story by now. But I fear we don't. By "we," I mean we of all ages, all cultures, East and West, who have been fed pap for what, now…two thousand years? Three? Five?
It's so very important that we all learn from seeing the world through the eyes of others. Giordano's plot and prose give us just that, shining a light on refugees from war-torn countries and on those we've been taught are our natural enemies. Drone Strike illuminates the humanity in us all.
I recommend the book wholeheartedly. I'd like to see it on the required reading list for schools and colleges.
It's also a darn good thriller. Couldn't put it down.
--- reviewed by Daniel VanTassel, publisher, The Zodiac Review literary magazine
It's so very important that we all learn from seeing the world through the eyes of others. Giordano's plot and prose give us just that, shining a light on refugees from war-torn countries and on those we've been taught are our natural enemies. Drone Strike illuminates the humanity in us all.
I recommend the book wholeheartedly. I'd like to see it on the required reading list for schools and colleges.
It's also a darn good thriller. Couldn't put it down.
--- reviewed by Daniel VanTassel, publisher, The Zodiac Review literary magazine
April 16, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. As in Appointment with ISIL, the first book in the series, the author has created a somewhat disturbing scenario that strikes home given the threat of terror faced around the world today. I enjoyed following the protagonist, Anthony Provati, as he again tries to thwart a terrorist attack. He is the same loveable, flawed guy who finds it hard to resist the temptation of a beautiful woman.
But before Anthony makes his appearance, the reader is introduced to Karim and is given a glimpse into the events that contributed to his bitterness toward America. He is a particularly well developed character; an internal debate rages within him, particularly after he meets a Syrian Christian woman who is seeking refuge in Europe.
Clearly, an impressive amount of research went into this book - both with respect to the diverse geographic destinations and the cultures and organizations involved.
An interesting and engrossing read. I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary ARC of this book. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.
But before Anthony makes his appearance, the reader is introduced to Karim and is given a glimpse into the events that contributed to his bitterness toward America. He is a particularly well developed character; an internal debate rages within him, particularly after he meets a Syrian Christian woman who is seeking refuge in Europe.
Clearly, an impressive amount of research went into this book - both with respect to the diverse geographic destinations and the cultures and organizations involved.
An interesting and engrossing read. I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary ARC of this book. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.
May 10, 2019
This is the third book I read by author Joe Giordano and the second in the Anthony Provati Thriller series. As in his previous books, Giordano's writing is bold and intelligent, with well developed characters both for the protagonist as well as the antagonist. In Appointment with ISIL we get to meet Anthony Provati, an American Italian with a Mafioso uncle in a thrilling story with mobsters jumping off the page at every turn.
In Drone Strike, the story takes on a different atmosphere with Karim's story starting in Iraq taking up most of the plot with Anthony coming in much later in the story. Although Karim is training to be a terrorist, we get to see the human side to him, the heartbreaking pain of losing his family to a drone strike by the Americans, his kindness toward Miriam, a woman who also suffered terrible losses, and his skewed vision of justice perpetrated by an organisation that brainwashes its members.
The fact that Giordano can bring the reader to sympathize with the innocent victims caught up in the evil plots of men who live to kill in the name of God is a testament to his skill as a writer. I did find the brutal killings and rape of the women (not explicit) at the hands of sadistic men very hard to read so if you are a sensitive reader, take this into consideration.
Unlike the first book in the series, this one felt much more serious and ultimately it was a sad story, with an ending that left me with questions about what would happen next. Of course, this makes me believe there could be another book in the series coming up. The Italian connection was also not as strong in this book with few scenes connected to the Mafia. I did enjoy the different settings in a variety of Mediterranean countries and it's clear the author has first-hand experience with the cultures and was able to translate this beautifully in the novel.
If you are a fan of fast-paced thrillers with unforgettable characters and a believable plot, you won't be disappointed with this series.
In Drone Strike, the story takes on a different atmosphere with Karim's story starting in Iraq taking up most of the plot with Anthony coming in much later in the story. Although Karim is training to be a terrorist, we get to see the human side to him, the heartbreaking pain of losing his family to a drone strike by the Americans, his kindness toward Miriam, a woman who also suffered terrible losses, and his skewed vision of justice perpetrated by an organisation that brainwashes its members.
The fact that Giordano can bring the reader to sympathize with the innocent victims caught up in the evil plots of men who live to kill in the name of God is a testament to his skill as a writer. I did find the brutal killings and rape of the women (not explicit) at the hands of sadistic men very hard to read so if you are a sensitive reader, take this into consideration.
Unlike the first book in the series, this one felt much more serious and ultimately it was a sad story, with an ending that left me with questions about what would happen next. Of course, this makes me believe there could be another book in the series coming up. The Italian connection was also not as strong in this book with few scenes connected to the Mafia. I did enjoy the different settings in a variety of Mediterranean countries and it's clear the author has first-hand experience with the cultures and was able to translate this beautifully in the novel.
If you are a fan of fast-paced thrillers with unforgettable characters and a believable plot, you won't be disappointed with this series.
March 17, 2019
Drone Strike is an intense action-packed thriller. A chain of events begins with the deaths of Karim’s wife and two children in Iraq by an American drone. Lost, he is recruited by a terrorist organization to exact his (and their) vengeance on the infidel Americans.
The storyline winds itself through Iraq, Turkey, Greece, and Italy with its ultimate destination somewhere in America.
I have to admit, I had to skim through most of this book. I was unprepared for the nonstop violence. It almost felt as if it were a video game, as the story advanced to the next phase, there would be another round of (supremely evil) characters and more violence. This theme as well as abuse against women pretty much took up most of the story.
I was unable to develop any sort of feelings for any of the characters – they were one-dimensional and their behaviour inconsistent. I also had a hard time believing some of the relationships in this book. It just didn’t feel real.
That aside, if you are looking for a heart-stopping thriller, this is your type of read.
The storyline winds itself through Iraq, Turkey, Greece, and Italy with its ultimate destination somewhere in America.
I have to admit, I had to skim through most of this book. I was unprepared for the nonstop violence. It almost felt as if it were a video game, as the story advanced to the next phase, there would be another round of (supremely evil) characters and more violence. This theme as well as abuse against women pretty much took up most of the story.
I was unable to develop any sort of feelings for any of the characters – they were one-dimensional and their behaviour inconsistent. I also had a hard time believing some of the relationships in this book. It just didn’t feel real.
That aside, if you are looking for a heart-stopping thriller, this is your type of read.
April 22, 2019
I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
Drone Strike is a timely thriller that deals with terrorism. It’s not only the story of Anthony Provati tracking Karim down but how Karim became the man he is. An American drone kills his beloved family which causes him to go down a road of terror. The way that terrorist organizations are able to recruit and train people, taking advantage of people like Karim, is something that is realistic and a major problem that needs to be addressed somehow.
If you like realistic action-packed thrillers, Drone Strike is a good one, especially if you want to learn more about the cultures and situation in the Middle East.
Drone Strike is a timely thriller that deals with terrorism. It’s not only the story of Anthony Provati tracking Karim down but how Karim became the man he is. An American drone kills his beloved family which causes him to go down a road of terror. The way that terrorist organizations are able to recruit and train people, taking advantage of people like Karim, is something that is realistic and a major problem that needs to be addressed somehow.
If you like realistic action-packed thrillers, Drone Strike is a good one, especially if you want to learn more about the cultures and situation in the Middle East.
August 12, 2019
This story drew me in for quite the brutal journey. I especially loved the descriptive encounters and locales along the way. The author paints a very clear picture of the northeastern Mediterranean Also, the characters played well in bringing out conflicting bits of empathy and bitterness along the way. Good pace and unpredictable ending - Looking forward to Anthony’s next adventure…
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